Abstract: A single-arm stabilizer having suction capability includes a single, small leg through which suction can be applied. The leg has an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber. The lower surface includes a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A support arm is connected to the leg in order to position the leg as desired. A suction line is in fluid communication with the chamber in order to create a vacuum within the chamber. The stabilizer can be used to stabilize any desired portion of a patient's body, but is particularly effective at stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart. Such stabilization can be accomplished by inserting the leg into the patient's heart through the aorta.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces.

Abstract: Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates.

Abstract: A technique to manufacture small joint orthopedic implants includes the steps of taking standard radiographs of a pathologic joint and the corresponding non-pathologic joint. In order to provide an accurate frame of reference, a specialized marker is placed in the radiographic field. By inspection of the radiographs and by comparison with the marker, the dimensions of the cortical bone and the cancellous bone can be quickly and accurately determined. These dimensions can be used to manufacture a suitable implant and installation tool. Typically, the implant will include a stem from which a post projects. A radially extending collar is located at the intersection between the stem and the post. A mating head is attached to the post. The head closely approximates the size and shape of the natural head being replaced. The stem will be non-round in cross-section to prevent rotation of the stem in the bone.

Abstract: A surgical marker/connector can be provided in the form of a ring made of a fluoroscopic material, including a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the ring and which lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. If the ring is made of a shape memory alloy, the ring can be wrapped tightly about an elongate member such as a mandrel, which than can be inserted into the patient's body through a trochar or cannula. After insertion, the ring will change temperature and resume its original configuration where it can be sutured in place as desired.

Abstract: A surgical clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws, each of which has a clamping surface for engaging a portion of a patient's body. An electrode forms a portion of the clamping surface of at least one of the jaws, the electrode being capable of heating, severing, or cauterizing the portion of the patient's body that is grasped by the clamp. If desired, the clamp assembly can be provided with a retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The clamp assembly also can include an actuator that can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. In this type of assembly, when it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer, and thereafter can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed.

Abstract: A surgical marker/connector in the form of a ring made of a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL is suitable for laparoscopic installation in a patient's body. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the ring and which lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. Prior to installation, the ring can be wrapped tightly about an elongate member such as a mandrel, which than can be inserted into the patient's body through a trochar or cannula. After insertion, the ring will change temperature and resume its original configuration where it can be sutured in place as desired.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a pair of parallel arms that are mounted to a toothed crossbar. One of the arms is fixed to one end of the crossbar, while the other arm is movable along the crossbar by means of a pinion. One or both of the arms includes on its upper surface a bar having a longitudinally extending flat surface. A rod is connected to the bar by means of a bracket. The bracket can be locked in position relative to the bar by a first set screw that engages the flat surface. A rod extends through an opening in the bracket and is retained in place there by a second set screw. The rod includes a circumferentially extending shoulder that engages the bracket so as to locate the rod in a desired position. One or more flat surfaces are formed on the rod adjacent the shoulder for engagement by the second set screw.

Abstract: A first surgical retractor (302) according to the invention includes a handle (308) that defines an axis (320) and has first and second ends. A retractor blade (306) is secured to the second end of the handle. The blade is of a size and shape to engage the mitral valve of a heart so as to be able to retract the mitral valve and adjacent tissues. A second retractor (304) according to the invention has a relatively narrow, elongate blade (352) that can extend deep into the heart to engage the heart in the region of the atrial appendage so as to be able to retract the atrium and expose the pulmonary veins. The retractors are especially adapted to perform an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded.

Abstract: A specially configured esophageal-gastric tube can be inserted into a patient's esophagus with the tip of the tube in the region of an end-to-end anaotomosis connection. The joined members are occluded upstream and downstream of the anastomosis connection. Fluid is pumped into the occluded section through the esophageal-gastric tube until a desired pressure level is attained. The anastomosis connection then is checked for leaks. The invention also includes a bougie having an end portion made of a material suitable for resisting electro-cauterization temperatures.

Abstract: An aorta cross clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws and a removable actuator having movable handles. Initially, the actuator is connected to the clamp with the jaws in an open position. When the actuator handles are closed, the jaws also will be closed. The clamp is provided with a toothed retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The actuator can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. When it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer. The actuator then can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed. The clamp and the actuator are provided in two forms. In one form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement toward and away from the jaws (“horizontal” movement). In the other form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement generally perpendicular to the jaws (“vertical” movement).

Abstract: A surgical marker/connector in the form of a ring includes a plurality of small suture attachments that are disposed about the ring. The suture attachments preferably are in the form of loops that lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. At least a portion of the marker/connector is made of a material that can be observed by fluoroscopic examination.

Abstract: Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a pair of small grips that are disposed at the ends of arms that can be moved toward or away from each other. The grips engage and separate the sides of an incision that has been made in a patient. A lifting mechanism that can be attached to one of the arms enables one side of the incision to be raised relative to the other side of the incision. The lifting mechanism includes a clamp that can be connected to the retractor and a foot that is connected to the clamp and which is movable relative thereto. The foot is engageable with the patient such that extension of the foot causes a selected grip to be raised. Retraction of the foot permits the selected grip to be lowered. In the preferred embodiment, the foot is disposed at one end of a notched rack; a rotatable pinion is in contact with the notches to extend and contract the rack; and a pivotally movable pawl permits movement of the rack in one direction and prevents movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

Abstract: An aorta cross clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws and a removable actuator having movable handles. Initially, the actuator is connected to the clamp with the jaws in an open position. When the actuator handles are closed, the jaws also will be closed. The clamp is provided with a toothed retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The actuator can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. When it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer. The actuator then can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed. The clamp and the actuator are provided in two forms. In one form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement toward and away from the jaws (“horizontal” movement).