Abstract: A retractor for use in laparoscopic procedures includes an upper retractor ring, a lower retractor ring, and a retractor sheath extending between the upper retractor ring and the lower retractor ring to form a tubular passageway through which instruments or a medical practitioner's hands may pass during a medical procedure. The retractor sheath includes an elliptical passageway extending between lower retractor ring and the upper retractor ring.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in a fabric and to move the fabric to relocate the tissue to one or more convenient locations during the procedure. The flexible nature of the fabric can allow the fabric to be moveable between an open position, in which the fabric can support tissue, and a closed position, in which the fabric can be folded, rolled, or otherwise compressed in size and fit through a port, such as a trocar or an incision in a tissue wall. Furthermore, the position of the fabric and thus the tissue held in the fabric can be adjusted and readjusted by pushing or pulling one or more grasping elements coupled to the fabric.

Abstract: A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion. The seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. A ratchet mechanism is provided for controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring. The ratchet mechanism includes a deflection feature and a series of gear teeth, wherein the series of gear teeth are oriented to engage the deflection feature.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device assembly provides a tubular diaphragm twist seal that responds to a slight rotation of an actuating ring in a first direction by coupling a motor spring power assisted rotation of a bottom circumference of the twist seal achieves a pneumatic seal in an adjustable access channel defined by the state of the twist seal for maintaining an insufflated body cavity for a hand assisted laparoscopic surgical procedure. A slight rotation of the actuating ring in an opposite second direction releases compression spring energy and energy in the twisted state of the twist seal so that an upper circumference of the twist seal is allowed to open the adjustable access channel.

Abstract: A hand assisted laparoscopic seal apparatus includes an outer seal, an inner seal and a housing supporting the outer seal relative to the inner seal, wherein one of the outer seal or the inner seal is shaped and dimensioned for engaging and sealing around an arm of a medical practitioner and the other seal is shaped and dimensioned for sealing a body cavity from an external environment.

Abstract: A connection union and method for securing together first and second components of an ultrasonic waveguide or blade. The first and second components of the ultrasonic waveguide or blade are formed as complementary components which engage each other with a complementary fitting. Then a compressed fit over the connection union is formed by an electromagnetic metal forming operation which compressively deforms a female coupling member over the connection union. The female coupling member can comprise a separate sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation. Alternatively, the female coupling member can comprise a terminal end of one of the first and second components which includes a longitudinally extending recess which forms an outer circumferentially extending sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation.

Abstract: A connection union and method for securing together first and second components of an ultrasonic waveguide or blade. The first and second components of the ultrasonic waveguide or blade are formed as complementary components which engage each other with a complementary fitting. Then a compressed fit over the connection union is formed by an electromagnetic metal forming operation which compressively deforms a female coupling member over the connection union. The female coupling member can comprise a separate sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation. Alternatively, the female coupling member can comprise a terminal end of one of the first and second components which includes a longitudinally extending recess which forms an outer circumferentially extending sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation.

Abstract: A fast closure mechanism for a linear surgical stapling device as described. This comprises a double four-bar linkage which operates to both place a retaining pin into an anvil and properly and quickly approximate the staple cartridge to the anvil. Thereafter, a gap-setting screw is used so that the proper gap is set between the anvil and the cartridge. Firing is accomplished only after the gap is properly set and within the appropriate gap described pre-determined for the instrument. After firing, opening of the stapler may be accomplished with a similar fast opening motion.