Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for excision of a sub-cutaneous target tissue mass through a cutaneous incision smaller than a maximum transverse dimension of the tissue mass excised. The apparatus includes an axially elongated housing, tissue piercing means slidable within the housing and radially expandable members for cutting a conical swath having a radius greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the elongated housing and greater than the maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the target tissue mass to separate the target tissue mass from surrounding tissue. An expandable member is slidably advancable to bag the target tissue mass for aseptic removal via the elongated housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive procedures performed under either direct, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or other visualization. The surgical instrument includes a frame which can be retracted into and extended from a sheath to form a loop and a sack having a mouth that is attached to the loop. The sack is used to encircle and capture foreign objects in body canals, cavities or organs. The wire frame is formed of a shape-memory-effect alloy wire in a super elastic state and previously trained to form the loop, the loop forming when the said wire frame is extended beyond the sheath. An invertor is connected to a closed end of the sack for urging the closed end of the sack toward the mouth of the sack.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a reusable surgical device for retrieving a mass during laparoscopic surgery are shown and described. The surgical device has a wand, a rod attached to the wand near the front by a disengaging connector and extending generally parallel to the wand, and a pouch or bag attached to the wand and rod. A portion of the rod is flexible for bowing out from the wand when the rod is pushed forward. The flexible portion straightens to come close to the wand when the rod is pulled backward. The back of the rod may be slidably connected to the wand. A bag suitable for sterilizing may be attached to the rod and wand for receiving a mass during surgery. When the rod bows out, the bag is opened. When the rod straightens, the bag is closed to form a seal. Methods of using the surgical device include attaching a bag, engaging the disengaging connector, and inserting the device through a laparoscopic sleeve for enclosure, manipulation, and retrieval of the mass.

Abstract: A snare for an endoscope has a snare wire formed from an elastic wire that is connected to the distal end of a control wire axially movably inserted in a flexible sheath. When the control wire is advanced axially, the snare wire projects from the distal end of the flexible sheath and expands in a loop shape by its own elasticity. When the control wire is retracted axially, the snare wire is pulled into the distal end of the flexible sheath and thus contracted. The distal end surface of the flexible sheath is provided with a plurality of claw-shaped projections projecting forward in parallel to each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a reusable surgical device for retrieving a mass during laparoscopic surgery are shown and described. The surgical device has a wand, a rod attached to the wand near the front by a disengaging connector and extending generally parallel to the wand, and a pouch or bag attached to the wand and rod. A portion of the rod is flexible for bowing out from the wand when the rod is pushed forward. The flexible portion straightens to come close to the wand when the rod is pulled backward. The back of the may be slidably connected to the wand. A bag suitable for sterilizing may be attached to the rod and wand for receiving a mass during surgery. When the rod bows out, the bag is opened. When the rod straightens, the bag is closed to form a seal. Methods of using the surgical device include attaching a bag, engaging the disengaging connector, and inserting the device through a laparoscopic sleeve for enclosure, manipulation, and retrieval of the mass.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: A device and method for retrieving specimens from a body cavity during minimally invasive surgery uses a specimen pouch that is deployable from an introducer inserted into the body cavity through a predefined passage such as a cannula. The specimen pouch includes a resilient band that causes the specimen pouch to open automatically and remain open after removal from the introducer. Once removed from the introducer, the specimen pouch is free-standing with no attachment to the introducer or to an externally operated closure mechanism. Closure and removal are accomplished using a conventional forceps or other instrument to grasp a portion of the band and withdraw the band and the opening of the pouch into the introducer. The pouch is configured so that withdrawal of the band into the introducer causes the material around the opening of the pouch to gather and seal the opening.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: The surgical extractor has three distinct portions respectively called “body”, “gripper” and “pusher”. The body is rigid and rectilinear and has a first end from which an handle integrally projects perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The gripper consists of one or more flexible rods having first ends connected to the opposite end of the body in a foldable manner with respect to a transverse axis. The pusher is rigid and rectilinear and has a first end connected to the opposite ends of the straps and a second end provided with a pushing button. Hooks are provided for retaining in a slidable manner the pusher on top of the first end of the body opposite to the handle once the straps have been folded about the transverse axis in order to be positioned together with a pusher flat onto the body.

Abstract: An emboli filtration apparatus is provided comprising a guide wire having a filter element captured thereon, so that the guide wire is free to rotate and translate while the filter element remains stationary. The apparatus allows for movement and rotation of the guide wire as devices are advanced over it to treat occlusive disease, substantially without dislodging the filter element.

Abstract: A knot tying device comprises a knotting guide which carries a pair of snare cords. Each snare cord comprises a suture capture end and a pull end. The snare cords are carried within the knotting guide in a loose, knotted configuration. By capturing a pair of free suture ends in the suture capture ends of the snare cords, the knotted configuration originally embodied in the snare cords can be transferred to the free suture ends by pulling those ends through the knotting guide.

Abstract: A vascular filter for capturing and removing emboli includes a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the mouth. A guide wire is received through the mouth of the sack and projected through the closed bottom of the sack. The closed bottom of the sack is connected to the projection of the guide wire therethrough. A collapsible frame is connected between the guide wire and the mouth of the sack. The collapsible frame biases the mouth of the sack open around the guide wire. A tube slidably receives the guide wire coaxially therein. The collapsible frame is moveable via the guide wire between outside the tube where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the collapsible frame and inside the tube where the mouth of the sack is closed, and vice versa.

Abstract: A surgical extractor for removing objects from a body including, for example, calculi, such as kidney stones and gall stones. The extractor includes a handle at a proximal end with a slider for operation by a physician. At the distal end the extractor includes a plurality of wires with each wire comprising a first portion having an individual strand and a second portion comprising a plurality of filaments. When a retaining sheath is retracted, the wires, formed of a shape memory material such as stainless steel, expand such that each of strands assume a spaced relationship to define a first section of a basket and the plurality of the filaments assume a spaced relationship to define a second section of the basket.

Abstract: A device for laproscopic surgery with an expandable basket for entrapping cutting and removing target tissue. The basket consists of a plurality of elongate flexible elements with cutting edges facing the central longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool including a flexible sheath (1) that is to be passed into or out of a treatment tool insertion channel in an endoscope and which has openings (4A, 4B) formed at and near the distal end to communicate with the interior of the flexible sheath (1). A plurality of manipulating wires (3A, 3B) that have treating members (5A, 5B) are coupled to the distal ends and are passed through the flexible sheath (1) such that they can be moved back and forth independently of each other along the longitudinal axis. The treating member (5a) is provided to have access to the flexible sheath (1) via the opening (4A) at its distal end and the other treating member (5B) is provided to have access to the flexible sheath (1) via the opening (4b) near its distal end.

Abstract: A flat section is provided at a distal end of a snare pipe located in a sheath. When a snare is pushed, the snare is moved in the snare pipe with a looped expansible section of the snare kept in contact with both opposite sides of the flat section. As a result, the expansion direction of the looped section is regulated.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a reusable surgical device for retrieving a mass during laparoscopic surgery are shown and described. The surgical device has a wand, a rod attached to the wand near the front by a disengaging connector and extending generally parallel to the wand, and a pouch or bag attached to the wand and rod. A portion of the rod is flexible for bowing out from the wand when the rod is pushed forward. The flexible portion straightens to come close to the wand when the rod is pulled backward. A bag suitable for sterilizing may be attached to the rod and wand for receiving a mass during surgery. When the rod bows out, the bag is opened. When the rod straightens, the bag is closed to form a seal. Methods of using the surgical device include attaching a bag, engaging the disengaging connector, and inserting the device through a laparoscopic sleeve for enclosure, manipulation, and retrieval of the mass.

Abstract: A surgical dissecting retractor for harvesting vascular conduits or vessels such as saphenous veins and the like is disclosed which dissects tissue and top and/or side branches from the vessel as it is advanced along a desired segment of the vessel via an entry incision in a patient's skin. The dissecting retractor is inserted while in a closed or "low profile" position to minimize trauma to the vessel and patient. Once installed above the vessel, the retractor is opened and locked to present a relatively "high profile", thereby creating and maintaining an enlarged working space or tunnel in the region between the skin and the vessel being harvested. Completion of the vessel harvesting procedure proceeds with suitable surgical instruments for dissecting, ligating, cauterizing and/or clipping, with or without visualizing devices which comprise further adjunct features of the retractors in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A morcellater having at least one cutting structure rotatably coupled to a motor mechanism. The cutting structure having a protective structure circumjacent thereto. The protective structure being slidably coupled a housing structure wherein at least a portion of the motor mechanism is located. The invention further including a method of using a morcellater in a body cavity through an incision made therein and wherein the morcellater includes at least one grinding structure, coupled to a motor mechanism, and a protective structure located circumjacent to the grinding mechanism. The protective structure having at least a first end coupled a housing structure wherein at least a portion of the motor mechanism is located and a second free end wherein the grinding structure is generally located. The first end able to freely, upon the application of a predetermined level of pressure to the free end, slide into and out of the housing at least a predetermined distance; the method including.

Abstract: This is a device for percutaneous tissue sampling or excision. In particular, it uses an expandable ring cutter which produces an accurately located, discrete tissue mass that is removable through a comparatively much smaller access member. The tissue mass is easily reconstructed to its original form and orientation once taken from the body for further study.

Abstract: A versatile endoscopic retrieval bag system comprises a collapsible bag and a cooperating manipulating instrument or grasper. The two layer bag comprises an outer layer waterproof plastic bag and an inner layer mesh plastic bag which is rolled between two sides of a firm plastic rim which includes a hinge or discontinuity at the center and each end of each rim to permit bending of the rim at four points. The limbs of the manipulating instrument fit snugly onto the rim at one end up to the discontinuity. In use, the manipulating instrument is activated causing the rim to assume a substantially square, open configuration with the collapsible bag extending outwardly therefrom within a body cavity to receive various body organs or tissues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing polyps by which an elongated tubular member generally positionable within the working channel of an endoscopic device. The tubular member carries a selectively extendable severing device and capturing device at its distal end. Control apparatus at the proximal end of the tubular member enables a physician to extend and retract the severing and capturing devices. The physician retracts the capturing device to grasp the portion of the polyp to be severed and retracts the severing device to sever the polyp. The capturing device retains the severed portion of the polyp for removal with the tubular member. In one embodiment the capturing device includes an injection needle.

Abstract: An injection snare is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes an instrument body, an actuator slidably attached to the body, a catheter attached to and extending through the body at a proximal end of the catheter, an injection needle, and a snare. The injection needle is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end connected to the actuator. A distal end of the injection needle contains a piercing tip. The injection needle is movable within the catheter between a first position wherein the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter and a second position wherein the distal end of the needle is retracted within said catheter. The snare is attached to the distal end of the injection needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for a snare cauterization operation comprises a tubular member having a diameter sufficiently small so that the tubular member can be inserted through a biopsy channel of a flexible endoscope. Multiple endoscopic instrument including a cauterization loop, a flexible web member connected to the cauterization loop or to an auxiliary loop so as to form a capture pocket, and an elongate flexible fluid feed tube provided at a distal end with a needle point and an aperture, are slidably disposed in the tubular member. The fluid feed instrument is used to expand a flat or nonprojecting polyp prior to severing thereof with the cauterization loop and capture of the severed polyp with the web member or pocket.

Abstract: A minimally invasive, medical device 10 for removing stones, calculus or the like from the renal or biliary systems includes a reversibly collapsible basket 12 and an elongated member 14 for delivering the basket 12 to the location of the stones, calculus or the like. The basket 12 is tipless and atraumatic in use, and includes at least one superelastic wire loop 20 and at least one superelastic wire leg 26, the wire leg 26 preferably being incorporated into a second superelastic wire loop 24. The basket 12 is preferably formed from a shape memory material such as a suitably annealed nitinol alloy. The basket 12 includes means 28 for restricting relative movement of the first wire loop 20 and the wire leg 26 or the second wire loop 24, continuously formed with the first loop 20 and the leg 26 or the second loop 24. The movement restricting means 28 is preferably formed as a first smaller loop 30 in the first loop 20 interlocked with a second smaller loop 32 in the leg 26 or in the second loop 24.

Abstract: A surgical pouch instrument has three elongated coaxial members, each capable of telescopic movement relative to the others. A surgical pouch is supported upon a plurality of support blades attached to a distal end of the innermost coaxial member. The pouch support blades having a deployed configuration approximating a hoop which is mechanically discontinuous at one point with the discontinuity compensated for by the overlapping of the blades. In a stored configuration, at least one of the blades is folded back upon another to permit the hoop to be compressed for storage without extending to its full compressed length. A preferred embodiment features an independent blade that overlaps and bridges the gap between two blades that are attached to the innermost member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high frequency surgical instrument comprising a handling part (11) which has a guide channel (12) which is open at at least one end and a holding element (13) which is axially displaceably guided therein and on which a high frequency voltage acts. The holding element (13) is axially displaceable by means of an actuating part (14) axially displaceable relative to the handling part (11) and is electrically conductively connected at its free end to a preferably elastic cutting loop (15) in such a way that, through axial adjustment of the actuating part (14), the cutting loop (15) can be drawn to a greater or lesser degree into the guide channel (12), or into a tube (16) which continues it outwardly, or can be pushed out of the guide channel (12), or out of the tube (16) continuing it outwardly, whereby the loop size can be changed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for severing tissue within a subject and for retrieving severed tissue from within the subject is disclosed. The device has a support unit, a tissue severing snare system, and a tissue retrieving net system. The snare and net systems are carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and individually operated to sever and retrieve tissue. The snare system includes a snare, a snare actuator, and a snare deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the actuator and the snare. The net system includes a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator and a net controller for assuring the net is fully opened when deployed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.

Abstract: A flexible collapsible bag is introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove larger portions of tissue from the abdominal cavity through a threaded casing introduced into the abdominal wall. The bag has a side opening through which the tissue can be moved into the bag. The bag has an end opening which remains extracorporeal to the threaded casing in the abdominal wall. After partially pulling out the bag, the side opening is located outside of the threaded casing, and the tissue, which is tightly enclosed by the portion of the bag remaining in the abdominal cavity, is cut into pieces, as by cutting filaments having portions at the bottom of the bag and extending extracorporeally through the threaded casing and the end opening of the bag.

Abstract: A tissue collection apparatus is adapted for use in capturing and removing tissue through a hole in a body wall defining a body cavity. The apparatus includes an elongate flexible enclosure sized and configured to extend through the hole with a first end of the enclosure positioned within the body cavity and a second end of the enclosure positioned outside the body cavity. Portions of the distal end define opposing first and second edges which define an opening into the enclosure. A flap extends through the opening and distally of the apparatus to form a lip facilitating placement of tissue through the opening and into the enclosure. The coupling attaches a tension member to the enclosure along at least a point disposed not more distally than the flap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing polyps by which an elongated tubular member generally positionable within the working channel of an endoscopic device. The tubular member carries a selectively extendable severing device and capturing device at its distal end. Control apparatus at the proximal end of the tubular member enables a physician to extend and retract the severing and capturing devices. The physician retracts the capturing device to grasp the portion of the polyp to be severed and retracts the severing device to sever the polyp. The capturing device retains the severed portion of the polyp for removal with the tubular member. In one embodiment the capturing device includes an injection needle.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting substances within the body of a patient in operative procedures wherein access to an internal operative site in the patient's body is gained through a narrow portal in the patient's body includes a cutter and a collection bag attached to a distal end of the cutter. The cutter has the distal end for being disposed at the operative site through the portal, a proximal end for being disposed external of the patient's body, a cutting edge at the distal end for cutting anatomical tissue and a handle at the proximal end for moving the cutting edge to cut the anatomical tissue. The collection bag is disposed over the distal end of the cutter and has a closed distal end, a proximal end fixedly attached to the cutter, an interior receiving the cutting edge therein and a selectively openable, selectively closable access slot providing communication with the interior of the collection bag from external thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for use in snare cauterization operations includes a first tubular sheath member containing a metallic electrical snare cauterization loop. A second tubular sheath member is disposed inside of the first tubular sheath member. A flexible suture member is releasably connected to the cauterization loop, and is provided with a one-way slip knot at its distal end thereby forming a loop of a size corresponding to that of the cauterization loop. The proximal end of the suture member is disposed in the distal end of the second tubular sheath member and is releasably joined to a manually-controlled flexible tensioning device. During use of the instrument, the cauterization loop and connected suture member is expanded from a collapsed configuration and passed over a polyp or other body tissue that is to be removed.

Abstract: A flexible bag is introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove larger portions of tissue from the abdominal cavity through a threaded casing introduced into the abdominal wall. The bag features a side opening through which the tissue can be moved into the bag. The end opening of the bag remains extracorporeal to the threaded casing. After pulling out the bag the side opening is located outside of the threaded casing and the tissue is tightly enclosed by the portion of the bag remaining in the abdominal cavity and is accessible for cutting up the tissue form outside, through the threaded casing.

Abstract: An improved snare cauterization instrument assembly is provided with a plurality of fixed connecting strands that severably join the web member to the cauterization loop to prevent the undesired movement of the web to the distal end of the loop prior to electrical activation and severing of the tissue sample. A method of manufacturing the assembly employs a resilient, flexible catheter as a tool to facilitate the placement of the web member on the loop.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive procedures performed under either direct, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or other visualization. The present invention is also directed to a method of removing foreign objects from the body with the instrument. The surgical instrument includes a wire linkage and wire frame which can be retracted and extended to form a loop. A mouth of a sack is attached to the loop, said sack being used to encircle and capture foreign objects in body canals, cavities and organs. The wire frame is formed of a shape-memory-effect alloy wire, the alloy in a super elastic state and previously trained to form the loop, the loop forming when the said wire frame is extended beyond the sheath.

Abstract: A method for removing a polyp from a patient utilizes (i) a flexible conductive cauterization loop and (ii) a flexible auxiliary loop to which a flexible web member is connected to define an expandable pocket, the cauterization loop and the auxiliary loop being disposed in a common tubular member. Upon insertion of an endoscope assembly into a patient and a locating of the polyp, the tubular member is moved through the biopsy channel of the endoscope to eject a distal end portion of the tubular member from the biopsy channel. The cauterization loop is then shifted in a distal direction relative to the ejected tubular member to eject the cauterization loop from the tubular member. The cauterization loop is manipulated from outside of the patient to pass the loop over the polyp and to at least partially close the loop to engage the polyp around a base region thereof.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting substances within the body in endoscopic operative procedures wherein access to a site in the body is obtained through a narrow portal in the body includes an elongate inner tubular member, an elongate outer tubular member receiving the inner tubular member, a collection bag carried by a distal end of the inner tubular member and a suction cutter disposed in the inner tubular member. The collection bag has a non-expanded position wherein the collection bag is disposed within the outer tubular member to facilitate introduction of distal ends of the outer and inner tubular members through the narrow portal. The collection bag is movable from the non-expanded position to an expanded position within the body, the collection bag in the expanded position being disposed externally of the outer tubular member to allow substances to be introduced in the collection bag.

Abstract: An instrument to perform endoscopic polypectomy having a first portion which grasps a polyp and a second portion which cuts away the polyps. The second portion is in contact with the first portion while the first portion grasps the polyp when the polyp is cut by the second portion. The first sheath member preferably contains a small grasping forcep mechanism. The second sheath member preferably contains a wire snare mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for a snare cauterization operation comprises a tubular member having a diameter sufficiently small so that the tubular member can be inserted through a biopsy channel of a flexible endoscope. Multiple endoscopic instrument including a cauterization loop, a flexible web member connected to the cauterization loop or to an auxiliary loop so as to form a capture pocket, and an elongate flexible fluid feed tube provided at a distal end with a needle point and an aperture, are slidably disposed in the tubular member. The fluid feed instrument is used to expand a flat or nonprojecting polyp prior to severing thereof with the cauterization loop and capture of the severed polyp with the web member or pocket.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated support tube for retrieving internal body tissue through a trocar tube. The instrument includes a belt which is formed into a loop slidably attached about the open end of the pouch. The belt is slidably extendable through the support tube for expanding the open end of the pouch to receive the tissue and retractable into the support tube for drawing the open end of the pouch closed to enclose the tissue in the pouch. The belt has an oblong, e.g., rectangular, cross section oriented with its larger cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the plane of the loop to provide stability at the open end of the pouch and to enable use of the pouch in a scoop-like manner to place the tissue therein. A portion of the belt is thermally set into a curved configuration to urge the loop into a normally expanded shape with the belt extended from the distal end of the support tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is used to remove excised tissue from an insufflated anatomic cavity through a body wall overlying an endoscopic workspace. The instrument includes an elongate tubular sleeve defining an interior bore fore removing a tissue. The tubular sleeve also called a snake is elastic in its transverse sectional dimension so that the interior bore can expand to accommodate the excise tissue as it is slidably withdrawn through the bore. The sleeve is not elastic in the longitudinal direction due to flexible but non-elastic longitudinal elements integrated into or on the wall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A colposcopic surgical punch instrument includes a hollow tube and a push rod extending through the hollow tube. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the tube and an actuation lever is pivotally coupled to the handle and the proximal end of the push rod for effecting axial movement of the push rod relative to the tube. A stationary jaw in the form of a die having an open top and bottom is coupled to the distal end of the tube and a movable jaw in the form of a punch is pivotally coupled to the stationary jaw by a tongue and groove arrangement. In one embodiment, the stationary jaw is provided with a pair of ramped projections on its sides and a tab projection on its distal end. A removable plastic sleeve fits over the stationary jaw. The plastic sleeve has an open proximal end and an open top. A pair of holes in the sides of the sleeve engage the ramped projections on the sides of the stationary jaw and a hole in the distal end of the sleeve engages the distal tab on the stationary jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device for retrieving an object from inside a body. The device includes a shaft, a compressible pouch for receiving the object positioned adjacent the first end of the shaft. The pouch includes a mouth which may be opened and closed. An introducer sleeve is slidably positioned along the shaft for enclosing the pouch. A slotted support member having a first end affixed to the second end of the shaft, is also provided. Further, a slidable handle member is slidably positioned along the slotted support member, and an interconnecting member extends through the shaft and is interconnected with the handle, pouch and the slotted member for closing and opening the pouch, such that sliding the handle along the slotted member operates to open and close the pouch of the device.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tissue removal device for use by fingers of a hand comprising an elongate tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending therethrough. An elongate tubular member has an outer diameter and an elongate tubular sheath is formed of a tubular woven braid material having proximal and distal extremities. A length extends between the proximal distal extremities. The elongate tubular sheath has a passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The tubular woven braid material of the elongate tubular sheath has an initial configuration and an open weave construction permitting the elongate tubular sheath to enlarge beyond its initial diameter to a diameter substantially greater than the initial diameter. The proximal extremity of the elongate tubular sheath is secured to the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A tissue segmentation device incorporated in an isolation bag for segmenting tissue during an operation such as in laparoscopic surgery. The device includes one or more loops of high strength wire which can be mechanically reduced in size to cut the tissue into smaller pieces. The wire loops can be heated electrically to aid in cutting through hard-to-cut parts of the tissue. The wire can be of a shape memory alloy which shrinks when heated to form a smaller diameter loop.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible isolation bag having at least two layers which are bonded together at a plurality of connection sites distributed over a surface of the bag and a system for supplying a fluid between the two layers and opening the isolation bag. The two layers preferably include polyurethane film and the bag may further include a lubricous outer surface, such as a nylon mesh layer, bonded to the polyurethane film. A neck channel may be formed around the openable end of the isolation bag for supporting a drawstring which is movable through the neck channel to close the open end of the bag. The bag can be made by bonding the nylon mesh layer to two layers of polyurethane film using a radio frequency welder to form a plurality of weld sites distributed across the surface of the laminate. The drawstring is then introduced into the neck channel. The finished laminate with the drawstring is welded to form a bag assembly having an opening at one end.