Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: A method for operating a biopsy apparatus includes providing a cannula having a lumen, a proximal portion, a closed distal end, and an orifice located on a circumferential surface of the cannula, the orifice being configured to receive a tissue sample into the lumen of the cannula; providing a cutting sheath coaxially disposed with the cannula, the cutting sheath being configured to be movable relative to the cannula to selectively cover the orifice; providing a pressure chamber coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the pressure chamber configured to contain a pressure; providing a bifurcated valve assembly interposed between the cannula and the pressure chamber, the bifurcated valve assembly having a first valve and a second valve; operating the first valve to release the pressure into the lumen of the cannula; and operating the second valve to facilitate an inflow of air into the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An organism paracentesis device comprises a first tube member and a second tube member. The first tube member comprises an injection tube filled with a medicament, a piston and a first syringe needle. The second tube member comprises a sampling tube and a second syringe needle. Both ends of the second syringe needle are in the form of syringe needle. Using one end of the second syringe needle to penetrate a cover of the sampling tube which is vacuumed, such that the second syringe needle's the other end which is penetrating into an organism will extract a sample from the organism because of the vacuumed sampling tube. The medicament filled in the injection tube is ejected both when the first and second syringe needles are penetrating into and pulled out of the organism, so as to avoid the cells of sampled organism being spread to other places.

Abstract: A transluminal surgery kit and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the kit may include an endoscope, a surgical instrument, and an overtube. The surgical instrument may be an injection needle. The overtube, whose primary function is to provide a substantially sterile pathway for the surgical instrument, may include a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of longitudinal bores. A film may cover the distal end of the tubular member. One of the bores may be appropriately dimensioned to coaxially receive the distal end of the endoscope, with the proximal end of the endoscope preferably not being inserted into the bore but extending proximally therefrom. A fastener for securing the tubular member to a lumen wall within a patient, together with a tool for inserting the fastener through the lumen wall, may be disposed within another one of the bores.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the treatment of perforator veins for venous insufficiency are described. The systems can include a catheter assembly comprising a proximal hub, a spin lock on the proximal hub, a elongate body overmolded to the proximal hub, and a distal end, the catheter, the elongate body configured to be placed within a perforator vein; an extension tubing having a proximal female hub, a distal male hub, and an elongate body therebetween, the distal male hub having a spin lock thereon, the distal male hub configured to be attached to the proximal hub of the catheter assembly; a syringe filled with a volume of media including cyanoacrylate; and an injector configured to automatically dispense a bolus of the media sufficient to coapt the perforator vein from the syringe upon actuation of a control on the injector. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dilator system includes a series of sequential dilators. A first dilator has an elongated body having a major axis and a minor axis, the minor axis being substantially normal to the major axis. A second dilator has an elongated body having a major axis and a minor axis, the minor axis of the second dilator being substantially normal to the major axis of the second dilator. A bore of the second dilator is configured to matingly receive the first dilator in such a way that the major axis of the second dilator is aligned with the minor axis of the first dilator and the minor axis of the second dilator is aligned with the major axis of the first dilator.

Abstract: A system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture including a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes a pusher configured to be movable within the bore of the needle. The pusher is configured to (1) discharge the first anchor and the second anchor, and (2) push the self-locking slide knot after the discharge of the second anchor.

Abstract: A surgical anchor configured to engage soft tissue within a bone cavity defined by a bottom surface and a side surface includes a main body having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and opposing distal end; a tissue capture portion disposed proximate the distal end of the main body; a handle engagement portion disposed proximate the proximate end of the main body; and at least one anchoring member protruding from the exterior surface of the main body. The handle engagement portion is configured to operably engage an insertion handle. The tissue capture portion includes at least one tissue engaging member adapted to secure soft tissue between the anchor and the bottom surface of the bone cavity. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the main body is adapted to secure soft tissue between the anchor and the side surface of the bone cavity.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible fixation member, a suture, and a delivery device. The flexible fixation member includes a body with two terminal ends. A suture passes through the flexible fixation member at various points along a length of the body such that portions of the fixation member are slidable relative to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site. The delivery device includes a tubular member, an elongated inserter, and a trigger. The elongated inserter is slidably disposed within the tubular member. The inserter has a forked distal end configured to receive a portion of the flexible fixation member and the suture. The trigger is finger-engagable and fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the inserter. It is configured to advance and retract the inserter relative to the tubular member. The trigger includes a retention member for retaining a proximal end portion of the suture.

Abstract: Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the altering device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.

Abstract: A shipping member for selective attachment to a replaceable loading unit is provided. The shipping member includes an annular extension configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and configured to prevent movement of a knife assembly of the loading unit. The shipping member further includes first and second legs configured to prevent movement of a staple pusher assembly. The shipping member also includes a staple retaining surface configured to retain staples within a staple cartridge of the loading unit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for making an end-to-end anastomosis between two hollow organ sections includes two tools movable relative to each other and each including an HF electrode by which the hollow organ sections can be fusion-welded to each other. The two tools are substantially sleeve-shaped or can at least be brought into sleeve shape so that a first tool can enclose a first hollow organ section and a second tool can enclose a second hollow organ section. Each of the electrodes is formed on an end face of each sleeve-shaped tool around which the respective hollow organ section can be everted inside out, and the two tools are movable relative to each other so that the electrodes are aligned and can clamp the everted hollow organ sections therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods to prevent complications from atrial fibrillation by preventing or reducing the likelihood of blood flow out of the left atrial appendage, to eliminate a possible source of aberrant electrical circuits, or both. Accordingly, techniques are provided for delivering ligature loops or closure means to the left atrial appendage, and to other anatomical structures of a patient which may be desirable in other surgical procedures.

Abstract: A device includes a clip including first and second arms distal ends of which are biased apart and a core member including first and second portions connected to one another via a frangible link. The first portion includes a first protrusion for engaging a cut-out in the first arm. The frangible link is fractured when subjected to a load of at least a predetermined level deploying the clip. The device also includes a capsule slidably housing the core member and a proximal portion of the clip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a surgical clip to a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for isolating an atrial appendage of a patient includes a surgical clip that locks onto the atrial appendage of the patient, and a surgical clip applicator that releasably engages the surgical clip. The surgical clip can include a top portion and a bottom portion. The surgical clip applicator can include a first flexible flap and a second flexible flap. The first and second flexible flaps can be sufficiently rigid to prevent the surgical clip from falling off of the surgical clip applicator when the surgical clip is engaged to the surgical applicator and the surgical clip applicator is in a relaxed state, and sufficiently flexible to facilitate separation of the surgical clip from the surgical clip applicator when the surgical clip is locked onto the atrial appendage.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue includes a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of a body, the jaw assembly including first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position; a yoke slidably supported at least partially in a handle portion and being connected to at least one trigger; a drive link slidably supported at least partially in the handle portion and the body, the drive link having a proximal end connected to the yoke; a spindle supported in the body and rotatably connected to the drive link; and a jaw closure member connected to a distal end of the spindle and being positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position upon a squeezing of the at least one trigger which results in distal advancement of the jaw closure member.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips to tissue includes a handle assembly having a trigger and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes at least one surgical clip therein. Each clip includes a pair of legs connected by a crossbar. Each of the pair of legs has an inwardly and an outwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface having a raised profile protruding therefrom and extending longitudinally therealong. A jaw assembly is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second opposed jaws moveable between a spaced apart and an approximated position. Each jaw defines a recess extending longitudinally along opposing inner surfaces thereof. Each recess defines a longitudinally extending groove having a profile substantially complementary to the raised profile of the legs of the clips. The legs of each clip are positionable at least partially within respective grooves of the recesses of the jaws.

Abstract: A blood vessel occlusion device comprising a plurality of legs having a deployed state wherein each of the plurality of legs is angled outwardly toward a vessel wall and a delivery state wherein the plurality of legs are sized and shaped for pushing into a target blood vessel and substantially in parallel to a common longitudinal axis. Each leg has an anchoring tooth at a distal end thereof and a gripping point formed therealong. Each leg switches from deployed state to delivery state by a retention element and maintained in delivery state when said retention element is supported by the gripping point.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an occlusion device and methods of delivering the occlusion device. The occlusion device can include an expandable structure configured to move between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The occlusion device is configured such that arterial blood pressure enhances both sealing with the vessel wall and anchoring against migration. The expandable structure can be configured to have an expansion ratio of at least about 5:1. Further, the occlusion device can be configured to mechanically prevent substantially all fluid from flowing past the occlusion device when the occlusion device is in the expanded configuration in the vessel.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a medical balloon, and a balloon device useful for various medical balloon procedures, such as gastrointestinal, vascular, reproductive system, urinary system and pulmonary applications. At least two layers of a thermoplastic film are sealed at their peripheral edges and heat sealed at one or more locations inside an area enclosed by the sealed edges at predetermined locations, in one implementation of the balloon device. Such configuration enables the balloon to articulate to a desired shape upon inflation, with the desired shape being selected to accommodate a specific medical application.

Abstract: A device to aid in performing a revision surgery on a joint can comprise: a body member having a bone facing bottom surface, an opposing top surface, a first end portion configured to be disposed on a bone, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion and configured to be disposed on the bone nearer to the joint relative to the first end portion; a connecting member attached to the body member and configured to extend beyond an end of the bone; and a guide member attached to the connecting member and including an opening configured to receive a cutting tool. The device can be sized and shaped based on a computed tomography scan of the bone, and the guide member can be configured so that when the device is installed on the bone, the longitudinal axis of the opening is aligned with a longitudinal direction of the bone.

Abstract: A tibial cutting guide includes upper and lower portions having patient-matched surfaces. The upper portion defines resection slots for forming resections about the tibial eminence. The lower portion defines two pin slots for receiving alignment pins such that in use the position of the resection slots relative to the tibial eminence can be adjusted by sliding the cutting guide along the alignment pins placed in the tibia through the pin slots. The lower portion defines a resection slot for guiding a saw blade to form a horizontal plateau resection, and two pin holes for receiving fixation pins. A method includes positioning a patient-matched cutting guide on the proximal tibia; intra-operatively adjusting the position of the cutting guide in two degrees of freedom by sliding the cutting guide along fixation pins placed in the tibia; and resecting the tibia about the tibial eminence.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.

Abstract: A surgical drill bit and retrograde reamer bit perform antegrade and retrograde drilling of a stepped diameter surgical tunnel employing a detachable reamer bit of a different diameter than the entry (antegrade) bit. The entry drill bit employs a cannulated shaft having a bore adapted to receive a guidewire and fluted cutting edges on an outer circumference of the shaft to define the surgical tunnel. A transverse receptacle across a diameter of the shaft extends substantially orthogonal to an axis of the bore is adapted to receive a reamer bit having a wider diameter for antegrade drilling the larger of the stepped diameters by withdrawing the reamer bit in the opposed direction from entry. The transverse receptacle is shaped for receiving the reamer bit and is adapted to secure the bit for retrograde cutting by intersecting with the bore for securing the reamer bit via engagement of a guidewire.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube, a handle having a trigger, and a tip. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly has a distal end and a proximal end. The cutting assembly includes a plurality of cutting elements and a cutting element attachment mechanism. The cutting element attachment mechanism engages the cutting elements to operably mount the cutting elements with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting element attachment mechanism permits the cutting elements to pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for shaping bone voids during revision procedures of total knee replacements. The systems disclosed herein generally include a cannulated reamer assembly, a reaming guide assembly, a guide tube assembly, a trial stem assembly, and an optional insertion/removal tool. Metaphyseal reconstruction devices can be used to fill the bone voids in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for guiding surgical instruments to prepare a bone surface for joint reconstruction or repair. Examples include a surgical guide having a base and at least one linearly repositionable leg that provides depth tactile feed-back for an orthopedic preparation device, such as a reamer or impactor. Other example devices and systems include a surgical guide that operates with a positive depth stop for an orthopedic reaming or impacting device. The guide preferably includes a surface that forms a complementary fit with a specific portion of patient anatomy.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for joint replacement.

Abstract: The application provides methods for providing a surgical guide for placement on an anatomical part wherein the guide is provided with one or more dedicated push features that can be used as pressure points for applying force onto the surgical guide. The application further provides guides comprising one or more push features which can be used as a pressure point for applying force onto said guide.

Abstract: A distal femur cutting block comprising a first portion defining a first external surface, the first external surface including one or more first passages therethrough; and a second portion defining a second external surface, the second external surface including one or more second passages therethrough, the first portion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion may be rotated relative to each other through the hinged connection; and a third surface opposite one of the first surface or the second surface, the third surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of the distal femur.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter and includes a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal body having a proximal hub, a basket, and a distal hub. In some embodiments, the distal body includes a plurality of proximal strips that form a closeable claw that is used to capture the obstruction. In other embodiments, the basket includes an enlarged opening that allows the object to enter the basket. Optionally, the basket includes x-ray markers adjacent to the enlarged openings to allow the operator to locate the openings, as well as twisting strips that connect the basket to the proximal hub. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter and includes a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal body having a proximal hub, a basket, and a distal hub. In some embodiments, the distal body includes a plurality of proximal strips that form a closeable claw that is used to capture the obstruction. In other embodiments, the basket includes an enlarged opening that allows the object to enter the basket. Optionally, the basket includes x-ray markers adjacent to the enlarged openings to allow the operator to locate the openings, as well as twisting strips that connect the basket to the proximal hub. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such systems.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a retrieval device may include a distally located end effector movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The end effector may include a plurality of support members each including a passage. The end effector may also include a plurality of movable members. A first movable member may include a first portion extending into a first passage of the support member passages. The retrieval device may also include a proximally located handle assembly including a longitudinal actuator and a twisting actuator coupled to the plurality of movable members. The longitudinal actuator and twisting actuator may be configured to longitudinally move and twist the movable members without longitudinally moving and twisting the support members.

Abstract: A choking intervention device for clearing an object obstructing a breathing passage of a choking victim includes a bellows assembly and a removable facemask configured to enclose a person's mouth and nose. The bellows assembly includes a bellows having a base with an opening thereon. The opening is configured to provide access to an interior volume of the bellows assembly. The bellows assembly further includes a handle on the bellows at a side opposite the base. The facemask is coupled to the base of the bellows and is configured to enclose the choking victim's mouth and nose.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a housing, a first actuation member configured; a coupler operatively connected to the first actuation member for imparting a reciprocating action to a portion of the instrument, a second actuation member configured for imparting a rotational action to a portion of the instrument, a first cannula operatively connected to the second actuation member, such that the first cannula is configured for rotational movement with respect to the housing, and a wire member at least partially disposed within the first cannula and fixed to the coupler, the wire member configured to rotate and reciprocate with the coupler.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

Abstract: A cutter (10) for use in surgery, comprising a needle (20) having a cutting end (21) and a cursor (30) slidably mountable on or mounted on the needle (20). The cursor has a cursor housing (32) slidably mountable on the needle (20) with the cursor housing (32) having an open end facing the needle cutting end, and a pair of flat cutter blades (15) mounted in the cursor housing (32) on either side of the needle (20). The cutter blades are mounted for movement together relative to the cursor housing (32) between a first stored position wherein the cutter blades (15) are enclosed in the cursor housing (32) and a second projecting position wherein cutting edges (16) of the cutter blades (15) project from the open end of the cursor housing (32). The cutter blades (15) are movable from the first to the second position against the action of biasing means (38) that act to return the cutter blades to the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue-removal devices and methods for treating spinal diseases using such devices. The tissue-removal devices may comprise a cable and/or extendable elements with a retracted and a deployed configuration. The cable and/or extendable elements may be distally supported and restrained by a support element such that the support element may be pushed transversely away when the extendable element is distally extended into its deployed configuration. An annular cutting element may be provided about the distal end of the extendable element or the support element. Various configurations of the extendable and support elements are described herein, as well as methods of using tissue-removal devices with extendable and support elements coupled by an annular cutting element for treating spinal diseases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include medical devices, and related methods of use, and manufacture thereof. A medical device is disclosed having an inner member and an outer member. The inner member may have a sharp edge, and the outer member may have a window configured to receive tissue. The medical device may include a plurality of suction passageways, the plurality of suction passageways may extend through at least one or both the inner member and the outer member and may be located adjacent the window. In addition, the inner member may be configured to move relative to the outer member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for passively dissipating a rotational speed of a fluid-driven rotatable shaft. In particular, a dissipation member is provided for dissipating the rotational speed of a shaft having an end effector formed thereon. As the rotational speed of the shaft increases, the dissipation member will apply a counter-torque to the shaft, thereby limiting the rotational speed of the shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the counter-torque has a non-linear dependence on the rotational speed of the shaft, such that the counter-torque increases at a rate greater than a rate of increase in the rotational speed.

Abstract: A scalpel handle for holding a blade includes a handle member and a blade shield for covering the cutting edge of the blade. The blade shield is connected to the handle member for movement relative thereto between a blade-covering position and an out-of-the-way position, and a finger-operable actuator is mounted upon the handle member for movement relative thereto and is connected to the shield so that by moving the actuator between first and second conditions, the shield is moved between its blade-covering and its out-of-the-way positions. An over center spring is interposed between the actuator and the handle member so that upon movement of the actuator into its second condition, the shield is biased into the out-of-the-way position and so that upon movement of the actuator into its first condition, the shield is biased into the blade-covering position.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument and a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided. In accordance with one aspect there is provided a submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body. The submucosal implant device may take the form of a gastric stimulator in which signals are supplied to the muscular wall of a mammal to treat motility disorders. In accordance with yet another aspect there is provided a method for performing a submucosal medical procedure to deploy a submucosal implant device in the digestive tract of a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical instrument with a support structure (20), and with an ultrasonic transducer (17) suspended on the support structure (20). A sonotrode (16) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (17). The support structure (20) comprises a jacket portion (24) that extends around an inner space. According to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer (17) is suspended on a retaining ring (21), which is arranged in a continuation of the jacket portion (24) and which is connected to the jacket portion (24) via a connecting section (23). The connecting portion (24) has a plurality of apertures (26, 27) which in total cover the whole circumference of the connecting portion (24). The invention has the advantage that the instrument is uncoupled from the oscillations of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator disposed on and slideable along the elongated body of the needle and a medical article. The medical article is disposed on and slideable along the dilator. A track extends in a proximal direction from the dilator. The needle hub slides along at least a portion of the track between a first position and a second position. The device further includes a locking mechanism operably disposed between the track and the needle hub so as to inhibit further axial movement of the needle in the proximal direction when the needle hub is in the second position.

Abstract: A surgical port includes a port body having a lumen extending therethrough and a plate having an opening. The port body may be made from foam. The port is configured such that rotation of the plate with respect to the port body aligns the opening and lumen defining a passage therethrough for the insertion of surgical instruments.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to systems, devices, and/or methods relating to surgical procedures, and more specifically for accessing an insufflated cavity of a patient and/or positioning surgical systems or devices into the cavity.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one-or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a body structure within a body cavity includes a catheter including proximal and distal ends, an imaging element on the distal end, and an extension extending distally from the distal end for contacting a surface of a body cavity into which the catheter is introduced. The extension has a length to maintain the optical imaging element away from the surface. Optionally, a transparent member, e.g., an expandable balloon, may be attached to the distal end of the tubular member and the extension to isolate the imaging element from contact with fluid within the body cavity. During use, the catheter is inserted into a chamber of a beating heart, and the extension and/or balloon is placed against the wall of the chamber. Sufficient force is applied to stabilize the imaging element relative to the wall while the heart is beating.