Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A simulator (1) has a body form apparatus (2) with a skin-like panel (4) through which laproscopic instruments (5) are inserted. Cameras (10) capture video images of internal movement of the instruments (5) and a computer (6) processes them. 3D positional data is generated using stereo triangulation and is linked with the associated video images. A graphics engine (60) uses the 3D data to generate graphical representations of internal scenes. A blending function (70) blends real and recorded images, or real and simulated images to allow demonstration of effects such as internal bleeding or suturing.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument (1) comprises an elongate stem (2) extending between a proximal end (3) which in use is located externally of an operating space (12) and a distal end (4) which in use is located within an operating space (12). At least portion of the stem (2) is malleable to facilitate manipulation of the stem (2) in the operating space (12) and then to maintain the stem (2) in the manipulated position and/or orientation within the operating space (12). The instrument (1) has an end effector (5) at the distal end (4) of the stem (2), the end effector (5) comprising a proximal main body (6) and distal operating means, such as graspers or cutters. The instrument (1) has at least one joint (8, 9) for independent movement of the end effector main body (6) in at least one direction relative to the distal end (4) of the stem (2) for enhanced degrees of freedom o the instrument.

Abstract: A cannula (1) comprises a shaft (2) extending between a proximal end (3) located externally of an operating space (4) and a distal end (5) inserted into the operating space (4). At least portion of the shaft (2) is malleable to maintain the distal end (5) of the shaft (2) in a desired manipulated position and/or orientation within the operating space (4) for insertion of a surgical instrument (10) through the cannula (1) for carrying out a surgical procedure within the operating space (4).