Abstract: A device for assisting in a vascular procedure is provided that includes a handle and one or more legs that are operable to move in response to a force being applied to the handle. The legs are operable to extend and to contract in order to manipulate a conduit. In a more particular embodiment, the device can be used in conjunction with a stand operable to receive the conduit such that the conduit can be removed from the stand by the device. The stand may include one or more graduations that indicate the size of the conduit once it is positioned on the stand.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suture trimmer, the suture trimmer comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an axis therebetween, the shaft having a groove formed in the side thereof, the groove in communication with an opening formed in the side of the shaft, the opening disposed proximal the distal end. The suture trimmer further including a cutting member slidably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. Wherein the suture trimmer in accordance with the present invention may be additionally utilized to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop.

Abstract: A suture securing device includes a body with a distal end portion defining a suture receiving opening; a shaft and the body being assembled for relative reciprocal motion between a first position and a second position; and a tension coil spring operably attached to the body and operably attached adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft and disposed adjacent a suture receiving opening, When the body and shaft are in the first position, the tension coil spring is in a rest position, and when the body and/or the shaft are in the second position, the tension coil spring is in a tensioned position to form at least one gap therebetween to enable receipt of at least a portion of at least one suture.

Abstract: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.

Abstract: A suture kit includes a plurality of flexible strands of suture, each of the strands of suture having one or more suture markings indicative of a suture orientation and a mesh material configured to enable the strands of suture to be passed therethrough, wherein at least one quadrant/section of the mesh material having one or more mesh markings indicative of a mesh material orientation. The one or more suture markings include visual indicators and the one or more mesh markings include visual indicators, the suture visual indicators corresponding to the mesh visual indicators for indicating correct orientation of the mesh material with respect to tissue of a subject.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct includes an anchor, a filament having a snare on one end and a collapsible loop on another end, and a suture having a plurality of stationary protrusions. The suture is configured to be coupled to detached tissue and have its ends passed through an opening in the snare. The snare can be collapsed around the suture so at least one of the protrusions is proximal of the collapsed snare. The anchor can be disposed in bone and the filament coupled thereto. Accordingly, collapsing the snare around the suture couples the tissue to bone, and applying tension to a tensioning limb of the filament can collapse the loop to incrementally tighten and secure the tissue to bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone, for securing one or more objects using a surgical filament, and for drawing two or more tissues together so they can be secured in a desired location. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair method includes selecting a surgical repair construct that includes a snare linkage having a collapsible snare and a collapsible loop coupled to the snare linkage. Steps can be performed as part of the method such that the snare of the snare linkage is collapsed around a portion of the loop passing through the snare. The snare linkage and loop construct can be coupled to tissue and bone such that the snare and loop are both advanced distally towards bone to bring the tissue into proximity with the bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A suture-based vessel closure device can perform the dilation of an arteriotomy puncture and does not require previous dilation of the arteriotomy puncture by a separate device or by a procedural sheath dilator. The suture-based vessel closure device can place one or more sutures across the vessel access site such that, when the suture ends are tied off after sheath removal, the stitch or stitches provide hemostasis to the access site.

Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by suturing an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with the connection module.

Abstract: A method for inserting a stitch through tissue around a hole in an abdominal muscle or a hollow organ includes: inserting into the hole a body assembly having penetration members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position, and a suture cartridge assembly secured to a forward end of the body assembly, the suture cartridge assembly having opposing arm members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position and each holding a capture sleeve to which an end of a suture cord is secured; simultaneously deploying the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the arm members such that the penetration members capture the capture sleeves; and simultaneously retracting the penetration members and the arm members such that the ends of the suture are retracted with the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the body assembly.

Abstract: An instrument for use in minimally-invasive procedures generally including a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The end-effector is in the form of a suture holder which includes a first, fixed arm at a distal end of a first, fixed outer shaft, and a second, movable arm at a distal end of a second, movable inner shaft. The fixed arm includes a u-shaped end, which defines an opening adapted to receive a portion of an elongate flexible suture material. A closure pin fixed at an end of the movable arm moves back and forth, opening and closing the opening in the u-shaped end of the fixed arm. The closure pin extends from the movable arm into a pin guide opening through one leg of the u-shaped end of the fixed arm.

Abstract: The guidance and positioning device may be a system for creating a passage in tissue, positioning fasteners or other implants, and tensioning an elongated fastening member, like a suture, thread, wire, or pin. In some embodiments, the device may allow for the implantation of multiple sutures and fasteners in tissue. A fastener may be positioned at the distal end of a flexible pushrod. The fastener may be connected with the pushrod or may be loosely fitted with the distal end of the pushrod. A suture may be looped through or connected with the fastener such that one, two, or more sections, legs, strands, or portions of the suture extend from the fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suture manipulation device. The suture manipulation device includes a body and a snare. The snare is operatively connected to the body and is adapted to protract from the body, and after protracting from the body, rotate independent of the body. The snare is further adapted to ensnare a portion of suture passed through tissue while rotating, and secure the portion of the suture.

Abstract: Devices for seizing sutures within osteal tunnels, including blindly seizing such sutures, having an interior end for insertion into an osteal tunnel, the interior end having a suture seizing mechanism; an exterior end having an activating mechanism for activating the suture seizing mechanism; a target ring, which is a component of the suture seizing mechanism, having an opening through which a suture to be seized can pass through; and a suture clamping component, which is a component of the suture seizing mechanism, for clamping the suture to be seized against a surface of the target ring.

Abstract: Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows for visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury.

Abstract: A lattice stitch surgical tension-limiting device, designed to be used in lattice stitch repair of wounds in biologic tissue. The device is tied to the surface of biologic tissue to be repaired by a lattice stitch. The device is designed to limit the tension in the lattice stitch, to allow placement of the lattice stitch without the need of an assistant and “instrument tie”, to help displace tension away from the surface of the body tissues, to enhance the properties of the lattice stitch in tissue shear reduction, and manage rotational forces affecting the repair as the lattice stitch draws the wound together to a closed condition. The device remains on the tissue surface during the wound healing period and is removed with the lattice stitch when wound healing is complete.

Abstract: A suturing assembly is provided that is configured to pull a capsule attached to a suture through tissue. The suturing assembly includes a shaft aligned on a longitudinal axis of the suturing assembly, and a head coupled to the shaft. The head includes a proximal portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The proximal portion houses a needle that is movable through a needle exit port. The proximal portion of the head and the needle exit port are both aligned on the longitudinal axis. A proximal side of the distal end of the head defines a cavity adapted to receive the capsule and a distal side of the distal end of the head defines a slot adapted to allow the suture to pass through the distal end of the head and into the cavity.

Abstract: A method of suturing tissue includes engaging tissue with a suturing head, driving a needle from a proximal end portion of the suturing head through the tissue, and engaging a capsule disposed in a distal end portion of the suturing head with the needle, the capsule comprising a length of suture attached thereto.

Abstract: A device for use with a trocar in suturing trocar wounds with flexible needles. The device includes a ring encompassing the trocar positionable adjacent to a body wall. The ring, often a split ring, has a pair of guide channels passing through it, each channel including an entry hole and an exit hole. These guide holes are disposed symmetrically on the ring such that the two entry holes and the two exit holes form lines passing through the longitudinal axis of the trocar. The channels are curved near their respective entry holes. The guide channels are angled in the region of the exit holes so that when the needles exit the channels into the body wall and then the body cavity they are at a predetermined distance from the nearest point on the trocar. The above described device forms a suturing system with the trocar.

Abstract: A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A snare loop is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair by advancing a suture pin and a suture which the pin carries through a humerus, rotator cuff and adjacent soft tissue and skin using an insertional guide and thereafter tensioning and securing the suture.

Abstract: An apparatus for ligating a medical protrusion comprises a ligating suture having a proximal end and a distal end configured to circumscribe the medical protrusion, and a one-way lock positioned there between. The apparatus further comprises an endoscope, a cutter blade configured to cut the suture, and a device for ligating a medical protrusion. The device comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle positioned at the proximal end, an endoscope controller operably connectable to the endoscope, a cutting controller operably connectable to the cutter blade, a suture controller configured to be operatively coupled with the suture, a curved bridge positioned at the distal end, the bridge having a proximal end and a distal end, and an armature, having a proximal end and a distal end, configured to releaseably retain at least a portion of the suture.

Abstract: A two-part suture cinch includes a collar and a plug. A cinch applicator is also provided, and includes an elongate tubular member, a plunger engaged within the distal end of the tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member and plunger, and a proximal handle for moving the shaft longitudinally relative to the tubular member. The plunger includes a distal housing for the collar of the cinch, and the plug is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The suture is thread through the collar and a portion of the applicator. Operation of the applicator draws the plug into the collar and clamps the suture between the plug and collar. In addition, once the plug is coupled in to the collar, the plunger is displaced proximally to release the two-part cinch form the applicator. A method for applying the cinch is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable, stand-alone tensioning system requires no additional fixturing, weights, or bone surface modification, and allows a single practitioner to provide an adjustable and repeatable tension to a soft tissue graft, and to install the final fixation implant. Its design facilitates introduction of the suture component of the graft into the tensioning process by simplifying retention of the suture. An even, regulated and reproducible tension is easily achieved without requiring the practitioner to manually pull on the suture strands to maintain graft tension.

Abstract: A method of providing a surgical device for closure of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) with minimally invasive approach includes drawing a pericardial patch over a distal jaw of the surgical device, while keeping a first suture-guide channels attached to the distal jaw and a second suture-guide channels attached to a proximal jaw of the surgical device closed, inserting the surgical device through a hole incised in an intercostal space of a patient and drawing the surgical device toward the ASD, while keeping the proximal jaw of the surgical device extracorporeal, manipulating forward a guide rod of the surgical device to drive the distal jaw, opening the first suture-guide channels and the second suture-guide channels to position the first suture-guide channels and the second suture-guide channels around the ASD, and withdrawing the distal jaw such that the distal jaw latches onto the proximal jaw.

Abstract: An implantable purse string suture tensioning device is provided, such that a hemostatic seal can be maintained without further manual adjustment over a range of purse string circumferences, including that surrounding a minimally invasive device, or a control or guidewire, and after complete removal of objects within the purse string suture, wherein the device is sized and shaped for in-dwelling implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for of attaching a rotator cuff tendon to its associated humeral head. The method includes the steps of passing a positional guide through the tendon toward the humeral head at a target site and positioning a suture anchor between the humeral head and the tendon at the target site by passing the suture anchor under the tendon. The suture anchor is driven into the humeral head and suture is passed from the suture anchor and through the tendon to attach the tendon to the humeral head at the target site.

Abstract: A surgical incision suturing device particularly suited for minimally invasive surgical procedures comprising a suturing mechanism built into a trocar stem that enables a surgeon to stitch a patient by utilizing controls on the exposed top portion of the trocar.

Abstract: A suture passer includes an elongate tube defining a central lumen and having a beveled distal end region and a grasping member comprising a first elongate member and a first jaw extending distally from the first elongate member. The grasping member is sized to be disposed within the elongate tube and is capable of being extended from the elongate tube in a manner such that the first elongate member and the first jaw are disposed at least partially distal to the beveled distal end region of the elongate tube. The grasping member is further capable of being retracted within the elongate tube in a manner such that the first elongate member is located substantially within the central lumen of the elongate tube and the first jaw substantially covers an opening of the beveled distal end region of the elongate tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bunion repair using a suture passing K-wire configured to easily pass through bone tunnels with suture trailing. The suture passing K-wire includes a tapered guide pin with a multi-diameter shaft (i.e., comprising at least two regions or sections that have different diameters) and a loop which is securely attached to an end of the guide pin (i.e., to the smaller diameter section of the guide pin). The reconstruction system may be formed of a pair of buttons connected by a flexible strand. The procedure offers indirect placement of buttons and a minimally invasive approach.

Abstract: A suturing needle is disclosed having a main longitudinal axis, a distal sharp portion and proximal portion along said axis. The distal portion is hollowed, and the hollow is approximately parallel to said axis. A further embodiment of the suturing needle is disclosed such that the distal portion comprises a notched open bore located at the needle's extreme distal end. Other embodiments of the suturing assembly are described accommodating a suture in the needle bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a knot, the apparatus comprising: a first pathway for receiving a first element, and a second pathway for receiving a second element, wherein the first pathway and the second pathway have configurations which correspond to the paths to be followed by the first element and the second element, respectively, in order to form a knot; a shuttle for moving the second element; and a mechanism for moving the shuttle through the second pathway, whereby, when the first element is received in the first pathway and the second element is connected to the shuttle, movement of the shuttle through the second pathway causes the second element to be moved through the second pathway so as to form a knot around the first element.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument includes a handle unit by which a user may hold the instrument, an elongated first tube attached to the handle unit, a second tube arranged slidable in relation to the first tube, that the second tube is provided with a thread gripping member capable of gripping suture threads, a locking member arranged to the tubes such that, when the second tube is moved in relation to the first tube, gripped suture threads are locked. The invention is characterised in that the device further includes storage elements for a number of rings, and a ring feeding member capable of, upon activation, moving the ring from the storage elements to a free position in which the suture threads run through the ring.

Abstract: A system for repairing separated body tissues includes a tensioning device having a movable housing, a pair of stationary tensioning tips distal to and attached to the movable housing, and suture tensioning jaws on a proximal end of the movable housing. The tensioning jaws are pivotable between open and closed orientations. A buckle is provided for securing and tensioning suture and the like, having a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate so that there is a gap between the first and second plates, and a lock bar within the gap and movable between a first position wherein suture may be freely passed through the gap as tensioning of the suture proceeds, and a second locking position wherein the suture is clamped in place within the gap. A tension tab is provided for securing the lock bar in its first position until tension on the suture exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: Centerboard entering vessel opening spreads it to a slit. Needle pairs in slots across centerboard width are at about 2 mm intervals inside vessel. Pushing a wedge or bridge wire between pairs spreads needle noses about 1 mm on either side of free edge of slit. Suture loop ends are attached to each pair. An outboard has legs on either side of centerboard with a foot on each leg that stands on either side of slit outside vessel. Needle nose housings in each foot are directly opposite needle noses. Operator turning a screw pushes needle noses through vessel wall overcoming resistance in calcified vessels and housings hold needle noses by detents. Removing device from body brings suture ends outside with suture loops across slit in ideal 2×2 pattern. Alternative configurations provide means of joining and cutting suture ends, with preformed knots slid to opening or clamping ends together with a clip.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices and methods for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair. A method includes introducing a first segment having a delivery assembly into a first soft tissue, and removing the delivery assembly to expose an opening of a hollow body of the first segment. The method also includes introducing a second segment having a second delivery assembly and a second body into a second soft tissue, guiding the second delivery assembly through the opening, and advancing the second body into the hollow body, thereby joining the first soft tissue and the second soft tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device has a grasper device that is translatable within an outer lumen where a first end of a needle is grasped with the grasper device. The needle may be resilient to a curved resting state. The grasper device translates proximally relative to the outer lumen such that the needle is translated into the outer lumen, wherein the outer lumen tends to straighten the needle from the curved resting state. The grasper device may be translated distally relative to the outer lumen such that a second end of the needle extends distally from the outer lumen and pierces the tissue. The needle may return to the curved resting state as it exits the outer lumen. When a second end of the needle emerges from the tissue, the second end of the needle may be grasped with the grasper device.

Abstract: A suture organizer to maintain a plurality of sutures attached to a patient during a surgical procedure or operation in position relative to each other during the surgical procedure or operation comprising a hemostat retainer including a hemostat retainer member to receive and retain the finger hole or thumb hole of a corresponding hemostat connected to a corresponding suture and a clasp including a pair of clasp members to cooperatively clamp a surgical drape or the like therebetween to hold the suture organizer in position during the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft, a cutting member, an actuating device, and a snare. The shaft has a first end and a second end and bounds a bore extending from the first end toward the second end. The shaft has an opening formed in a side adjacent the first end. The cutting member is slidably disposed within the bore of the shaft and can be moved between a first position and a second position, such that when disposed in the second position the cutting member closes the opening formed in the side of the shaft. The actuating device is in communication with the cutting member and is operable to move the cutting member from the first position to the second position. The snare extends through the opening and out of the bore at the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing the interior of a cavity of a patient is described. The transmural access system includes an overtube for use with an endoscope, a safety trocar, suture anchors, and a suture exchanger. The overtube is deployed in conjunction with an endoscope through a selected body passageway of a patient to locate a sight for an access portal. The distal end of the multi-lumen overtube is secured to an interior body wall of the selected access portal. A safety trocar is advanced through the main lumen of the overtube to form the access portal to the body cavity. Upon completion of the desired medical procedure, the access portal can be closed by deploying a suture exchanger.

Abstract: Organopexy tool set (S) is comprised of suturing tool (30) comprised of rod-shaped securing section (31) and suture (32), puncture needle (10) for insertion that accommodates plural securing sections with the ends of sutures protruding to the outside, and extruding device (20) that is arranged at the base end of puncture needle for insertion and can extrude the securing section accommodated in puncture needle for insertion from an opening at the tip of puncture needle for insertion. Also, plural suture exiting holes (24) are formed at intervals around the axis on extruding device, and the ends of sutures connected to plural securing sections protrude from different suture exiting holes. In addition, extruding device (20) is equipped with extruding rod (22), friction member (29), attachment/detachment pressing section (23), and coil spring (28).

Abstract: A system for closure of a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a first capture device for pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, and a second capture device for pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening. A trapping device for locating and engaging the first capture device can be used, prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue, so that the trapping device can subsequently pull the suture to facilitate closure of the fascial opening. Methods and apparatuses for closure of a fascial opening are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture passer guide that includes an elongate member having a longitudinal axis and defining a first proximal opening and a first distal opening. The first proximal and distal openings are substantially aligned with one another such that a suture passer can be extended through the first proximal and distal openings at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The suture passer guide can be configured to be passed through a central lumen of an endoscopic port.

Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle, an elongate shaft, and a push rod slidably inserted in the shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance the push rod relative to the shaft, thereby distally advancing the knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures.

Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for passing multiple sutures in tissue repair and/or other mini-open procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the hand assembly and passing through a cannulation of the shaft. The pair of jaws includes a lower jaw and an upper jaw, the lower jaw being provided with a slot configured to sequentially engage multiple sutures inserted into the instrument. The handle assembly has a cam mechanism and a finger lever with a ratchet and a releaser with a hook, the handle assembly being designed to move the needle from a first position to a second position, and to thereby sequentially capture, in the needle, each of the multiple sutures inserted in the instrument, for subsequent passing through tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including an end effector configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of functions; and a single actuation cable operatively connected to the end effector, wherein the actuation cable is capable of effecting operation of at least the pair of functions. The actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of functions upon an axial translation thereof, and a second operation of the pair of functions upon a rotation thereof.