Abstract: A method for the selective removal of corneal tissue, and change of curvature thereof, for refractive vision correction, by means of a correction template in conjunction with a planar cutting high pressure water jet micro-keratome. The correction template is adapted to provide a planar cutting guide, on the corneal tissue, for the refractive correction required, with the template being shaped with a non-planar surface of predetermined configuration (related to the desired correction). The non-planar surface of the template is fitted to the area of the cornea to be refractively corrected, whereby the corneal tissue to be removed is selectively deformed so as to be substantially conformed to and held against the non-planar surface. Application of a vacuum between the template and cornea aids in this holding.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument having a surgeon operable control handle for advancing a blade over a fenestrated hook so that tissue within said fenestrated window area is dissected.

Abstract: A surgical punch for cutting body tissue, comprises an axially elongated support having first and second end portions; first and second cutting jaws operably associated with the first end portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relatively toward and closely past each other in tissue-severing shearing action; an actuator operably associated with the second end portion for providing relative motion between the first and second jaws; and a plurality of upstanding blades disposed within the opening for dividing the opening into a plurality of smaller openings. The first jaw has an opening adapted to receive the second jaw in tissue-severing action in the closed position. The second jaw cooperates with the blades when in the closed position, thereby to cut the tissue into smaller fragments substantially corresponding to the sizes of the smaller openings.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, in particular microsurgical scissors or cutters or tweezers or forceps, with a gripping portion and at least one gripping surface which extends over at least a section of the gripping portion and which affords enhanced friction in comparison with the adjacent sections of the instrument, is improved in that the gripping surface is in the form of a roughening with small, juxtaposed raised portions and depressed portions of different dimensioning and with an arrangement which is irregular in respect of dimensioning.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery connection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site. The pivoting handle is provided with a rotatable connection point for connecting the slidable rod member to essentially eliminate radial deflection of the rod within the outer tube during opening and closing of the handles.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar scissors instrument comprising two interfacing pivotal blade members which are each an electrode electrically insulated from the other and individually pivotable in relation to each other. Each blade member comprises a substrate base upon which a layer of non-conductive material is secured on the interior surface thereof so that the non-conductive material of each blade member interfaces with that of the other at the meeting surfaces.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and method for performing extremely small-scale, minimally-invasive microsurgery such as thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. The instruments of the invention utilize a symmetrical, forcep-like actuator which provides extremely precise actuation and control of the instrument and which mimics the feel of instruments used in conventional open surgical procedures. The instruments generally include 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 actuator includes a pair of arms pivotally coupled to one of either the outer or inner shaft, and a pair of links pivotally coupled at one end to the arms, and at a second end to the other of the shafts. The links are coupled to a proximal portion of the arms to maximize mechanical advantage and reduce interference.

Abstract: A reusable endoscopic surgical instrument includes a tool assembly and a detachable handle. The tool assembly consists of an outer sleeve to which a surgical jaw assembly such as scissors or graspers is mounted. An inner extension is mounted inside the sleeve and is longitudinally translatable with respect to the sleeve. When the distal end of the extension is in engagement with the jaws of the jaw assembly, translation of the extension causes the jaws to open and close. The extension can be translated out of engagement with the jaws to permit disassembly of the instrument for cleaning and changing jaw assemblies. The tool assembly is retained within the handle assembly. The sleeve is retained within the handle in a longitudinally stationary position with respect to the handle, while the extension is permitted to move longitudinally within the sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treatment in the body cavity, in which an open-close member for treatment is rockably mounted by of a pivot pin on the distal end portion of a sheath to be inserted into the body cavity, and is connected to the distal end of a rod passed through the sheath, by a cam mechanism including a cam groove and a cam pin in engagement therewith. As the rod is moved by an operating handle, the cam mechanism is activated to open and close the open-close member for treatment. The component members of the cam mechanism have external shapes such that those portions on the proximal end side of the position near the pivot pin do not project from the sheath in every operating state.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an endoscopic instrument includes a clevis and first and second end effectors. The clevis has curved channels extending from a distal portion of the clevis towards the proximal portion of the clevis means. Each channel has first and second inner curved walls. The end effectors each have proximally extending tangs with first and second curved surfaces. The tangs of the end effectors are respectively disposed in the channels of the clevis, and are guided by the channels such that when they are moved forward by a control member of the endoscopic instrument first curved surfaces of the tangs engage said first inner curved walls of the clevis to cause the end effectors to open. When the control member moves the end effectors back, the second curved surfaces of the tang engage the second inner curved walls of the clevis which cause the end effector to close.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. In one embodiment, the tool mechanism including a pair of tissue gripping members having a plurality of rib members extending in a lengthwise direction, and at least one indentation having a longitudinal dimension at least greater than a transverse dimension between the rib members. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery connection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site.

Abstract: A curvilinear surgical punch (10) having a cutting head (21) for performing surgery upon the meniscal tissue of the knee joint is disclosed herein. Cutting head (21) includes an upper blade member (22) pivotal upon a lower frame member (24). Upper blade member (22) and lower frame member (24) both include arcuate cutting edges (26) and (28), respectively. The arcuate cutting edges of the present invention can be adapted toward a variety of configurations and sizes for operating upon different areas of the meniscal tissue.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in laparoscopic surgery being adaptable to provide for clipping, cutting or clamping. The device has a probe having an instrument attached to one end to be inserted in a patient. Slidably disposed over the probe is a sliding sleeve which applies force to the instrument end of the probe to effect the desired action. In one embodiment the probe may be rotatable, while in another embodiment the instrument ends are interchangeable.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery confection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site. The pivoting handle is provided with a rotatable connection point for connecting the slidable rod member to essentially eliminate radial deflection of the rod within the outer tube during opening and closing of the handles.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises a detachable tool assembly and tool actuating handle. The tool assembly comprises a tool such as scissors having jaws pivotably mounted via a pivot pin to an inner extension. An outer sleeve around the extension carries a drive pin which engages the tool. The actuating handle retains the inner extension in a fixed position but allows the tool to rotate. Moving a trigger on the actuating handle causes the outer sleeve to translate back and forth over the extension. As the sleeve moves, the drive pin engages the tool to open and close the jaws. The handle is available in a dual-port configuration in which the tool assembly may be inserted in one of two ports.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery connection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site. The pivoting handle is provided with a rotatable connection point for connecting the slidable rod member to essentially eliminate radial deflection of the rod within the outer tube during opening and closing of the handles. The instrument also includes crescent-shaped blades which are curved in a plane defined by the pivot axis of the blades and the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for an endoscopic instrument includes a stationary handle having a stepped throughbore with a relatively smaller diameter at the distal end and a relatively larger diameter at the proximal end. A cylindrical rack member is slidably disposed in the larger diameter portion of the throughbore. The larger diameter portion of the throughbore has a lower slot opening, and a movable lever is pivotally coupled to the stationary handle and is provided with a toothed upper pinion which enters the slot in the larger diameter portion of the throughbore and engages the rack member. The proximal end of the tube member is coupled to the distal smaller diameter portion of the throughbore and the proximal end of the control member is coupled to the distal end of the rack member.

Abstract: A surgical suture clamp is provided with two clamp jaws positioned movably one in relation to the other in a forceps-like manner. It is formed as an endoscopable suture clamp to be inserted into the body through a trocar and provided with a leading tube, in the vicinity of the inner tube end of which, to be lead into the body, at least one clamp jaw is positioned to be pivotably driven in relation to the second clamp jaw. A drive is arranged in the portion of the outer tube end remaining outside the body and is coupled by way of a transmission with the at least one pivotably driven clamp jaw.

Abstract: A medical forceps has an elongated body, two handle elements at one side and two jaw parts at the other side of said elongated body. Actuating means serve for actuating said two jaw parts responsive to the movement of the two handle elements. The actuating means are designed in that within a first range of movement of said handle elements, said two jaw parts are pivoted together, and within a second range of movement of said handle elements, one of said two jaw parts is moved relative to the other one of said two jaw parts.

Abstract: A reusable endoscopic surgical instrument includes a handle assembly attached to a slender shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes inner and outer shafts, with the inner shaft being rotatable by operation of the handle assembly to rotate a surgical tool operably connected to the distal end of a pushrod disposed within the inner shaft. The handle assembly includes first actuating mechanism for actuating the pushrod to operate the surgical tool and a second actuating mechanism for rotating the inner shaft. The outer shaft is axially slidable with respect to the inner shaft to cover a flush port system in the handle assembly for cleaning and improved sterilizability of the instrument.

Abstract: A multifunctional minimally invasive surgical instrument. The instrument includes a tool set on the opposite end of a support tube from a handle assembly. Grasping, manipulating, retracting, cutting, cauterizing, irrigation, suction, and electrosurgery functions can be performed by actuating the handle assembly. The tool set can also be rotated and articulated with respect to the handle assembly.

Abstract: An arthroscopic or endoscopic surgical instrument includes a manually engageable handle, a rigid stem section extending from the handle, and tissue engaging means for engaging tissue. The tissue engaging means includes first and second tissue engaging members. The first tissue engaging member is pivotable relative to the second tissue engaging member to engage tissue between the first and second tissue engaging members. An articulated shaft is connected between the stem section and the tissue engaging means and supports the tissue engaging means for movement between a plurality of orientations relative to the stem section. First actuator means is connected with the handle for bending the articulated shaft to change the orientation of the tissue engaging means relative to the stem section from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an elongate support shaft, a tip assembly permanently attached to the shaft, a cutting jaw which opens in a backward facing direction and which is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the support shaft, and a rod extending coaxially with the elongate support shaft for applying closing and opening forces to the cutting jaw. The tip assembly comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion having respective tissue cutting edges which define the cutting jaw. The stationary portion of the tip assembly is permanently attached to the distal end of the support shaft, and the movable portion of the tip assembly is pivotally attached to a distal end of the stationary portion. The stationary portion of the tip assembly has a plurality of cutting edges which define an opening which extends axially adjacent the longitudinal axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument providing scissor action cutting elements at the end of an elongated tubular housing. One of the cutting elements is rotated with respect to the other in a plane transverse to the axis of the 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 located at the end of the elongated tubular housing and are transverse to the axis of the housing. A stationary cutting blade is fixed to the housing and a rotatable cutting blade having a shaft is supported within the tubular housing. The motion producing portion of the instrument is hand-holdable and includes mechanical elements for converting reciprocal motion into rotary motion for operation of the rotatable cutting blade.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle holder and scissors to be used in suturing procedures. The instrument includes a pair of arms which are pivotally connected together at a location intermediate their ends. A flat clamping jaw is associated with each arm and is spaced from a first end of the arm. As the arms are pivoted, the jaws are brought into clamping relation to clamp a surgical needle. A scissors blade is formed on each arm and is located between the clamping jaw and the distal end of the arm. The scissor blades are constructed to be moved into overlapping cutting relation when the distal ends of the arms are moved toward each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a grip for a tubular shafted surgical instrument having two grip parts. The grip parts have grip contact surfaces which run generally parallel to each other and to the shaft tube. The first grip part is securely attached to the shaft tube, while the second grip part is pivotable as a rocker and engages the operational element of the tubular shaft instrument.

Abstract: Hand-held endoscopy assembly for use in performing a medical procedure comprising a hand-held endoscopy device having a bore extending therethrough. A surgical tool is removably mounted in the bore and is retained in a fixed longitudinal position within the device while permitting rotation of the tool in the device. A valve in the bore establishes a substantially fluid-tight seal between the bore and the tool.

Abstract: A compound motion cutting device for cutting a work piece includes a tubular member having first and second ends, a pair of operating members and a drive rod having first and second ends and extending longitudinally into the tubular member. One of the operating members is secured to the first end of the tubular member and the first end of the drive rod is secured to the other of the operating members. An anvil is supported proximate the second end of the tubular member and includes a surface for supporting the work piece and a slot extending through the support surface. A cutting member includes a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the drive rod and a cam slot extending laterally therethrough. A pin is supported proximate the second end of the tubular member an extends through the cam slot in the cutting member.

Abstract: Elastomeric fluid seals for endoscopic instruments include a single piece of molded elastomer surrounding a pushrod and placed with the outer tube or clevis of the instrument, thereby sealing the annular space between the pushrod and the outer tube. The dimensions of the seals are chosen such that they fit snugly inside the tube or clevis of the endoscopic instrument and the push rod of the endoscopic instrument fits snugly through the seal. When placed within the tube, the seal is preferably formed as a cylinder with a radially inward extending toroidal ring. As the push rod is moved through the fluid seal, the toroidal ring is pressed in an axial direction and thereby exerts a radially outward force on the seal which keeps the seal from moving inside the tube. When placed within the clevis, the seal is preferably formed as an adjacent cylinder and semi-cylinder which is inserted in a radial bore overlapping the proximal portion of the U-shaped cut-out of the clevis.

Abstract: A disposable arthroscopic surgical instrument includes a hollow tube with a manual actuator coupled to its proximal end and an end effector coupled to its distal end. The actuator and the end effector are coupled by a push rod which passes through the hollow tube and the push rod includes a frangible link so that the push rod will break when a predetermined force is applied to the end effector by the actuator. The frangible link is a flattened portion of the cylindrical push rod having a strength reducing throughbore. An end effector having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw is also disclosed. The stationary jaw is coupled to the distal end of the tube and has a throughbore for receiving the push rod. The movable jaw is coupled to push rod and is pivotally coupled to the stationary jaw by arcuate engaging surfaces on both jaws. The movable jaw preferably includes a pair of arcuate grooves while the stationary jaw has a pair of arcuate flanges which engage the grooves on the movable jaw.

Abstract: A pericardial endoscopic scissors is provided and generally comprises a hollow tube with a clevis coupled thereto, first and second scissor blades laterally offset from each other and both having elongate straight blade edges angled at about 45 degrees relative to the hollow tube, with the first scissor blade pivotally engaging the clevis so that its blade can angle about 90 degrees relative to the hollow tube in an open position, a rod extending through the hollow tube and coupled to the pivoting first scissor blade, and an actuator engaging the rod and imparting reciprocal motion thereto, which reciprocal motion is translated to pivotal motion of the first scissor blade. The fixed second scissor blade is provided at its distal end with an integral probe element which is laterally offset relative to and indented from the straight blade edge.

Abstract: Endoscopic surgical instruments are provided that have detachable working ends for use with a reusable handle portion. The detachable working end includes bipolar electrodes on opposing movable members for passing a high frequency current through tissue for simultaneously severing or manipulating the tissue and causing hemostasis of the tissue. An electrically insulating material is interposed between the movable members so that the electrodes are spaced apart from 0.002 to 0.050 inches and the current passes between the opposing electrodes through the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, and a bladed retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for maintaining spacing between the blades of the retractor assembly and for controlling actuation of the retractor assembly.

Abstract: Flexible elongate device comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and a tool actuator member mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. An elongate element having a negative coefficient of expansion is carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and is connected to the tool actuator member for causing movement of the tool actuating member. A control console is provided for supplying electrical energy to the elongate element.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical instrument includes a hollow tube with an actuator coupled to its proximal end and an end effector coupled to its distal end. The actuator and the end effector are coupled by a cylindrical push rod which passes through the hollow tube. The push rod includes a frangible link in the form of a flattened portion with strength reducing semicircular side cuts which breaks when a predetermined force is applied to the end effector by the actuator. The end effector includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The stationary jaw is coupled to the distal end of the tube and receives the push rod. The movable jaw is coupled to push rod and is pivotally coupled to the stationary jaw by arcuate engaging surfaces on both jaws. The movable jaw is also provided with a pair of serrated knife-like edges with an inner concave surface between them and the stationary jaw is provided with a receiving opening into which the movable jaw fits when the jaws are in a closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful as a biopsy tool and other related cutting or manipulating apparatus having two or more complementary mating jaws for securing and cutting the selected tissue, pivoted and operable remote from the operator handle. The surgical instrument includes elements to prevent the relative dislocation, or `racking`, of the cutting elements when the instrument is rotated on an axis perpendicular to the pivot point of the jaws. Further features of the present invention include an asymmetric continuous cutting surface about the major portion of the perimeter of the jaws, and a protruding tip of each of the jaw cutting surfaces, forming an incisor-like cutting region to insure that the sampled tissue is secured within the region of the jaw and cleanly cut free from the surrounding tissue. When fully engaged, the surgical instrument encloses the sample to be removed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument is comprised of a handle and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads. Each of the instrument heads is constructed to perform a microsurgical operation such as forcep clamping and scissors cutting in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument, and in a plane positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The instrument handle is comprised of an exterior surface formed as at least two lever arms that are manually manipulable laterally toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the instrument to control the surgical operation performed by the instrument head connected with the handle. Because the entire handle exterior surface is manipulated to operate the instrument head connected with the handle, the instrument need not be held at any specific orientation relative to the hand in order to easily operate the instrument head by manipulating the fingers of the hand.

Abstract: A tool for laparoscopic surgery comprising an elongated handle, an actuator connected to the handle between the opposite ends, a bore extending therethrough, a tool rod positioned in the bore, an actuator connected to the handle and engaging the tool rod for reciprocal motion within the bore. A sleeve extends over the tool rod and is secured to the handle. An instrument is secured to the tool rod at its distal end and is actuable by the sliding motion of the tool rod within the handle and sleeve. The handle has a cylindrical external surface and a grip remote from the distal end of the handle such that the handle can be held in the surgeon's hand like a writing instrument and the actuator be manipulated by the forefinger of the hand holding the tool to operate the instrument equally conveniently by right handed and left handed surgeons.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument system which includes a handle portion with a scissors grip, a shaft extending from the scissors grip and shaped to extend through a cannula, and a plurality of disposable end tools, each mountable on the end of the shaft and actuatable by the scissors handle. In a preferred embodiment, the scissors handle actuates a rod extending through the shaft which is connected to the end tool. The end tool includes a pair of jaws pivotally mounted on the support and connected to a reciprocating stub shaft by links. The stub shaft is connected to the actuating rod of the handle portion so that movement of the scissors handle causes the jaws to pivot relative to each other. The end tool may take the form of a scissor, grasper, biopsy or dissector, depending upon the specific shape of the jaws.

Abstract: A pair of endoscopic scissors having an actuating means at the proximal end and a pair of pivotable scissor blades at the distal end. The actuating means is adapted to be squeezed to a predetermined point when the scissor blades are fully closed, at least one of the blades being provided with a stop surface adjacent its proximal end in order to prevent the blade tips from crossing over each other in their fully closed position. The gap between the actuating means at the proximal end of the instrument enable the application of additional force between the pivotable scissor blades without causing the blades to cross-over each other.

Abstract: Surgical scissors having first and second blades with cutting edges. A housing is provided. The first and second blades are pivotally mounted in the housing to permit movement between open and closed positions. First and second linkage arms are provided and are pivotally connected to the first blade and to the second blade. A push-pull rod is slidably mounted in the housing and has a distal extremity. The distal extremity of the push-pull rod is pivotally connected to the first and second linkage arms for moving the blades between open and closed positions as the push-pull rod is moved rectilinearly.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument assembly having a removable tip attachable to an actuator, the actuator being provided with an actuator rod disposed for axial movement within a tubular sheath. The removable tip has a pair of blades forming a scissors which are moved between an open position and a closed position by axial movement of a tip rod disposed within a tubular tip casing structure. The tip rod is threaded to the actuator rod and the tip casing structure is threaded to the actuator tubular sheath, and a pair of thumb and finger grips serve to move the actuator rod within the tubular sheath.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors instrument comprising a proximal portion having a proximal linear axis and a distal blade portion having blade members with a nonlinear axis in relation to the proximal linear axis. The blade members each comprise an electrically conductive outer surface and an electrically nonconductive inner surface, with the inner surface comprising a ceramic layer having a honed cutting edge. At least one, and preferably both, of the blade members can pivot in relation to each other. Pivoting of the blade members causes the honed cutting edge of the first blade member to wipe the honed cutting edge of the second blade member to thereby cause separation of tissue therebetween. The blade members in one preferred embodiment are curved in relation to the proximal linear axis, while the blade members in a second preferred embodiment are angled in relation to the proximal linear axis.

Abstract: Surgical means for removing a portion of a body comprising means for applying a vacuum upon the portion of the body to be removed sufficient to move such portion away from the remainder of the body immediately adjacent to such portion and means for cutting such portion of the body that has been moved to sever it from the remainder of the body. The invention is also directed to a process for removing a portion of the body wherein a vacuum is applied to such portion and thereafter is severed from the remainder of the body.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors for use in open or endoscopic surgery has a pair of opposed blade members pivotally joined to one another and to the distal end of the scissors itself by a rivet which extends through a insulated bushing member. Each of the blade members comprises a blade support and a blade itself, each fabricated from metal, such as stainless steel. The blades are affixed to their associated supports by means of a suitable adhesive or adhesive composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced epoxy exhibiting dielectric properties. Cutting is performed, steel-on-steel, without causing a short circuit between the two blade supports which themselves function as the bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: A laparoscope instrument is formed by a shaft combination, a pair of squeeze handles, a socket, a stationary barrel, a movable barrel, and a clutch. The socket is attached to the proximal handle. The shaft combination has an outer hollow shaft and an inner shaft. The inner shaft has a pair of cutting tips or grippers at the distal operating end. The other end of the inner shaft has an anchor point for engaging with the socket at the other end of the instrument. The socket holds the end of the inner shaft and causes the shaft to reciprocate slightly in response to the surgeon closing or opening the pair of handles. The cutting tips close or open in response to the squeezing action by the surgeon. The socket has a quick-release button to allow the inner shaft with the cutting tips to be quickly removed from the instrument, and replaced with another shaft and cutting tips. The instrument does not have to be disassembled.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument generally comprises an elongated hollow shaft having at one end a pair of scissors and at the opposite end a pair of handles to control the scissors. The blades may be opened and closed when one handle is pivoted while the other handle is fixed. However, when both handles are rotated simultaneously the orientation of the blades relative to shaft changes so as to allow the blades to effectively cut or grasp curved tissues lying in a plurality of planes. Additionally, apparatus is provided to allow the blades to rotate about the longitudinal axis extending therethrough.A depth gauge for laparoscopic scissors is also disclosed.

Abstract: Suture cutting apparatus includes a notched holding blade having a predetermined thickness and a cutting blade for cutting suture elements held in the notch of the holding blade. The notch of the holding blade is generally axially extending with respect to the longitudinal axis of the holding blade and the notch extends inwardly from an outer tip of the holding blade. The holding blade is of a predetermined thickness so that the bottom of the blade may be disposed on a knot and the cutter blade will cut off the suture elements disposed in the notch at a predetermined distance above the knot. The predetermined distance is the thickness of the holding blade.