Abstract: A loading unit assembly for use with a surgical suturing apparatus includes a surgical needle and a support structure configured for releasably securing the surgical needle. The support structure may include a first finger and a second finger adjacent to the first finger. The first and second fingers may define a first channel therebetween. The support structure may also include a third finger defining a seat portion and a back portion. The seat and back portions may be in facing relation with the first and second fingers. The third finger and the first and second fingers may define a second channel therebetween. The surgical needle may be loaded in the second channel and may be in abutment with at least the seat portion.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted suction and irrigation system includes a suction and irrigation wand, an irrigation fluid supply, a vacuum source, and a dual impeller fluid pump. The vacuum source is connected to a suction valve of the suction and irrigation wand to provide suction within the suction and irrigation wand. The irrigation fluid supply is connected to the suction and irrigation wand via the dual impeller fluid pump to supply pressurized irrigation fluid to the suction and irrigation wand. The vacuum source is connected to the fluid pump to pressurize the irrigation fluid being delivered to the suction and irrigation wand.

Abstract: A loading unit assembly for use with a surgical suturing apparatus includes a surgical needle and a support structure configured for releasably securing the surgical needle. The support structure may include a first finger and a second finger adjacent to the first finger. The first and second fingers may define a first channel therebetween. The support structure may also include a third finger defining a seat portion and a back portion. The seat and back portions may be in facing relation with the first and second fingers. The third finger and the first and second fingers may define a second channel therebetween. The surgical needle may be loaded in the second channel and may be in abutment with at least the seat portion.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the applied surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a centrifuge, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade, and a razor blade produced using the aforesaid method, are provided. The method includes the steps of a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface and a cutting edge; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a fluid stream, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the applied surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a centrifuge, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade, and a razor blade produced using the aforesaid method, are provided. The method includes the steps of a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface and a cutting edge; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a fluid stream, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.