Abstract: A support for a limb of a body having a sheet of flexible material with longitudinal loops running along the sides of such sheet. The longitudinal loops can readily, but releasably and securely, be attached, with rods, to the sides of a base for the support. Optionally, the sides of the base will be higher at one end of the support than at the other end in order to improve comfort for a user. Also, optionally the distance of the tops of the sides from the bottom of the base is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method for placing the patient's wrist in traction to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The preferred apparatus utilizes a harness to connect the patient's hand to a traction device and a stabilizing attachment to restrain the patient's arm in an anatomically neutral position while isolating the patient's soldier and elbow from the traction device.

Abstract: An energy transmitting catheter comprises a catheter body (16) having a vibrating assembly at its distal end. The vibrating assembly comprises a magnetostriction driver (40) which is mechanically coupled to an interface member (46) on the catheter for radiating energy into an environment surrounding the distal end of the catheter. Usually, the vibrating assembly further includes a tail mass (44), an interface member (46), and a spring element (48) which together and in combination with the magnetostriction driver define a resonant assembly for amplification of the displacement of the interface surface provided by the magnetostriction driver. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter before, after, or simultaneously with the application of vibratory energy.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a vascular access during a dialysis treatment in which the pressures in both the arterial and venous branches of the extracorporeal blood system are monitored by pressure sensors. Characteristic values for the condition of the vascular access are calculated in a computer unit from the pressures in the arterial and venous branches of the extracorporeal system, and these values are analyzed in an analyzer unit to detect a defective vascular access.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device connecting a medicinal vessel and an intravenous (IV) bag for enabling the mixing in closed system of the two products contained therein by means of a syringe, comprising a three-way plug valve assembly (3) with a first port ending in a connector (5) for a syringe, and a second and a third port (8, 7), each one provided into a respective spike (1, 2) connected to a housing (16, 17) for a container of medicinal product. Within the first one of the said two spikes (1) a further independent channel (13) is provided for the inlet and the outlet of air, communicating with the external environment through a hydrophobic filter (14). The second one of said two spikes (2) is capable of piercing the rubber closure of the injection point of a bag of medicinal product, and the corresponding housing (17) consists of two flexible arms (18, 19) fastenable to each other at the respective ends, so as to be tightened around the tube of the said injection point.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a balloon which incorporates a reverse-cone design for improved stent delivery. The reverse-cone design provides an inflatable area which extends longitudinally over the balloon waist. When folded or deflated, the portions of the balloon extending over the waist in conjunction with the waists provide a bulky mass onto which a stent may be securely crimped without the use of additional structure under the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a balloon on a distal portion of a balloon angioplasty catheter. The section of the balloon onto which a stent can be mounted has a central segment that is substantially cylindrical in shape that is centered between two segments each having the shape of a sector of a prolate spheroid. This shape for a balloon for a stent delivery catheter provides a more cylindrical shape for the stent after it is implanted in an artery that has a typical distribution of plaque in an arterial stenosis, which distribution of plaque is greatest for some limited length at a central region of the stenosis and then decreases somewhat uniformly as one approaches the edges of the stenosis. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes two segments that are frustums of a cone instead of sectors of a prolate spheroid, which conical segments surround the central cylindrical segment. Also disclosed is a balloon whose compliance decreases continuously as a function of the distance away from either end of the central segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements on automatic injection devices, in particular for self-administered drug therapies, providing for a high degree of internal stability of the syringe and, therefore, of the associated needle, thanks to a series of elastic wasp-waisted elements and a mobile tip made of a transparent material in the preferred embodiment, which besides enabling the regulation of the length of projection of the needle during the injection also allows the user to see the exact spot where the needle will enter the flesh.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.

Abstract: A multi-use medication dispensing pen made of a plastic material that is recyclable after the contents of the medication cartridge have been exhausted. The pen is made of a minimal number of parts, which include a housing, a dial mechanism, a generally cylindrical button assembly located within the proximal end of the dial mechanism, an internally threaded nut, and an externally threaded leadscrew. The pen is arranged so that the dial mechanism must be rotated to the zero-dose position prior to setting a dose. The pen includes a lockout mechanism that prevents the dial mechanism from being inadvertently depressed during dosing. The pen further includes a mechanism that limits the maximum dosage that can be dialed up and a mechanism that prevents the user from dialing up a dosage greater than that remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter assembly and method for use with a needle is comprised of the following. A catheter hub has an axial bore extending through the catheter hub. A needle cover has a first end of the needle cover insertable in the axial bore and a second axial bore extending through the needle cover and co-axial with the axial bore. A continuous circumferential notch extends outwardly in the axial bore of the catheter hub. A notch clip is joined with the needle cover and is positionable to engage the notch of the catheter hub. The notch clip can engage a side of the needle and the notch and locks the catheter hub in engagement with the needle cover when the needle cover is inserted in the axial bore and the needle is inserted in the second axial bore at least adjacent or past a distal portion of the notch clip. Further, the notch clip is maintained adjacent the needle in a range of positions from being in non-forceful contact with the needle to being spaced from the needle.

Abstract: A needle device for the delivery of medicaments, insuflation or other medical devices, having a reciprocable needle sensitive to lack of resistance, whereupon such needle retracts, permitting a cannula therewith to provide access to the penetrated body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for crossing totally to substantially occluded blood vessels by passing a redirectable wire such as a guidewire from a relatively proximal point past the occlusion within a subintimal space formed between the intimal layer and the adventitial layer of a blood vessel wall. The wire may be advanced to a point distal to the occlusion, and thereafter deflected back into the blood vessel lumen, typically using a deflecting catheter which is advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned within the subintimal space. The deflecting catheter may include a flapper valve assembly or preformed actuator wire for redirecting the guidewire. After the guidewire is returned to the blood vessel lumen, the deflecting catheter may be withdrawn, and the guidewire may be available for introduction of other interventional and diagnostic catheters for performing procedures such as stenting.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-retaining needle assembly comprising a hollow outer needle, an outer needle hub that is provided at the basal end of said otter needle and which has a bore communicating with the interior of said outer needle, an inner needle to be passed through said outer needle, an inner needle hub provided at the basal end of said inner needle, and a valve element provided in the bore of said outer needle hub to plug said bore, characterized in that said valve element is a reversible valve element made of an elastic material that has a hole through which said inner needle can be passed. The assembly prevents the liquid leakage due to time-dependent deterioration and facilitates the injection of the blood and other fluids. The invention also provides a reversible element made of an elastic material that has a hole through which a tubular or rod member can be passed. The valve element also prevents the liquid leakage due to time-dependent deterioration.

Abstract: A preparation delivery device comprising a) a container for the preparation having or being prepared for the arrangement of an opening, b) a mechanism operable to deliver at least part of the preparation in the container through the opening, c) attachment means for connection of the container to the mechanism and d) a sensor system arranged to detect at least one predetermined property of the container or its content. The device comprises a radiation transmitter arranged to irradiate the container position or a part thereof, a radiation receiver arranged to receive at least an area part of the radiation from the transmitter after the radiation having been affected by the container position and the receiver being designed to give an output response representative for the total radiation received from said area part.

Abstract: A retracting needle syringe includes a barrel having a chamber, an open proximal end and an open distal end including a passageway therethrough having a proximal end and a distal end. A plunger is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with an inside surface of the barrel. The plunger has an elongated cavity in its distal end and a cover element sealing the cavity. A needle assembly at the distal end of the barrel includes a needle cannula and a hub having an open proximal end and a distal end connected to the needle cannula so that the lumen of the needle cannula is in fluid communication with the chamber. A flange portion of the inner hub is positioned in the proximal end of the passageway so that the needle cannula projects distally outwardly from a distal end of the passageway. A spring is contained between the hub and the distal end of the passageway. A circular release element is movably connected to a proximal end of the hub.

Abstract: A medication delivery pen having a repeat-dose feature that limits motion of the dose control mechanism using an adjustable repeat-dose stop on the dose knob. In addition, the medication delivery pen also provides the user a simple mechanism for setting and correcting the dose and a drive mechanism that makes the dispensing operation as easy as possible requiring as little force as necessary.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid products having a dispensing member (1), such as a pump, mounted on a container (2), and an actuating member (3), such as a thruster, for dispensing the product. The device has two reservoirs of products (10, 20) arranged such that they are successively emptied, the product contained in the second reservoir (20) being dispensed only when the first reservoir (10) is empty, characterized in that the first reservoir (10) is fixed to the body of the dispensing member (1) or to a support piece (9) of the body, and extends to the bottom of the container at least partially inside the second reservoir (20).

Abstract: A single use retractable medical device dispenses fluids from a separable carpule. A retraction mechanism having a spring loaded needle holder with a double ended needle is mounted in the front of a housing by means of a push ring (separable member) slidingly mounted on a widened portion of the needle holder. An outer edge of the push ring grips or is restrained by the inner wall surface of the housing to hold the needle holder in place. A carpule positioned through an opening in back of the housing is operated by a plunger which drives a separable two-part piston to unload medicine from the carpule through the needle. At the end of an injection, the plunger is depressed further. The carpule moves forward to remove the push ring thereby freeing the needle holder for retraction into the carpule through the front opening of the carpule. As the needle is retracted into the housing from one end, the edge of the thumb cap of the plunger disappears into an opening at the opposite end of the housing.

Abstract: A needle has a blunted tip and a recessed orifice to avoid unintentional needle sticks and user contact with inoculum contained in the needle. A diaphragm is designed for use with the relatively blunt tip needle so that the needle easily penetrates the diaphragm at a force substantially lower than the force required to puncture skin, preferably at most 50% of the force required to puncture skin.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve including a collapsible membrane in a portion of a through-lumen. Fluid pressure in a chamber surrounding the collapsible membrane assists in sealing the collapsible membrane around an operating device inserted through the hemostasis valve. Different mechanisms for mechanically deforming the collapsible membrane to assist in sealing are disclosed. Also, a system for continuously flushing a vascular catheter connected to a hemostasis valve at a rate of 0.10 to 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute, and a hemostasis valve assembly including an expandable reservoir which stores liquid volume under pressure.

Abstract: An improved structure of infusion catheter needle, comprised of a infusion soft needle, a steel needle protection, a steel needle and a steel needle chute; within, the chute is a long narrow casing provided with a catch above and an opening below, a catch is provided each on the external side close to where above the opening; a barrel to connect air exchange and blood back-flow mechanism is provided at a steel needle base in the chute; a square eyelet is each provided at both sides to the base to penetrate into the catch part of the chute for the base to move within the chute and engage the catch; a rubber plug provided at the tip of a one end in cone shape of the needle protection is inserted into the needle tube to secure the steel needle therein while the other end of the needle protection is provided with a joint to be inserted into the catch part, and a square eyelet corresponding to that from the base is each provided on both sides of the joint; so that after use, the steel needle is secured by the catc

Abstract: A flow-directed catheter comprises a catheter body having a relatively rigid proximal body segment and a relatively flexible, supple distal body segment. The distal body segment may have a reduced diameter relative to the proximal body segment, at least at its distal tip. Radiopaque markers are provided at the transition between the two body segments and at the tip of the catheter. The radiopaque markers are preferably recessed entirely within the catheter body. Optionally, the distal body segment may have surface irregularities which enhance the ability of the distal body segment to follow blood flow. A flow-directed catheter system comprises the catheter in combination with a coaxial sheath to selectively strengthen at least the proximal of the distal body segment. The catheter may be used for a variety of diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: A device that comprises a tubular-shaped body that is insertable into a body passageway or cavity, in particular the urethra, and that has an exterior surface having one or more anchors located thereon that aid in movement of the device with a minimum of trauma during placement and that aid in securing the device within the passageway or cavity during use. The device may be inserted into either the urethra, bladder neck, or bladder. The anchors can vary in height, length, number, compressiveness, axial placement, material characteristics, and helix angle. According to a further aspect, the one or more anchors are in the form of partial spiral helixes that function to move and secure the device within the human urethra. The partial spiral helixes have structures that allow for the longitudinal movement of the device during positioning procedures.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments. It relates specifically to catheters which may be used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents to a target site within a human or animal body which is accessible by a system of natural passageways within that body. The catheters are coated in such a way that they are exceptionally slippery and the coating is very durable. The invention also relates to methods of coating the catheters and to methods of applying lubricious coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, cost-effective stretchable, superabsorbent material-containing absorbent structure that provides the superabsorbent material particles therein with improved liquid holding capacity. The stretchable absorbent structure can be used in absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. The stretchable absorbent structure comprises a stretchable absorbent liquid impervious barrier layer and a nonwoven component that is bonded to the barrier layer when the barrier layer is stretched at least partially toward its stretched condition, and superabsorbent, hydrogel-forming material deposited on or distributed within the nonwoven component.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter has a catheter body with an expandable member, such as a balloon, mounted to the exterior surface thereof. Preferably, means for preventing sticking of the expandable balloon to the exterior surface of the catheter body are provided. In one aspect, the catheter has an expandable member, preferably a balloon, positioned substantially equidistant from the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body. The retention catheter is positioned externally of the heart and partially surrounds the heart so that the balloon is positioned immediately adjacent the coronary sinus and when inflated, the balloon bears against the coronary sinus and at least one of the inferior vena cava and diaphragm thereby preventing inadvertent movement or removal of the RCSP catheter from the coronary sinus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube coupling device for connecting a tubular rigid stem to a flexible catheter tube which is adapted to be arranged around said tubular rigid stem, the flexible catheter tube having a proximal free end, the tube coupling device having a main axis, a wall, at least an inner lumen extending along said main axis, through the wall, and two opposite radially non-deformable distal and proximal free ends, said inner lumen axially widening out towards the proximal free end of the tube coupling device, so that the proximal free end of the flexible catheter tube radially expands in the widening when arranged around the tubular rigid stem, said widening being delimited, along the main axis, at a first end, by the proximal free end of the tube coupling device, and, at a second opposite end by an internal annular flange extending from the wall of the tube coupling device, at a location along the main axis which is intermediate between the proximal and the distal free ends of the tube coupling d

Abstract: In preferred aspects, the present invention comprises a self-priming needle-free “Y”-adapter for use with intravenous delivery systems. The “Y”-adapter comprises a “Y”-shaped housing having an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, and an injection access passageway. Each of the three passageways has an interior end and an exterior end. An inlet port is located at the exterior end of the inlet passageway. An outlet port is located at the exterior end of the outlet passageway. An injection access port is located at the exterior end of the injection access passageway. A needle-free access device is also located in the injection access passageway adjacent to the injection access port. The interior ends of the passageways are in fluid communication and intersect with each other. In addition, the injection access passageway comprises a non-circular cross-section near its interior end.

Abstract: The shape memory segmented detachable coil assembly includes a plurality of hollow, tubular coil segments, and a plurality of connector members, with adjacent coil segments connected together by the connector members. The connector members are currently preferably hollow, tubular connector members that are advantageously detachable from selected portions of the coil segments by application of energy to one or more selected connector members. A heat activation member is used for heating one or more selected connector members to disconnect selected portions of the coil assembly. The heat activation member typically can be advanced axially through or over the coil assembly, and currently preferably comprises a fiber optic, although the heat activation member can also comprise a heat pipe, or a device for generating heat by RF energy or electrical resistance.

Abstract: A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. The live cornea is first separated into first and second opposed internal surfaces. Next, a laser beam or a mechanical cutting device can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired. The laser beam or mechanical cutting device can be then used to incrementally and sequentially ablate or remove a three-dimensional portion of the cornea for making the cornea less curved. An ocular material is then introduced to the cornea to modify the curvature. The ocular material can be either a gel or a solid lens or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a pocket is formed in the central portion of the cornea to receive an ocular material. In another embodiment, a plurality of internal tunnels are formed in the cornea to receive the ocular material. The ocular material can be either a fluid such as a gel or a solid member.

Abstract: Radiation is delivered to a wound in a series of sufficiently short pulses, with adequate cooling between individual pulses, to produce cumulative thermal denaturation and welding of the skin edges at the immediate area of the wound site, while avoiding unnecessary thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for medical treatment and in particular to an apparatus for medical treatment which is miniaturized to such a size that it can be used together with an endoscope and is capable of incising living tissue with less bleeding. The apparatus for medical treatment is characterized in that said apparatus includes: an outer probe which is in a form of hook; an inner probe which faces said outer probe and is capable of being in and out of contact with said inner probe in a longitudinal direction by the operator's actuation; and heating means for heating a target tissue to be treated which is disposed between said outer and inner probes.

Abstract: A steerable ablation catheter system suitable for radiofrequency ablation of intracardiac tissue comprises two parts: a disposable catheter shaft with a deflectable tip at the distal end of the shaft; and a handle with steering mechanisms, wherein the two parts are engaged and disengaged through a pair of the quick coupling and locking connecting units.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating tissue has an elongate member, at least two electrodes housed within an axial lumen of the elongate member, and an electrode actuator for advancing the electrodes beyond a distal end of the elongate member and into tissue to a site targeted for ablation. The electrode actuator rapidly advances the electrodes beyond the distal end of the elongate member so that the electrodes assume a uniform outwardly everted configuration.

Abstract: A device for fixing bone sections relative to each other, comprises a support bar for lateral application along the bone sections to be fixed. The support bar includes at least two sliding pieces slidable and fixable on the support bar and each being provided with a spherical part. A bone pin locking block is provided with a cup-shaped portion which is fittingly received on the spherical portion of the sliding piece, in such a way that the bone pin locking block, after having been pivoted into the desired position, can be fixed onto the sliding piece. Each of the two opposite sides of a bone pin locking block is provided with a protruding portion for fastening pivotably adjustable clamping beds cooperating with clamping plates fixable thereon and thus clamping the bone pins in their positions.

Abstract: A wrist fusion apparatus and method for attachment to and positioning at least one carpus area bone relative to a radius bone without an attachment to a metacarpal bone. The wrist fusion apparatus includes an elongated plate with a bottom and top side and with a proximal portion for positioning an attachment to a radius bone and a distal portion for positioning over and attachment to at least one carpus area of bone without extending over or attaching to a metacarpal bone. The proximal portion has a linear longitudinal axis and the distal portion is disposed along a curved longitudinal line extending from the linear longitudinal axis of the approximal portion. The plate includes fastener holes defined therethrough for receiving bone fasteners.

Abstract: A femoral intramedullary rod system capable of treating a variety of femoral bone fractures using a uniform intramedullary rod design. The system generally comprising an intramedullary rod defining an opening having an upper surface and a transverse member including a bone engaging portion and a connection portion defining a thru-hole with the nail sized to pass therethrough. A pin is selectively coupled to the transverse member to rigidly assemble the transverse member to the nail when the nail is passed through the thru-hole and the pin is received within the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to body tissue fixation systems, including body tissue fixation hardware comprising biocompatible, bioabsorbable (resorbable) thermoplastic plates, and methods of using those systems and hardware.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reamer for shaping a bone socket such as an acetabular cavity. The reamer comprises a cutting head for removing material from the socket during rotation of the cutting head. The cutting head comprises a number of relatively long main cutting edges, each of which extends in a direction from a base to a top of the reamer, and a number, higher than the number of main cutting edges, of relatively short peripheral cutting edges, which are located at the base and distributed at angulary spaced intervals about a rotational axis. The invention also provides a method for implanting a prosthesis component into a bone socket. During shaping of the bone socket, a top portion of the reamer is completely received in the bone socket to such an extent, that a cylindrical entrance portion is formed in the socket. The invention also provides a kit including a reamer and a prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and template for making a rod to be implanted into a human for affixing the patient's spine. The template and the method consist of a metal rod covered by a flexible sleeve and end plugs which are cemented into the sleeve ends to fluid tightly encase the rod and prevent particulates from getting into the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a glaucoma drain to the eye includes an outer hub including a longitudinal slot, a nosepiece retractably mounted within said outer hub, a handle having a gripping portion and an extending portion, the extending portion removably attached to the retractable nosepiece through the longitudinal slot in the outer hub, and a tool operably disposed within the retractable nosepiece within the outer hub. Tools provided with the apparatus include a stylette configured to prepare an eye for introduction of a glaucoma drain thereto and a plunger configured for introducing a glaucoma drain from the retractable nosepiece to the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a vessel in a patient. The apparatus includes a graft. The apparatus includes a mechanism for compressing the vessel to the graft and holding the vessel to the graft. A method of repairing a vessel of a patient. The method includes the steps of placing a first end of a graft in contact with a first side of the vessel. Then there is the step of placing a second side of the graft in contact with the second side of the vessel. Next there is the step of compressing the first side of the vessel against the first end. Then there is the step of compressing the second side of the vessel against the second end.

Abstract: A stent deployment catheter includes a catheter body extending to an elongated distal end portion adapted for supporting and deploying a stent having a cylindrically shaped sidewall expandable in a vessel lumen to treat lesions. The distal end portion bearing the stent is guided within vessel lumen to a site therein to treat the lesions. Two guide wires are placed one in each of the bifurcations of a branched vessel. A guide wire lumen in the catheter is used to direct the elongated distal end portion along the guide wire to a vessel branch containing the lesions and a side branch guide wire lumen protectively isolates a length of a side branch guide wire from the stent when supported by the elongated distal end portion to establish a predetermined deployment site for a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the stent for treating lesions of the first branch.

Abstract: Two embodiments for a stent delivery catheter are disclosed. In the first embodiment, the stent delivery catheter comprises an outer sheath, a peel-away sheath, and an inner sheath. In the second embodiment, the stent delivery catheter comprises an outer sheath and an inner tubular member which distally ends in a tongue having an arcuate cross section.

Abstract: A spinal surgery system having a base, a cross member suspended from the base, and a pair of cannula guides suspended from the cross member, wherein the cannula guides are adapted to hold cannulae received therein such that the canulae remain co-planar with one another as the cannula guides are moved to various positions in the patient's intervertebral plane. By first suspending a pair of radiopaque markers in the cannual guides, and then viewing the image of the radiopaque markers, the cannulae guides can be aligned so that when the radiopaque markers have been removed and replaced with cannulae, the cannulae can be positioned along various paths which are disposed in the patient's intervertebral plane such that surgical tools can be advanced in preferred paths toward the patient's intervertebral space.

Abstract: A suture needle holder (or stapler), especially for a heart operation such as anastomosis, has a free-floating armature (10) with a tip (11) having a rough anti-skid surface. Friction force between the tip and the surface of the heart drives the armature and keeps the tip at the site where it rests relative to the moving heart surface. The friction force, plus the force of a weak spring (103) pushing the armature forward, overcome the weight and inertia of the armature so that it remains at the operation site. The armature is slidably coupled to a handle barrel (100) through a bearing guide (110) but a slot (115) and pin (15) prevent axial rotations; the arm is unrestrained in the angle it makes with the axis of the barrel, but the arm cannot rotate about the barrel axis. Jaws (13, 31) at the tip of the arm may be used to grip a suture needle and the needle can be manipulated by rolling the barrel 100 so that the tip 11 rolls over the surface of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knot tying apparatus having a notched thread cover and methods for using such a knot tying apparatus for placing knots. The present invention has particular utility in tying and placing knots during laparoscopic surgery. The thread cover includes at least one notch in the distal end which is sized so as to allow a thread such as a suture thread to pass therethrough while preventing a knot in the thread from passing therethrough. Using the notched thread cover which is attached to the distal end of a knot tying apparatus, it is possible to both pull and push on the knot when cinching the knot around the member being tied. Being able to simultaneously push and pull on the knot minimizes the forces exerted against the member being tied, thereby reducing the likelihood that fragile members such as blood vessels and the like are damaged during the tying procedure. The knot tying apparatus includes a knot carrier and a knot slider slidably connected thereto.

Abstract: A suturing device consists of a needle and a turning mechanism that drives the needle. A handle of the device drives the turning mechanism. The device receives suturing material needed for suturing tissue; and a surgeon may operate it by squeezing the handle. This action may move the needle from zero to 360 degrees.