Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a surgical access device and a cleaning cap. The surgical access device includes an elongated shaft defining an access lumen therethrough and having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip. The cleaning cap is disposed over the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The cleaning cap includes an instrument channel aligned with the access lumen and wipers disposed within the instrument channel.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, an electrical insulator extending distally from the base portion, a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal. The return lead is movably supported on the electrical insulator. The active lead is fixed to the electrical insulator. The return lead is rotatable about a pivot and translatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the electrical insulator and the active lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, a drive shaft, a cam pin, and an end effector. The cam pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive shaft. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The end effector is disposed in operative engagement with the drive shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive shaft relative to the housing of the handle assembly causes the first jaw member to move toward the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a first cam slot configured to slidingly receive the cam pin. The first cam slot defines a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having second slope.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes an insulative core configured to support an active wire around a peripheral surface thereof, the active wire is electrically coupled to an active pin adapted for insertion within a distal end of an electrosurgical pencil. A ground electrode is operably coupled to a proximal end of the insulative core and is adapted for insertion within the distal end of the electrosurgical pencil. An insulative material is disposed between the active pin and the ground electrode and is configured to at least partially encapsulate and electrically isolate the active pin from the ground electrode along a partial length thereof. A hypotube is operably engaged to a proximal end of the insulative material and is configured to at least partially encapsulate the active pin.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an active electrical connector and a return electrical connector configured to operably engage a distal end of an electrosurgical instrument shaft, the housing encapsulating an elongated return electrode and a pair of insulative tubes configured to house a wire-like active electrode. The elongated return electrode includes a clevis at a distal end thereof and operably engages to the return electrical connector at a proximal end thereof. The wire-like active electrode operably engages at one end to the active electrical connector. A donut-like insulator is operably engaged to the clevis of the elongated return electrode and is configured to support the wire-like active electrode therearound. A tensioning mechanism is configured to operably engage an opposite end of the wire-like electrode and tension the wire-like active electrode about the donut-like insulator during assembly.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula and a seal housing. The cannula has a cannula housing and a tubular member that extends from the cannula housing. The seal housing is coupled to the cannula housing. The seal housing has a base and a cover with an instrument seal located between the base and the cover. The cover has an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion with a port extending from the upper cover portion. The port is connectable to a source of vacuum. A chamber with projections and windows is defined in the upper cover portion and is configured to direct fluid towards the port.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a surgical access device and a cleaning cap. The surgical access device includes an elongated shaft defining an access lumen therethrough and having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip. The cleaning cap is disposed over the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The cleaning cap includes an instrument channel aligned with the access lumen and wipers disposed within the instrument channel.

Abstract: A three-prong grasper for laparoscopic procedures includes an elongate body having a sleeve with a distal portion, and an end effector supported on the distal portion. The end effector includes a first prong assembly with a first base member and a first prong member pivotally secured to the first base member, a second prong assembly with a second base member and a second prong member pivotally secured to the second base member, and a third prong assembly with a third base member and a third prong member pivotally secured to the third base member. The first, second, and third prong members move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A method of grasping tissue also includes pivoting first, second, and/or third prong members relative to respective first, second, and third base members to cause the grasping of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, a drive shaft, a cam pin, and an end effector. The cam pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive shaft. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The end effector is disposed in operative engagement with the drive shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive shaft relative to the housing of the handle assembly causes the first jaw member to move toward the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a first cam slot configured to slidingly receive the cam pin. The first cam slot defines a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having second slope.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes a tubular body, an inner shaft slidably positioned within a longitudinal bore of the tubular body, and a specimen bag supported on the distal portion of the inner shaft. In embodiments, the tubular body tubular body is formed of a lubricious material. The specimen bag is formed from a pattern and welded by a radiofrequency welder. The specimen bag includes a tail section through which the inner shaft passes, and the tail section may be attached to a handle at a proximal portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a housing, a tubular member, and a valve assembly. The tubular member extends from the housing. The valve assembly is positioned in the housing and includes a centering mechanism, a guard assembly disposed on a first side of the centering mechanism, and an instrument seal disposed on a second side of the centering mechanism. The instrument seal including petals that are arrange in an overlapping arrangement.

Abstract: Polymeric ligation clips and a clip applier for applying a polymeric ligation clip to tissue are disclosed herein. More particularly, the polymeric ligation clips include separate first and second beams that can be coupled to each other and are movable from a reduced diameter open position in which minimal strain is placed on the ligation clip to a clamped position and to a clip applier for delivering such a ligation clip to a surgical site.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end adapted to connect to an energy source and the distal end adapted to receive an end effector assembly therein, the end effector assembly defining a surface area along a length thereof. An activation switch is operably associated with the housing and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the end effector assembly upon actuation thereof. An air control valve is operatively coupled to the activation switch and is configured to simultaneously deliver a gas from a gas source to the surface area around the end effector upon actuation of the activation switch. One or more vents are defined in the distal end of the housing and are configured to direct the gas towards the surface area of the end effector.

Abstract: Specimen retrieval bags, specimen retrieval devices, specimen retrieval systems, and specimen retrieval methods that are configured to facilitate the isolated removal of a tissue specimen from an internal body cavity such as, for example, during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes an instrument valve housing defining a cavity, and a seal assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The seal assembly includes a flange seal member and a centering mechanism. The flange seal member includes an annular member, a flange portion extending from the annular member, and a seal portion supported by the annular member and defining an opening dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument in a sealing relation. The flange portion includes first and second arcuate portions adjustably engaging the instrument valve housing in a sealing relation. The first and second arcuate portions have a parabolic profile. The centering mechanism maintains the seal assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve housing.

Abstract: An evacuation adapter for use with a surgical access device includes a distal section selectively engageable with a proximal section. The distal section and the proximal section each include a base, an outer ring, and an inner ring. Each base defines a central opening. Each outer ring defines at least one opening. Each inner ring defines at least one opening. The outer ring of the proximal section includes a port. The proximal section is rotatable relative to the distal section between a first position where fluid is able to flow from the central opening of the distal section through the port, and a second position where fluid is blocked from flowing from the central opening of the distal section through the port.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device for endoscopic procedures includes a sleeve, barbed sutures, guide members, and a contractible band that is supported about an open distal end of the sleeve. Each of the barbed sutures have an elongate body, a distal portion, a proximal portion, and barbs that extend proximally from the elongate body. The guide members are secured to an inner surface of the sleeve and slidably receive respective barbed sutures. A tissue specimen to be removed from a patient is placed within a cavity defined by the sleeve and within the confines of the barbed sutures. Proximal portions of the barbed threads can be independently or simultaneously pulled in a proximal direction to withdraw the tissue specimen and the sleeve from the body cavity.

Abstract: A clip applier includes an end effector that is adapted to releasably engage a clip cartridge. The end effector includes spring arms that are deflectable outwardly to receive and retain the clip cartridge within the end effector. The clip applier includes an outer tube that is movable from an advanced position encompassing the end effector to prevent separation of the clip cartridge from the end effector, to a retracted position spaced proximally of the spring arms. In the retracted position, the spring arms can deflect outwardly from the clip cartridge to disengage the clip cartridge from the end effector.

Abstract: Polymeric ligation clips and a clip applier for applying a polymeric ligation clip to tissue are disclosed herein. More particularly, the polymeric ligation clips include separate first and second beams that can be coupled to each other and are movable from a reduced diameter open position in which minimal strain is placed on the ligation clip to a clamped position and to a clip applier for delivering such a ligation clip to a surgical site.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end adapted to connect to an energy source and the distal end adapted to receive an end effector assembly therein, the end effector assembly defining a surface area along a length thereof. An activation switch is operably associated with the housing and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the end effector assembly upon actuation thereof. An air control valve is operatively coupled to the activation switch and is configured to simultaneously deliver a gas from a gas source to the surface area around the end effector upon actuation of the activation switch. One or more vents are defined in the distal end of the housing and are configured to direct the gas towards the surface area of the end effector.