Abstract: A hand operable bipolar combination scissors and forceps instrument. The instrument comprises two interfacing blade members wherein at least one blade member is pivotable in relation to the other blade member and wherein each blade member is an electrode to which current can flow. Each blade member is shaped to cooperate with the other blade member to thereby form a distal forceps portion and a proximal scissors portion wherein the respective scissors portions are electrically insulated from each other along their interfacing surfaces. Preferably, each blade member is individually pivotable in relation to the other blade member, and the instrument is dimensioned to have utility in endoscopic or other similar procedures.

Abstract: A rotational surgical instrument including a working head connected to a rotatable, pencil-like handle. The handle includes a casing with distal and proximal end caps, an elongated outer member extending into the casing, and a actuation link extending from the distal end cap through the casing and elongated member to the working head. An actuating mechanism is positioned distally from the distal end cap about the proximal portion of the elongated member for slidably actuating the working head between and open and closed positions. A compression spring is included in the passageway of the casing around the actuation link between the proximal end cap and the proximal end of the elongated member to return the working head to the nonactuated position. Keyed surfaces are included within the passageway of the casing and attached to the distal end of the casing and the proximal end of the elongated member for preventing rotation of the elongated member with respect to the casing and actuation link.

Abstract: Described herein is an endoscopic instrument such as a dissector, scissor or grasper in which there is provided a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis of the instrument. This shaft is able to rotate about the handle portion of the instrument. This mechanism also provides for articulation of the end effectors with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This articulation is accomplished by causing angulation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Because driving the cable is accomplished around any such angle, the end effectors continue to be able to operate. There is disclosed herein a locking mechanism which allows the rotational aspect of the device to operate to rotate the entire articulating mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing cutting or gripping movements comprises a tube body (2) connected at its rear end with an end portion (1). The end portion is provided with a handle (4) including an actuating lever (5). At the front end of the tube body (2), are pivotable relative to each other and form a forceps. A transmission device extends from the end portion (1) to the forceps legs (9, 10) for spreading the same apart or for pressing them together. The handle (4) rotatable at the end portion (2) about an axis extending perpendicular to the axis of the tube body. Upon turning the handle (4), the transmission device (22, 23) pivots the forceps legs (9, 10) commonly and in the same direction. Thus, it is possible to perform operations lateral of a puncture channel through which the tube body (2) extends.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument providing scissor action cutting elements at the end of an elongated tubular housing. The cutting elements are at the free end of a tubular housing that is adapted to be inserted into a surgery site and has one end attached to a motion producing portion of the instrument that is outside the surgery site. The cutting elements are formed at extensions of elongated shaft members one of which reciprocates within the tubular housing. One of the elongated shafts is fixed within the tubular housing near the end attached to the motion producing portion. The elongated shaft members are formed adjacent to the free end of the tubular member to maintain the scissor action cutting elements in firm engagement.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an elongated tube; a jaw tool, mounted to an end of the elongated tube and having two jaw elements pivotally mounted to each other at a pivot point, each jaw element having an operative end and a linkage end, the operative end and the linkage end extending from the pivot point, the operative end and the linkage end of each jaw element being arranged in a substantially coplaner fashion; an actuating rod for opening and closing the jaw tool, the actuating rod having a thickness and being movably disposed within the elongated tube; a linkage assembly for linking the actuating rod with the jaw tool, comprising two link elements, each link element having a first end pivotally linked to the actuating rod and a second end pivotally linked to the linkage end of a respective jaw element, the first end and the second end of each link element being offset relative to one another so as to compensate for the thickness of the actuating rod and provide proper alignment of each link element betw

Abstract: This invention relates to single-tool surgical instruments, such as scissors or forceps which do not pass through a channel in an operating laparoscope, which contain moving actuator parts at the end of a long slender shaft comprising a tube and a yoke. The actuator is operated by means of a handle assembly, which either forces or retracts an interior rod through a hollow shaft tube. These instruments can be disassembled to remove the interior rod from inside the shaft tube. This allows improved cleaning and removal of blood or tissue residues from the interior rod and shaft tube prior to sterilization, to provide for more effective and reliable sterilization of the components. The assembly includes a union coupling near the handle which allows the shaft tube to be disengaged from the handle without rotating either the interior rod or the shaft tube. After the shaft tube has been disengaged and pulled away slightly, the shaft and actuator assembly are rotated relative to the handle assembly.

Abstract: Medical instruments are provided having end effectors and end effector actuator apparatus which are rotatable relative to the end effectors. The instruments generally include a tube which is typically coupled to the end effectors via a clevis around which the end effectors pivot, a push rod extending through the tube and coupled to the end effectors, and an actuator apparatus engaging the tube and the push rod with the actuator apparatus including a handle which surrounds and rotatably engages the proximal end of the tube, and a lever arm which pivotally engages the handle and is coupled to the push rod such that pivotal movement of the lever arm relative to the handle effects axial movement of the push rod relative to the tube and pivotal movement of the end effectors.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight endoscopic instrument which has a flushing port with a check valve assembly therein. The check valve retains carbon dioxide which is used during endoscopic procedures. Upon removal of the instrument, a pressurized fluid can be connected to the flush port, with internal seals directing the pressurized fluid through an annular space between the stem of the instrument and a central actuating rod or element so that any tissue or blood which may have entered into such annular space is flushed out the distal end of the instrument. The instrument features a knob allowing it to rotate on its longitudinal axis while having a handle that can be held in a fixed position by the surgeon. An index mechanism is provided to audibly and/or visually give an indication at preset increments of rotation. The instrument is lightweight to decrease fatigue and is simply and economically constructed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for clamping, shearing, cutting or a variety of other tasks where the instrument is comprised of an elongated tube having a moveable jaw and a fixed jaw at a distal end and a pair of opposed, cooperating actuating handles at a proximal end for operating the moveable jaw by way of a pull and push rod. The moveable jaw is normally in the open position. Because at least one of the actuating handles is resiliently flexible and the actuating handles are normally bowed outward, squeezing them together produces relative proximal displacement of the pull and push rod. This proximal movement of the rod causes the moveable jaw to move proximally and to pivot about its connection to the fixed jaw resulting in the closure of the two jaws together Preferably, the surgical instrument has a removable end piece fitted in the proximal end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic instrument suitable for performing internal procedures through a trocar in which the instrument handle is provided with a control mechanism for rotating the instrument thereby enabling a surgeon to manipulate and utilize the instrument with one hand.

Abstract: A ferrule for a laparoscopic surgical instrument is enclosed. The ferrule is an integral plastic piece which shields a peripheral uncovered portion of a metal tube of the surgical instrument which is intermediate a shrink wrap covered portion of the metal tube and an actuator housing which closely surrounds an extended portion of the metal tube. The ferrule has first and second end portions and a middle portion, with a cylindrical bore in the first end which closely contacts the shrink wrap covered portion of the metal tube, a first outwardly flaring frusto-conical bore in the middle portion and adjacent the cylindrical bore which surroundingly covers the uncovered portion of the metal tube, and a second outwardly flaring frusto-conical bore in the second end adjacent the first outwardly flaring bore.

Abstract: An intraocular scissors including a handpiece which supports a detachable assembly having a pair of elongated relatively reciprocable blade members suitable for intraocular surgery. One of the blade members is fixedly mounted with respect to the handpiece and the other is mounted for reciprocating movement. Drive means are provided to operate the scissors in various modes including different rates of movement of the reciprocating blade member.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument formed of relatively movable, cooperating, inner and outer elongate tubular members wherein one of the inner and outer tubular members is made of a gall-resistant material providing an elongate bearing surface along substantially the entire length of the surgical cutting instrument to allow the inner and outer tubular members to be mounted with virtually no gap therebetween for precision cutting without wear or abrasion, metal flaking, galling and seizure and while permitting the other of the inner and outer tubular members to be made from 300 Series stainless steel. When the outer member is made from gall-resistant material, the inner member made from 300 Series stainless steel can be provided with an elongate bearing surface therealong formed by surface hardening the inner member or coating the inner member with thin, dense chromium.

Abstract: Arthroscopic cervical discectomy instruments include a push knob for a guide wire, a pair of telescopically mounted dilator tubes, one of which includes a water port so that the tube provides the additional function of an irrigation tube, a ligament cutter, a continuous suction punch, a cervical osteotone, a cervical cureet, a nucleus extractor and a cureet nucleus extractor. The dilator tubes, the ligament cutter, and the continuous suction punch are all centrally bored to receive the guide wire. All of the instruments are of arthroscopic proportions and each instrument, exclusive of its handle, is slidably insertable through the bore of the largest in diameter dilator tube. The largest in diameter dilator tube serves as a dilator, an irrigation tube, and as the main sheath through which the other tools are inserted.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument especially for ocular surgery including a hub having an axis with an axial bore in the proximal end and being receivable of a piston. In the distal end the bore is receivable of a tube, the piston and the tube being coaxial with the axis of the hub. A piston with an internal axial bore is disposed in the bore of the hub and is reciprocally movable along the axis. A face is disposed at one end of the piston and is adapted to engage a driver to provide movement of the piston on the axis. A tube is disposed in the bore at the distal end of the hub and extends outwardly therefrom. A member is rotatably disposed in the tube and extends outwardly to adjacent the distal end of the tube and inwardly to adjacent to the bore in the piston. Operative parts of the microsurgical instrument are disposed on the distal ends of each of the tube and the member. The parts cooperate with each other to perform a surgical task.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising(a) a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough,(b) a first elongate member extending through the longitudinal bore of the housing, and having a proximal and a distal segment, where at least part of the distal segment comprises an elastic material, especially a super elastic material, and wherein the distal segment assumes a first shape when extended from the longitudinal bore, and a second shape when withdrawn into the bore,(c) a second elongate member also having a proximal and a distal segment, the second elongate member extending substantially parallel to the first elongate member so that it is moved by the first elongate member, when the first elongate member changes from its first to its second shape and vice versa, the second elongate member being rotatable relative to, and substantially about, the axis of the first elongate member, and(d) an operating head secured to the distal segment of the second elongate member so that it(i) is moved with the sec

Abstract: A hand-held instrument is disclosed for use in surgery. The instrument has a set of opposed jaws that pivot about a common axis with respect to a shaft of the instrument's handle. The upper jaw has an upper blade rigidly affixed to one side thereof. A lower blade is rigidly affixed to the shaft. When the upper jaw and upper blade are jointly forced to pivot downward by a push rod on the shaft, the rotating upper blade moves past the stationary lower blade to amputate a piece of tissue in scissor-cutting fashion. The lower jaw is simultaneously forced (by the interposed tissue) to rotate about its pivot downwardly, i.e. in the same direction as and in fixed tandem with the upper jaw. The lower jaw is held tightly against the interposed tissue via a stiff spring against which the lower jaw is biased. The spring causes the jaws to tightly clasp the tissue in plier-clamping fashion during and after its amputation from its attachment. The instrument is operated by a scissor handle arrangement.

Abstract: Surgical forceps with integral suction are disclosed. The forceps include first and second elongated members movably interconnected so that the tips are juxtaposed for movement between spaced apart and clamping positions. One of the members has a channel extending from a suction orifice at the tip to a suction adapter, and a bypass port in the inward facing sidewall which admits ambient air to the channel. The other member has a suction control plug juxtaposed on its inward facing side for insertion into the bypass port to reduce the ambient air admitted to the channel. The forceps members are resiliently deformable and the suction control port and plug are arranged so that, with the forceps tips remaining in contact, the port is closed by compressing the members together and is opened by relaxing the compression. Movement of the elongated members into the clamping position using the same action as normally used with forceps, and then applying compression, controls suction through the suction orifice.

Abstract: End effector scissor elements for laparoscopic surgical instruments are provided in the form of investment case cobalt base alloy elements. The cobalt base alloy scissor elements are homogeneous in composition. Each element has in its as-cast form an elongate portion having an integral cutting edge. At least on of the scissor elements also has a through-hole transverse to the elongate portion. The scissor elements are arranged as scissor cutting instruments by opposing their cutting edges, and by engaging the through-hole of each pivoting element with apparatus coupled to an actuating push-rod of the laparoscopic surgical instrument. The preferred cobalt base alloy is a cobalt base superalloy with at least 38% cobalt, and preferably 50% or more cobalt. The cobalt base alloy should be sufficiently hard to scratch stainless steel.

Abstract: An improved trocar sleeve (10) is disclosed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The sleeve (10) is provided with an expanded mushroom hinge (20) at the first end (14) of the sleeve inserted into the abdominal cavity. The mushroom hinge (20) can be expanded within the abdominal cavity to abut against the inner surface of the abdominal wall (18) to hold the sleeve in place. A split seal (52) having a concave shape facing the first end (14) of the trocar sleeve (10) is provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity through the sleeve (10) as the pressure of the gas itself urges the first and second seal lips (78, 80) on opposite sides of the slit in the seal into sealing engagement. In a second embodiment, a member (138) is rotated relative to an end member (150) to actuate the mushroom hinge.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical tool (10, FIG. 1 ) with a single moveable inner tip (22), and a fixed outer tip (12) pivotably interacting via an integral essentially-hourglass-form pivot extension of both walls of the outer tip and an engaging channel (24) of the inner tip(s), articulated by a link with an integral stud and also realizable as with dual moveable inner tips (22A, 22B/FIG. 6 ), pivotably interacting with respective end-to-end adjacent essentially-hourglass-form sections of a pivot that is an integral extension of the outer tip.

Abstract: Dissecting cum-haemostapling scissors comprise an upper and lower jaw members having handles provided with cooperating lock elements. The lower jaw member has a longitudinal slit accommodating a pivotable spring-biased cutting blade. When the handles are gradually brought together, haemostatic grooves provided in both members firstly nip tubular blood vessels on either side of the blade, and then the blade cuts the blood vessel. The upper jaw member is also provided with a set of haemostaple pins in a slit housing provided in the upper jaw member. By further operation of the handles, a blunt end of the blade actuates or triggers a haemostapling system which releases a staple from a staple magazine and the staple clasps firmly the severed ends of the blood vessel. The lower jaw member is further provided with an automatic alignment system to align blood vessels with a cutting edge of the blade.

Abstract: Hook scissors end effectors are provided for a laparoscopic instrument. The hook scissors end effectors generally comprise first and second blades, with at least one of the blades pivotally engaging the laparoscopic instrument. Each blade comprises an elongate straight blade member with an integral transverse hook element at the distal end of the blade member. The hook elements each extend towards the other blade member and each hook element is offset from its blade member so that a narrow recess is provided between opposing first and second hook members upon closing of the first and second blade members. The elongate straight blade members provide a straight scissors cutting action therebetween so that the contiguously adjacent portions of the blade members gradually come together in a continuous bearing contact to effect a cutting action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument. Since, in the case of instruments operated by gripping disks, a conventional spring preloading has not been adequate for an effective closing movement, an improvement is proposed here. This consists of so articulating a front gripping disk to an instrument member that, through a manually applied axially rearward movement of the gripping disk, the instrument members are closed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument capable of being used to guide a thread inside a body and to cut the thread comprises a forceps jaw having first and second opposed surfaces each provided with a serrated portion and a cutting portion.

Abstract: Disposable laparoscopic surgical instruments for insertion through trocar tubes are disclosed. The instruments broadly include: a hollow aluminum tube; an aluminum clevis which is formed separately from the aluminum tube with the distal end of the hollow aluminum tube crimped around the proximal end of the clevis, and with the clevis including a pivot pin; at least one end effector element having a pivot hole through which the pivot pin of the clevis is pivotally engaged, and another through-hole; an aluminum push rod extending at least partially through the hollow aluminum tube and mechanically coupled to the end effector element; and a plastic actuator engaging the proximal end of the push rod and for imparting reciprocal motion to the push rod relative to the aluminum tube, where the reciprocal motion is translated at the clevis into pivotal motion of the end effector element.

Abstract: A rotational surgical instrument including a working head connected to a rotatable, pencil-like handle. The handle includes a casing with distal and proximal end caps, an elongated outer member extending into the casing, and a actuation link extending from the distal end cap through the casing and elongated member to the working head. An actuating mechanism is positioned distally from the distal end cap about the proximal portion of the elongated member for slidably actuating the working head between and open and closed positions. A compression spring is included in the passageway of the casing around the actuation link between the proximal end cap and the proximal end of the elongated member to return the working head to the nonactuated position. Keyed surfaces are included within the passageway of the casing and attached to the distal end of the casing and the proximal end of the elongated member for preventing rotation of the elongated member with respect to the casing and actuation link.

Abstract: This invention relates to an umbilical cord cutting scissors for using one time only in which all portions except blade portion of scissors are replaced by plastic material, or blade portions as well but both blade edges are formed with saw teeth, and semispherical transparent plastic upper and lower container around the blade portions are formed thereof, so that splashing of blood from umbilical cord upon cutting it is prevented, and problem is solved in which umbilical cord is slipped and is not easily cut, and the umbilical cord can be cut hygienically while confirming correct portion of the umbilical cord to be cut off.

Abstract: The present invention is improved handles incorporated with a microsurgical instrument. The microsurgical instrument has a pair of crisscrossed members each having a forward functional portion and a rearward portion. Each of the rearward portions of the pair of crisscrossed members is substantially widened for accommodating the fingers of a surgeon's hand, such that the fingers are positioned parallel to the general longitudinal profile of the microsurgical instrument. The forward functional portions may be microsurgical scissors, microsurgical needle holders, microsurgical Aneurysmen clips, and the like.

Abstract: Medical instruments are provided having end effectors and end effector actuator apparatus which are rotatable relative to the end effectors. The instruments generally include a tube which is typically coupled to the end effectors via a clevis around which the end effectors pivot, a push rod extending through the tube and coupled to the end effectors, an actuator apparatus engaging the tube and the push rod and imparting reciprocal axial motion to the push rod relative to the tube, and end effectors. The actuator apparatus includes a sleeve, spring, handle, and lever arm. The sleeve is movable along the longitudinal axis of the tube against a biasing force of the spring, but is restrained from rotating about the tube. The sleeve has a locking element on its proximal end. The handle surrounds and rotatably engages the proximal end of the tube and has a locking element on its distal end which mates with the locking element of the sleeve and disengages therewith when the sleeve is advanced along the tube.

Abstract: End effectors for an endoscopic surgical instrument are provided and comprise a pair of identical elongate longitudinally extending arms having tooth-like terminal projections which closely mesh in a closed position. A preferred embodiment of the end effectors are hermaphroditic claw extractors which grasp and pierce tissue without endangering nearby tissue.

Abstract: A disposable laparoscopic single acting scissors is provided, and generally includes a hollow aluminum tube, a clevis coupled to a first end of the aluminum tube and including a pivot rod, a first scissors blade element having a pivot hole for pivotally engaging the pivot rod of the clevis, and having a through-hole in a base section of said first scissors blade element, a second scissors blade element fixedly engaging the clevis, a thin wire rod extending at least partially through the aluminum tube with a first end of the rod having a longitudinally offset terminal portion for engaging the through-hole of the base section of the first scissors blade element, and a plastic actuator engaged to the other end of the rod for imparting reciprocal motion to the rod relative to the aluminum tube which is translated at the clevis into pivotal motion of the first scissors blade element. The first scissors blade element is preferably formed from investment cast bronze.

Abstract: Disposable laparoscopic surgical instruments for insertion through trocar tubes are disclosed. The instruments broadly include: a hollow aluminum tube; an aluminum clevis which is formed separately from the aluminum tube with the distal end of the hollow aluminum tube crimped around the proximal end of the clevis, and with the clevis including an axially off-set pivot pin; at least one end effector element having a pivot hole through which the off-set pivot pin of the clevis is pivotally engaged, and another through-hole; an aluminum push rod extending at least partially through the hollow aluminum tube and mechanically coupled to the end effector element; and apparatus for imparting reciprocal motion to the push rod relative to the aluminum tube, whereby the reciprocal motion is translated at an offset pivot of the clevis into a high torque pivotal motion of the end effector element.

Abstract: A Maryland dissectors for insertion through a 5 mm trocar tube is disclosed and generally includes a hollow extended aluminum tube, a clevis, a pivot pin, a push rod, Maryland dissector end effector blades, and an actuator for causing reciprocal motion of the push rod. The clevis fixedly engages a first end of the aluminum tube, with the clevis having a hollow bore communicating with the aluminum tube and a pair of parallel, spaced apart, opposed arms extending away from the aluminum tube. The pivot pin extends transversely between the arms of the clevis and engages the clevis arms. The Maryland dissector end effector blades extend away from the aluminum tube and curve away from the longitudinal axis of the aluminum tube. The pivot pin extends through through-holes in the blades which are sized to permit pivotal movement of the blades around the pivot pin and to permit limited angular displacement of the blades relative to the pivot pin.

Abstract: A separately formed clevis of a disposable laparoscopic surgical instrument is provided. The clevis fixedly engages a hollow aluminum tube of the disposable laparoscopic surgical instrument and pivotally engages an end effector of the disposable laparoscopic surgical instrument. The clevis includes: a hollow first portion having a knurled outer surface having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the aluminum tube, for fitting closely within the aluminum tube and for fixedly engaging the aluminum tube when the aluminum tube is crimped thereover; a second portion having a base section with a bore corresponding to the inner diameter of the hollow first portion, and a pair of parallel, spaced apart, opposed arm members integrally joined to the base portion at respective first ends of the opposed arm members and extending away from the hollow first portion; and a pivot rod which engages the opposed arms in a substantially transverse manner.

Abstract: A method for making a stainless steel or titanium surgical instrument having a high toughness wearing surface, by vapor deposition of titanium nitride thereon in a vacuum chamber having a molten evaporant in a hearth in the bottom of the chamber, and using the hollow cathode effect. A preferred method includes tempering the instrument at temperatures above 200.degree. C., then coating by physical vapor deposition at temperatures from about 175.degree. to 260.degree. C. Ring handled instruments with box lock pivots are coated before assembly. Toughened surgical instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical tool (10) with an inner tip (22) and outer tip (12) pivotably interacting via an integral pivot (20) extension of the outer tip and an engaging groove (24) of the inner tip, articulated by a link (26) with an integral stud (30).

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical instrument having a pair of opposed jaw members, at least one of which jaw members is moveable with respect to the other jaw member. A cutting and/or cauterizing heat source such as a hot wire element and/or laser transmission fiber is carried on at least one of the jaw members.

Abstract: Connecting elements are disclosed for a laparoscopic surgical instrument. Each connecting element engages a reciprocally movable push rod having a first through-hole and a pivotally rotatable end effector having a second through-hole. The connecting element is preferably a resilient staple-like element having a first terminal portion configured to pivotally engage the first through-hole in the push rod, an oppositely extending second terminal portion configured to pivotally engage the second through-hole in the end effector, and a substantially U-shaped middle portion coupling the first and second terminal portions. Where a double acting surgical instrument is used, two connecting elements are required. For improved stability, the connecting elements of the double acting surgical instrument can be crossed.

Abstract: An actuator for a laparoscopic surgical instrument imparts reciprocal motion to a push rod surrounded by a hollow tube. The actuator includes a plastic housing which fixedly engages the hollow tube, and a lever which fixedly engages the push rod and pivotally engages the housing. The housing also preferably includes an integral handle. When the handle and lever are manipulated by the user such as by pivotal movement of the lever, reciprocal motion is imparted to the push rod relative to the hollow tube. The lever also includes an external unevenly surfaced portion which when frictionally engaged by a digit of a human hand will impart pivotal motion to the lever, and hence reciprocal motion to the push rod.

Abstract: An investment cast bronze end effector blade for a disposable laparoscopic surgical instrument having a push rod is disclosed. The end effector blade has an aperture for engaging either the push rod or a connecting staple which couples the push rod of the instrument to the end effector blade. The end effector blade has a body member having a sharp edge element and a base element integral with integral first and second masses of bronze. The base element is an extended portion substantially parallel to and in an offset configuration with the sharp edge portion, and includes an aperture to which the push rod or connecting staple couples. The first mass of bronze integral with the investment cast end effector blade bridges the offset configuration between the sharp edge element and the base element. The second mass of bronze integral with the investment cast blade partially surrounds the aperture of the base element and extends to the end of the base element remote from the sharp edge portion.

Abstract: The device comprises a surgical instrument incorporating a movable element and a stationary element, and a drive made as a closed hydraulic system adapted to effect mutual displacement of the elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a pneumatic system for driving pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor.

Abstract: An umbilical cord cutting and clamping device is used with a fetal cord end clip to permit a physician to quickly sever an umbilical cord and securely clamp the fetal cord end. The clip is retained in the device until the cord end has been securely clamped. As the device and clip are closed on an umbilical cord, a tab formed on the central section of the clip rotates out from under a lug formed on the device to release the rear of the clip from the device.

Abstract: A microscissors device for us in microvascular end-to-side anastomosis, and an end-to-side vascular anastomotic repair technique are disclosed. The microscissors device standardizes the excision in a recipient (arterial or venous) vessel wall so that a hemodynamically sound anastomosis can be achieved. In order to form the standardized excision, a microscissors device has pivoting arms providing a scissors-action with cooperating half-moon shaped sharpened indentations in the pivoting arms which engage and form the uniform excision in the recipient vessel wall. The end-to-side vascular anastomotic repair technique includes the step of forming a standardized generally longitudinally extending excision in the recipient vessel wall to facilitate insertion and subsequent suturing of the donor vessel, in a hemodynamically sound manner. The excision is made as uninterrupted single-step excision.

Abstract: A cross-action surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws providing the capacity for clampingly receiving and holding a suturing needle, and severing a suture when stitching is complete. A stop member is formed on one of the opposed jaws extending toward and past the second of said jaws to prevent the suturing needle or the suture from reaching the pivot between the first and second jaws. The stop member registers with a groove formed in the remaining jaw and the uppermost edge of the groove has a honed edge against which the suture is sheared by the stop member when the first and second jaws are closed, or forced together.

Abstract: A cable action instrument for surgery and other uses comprises a control end, a reaction end, and an angle adjustment section connecting the control end and the reaction end. A flexible control cable extends between the control end and the reaction end and allows a force to be transmitted from the control end to the reaction end so that a desired function may be performed at an instrument tip. The instrument may be bent into an unlimited number of configurations and is easily disassembled and reassembled.

Abstract: A forceps and in particular hooked shears, has a distal extremity of the forceps shaft provided with a recess of the one fixed branch of the forceps jaws, with which branch there co-operates a double-armed pivotally displaceable jaw branch by means of a scissors grip and a push and pull rod. The recess of the fixed jaw branch is continued by a shaft slot whereof the delimiting edge forms a stop for a stepped surface of the push and pull rod placed in impingement in the closed position of the jaws and the open position of the jaws is restricted by impingement of a surface of the pivotable jaw branch against the top distal edge of the push rod.

Abstract: A disposable double-clamp device for severing an umbilical cord while maintaining the severed ends thereof in a clamp. The clamps are held together in a side-by-side relation by a shear pin. A cutting blade is hingeably located between the abutting clamps, its forward cutting motion being impeded by said shear pin. After the device is brought into a clamped position, further pressure is exerted upon the blade, which breaks the shear pin and severs the umbilical cord.