Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the device having a tubular outer body member with a handle at its proximal end and a flexible distal end segment extending from its distal end. The surgical device also has an operable end extending from the distal end of the flexible distal end segment. The device is configured for selectively causing the flexible end segment to bend to adopt a desired curvature and for selectively rotating the operable end relative to the flexible distal end segment about an axis of the flexible distal end segment.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the device having a tubular outer body member with a handle at its proximal end and a flexible distal end segment extending from its distal end. The surgical device also has an operable end extending from the distal end of the flexible distal end segment. The device is configured for selectively causing the flexible end segment to bend to adopt a desired curvature and for selectively rotating the operable end relative to the flexible distal end segment about an axis of the flexible distal end segment.

Abstract: An occlusion clip for permanently occluding a bodily vessel, such as the vas deferens. The occlusion clip has a first leg, a second leg, joined on their proximal ends by a spring coil. The spring coil provides a biased torsional force to the first leg and the second leg, to force them into a closed position. The first leg and the second leg have on their distal ends a vessel occlusion portion that occludes the targeted vessel when the clip is in a closed position.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) device for use in electrosurgery is provided. The RF device comprises a flexible support member having an actuator passage extending therethrough and a flexible actuator member at least partially disposed within the actuator passage. An insulator housing is connected on its proximal side to the distal end of the actuator so that when the flexible actuator member is rotated, the insulator housing rotates about a rotation axis through the distal actuator end. The device also comprises at least one electrode extending distally from the insulator housing, the at least one electrode having first and second energy transmitting surfaces configured so that if the first energy transmitting surface is positioned to deliver electrical current with the insulator housing in a first angular orientation, rotation of the insulator housing to a second orientation positions the second energy transmitting for transfer of electrical current.

Abstract: An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an upper occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second upper occlusion arms each having proximal and distal upper occlusion arm ends. The first and second upper occlusion arms define an upper main body width dimension. An upper arcuate portion connects the first and second upper occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip also comprises a lower occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second lower occlusion arms each having proximal and distal lower occlusion arm ends. The first and second lower occlusion arms define a lower main body width dimension. A lower arcuate portion connects the first and second lower occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip further comprises a torsion spring connecting the proximal end of the first lower occlusion arm to the proximal end of the second upper occlusion arm.

Abstract: An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an occlusion portion having an upper single element occlusion member having proximal and distal upper member ends and a lower single element occlusion member having proximal and distal lower member ends. The lower single element occlusion member and the upper single element occlusion member combine to define an occlusion member plane. The occlusion clip further comprises a spring portion having a torsion spring connecting the proximal upper member end to the proximal lower member end. The torsion spring has a spring height dimension in the occlusion member plane perpendicular to the upper and lower single occlusion members and is adapted to bias the upper and lower single element occlusion members toward a closed position wherein the upper single element occlusion member is in force contact with the lower single element occlusion member.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device comprising dorsal and ventral arms is presented. The dorsal clamping portion is configured for engaging a dorsal surface of a user's penis. The ventral clamping portion is configured for engaging a ventral surface of a user's penis. The device also comprises an adjustable hinge connecting the hinge end of the dorsal arm clamping portion to the hinge end of the ventral arm clamping portion. The adjustable hinge comprises a pivot fixed to one of the ventral and dorsal arms and about which the other of the ventral and dorsal arms can be selectively rotated between a closed position wherein the dorsal arm clamping portion is in opposition with the ventral arm clamping portion and an open position. The location of the pivot relative to the other of the ventral and dorsal arms is selectively adjustable to establish a desired spacing between the ventral and dorsal arms when in the closed position.

Abstract: An occlusion clip for permanently occluding a bodily vessel, such as the vas deferens. The occlusion clip has a first leg, a second leg, joined on their proximal ends by a spring coil. The spring coil provides a biased torsional force to the first leg and the second leg, to force them into a closed position. The first leg and the second leg have on their distal ends a vessel occlusion portion that occludes the targeted vessel when the clip is in a closed position.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the device having a tubular outer body member with a handle at its proximal end and a flexible distal end segment extending from its distal end. The surgical device also has an operable end extending from the distal end of the flexible distal end segment. The device is configured for selectively causing the flexible end segment to bend to adopt a desired curvature and for selectively rotating the operable end relative to the flexible distal end segment about an axis of the flexible distal end segment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with a stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device comprising dorsal and ventral arms is presented. The dorsal clamping portion is configured for engaging a dorsal surface of a user's penis. The ventral clamping portion is configured for engaging a ventral surface of a user's penis. The device also comprises an adjustable hinge connecting the hinge end of the dorsal arm clamping portion to the hinge end of the ventral arm clamping portion. The adjustable hinge comprises a pivot fixed to one of the ventral and dorsal arms and about which the other of the ventral and dorsal arms can be selectively rotated between a closed position wherein the dorsal arm clamping portion is in opposition with the ventral arm clamping portion and an open position. The location of the pivot relative to the other of the ventral and dorsal arms is selectively adjustable to establish a desired spacing between the ventral and dorsal arms when in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for facilitating the capture of objects during surgery are provided. The surgical instrument includes a flexible tube defining a cable passageway and being configured for insertion of at least portion of the flexible tube into a body cavity of a patient. The surgical instrument further includes flexible cable slidably disposed in the cable passageway. A snare loop is attached to the cable end and both are adapted so that the snare loop can be selectively retracted or extended within the cable passageway by sliding the cable proximally or distally within the cable passageway. The loop member is adapted for selectively encircling and engaging at least a portion of an object in the body cavity. The system also comprises a tether, the tether attached to the loop member at one end and to the flexible tube at the other, so that extension of the flexible cable causes the snare loop to deform in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A surgical seal assembly which forms a seal about a surgical instrument thus preventing the leakage of fluids, gases and the like. The surgical seal assembly includes a valve with a reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer is preferably a woven fabric and an elastomeric material such as silicon or other similar material. The reinforcing layer expands proportionally with the insertion of the surgical instrument, is tear or puncture resistant and is designed to accommodate off axis alignment and insertion of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with a stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for facilitating the capture of objects during surgery are provided. The surgical instrument comprises a flexible tube having a proximal tube end and a distal tube end, the flexible tube defining a cable passageway and being configured for insertion of at least a distal portion of the flexible tube into a body cavity of a patient. The surgical instrument further comprises a flexible cable having a proximal cable end and a distal cable end. At least a portion of the flexible cable is slidably disposed in the cable passageway. A snare loop having a loop member is attached to the distal cable end. The snare loop and the cable are adapted so that the snare loop can be selectively retracted within the cable passageway by sliding the flexible cable proximally within the cable passageway.

Abstract: A modular trocar assembly having a cannula, a passive valve seal assembly and an instrument seal assembly all releasably joined to define a central axial bore, where the passive valve seal assembly contains a valve seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when no instrument is inserted but which opens to allow for insertion of an instrument, and where the instrument seal assembly contains an instrument reducer seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when an instrument is inserted through the valve seal. The passive valve seal assembly and the instrument seal assembly are preferably composed of plastic so as to be disposable, while the cannula is preferably composed of a sterilizable material to enable reuse.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for facilitating the capture of objects during surgery are provided. The surgical instrument comprises a flexible tube having a proximal tube end and a distal tube end, the flexible tube defining a cable passageway and being configured for insertion of at least a distal portion of the flexible tube into a body cavity of a patient. The surgical instrument further comprises a flexible cable having a proximal cable end and a distal cable end. At least a portion of the flexible cable is slidably disposed in the cable passageway. A snare loop having a loop member is attached to the distal cable end. The snare loop and the cable are adapted so that the snare loop can be selectively retracted within the cable passageway by sliding the flexible cable proximally within the cable passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mouthpiece assembly for establishing a protected airway for a patient. The mouthpiece assembly comprises a generally elliptical tubular bite block having a generally elliptical passageway formed therethrough. The mouthpiece assembly further comprises a generally elliptical front shield attached to the front end of the tubular bite block portion. The front shield has a central opening in communication with the passageway for receiving medical instruments therethrough and a strap opening adjacent each of the opposing edge portions. At least a portion of the front shield is curved rearward and is flexible to allow the at least a portion of the front shield to conform to the patient's facial structure. The mouthpiece assembly also comprises a tongue depressing member extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rearward end of the bottom wall of the tubular bite block, and a resilient cushioning sleeve formed around at least a portion of the tubular bite block.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with a stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.