Abstract: A retractor instrument for minimally invasive surgery may include a housing with a longitudinal axis, an arm extending from a distal end of the housing, and an actuation mechanism, wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism causes radial expansion of the arm relative to the longitudinal axis. The device may be adapted for use with an endoscope or arthroscope or may be an integral part of one such scope. A method of performing surgery in constrained areas within the body is also included and may be applicable to the carpal tunnel of a wrist and palm or the cubital tunnel of an elbow.

Abstract: A surgical elevator has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: An improved radial expansible retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, by opening a channel in the brain or other soft tissue of a patient, by inserting the radial expansible retractor into the body of the patient, and by widening the channel at a continuous and gentle rate. The use of the improved radial expansible retractor renders surgical procedures, including neurosurgical procedures, shorter, less traumatic, and more reliable, reducing risk and the need for subsequent surgery and reducing recovery time. Procedures are carried out with real time monitoring of the retracted brain perfusion pressure. A plurality of improved radial expansible retractors may be used in a single operation. The improved radial expansible retractor allows access to areas of the brain previously almost impossible to access.

Abstract: A retractor has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises an arm having a first end and a second end. A blade has an outer surface and a contact surface. The blade is fixed to at least one of the first end and the second end of the arm. A transducer is disposed on the contact surface of the blade. A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site where the surgical retractor is being used.

Abstract: A retractor with devices that allow a surgeon to control the amount of retractor force. The retractor may include a first blade and a second blade. The second blade can be moved by a gear mechanism. A torque measuring device, force measuring device and/or slip clutch may be coupled to the gear mechanism. The torque measuring device may have a readout that displays the amount of torque being applied by the surgeon to the retractor. The readout provides accurate feedback that allows the surgeon to gauge the amount of force being applied to the patient. Likewise the force measuring device may provide a visual indication of the actual force being applied by the retractor onto the patient. The slip clutch may actuate at a threshold torque to prevent an excessive exertion of force on a patient.

Abstract: A retractor with devices that allow a surgeon to control the amount of retractor force. The retractor may include a first blade and a second blade. The second blade can be moved by a gear mechanism. A torque measuring device, force measuring device and/or slip clutch may be coupled to the gear mechanism. The torque measuring device may have a readout that displays the amount of torque being applied by the surgeon to the retractor. The readout provides accurate feedback that allows the surgeon to gauge the amount of force being applied to the patient. Likewise the force measuring device may provide a visual indication of the actual force being applied by the retractor onto the patient. The slip clutch may actuate at a threshold torque to prevent an excessive exertion of force on a patient.

Abstract: A urethral catheter holder (10), comprising a supporting base (20); a suspension housing (22) mounted to supporting base (20); a catheter securement device (24) adapted to hold a catheter (30) passing longitudinally therethrough, catheter securement device (24) being adapted to slide longitudinally within suspension housing (22); and a biasing device (26) adapted to push a catheter guide (28) of catheter securement device (24) into engagement with the patient's external meatus (EM).

Abstract: A hazard monitor for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: pressure transducing means for detecting a pressure in a pneumatic tourniquet cuff; power monitoring means for monitoring the supply of electricity to an electrically powered component of a tourniquet instrument, wherein the tourniquet instrument is connectable pneumatically to the tourniquet cuff to supply pressurized gas to the cuff, thereby producing a pressure in the cuff; and hazard detection means responsive to the pressure transducing means and the power monitoring means for producing an alarm if a pressure is detected in the tourniquet cuff when electricity is not supplied to the component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is provided for locally stabilizing an anastomotic site during a beating heart surgical procedure which includes occluding a section of the artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the epicardium and the operational field, and includes a platform that can be compressed onto the epicardium or tensioned by pulling the epicardium upwardly, thereby providing a stabilized operational field. At least one occluding member provides means to occlude the section of artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An adjustable stabilizing arm can be used in conjunction with the platform to further provide stability to the epicardium during the beating heart bypass graft procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is provided for locally stabilizing an anastomotic site during a beating heart surgical procedure which includes occluding a section of the artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the epicardium and the operational field, and includes a platform that can be compressed onto the epicardium or tensioned by pulling the epicardium upwardly, thereby providing a stabilized operational field. At least one occluding member provides means to occlude the section of artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An adjustable stabilizing arm can be used in conjunction with the platform to further provide stability to the epicardium during the beating heart bypass graft procedure.

Abstract: A retractor comprising a first blade and a second blade, the first blade and second blade having a first blade tip and second blade tip, respectively. The first blade and second blade attach at a pivot point for allowing the first blade tip and second blade tip to move toward and away from each other to create an opening having an opening magnitude. The second blade has a ruler extension having ruler indicia, and the first blade has an arrow end opposite the first blade tip. The arrow end refers to the ruler indicia to indicate the opening magnitude of the retractor. The second blade has a handle track. A handgrip is attached to a bar which is slidably mounted in the handle track. The ruler indicia on the second blade also extends along the handle track.

Abstract: A handle carries a dry cell battery which supplies current to a microprocessor which receives signals from a sensor on the end of a bill carried by a staff which projects from the handle. The signal to the microprocessor is converted to a display on the handle. The display has alarms to indicate when the retractor applies too much force to a spinal cord or when the force has been applied for too long a time.

Abstract: A replaceable pressure sensing system for detecting undue pressure applied to a patient's teeth by a laryngoscope. The system includes a cushioned, elongated pressure sensor electrically connectable to a battery and an alarm, such as an audible or visible alarm. The sensor is of the type wherein pressure applied at any point along the length thereof activates the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a linear membrane switch including first and second flexible, elongated strip members carrying conductive ribbons in spaced, face-to-face relation. In a second embodiment, a piezoelectric film is sandwiched between first and second flexible, elongated strip members. Pressure applied to the strip members activates the sensor which signals the alarm. The battery and the alarm may be carried by the flexible elongated members or the laryngoscope to which the sensor is adapted to be releasably attached.

Abstract: The surgical instrument of the invention consists of a pair of arms hinged together at an intermediate point for relative pivoting movement. The arms are provided with obliquely oriented handles at one end thereof. The opposite ends of the arms support removable posts having means for removably securing a plurality of different retractor or compressor heads thereto. The posts are pivotably connected to the arms to allow the posts to achieve a variety of orientations relative to the arms. A variety of retractor and compressor heads and different shaped posts are provided to allow the instrument to be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures. Separate serrated locking mechanisms are provided to lock the arms in either a retraction or compression position. In one embodiment the posts are secured to one another such that they undergo parallel retraction/compression.

Abstract: A fan retractor has a pair of angle-shaped elements moveable relative to one another. The angle-shaped elements include first legs disposed in a generally parallel relationship, and second legs that extend laterally from the first legs, and are adapted for engaging with the abdominal wall. The second legs fan out upon rotation of the first legs relative to one another and have an effective thickness, measured in the direction defined by the first legs, that decreases distally from the first legs. The retractor also includes a lifting device that applies a lifting force to the angle-shaped elements.In variations, the second legs have a stiffness that decreases distally from the first legs; the first legs are linked so as to contrarotate relative to one another; the retractor includes a lifting force indicator; and the lifting device unidirectionally applies the lifting force to the angle-shaped elements.