Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.

Abstract: A surgical biopsy apparatus for cutting tissue comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis, first and second members movable from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the housing, a third member slidably positioned and extendable with respect to the first member, a fourth member slidably positioned and extendable with respect to the second member, and an electrocautery cutting wire slidable with respect to the third and fourth members to surround a region of tissue positioned between the third and fourth members to cut the tissue.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for permitting the introduction of a surgical instrument into a patient's body while providing a substantial seal about the instrument. The valve assembly includes a sealing gasket assembly providing a fluid tight seal before instrument insertion, and is configured and dimensioned for accommodating an instrument and providing a substantial fluid tight seal after insertion of an instrument. The valve assembly may further include a deformable sealing member having a substantially central aperture for accommodating the instrument. The sealing member provides a substantial seal about the instrument when the instrument is passed therethrough impeding the egress of fluids and gasses through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The elongated member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. A material forms two curved legs having ends positionable external of the vessel. The legs curve in different directions and a retention portion is formed in the material to retain the legs during placement of the elongated member inside the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a mounting section having first and second ends and a first and second filtering section. The filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. In the expanded position a first end of the first filtering section converges to form a first converging region and a second end of the second filtering section converges to form a second converging region. The first converging region is positioned radially and axially inwardly of the first end of the mounting section and the second converging region is positioned radially and axially inwardly of the second end of the mounting section.

Abstract: A vein filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region of the filter has a mounting portion for mounting the vessel filter within the vessel and a first filter portion converging to form a first converging region at a first end portion, positioned radially and axially inwardly of an end of the mounting portion. The second region of the filter has a transverse dimension decreasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion to form a second filter portion at the second end portion on the opposing side of the filter from the first filter portion.