Abstract: An anchor sheet and anchor body for holding a cannula within the abdominal cavity of a patient is described. The cannula is used during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The anchor sheet and anchor body assist in holding the cannula in a preferred orientation relative to the abdominal cavity. An attachment mechanism such as a hook and loop fastener may be utilized to connect the anchor sheet to the anchor body.

Abstract: A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through the wall of a body cavity, the trocar comprising an obturator with a point for piercing the wall of the body cavity, and a protective sleeve mounted concentrically around the obturator. The obturator retracts proximally relative to the protective sleeve after the trocar point has penetrated through the wall of the body cavity. The protective sleeve is mounted for axial movement relative to the obturator, retracting proximally in response to drag from the wall of the body cavity as the trocar is advanced through the wall, and advancing distally after the cannula has penetrated through the wall, reducing the drag on the sleeve. The distal advancement of the sleeve triggers the retraction of the obturator.

Abstract: An adapter seal adapted to facilitate the use of a small instrument within a laparoscopic cannula. The adapter seal comprises a body portion formed of elastomeric material, and a relatively rigid insertion guide mounted on the body portion The body portion has an aperture therein adapted to sealingly engage and support the small instrument while permitting movement of the instrument through the aperture The insertion guide has a wall forming a generally conical passageway for guiding small instruments toward the aperture of the body portion. A tether may be provided for holding the adapter seal adjacent the cannula when the body portion is disconnected from the cannula, and the insertion guide may be color-coded to indicate the size aperture through the body portion of the adapter seal.

Abstract: A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through a wall defining a body cavity is disclosed. The trocar has a replaceable tip portion which affords continuous sharp cutting surfaces even in a completely reusable trocar.

Abstract: A tissue retraction device for use in laparoscopic surgery which includes a plurality of thin, resiliently deformable, pre-stressed blades disposed in a stacked relationship within an outer sleeve. The blades are connected at their inboard ends to a support rod which is telescopically carried within the sleeve. The blades are pre-twisted about a stratigically located pivot point so that once the inboard end of the device is positioned within the peritoneum, the rod can be urged forwardly causing the end portions of the blades to automatically fan out in a manner such that the full width of the blades can be pressed against the tissue.

Abstract: A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through the wall of a body cavity, the trocar comprising an obturator with a point for piercing the wall of the body cavity, and a protective sleeve mounted concentrically around the obturator. The obturator retracts proximally relative to the protective sleeve after the trocar point has penetrated through the wall of the body cavity. The protective sleeve is mounted for axial movement relative to the obturator, retracting proximally in response to drag from the wall of the body cavity as the trocar is advanced through the wall, and advancing distally after the cannula has penetrated through the wall, reducing the drag on the sleeve. The distal advancement of the sleeve triggers the retraction of the obturator.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device for controling the flow of fluid from one region of the body to be drained to another region. The device includes a rigid cartridge combined with an elastomeric valve element. The design of the cartridge and valve element are such that the cartridge incorporates a seat and when the valve element is properly positioned within the valve body by a novel positioning arrangement it has sufficient spring force to push against the seat, thus creating a seal. The valve element ensures uni-directional flow as well as creating a set resistance to that flow. The unit can be easily assembled without the use of adhesives and in one configuration, the valve can be "tuned" to a desired pressure as a final assembly step. Combining two of the basic valving assemblies in series with an elastomeric section therebetween results in a valve system which can actively pump fluid downstream by squeezing the central connecting section.

Abstract: An implantable fluid delivery device for dispensing metered aliquots of liquid medication upon finger-pressure activation of the device by a patient. The device includes a soft, deformable needle-piercable casing having a fluid reservoir in which is located a relatively-rigid, apertured support plate that divides the reservoir into upper and lower chambers. A compressible, positive displacement pump chamber or housing is mounted upon the plate within the upper chamber and includes passages communicating with both the lower chamber and an outlet port. Force applied to a central target zone of the top wall causes compression of the pump housing and delivery through the outlet port of an amount of fluid equal to the displacement of the pump housing. The same target zone of the top wall serves as a self-sealing injection site for replenishing the fluid supply of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable fluid delivery device having a deformable casing containing a fluid reservoir, a compressible pump housing, and inlet and outlet valves for controlling the flow of metered amounts of fluid from the reservoir to a catheter when a target zone of the casing's top wall is depressed. The construction and operation of the outlet valve result in the generation of a tactile feedback signal transmitted through the target zone to inform a user that a measured amount of fluid has been discharged from the device.

Abstract: A stapling instrument including two elongate structural members each comprising a handle part with a jaw part projecting from a first end. The structural members have pivot means at second ends of their handle parts adapted for free engagement and disengagement and relative pivotal movement of the structural members between open and closed positions. An elongate locking member is mounted one one of the structural members for pivotal movement to a locking position generally aligned with its handle part where the locking member can be releasably retained to forcefully move the structural members to their closed position so that high compressive forces can be applied to tissues between the jaw parts. Staples from a cartridge along one jaw part can then be driven through the tissue and closed against an anvil along the other jaw part.

Abstract: An external ventricular drainage assembly includes a ventricular drainage catheter which can be placed in the ventricles of a patient's brain and which is connected to a suture tab for securing the catheter to the patient and for preventing relative movement between the catheter and patient. A valve is connected to the catheter for selectively opening and closing the external ventricular drainage assembly to fluid flow. An adapter is connected to the valve for providing access to the fluid flow path within the assembly. A one-way valve is connected to the adapter. A first length of flexible tubing is connected to the one-way valve and is joined through a connector to a second length of flexible tubing. A collection reservoir is connected to the second length of flexible tubing and includes an entry and outlet port. A drip chamber is positioned between the second length of flexible tubing and the collection reservoir.

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body which can be used for transferring cerebrospinal fluid is disclosed. The shunt system comprises a body having an upper and lower surface and a distal and proximal end. The body includes a central cavity through the upper surface at a first and second port. A proximal fluid flow channel extends through the proximal end of the body and opens at a third port on the upper surface. A distal fluid flow channel extends through the distal end of the body and opens at a fourth port on the upper surface. A resilient dome comprised of a self-sealing material is attached to and extends over the upper surface of the body. A first portion of the resilient dome extends over the first and third ports on the upper surface defining a first chamber. The first portion of the resilient dome cooperates upon flexing with the third port to occlude the third port. A second portion of the resilient dome extends over the second and fourth ports on the upper surface defining a second chamber.

Abstract: A catheter guide is provided which has a base having a first channel extending thereacross for receiving a catheter. An arcuately extending member extends outwardly from the base. A second channel extends along the arcuately extending member for also receiving a catheter. The first and second channels extending respectively across the base and along the arcuately extending member can be enclosed or partially enclosed for retaining a catheter within the channels and within the catheter guide.

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body which can be used for transferring cerebrospinal fluid is disclosed. The shunt system comprises a body having an upper and lower surface and a distal and proximal end. The body includes a central cavity opening through the upper surface at a first and second port. A proximal fluid flow channel extends through the proximal end of the body and opens at a third port on the upper surface. A distal fluid flow channel extends through the distal end of the body and opens at a fourth port on the upper surface. A resilient dome comprised of a self-sealing material is attached to and extends over the upper surface of the body. A first portion of the resilient dome extends over the first and third ports on the upper surface defining a first chamber. The first portion of the resilient dome cooperates upon flexing with the third port to occlude the third port.