Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemically detecting and/or measuring an analyte (e.g. melatonin) in a fluid sample has a dry porous carrier that permits flow of a fluid sample by capillary action to biosensor (e.g. an analyte detection electrode set). The biosensor has a working electrode and a counter electrode disposed across the carrier in a non-parallel direction in relation to a direction of fluid flow such that the fluid sample crosses at least the working electrode embedded in the carrier. The working electrode has an analyte-specific binder immobilized on an electrically conductive material and the biosensor is configured to electrochemically, e.g. voltammetrically, detect the presence of and/or measure the amount of the analyte bound at the working electrode after the fluid sample crosses the working electrode.

Abstract: A surgical method for creating an operative space during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The method incorporates the use of an elongate instrument with an atraumatic tip for facilitating manual dissection of layers of tissues by advancing the instrument between the layers desired to be dissected. As the manual dissection is performed, the space between the dissected layers is enhanced by concurrently insufflating the dissected space as the instrument is advanced. Concurrently insufflating while dissecting eliminates the need to use a balloon dissector for creating the operative space. An improved surgical instrument particularly adapted to carry out this procedure is also disclosed. The improved surgical instrument is an optical obturator incorporating a contrasting imaging element displayed on the transparent tip of the obturator.

Abstract: Various mechanisms, and a method of operating them, are provided for use in a surgical instrument. A shaft and an engaged lost motion operating knob are provided for rotation relative to a handle portion. A latch system prevents rotation of the shaft unless the shaft is rotated by means of the knob. A cartridge is provided for rotation at the distal end of the shaft. Engaging structures are provided for preventing rotation of the cartridge relative to the shaft when axial forces are applied to the cartridge. A loading tool is provided for engaging the cartridge to install the cartridge on the instrument. The cartridge includes a washer for engaging a carrier on which the cartridge is mounted so as to prevent rotation of the washer. The washer is adapted to engage a fastener advancing member in a first angular orientation and is disengaged when the cartridge is rotated to establish a second relative angular orientation.

Abstract: Various mechanisms, and a method of operating them, are provided for use in a surgical instrument. A shaft and an engaged lost motion operating knob are provided for rotation relative to a handle portion. A latch system prevents rotation of the shaft unless the shaft is rotated by means of the knob. A cartridge is provided for rotation at the distal end of the shaft. Engaging structures are provided for preventing rotation of the cartridge relative to the shaft when axial forces are applied to the cartridge. A loading tool is provided for engaging the cartridge to install the cartridge on the instrument. The cartridge includes a washer for engaging a carrier on which the cartridge is mounted so as to prevent rotation of the washer. The washer is adapted to engage a fastener advancing member in a first angular orientation and is disengaged when the cartridge is rotated to establish a second relative angular orientation.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are provided for use in a surgical instrument. A shaft and an engaged lost motion operating knob are provided for rotation relative to a handle portion. A latch system prevents rotation of the shaft unless the shaft is rotated by the knob. A cartridge is provided for rotation at the distal end of the shaft. Engaging structures are provided for preventing rotation of the cartridge relative to the shaft when axial forces are applied to the cartridge. A loading tool is provided for engaging the cartridge to install the cartridge on the instrument. The cartridge includes a washer for engaging a carrier on which the cartridge is mounted so as to prevent rotation of the washer. The washer is adapted to engage a fastener advancing member in a first angular orientation and is disengaged when the cartridge is rotated to establish a second relative angular orientation.