Abstract: Robotic organ retraction systems, devices (200), and methods. Organ retraction devices (200) may include compliant retractor tips, articulating joints (702), integrated force sensors (408, 410), and automatic retraction capability to enable safe and efficient organ retraction.

Abstract: A method for destroying pyrotechnic materials including providing an apparatus having an inlet and an outlet and configured to mechanically destroy pyrotechnic materials and discharge pyrotechnic debris through the outlet, feeding water and pyrotechnic materials to the inlet of the apparatus so that the apparatus mechanically destroys the pyrotechnic materials and discharges pyrotechnic debris and water through the outlet, introducing the discharged pyrotechnic debris and water to a reservoir of water so that water-soluble components of the pyrotechnic debris dissolve into the water of the reservoir, light-density water-insoluble components float to the top of the reservoir and high-density water-insoluble components settle at bottom of the reservoir, and filtering the reservoir of water to separate water from the water-insoluble components.

Abstract: A blast containment system for trash cans includes a liquid-impervious flexible bag having a sealed bottom positioned at a base of a trash can, and an unsealed top positioned and retained at a top periphery of the trash can. A ring-shaped boot is positioned at the sealed bottom of the flexible bag. A rigid container has a closed bottom press-fit into a central opening of the boot. The rigid container extends from its closed bottom to an open top adapted to be approximately aligned with the top periphery of the trash can. An annular volume is defined between the rigid container the flexible bag. The rigid container has side walls that include ballistic materials. A liquid fills the annular volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in gastric tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In several embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed along the greater curvature of the stomach using laparoscopic tissue anchor deployment devices. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue using laparoscopic devices or laparoscopic devices in combination with endoscopic devices.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. In some embodiments, the handle includes a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A cannula sealing apparatus includes a housing having a central axially facing aperture. A surgical instrument of 10.5 mm may seal with that aperture. Alternatively, a sealing member having an aperture that will seal with a 12 mm surgical instrument can be swung up to be aligned with the aperture. If a 10.5 mm instrument is required then a seal member can be swung up to have its seal aperture located over the central aperture. Each seal member is pivotal about a common axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in gastric tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In several embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed along the greater curvature of the stomach using laparoscopic tissue anchor deployment devices. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue using laparoscopic devices or laparoscopic devices in combination with endoscopic devices.

Abstract: A cannula sealing apparatus includes a housing having a central axially facing aperture. A surgical instrument of 10.5 mm may seal with that aperture. Alternatively, a sealing member having an aperture that will seal with a 12 mm surgical instrument can be swung up to be aligned with the aperture. If a 10.5 mm instrument is required then a seal member can be swung up to have its seal aperture located over the central aperture. Each seal member is pivotal about a common axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. In some embodiments, the handle includes a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances.

Abstract: Cannula sealing apparatus includes a housing having a central axially facing aperture. A surgical instrument of 10.5 mm may seal with that aperture. Alternatively, a sealing member having an aperture that will seal with a 12 mm surgical instrument can be swung up to be aligned with the aperture. If a 10.5 mm instrument is required then a seal member can be swung up to have its seal aperture located over the central aperture. Each seal member is pivotal about a common axis. Each seal member has a surface that faces a housing such that both parts can seal at their facing surfaces when either of the seal members are swung up into the position where the opening is over the central opening.

Abstract: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising: a base adapted to engage a cannula, the base including an axial aperture for a surgical instrument; a multiplicity of jaws mounted on the base, the jaws being movable radially with respect to the aperture between an open position wherein a shaft of the surgical instrument may pass freely and a closed position wherein the jaws engage said shaft and provide a restraining force restraining radial movement of the shaft; and an actuator rotatable to urge the jaws to move between said open position and said closed position; wherein the actuator includes a click stop arrangement adapted to provide frictional engagement at a position intermediate the open and closed positions to hold the jaws at the intermediate position

Abstract: A laparoscopic forceps comprising a handle; a tubular housing extending axially from the handle and carrying an actuator rod; a jaws mechanism disposed at the end of the tubular housing remote from the handle engaged to the actuation rod and arranged so that the jaws may be opened or closed by actuation of the handle; wherein the handle comprises left and right bow members pivotally connected to a mounting core in a scissors-like arrangement, and adapted to engage a user's finger and thumb in use; the forceps including a switchable ratchet mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions, adapted when locked to allow closure and prevent opening of the jaws, and when unlocked to allow free opening and closing of the jaws.

Abstract: A laparoscopic apparatus for inserting and applying a sheet of surgical material comprising: