Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: A system is provided for photographing an open surgical procedure, comprising a high resolution endoscopic video camera, a surgical lamp having a handle covered by a sterile, compressible sheath and being positioned in spaced relation to the open surgical site, and a clamp for securing the video camera to the handle. A preferred clamp for securing the video camera to the handle is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture anchor comprising a plate having a tissue abutting surface and including a centrally defined bore sized to accept at least one strand of suture therethrough. A suture support is provided comprising a first suture gripping member connected to the plate and positioned adjacent the centrally defined bore on the side of the plate remote from the tissue abutting surface, and a second suture gripping member mounted on a deformable support connected to the first suture support and movable into engagement with the first suture support by deforming the deformable support. The first and second suture supports have irregular cooperating engaging surfaces which grip a suture between them when the surfaces are engaged. Advantageously, first and second gripping members form a suture crimp that is disposed in spaced relation to the plate, and in generally confronting relation to the bore, both before and after the crimping of the suture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture anchor comprising a plate having a tissue abutting surface and including a centrally defined bore sized to accept at least one strand of suture therethrough. A suture support is provided comprising a first suture gripping member connected to the plate and positioned adjacent the centrally defined bore on the side of the plate remote from the tissue abutting surface, and a second suture gripping member mounted on a deformable support connected to the first suture support and movable into engagement with the first suture support by deforming the deformable support. The first and second suture supports have irregular cooperating engaging surfaces which grip a suture between them when the surfaces are engaged. Advantageously, first and second gripping members form a suture crimp that is disposed in spaced relation to the plate, and in generally confronting relation to the bore, both before and after the crimping of the suture.

Abstract: The invention provides a model for simulating inguinal hernias including a frame and a plurality of sheets supported by the frame in overlapping relation to one another to create an anatomically accurate simulation of a portion of a patient's abdomen. Each of the sheets includes openings defined therethrough. A pump is interconnected to and in flow communication with at least one conduit that is supported by the frame so that an open end of the conduit is positioned adjacent to the openings. At least one balloon is disposed in sealed flow communication with the at least one conduit and positioned through the openings so that when the pump is actuated, fluid is urged through the at least one conduit and into the at least one balloon thereby inflating the balloon so as to simulate a hernia sac. Three balloons are utilized to demonstrate an indirect inguinal hernia, a direct inguinal hernia, and a femoral hernia.