A device for loading a trocar assembly with an adapter assembly of a surgical stapling instrument and a method of confirming that the trocar assembly is properly secured to the adapter assembly are provided. The device includes a base member and an engagement arm secured to the base member. The base member defines a longitudinal passage for receiving a trocar assembly and includes a proximal end surface. The engagement arm is configured to releasably secure a trocar assembly within the base member. The engagement arm includes a proximal end surface. The proximal end surface of the base member is configured to engage a distal end surface of a trocar housing of the trocar assembly when the trocar assembly is not properly secured within the adapter assembly.

Endoscopic light refraction imaging techniques are described for configuring a viewing trocar and/or angled endoscope with a light refracting element, such as glass and/or plastic prism for instance. The light refracting element can be utilized in and/or with the viewing trocar to refract (i.e., bend) light passing into the trocar through the trocar's window. As a result, the angled endoscope's field of view can be substantially aligned with the field of view of the trocar's window, thus allowing the angled endoscope and viewing trocar to be used together to create ports in a patient, including initial ports of endoscopic surgical procedures.

A novel method of blackening surgical needles is disclosed. Surgical needles having outer surfaces are first placed into a first pretreatment bath having a novel composition. The needles are then placed into a second blackening bath having a novel composition for a sufficient period of time to effectively blacken the surfaces of the needles. The novel methods for blackening the surfaces of a stainless steel alloy surgical needle provide a chromium (VI)-free alternative to current needle manufacturing processes. Another unique feature of this novel method is its short processing time. The blackening processes of the present invention can be utilized for in-line treatment processes which can be easily incorporated into high speed needle manufacturing processes, such as strip mounted processes. In addition, the processes of the present invention are readily adaptable to batch processes. Also disclosed are novel systems for blackening surgical needles and novel blackening baths for surgical needles.

A multi-lumen arthroscopy cannula (MLAC) is described which may be used to contain and manage joint irrigation fluid as a means of improving the state of arthroscopic surgery. The MLAC includes an arrangement of components within a cannula housing. An internal passage (central lumen) through which surgical instruments may be inserted into the body includes a series of components which greatly reduce the leakage path of fluid through the central lumen while enabling manipulation of surgical instruments during arthroscopic procedures. A dual-tapered diaphragm seal grips the instruments as it is manipulated to prevent leakage. This works in concert with the consecutively placed multi-leaflet valves, which act to prevent internal leakage and maintain pressure within the surgical cavity. Unique features of this cannula, aside from the multiple valves and dual-tapered diaphragm seal, include bilateral lumens which provide infusion and withdrawal of irrigation inside the joint capsule. Complementary to this is an elongated central lumen which accommodates both straight- and curved-tip arthroscopic instruments.

A serial dilation system includes a plurality of serial dilators that can be advanced over each other so as to dilate anatomical soft tissue along a trajectory toward a target anatomical site. An access cannula can then be introduced over the serial dilators. The serial dilators can be coupled to each other, such that once the access cannula is in place, removal of one of the serial dilators from the access cannula causes all of the serial dilators to be removed from the access cannula.

A surgical tool having an inner drive hub coupled to an inner shaft, the inner drive hub having a boss; an outer hub coupled to a hollow outer shaft, the outer drive hub having at least one hole; and a seal having a body and at least one tab; wherein the inner drive hub and the inner shaft are configured for insertion inside the outer hub and the hollow outer shaft such that the boss is positioned distally to the at least one hole; and the seal body is positioned outside of the outer hub and the at least one tab extends through the at least one hole and proximally to the boss to removably couple the inner drive hub and the inner shaft to the outer hub and the hollow outer shaft.

A biopsy device includes a cannula and a specimen collector. The cannula has a proximal end and a longitudinal axis. The specimen collector contains the proximal end of the cannula. The specimen collector has a removable sample receiving cartridge that is removable along the longitudinal axis of the cannula to expose the proximal end of the cannula.

A multi-stage dilator and cannula assembly for use in surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to provide tissue dilation and opening of a portal to enable the surgeon to access and provide treatment to anatomical feature of interest.

A trocar is provided that is adapted to insert a lighting attachment into a body cavity. The trocar connects at its distal end to the lighting attachment such that it can be pushed into the body cavity. An endoscope may then be inserted through the trocar into the body cavity. The lighting attachment is configured to detach from the trocar and attach to the endoscope head to provide additional lighting to the endoscope. The lighting attachment includes foldable lighting panels that expand when in use in order to light a wider field of view. The lighting attachment may be powered by induction coil from the endoscope.

A surgical instrument guide assembly includes a main guide portion that includes a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a body portion extending along the longitudinal axis, and a proximal end of the shaft portion is disposed at a distal end of the body portion. The main guide portion further includes a first lumen and a second lumen that each extends along the longitudinal axis from a proximal end at a proximal end of the body portion to a distal end at a distal end of the shaft portion. A seal portion is coupled to the proximal end of the body portion of the main guide portion, and the seal portion includes a first port and a second port formed in a seal wall of the seal portion. The seal portion is selectively displaceable from a first position to a second position.