A uterine manipulator device for injecting a visualisation fluid into the uterine cavity of a female via the cervix. The device comprises an elongate body, a tanaculum for gripping the cervix and an inflatable bladder for forming a fluid-resistant seal with the cervix. The elongate body has a conduit along which visualisation fluid can be conveyed to the uterus and a conduit for air, having an outlet opening, which is connectable to a pressurized air supply. The bladder is mounted on the elongate body over the outlet opening, surrounding the elongate body and sealed to the elongate body at opposite ends of the bladder. The bladder includes an outer sealing element which, upon inflation, forms a fluid-tight seal with the cervix, and an inner sleeve which fits over the opening preventing a return flow of air, yet allowing pressurized air into the bladder for inflating it.

The instrument 10 for gynecological laparoscopy includes a cervical funnel 12 and an intra-uterine cannula 14 disposed axially within the funnel 12. Funnel 12 includes a hollow tube 16 having a proximal end 18 adapted to be inserted into the vagina of a patient. A hollow cone-shaped member 20 is provided at the proximal end 18. The cannula 14 has an outer sheath 58 provided at one end with a threaded cone 60 that threadingly engages the cervix to seal the uterus. An inner manipulation shaft 62 passes through the sheath 58 and cone 60 to allow manipulation of the uterus. The instrument 10 is supported by a support 92 that would be typically attached to an operating table or bed 96. Support 92 allows the position of the instrument 10 to be varied at will by the surgeon thus alleviating the need of the surgeon or a pelvic assistant to physically support the instrument 10. Seal 192 in the shape of a conical frustum is placed over the cone-shaped member 20 prior to insertion into the vagina. The seal 192 forms a seal about end 196 against the vaginal wall and about end 194 on the tube 16 to prevent loss of pneumoperitoneum during surgery.

A medical instrument comprising a Veress needle, a dilating obturator, and a cannula. The Veress needle has a tubular safety obturator with an opening in its front section at a needle tip of the Veress needle. A guide with a guide slot can be positioned in a patient's vagina against the posterior fornix of the vagina to guide the Veress needle through the vaginal and peritoneal walls. A guide wire may be passed through the Veress needle and through the hole in the peritoneum wall formed by the Veress needle to guide the dilating obturator through the hole.

An instrument for use in uterine laparoscopic surgery, said instrument including a tubular element which is adapted for insertion into the vagina with the front end-part of the instrument, as seen in the insertion direction, receiving the cervix, wherewith the edge of the front part of said tubular element is shaped to support against the top wall of the vagina, and wherewith the instrument includes a sealing ring which embraces the tubular element and functions to provide a seal between said element and said vaginal wall. The edge portion of the front part of the tubular element is constructed so that the top wall of the vagina will be supported around the full periphery of said edge portion when the tubular element is positioned in the vagina. The instrument includes end closure means detachably fastened to the tubular element and the rear end-part of the tubular element is adapted to provide an anchorage for a suture which is anchored through the cervix. The rear end of the tubular element, as seen in the insertion direction, carries the end closure means which functions to pressure-seal the passageway passing through said tubular element.

A surgical instrument for biopsying soft body tissue includes: (1) a distal barrel section, which includes: (a) a hollow barrel having an open, distal end and a proximal end; (b) a piston rod which movably extends substantially through the barrel; (c) a cutting mechanism coupled to the distal end of the barrel, which includes a movable surgical blade; (d) a trigger mechanism coupled to the cutting mechanism for releasing the movable blade; and (2) a proximal handle section coupled to the barrel and the piston rod. When the proximal handle section is compressed by a user, the piston rod retracts, and suction is created within the distal end of the barrel. When the trigger mechanism is pulled by the user, the movable blade moves from an open, ready position to a closed position, and the tissue sample is excised.