Abstract: Smoking articles, and methods for forming such smoking articles, such as an electronic smoking article, are provided. An exemplary smoking article comprises a control body portion having a control body engagement end, and having a first control component therein. A cartridge body portion includes a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion further includes a consumable arrangement comprising at least an aerosol precursor composition and at least one heating element operably engaged therewith, and a second control component. At least the consumable arrangement is configured to be in communication with the first control component upon engagement between the cartridge body and control body portions.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The apparatus has an elongate housing, having a handle end and a manipulator end; a diaphragm situated distal the handle end of the housing; a manipulator integral with or fitted in the manipulator end of the elongate housing; defining, the manipulator a tip extending distal of said housing and said handle end thereof, and a passage for passing gas from the handle end of the housing, to at least one exit in or adjacent to the manipulator and distal of the handle end beyond the diaphragm. The manipulator tip can be manipulated sufficiently by the handle end despite the gas sealing presence of the diaphragm to enable manipulation of the uterus.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including a housing with a handle end and a manipulation end, a rotatable manipulation mechanism guided within the housing and extendible beyond the end of the housing, an inflatable diaphragm situated on the housing and a channel for passing a gas through or along the manipulation mechanism from the handle end of the housing to the manipulation end. The invention is also directed to a method of performing laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomies using the apparatus.