Abstract: A suction dissector for performing coronary, systemic or pulmonary thromboendarterectomy including a unitary elongated instrument having an elongated tubular handle section and an elongated tubular probe section having a bore, the handle section having a connector at an outer end thereof for attachment to a source of vacuum, the probe section having a rounded tip and a plurality of ports in the tip for communicating with the bore.

Abstract: A two-part modular tool and method for use thereof in conjunction with laparoscopic techniques enhances such techniques by enabling tools to be manipulated within a body cavity through small needle holes. The tool has an instrument head initially inserted through a laparoscopic port and an acuminate shaft which intracorporeally attaches to the instrument head. The instrument head is then manipulable through the needle hole at the site of desired use. The instrument head may be any tool configuration useful in surgical procedures which can be miniaturized to pass through a laparoscopic port.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a conduit, the conduit having a conduit axis defined through a terminal end thereof, and a fluid-powered motor for rotating a dissecting tool, the motor having a longitudinal motor axis. A swivel member is connected in fluid communication between the motor and the conduit. The swivel member comprises a motor portion including a motor face inclined at a selected angle from the motor axis, and a conduit portion including a conduit face arranged oppositely that of the motor face and formed to engage matingly with the motor face. A connection shaft extends from one of the motor face and the conduit face and is engaged rotatably with a connection receptacle formed in another of the motor face and the conduit face.

Abstract: An obturator for use with a conventional sheath introducer or any other tubular member providing access to the interior of the body of a living being. The obturator comprises a shaft in the form of an elongated rod-like element having a distal end. The rod-like element is formed of a first material, e.g., polyester based polyurethane, having a first durometer, e.g., 75 (Shore D). The distal end of the rod like element is in the form of a tip formed of a second material, e.g., aliphatic polyurethane, having a second durometer, e.g., 80 (Shore A), substantially less than that of the first material. The tip is a hollow tubular body having a domed free end. The distal end of the rod-like element includes an annular recess about its periphery which cooperates with the mating shaped hollow interior surface of the tip to secure the tip in place. A radiopaque material, e.g.

Abstract: A disposible visualization wand for removal of bodily fluids from a graft, wound or other target site on a patient. The wand includes a barrel having a fan tip outlet, and a inlet end secured to a filter for removing contaminants from a gas stream feed for the wand. Also included is a liquid feed into the wand, for moisturizing the gas stream and preventing dehydration of the patient's tissue at the target site.

Abstract: A specialty surgical instrument for engaging, spreading and removing tissue surrounding an exposed cystic duct and artery in an endo cholecystectomy dissection procedure is provided by this invention. An ergonomically superior scissors action handle extends perpendicular to a cylindrical body for receiving the thumb and two fingers of a surgeon for better control in manipulating a coaxial rod inside the body to operate double action forceps jaws of special design for the dissection of the cystic duct and artery from liver bed tissue, with the feel of the surgeon as if the balance of the instrument and its jaws are an extension of the surgeon's fingers. The jaws have a shape and roughened exterior finish for frictionally engaging tissue in the vicinity of the cystic duct and adjacent artery and spreading it during the dissection procedure. The interior of the jaws are serrated and mated in mutual contact surfaces in closed position to frictionally grasp tissue and bladder for removal.

Abstract: Using a safe blunt-nosed hyperdermic needle an anesthetizing fluid is deposited in a patient's pleural space by clearing the passage for the advance of the needle using the pressure of the anesthetizing fluid and the swelling of tissue which it causes.

Abstract: A device for irrigation and suction removal of blood, bodily fluids and debris during surgery. A hollow tube is provided which contains an interior bore such that a vacuum force may be applied therethrough. The hollow tube also contains a secondary channel such as to allow sufficient quantities of water to dislodge any debris that may clog the interior bore during use in surgical procedures. A pivoting scraper is provided for facilitating the traction of an opening or wound.

Abstract: The probe is provided at its distal end with an olive-shaped tip which is solidly joined to a shaft. The shaft is provided with a wire made of stainless steel as well as a spring. The maximum diameter of the tip is preferably approx. 1 mm. The guide catheter is suitable especially for recanalization of coronary and completely obstructed occlusions. The probe is preferably applied together with a baloon catheter itself known.

Abstract: A disposable uterine sound device is described for measuring the depth and course of an uterine cavity. The device is formed by coating a copper rod and a portion of an attached nylon handle with polyvinyl chloride. The coating is then printed with a generally nonleachable biocompatable ink to form graduations indicating units of measure of length. The resulting device is a flexible, smooth service device which minimizes trauma to a patient during use.

Abstract: A holding device for use during surgical procedures involving tubular body ducts includes a shank portion and a terminal portion. The terminal portion has a bulbous section at the terminus of the rod. The outer surface of the terminal portion is free of discontinuities, and the bulbous section has a cross-sectional dimension slightly less than the diameter of the tubular body duct. The terminal portion can be received within the body duct so that the bulbous section will resist withdrawal when the body duct is tied to the terminal portion.

Abstract: A method of and structure for separating tissue. The method comprises the step of directing a fluid medium under pressure from a tissue separator including a floating tip at the tissue while floating the tip of the separator on the fluid medium. The tissue may be living tissue and in accordance with the method of the invention may be separated along natural cleavage planes. The fluid medium may be a gas or liquid and may be regulated in pressure and formed in pulses. It may be passed around and/or through the floating tip. The tissue to be separated may also be nudged by the floating tip. The fluid medium may be treated water from a municipal water supply or separate container and may be passed over a high surface to fluid interacting soap-like, replaceable cartridge made of at least one of an abrading, cleansing, polishing, and geriocidal material within the tissue separator structure prior to being directed at the tissue to be separated.

Abstract: A cannula for use in laparoscopy is provided which includes an elongated shaft with a lumen along its longitudinal axis and a tip having a lumen and a conical member for engaging the cervix. The tip includes a distal end portion which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cannula includes a tenaculum clamp coupling which is movable along at least a portion of the shaft within a plane through the shaft. Means are provided for attaching the tip to the shaft with the transverse distal end portion being fixed at any desired location rotationally about the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, means are provided for aligning the transverse distal end portion with the plane of movement.

Abstract: Surgical separator structure comprising an elongated shaft having a handle at one end and a stem with controlled flexilibity at the other end and a tissue separating tip secured to the other end of the flexible stem. The shaft may have a separate handle part and stem part secured together centrally of the shaft. The tip is preferably spherical and may be constructed to snap on the end of the stem and may also be retained by adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the other end of the stem may be molded into the tip to secure the tip to the stem. In the method of manufacture of the surgical separator, the handle and stem may be separately produced and secured together by a threaded connection while the tip may be snapped over the end of the stem and/or secured thereto with adhesive. Alternatively, the stem may be molded of "ABS" within a recess in the "TEFLON" tip to lock the tip on the stem. The handle is preferably color coded to provide a visual indication of the flexibility of the shaft.