Abstract: A surgical rod curving method and apparatus is disclosed, wherein a rod curving force is applied to the rod by a rod curving element while the rod is moved in a lengthwise direction relative to the rod curving element. In this manner a smooth curve is induced into the rod, wherein there is substantially no localized stress points induced into the rod. Additionally, by rotating a previously curved rod about an axis corresponding to a lengthwise direction of the rod, and reapplying a curving force, a non-planar curve is induced in the surgical rod.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for dampening the heart motions of a patient's beating heart in a local area of a desired surgical site. The heart motion dampening is provided by a ring-like structure having prongs attached thereto, wherein the prongs engage or penetrate heart tissue in a manner effective for both anchoring the device of the present invention and for transmitting heart motion dampening resistive forces to the area about the surgical site so that the patient's heart is substantially still at the surgical site.

Abstract: A manually operated surgical steel rod cutter is disclosed. The rod cutter has a rod shearing tool head for cutting a rod when the rod is provided within aligned bores of two shearing subassemblies of the tool head. To cut the rod, an operator rotates an extendable handle to a substantially vertical position, inserts the rod in the tool head and rotates the handle to a substantially horizontal position. In order to increase the operator's shearing leverage, the handle can be extended from its retracted compact position by a linear pulling motion on a handle grip. The motion causes a handle extension that is adjacent and along the length of a first portion of the handle that has one end attached to the tool head, to extend from a sheath also attached to the first portion. The handle extension subsequently locks into an extended position when fully extended.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed that is able to form an oblique tunnel-like opening at an incision site wherein, in addition to spreading the sides of the site incision substantially parallel to the contour of the patient's body, the present surgical retractor additionally spreads the incision sides so that one side is depressed toward the patient and the other is directed outwardly from the patient. Accordingly, the present retractor is useful for forming a tunnel-like opening to, for example, the heart by obliquely spreading the patient's ribs. Further, the present retractor is particularly useful in keyhole or mini-surgery wherein the initial incision site is not immediately adjacent to the target surgery site.