Abstract: An instrument assembly support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly may include an instrument support arm. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument assembly on the arm assembly.

Abstract: An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument on the arm assembly.

Abstract: A base-clamp assembly for supporting an instrument relative to a patient position adjacent to an instrument-support rail. The base-clamp assembly may comprise a base, a rail clamp, and an actuator assembly. The rail clamp may attach the base to the rail. A shank clamp may attach a shank to the base. The actuator assembly may be operable for opening and/or closing the rail clamp. A drive assembly may provide for moving a force-applying element relative to the base and a movable rail jaw for closing the rail clamp. The drive assembly may also be operable for opening and closing the shank clamp.

Abstract: An instrument assembly support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly may include an instrument support arm. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument assembly on the arm assembly.

Abstract: A base-clamp assembly for supporting an instrument relative to a patient position adjacent to an instrument-support rail. The base-clamp assembly may comprise a base, a rail clamp, and an actuator assembly. The rail clamp may attach the base to the rail. A shank clamp may attach a shank to the base. The actuator assembly may be operable for opening and/or closing the rail clamp. A drive assembly may provide for moving a force-applying element relative to the base and a movable rail jaw for closing the rail clamp. The drive assembly may also be operable for opening and closing the shank clamp.

Abstract: An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument on the arm assembly.

Abstract: An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument on the arm assembly.

Abstract: An endoscope holder includes a dual-axis pivot assembly mountable to a frame. A telescoping arm assembly is attached at one end to the dual-axis pivot assembly and at the other end to a pivoting endoscope grip. An inner arm section is rotatable relative to an outer arm section. The holder provides pivoting of an endoscope about an incision point on the endoscope shaft spaced from the grip. Manually controlled pressurized locks secure the holder configuration, and thereby the endoscope position.

Abstract: An abdominal incision suturing apparatus includes a guide element that is inserted and maintained in an abdominal incision by a guide handle. The guide element has a passage for receiving slidably the shaft of a reverse needle. The shaft can be moved axially and rotationally with respect to the guide element by a shaft handle. The reverse needle has a needle at the distal end of the shaft, with a pointed end and an eye for receiving a suture. The guide element defines a sheath for receiving the pointed end of the needle. The guide element and the reverse needle together present a substantially airtight surface for maintaining the pneumoperitoneum pressure in a cannula site incision. Further, the guide element includes markings on its surface, for the user to monitor the depth of insertion via a laparoscope. The shaft handle has a specially shaped groove, and the guide element has an internal pin that protrudes into the groove.

Abstract: A cannula and associated endoscope are secured to an operating table by a mechanical linkage assembly having linear and angular connections. These connections are adjustable for supporting an endoscope extending through an incision. Two angular connections are friction joints that allow manual repositioning of the scope by pivoting about respective orthogonal axes that intersect at a point along the scope that is coincident with the location of the incision.

Abstract: A stiffener device is usable with a uterine manipulator having a catheter tube and outer sheath. The catheter tube is formed in an arc and has an insertable end adapted to be inserted into the uterus. The sheath terminates in a flange that seats against the cervix. The catheter tube is stiffened by a stainless steel wire that is slightly less than the length of the tube, and terminates in a handle that provides for manual grasping to facilitate manipulation of the wire, and thereby the tube, while the insertable end of the tube is in the uterus. The handle may be a small loop formed as a continuation of the wire stiffener, or may be an elongate cylinder fixedly attached to the end of the wire stiffener. A latching assembly may be used to secure the handle adjacent to the outer tube opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for catheterization of a body cavity, the catheterization apparatus having a sheath, a cannula with a blunt end and a stylet with a sharp end. To use the apparatus the three elements are initially arranged with the stylet leading the apparatus. The apparatus is advanced a distance into the flesh of a patient. The apparatus is readjusted leaving the cannula in a leading position. The apparatus is then advanced further into the flesh of the patient and into communication with a body cavity. The apparatus is again readjusted, leaving the sheath in communication with the body cavity.

Abstract: The combination of a syringe which includes a barrel and a needle projecting from one end of the barrel, and a protector slidably mounted on the syringe barrel. A guard portion in the protector shields the tip of the needle with the protector relatively fully extended on the barrel, and in this position a seal inside the protector seals the tip of the needle. The needle is exposed with the protector in a relatively fully retracted position. In an intermediate position, the needle is shielded but the tip is not sealed.

Abstract: A universal external fixation frame assembly which includes a pair of rod-holder bodies adjustably mounted at spaced locations on a rod, and a pin-holder body for each rod-holder body connected to the rod-holder body through a universal swivel mechanism. The universal swivel mechanisms may be broken down to free the rod-holder bodies from the pin-holder bodies. The pin-holder bodies, with the rod-holder bodies freed therefrom, are mounted on bone segments through pins detachably mounted on and extending from the pin-holder bodies.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator including a catheter tube with an insertable end adapted to be inserted into the uterus. An adjustable stop adapted to engage the cervix is mounted on and shiftable axially along the catheter tube. The stop is adjusted in position and secured in an adjusted position through operation of a digitally actuated clamp which is positioned outside the external opening of the vagina with the manipulator in place.

Abstract: The apparatus includes upper and lower pin holder assemblies of ring-like configuration which may be opened for application to the limb. Each pin holder assembly includes opposed wall structures within which bone penetrating pins are secured to firmly attach each pin holder assembly to the bone segment. Elongate connector assemblies extend between the upper and lower pin holder assemblies with each of the connector assemblies including spherical coupling components which permit adjustment of the pin holder assemblies in a universal manner. Each connector assembly includes nut elements which dually serve to position an intermediate spherical component along the connector shaft for locked engagement with the ring structure of a pin holder assembly.

Abstract: A flexible catheter having an inflatable member at one end for insertion into a body cavity to seal same against fluid loss. A spring component biases the catheter outwardly of the cavity to assure seating of the inflated member against the cavity wall. A disc abuts a body part to load the spring component during catheter insertion. The disc prevents accidental perforation of the uterus and, with the inflated member affords stability to facilitate uterus manipulation. An air line in the catheter wall admits air to the inflatable member. A stiffener enables the flexible catheter to be used for imparting movement to the body part.

Abstract: A tool and method for use by a surgeon in the insertion of a hip nail guide pin within upper end of a femur. The tool includes a base for temporary abutment against the femur which base is supported by an initial guide pin in place within the femur. A first guide member is positionably carried by the base and is indexed through 90 degrees for the taking of X-ray photographs within perpendicular planes. An optimum location for a second guide pin is plotted on the resulting X-ray photographs. The surgeon, in inserting the second guide pin, utilizes the first guide member, and a second guide member if necessary, to provide a reference point outwardly spaced from the femur to aid him in seating the guide pin through a window in the femur wall into position within the femur neck and head. A method of inserting a second guide pin is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for assisting the surgeon in the setting of a surgical nail within the head and neck of a femur, the tool including a clamp structure temporarily affixed to the femoral shaft to support an adjustable arm in parallel, offset relationship to the femur. A guide assembly is positionable along said arm to locate first and second guide assembly members adjacent the femur end said members being pivotally mounted to enable their positioning and locking within multiple planes for proper guidance of a guide pin, drill and nail assembly. Interchangeable guide members provide precise, sequential guidance of the above bone penetrating instrumentalities. Calibrations on the tool enable calculated corrections to be set into the tool components and preclude the taking of X-rays simply for verifying the projected path of the guide pin.