Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a device for collecting body tissue. The device may include an inner member comprising a hollow portion to collect body tissue and a distal end configured to both penetrate body tissue and define an opening of the hollow portion. The device may further include an outer member, co-axially and slidably disposed around the exterior of the inner member, comprising a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the outer member may be configured to penetrate body tissue, prevent body tissue from exiting the hollow portion of the inner member, and allow the distal end of the inner member to extend beyond the distal end of outer member. The opening of the hollow portion of the inner member may be disposed in a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be movably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent. An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device includes a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be moveably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent . An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment, includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be moveably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent. An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a device for collecting body tissue. The device includes an inner end effector comprising a hollow portion, a distal edge that defines an opening of the hollow portion at least a portion of which is sufficiently sharpened to cut body tissue, and a proximal end configured to receive an inner tubular member. The device also includes an outer end effector comprising a flexible extension on a distal end with an edge at least a portion of which is sufficiently sharpened to cut body tissue and biased inwardly toward the hollow portion of the inner end effector to cover the opening, and a proximal end configured to receive an outer tubular member. The inner end effector is slidably disposed within the outer end effector.