Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes an elongated proximal segment and a distal segment. The distal segments are configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaw members are biased towards a spaced-apart position relative to one another. A sliding unit is disposed about the first and second jaw members and is slidable relative to the jaw members between a first position, wherein the sliding unit is disposed about the elongated proximal segments of the jaw members, and a second position, wherein the sliding unit is disposed about the distal segments of the jaw members. The sliding unit is configured to transition the jaw members against the bias from the spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween upon sliding of the sliding unit from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A jaw member for use with an electrosurgical forceps includes a support member having a first surface and a pair of depending sides which extend therefrom forming a generally U-shaped configuration. The free end of the sides each including a flange which extends outwardly therefrom which is designed to attach to an electrically conductive plate such that the plate bridge the two flanges to enclose the U-shaped support member to form a box-like skeleton having a cavity defined therein. An insulative material is disposed within the cavity and an insulative cover is disposed about a periphery of the box-like support skeleton to insulate surrounding tissue during activation of the conductive plate.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The housing including a drive assembly disposed therein and is operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. The bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members are pivotable about a living hinge and are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. Each of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One or more of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end the actuation tube via a cam pin such that distal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams each of the jaw members towards one another about the respective living hinge to grasp tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft members are moveable relative to one another between spaced-apart and approximated positions to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. A knife assembly is engaged within the second shaft member. The knife assembly includes an arm extending through a trough defined within the second shaft member and has a knife disposed at a distal end thereof. The arm is moveable between a first position, corresponding to a retracted position of the knife, wherein the arm defines an arched portion extending from the second shaft member, and a second position, wherein the arched portion defines a more linear configuration to elongated the arm distally to advance the knife between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprising a pair of jaws (115, 116) defining a mouth within which at least a portion of an organ or tissue may be grasped is described. The jaws are biased towards one another so as to normally adopt a closed configuration, the device being dimensioned to be operably passed fully through a trocar into the abdominal cavity wherein it may be manipulated by a surgeon or other operator to grasp the desired target organ or tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. The end effector is operable to grasp tissue. The elongate shaft extends between the end effector and the handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a body portion, a trigger, and a trigger return lever. The trigger is movable relative to the body portion from a home position to an actuated position, and is thereby operable to control the end effector to selectively grasp tissue. The trigger includes a cam feature. The trigger return lever is positioned to engage the cam feature of the trigger. The trigger return lever is configured to bias the trigger toward the home position during at least part of a range of motion of the trigger from the home position to the actuated position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: Surgical introducers aid surgeons in the implantation of medical devices. The introducer provides support and an even distribution of force for ease of insertion and prevention of damage to the medical device while protecting the tissue into which the device is implanted. A representative embodiment includes or consists of a locking device, a pair of forceps, a specially configured and/or angled head with a seat for the device to be implanted, and a gripping area.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for grasping an elongated member. The surgical instrument may include a handle and a hollow first shaft with a first end attached to the handle and an opposing second end. A second shaft may be positioned in a channel of the first shaft. The second shaft may include a proximal end attached to the handle and an opposing distal end. A gripping member may extend across the channel and is attached to the distal end of the second shaft. The gripping member has a pair of arms positioned on opposing sides of the channel that flare outward away from the distal end of the second shaft and terminate at tips. The gripping member is movable along the channel between a first position with the tips a first distance apart and a second position with the tips a smaller second distance apart.

Abstract: A septoplasty instrument having a pair of opposing articulating longitudinal jaws or blades configured to contact the septum or overlying mucosal lining of a patient when the jaws are closed. A guide tube is connected to at least one of the jaws or blades for guiding a fixation wire into the septum, the guide tube having a bore therein that is generally in line with a longitudinal axis of the blades. The blades flatten and straighten a deviated portion of the septum, and the guide tube of the instrument is used to insert a fixation wire into the septum whilst the blades of the septoplasty instrument compressed. The instrument enables a corporeal approach to internal fixation septoplasty.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a flexible manipulator tools are provided. The flexible manipulator tool can include a distal end movable in at least one manipulation plane with respect to a proximal end. The flexible manipulator tool can also include at least two cheeks extending side by side to and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and housing. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship with each other. The housing is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration where the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A retractor (1) that is meant to be placed in a wound (7) to hold this open during a surgical operation, comprising a shackle of a plastic material pervious for X-ray radiation. The shackle has to resilient legs (2a, 2b), that in a resilient way can be brought towards each other from a starting position in order to be inserted into the wound (7) and thereafter through resilient return towards the starting position be brought to contact with the edges of the wound (7) and thereby holding these apart and in a self-holding way fasten the retractor (1) in the wound (7).

Abstract: Tissue manipulation and retraction devices. In various forms, the manipulation devices include a cannula that is insertable through the abdominal wall. A plurality of independently controllable manipulation members extend through the cannula and are attachable to various forms of surgical tools. The surgical tools may be manipulated and controlled by a surgeon from a position outside of the patient.

Abstract: Surgical forceps are provided having an elongated shaft which at its distal end bears a forceps jaw having two jaw parts which are movable relative to one another, and at its proximal end bears an actuating handle which by means of a longitudinally displaceable actuating rod that passes through the shaft controls the relative motion of the jaw parts via the engagement of at least one cam on the forceps jaw or on the actuating rod in a groove which is inclined at an angle with respect to the direction of displacement of the actuating rod on the shaft or on the forceps jaw. The groove is provided, at least in one section, with an angle of inclination which is smaller than the angle of inclination up to which self-locking in the groove occurs.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. At least one jaw member of the end effector is configured to move relative to an opposing jaw member between open and closed configurations, and a force transfer member is configured for longitudinal motion with respect to the fixed bearing member. The force transfer member includes a pivot channel therein. The end effector also includes a reactive member coupled between the fixed bearing member and the at least one jaw member. The reactive member is constructed from a thin strip of conformable material and extends through the pivot channel such that relative longitudinal motion between the fixed bearing member and the force transfer member causes the reactive member to flex and the at least one jaw member to move relative to the opposing jaw.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly includes a pair of opposing jaws pivotally connected to each other. Further, at least one viewing opening may be provided in at least one of the opposing jaws. In this regard, the at least one viewing opening may extend from an upper to a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. Additionally, the at least one viewing opening may include a material retainer provided proximate the lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the at least one viewing opening is provided. Further, the material retainer may include an inclined surface inclined towards a central axis of the at least one viewing opening. Further, a grasping insert may be molded onto a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided and an elastomeric material of the grasping inserts may within the at least one viewing opening, the material of the grasping inserts covering the inclined surface of the first material retainer.

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: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members, a blade, a lever member operably coupled to the end effector, a trigger member operably coupled to the blade and defining an actuation path therealong. A trigger safety member is pivotably coupled to the lever member such that, when the lever member is disposed in an initial position, the trigger safety member is disposed in a position blocking the trigger member. When the lever member is disposed in a compressed position, the trigger safety member is disposed in a position, wherein the trigger safety member is displaced from the actuation path to permit movement of the trigger member, wherein the safety member rotates relative to the lever member as a function of movement of the lever member to block/unblock the trigger member.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a lever moveable from an initial position to an actuated position for moving an end effector assembly from a first to a second state. A pin extends from the lever. A cantilever spring is operably engaged to the housing of the instrument. A pin track member is operably engaged to the cantilever spring at a free end thereof. The pin track member is configured to permit translation of the pin therealong between a first position corresponding to the initial position of the lever and a second position corresponding to the actuated position of the lever. The pin is configured to translate from the first to the second position along a first path and from the second position back to the first position along a second path and is configured to be releasably retained in the second position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for easy use of an operative tool. The surgical instrument includes a handle, a bushing tubing assembly, a pressure plate assembly, a cap, a ball ring assembly, and the operative tool. The bushing tubing assembly is connected to a distal end of the handle, while the pressure plate assembly is positioned at a proximal end of the handle and extends to a clamp disposed within the handle. The cap is positioned across from a proximal end of the pressure plate assembly. The ball ring assembly includes a plurality of balls and positioned between the pressure plate assembly and the cap. The operative tool is inserted through the bushing tubing assembly and the guide tube and then connects to the cap.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for easy use of an operative tool. The surgical instrument includes a handle, a spring housing assembly, a distal assembly, a ball ring assembly, and the operative tool. The spring housing assembly is disposed at a distal end of and secured within the handle. The distal assembly is disposed against the spring housing assembly, and the ball ring assembly includes a plurality of balls. The distal assembly is positioned between the spring housing assembly and the distal assembly. The operative tool inserted through the distal assembly and connected to the spring housing assembly.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope according to the present invention includes: an outer sheath to be inserted into a channel of an endoscope; a forcep sheath which is movably arranged in the outer sheath along an axial direction; a plurality of forcep cups which are attached to a distal end of the forcep sheath, at least one of which is formed with a sharp needle-shaped portion on a distal end, and which cooperate with each other to be openable/closable as a whole; an operation wire which is movably arranged in the forcep sheath along an axial direction, and is connected to the forcep cups, and which opens/closes the forcep cups when moved in its axial direction; a first operation portion which is movably attached along an axial direction of a proximal end of the outer sheath, and is connected to a proximal end of the forcep sheath; and a second operation portion which is movably attached to the first operation portion along an axial direction of the proximal end of the forcep sheath, and is connected to a pr

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member defines an arcuate configuration and includes a proximal segment and a distal segment coupled to the proximal segment. The distal segment is moveable with respect to the proximal segment between a use position, wherein the proximal segment and the distal segment cooperate to define the arcuate configuration of the jaw member, and an insertion position, wherein the distal segment is offset relative to the proximal segment to interrupt the arcuate configuration of the jaw member.

Abstract: A method includes loading a longitudinal member comprising holes located at distal ends of the longitudinal member into a holder, the holder comprising a tip end comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein any of the first portion and the second portion comprise a prong tip; a handle end located distally away from the tip end, wherein the handle end comprises a first gripping arm and a second gripping arm; and an engaging member operatively connecting the first gripping arm to the second gripping arm, wherein the engaging member comprises tooth-like features. The method further comprises engaging the tooth-like features of the engaging member with the second gripping arm; and fitting the prong tip of any of the first and second portions of the tip end of the holder into a hole of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: An articulating laparoscopic instrument including a handle body, a shaft, an end effector, an operation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism. The end effector is connected to a shaft end. The operation mechanism includes a rod and an actuator. The rod is coupled to the end effector. Movement of the actuator relative to the handle body transfers a force onto the rod in a longitudinal direction to operate the end effector. The articulation mechanism includes a deflection assembly, first and second collar assemblies, first and second cables, a linkage, and an articulation actuator. The first and second collar assemblies are slidably disposed over the rod. The cables extend between the collar assemblies and the deflection assembly. Movement of the articulation actuator drives the first and second collar assemblies in opposite directions to cause a longitudinal deflection in the deflection assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, the end effector comprising first and second opposing jaw members, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members are moveable such that the first and second jaw members are transitionable between open and closed positions. The first jaw member may comprise a permanent magnet. The second jaw member may also comprise a magnet (e.g., permanent or soft). The magnetic motive force between the magnets of the first and second jaw members may attract each other to thereby reduce the external force required to transition the first and second jaw members to the closed position. In addition, the magnets may be configured to repeal each other to thereby aid in opening the jaw members.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes: an insertion portion including, an internal space formed along a longitudinal axis, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion; a grasping portion provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion; an operation rod having one end and the other end and arranged in the internal space of the insertion portion, the one end being connected to the grasping portion; an operation portion provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and connected to the other end of the operation rod, the operation portion being configured to operate a movement of the grasping portion; and a portion to be operated provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and connected to the operation rod such that the operation rod is movable according to an operation by an external force.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly includes an outer hollow needle which may be used in puncturing skin to insert and advance the surgical instrument into the body, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The outer diameter of the needle may be dimensioned such that a wound formed from the hollow needle puncturing the skin is capable of being closed independent of stitching, and may be approximately 2 mm or smaller. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extend out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector supported by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. A tensile member extending through the elongated shaft is coupled to the first actuator and the end effector such that first actuator may be manipulated to induce motion of the end effector. A locking mechanism associated with the tensile member selectively impedes motion of the end effector. The locking mechanism includes a collet disposed about the tensile member and a collet clamp for receiving the collet. Receipt of the collet into the collet clamp induces radial compression of the collet to impede the motion of the tensile member therethrough. An actuation member extending through the elongated shaft induces insertion and withdrawal of the collet from the collet clamp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a dismantlable medical forceps system having a first grip having a movable grip part, a first force transmission element designed to transmit a first maximum force has a first connection element. A second force transmission element is designed to transmit a second maximum force greater than the first maximum force, the second force transmission element has a second connection element. The first grip has a coupling device for selectively force-fitting to the first or second connection elements of the first or second force transmission elements to the movable grip part. The first connection element has a first cross-section. The second connection element has a second cross-section different from the first cross-section. The coupling device has a first seat designed for a force-fit connection to the first connection element and a second seat designed for a force-fit connection to the second connection element.

Abstract: A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a tissue vitality comparator is provided to view images of tissue relative to the surgical instrument and compare the images with predetermined reference images. The surgical instrument includes a pair of jaws for capturing tissue and one or more light sources 14 illuminating the captured tissue. The surgical instrument additionally includes a light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle having a first end for viewing the tissue between the jaws and a second end on a handle portion of the surgical instrument for observing the tissue. A tissue comparison chart having a plurality of reference images is provided on the handle of the surgical instrument for comparison with the image observed through the second end of the light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A jaw movement mechanism for surgical tools has improved mechanical efficiency and other advantages. The jaw movement mechanism controls the orientation and position of a movable jaw relative to a fixed jaw through a range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain a parallel orientation throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain an angular relationship throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw.

Abstract: An improved bone retractor tool includes a pair of arms pivotably connected to one in a pliers-like configuration and a pair of tissue engagement plates each having forward and rearward portions, each of the pair of tissue engagement plates mounted on the upper end of one of the pair of arms and extending generally parallel with one another when the pair of arms are in closed position. Forward bone engagement spikes are mounted on and extend forwards from the forward portions of the tissue engagement plates. A releasable securement mechanism is mounted on the pair of arms for releasably retaining the pair of arms in a selected position relative to one another, and a tensioning device is mounted on the pair of arms for tensioning the lower ends away from one another thereby forcing the pair of tissue engagement plates towards one another upon the securement mechanism being released.

Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a clevis having a first end to be supported by an elongated tube-like member and two jaws, each having a pivot portion and a working portion. The pivot portions are rotatably coupled to the clevis by two spaced apart pivots. The working portions may include a cutting edge that provide a shearing action as the first and second jaws rotate about their respective pivots. The pivot portion and the working portion of each jaw may be on opposite sides of a bisecting plane. A flexible cable or wire may be coupled to each jaw and extend through a guide way in the other jaw, between the first and second pivots, and through the first end of the clevis. One or more springs may urge the working portions together. A rocking pin pivotally supported by the clevis may constrain the jaws to have opposite motions.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally relate to surgical devices provided for use in various surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the surgical devices can include a handle housing and an elongate shaft having opposed jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. The handle housing can have a handle portion and a trigger configured to pivot relative to the handle portion to open and close the opposed jaws. A biasing switch can generally be disposed in and/or on the handle housing and can be selectively movable between a first configuration in which the opposed jaws are biased to an open position, and a second configuration in which the opposed jaws are biased to a closed position.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a shank and a slide which is mounted so as to be slideable along the shank. At least one guide element guided in at least one longitudinal groove is provided on the shank or the slide. The shank and the slide are each connected to a handle part, one handle part being mobile in relation to the other handle part about a pivot and being provided with a slot in which a cross bracket of the slide engages. The invention is characterized in that the position of the handle part in relation to the other handle part can be altered in the region of the pivot.

Abstract: A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at an end thereof. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw includes a blade slot defined therein and extending therealong for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly is disposed within one of the shafts and is configured for translating the blade between a retracted and an extended position. The blade extends at least partially through the blade slot in the extended position. The actuation assembly includes an actuator extending from the shaft. A compliance member couples the actuator to a cable disposed within the shaft. A blade holder engages the cable and has the blade disposed at an end thereof. At least one pulley is coupled to the cable such that translating the actuator proximally translates the blade distally.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position. At least one jaw includes a blade slot for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly disposed within one shaft is configured for translating the blade between a retracted and at least one extended position. The blade extends into the blade slot in the extended position(s). The actuation assembly includes an actuator extending from the shaft and engaging an actuator rack. A gear is coupled to the actuator rack and is rotatably disposed on a pin. A blade rack is coupled to the gear and has the blade disposed at an end thereof. A gear box is configured to house the gear and at least a portion of the actuator and blade racks. The actuator and blade racks are translatable through the gear box.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes first and second longitudinal jaw halves. At least one of the first and second jaw halves of each jaw member is moveable with respect to the other jaw half between an aligned position and a displaced position for cutting tissue disposed between the jaw members.