Abstract: A vaginal speculum may include a vaginal assembly with at least two longitudinal separating elements connected at a distal end for insertion into the vagina of a subject. The vaginal speculum is configured for holding the vaginal walls of the subject apart, thereby permitting examination and/or suturing of at least the posterior part of the vaginal tissue. A set of vaginal specula may be provided in predefined sizes such that the specula suitably fit a range of anatomies. A method is described for providing an unobstructed view of at least the posterior part of the vaginal wall during suturing of a subject after the subject has given birth.

Abstract: An assembly of a vaginal speculum and a reusable electric device. The vaginal speculum can be introduced into the vagina. A speculum housing has at least one spoon blade with an opened and closed state near a distal end. The spoon blade is operated by an operating device that is guided by and slides in the housing. The reusable electric device comprises a housing with an aperture and including a camera module near a distal end of the housing and a wireless communication module near a proximal end of the housing. The vaginal speculum and the reusable electric device share a connection system for releasably connecting the reusable electric device to the vaginal speculum. The connection system is formed on the operating device.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a dilation device may include a body, at least one loop actuator attached to the body, and a sheath attached to the body at a proximal end and attached to the loop actuator at a distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for closed reduction of a bone fracture. The apparatus includes at least: a pulling adaptor including: a handle configured to be gripped by an operator; an insertion rod that is extended from the handle in a longitudinal direction of the handle, and configured to be inserted into the bone fracture which is depressed in at least one area thereof; and a pulling lug that is bent and extended from an end of the insertion rod such that a longitudinal direction of the pulling lug is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion rod or such that the pulling lug is inclined with respect to the insertion rod, the pulling lug being configured to be inserted into the at least one depressed area of the bone fracture, in order to pull the bone fracture.

Abstract: Provided herein are cannula devices that are self-illuminating to facilitate visualization of the cannula devices during a surgical procedure. The self-illuminating feature may be provided by phosphors incorporated into the cannula device, for example in the hub or sealing element of the cannula device. The cannula device may emit light of a specific color selected to correspond to a size of the cannula device.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum is provided to improve upon the poor convenience of operating the conventional vaginal speculum. The vaginal speculum includes a connecting member having a first end and a second end, and two supporting members. Each of the two supporting members has a coupling end and an insertion end opposite to the coupling end. The coupling ends of the two supporting members respectively connect to the first end and the second end of the connecting member. The two supporting members are configured to be pushed towards or pulled away from each other.

Abstract: A speculum comprising a lower member including a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lower blade extending from the proximal end of the handle, an upper blade configured to be movable with respect to the lower member, and an illumination assembly including at least one light source, at least one power source housed in the handle and an ejection mechanism for removal of the at least one power source from the handle, wherein the at least one power source is housed in the handle at a position closer to the proximal end of the handle than to the distal end, and wherein the ejection mechanism is configured to remove the at least one power source via an opening formed in the distal end of the handle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses relating to a speculum. The speculum includes a handle, a first bill and a second bill, where a proximal end portion of the first bill and the second bill are coupled to an upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a first axis, a third bill and a fourth bill, where a proximal end portion of the third bill and the fourth bill are coupled to the upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis and an actuation mechanism that causes the first bill and the second bill to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the speculum includes a locking mechanism with a rocker mechanism, a lock strip contained in a handle of the speculum, and a pawl coupled to the handle.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum which includes a fixed blade and a movable blade. The movable blade designed to be extended or retracted as required in order to adjust to the length of the vaginal canal of the patient undergoing surgery. A vaginal speculum is further designed with a blade assembly which allows and controls the angle of the blades in relation to its base. Also provided is a mechanism to adjust the height of the blades above the base.

Abstract: A speculum includes an upper bill, a lower bill downwardly of the upper bill, a yoke moveably joining the upper bill to the lower bill, and a ratchet to hold the upper bill and lower bill at a position relative to each other, the ratchet including teeth facing upwardly to selectively hold the upper bill and lower bill. When the ratchet is moved downwardly, the upper bill may pivot freely on the yoke. When the ratchet is moved upwardly, the upper bill is fixed against pivoting. In an example, the yoke includes a pivot about which the upper bill pivots when the ratchet allows and holds the upper bill in position against pressure on the upper bill. A latch prevents the yoke from being removed from the lower bill. Guides allow the upper bill move vertically on the lower bill through the yoke.

Abstract: A speculum, comprising a lower member including a handle and a lower blade extending at an angle from the handle, an upper blade movably engaged with the lower member by an angular adjustment mechanism so as to allow continuous adjustment of an angle between the upper and lower blades, and the angular adjustment mechanism comprising: a guiding arm, a rotational lever connected to the upper blade and operable by a user to change the angle between the upper and lower blades, the rotational lever being movably engaged with the guiding arm and configured to move relative to the guiding arm to continuously change the angle between the upper and lower blades, and a locking member movable between a locked position to lock a positional relationship between the rotational lever and the guiding arm and an unlocked position to release a locked positional relationship between the rotational lever and the guiding arm, wherein the locking member is configured to: (1) automatically lock the positional relationship between t

Abstract: A vaginal speculum comprises upper and lower blades arranged to pivot relative to each other about coupling elements each associated with a respective blade. The upper blade is detachable from the lower blade, when the speculum is in situ in the vaginal cavity, upon pulling the upper blade generally proximally. This decouples the coupling elements from each other or detaches at least one of the coupling elements from the associated blade. The speculum has optional side blades.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A vaginal dilator for use in gynecologic examination. The vaginal dilator comprises an upper dilating member and a lower dilating member that are hinged to each other, the upper dilating member comprising an upper dilating leaf and an upper press rod arranged at a tail portion of the upper dilating leaf, the lower dilating member comprising a lower dilating leaf and a lower press rod arranged at a tail portion of the lower dilating leaf. The upper dilating leaf is hinged to the upper press rod, and the upper rod is hinged to the lower dilating member, and the upper press rod is provided with a light emitting element, a switch and a power source, the switch being connected with the light emitting element. The upper dilating leaf is pressed down to contact and mate with the upper press rod or the upper dilating leaf is disengaged from the upper press rod to coordinately control the switch to be connected to or disconnected from the power source.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for microns-resolution transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools. According to an embodiment of the present invention the transmission is simpler. Likewise, an auxiliary handle is added to facilitate the insertion of the ribs into the body of the operated patient, and the vast majority of components of the surgical retractor are made with biocompatible, and FDA approved material ULTEM HU 1000 RESIN transparent (radiolucent) to X-ray radiation and are designated for single use.

Abstract: An anterior cervical retractor comprises a first medial-lateral retractor body having a base arm and a moving arm and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may be side loading or top loading. The cervical retractor comprises a second cranial-caudal retractor body having a pair of moving arms and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may have an adjustable angulation. The retractor blades may also be fixed to the spine and provide distraction upon operation of the second retractor body. The blades of the first retractor body and/or the second retractor body may be coupled to light elements that illuminate the operative corridor between the blades.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum comprises upper and lower blades arranged to pivot relative to each other about coupling elements each associated with a respective blade. The upper blade is detachable from the lower blade, when the speculum is in situ in the vaginal cavity, upon pulling the upper blade generally proximally. This decouples the coupling elements from each other or detaches at least one of the coupling elements from the associated blade. The speculum has optional side blades.

Abstract: A retraction apparatus and method are disclosed that provide optimized access to a surgical site. In one form, a retraction frame has a retraction opening with two sets of blades operating therein. The blades are used to sequentially retract the tissue from about an incision. The sequential retraction of the blades generates only narrow gaps between the blades so that tissue and blood encroachment during the surgical procedure are minimized.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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: Instrumentation for retracting tissue comprising a retractor member including a sidewall defining an axial passage extending along a length thereof and a lateral opening in transverse communication with the passage. A pin member is disposed within the passage and includes a distal end portion positionable adjacent the distal end of the retractor member, with at least a portion of the pin member positioned adjacent and visible through the lateral opening. In another embodiment, the retractor member includes a sidewall having a main sidewall portion defining a first wall thickness, and an enlarged sidewall portion extending axially along a length of the sidewall and defining a second wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness, with the sidewall defining an axial passage extending through the enlarged sidewall portion. A pin member is disposed within the passage and includes a distal end portion positionable adjacent the distal end of the retractor member.

Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft and a head. The head includes a central plate having a distal end connected to the shaft, an expansion plate coupled to and configured to move radially away from the central plate, and a door having a constrained end and a free end. The constrained end of the door is hinged to the central plate and the free end of the door is configured to move away from the central plate. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the expansion plate is movable relative to the central plate to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the door is movable relative to the central plate to displace a posterior wall of the vagina into a trans-abdominal line of sight.

Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft, a handle connected to a first end of the shaft, and a head connected to a second end of the shaft. The head includes a rigid anterior surface that moves independently from a rigid posterior surface of the head. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the rigid anterior surface is movable to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the rigid posterior surface is movable to displace a posterior wall of the vagina. A light source is provided on the head.

Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical techniques including techniques and implants for provision of therapy to a spine from a lateral approach. Implants that may be used with other approaches to the spine are disclosed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using one or more extended retractors to create an extended access route such as the non-limiting example of lateral access to the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using internal retractors that may be reversibly expanded with a removable retractor inserter to create an extended access route. A linkage jack to expand a set of two or more extended retractors to create an extended access route.

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: A surgical device includes a rigid shaft connected between a handle and a head. The head of the surgical device is sized for insertion into an organ such as a vagina, a uterus, a rectum, or an esophagus. The head includes an expansion plate and a door coupled to a central plate. The central plate has a distal end connected to the rigid shaft, an anterior surface, and a recess formed in a posterior side of the central plate that provides a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface. The expansion plate is coupled to and movable relative to the anterior surface of the central plate. The door is coupled disposed within the recess of the central plate and movable relative to the posterior surface of the central plate. The expansion plate is movable independently of the door to allow the head to expand and move the organ.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speculum including a body, an opening, a first blade pivotably secured to the body and a second blade that is integral with the body. The blades are located at opposed sides of the opening. The first blade is movable between a first retracted position in which it lies adjacent to the second blade and a second extended position in which it is spaced apart from the second blade. A mechanism is also provided to move the first blade from the first position to the second position. When the first blade is in the extended position, there is an inspection channel formed that extends through the opening and between the blades. The mechanism for moving the first blade is preferably located substantially outside the periphery of the opening when the first blade is in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools. According to embodiments of the present invention, specific parts composing the surgical retractor are made of materials transparent to Röntgen rays (x-rays).

Abstract: A vaginal cuff closure system includes a speculum having a closed rear aspect, a secure suture ring and a fastener for removably attaching the secure suture ring with a blade of the speculum. A related method of using the closure system in knot-free laparoscopic hysterectomy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor assembly for surgery in a patient includes at least one retractor member removably engageable to a support member. The retractor assembly includes a housing assembly engaged to the support member and to an arm that extends from a retraction portion of the retractor member. A drive mechanism in the housing assembly is coupled to the retractor member and is operable to rotate the retraction portion of the retractor member relative to the support member to a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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: A vaginal speculum, conical in shape made out of clear plastic resin or metal that when closed can easily and gently be inserted into the introitus (vaginal opening). In certain embodiments, an obturator is used to introduce and/or expand the speculum. Various mechanisms are disclosed for dilating the speculum, after it has been inserted, so as to allow inspection of the patient's cervix. Such dilation can be effected relative to multiple axes, or even in substantially continuous, radial fashion about the periphery of the speculum, for improved visualization. In addition, this speculum has a handle that is oriented such that a vaginal exam can be performed on a standard exam table. The handle also includes a receptacle that receives a standard pen light. A light pipe directs light from the pen light to illuminate the cervix.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools. According to embodiments of the present invention, specific parts composing the surgical retractor are made of materials transparent to Röntgen rays (x-rays).

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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 articulation mechanism for a vaginal speculum enables selective relative movement between an upper blade member and a lower blade member to affect vertical and angular spacing. The mechanism selectively enables quiet or clicking articulation according to at least one version.

Abstract: A speculum for internal examination of a body cavity such as a vagina, comprising at least two spoons, each comprising a spoon blade that can be inserted in the body cavity, which spoons are attached to one another via a hinge pin and are hingeable between a closed position in which the spoon blades are essentially in contact with one another and a spread position in which the spoon blades are some distance apart, and at least one operating handle which is located outside the body cavity during use, a body rest being provided which, in conjunction with the operating handle, effects spreading of the spoon blades.

Abstract: A device for expanding an elongate opening formed in a skin layer of a patient includes a first arm for engaging one side of the opening and a second arm for engaging the other side of the opening. The device further includes a spreader mechanism, coupled to at least one of the first and second arms, to move the at least one of the first and second arms to widen the opening. The at least one arm is configured to move between a retracted position in which the at least one arm is positioned next to the other arm and an extended position in which the at least one arm is extended to expand the opening. Other embodiments of the device as well as methods for performing a medical procedure are further disclosed.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes a frame and a first handle assembly pivotally mounted to the frame. The frame defines an opening between a first blade that is attachable to the frame and a second blade that is attachable to the frame opposite of the first blade, and a hinge assembly configured to flex the frame to selectively change a size of the opening. The first handle assembly includes a lever portion and a blade portion coupled to the lever portion. The blades have a proximal end attachable to the blade portion and a distal end portion spaced from the proximal end. When in a first collapsed insertion state, the hinge assembly collapses the frame and the first blade contacts the second blade. When in a second deployed state the hinge assembly expands the frame and the first blade is spaced apart from the second blade.

Abstract: An improved bone retractor tool includes a pair of arms pivotably connected to one in a pliers-like configuration and a pair of tissue engagement plates each having forward and rearward portions, each of the pair of tissue engagement plates mounted on the upper end of one of the pair of arms and extending generally parallel with one another when the pair of arms are in closed position. Forward bone engagement spikes are mounted on and extend forwards from the forward portions of the tissue engagement plates. A releasable securement mechanism is mounted on the pair of arms for releasably retaining the pair of arms in a selected position relative to one another, and a tensioning device is mounted on the pair of arms for tensioning the lower ends away from one another thereby forcing the pair of tissue engagement plates towards one another upon the securement mechanism being released.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments that related to a surgical retractor. In certain embodiments, the retractor may include a blade holder with a single blade tilting mechanism capable of adjusting the angle of a plurality of pivoting blades relative to the blade holder. In certain embodiments, the adjustment occurs from the proximal face or top of the retractor. In other embodiments, blade supports are used to couple the blade holder to a variety of removable blades of different lengths. In certain embodiments, the blades may be a translucent material capable of transmitting light from a proximal portion of the blade to a distal portion. In some embodiments, the distance between the blade holder and the removable blades may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for providing treatment at or near a cervical region of the spine of a patient is provided. An incision is formed in the skin of a patient above the cervical region. An elongate body is inserted into the patient through the incision, the elongate body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body. The elongate body is advanced until a distal end thereof resides at or near the cervical region of the spine. The size of the passage in the distal portion is increased relative to the size of the proximal portion.

Abstract: An external fixator for treating a fracture of a long bone has six extension arms which are extendable out of and retractable into a main body. The six extension arms are arranged into two sets of three out opposing sides of the main body, with each set of three extension arms being able to support a fixation ring. Each extension arm is pivotable at a joint and extendable so as to allow the ring to be set at a wide range of angular positions relative to the main body. The three extension arms and the ring each define a wrap angle about the axis of the long bone being treated. The longitudinal position of each extension arm can be changed either with a coarse adjustment capability or with a fine adjustment capability, with the coarse adjustment capability being through rotation of a thumb wheel.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum is provided that has an upper arm with a handle and jaw. A cross-sectional shape of a longitudinally extending portion may be constant along its entire longitudinal length so that the height of the portion is likewise constant along its length. Right and left side flanges may extend downward from the longitudinally extending portion and a tip of the jaw. The distance between the outer surfaces of the right and left side flanges in the lateral direction may be constant along their entire lengths in the longitudinal direction. A lower arm with a jaw and handle may be included and arranged with the upper arm so that their relative position to one another can be modified.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for reduction and/or fixation of fractured or diseased bone or for prevention of fracture or collapse of diseased/damaged bone.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. At least one retractor blade is independently controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaginal speculum including an upper assembly and a lower assembly. The upper assembly includes a first spoon portion and a single support bar connecting the first spoon portion to the first handle portion. The lower assembly includes a second spoon portion and a second handle portion. The single support bar of the upper assembly extends distally and in a posterior direction from the first and second spoon portions to provide an unobstructed view of an area between the first spoon portion and the second spoon portion.

Abstract: A speculum for internal examination of a body cavity such as a vagina, comprising at least two spoons, each comprising a spoon blade that can be inserted in the body cavity, which spoons are attached to one another via a hinge pin and are hingeable between a closed position in which the spoon blades are essentially in contact with one another and a spread position in which the spoon blades are some distance apart, and at least one operating handle which is located outside the body cavity during use, a body rest being provided which, in conjunction with the operating handle, effects spreading of the spoon blades.