Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ICU-special portable nebulization device enabling autonomous respiration according to airflow, which includes a nebulization control host, a nebulization generator provided on the nebulization control host, and a tee connecting pipe provided on the nebulization generator; the nebulization generator comprises a bottom housing, a medicinal solution tank provided on the bottom housing and spaced apart from a space of the bottom housing, a medicinal solution outlet provided on the bottom of the medicinal solution tank, an air guide port provided on the bottom housing at the same side as the medicinal solution outlet, a nozzle tube sheathed on the periphery of the medicinal solution outlet and the air guide port, a partition provided in the nozzle tube which separates the medicinal solution outlet and the air guide port.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system and method is provided that is adapted for ablating bladder tissue to treat overactive bladder (OAB). The vapor delivery system includes an anchor tip configured anchor the system in the bladder while condensable vapor is delivered to target tissue. In one method, the vapor delivery system is advanced transurethrally into the patient to access the target tissue of the bladder, which can include a surface sensor of the bladder responsible for creating an urge incontinence sensation. The vapor delivery system includes a vapor source that provides a high quality vapor for delivery to tissue.

Abstract: A gas mixing system for providing mixed gas for intraocular injection. In some embodiments, a first fixed-volume chamber is automatically purged and filled with gas from a first gas supply input, to a first predetermined pressure. A second fixed-volume chamber is purged and filled with gas from a second gas supply input, to a second predetermined pressure. The first and second predetermined pressures are determined based on a desired concentration of gases in the final mix, and the respective volumes of the first and second fixed-volume chambers and of a third fixed-volume chamber. Gas from the first fixed-volume chamber is then allowed to mix with gas in the third fixed-volume chamber, which was previously purged. Next, gas from the second fixed-volume chamber is allowed to mix with gas in the third fixed-volume chamber. Finally, the mixture of gases in the third fixed-volume chamber is expressed into an intraocular syringe.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body and a fixation mechanism. The cannula body includes a housing, and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis. The fixation mechanism includes a flange, a fixation sleeve, and a proximal sleeve. The flange is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The fixation sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a portion of the elongated portion of the cannula body. The proximal sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a proximal portion of the fixation sleeve. Rotation of the flange causes a radially-expandable portion of the fixation sleeve to move between a first position defining a first gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion, and a second position defining a second, greater, gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion.

Abstract: An adjustable endoscope fixing device, comprises a tail bed, a three-way connector and a locking screw; an outer wall surface of a straight column section of the tail bed is provided with a rectangular slot; and an outer wall surface of a first connecting end of the three-way connector is provided with a locking structure, and the straight column section of the tail bed is connected to the first connecting end of the three-way connector, and the tail bed is fixed to the three-way connector by the locking structure.

Abstract: An insufflator for insufflating a body cavity includes a compressed air vessel and a flow control valve for delivering insufflating air to the cavity through a first trocar. A discharge control valve at an outlet port of a second trocar exhausts insufflating air from the cavity. A pressure sensor on the first trocar monitors cavity pressure, and a microcontroller operates the flow control valve for maintaining a predefined working pressure in the cavity. A foot operated switch is operable by a surgeon for opening and closing the discharge control valve. When the pressure in the cavity drops below the predefined working pressure, the flow control valve increases the insufflating air to the cavity, thereby increasing the insufflating air flow through the cavity for removing undesirable gases. The apparatus and insufflator may also be adapted for removing smoke, nitrogen or other undesirable gases during both cauterisation and cryogenic procedures.

Abstract: An extremely small diameter endoscope includes comprises: an endoscope body having a distal end nozzle; an imaging unit disposed in the endoscope body and adapted for capturing an image; an endoscope insertion part having a proximal end portion and a projection end portion, the proximal end portion connected to the imaging unit, the endoscope insertion part passing through the distal end nozzle, the projection end portion to be positioned in a root canal of a tooth or in a periodontal pocket; and endoscope insertion part insertion means adapted for inserting the endoscope insertion part into an observation portion in the root canal of the tooth or in the periodontal pocket with an end portion of the distal end nozzle kept abutted against a surrounding portion of the observation portion.

Abstract: A system, device and methods for quantitatively monitoring and evaluating changes in water and hemoglobin content in the brain in a non-invasive manner are provided. The system may be used for real-time detection and monitoring of brain edema and/or for an assessment of cerebral autoregulation.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus comprises a catheter shaft constructed and designed for insertion into a venous vessel of a patient; a capture thread positioned in at least one lumen of the catheter shaft and extending from a proximal end of the catheter shaft to a distal end of the catheter shaft for capturing components of a bodily fluid from the patient, the catheter shaft including a plurality of ports for exposing the capture thread to the bodily fluid of the patient; and an enclosure coupled to the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The enclosure includes a feed vessel in communication with a first end of the capture thread and a collection vessel in communication with a second end of the capture thread; and a drive system that controls a movement of the capture thread in the catheter shaft from the feed vessel to the collection vessel.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system comprising: a robotic arm; a tool drive coupled to the robotic arm; a cannula interface configured to couple a cannula to the tool drive, the cannula interface having a fluid pathway in communication with an interior lumen of the cannula; and an insufflation pathway coupled to the robotic arm, the insufflation pathway having a distal end coupled to the fluid pathway and a proximal end coupled to a surgical insufflator.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In some embodiments, a negative pressure source is incorporated into a wound dressing apparatus so that the wound dressing and the negative pressure source are part of an integral or integrated wound dressing structure that applies the wound dressing and the negative pressure source simultaneously to a patient's wound. The negative pressure source and/or electronic components may be positioned between a wound contact layer and a cover layer of the wound dressing. A component may be used to prevent wound exudate from contacting the inlet of the negative pressure source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to concentrate energy delivery in non-superficial target tissue within a trigone region of a human bladder wall to modulate bladder function.

Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.

Abstract: An evacuation system for continuously removing gas from a body cavity of a patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed, which includes an inlet flow path leading to a first trocar communicating with the body cavity through which an essentially continuous flow of gas is delivered to the body cavity, an outlet flow path leading from a second trocar communicating with the body cavity though which an essentially continuous flow of gas is removed from the body cavity, a pump communicating at least with the outlet flow path for removing an essentially continuous flow of gas from the surgical cavity, and a processor operatively associated with the pump for controlling at least the essentially continuous flow of gas from the body cavity.

Abstract: Methods provide for the concurrent evaluation, detection and treatment of actual or potential medical conditions at a site of a body, and are particularly directed to medical procedures and concurrent treatment of areas of the body that are difficult to visualize; and a kit providing apparatus for carrying out evaluation, detection and real-time treatment of the site of a body for actual or potential medical conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity is disclosed which includes a primary gas circulation device housing a central processor and a primary pump, the primary pump controlled by the central processor and configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a primary gas delivery lumen and to receive gas from a primary gas return lumen, and a plurality of subordinate gas circulation devices each housing a respective subordinate pump configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a respective subordinate gas delivery lumen and to receive gas from a respective subordinate gas return lumen, wherein the subordinate pump in each subordinate gas circulation device is in networked communication with and controlled by the central processor of the primary gas circulation device.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: A portable laparoscope is disclosed. In implementations, the portable laparoscope includes a housing and an elongated tube coupled to the housing. A lighting source and a camera are disposed proximate to an end of the elongated tube opposite the housing. The camera is configured to capture an image in a viewing area that is illuminated by light provided by the lighting source. The portable laparoscope includes an image display apparatus configured to display the images acquired by the camera and/or to transmit the images to a remote display device. The housing may be configured to hold and position an insufflator.

Abstract: A method of preventing blood leakage through a septum of a catheter assembly when a needle is disposed within a slit of the septum may include providing a lubricant within multiple gaps disposed between an outer surface of the needle and the slit. The lubricant may include a viscosity greater than 1,000 centipoise. Providing the lubricant within the multiple gaps may include applying the lubricant to the outer surface of the needle, and inserting the lubricated needle distally through the slit of the septum. Providing the lubricant within the multiple gaps may include applying the lubricant to a tip of a septum actuator of the catheter assembly, and penetrating the septum with the lubricated septum actuator. Providing the lubricant within the plurality of gaps may include dispensing the lubricant within the slit of the septum prior to insertion of the septum into the lumen of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: Syringes and methods of using are described which protect materials within the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants and photo-chemical degradation. A syringe is provided having an inspection window for viewing medications or other materials within the cavity of a syringe barrel. The inspection window is located within a housing that is formed in the wall of the syringe barrel. Optionally, the syringe is provided with a contaminant shield for preventing contaminant entry by way of the rear terminal opening of the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel and other syringe components may be clear, colored, opaque, darkened, amber, or tinted; and/or the syringe barrel may have applied thereto light polarizing filters; or materials having light polarizing properties can be used to manufacture the syringe barrel and other components of the syringe.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: An irrigation cannula is provided for irrigating a chest cavity during thoracoscopic surgery. The cannula includes a bowl with a drain opening, and a hollow leg extending from the bowl beneath the drain opening. An obturator has an upper handle and a lower end which is manually pushed through the drain opening and into the leg so that a handle resides in or above the bowl and a tip extends beyond the end of the leg. The obturator facilitates insertion of the cannula leg through the incision and into the chest cavity. After the cannula is in position, an irrigation solution is added to the bowl, and drain through the leg into the chest cavity.

Abstract: An air blowing device, a self-suction tail plug, and an air blower using the tail plug are provided. The air blower includes: a manner of air inlet and outlet one-way valve, an airbag, an integrated air inlet and outlet device, and a vent valve device. One end of the airbag is provided with an opening, and the bottom end of the integrated air inlet and outlet device is provided with a connecting end. The integrated air inlet and outlet device includes an air inlet structure and an air outlet structure. A ventilation pipeline of the air inlet structure and a ventilation pipeline of the air outlet structure are ventilated into the air bag. The self-suction tail plug includes a tail plug body. The bottom of the tail plug body is provided with a suction cup capable of suctioning and fixing the air blower on the surface of an object.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: A catheter for intravascular use has a blood inlet and a blood outlet, and includes a membrane arranged in the catheter in such a way that at least one part of the blood flowing into the catheter via the blood inlet during operation comes into contact with the membrane. The membrane allows an exchange of at least one substance between a carrier medium and the blood. The carrier medium is a carrier fluid in which the substance to be exchanged can be dissolved, and the catheter includes a delivery device that is designed to at least partially compensate for a pressure difference between the blood inlet and the blood outlet during operation. A method for removing at least one substance from venous blood for diagnostic purposes uses a device of this type.

Abstract: A humidification apparatus for a respiratory assistance device is provided wherein the humidification apparatus is configured such that, in use, light impinges on a humidification material to generate localised heating of liquid molecules around the humidification material to generate vapour. A respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier and related methods and apparatus are also provided. Arrangements are provided for generating vapour by impinging light on a humidification material, wherein, in some embodiments, the humidification material comprises a metallic and/or carbon based material, particularly in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and assembly for calibrating the pneumatic performance range of a system for delivering pneumatic power to a trocar, which includes the steps of: supplying pneumatic power to a trocar to achieve a desired cavity pressure; measuring the pneumatic power and cavity pressure over a time period, as the system attempts to maintain the desired cavity pressure; calculating performance characteristics of the trocar based on the measured cavity pressure and pneumatic power values; and adjusting the pneumatic power supplied to the trocar based upon the performance characteristics of the trocar.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes positioning a portion of a trocar into a patient cavity and inserting a surgical instrument into the trocar. The method also includes measuring, by a pressure sensor disposed within the trocar, a pressure within the trocar. The measured pressure is indicative of a pressure in the patient cavity. The method also includes supplying, based at least in part on the measured pressure, an insufflation gas to the patient cavity by providing the insufflation gas through the trocar.

Abstract: A surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and a treatment tool that have a compact configuration and achieve high durability are provided. The outer tube includes a slider in an outer tube body. When the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into the outer tube, and are held by an endoscope holding part and a treatment tool holding part each being provided in the slider, and are combined into a single unit. Consequently, when the treatment tool is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement. Because the outer tube is configured such that the endoscope exit port has an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the elastic member provided to hold the endoscope at the endoscope holding part, the strength of the endoscope can be secured while preventing interference with the treatment tool.

Abstract: A trocar set includes a handle portion, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a gas tight assembly. The handle portion includes a grip, a connection part, and a second gas valve. The connection part extends from the grip and includes an assembling channel. The second gas valve is connected to the connection part and communicates with the assembling channel. An assembling end of the first sleeve is assembled to the connection part. The second sleeve includes a receiving end, wherein the sleeving end is inserted into the receiving end. The gas tight assembly is fixed to the second sleeve and includes a gas tight sleeve and a gas tight ring. The gas tight sleeve encloses the receiving end, and the gas tight ring is pressed by the gas tight sleeve to be tightly attached to the first sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.

Abstract: A medical gas condition system for supplying a liquid hydration fluid to a hydrator before or during an ongoing medical procedure by coupling the flow of liquid hydration fluid into the hydrator to either the absence of flow of medical insufflation gas into the hydrator or to a condition where the liquid hydration fluid can be absorbed by a hydrator instead of being forced through the hydrator in liquid form.

Abstract: A portable suction device comprising: a gas inlet for receiving pressurized gas from an enclosed source; a gas flow path that extends from the gas inlet to an exhaust; a suction generator that has a suction inlet, the gas flow path extending through the suction generator, such that gas flow through the flow path generates a low pressure at the suction inlet; a collection container with a collection inlet and an outlet that is coupled to the suction inlet; a suction tube that has proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being connected to the collection inlet of the collection container; a valve for controlling gas flow through the flow path, the valve having a stem that is configured to pierce the source with movement of the valve from a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media (such as an insufflating gas) from a distending media source to an endoscopic device so as to prevent the excess venting and/or waste of distending media. More specifically, the present invention provides for the detection of a pressure level within a lumen of an endoscopic device and adjusts a supply parameter of the distending media based at least in part on the detected pressure level, and in some cases, on the relationship between the detected pressure level and a user-defined threshold.

Abstract: A flexible plasma surface treatment device is configured to conform to an irregular surface of an object to enable treatment of the surface with plasma formed by an electrode in the device. The flexible plasma treatment device includes a layer of flexible dielectric material having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first flexible electrode completely encapsulated within the layer of dielectric material, a second flexible electrode mounted to the lower surface of the layer of dielectric material, and a second layer of flexible electrically insulating material mounted to the lower surface of the layer of flexible dielectric material to expose a first portion of the second electrode and to cover a second portion of the second electrode at the lower surface of the dielectric material layer.

Abstract: A multi-lumen tube set is disclosed for use during a laparoscopic surgical procedure performed within a patient's abdominal cavity, which includes at least a first lumen configured to extend between a first surgical access port accessing the patient's abdominal cavity and an external vacuum source, and a branching conduit communicating with the first lumen and configured for connection to a second surgical access port accessing the patient's abdominal cavity to facilitate smoke evacuation from the patient's abdominal cavity during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed that includes a device housing supporting a control unit and a filter interface having a seat for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge having a filter housing defining an interior reservoir, wherein sensors are coupled to the control unit for sensing a level of liquid within the reservoir of the filter cartridge to prevent contamination of the device, and wherein a set of blocking valves are provided in the device housing for interacting with the filter cartridge when it is received in the filter interface to control flow through suction and pressure lines of the device, and wherein the control unit is adapted to recognize a characteristic of the filter cartridge received in the filter interface.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is provided with a sheath tube which is formed of a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely inserted and includes a distal portion having a tapering outer diameter and a main body portion having a constant outer diameter. The distal portion of the sheath tube includes a concave portion which is bent radially inward from an end portion, through which an elongated body protrudes, in a concave shape in a cross section parallel to an axial direction, and a convex portion which is contiguous to the concave portion and is bent radially outward in a convex shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices, and methods for delivering distending media to an organ of a patient with a dispensing device for acquiring an image of the organ while distended. In one embodiment, an insufflating device comprises a controller for detecting a pressure level of the distending media within an organ of a patient, wherein the controller is configured to signal an operator to acquire an image of the organ when the pressure level is within a predetermined pressure range for a predetermined period of time. Further, the insufflating device comprises a valve assembly in communication with the controller and in fluid communication between the source of distending media and the organ of the patient, wherein the valve assembly is configured to adjust a flow rate of the distending media delivered to the organ of the patient.

Abstract: A medical gas condition system for supplying a liquid hydration fluid to a hydrator before or during an ongoing medical procedure by coupling the flow of liquid hydration fluid into the hydrator to either the absence of flow of medical insufflation gas into the hydrator or to a condition where the liquid hydration fluid can be absorbed by a hydrator without being forced through the hydrator in liquid form.

Abstract: A coupling system is provided for connecting a tube set to a trocar that includes a multi-lumen trocar having a housing that includes a connector, wherein the connector has a plurality of coaxial flow passages defined therein by a plurality of concentric annular walls, a multi-lumen tube set including a plurality of tubes arranged in a parallel relationship, and a coupling including a generally cylindrical body having a first end portion configured to selectively mate with the coaxial flow passages of the connector of the trocar and a second end portion configured for attachment to the parallel tubes of the tube set.

Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed that includes a device housing supporting a control unit and a filter interface having a seat for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge having a filter housing defining an interior reservoir, wherein sensors are coupled to the control unit for sensing a level of liquid within the reservoir of the filter cartridge to prevent contamination of the device, and wherein a set of blocking valves are provided in the device housing for interacting with the filter cartridge when it is received in the filter interface to control flow through suction and pressure lines of the device, and wherein the control unit is adapted to recognize a characteristic of the filter cartridge received in the filter interface.

Abstract: A visual insufflation obturator is provided. The obturator includes seals, valves, screens and/or various other tip features to eliminate the ingress of fluids, matter and/or gas that can disrupt the visual field of the laparoscope disposed within the obturator. The obturator provides additional features such as lens and anti-fog features to further increase visibility of the scope, efficiently insufflate the patient and ultimately provide an access channel into the insufflated abdomen once the visual insufflation obturator is removed.

Abstract: A gas conditioning trocar having a chamber for heating and hydrating an unconditioned insufflation gas prior to injecting a conditioned insufflation gas into a body cavity during a medical procedure and a port through which surgical instruments can pass into a body cavity without inhibiting the flow of insufflation gas during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An insufflation apparatus and/or insufflation kit for use during a medical procedure including a fluid stabilizer wherein the insufflation apparatus can be used in different modes with a mode change between needle insufflation or cannula insufflation accomplished without having to use a different fluid stabilizer or a different trocar wherein the trocar may be a gas conditioning trocar having a chamber for on-the-go heating and hydrating an unconditioned insufflation gas prior to injecting a conditioned insufflation gas into a body cavity.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus and method for treating biologic tissue has a controller, an enclosure, a reagent supply system, a draining configuration, and a gas relief valve is controlled by the controller. Optionally provided is a gas evacuation assembly, a gas supply unit, a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases, a sonication unit, any or each operated by the controller. The method provides for programming controller to effect a treatment procedure. In an embodiment of the present application the tissue sample is bone material and the treatment procedure effects demineralization of the bone material.

Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed that includes a device housing supporting a control unit and a filter interface having a seat for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge having a filter housing defining an interior reservoir, wherein sensors are coupled to the control unit for sensing a level of liquid within the reservoir of the filter cartridge to prevent contamination of the device, and wherein a set of blocking valves are provided in the device housing for interacting with the filter cartridge when it is received in the filter interface to control flow through suction and pressure lines of the device, and wherein the control unit is adapted to recognize a characteristic of the filter cartridge received in the filter interface.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in laproscopic surgery includes a cannula having a proximal end for use in orientating the assembly into an abdominal cavity, a distal end for insertion into a patient, and a passage through which surgical instruments can be inserted. An expandable feature in the form of an anchor is located toward the distal end of the cannula and is selectively expandable and collapsible. The feature in its expanded state prevents withdrawal of the cannula. A collar is pushed distally until it releasably cinches to the outside of the abdominal cavity thereby creating an airtight seal and stabilizing the assembly. The collar has a friction fit with the cannula designed to prevent excessive force against the cavity walls.