Abstract: Methods and devices are provided utilizing an end effector having three jaws movably coupled thereto for grasping and/or dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, each of the three jaws are movable between an open position in which the distal ends of the three jaws are spaced apart from one another, and a closed position in which the distal ends directly contact one another. The jaws can define an opening therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position.

Abstract: A specimen collection bag includes a flexible bag with a bottom end and a mouth end. A sleeve extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the mouth end. The sleeve is adapted to receive the jaws of a grasping tool that are movable between a closed position and an open position. Opening the jaws causes the mouth end of the specimen collection bag to open and closing the jaws causes the mouth end of the specimen collection bag to close.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two pluggable end effectors and a pair of spring latches. The two end effectors are moveable end effectors having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion in one embodiment. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge may further include a fastener to rotatably couple the end effectors together.

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: An ultrasound forceps for sealing tissue is provided. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to another subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members includes an ultrasound transducer coupled to an ultrasound generator adapted to provide an electrical signal to the ultrasound transducer to induce treatment pulses therein.

Abstract: Electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes a shaft member having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. One or more of the sealing plates includes one or more springs, the sealing plate is configured to slowly flex to accommodate pressure applied to the tissue until a specified closure pressure is obtained based upon at least one of tissue type and tissue thickness.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument which can provide a field of view over a surgical site by sucking blood from a bleeding site during surgery on body tissue of a patient and monitoring a dark and deep surgical site, which an operator cannot see with his or her naked eye, with a small camera. The surgical instrument has substantially the same shape as a pair of scissors and includes a first body, a second body having a shape symmetrical to that of the first body, a hinge to which the first and second bodies cross and are rotatably coupled, and a photographing unit provided in the hinge to photograph a surgical site between front ends of the first and second bodies. The photographing unit may include a camera mounted in the hinge such that lens of the camera can be exposed through the center of the front surface of the hinge and configured to transmit a photographed image data to a monitor.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.

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 tool assembly includes a pair of opposing jaws. Further, a viewing opening may be provided in at least one of the opposing jaws. The viewing opening may extend from an upper to a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. The viewing opening may include a material retainer provided proximate the lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. The material retainer may include an inclined surface inclined towards a central axis of the viewing opening. 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 viewing opening, the material of the grasping inserts covering the inclined surface of the first material retainer.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft has a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. The end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. Each jaw member has an opposing sealing surface and at least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The pivot is positioned offset from the longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. When the jaw members are disposed in the second position, a plane is formed between the opposing sealing surfaces, the plane offset from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided is an operating tool for organism, in particular, a microwave endoscope forceps. In terms of the operating tool for organism, provided is a multifunctional operating tool which has holding and scissors functions simultaneously, and may further perform coagulation (tissue fixation) by microwaves. The operating tool has no definite fulcrum, and has both the holding and scissors functions with a simple structure by deforming a long-track rod called beam. Two blades are insulated from each other so as to allow microwave current supply. With this structure, an operating tool having three functions, i.e., “a holding function”, “a coagulating function”, and “a cutting function” with a single tool may be developed.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function. The apparatus can be used with relatively low invasiveness of the patient's body. The apparatus releasably clamps the leaflet during attachment of the tether to the leaflet. The apparatus may include an integrated display for indicating how extensively the leaflet is being clamped. The apparatus may include structure for stabilizing the leaflet for better clamping. The apparatus may enter the heart through an aperture in the wall of the heart, and may include structure for helping to reduce blood leakage from that aperture. The apparatus may be able to enter the heart by following a guide wire. The apparatus may include various means for attaching the tether to the leaflet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal extractor for total endoprostheses (TEP) of the knee joint. The object of the invention, namely to make available a universal extractor for artificial knee joints that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, is achieved by the fact that the universal extractor comprises the following parts: a T-piece with an extraction plate and with a securing arm, the securing arm being fork-shaped and slotted at its distal end and supporting the extraction plate at its proximal end; a scissor mechanism with clamping jaws located at its free distal ends, said securing arm holding the scissor mechanism by means of a securing pin about which the scissor mechanism can move; and an eyebolt which is mounted on the proximal end of the scissor mechanism and has a knurled nut, the eyebolt being adjustable and connecting the ends of the scissor mechanism to each other, so as to permit fixing or release of the clamping jaws which have a shovel-shaped, U- to V-shaped geometry.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another for manipulating tissue and a knife assembly for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. The forceps also includes a knife lockout mechanism operatively connected to the drive assembly. Movement of the drive assembly moves the knife lockout mechanism from a first orientation in obstructive relationship with the knife bar to prevent movement thereof to a second position which allows selective, unencumbered movement of the knife assembly to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: Coagulation forceps (1) with a hollow shaft (2) and with a fixed forceps leg (3), set at an angle in reference to the hollow shaft (2) and provided with a gripping surface (3a) are provided, having a forceps leg (6) pivotally mounted in reference thereto at a pivot support (4). At the exterior or bottom side facing away from the pivotal forceps leg (6), a hollow profile (8) is provided for stiffening or reinforcing it, which has a mouth or entry opening (10) at the distal end of its interior longitudinal caving (9), i.e. is open and leads to a suction connection (12) so that suction can be applied via the hollow profile (8) in the distal end region of this forceps leg (3).

Abstract: Compliant inserts for surgical instruments having improved traction are provided. The clamping surface of the inserts includes a plurality of short and densely arranged traction elements. The tractive force supplied by the traction elements approaches that of steel jawed clamps.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument is provided for grasping spherical implants. The surgical instrument includes a first lever arm having distal and proximate ends, as well as a second lever arm having distal and proximate ends. A first concave grasping cup is disposed at the distal end of the first lever arm. A second concave grasping cup is disposed at the distal end of the second lever arm. The first grasping cup and the second grasping cup are of differing sizes to enable the instrument to securely grasp spherical implants of a plurality of differing sizes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.

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: Laparoscopic surgical pliers include jaws mounted on a rotating body and first and second transmissions each including at least one tendon including several cables, and each transmission adapted to transmit movement of the jaws and the rotating body, respectively. The tendons of the first and second transmissions are each respectively formed of several cables arranged so that a cross-section of at least one tendon associated with the first transmission has a variable geometry therealong formed by a first arrangement in which the cables are arranged, in cross-section, with their longitudinal axes in a radial distribution, a second arrangement in which said axes are arranged in a first orientation, and a third arrangement in which said axes are arranged in a second orientation, perpendicular to the first orientation.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument is constructed to an extremely small scale with serrations formed on opposed operative microsurgical surfaces of the instrument by electric discharge machining.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof that are movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle is included that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy to conduct energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. The flexible insulating boot includes an internal cavity defined therein that retains a free-flowing material therein configured to disperse from the internal cavity when ruptured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs. A device for preparing tissue discs that is of simple structure and ensures safe handling includes, in addition to a clamping device for securing a tissue block by clamping, at least one cutting device for treating the tissue block held in the clamping device.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

Abstract: An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, first and second links attached to both the jaws and the housing, and a driver. The housing, first and second jaws, and first and second links form a linkage mechanism that allows the jaws to engage tissue and be left in vivo.

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 forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

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: The present invention relates to a forceps comprising an elongate body, a grip region at end of the elongate body, the grip region comprising a lever, a grasping assembly at the opposite end of the elongate body, the grasping assembly comprising a movable grasper and a trocar, and an actuating mechanism coupling the lever to the grasping assembly for effecting movement of the grasper relative to the elongate body. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a forceps of the invention and additional components. The invention further relates to a method of forming an anastomosis between two surfaces and a method of forming a stoma trephine in a subject using the kit of parts of the invention. The present invention also relates to the use of the forceps and the kit or parts of the invention in such methods.

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: The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft on whose proximal end is positioned a handle consisting of at least two gripping members and on whose distal end there is a tool consisting of at least two jaw members, where at least one jaw member of the tool can be displaced with respect to the at least one other jaw member of the tool by means of a rotatably configured gripping member of the handle for opening and closing and the at least one displaceable jaw member and the corresponding gripping member of the handle serving to displace the jaw member are connected to one another by means of a push-pull rod that is mounted so that it can slide axially in the hollow shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic scissor instrument includes an elongate hollow member, an actuator that moves axially through the hollow member, and first and second scissor blades with respective cutting surfaces. At least one of the scissor blades is rotatably coupled to the hollow member adjacent its distal end. At least one of the scissor blades includes a base supporting a resilient leaf-spring portion that includes a respective cutting edge. The resilient leaf-spring portion extends from the base in a cantilevered arrangement and generates a spring force acting on the respective cutting edge such that in a loaded state there is an automatic preload force imparted between the cutting edges of the scissor blades to maintain a consistent and continuous mating force between the two opposed sharpened cutting edges preferably over the complete range of rotational movement of the scissor blades.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic surgery includes a shaft having active and inactive portions, the active portion being reciprocable relative to the inactive portion. First and second operative elements are pivoted to the inactive portion of the shaft along substantially the same longitudinal plane. A handpiece includes an active and inactive branch hinged together, movement of the active and inactive branches of the handpiece together or apart shifting the active portion of the shaft relative to the inactive portion of the shaft.

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: Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes opposing jaws and a covering enhancing traction between the jaws and a body conduit. A multiplicity of fibers oriented to extend longitudinally between the clamp and conduit may be composed of filaments and either woven or non-woven to form a fabric. A variety of weaves are contemplated to provide different textures, each having its own traction characteristics. The nature of the weave can control characteristics such as smoothness, absorption, and texture. The fibers or filaments may be formed from any solid or semi-solid material, adding its own characteristics to the resulting fabric insert or clamp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a proximal structural member and a proximal drive member that is selectively movable with respect to the proximal structural member. A modular end effector is removably coupled to the elongated shaft, and has a distal structural member and a distal drive member that is operatively coupled to a pair of jaw members. A separable joint is defined between the elongated shaft and the end effector. The separable joint includes laterally prominent and laterally indented portions of each of the proximal and distal structural members and of each of the proximal and distal drive members. The structural members are interlocked to resist longitudinal separation and permit lateral separation. The drive members are movable relative to structural members to move the separable joint to a locked configuration wherein the drive members prohibit lateral separation of the structural members.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a method for acquiring a plurality of tissue samples. The method includes using a device to cut a first tissue sample from an internal tissue tract of a patient and storing the first tissue sample in a container. Without removing the device from the patient, the method further includes using the device to cut a second tissue sample from the internal tissue tract and storing the tissues ample in the container. The method also includes coupling a fluid delivery device to the container to flush the first and second tissue samples from the container.

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: 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 surgical needle driver including a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw, where the lower jaw has an outer surface facing an outer surface of the upper jaw. The outer surface of each jaw each has a plurality of polygonal pyramidal teeth configured to engage a surgical needle. Each of the plurality of polygonal pyramidal teeth has more than four exposed faces. A method of manufacturing the needle driver or components of the needle driver includes a powder injection molding process.

Abstract: An end effector for use in an endoscopic device including a cup, and a hinge extension formed separately from the cup and connected to the cup. The hinge extension has a pivot for pivotally connecting the end effector to an identical second end effector.

Abstract: A surgical 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 having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.