Abstract: A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A dilator/sampler for sampling materials and fluid from a body cavity, the device comprising: a shaft having a distal end, and a proximal end; a Z-shaped sampler having a first sampling surface and a second sampling surface parallel to each other joined by a diagonal connector, the first sampling surface and the second sampling surface corresponding to the parallel bars of the Z shaped sampler where the first sampling surface is attached to the distal end of the shaft; and a conical dilator having a tip and a base attached at the base to the second sampling surface. The invention also comprises a sheath having a distal edge and a proximal end surrounding the dilator/sampler. In another embodiment of the invention, the base of the conical dilator is shaped to function as a sampler.

Abstract: A holder for a slide comprising: a base, sized to accommodate the slide on a portion of its area and having an integrated hinge that permits the base to fold over itself and thereby cover the slide; at least three retaining clips affixed to the base and positioned to contact the slide and hold the slide against the base, the at least three retaining clips sized to maintain the portion of the base that covers the slide at a uniform distance from the slide; a tab formed as part of the base and positioned adjacent to the at least three retaining clips; and a clasp positioned on the base to keep the base folded over itself.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator and protector. It includes a shield member configured to engage with the area surrounding the external cervical os. The shield member has a curved blade projecting from an edge thereof for extension into the posterior vaginal cul de sac. Also formed on an interior surface of the shield member is a finger which extends into the cervix. An elongated handle terminating in an exo-vaginal portion graspable by the user extends from the exterior surface of the shield member.

Abstract: An endometrial aspirator includes hollow cylindrical tube, open at one end and including a piston therein. The piston is configured to include a tapered portion which may be projected from the open end of the tube so as to form a cervical dilator which facilitates insertion of the aspirator into the uterus.

Abstract: A combination exo-endocervical sampler. The sampler includes an elongated handle portion having a free end and a non-linearly tapered row of flags disposed proximate the end opposite the free end. The flags are preferably configured to have a flat sampling surface and a convex opposed surface and are disposed at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion. A spatulate member is disposed on the handle portion proximate the row of flags at a point diametrically opposite thereto. A ledge extends along the handle member proximate its juncture with the spatulate member and serves to assist in the spreading of the separated exo- and endocervical samplers on to a two-tiered microscope slide. Optionally, a secondary row of flags is formed on an upper edge of the spatulate member to sweep the endocervix and transition zone when the device is rotated within the cervical canal.

Abstract: A method of and device for obtaining simultaneous samples of exo and endocervical cells. The device includes an elongated handle portion having a free end and a row of flags disposed proximate the end opposite the free end. The flags are rectangular in cross section and are disposed at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion. A substantially longer, relatively rigid filament is disposed on the handle portion proximate the row of flags at a point approximately diametrically opposite thereto. The filament serves as a stop when the device is inserted into the cervical os, and also scrapes the exocervical wall when the device is rotated 360.degree.. Rotation of the device also causes the row of flags to engage the surface of the endocervix. When the device is removed, two separated cell samples are obtained.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation system for use in surgical procedures in a surgical area is disclosed comprising a portable evacuation hood configured to be disposed proximate a surgical site for receiving gaseous by-products produced during the surgery. The evacuation hood contains a first filter disposed therein for trapping particulate matter. The smoke evacuation system further includes suction source in operative communication with the hood for evacuating the atmosphere from the hood. The suction source as well as a second filter associated therewith are externally disposed from the surgical area. Also disclosed is a portable evacuation hood for use in conjunction with the smoke evacuation system, which comprises a perforated inner wall and a solid outer wall having a chamber therebetween containing the first filter.

Abstract: A barrier type contraceptive is an umbrella-like device including a flexible, barrier member with a plurality of radially disposed resilient stiffening members associated therewith. The stiffening members bias the barrier member into a generally planar configuration while allowing for the device to be folded into a generally fusiform shape for insertion.