Abstract: A tissue gripping thread configuration for securely positioning an elongated medical instrument relative to body tissue. The tissue gripping thread includes curved distal and proximal foot sections connected to a thread base, a curved distal thread surface extending from the distal foot section to a thread apex, and a proximal thread wall substantially perpendicular to the base surface extending from the proximal curved foot section to the thread apex. In the preferred embodiment the flank angle of the distal thread surface is substantially greater than the flank angle of the proximal thread wall. The preferred thread configuration reduces trauma to tissue during insertion and removal of an associated medical instrument while ensuring secure positioning of the instrument relative to tissue. Preferred thread dimensions and radii, as well as embodiments for associating the preferred thread configuration with a trocar device are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: An adapter seal is provided which is adapted to be mounted to a cannula assembly. The adapter seal preferably defines a channel which is adapted to cooperate with walls extending upward from a cannula housing. In a second embodiment, a button is provided that may be repositioned such that its aperture aligns with an aperture formed in the body member of the adapter seal. The button is preferably joined to the body member by a flexible strap.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A method for using an endoscopic apparatus for measuring the size of a hernia defect comprising a handle which is pivotally attached to a measuring rod. The hernia defect is measured by a plurality of calibrations positioned along the measuring rod. The measuring rod includes a blunt tip at its distal end and further is adaptable for 180' positioning relative to the handle.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a positional relationship between a trocar cannula and body tissue into which the cannula is inserted includes a tissue engaging member having a conical outer surface with a thread helically disposed thereon. A guide tube is insertable into a bore in the tissue engaging member, the guide tube having a camming surface. A collet with flexible projections is engageable with the guide tube. When the collet is tightened onto the guide tube the flexible projections bend inward to frictionally engage and hold a trocar cannula inserted through the axial bore of the apparatus.