Abstract: A meniscal fastener applying device for repairing tears in the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body portion attached thereto. The handle assembly is operatively attached to a firing mechanism to remotely actuate a firing bar. The firing bar is movably positioned within the elongated body portion to engage and eject a fastener from within the elongated body portion. The elongated body portion includes a support casing which is preferably constructed from stainless steel. The support casing has a cylindrical proximal cross-section that tapers into a distal cross-section having planar top and bottom surfaces. The distal end of the elongated body portion further includes a pair of locator barbs and a tapered distal face.

Abstract: A modular trocar system which includes an obturator assembly, and a cannula assembly defining a longitudinal passageway therethrough configured and dimensioned to slidably receive the obturator assembly, the cannula assembly including a housing which includes a valve assembly and a first mating portion, and a cannula defining a passageway of a predetermined dimension therethrough, the cannula and housing movable alternately between a spaced apart relative orientation and an attached orientation wherein the first and second mating portions are engaged.

Abstract: A blade actuating assembly is provided which permits selective reciprocal movement of a tissue cutting blade positioned at a distal end of an optical trocar assembly from a non-deployed position to a deployed position and back to a non-deployed position. The trocar assembly has an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An objective optical member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site.

Abstract: A modular trocar system is provided which includes an obturator assembly, and a cannula assembly defining a longitudinal passageway therethrough configured and dimensioned to slidably receive the obturator assembly, the cannula assembly including a housing which includes a valve assembly and a first mating portion, and a cannula defining a passageway of a predetermined dimension therethrough, the cannula including a second mating portion disposed thereon, the cannula and housing movable alternately between a spaced apart relative orientation and an attached orientation wherein the first and second mating portions are engaged.

Abstract: A liquid light guide for surgical instrumentation, includes a flexible elongated tube having opposed tube portions, a transmissive member positioned within each tube end portion of the elongated tube to enclose an interior portion of the elongated tube and a light transmissive medium filling the interior portion of the elongated tube. A sealing mechanism including at least one annular groove in the light transmissive plug and at least one corresponding groove in the surrounding light source cap and endoscope adapter forms a fluid tight seal between each tube end portion and the light transmissive plug to prevent leakage of the fluid from the tube. The light guide is contemplated to be used with an endoscope and is cost-effective to manufacture. Methods of making and using the disposable light guide also are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided for penetrating body tissue. The apparatus includes a cannula and an obturator configured for insertion into the cannula. The obturator has a body tissue cutting member mounted to a distal portion which is movable between deployed and non-deployed positions. An actuating mechanism is operatively associated with the tissue cutting member and is selectively controllable by a user so as to move the tissue cutting member between the deployed and non-deployed positions independent of the position of the obturator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for percutaneous accessing body tissue including a tissue piercing element for creating an opening through a body wall. The surgical instrument may include a working member for performing a surgical procedure within the body. Alternatively, the surgical instrument may include an introducer having a stabilizing structure for facilitating the passage of the tissue piercing element and for releasably affixing the surgical instrument to the body tissue surface, thereby securing the surgical instrument relative to the patient's body.

Abstract: A fastener for securing adjacent layers of body tissue to each other and being configured and composed of a material so as to emerge from the body tissue after a limited period of time. The fastener includes a backspan and at least two prongs extending from the backspan. Each prong has a tapered tip culminating in a sharp point. The prongs each include a shaft having a cylindrical portion of uniform diameter. In one embodiment, the prong includes a serrated portion having a plurality of notches spaced apart so as to define ridge portions there between. In another embodiment, the prong includes a pair of tapered projecting surfaces extending around a portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapler for applying a suture to a tissue is provided. The surgical stapler includes handles and a stapling assembly for emplacing a suture and staples into tissue as a purse string suture. Retainer structure, for example, a plurality of guides are provided for releasably retaining a portion of the suture substantially adjacent to the handles. The suture may also be releasably retained substantially adjacent to the handles by passing the suture through a tubular member releasably mounted on one of the handles. A clamp may be used to clamp and secure the suture within the tubular member either before or after removal of the tubular member from the handles.

Abstract: A device for positioning a surgical instrument having an elongated portion, the device comprising a housing having an opening therethrough to receive the elongated instrument portion and an actuation member mounted to said housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The actuation member overlaps a portion of said opening in said second position to prevent movement of the elongated portion of the instrument. The actuation member may be movable along a plane parallel, perpendicular or lateral to a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue includes a pair of opposed elongated members having jaws which have tissue gripping members thereon at one end and which are movable toward each other to a closed position to engage two body tissue portions positioned within the members to move the body tissue portions into close approximation. Manually gripping systems of several alternative configurations are provided to actuate a mechanical transmission system to close the jaws. In a preferred embodiment, a fork is movable from a first position to a second position by manually operable devices to move the jaws toward each other. A pair of cam faces is located adjacent the opposite ends of the jaws. As the fork moves to its second position, the tines of the fork engage against the cam faces to move the opposed jaws to their closed position.