Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument is disclosed having a handle assembly including a barrel portion, stationary handle and a pivoting handle. A body assembly includes a pair of coaxial members attached at one end to the handle assembly, and an inner rod member slidable within an outer tube member in response to movement of the pivoting handle of the handle assembly. The body assembly terminates at an end remote from the handle assembly in a reciprocatingly movable tool mechanism. A first toothed ratchet mechanism is associated with the pivoting handle, and a second toothed mating ratchet mechanism is operatively associated with the first toothed ratchet mechanism for selectively locking the first toothed ratchet mechanism and the pivoting handle in one of a plurality of selectable positions to thereby position the inner rod member and the movable tool mechanism in predetermined selectable positions.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site is disclosed. Connection ports for irrigation fluid and a suction source are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. A valve mechanism having a novel valve stem and valve arrangement is also disclosed for providing higher pressure capabilities for the instrument. In one embodiment, the single lumen cannula is provided with a sliding sleeve to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. The aspiration-irrigation instrument may also include electrocautery capabilities and a detachable cannula assembly for interchanging cannulas having different working tool members. In one embodiment, a sliding outer sleeve is also provided for selectively exposing the working tool members.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site. The device includes at least one rotatable trumpet valve to provide for variable orientation of the device during use. Connection ports for irrigation fluid and a suction means are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. The single lumen cannula is provided with a sleeve means to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. A plurality of dissector tips and a novel means of securing the tips to the single lumen cannula are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided including a handle portion, a tubular portion extending from the handle portion, and a collapsible retractor assembly connected to a distal end of the tubular portion. The handle portion includes an actuating structure for manipulating the collapsible retractor assembly through the tubular portion. The retractor assembly includes a plurality of retractor blades, a camming assembly connected to the retractor blades and structure for connecting the retractor blades to the actuating structure.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site. The device inclues at least one rotatable trumpet valve to provide for variable oreintation of the device during use. Connection ports for connection to irrigation fluid and a suction source are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. The single lumen cannula is provided with a sleeve to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. A plurality of dissector tips and a novel mechanism for securing the tips to the single lumen cannula are also dislcosed. Also disclosed is a novel dispensing device for the tips and a kit which includes the tip dispenser and an endoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for manipulating the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion within an angular degree of rotation. An injection port may also be provided to deliver fluids through the endoscopic portion to the operative site.

Abstract: A suture retainer includes a plug portion having a first portion with a suture contacting surface and a prong extending distally therefrom. The prong has at least one aperture for receiving one or more suture threads. The aperture is at least partially defined by a crossbar with a proximal stop surface. The crossbar preferably includes a beveled distal edge. The suture retainer also includes a receptacle portion having a slot for receiving a prong. The receptacle portion has a resilient latch positioned inside the slot for preventing proximal withdrawal of the first portion. The latch being a resilient member projecting from the inner wall of the receptacle slot and including an inclined proximal surface and a distal blocking surface for engaging the proximal stop surface of the crossbar. The suture retainer may optionally be fabricated from a bioabsorbable synthetic resin.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery connection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site. The pivoting handle is provided with a rotatable connection point for connecting the slidable rod member to essentially eliminate radial deflection of the rod within the outer tube during opening and closing of the handles. The tool mechanism may include grasping jaws having rounded, interdigitating teeth for grasping and securely holding tissue or organs for removal through a cannula.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for progressively manipulating the articulating section of the instrument relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion within an angular sector of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided including a handle portion, a tubular portion extending from the handle portion, and a collapsible retractor assembly connected to a distal end of the tubular portion. The handle portion includes an actuating structure for manipulating the collapsible retractor assembly through the tubular portion. The retractor assembly includes a plurality of retractor blades, a camming assembly connected to the retractor blades and structure for connecting the retractor blades to the actuating structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue. The apparatus includes a delivery device having a support member positioned at the distal end of an elongated rod, and a surgical implant releasably secured to the support member. The invention also provides a method for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A handle for an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument including a flexible member positioned within a tubular body member extending from the handle. The flexible member is secured about a rotatable flywheel spool in said handle and extends to a tool mechanism at a distal end of the instrument. The flexible member is wound about the flywheel spool and is extended or withdrawn upon movement of the handle.

Abstract: A novel surgical retractor is provided including a handle assembly, a housing and a collapsible retractor assembly connected to a distal end of the housing. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle in cooperation with an actuating structure for manipulating the collapsible retractor assembly through the housing.The handle assembly may be configured in a variety of forms including palm grips, pistol grips, axial grips, ring grips, etc. The housing includes a tubular structure having an inner tube axially disposed within an outer tube. The outer tube is fixed in the stationary handle with the inner tube passing through the outer tube and connected to the actuating structure. Where desired, either the outer or inner tube may be rotatably attached to the stationary handle. The retractor assembly is attached to the distal end of the housing and includes a reciprocal yoke assembly interconnected with a plurality of collapsible interleaved retractor blades.