Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.

Abstract: A trocar adapted to extend across the body wall into a body cavity, forming a seal around an instrument inserted through the trocar, comprises a cannula having a first axis extending between proximal and distal ends. A valve housing attached to the proximal end of the cannula forms a working channel with the cannula and includes a rigid housing portion and a flexible housing portion. First and second septum valves are formed in an end wall of the flexible housing portion and form separate valve sets with associated zero closure valves disposed within the valve housing. The valve sets are sized and configured accommodating different ranges of instrument diameters. The first and second septum valves are offset from the axis of the cannula in normal positions but are movable to positions more aligned with the axis of the cannula, due to elastomeric characteristics of the flexible housing.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical clamp having an axis that is adapted to releasably engage the outer surface of a cylindrical instrument such as a trocar. An elastomeric sleeve has an outer surface and an inner surface which is sized to frictionally engage the instrument. A constriction member forming a ring around the sleeve is operable between a first position wherein the ring has a first diameter and a second position wherein the ring has a second diameter. A pair of tabs attached to the constriction member are movable relative to each other to operate the constriction member between the first and second positions. A tube extending axially of the constriction member includes a protrusion which may be in the form of a helix, a plurality of annuli or an inflatable balloon enhances the fixed relationship with a body wall.

Abstract: A trocar having a working channel extending along an between a distal end and a proximal end includes a cannula at the distal end and a housing at the proximal end which define a working channel of the trocar. A valve disposed in the working channel separates the trocar into regions proximal of the valve and regions distal of the valve. The valve includes elastomeric means which form a first seal that is openably closable across the working channel. A wall of the valve extends radially outwardly of the elastomeric means and forms a second seal with the housing. The trocar also includes means for defining a passage extending from regions exterior of the trocar through the regions proximal of the valve and into the regions distal of the valve. Valve means disposed across this passage controls the administration of fluid through the passage and into the working channel of the cannula.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical clamp having an axis that is adapted to releasably engage the outer surface of a cylindrical instrument such as a trocar. An elastomeric sleeve has an outer surface and an inner surface which is sized to frictionally engage the instrument. A constriction member forming a ring around the sleeve is operable between a first position wherein the ring has a first diameter and a second position wherein the ring has a second diameter. A pair of tabs attached to the constriction member are movable relative to each other to operate the constriction member between the first and second positions. A tube extending axially of the constriction member includes a protrusion which may be in the form of a helix, a plurality of annuli or an inflatable balloon enhances the fixed relationship with a body wall.

Abstract: An obturator adapted for use in penetrating a body wall of a patient includes an elongate shaft having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle is disposed at the proximal end and an arcuate cutting edge is formed at the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may include a plurality of inner walls and passages, with a shield mechanism movable within the passages from a retracted cutting position to an advanced position. A system of flanges and walls can be used to maintain the shield elements in close proximity to and sliding engagement with the associated inner walls. In an associated method of manufacture, the shaft of the obturator can be extruded.

Abstract: A trocar is adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument and includes a cannula having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A seal housing disposed at the proximal end has a proximal wall with a hole extending into the housing. A septum valve disposed within the housing has a normal state when the instrument is absent from the trocar, and a stretched state when the instrument is being withdrawn from the trocar. A spacer extending between the proximal wall and the septum valve, engages the valve at a particular position which separates the valve into an inner portion, which is adapted to form a seal with the instrument and an outer portion, which is adapted to form a seal with the housing. The spacer has an axial length sufficient to space the particular position of the septum wall from the hole in the proximal wall a distance greater than the radial length of the inner portions of the valve in the stretched state.

Abstract: A trocar adapted to extend across the body wall into a body cavity, and to form a seal around an instrument inserted through the trocar comprises a cannula having a first axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A valve housing attached to the proximal end of the cannula forms a working channel with the cannula and includes a rigid housing portion and a flexible housing portion. First and second septum valves are formed in an end wall of the flexible housing portion and form separate valve sets with associated zero closure valves disposed within the valve housing. The valve sets are sized and configured to accommodate different ranges of instrument diameters. The first and second septum valves are offset from the axis of the cannula in their natural positions but are movable to positions more aligned with the axis of the cannula, due to elastomeric characteristics of the flexible housing portions.

Abstract: A trocar having a working channel extending along an axis between a distal end and a proximal end includes a cannula at the distal end and a housing at the proximal end which define a working channel of the trocar. A valve disposed in the working channel separates the trocar into regions proximal of the valve and regions distal of the valve. The valve includes elastomeric means which form a first seal that is openably closable across the working channel. A wall of the valve extends radially outwardly of the elastomeric means and forms a second seal with the housing. The trocar also includes means for defining a passage extending from regions exterior of the trocar through the regions proximal of the valve and into the regions distal of the valve. Valve means disposed across this passage controls the administration of fluid through the passage and into the working channel of the cannula.

Abstract: A trocar adapted to provide a working channel through a body wall and includes a cannula defining the channel along an axis between the distal and proximal ends of the cannula. A housing disposed at the proximal end of the cannula includes at least one elastomeric seal. An elongate obturator adapted to be moved in proximity to the seal includes a sharp distal tip and a sheath which protects the seal from the sharp tip during movement of the obturator through the working channel. This sheath is movable from a first position wherein it is releasably fixed to the obturator and a second position wherein it is releasably fixed to the housing to expose the shape tip distally of the cannula.

Abstract: A package for a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, includes a tube defining a cavity along an elongate axis, the cavity being configured to receive at least the distal end of the catheter. Access means includes a housing fixed to the proximal end of the tube and a cap rotatable to engage the housing in a first position to seal the cavity, and to disengage the housing in a second position to provide access to the cavity. A circumferential tear-strip is configured and disposed to provide a high degree of control over the separation of the housing and cap. An O-ring, which forms a seal between the cap and housing, is disposed relative to a circumferential shoulder which cooperates with a camming surface to cause the cap to pop from the housing when rotated. An associated method includes the steps of rotating the cap a first angular distance to engage the camming surface and a second angular distance to cause the O-ring to traverse the shoulder.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and aspirating the wash solution from beads contained in receptacles. Adequate bead agitation and the washing of the entire bead surface is insured by use of a bearing surface at the interface between the bead and the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a flexible layer from a substantially flat mold or other surface. A curvilinear removal head, including a vacuum manifold holding one end of the flexible layer, pivots to peel the flexible layer from the mold.