Abstract: A view optimizing assembly, method and kit for use in combination with a laparoscope having a lens located on the shaft tip of the laparoscope, and a source of insufflation CO2. The invention includes a multi-lumen sheath assembly, a deflector assembly in fluid communication with the lumens of the sheath assembly, wherein the flow of CO2 through the lumens forms a vortex when coming into contact with the deflector assembly, thereby preventing fogging of the laparoscope lens.

Abstract: Air management control systems and methods maintain and manage an intra-abdominal gas environment during laparoscopic surgery. The systems and methods locate a plurality of in vivo sensors to monitor different environmental conditions within the operative space insufflated with pressurized CO2, e.g., CO2 insufflation airflow velocity, CO2 pressure, aspiration airflow velocity, and at least one of humidity level, temperature, density of smoke/particulates, odors, and sound within the operative space. The systems and methods couple the plurality of in vivo sensors to a master controller. The master controller implements pre-programmed rules to generate control commands that govern the delivery of pressurized CO2 and aspiration pressure into and out of the operative space in response, at least in part, to the different environmental conditions monitored by the in vivo sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods condition air for passage across a laparoscopic lens to prevent fogging, deflect debris, and maintain visualization of an operating cavity. The systems and methods provide an access device sized and configured to provide communication with an insufflated CO2 environment maintained by operation of an insufflations circuit. The access device is coupled to an air conditioning set, which interacts with an air conditioning driver to condition air from the insufflated environment for continuous passage across the laparoscopic lens, to thereby maintain visualization by the laparoscopic lens of the operating cavity, independent of operation of the insufflator circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step fastening device, a process for creating a fastener utilizing such a device, and the end fastener produced thereby. In this regard, the invention uses an outer, hollow fastener material that can be partially compressed under tension at designated areas (i.e., a compression member) and an inner activation or tensioning member. The compression of the outer fastener material occurs at one or more flexible areas or compression features specifically located on the longitudinal axis of the material. As a result, the outer compression member is capable of being distorted or bent under tension to produce a predetermined configuration. The device described herein has the ability to form specific and controllable fasteners of designated shapes and configurations. Methods for fastening, snaring, gripping, cutting, and manipulating material using the device in a confined space are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods couple a self contained air processing or conveying component to a sheath that is sized and configured to receive a laparoscope including a laparoscopic lens providing visualization of an operating cavity. The air processing or conveying component comprises an air flow path having an inlet sized and configured for communication with a source of CO2 and an outlet. The air processing or conveying component includes a driven air moving component in communication with the air flow path sized and configured to continuously convey CO2 from the source through the air flow path to the outlet. The sheath coupled to the air processing or conveying component can include a lumen communicating with the outlet of the air processing or conveying mechanism for passing CO2 continuously conveyed by the driven air moving component across the laparoscopic lens to maintain visualization of the operating cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for fragmenting and extracting stones includes an outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner core longitudinally extending through the core and longitudinally movable relative to the core. The outer sheath has a basket sized for entrapping the stones and located near the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is longitudinally moveable from a retracted position within the basket to an extended position past the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is also adapted to engage and fragment the stones. Longitudinal movement of the inner core relative to the outer sheath transforms the basket from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition to entrap stones within the basket and provide a small profile for insertion and withdrawal.

Abstract: Systems and methods make use of a view optimizing assembly having a deflector assembly with critical physical, pneumatic, and optical characteristics that make possible intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery, while also maintaining visualization of the surgical site. The view optimizing assembly can incorporate a quick exchange feature, which makes possible a surgical method for maintaining clear visualization that includes the ability to make a quick exchange of laparoscopes having different operating characteristics (e.g., laparoscopes with different tip angles, lengths, or diameters) entirely on the sterile operating field and without interference with the preexisting surgical set-up on the sterile operating field. The view optimizing assembly integrates with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation.

Abstract: The present application discloses several devices for maintaining visualization with a surgical scope. The embodiments of the device are adapted to shield, defog or clean the lens of the surgical scope while the surgical scope is being used to perform a surgical procedure within a patient's body. In some embodiments, the view optimizer is provided in multiple parts enabling separation of one or more operator control features from engagement with the surgical scope. In some embodiments, the view optimizer features stabilization means for securement and positioning with the surgical scope.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for fragmenting and extracting stones includes an outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner core longitudinally extending through the core and longitudinally movable relative to the core. The outer sheath has a basket sized for entrapping the stones and located near the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is longitudinally moveable from a retracted position within the basket to an extended position past the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is also adapted to engage and fragment the stones. Longitudinal movement of the inner core relative to the outer sheath transforms the basket from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition to entrap stones within the basket and provide a small profile for insertion and withdrawal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a minimally invasive surgical instrument that may be used in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. The device is a multifunctional surgical instrument that may be mounted directly on a surgeon's fingertip and inserted through an incision to allow the surgeon to manipulate tissue during a surgical procedure. Versions show a self-righting suture needle holder and a version with a dual pivoting jaw (e.g., grasper, cutter) that has an elongate neck to enhance the reach of the instrument. In addition, an elongate neck of an actuated fingertip instrument enhances the range reachable through a single incision.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for fragmenting and extracting stones includes an outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner core longitudinally extending through the core and longitudinally movable relative to the core. The outer sheath has a basket sized for entrapping the stones and located near the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is longitudinally moveable from a retracted position within the basket to an extended position past the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is also adapted to engage and fragment the stones. Longitudinal movement of the inner core relative to the outer sheath transforms the basket from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition to entrap stones within the basket and provide a small profile for insertion and withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step fastening device, a process for creating a fastener utilizing such a device, and the end fastener produced thereby. In this regard, the invention uses an outer, hollow fastener material that can be partially compressed under tension at designated areas (i.e., a compression member) and an inner activation or tensioning member. The compression of the outer fastener material occurs at one or more flexible areas or compression features specifically located on the longitudinal axis of the material. As a result, the outer compression member is capable of being distorted or bent under tension to produce a predetermined configuration. The device described herein has the ability to form specific and controllable fasteners of designated shapes and configurations. Methods for fastening, snaring, gripping, cutting, and manipulating material using the device in a confined space are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a minimally invasive surgical instrument that may be used in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. The device is multifunctional surgical instrument that may be mounted directly on a surgeon's fingertip and inserted through an incision to allow the surgeon to manipulate tissue during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument may be used for blunt dissection and allows for finger actuation of two opposing jaws to enable the surgeon to grasp and dissect tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the ends of a suture stitch includes a piston and cylinder combination with one end of the suture secured to the cylinder. The other end of the suture initially includes a needle for penetrating two tissues to be approximated and then passing the needle and its attached suture through aligned openings in the cylinder sidewalls. The portion of the suture passing through the cylinder is trapped therein by the depression of the piston to engage the bottom inside surface of the cylinder which locks that end of the suture in place.