Abstract: An articulating supporting bracket for a surgical tissue stabilizer comprises a series of elements joined to one another by articulating ball-and-socket joints. A flexible cable extends through passages in the elements, and, when tightened, causes the balls and sockets to lock together frictionally. The ball of each joint fits into its socket by an interference fit, whereby the ball and socket of each joint engage one another over an area of contact when the cable is tightened, thereby providing a strong, rigid support for the tissue stabilizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thoracoscopic surgery uses a hinged, ring-handled forceps having a length of approximately 12-13 inches inserted through a small incision without a cannula. Portions of the forceps extending from the hinge are straight and substantially parallel to each other when the jaws are closed. The forceps is then inserted into the patient's thoracic cavity through the incision until the hinge axis is approximately at the location of the incision. The jaws are then spread apart without significantly expanding the incision. Straight, side-curved, C-shaped and S-shaped instruments are described. Ratchet teeth disposed at a pitch of less than 0.1 inch are used to achieve small steps in jaw positioning.

Abstract: An improved dissecting forceps comprises an elongated shaft which fits closely within the lumen of a trocar. A smaller rod extends beyond the distal end of the shaft. A pair of jaws at the distal end of the rod are hinged so that they are movable relative to each other, and meet at a surface when closed. The jaws have bumps at their proximal ends which extend away from the surface at which the jaws meet when closed. A control mechanism located at the proximal end of the shaft causes at least one of the jaws to move relative to the other jaw. Elements of connective tissue are separated when the jaws are spread apart after having been inserted between the tissue. The bumps prevent the tissue from sliding along the jaws in the proximal direction as the jaws are spread apart.

Abstract: A laryngoscope, for use with a binocular operating microscope, has a tube with a flared distal end and a narrow intermediate portion allowing manipulation of the tube. The proximal end of the tube is flared horizontally to an extent such that the centerlines of both objective lenses of the microscope enter the proximal opening of the tube even when the microscope is moved to the left and right to view portions of the larynx spaced laterally from the central axis of the tube. When the microscope is moved laterally, the centerline of one of the lenses intersects the interior wall of the tube, which is dark. Therefore the annoying effect of seeing objects external to the laryngoscope tube with one eye is avoided.

Abstract: A vascular clamp for temporary occlusion in the infrarenal region of the abdominal aorta during performance of surgery associated with abdominal aneurysms. Pivoted handles are operatively connected to respective one ends of relatively slidable elongate members, and parallel jaws laterally extend from the other ends. Manipulating the handles in scissors-like motion causes the jaws to translate between open and close positions. A ratchet-and-tooth arrangement interengages the handles as the jaws close.