An actuating scalpel device that is adapted to deploy a curved scalpel blade in an elliptical or circular pathway is described in detail. The actuating scalpel generally comprises a scalpel blade that possesses a curved cutting edge, a probe tip housing that fully contains said scalpel blade when in a retracted position, a slot in said housing through which said curved cutting edge is adapted to extend and a driving member connected to said scalpel blade. The linkages are configured to move said scalpel blade in an elliptical path when said scalpel blade is deployed to extend outside of said probe tip housing.

A pliable arc-shaped chest tube that is specifically configured for being inserted and retained inside of a chest cavity provides enhanced benefits over the state of the art. The tube creates a passageway through which effluent can escape from a chest cavity, typically following trauma. The pliable arc-shaped tube can be bent to conform to a hand-held scalpel probe shaft when slid over the probe shaft. After being inserted into the chest cavity, the handheld scalpel is discarded while the chest cannula is retained or otherwise deployed within the chest cavity such that the pliable arc-shaped tube is arced towards the rib cage to enhance comfort following deployment.

A cardiac pacing system that includes an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads that include a lead body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector configured to electrically connect the proximal end of the lead body to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode disposed at the distal end of the lead body for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, wherein the distal end of the lead body is configured to terminate within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity of the patient, proximate to the heart.

A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a path for fluid extraction, and wherein the cannula comprises means for retaining the cannula in its extended state.

A surgical access assembly for positioning within an opening in tissue including an outer frame positionable outside a patient and defining an opening therein dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument therethrough. The outer frame includes first and second portions. The first portion is biased into locking engagement with the second portion such that a first engagement structure is in locking engagement with a second engagement structure. An inner member is positionable within a patient and a flexible member extends between the inner member and outer member and is operatively associated with the outer member. The first portion is movable to overcome the bias to move the first and second engagement structures to a disengaged position, wherein in the disengaged position at least one of the first and second portions is movable with respect to the other portion to adjust the tension on the flexible member to retract tissue.

A cardiac pacing system that includes an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads that include a lead body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector configured to electrically connect the proximal end of the lead body to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode disposed at the distal end of the lead body for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, wherein the distal end of the lead body is configured to terminate within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity of the patient, proximate to the heart.

A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the gimbal mount, such that the bellows overcomes a frictional relationship between the gimbal mount and the seal housing, thereby moving the gimbal mount towards a position in which the passage of the gimbal mount is aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The bellows is configured to be attached to a side wall of the seal housing.

An irrigation cannula is provided for irrigating a chest cavity during thoracoscopic surgery. The cannula includes a bowl with a drain opening, and a hollow leg extending from the bowl beneath the drain opening. An obturator has an upper handle and a lower end which is manually pushed through the drain opening and into the leg so that a handle resides in or above the bowl and a tip extends beyond the end of the leg. The obturator facilitates insertion of the cannula leg through the incision and into the chest cavity. After the cannula is in position, an irrigation solution is added to the bowl, and drain through the leg into the chest cavity.

A delivery device for installing a medical device in a patient comprising a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a chisel shaped tip, a receptacle disposed in the distal end of the body portion for receiving a medical device for implanting in the patient, a handle disposed at the proximal end of the body portion for facilitating advancement of the proximal end of the body portion into the patient.

A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the gimbal mount, such that the bellows overcomes a frictional relationship between the gimbal mount and the seal housing, thereby moving the gimbal mount towards a position in which the passage of the gimbal mount is aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The bellows is configured to be attached to a side wall of the seal housing.