Abstract: Methods for preparing a glycopeptide are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of selecting a protected glycopeptide of the formula A1-A2-A3-A4-A5-A6-A7, wherein the groups A1 to A7 comprise the heptapeptide structure of naturally occurring vancomycin; at least A4 is linked to a glycosidic group which has a hexose residue linked to A4; and the protected glycopeptide has no free amino or carboxyl groups and has a free primary hydroxyl group only at the 6-position of said hexose residue. The protected glycopeptide is contacted with a compound of the formula ArSO2G where Ar is an aryl group and G is a leaving group under conditions effective to allow reaction of said free primary hydroxyl group to form a glycopeptide sulfonate ester; and the glycopeptide sulfonate ester is contacted with a nucleophile under conditions effective to allow displacement of a sulfonate group to produce a substituted glycopeptide.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment of the intravascular extracardiac system comprises a pump with inflow and outflow conduits that are sized and configured to be implantable intravascularly through a non-primary vessel, whereby it may positioned where desired within the patient's vasculature. The system comprises a subcardiac pump that may be driven directly or electromagnetically from within or without the patient. The pump is configured to be operated continuously or in a pulsatile fashion, synchronous with the patient's heart, thereby potentially reducing the afterload of the heart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the intermittent occlusion of a coronary sinus. The method includes occluding the coronary sinus with an occlusion device, continuously measuring the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus and defining measured pressure by use, releasing the occlusion of the coronary sinus as a function of at least one parameter derived from the measured pressure values, introducing a perfusate into the occluded coronary sinus or at least a vein running into the coronary sinus, and controlling an amount of perfusate introduced as a function of the at least one parameter derived from the measured pressure values. The at least one parameter may be a derivative of a fluid pressure curve according to time, and/or a plateau value of the pressure minima, and/or a pressure value of the pressure maxima, of consecutive heartbeats that is computationally estimated from the measured fluid values.

Abstract: An insemination device including a sperm reservoir including sperm therein, a pump in fluid communication with the sperm reservoir and operative to pump sperm therefrom, and a filter in fluid communication with the pump adapted to filter the sperm to form a sperm filtrate that has a higher fertility potential than the sperm before being filtered by the filter, wherein the filter includes a multi-layer membrane for sperm filtration, including at least one first layer with a shape and pore size for preliminary filtration of relatively large particles and at least one second layer with a shape and pore size for filtration of relatively smaller particles.

Abstract: An electric bending endoscope apparatus includes an electric bending endoscope, a bending control device for controlling a bending direction and the amount of bending of a bending portion based on a bending instructing signal outputted from a portion for instructing a bending operation in the electric bending endoscope, an image processing device for generating an observing image captured by the electric bending endoscope to a video signal, and a display device for displaying the video signal generated by the image processing device as an endoscope image, wherein the electric bending endoscope includes a bending driving portion for bending the bending portion arranged at an inserting portion, a bending motive portion for driving the bending driving portion, a portion for restoring transmission and disconnection of driving force that reversibly switches a status for transmitting the driving force by transmitting the driving force of the bending motive portion to the bending driving portion and a status for dis

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure on a selected part of a human body of a patient. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server at the site of the data collection device to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data to produce medical result information, including ultrasound images, which is then sent to a skilled technician, who accepts the results, rejects or edits them. Accepted medical results are transmitted back to the medical practitioner, while edited medical results are reprocessed, the results of which are transmitted to the medical practitioner.

Abstract: Ultrasonic signals obtained at a range of angles are fit to a material independent model to derive both axial and lateral strain and thus parameters dependent on lateral strain including Poisson's ratio and shear strain.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes an image sensor that receives imaging signals from a region of interest, a memory coupled to the image sensor, and a processor coupled to the memory. The memory stores image data derived from the imaging signals for first and second sub-regions of the region of interest acquired during a first and second occurrence of a physiologic cycle. The processor initiates display of the first image data while the second image data is being acquired and initiates display of the first image data joined with the second image data after the second image data is acquired.

Abstract: The present invention is for an ultrasonic Doppler blood flow measurement device with which high-speed computation is possible, even when a memory having the characteristic of different read/write speeds in the row direction and the column direction is used for the buffer memory when computing blood flow information, without being affected by the slower read/write speed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for using gaze detection to improve information display in a healthcare environment. Certain embodiments of a system include an eyewear headset for detecting a location of a user's gaze and a display for displaying information. Information on the display, such as images and/or data, is customized for the user based on the user's gaze. In an embodiment, the eyewear headset viewer projects information into the user's oculars for an individual information display. The system may also include a conflict resolution module for determining priority and control of the display among a plurality of users. In an embodiment, a function at the display may be triggered using a voice command, a gesture, and/or a gaze, for example.

Abstract: A biopsy/access tool, comprising an integrated biopsy device and access cannula. The biopsy device is internally guided to a remote anatomical site, and the access cannula is adapted to be guided to the same remote anatomical body site by the biopsy device.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A cartridge houses the penetrating member. The cartridge has first and second seals coupled to the penetrating member to maintain a sterile environment around a portion of the penetration member prior to penetrating member actuation. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting.

Abstract: In order to avoid the use of a marking element on the pelvic bone in a method for determining the mechanical axis of a femur, with which the femur is moved about the hip joint, the movement of the femur is followed via a navigation system by means of a marking element on the femur, position data of the femur obtained therefrom are stored and the position of the mechanical axis of the femur is calculated relative to the same from the various position data of the femur in various positions, it is suggested that the femur be pivoted from an initial position only through a maximum pivoting angle of 15° in various directions and that the mechanical axis of the femur be calculated from the position data of the surface area thereby covered by the marking element and from the position data of the knee joint otherwise determined. In addition, a device for carrying out this method is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to balloon catheter having a compression member securing one or more balloon skirts to the catheter shaft. The compression member may be a band or coil that sealing secures the balloon skirt to a catheter shaft. Metallic compression members may be swaged to compress the skirt against the shaft, and thus provide a uniform seal between the balloon skirt and the catheter shaft. The compression members are especially useful when the balloon is formed of a fluoropolymer, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) or polyterafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: A syringe assembly having passive disabling structure includes a barrel and a plunger rod assembly. The plunger rod assembly includes a plunger rod and a stopper connected by an indexing locking element. The number of strokes of the syringe plunger before the stopper is locked into the barrel rendering the syringe assembly unusable is determined by the number of detents on the plunger rod and stopper which engage the locking mechanism. Upon completion of the final delivery stroke, any attempt to withdraw the plunger rod from the barrel will cause the locking element to engage the barrel and trap the stopper in the barrel preventing further use of the syringe.

Abstract: A syringe assembly having passive disabling structure includes a barrel and a plunger rod assembly. The plunger rod assembly includes a plunger rod and a stopper connected by an indexing locking element. The number of strokes of the syringe plunger before the stopper is locked into the barrel rendering the syringe assembly unusable is determined by the number of detents on the plunger rod and stopper which engage the locking mechanism. Upon completion of the final delivery stroke, any attempt to withdraw the plunger rod from the barrel will cause the locking element to engage the barrel and trap the stopper in the barrel preventing further use of the syringe.

Abstract: The invention provide a cylindrical pushrod for the syringe needle-retracting safety injector, comprising an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a push pole, an underpinned piece and a seal gasket; the push pole is set at the front end of chamber of outer cylinder, its front end appears as a tubular shape or projects partially in the longitudinal direction, the back end of push pole is supported on the underpinned piece; the underpinned piece is set at the front end of the chamber of outer cylinder and supports the push pole; the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder supports the underpinned piece; a clamping structure is set at the tail of this cylindrical pushrod. With the safety injector with the cylindrical pushrod according to the invention, the medical personnel can control the time of the needle retraction as desired, and is not necessary to change their habitual injection practice, and thereby the safety injector is easy to operate.

Abstract: Applicator for inserting an object such as a tampon into a natural orifice of the human body, comprising the said object inserted in a tubular outer and a plunger intended to expel the said object such as a tampon from the tubular outer. The applicator comprises a flexible sleeve fixed concentrically to the outer, folded initially between the distal end of this outer and the object such as a tampon, the length of the deployed sleeve corresponding substantially to that of the object. The flexible sleeve deploys around the object such as a tampon when the latter leaves the outer under the effect of the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid injector 100 wherein syringe 210 sucks a liquid from liquid tank 200 in a suck state in which connection switch mechanism 105 connects syringe tube 103 to tank tube 102, and syringe 210 injects the liquid into a patient in an injection state in which connection switch mechanism 105 connects syringe tube 103 to patient tube 101. Since connection switch mechanism 105 blocks patient tube 101 in the suck state, the liquid does not flow back into syringe 210 from the patient. Since tank tube 102 is blocked in the injection state, the liquid does not flow back into liquid tank 200 from syringe 210. Therefore, it is possible to provide liquid injector 100 capable of preventing a backflow of the liquid from the patient to syringe 210 or liquid tank 200 in the structure in which syringe 210 sucks and injects the liquid from liquid tank 200 into the patient.

Abstract: An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).

Abstract: A percutaneous access device is provided including a sleeve having an inner lumen extending therethrough that is adapted to slidably receive a catheter, and at least one flange disposed around the sleeve and adapted to be positioned adjacent a tissue surface. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a first flange disposed around the sleeve and adapted to be positioned adjacent a first tissue surface, and a second flange disposed around the sleeve and spaced apart from the first flange such that the second flange is adapted to be disposed adjacent a second tissue surface opposed to the first tissue surface. In use, the flanges 16, 18 are positioned on opposed sides of tissue so that the device 10 is effective to prevent tissue surrounding the percutaneous access device from coming into contact with the catheter as it is introduced through the sleeve 12.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe has a hollow body adapted to hold a liquid, an inner cap fitted over an end of the body, and an axially extending needle seated in the inner cap and having an outer point projecting axially outward from the inner cap and an inner point projecting axially inward from the inner cap toward the body. An outer cap fittable over the inner cap and needle is connected to a clamp ring engageable around the inner cap by a frangible web. Interengaging formations on the ring and on the inner cap releasably retain the outer cap in an outer position spaced axially outward of the body and in which an interior of the outer cap is open to the exterior and an inner position spaced axially closely to the body and in which the interior of the outer cap is not open to the exterior.

Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end including a distal wall with an elongate tip extending distally therefrom having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger having an elongate body portion and a stopper slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel is provided. Anti-reflux structure for controlling stopper deflection when fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is in contact with the distal wall is provided.

Abstract: An injection needle (1) particularly adapted for sclerotherapy is disclosed, comprising a cannula (2) with mainly longitudinal development defining a main axis (X), a duct (4) for passage of a sclerosing substance (L) to be injected into a vein (V) being defined inside said cannula. The duct (4) has at the lower end (2a) an inlet (5) for the sclerosing substance (L) and an outlet (6) for the sclerosing substance (L) at the upper end (2b). At lest a constriction (7) is provided inside the duct (4), one or more through holes (8, 9) made in the wall of the cannula (2) being provided upstream the constriction according to the direction of advancement of the sclerosing substance (L) along the duct (4).

Abstract: An ophthalmic dispenser has a rigid housing defining a fluid-receiving chamber, a flexible bladder receivable within the fluid-receiving chamber, a pump coupled in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber, and a nozzle having a valve defining an annular, axially-extending valve seat, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between the valve seat and the pump, and a flexible valve cover extending about the valve seat and forming an annular, axially-extending interface therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided such that the disposable diaper has at least one predetermined illustration displayed thereon and is folded into a predetermined shape. The illustration is provided in such a manner that at least a portion of the illustration is hidden when the disposable diaper is folded into the predetermined shape, and the hidden portion of the illustration is exposed as the disposable diaper is unfolded from the folded state.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on undergarment includes each of front and rear waist-encircling regions having a first elasticized zone and a second elasticized zone extending in a waist-encircling direction. Tensile stress of the first elasticized zone is greater than that of the second elasticized zone. The undergarment thus constituted can reduce an incidence of intense pressure locally exerted on a waist of a wearer of the undergarment and avoid an occasion whereby an excrement-absorbing function of a core is hindered.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: A catheter is fabricated by joining a first catheter body segment, the first segment including a braided or coiled filament reinforcing layer contained within an outer layer, to a second catheter body segment by thermal fusion in a zone including an interface between the first segment and the second segment and at a temperature causing ends of the filament reinforcing layer in the zone to extend outward within the outer layer. Following thermal fusion, the extending ends of the filament reinforcing layer are removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel construction for a catheter that includes backflow prevention in the form of a check valve, which keeps the flow of drained fluid material from reentering the patient. The catheter construction of the present invention provides a standard single or multiple lumen tube assembly that extends rearwardly from the insertion end of the catheter to the contact end wherein on the discharge lumen a one way check valve is provided. It is an important feature of the present invention that the check valve is provided as close to the terminal end of the contact end as possible without interfering with the necessary accessory attachment that is typically made thereto. Further, an interlock mechanism may be provided at the terminal end of the catheter for connecting accessories in a positive locking manner. The combination of the valve and the interlock mechanism provides a notable safety and performance improvement that has been previously unknown in the prior art.

Abstract: A sound attenuating system is provided for pneumatically powered surgical instruments. In one aspect, the exhaust hose is formed of at least two dissimilar materials to impede the transmission of vibrations or audible noise. In an alternative form, the exhaust hose has proximal and distal portions of dissimilar internal diameters.

Abstract: A methodology and system for lysis or induction of apoptosis in cellulite and fat including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain cellulite and fat, thereby to selectively lyse or induce apoptosis in the cellulite and fat in the target volumes and generally not lyse or not induce apoptosis in non-cellulite and non-fat tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode. A frequency modulating means automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the light emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulating means modulates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching means allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulating means and power output modulating means in a different predetermined manner. Calibration means connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibration means vibrates the large pulsator. A vibration switching means selectively activates the vibration means.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment. The apparatus includes multiple sources of optical energy or several blades that are scanned along a region of skin to form micro-line patterns of damaged tissue. The micro-lines are small in at least one dimension, having a width of less than about 1 mm, and the wounded regions promote beneficial results by stimulation of wound healing and tissue remodeling.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include directing radiation to a target location of a patient through a photonic crystal fiber, the photonic crystal fiber having a hollow core and flowing a fluid through the hollow core to the target location of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed on an electrode support. The instrument is adapted for coupling to a high frequency power supply or electrosurgical generator. Each active electrode is adapted for removing tissue from a target site and/or for localized coagulation of the target tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument is adapted for laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A handle for use with a catheter, the handle including a housing, a cable, and a guide. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end of the housing. The cable is disposed in the housing and extends through the proximal end of the housing. A portion of the cable that is disposed in the housing is movable, under compression, in a first direction that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The guide is disposed in the housing and is adapted to prevent the portion of the cable from moving in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction when the portion of the cable is moved in the first direction. The handle is suitable for use with an electrophysiology catheter having an elongated shaft.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward an ablation catheter and sheath incorporating wire rail system. The catheter may have a combination of rigid and flexible components to orient an ablation electrode at the distal tip toward the target tissue. The wire rail acts to guide an ablation tip along the tissue to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions on a trabecular surface, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve.

Abstract: An intravascular device for the formation of linear lesions which has particular utility in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. The intravascular device has an outer delivery member with a distal section which has an elongated opening and a support element coextending with the opening. An EP device having a plurality of electrodes on its distal section is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the delivery member but it is secured by its distal end within the distal extremity of the delivery member at least while in operation. In this manner an axial force in the proximal direction on the proximal extremity of the EP device, which extends out of the patient during the procedure, will cause the distal shaft section of the EP device to arch outwardly out of and away from the distal section of the delivery shaft along an inner side of the curved distal section and engage the surface of the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: A bone plating system is provided that permits maintenance of a compression force while also accommodating bony subsidence, among other features. Methods of implantation are also provided that improve alignment and placement during implantation and avoid maneuvers that weaken the vertebral bodies. A modular distraction screw is placed during the initial stages of surgery when all relevant landmarks are still intact. After completion of the surgical bone work, a proximal end of the distraction screw is detached, leaving a protruding distal segment implanted in the centerline of the vertebral bodies above and below the newly fused disc space. A bone plate is guided into proper position relative to the upper and lower vertebra by attaching the bone plate to the protruding distal segments. The distal segments of the distraction screws are tightened onto the plate and the plate is held stationary while bone screws are placed.

Abstract: A fixture having an anchoring portion and an application portion intended for connection to a prosthesis. The application portion has an outer end and an end connected to the anchoring portion. The application portion includes a flared part whose outer dimensions widen from the end of that part connected to the anchoring portion in a direction toward the outer end of the application portion. This flared part is elastically resilient transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fixture.

Abstract: A drill head for preparing the bone of two opposing vertebral bodies to accept the concaval-convex shape of an endoprosthesis includes a form cutter having at least one predetermined milling surface, drive means, and a housing. The form cutter has a profile allowing the drill head to fit in the narrow space between two opposing vertebral bodies in the cervical spine of a patient. The drill head is used in a method for preparing the disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a human spine to receive an endoprosthesis therebetween, the method being performed by contacting at least one vertebral body with a movable form cutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a laser therapy device for animals and methods of manufacturing and using the same. In one embodiment, the animal therapy device is comprised of (i) a hairbrush body housing a plurality of wide-pattern laser LEDs configured to cooperate to project a precision laser light pattern at a focal plane proximate an area to be irradiated; and (ii) bristles extending from the hairbrush body and terminating substantially at the focal plane. Laser light is used to treat different portions of the animal body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring instrument, preferably for use in connection with press fit hip prosthesis surgery, whereby it is possible to measure/register size (diameter) and modulus of elasticity of acetabulum and femur for inserting an uncemented socket or uncemented femur component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device (such as guidewire inserter) for easily and certainly inserting a medical long item having a curved tip into a tube such as catheter and sheath. The guidewire inserter is a tubular member having therein a bore for passage of a guidewire. The tubular member has a slit cutting across the wall thereof over the total length thereof. The tubular member has at the proximal end thereof an aperture, which results from the slit expanding toward the proximal end. The tubular member has at the proximal end of the aperture an open part and a connecting part adjacent thereto for the holder tube. There are a pair of wing-like protruded pieces projecting in the mutually opposite directions at both sides of the open part. The distal end of the tubular member has on its outer surface a pair of protruded rims, which project in the mutually opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a slider mechanism, a surgical instrument coupled to the slider mechanism, and a single cable bundle that couples the slider mechanism and instrument to a driver. The single cable bundle includes a first cable that operates the slider mechanism and thus the instrument with one degree-of-freedom of movement, and a second cable that operates the instrument itself with another degree-of-freedom of movement. The cable bundle is attached to the slider mechanism at a location that is stationary.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: Tool arrays for biomedical surgery where the tools consist of layered polymer micromuscles arranged to induce geometrical changes and movements via an electrochemically induced change of volume in at least one polymer layer. The tool or tool arrays are mounted on a carrier having the form of a needle being inserted into a cannula/catheter through which the tools can be electrically actuated via external means to induce a mechanical movement to act upon biological structures.

Abstract: A pull-locking rotational action needle driver that comprises an ergonomically designed handle and an integrated locking system that permits left and right handed surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted.