Abstract: Scissors including a first blade member, a second blade member movably connected to the first blade member, and at least one of indicia arranged on at least one of the first and second blade members, indicia formed in at least one of the first and second blade members, and an optional reflex hammer can be arranged on at least one of the first and second blade members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employed in surgery involving making precise incisions through body vessel walls, particularly coronary arteries. A body vessel cutting instrument comprises an elongated instrument shaft extending between a shaft proximal end adapted to be manipulated outside the patient's body and a shaft distal end and having a shaft axis and first and second cutting blades supported at the shaft distal end. The first cutting blade extends substantially orthogonally or laterally to the shaft axis and has a first cutting edge extending along a trailing side, a cutting tip at the first cutting blade free end, and an atraumatic blunt surface along the leading side. The second cutting blade has a second cutting edge extending along a leading side, whereby the first and second cutting edges face one another and are brought together to slit a vessel wall.

Abstract: A surgical tool such as a grasper or a pair of surgical scissors includes a hinge portion that spans between a handle proximal portion and a distal working portion to communicate mechanical actions of the handle proximal portion to the distal working portion. A programmable rotary module is coupled to the hinge portion and includes a sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The sensor, actuator, and controller may be enclosed in a common housing. The sensor measures rotation of the distal working portion and the actuator generates haptic effects to the proximal handle portion. A controller is electrically connected to the sensor and to the actuator. The controller receives the rotation measurements from the sensor and, based upon the rotation measurements, outputs a control signal to the actuator relating to the generation of haptic effects. The haptic effects may include force sensations such as detents and barriers.

Abstract: A medical cutting instrument for cutting muscles and tendons, having a shaft on whose distal end a tool is mounted consisting of two jaw members, such that one jaw member can be moved with respect to the other jaw member, and on whose proximal end a handle is mounted, such that the movable jaw member and the handle operatively interact by way of an actuation element, in such a way that the movable jaw member can be shifted by actuating the handle between a closed position and an opened position. The other jaw member is U-shaped such that the two parallel legs of the U are disposed diagonally to the instrument longitudinal axis and the opening of the U points toward one side of the other jaw member, so that the other jaw member can be pushed from the side onto the muscle/tendon tissue that is to be severed.

Abstract: A medical cutting instrument for cutting muscles and tendons, having a shaft on whose distal end a tool is mounted consisting of two jaw members, such that at least one jaw member can move with respect to the other jaw member, and on whose proximal end a handle is mounted, such that the movable jaw member and the handle operatively interact with one another by way of an actuation element mounted in the shaft in such a way that the movable jaw member can be shifted between a closed position and an opened position of the tool by actuating the handle and whereby the tool is configured for simultaneous severing and holding of one end of the severed muscle/tendon tissue. At least in the other jaw member, a guide is configured for controlled insertion of the muscle/tendon tissue that is to be severed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of medicine, in particular diagnostics and surgery. By applying endoscopy in the diagnostics and surgery sector, surgical instruments, apparatus or processes are used for examining the interior of living organisms and/or for operative interventions. As such, said invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular a surgical instrument, for use in the endoscopy, comprising a tubular element, work element and an operating element. The operating element advantageously consists of an ergonomic axial grip with an integrated locking mechanism and an instrument shaft cleaning connection.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method of operation are provided. The surgical tool includes an end effector, such as a surgical scissor. The end effector is coupled to an actuating mechanism having a clevis and a pulley. A cable engages the pulley and is attached to one side of the clevis. When one portion of the cable is pulled, the clevis is moved in a first direction causing the end effector to open. When a second portion of the cable is pulled, the clevis moves in the opposite direction and the end effector is closed. The system also includes a mechanism for changing the orientation of the end effector. Another embodiment includes a mechanism for actuating the cable and the end effector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having pivot posts thereon. The pivot posts can engage apertures on the elongate shaft, thus eliminating the need for a through-pinned pivot connection of the scissor blades. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The scissor assemblies described herein can have a relatively low operational height such that they do not extend beyond a diameter of the elongate shaft during opening and closing of the scissor assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which both incises and splits the nucleus of a lens has a pair of spring steel segments slidably received in a metallic tube. Each segment terminates in a tip. As the spring steel segments are drawn into the tube the tips come together to form a cutting edge useful for incising the lens. When the segments are extended from the tube the tips separate, forcing the incision open until the lens is split.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a master manipulator, slave robotic units having a surgical instrument for performing a Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS), and a control system for electrically associating the master manipulator with the slave robotic units. The slave robotic unit includes the driving mechanisms which are more compact than those of the conventional MIS system. In use, the existing surgical instruments used in the conventional MIS procedure can be applied to the slave robotic unit. Moreover, by using the pivotal mechanism of the driving mechanisms, a pivot point of the surgical instrument is allowed to be shifted with respect to an incision of a patient. So, the patient's tissues surrounding the surgical instrument are not excessively affected by the surgical instrument during the procedure.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a clamping device for holding and/or clamping tissue, a severing device for severing tissue and a handling device for actuating the clamping device and/or the severing device is provided. The clamping device is provided with at least one clamping member having a clamping surface and a clamping member opening. The severing device is provided with a severing member movable at least partially into the clamping member opening. In order to reliably prevent short circuits between the at least one clamping member and the severing member, a severing member guide device is provided for guiding the severing member in the clamping member opening and for maintaining a spacing from inner side surfaces of the clamping member opening.

Abstract: A surgical tool has a handle from which a carriage is extendable and retractable responsive to the movement of handle leaf segments. Squeezing the leaf segments together extends the carriage from one end of the handle. A guide tube is attached to the carriage and a pair of opposed spring steel segments are positioned within the guide tube. One end of each spring steel segment is attached to the interior of the handle. The spring steel segments are biased to normally move away from each other when unrestrained. As the tube is extended from the handle it contacts the spring steel segments and forces them toward each other, thereby operating a tool formed at the tips of the spring steel segments. Different operating feels are imparted to the handle by varying the size and number of the leaf segments.

Abstract: A forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.

Abstract: Scissor systems are described. The scissor systems are provided with a secondary, lower parallel jaw member that supports a stand alone blade or jaw member against a reinforced blade or jaw member continuously through the cutting action, while simultaneously maintaining continuous interference, i.e., shear action, and sharply reducing the probability of skewing or spreading.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular shaft instruments, which are provided with a handle, a tubular shaft and a tool head. The tool head usually has two mouth parts, which can be displaced in relation to one another for gripping and fixing tissue. The invention discloses a slotted guide system for forming the articulation, said system having a virtual fulcrum outside the tubular shaft instrument.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument for gripping and cutting tissue which provides a safe mode of operation. The instrument includes electrodes by which a mechanical contact between a blade and an associated cutting surface can be electrically determined. This determination allows the operating physician to be provided with sufficient information to determine whether the tissue that is to be severed has been successfully severed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include tips and an actuation rod having a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut.

Abstract: A laparoscopic scissor with a shaft for use through an access port, such as a trocar cannula, with one or more parabolic, cubic, quadratic or higher order cutting blades extending from the shaft is provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand instrument with a finger grip loop and a thumb grip loop also has a forefinger control surface on at least one of the instrument arms. The control surface may include a proximally facing curved wall surface to receive the distal end of the tip of the user's forefinger. Forward and downward pressure can be applied with the forefinger with improved control and stability.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an end effector at a distal end thereof. The end effector can be configured to be movable between a first configuration in which the end effector is longitudinally aligned with or linear relative to the shaft and a second configuration in which the end effector is articulated at an angle beyond 45 degrees relative to the shaft. With the end effector in the first configuration or in the second configuration, the device can be configured to allow selective actuation of the end effector.

Abstract: Surgical scissors devices are disclosed. The surgical scissors devices may comprise an end effector with first and second blade members. The first and second blade members may respectively comprise proximally positioned cams and distally positioned blade ends. Also, the first and second blade members may be coupled at a pivot point by a fastener held in tension along its longitudinal axis by the blade members. A reciprocating shuttle may comprise at least one pin positioned within slots defined by the respective cams of the blade members. Distally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to open and proximally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to close. Methods and apparatuses for forming the surgical scissors device are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.

Abstract: A device, and a method of making the device, having at least one blank having a handle end and an operative end are described. The device may include a handle end having spaced complementary formations configured to co-unite to form a ring-shaped handle end. The method may include forming spaced complementary formations in the handle end of the blank, and co-uniting the spaced complementary formations to form a ring-shaped handle end in the blank.

Abstract: A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.

Abstract: A manipulator has a working unit in which when at least a first end effector finger and a second end effector finger are maximally closed on each other, at least the distance between a third joint axis and a first joint axis is greater than the distance between the first joint axis and a distal end of the second end effector finger, or the distance between the third joint axis and the first joint axis is greater than the distance between third joint axis and a second joint axis, or the angle formed between a direction from the third joint axis to the first joint axis and a direction from the third joint axis to the second joint axis is not ?.

Abstract: An instrument used in laparoscopic surgery is disclosed, the instrument having a trocar having a hollow interior and a sharpened end, and at least two implements having working distal ends and associated shafts extending from the distal ends and terminating in respective handles at proximal ends thereof disposed within the hollow interior of the trocar, wherein the implements may be selectively advanced and retracted by an appropriate force applied to the respective handles of the implements.

Abstract: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue are provided which include first and second shaft portions pivotably associated with one another. Each shaft portion has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween and a slot formed through the sealing surface thereof. The forceps includes a cutting mechanism operatively associated with the first and second jaw members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting element disposed within the slot of the at least one jaw member, the cutting element being movable from a first position wherein the cutting element is retracted within the at least one jaw member and a second position in which the cutting element at least partially projects from a sealing surface of the at least one jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical cutting attachment that may include an elongated first member with a proximal end and a distal end including a first blade and an elongated second member with a proximal end and a distal end including a second blade. The second member may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation with the first member and may be connected to the first member at a pivot. A first set of apertures may extend through the first member and a second set of apertures may extend through the second member. A connector may be positioned on the proximal end of at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members may be movable between a first orientation with the first set of apertures aligned with the second set of apertures and the first blade spaced away from the second blade, and a second orientation with the first and second sets of apertures spaced away from each other and the first blade in proximity to the second blade.

Abstract: A surgical device 10 with an ergonomic handle 12 and, an elongated tubular portion 18 extending from the ergonomic handle 12 to a functional end 22. The elongated tubular portion 18 has a longitudinal axis 19, and a finger actuator 16 is positioned substantially in line with this axis. Furthermore, the surgical device 10 may also include a rod 20 functionally disposed within the tubular portion 18 along the longitudinal axis 19. The rod 20 may be coupled proximally to the finger actuator 16 and distally to the functional end 22, such that bidirectional pressure applied by the user's finger to the finger actuator 16 along the longitudinal axis 19 manipulates the functional end 22 in a bidirectional manner in response to or in a common direction to the bidirectional pressure. The surgical device 10 may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism 24 to lock the finger actuator 16 in a fixed position, thus locking the functional end 22 in a fixed position.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a hollow shank and an instrument section arranged pivotable to the hollow shank proximate the distal end of this hollow shank. An instrument part is mounted in an axially movable manner in the pivotable instrument section.

Abstract: Co-axial actuated scissors for slidable positioning along a nerve for cutting the nerve or other anatomical surgical structure in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the scissors and away from the surgery site without harming adjacent tissues includes a first scissor portion having an offset handle attached to a slotted cylinder and a second scissor portion having an offset handle attached to an inner cylindrical member with the inner member telescoped within the slotted cylinder for concentric rotation therewith and the slotted cylinder and rotating member defining the longitudinal axis such that the cylinder and the rotating member include a loop end comprising a pair of cutting jaws whose cutting action is normal to the longitudinal axis and which are movable from an open position to a gripping position to a fully closed position for cutting the nerve through rotatable concentric actuation of the rotating member relative to the slotted cylinder and with detents positioned on an arcuate arm of the fi

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for more efficient cleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to a first suction passageway and a second suction passageway for cleaning purposes. The first suction passageway may also be removable.

Abstract: A forceps includes two arms, two nipping tips and two sleeves. Each sleeve defines a through hole therein and forms a plurality of threads on an inner surface thereof. Each arm forms a first mounting pole towards a corresponding nipping tip. Each nipping tip forms a second mounting pole towards a corresponding arm. The first and second mounting poles each have a thread section and a smooth section. The first mounting pole and the second mounting pole abut against each other and are received in the through hole of a corresponding sleeve. The thread section of the first mounting pole and the thread section of the second mounting pole cooperatively form a thread pole. The smooth section of the first mounting pole and the smooth section of the second mounting pole cooperatively form a smooth pole. The sleeve is threaded with the thread pole.

Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable exposure along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the METRx and Endius systems. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing hinged bi-hemispherical or oval working tubes applied over an introducer obturator which is controllably dilated to slowly separate muscle tissue. Deeper end working and visualization areas with maximum proximal access and work dimensions are provided to makes the operative procedure safer in application and shorten the surgeons's learning curve because it most closely approximates the ability to use open microdiskectomy techniques. a dual frame system enables full or partial spreading of a working tube set, while an open frame facilitates a four point retraction system.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use with a surgical instrument having a handle, an elongate body member, and a tool head. The actuating mechanism comprises a cable engagement arm pivotably attached at a first arm end. The cable engagement arm has a lever engagement portion at a second arm end. The actuating mechanism also comprises a cable engagement mechanism connecting a cable to the cable engagement arm and an actuation lever having a lever body. The actuating mechanism also comprises a torsion control mechanism having a piston slidably disposed within the piston chamber and a biasing mechanism configured for biasing the piston toward the chamber opening. The piston, the biasing mechanism, and the lever engagement portion cooperate to resist rotation of the actuation lever when a rotational force is applied to the actuation lever, but allow such rotation if the rotational force produces a moment that exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting a portion of a body comprising a knife capable of moving from a first position to a second position which is spaced apart from the first position; a smart memory material (SMM) capable of going from one physical state to another physical state; and an activating apparatus which is in communication with the smart memory material and which can cause the change in the physical state of the smart memory material, which change in state causes the movement of the knife thereby facilitating cutting of the desired body portion.

Abstract: Scissors on the distal end of a medical instrument are assembled highly accurately for cutting an object with ease. A scissors mechanism is assembled as a unit. The scissors mechanism has a pair of end effector members openably and closably fastened at proximal ends thereof by a bolt and nuts, while being held in a predetermined sliding state. The bolt has a central hole defined axially therethrough. The scissors mechanism is inserted into a tubular structure of a cover, which is coupled to the distal end of a joint shaft, and the end effector members are connected to a driven plate by links. A spacer is placed in a gap between the scissors mechanism and an inner surface of the cover. A pin is inserted, from an outer surface of the cover, into a hole of the cover and the central hole of the bolt.

Abstract: A medical device for creating and closing an opening through a vessel wall is described. The device includes a guiding engagement element positioned in a vessel wall; an incising member positionable over the engagement element; and a cutting element, with a recessed notch, at a distal end of the incising member. The cutting element forms a flap on a first portion of a vessel wall, the flap having a first portion attached to the wall and second portion having a first diameter cut and a second diameter cut larger than the first diameter cut. The engagement element includes a retaining element engaging a portion of the flap; and an anchoring element engaging an external surface of the vessel, wherein the retaining element and the anchoring element exert a compressive force on the vessel wall for assisting closure of the cut.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantation instrument with a scissored dissecting tool assembly is provided. An incising shaft longitudinally defines a substantially non-circular bore continuously formed to communicatively receive an implantable object and further includes a beveled cutting blade formed on a distal end. A dissecting tool assembly is included. A longitudinally split needle tip forms a pair of blades with cutting edges progressively defined outwardly from the needle tip. A pair of handles are each distally attached to one of the blades and pivotably coupled and disposed for transverse operation, wherein the dissecting tool assembly is removably affixable to the distal end of the incising shaft. A delivery mechanism longitudinally defines a substantially non-circular bore continuously formed to deploy the implantable object into the incising shaft.

Abstract: In a surgical severing instrument comprising two cutting jaws movable relative to each other from an open position to a cutting position by means of hand grips movable relative to each other, in order to improve the handling, in particular, of the severed parts, it is proposed that two clamping jaws movable relative to each other from an initial position to a clamping position be arranged alongside the cutting jaws, and that actuators be provided on the surgical severing instrument, which, upon movement of the cutting jaws from the open position to the cutting position, simultaneously move the clamping jaws from their initial position to the clamping position.

Abstract: Surgical scissors devices are disclosed. The surgical scissors devices may comprise an end effector with first and second blade members. The first and second blade members may respectively comprise proximally positioned cams and distally positioned blade ends. Also, the first and second blade members may be coupled at a pivot point by a fastener held in tension along its longitudinal axis by the blade members. A reciprocating shuttle may comprise at least one pin positioned within slots defined by the respective cams of the blade members. Distally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to open and proximally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to close. Methods and apparatuses for forming the surgical scissors device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for tissue dissecting and cutting in endoscope surgery which primarily comprises a holding part, a transmitting part and a cutting part. The holding part offers stable support for the surgeon to perform operation without incurring sway. The transmitting part is a straight force delivery system that can deliver the force straight and forward from the holding part to the cutting part. By using this device, the surgeon can deliver the exact force for the endoscope surgery.