Abstract: An iris dilator includes a body formed of an expansile material being expandable from a dehydrated first size and shape to a hydrated second size and shape. When hydrated, the dilator has a shape complementary to an inside diameter of the iris and a size sufficient to dilate the iris. In addition, a mammalian iris may be dilated by inserting the at least partially dehydrated iris dilator described above into a position radially inwardly from the iris where, in the presence of bodily or surgical fluids, the dilator hydrates and expands to engage and dilate the iris. An apparatus for deforming the dilator to facilitate insertion in use includes top and bottom surfaces which engage top and bottom sides of the dilator, respectively, at least one depression member for forming a depressed area on an edge of the dilator and at least one retainer member for retaining a non-depressed area on the edge of the dilator.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided for manipulating body tissue during endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures which includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending from the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the body and defining a curvilinear tissue manipulation surface having an area which is selectively variable. In operation the retractor assembly is movable between a first position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is minimized and a second position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is maximized. The retractor can be designed for one handed operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a teeth protector for a laryngoscope blade which protector comprises at least one cushioning device of deformable material deformed around at least one selected surface of the laryngoscope blade and adapted to retain a deformed shape and having a self-adhering surface character adapted to adhere to when pressed upon the selected surfaces which surfaces correspond to surfaces which would contact a patient's teeth if the at least one cushioning device were not used. The teeth protector is adaptable for use with virtually all laryngoscope blade styles. A cushioning device comprising beeswax is particularly useful in the teeth protector.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and method for use thereof. The retractor is comprised of an elongate shaft having at one end a screw made of coiled, round wire which terminates at a sharp point for attachment to an organ and a connector at the other end of the shaft. Preferably, the connector comprises an enlarged portion having a polygonal cross section for engagement by a wrench. The retractor is inserted into the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a laparoscopic port and the screw is threaded into the wall of the organ to be retracted, for example, the gallbladder. The organ is resected and thereafter drawn out of the cavity using the retractor.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum device used to hold a person's eyelids open for ocular surgery, treatment, examination, or some other reason. The device has two elongated arms, each arm having one free end. The other ends of the arms are attached to a joining member. A person may grasp gripping portions at the free ends of the arms, and move the arms toward each other until the gripping portions contact one another. The device may then be inserted between the upper and lower eyelids of a person's eye. The elongated arms engage the eyelids after the gripping portions are released. A substantial length of each arm engages the eyelids, because the arms are contoured to generally conform to the curvature and/or length of the eyelids. As a result, reduced pressure is applied to the eyelids, which decreases the chances that post-operative ptosis or drooping of the eyelids will occur.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for exposing a carpal ligament through a small transverse incision along the wrist, comprising a blade having an arch-shaped configuration in cross-section which arch becomes generally flat at a tip section thereof, said tip being tapered in plan view and adapted to be initially inserted through the incision to facilitate advancement of the blade along a plane between the ligament and overlying skin and tissue and muscle structures to thereby progressively expose the ligament by distal retraction; and a light conduit extending through the arch of the blade and terminating in spaced relation to the tip to project light toward the tip to illuminate the area being distally retracted between the tip and conduit. A surgical method employing the novel retractor of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for increasing the visualization of biological tissues and underlying structures. A particular application is to examine gums for pre-emergent teeth. One embodiment has a cylindrical lens portion and an offset handle which may also serve as a port of entry for light sources to brighten the viewing area. The method involves pressing body tissue with the device which serves to vacate the area of blood which increases light transmission through the tissue and enhances contrast between bone/teeth structure and flesh.

Abstract: A hand-held compact diagnostic device is provided with a pair of instrument heads each requiring an independent source of illumination. The instrument heads may be rotated into a fully extended position and once therein, may be smoothly turned through 360 degrees in consecutive ninety degree intervals to accommodate any preferred orientation desired by the user. Each instrument head is biased in the fully extended position and a rotated closed position. Each instrument head is also adjustably biased to an aligned position for proper closure by the interaction of an adjustment collar with a pair of ball detents. The adjustment collar further biases each head in three additional positions at ninety degree intervals for use when fully extended. A pair of central terminals maintain continuous contact between each rotatable head of the device while a pair of radial terminals are in electrical contact only when the instrument head is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: An openable retractor for use in an operation wound/surgical incision in the region of a patient's spine. The retractor includes two mutually-hinged halves (2, 4), each of which comprises an upper hinge part (6, 6') which, on the side thereof remote from the hinge, merges with a downwardly-extending shaft (8) at a radial distance from the hinge axis or its extension, a wound widening and restraining part (10) which projects laterally from the lower part of the shaft in a direction away from the hinge axis and which is intended for engagement with muscle tissue on one side of the operation wound, and a latching device (68) which is intended to be applied in the region of the hinge formed by the hinge parts (6, 6') of respective retractor halves and which functions to lock the retractor halves in an outwardly angled active position (functional position).

Abstract: A pupil expander insertion tool includes an elongated housing having a hollow chamber with a retractable blade extending through an aperture in the forward end of the housing and from the hollow chamber. The forward end of the retractable blade includes a pair of spaced-apart legs and a rearwardly extending slot therebetween, the slot adapted to receive a pupil expander in an elongated condition. The forward end of the housing includes a pair of forwardly projecting legs spaced above and parallel to the blade legs, to receive the tabs of a pupil expander between the housing legs and blade and the folded strap between the housing legs.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting a surgical instrument is provided. The support structure includes an arm assembly, a leg assembly, a base assembly, and a support bracket. The leg assembly includes a latch mechanism that engages the base assembly. The base assembly includes a gear that engages the leg assembly. An end rail is provided for attachment to the side rails of an operating room bed.

Abstract: A hand lever to be held in the hand of a person to aid in locomotion. A rigid, lightweight, non-compressible device which has a first segment with a leading edge. A rear segment has a convex edge and an intermediate segment is between the front and rear segments. The fingers of the person grip the leading edge of the front segment and press the convex edge of the rear segment of the device toward the heel of the person's hand. The top edge of the first segment is curved and is capped by the person's thumb. The hand lever, when held by the person, aligns, intensifies, and projects the hand, forearm and ultimately, the total body drive through space.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in endotracheal intubation wherein the blade is adjustable between a straight surface and a curved surface.

Abstract: A laryngoscope, for use with a binocular operating microscope, has a tube with a flared distal end and a narrow intermediate portion allowing manipulation of the tube. The proximal end of the tube is flared horizontally to an extent such that the centerlines of both objective lenses of the microscope enter the proximal opening of the tube even when the microscope is moved to the left and right to view portions of the larynx spaced laterally from the central axis of the tube. When the microscope is moved laterally, the centerline of one of the lenses intersects the interior wall of the tube, which is dark. Therefore the annoying effect of seeing objects external to the laryngoscope tube with one eye is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention describes an auxiliary surgical retractor blade system in which a plurality of blade members are connectable in series by connector elements. The connector elements engage receivers on adjacent blade members and the receivers themselves are formed with flat abutting wall surfaces to prevent relative movement of the adjacent blade sections. Retention means may be provided in conjunction with the connector elements and receivers to prevent inadvertent disconnection of adjacent blade sections. The auxiliary retractor blade system of the present invention is useable with existing surgical retraction instruments to extend their reach along the length of a surgical incision.

Abstract: An improved endoscope has been provided which includes an elongated cylindrical shell housing with a transparent window at the distal end thereof. A removable core has an objective endoscope lens or optics at the distal end thereof and an image sensor mounted within the distal end of the core. A transmitting electronic cable with multiple conductors each has a distal end connected to the image sensor circuit board and a proximal end connected to a video control unit. Signals are transmitted from the control unit to the video monitor which displays the image. A sterile separable channel section removably receives the core in a defined relationship and has at least one longitudinal channel for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument or carrying light transmitting fiber. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of the channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable channel section is disposable after use on a patient.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus having a hollow rod member and a clamping device is provided. Support members are adjustably secured to the hollow rod member. The clamping device includes a first member having a first clamping portion and a second member having a second clamping portion. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member. When the second member is pivoted into a clamping position with the first member, the first and second portions clamp a side rail of an operating table. A tightening mechanism retains the first and second clamping portions in the clamping position. The first member has a passage for receiving the hollow rod member.

Abstract: A kit for self-examination of a person's inner throat such as the vocal cords, comprising a first mirror and a second mirror, a light source, and means for positioning the person's tongue to access visualization of their inner throat; the first mirror being supported on a stand, the second mirror being sized for insertion into the person's mouth and positionable for observation of the person's vocal cords, the light source being positionable to illuminate the person's inner throat so that an image of the person's vocal cords can be reflected from the second mirror to the first mirror for observation by the person.

Abstract: An abdominal lift for use in endoscopic surgery is described. The lift defines a substantial portion of a circle. It has a spoke portion and an upstanding member. Its surface may be mechanically compliant and may be coated with an adhesion prevention agent or a lubricous coating. The described method of use includes use of a starter lift followed by insertion of the abdominal lift. The abdominal lift is elevated to establish a pneumoperitoneum at or near ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A pipe like optical wave guide illuminator transmits light from a fiber optic source through a light transmissive plastic body. The body has an elongated stem and a cup, with a hollow in the cup. The cup is engagable over the cervix and light is transmitted through the rim of the cup through the vaginal fornix in aid of surgical and medical procedures.