Abstract: A light guide assembly for use with a retractor having a channel for slidably receiving an end portion of a light guide. The light guide assembly includes a light guide having the end portion for slidably inserting into the channel and retentor for releasably holding in position the end portion relative to the retractor.

Abstract: A speculum, comprising a handle portion including a proximal end, a distal end and at least one sidewall connecting the proximal end and the distal end and having a cavity in the sidewall thereof, a lower blade connected to the handle portion, an upper blade movably connected to the lower blade, the upper and lower blades being configured to move relative to one another between a closed state and an open state, and a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source and at least one energy storage device, said lighting assembly being at least partially disposed in the cavity in the sidewall of the handle portion.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle portion downwardly extending from an examination portion. The handle portion has opposing upper and lower open ends and a through cavity extending therebetween. An illumination assembly mounted within the open upper end of cavity includes a housing, at least one battery disposed within the housing, and an LED disposed at the distal end of an arm extending from the housing. The housing is mounted through the open upper end of the through cavity. According to at least one version, the at least one battery can be removed without removing the housing from the handle portion. The extending arm is supported by the examination portion and configured to provide illumination to a medical target. The medical device can include a vaginal speculum, sigmoidoscope, laryngoscope, anoscope, or other hand-held medical device.

Abstract: A speculum having an elongated portion with two hinged jaws. In a first mode, the jaws are positioned adjacent each other and in a second mode, the jaws are spaced apart. The speculum is designed such that another identical speculum can be stacked on the original speculum.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: A portable medical illuminator is configured for attachment to a medical device wherein the illuminator includes an illuminator housing and a light source disposed in relation to the housing. A portable rechargeable power supply is connected to the light source, and an inductive charging coil is disposed within the illuminator housing to enable contactless charging of the contained portable power supply.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new and improved endoscopic-enabled mouth gag for routine ENT procedures, such as adenoidectomy and nasopharyngeal biopsy. The invention modifies the existing mouth gag, provides a stable and adjustable placement for an endoscopic device potentially employed during an ENT procedure, and is to replace the outdated surgical method where the surgical field is visualized indirectly via a handheld mirror (with or without the preexisting mouth gag). The inventive endoscopic-enabled mouth gag not only provides enhanced visualization of the surgical field for a clinician, assistants, and trainees, but also enables a clinician to perform the procedure bimanually (with both hands).

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: The invention is a lighted gastric surgical bougie which includes an integral light source disposed at the distal end that, when activated, is detectable through the gastric wall of a patient during gastric surgery. The light source enables a surgeon to identify the location of the bougie within the patient. The light source may include at least one LED integrally disposed at the distal end. Optionally, a second LED is integrally disposed on the main body a longitudinal distance away from the at least one LED at the distal end. The second LED may be disposed near the tapered region so that a surgeon can readily identify the location of the tapered region with respect to the patient's anatomy. Preferably, the second LED at the proximal portion of the tapered region is visibly different than the at least one LED. Alternatively, the light source is chemiluminescent.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: An illumination device comprises at least one LED (36), which can be connected through circuit means (50) to a voltage source optionally formed by a battery unit (70) or an accumulator unit (74). Furthermore, a first contact means (60) is provided for connecting the battery unit (70) and a second contact means (64) for connecting the accumulator unit (74) to the circuit means (50). A bottom unit for a battery grip (11) comprising a grip sleeve (90) in which the accumulator unit (74) is arranged, has a basic body (84) mountable at the lower end of the grip sleeve (90), wherein an upper contact element (89) for contacting the accumulator unit (74) and a lower contact element (95) for contacting a contact element (107) of a charging station, to which a current is applied, are arranged in the basic body (84).

Abstract: A spine retractor and distractor device comprises spinal process clamps and a retractor assembly, which may be rotatably coupled with the spinal process clamps. The retractor assembly may include a retractor ring, or frame, and a plurality of retractor blades adjustably coupled to the frame, e.g., by clamps. The spinal process clamps can maintain a grip on the spinal processes of the patient, and distraction pliers may be used to impart a distraction force on the spinal process clamps to distract the spinal segments. Additionally, other components, features, or tools, e.g., a light source and/or a camera, can be mounted on the instrument.

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: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a disposable speculum and a releasably attachable illumination assembly. A handle portion of the disposable speculum includes a receiving cavity that is adapted to interchangeably receive either a first or a second illumination assembly.

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: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

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: 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 vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: A portable magnifying instrument useful for colposcopy is provided which may include in combination an optical system capable of providing a distortion free clear continuously varying 10× to 15× magnification of a three-dimensional wide object; an integrated energy efficient, low powered and intensity controlled illumination system; a power pack and mounting. The optical system may have an eyepiece lens system and an objective lens system. The illumination system may have a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the power pack; mounted in such a manner that the angle between the LEDs is maintained with respect to the optical axis of the lens system and that the light beam from the said LEDs impinges on the wide object to be observed at the focus of the said lens system.

Abstract: Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gynecological instruments. A disposable speculum is provided with a cylindrical filament containing an optical fiber fitted with a small aligning wing nut (3) at the distal end thereof for fitting and coupling the optical fiber to the aperture (4) in the cap (5) of the head (6), with an automatically actuated illumination system consisting of an actuating disk (7), a spring (8), a pin (9), a lens (10), a light-emitting diode/LED (11), a circuit (12), a diffuser (13), a diffuser shell (14), a cable (15) and a power source (16) with pins (17) for connecting the device to the power grid at the site of use. The head (6) can be coated with a protecting film (18) in order to prevent direct contact with the speculum (1) and the cylindrical filament (2).

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that is movably connected with respect to the upper blade. The lower blade member includes an integrated handle portion having a receiving cavity configured for interchangeably receiving one of a first illumination assembly and a substantially different second illumination assembly. The first illumination assembly differs from the second illumination assembly by at least one structural and/or functional aspect, such as the form of power supply, the type of light source and physical size of the assembly housing.

Abstract: A portable illuminator includes a contained power source and an integrally contained light source that is selectively inserted into the handle portion of a vaginal speculum. The portable illuminator includes at least one feature to protect the illuminator from contamination and to prevent users from pinching or snagging gloves or fingers during operation.

Abstract: A blade for a surgical retractor. The blade includes a base portion and a distal portion. The base portion may be attached to a frame of a surgical retractor. The distal portion may be removably coupled to the base portion and may be unitarily constructed of a translucent material. A light source may be removably coupled to the distal portion. The distal portion may be disposable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) having a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. The modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to the frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.

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. Some embodiments of the surgical access system may be particularly suited for establishing an operative corridor to a surgical target site in the spine. Such an operative corridor may be established through the retroperitoneal space and the psoas muscle during a direct lateral, retroperitoneal approach to the spine.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to disposable speculums, and more particularly to disposable vaginal speculums having single-sided support and operating mechanisms. In an embodiment, a speculum includes an upper member having an upper blade and a hinge assembly; a lower member having a handle and a lower blade, wherein a combined smoke channel light guide directs light from a light source in the handle to a distal end of the lower blade for smoke removal; and a linear support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body therebetween, the linear support member vertically moveable within a track positioned in the lower member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable medical-examination light. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable light for use with a speculum. Generally, the disposable light includes a casing with an interior and an exterior. The casing interior may be adapted to hold at least one battery. The casing exterior may include a proximal surface and a distal surface. A protrusion may extend from the proximal surface, and at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), such as a white and/or green light producing LED, may be substantially disposed at a proximal end of the protrusion. Additionally, a gripping mechanism may extend from the casing's proximal surface. The disposable light may also comprise electrical components for connecting at least one battery to at least one LED. Furthermore, the disposable light may also include a switching mechanism that may be configured to close an electrical circuit between an LED and a battery.

Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member supporting a pair of retracting elements to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth, with a light source housed in the supporting member. An optical device for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source inside the mouth extends along the supporting member and/or along the retracting elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to an illuminated vaginal speculum suitable for cervical speculoscopy to enable a user to distinguish abnormal cells from normal cells, the illuminated vaginal speculum comprising: a first blade having a first open part and a first holding part; a second blade, which is pivoted to the first blade, comprising a second open part and a second holding part; an adjuster installed between the first and the second blades for adjusting the relative angle between the first and the second open parts; and a first illumination member connected to the first open part or the second open part, the first illumination member being capable of emitting light of a color different from that of the normal cells so as to enable the user to distinguish abnormal cells from normal cells.

Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum includes an assembly housing containing a light source, such as at least one LED or incandescent lamp. The illumination assembly, which can be battery powered or powered by means of a dedicated power supply, such as an AC power supply, is configured to be fitted within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.

Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor system is shown which has a support frame having two opposing pairs of horizontally oriented sides. The sides of the frame can be adjusted to vary an interior space of the frame. Four retractor blades are mounted on the frame for engaging tissue within a surgical site. Each retractor blade has an elongate body portion with a length which is oriented perpendicularly to the frame in use. One of the retractor blades can be equipped with a light source and a suction source which are integral to the blade. The blade also has an integral power source for powering the light source. The blade can also house a tissue retractor such as a dural retractor for retracting the dural sack of a patient during spinal surgery.

Abstract: A surgical portable light connector having an attachment plate so as to firmly fit onto instruments such as speculums, retractors or other instruments in the field for illumination, holding tenaculums and securing suctioning tubes and other devices. This portable attachment plate connector allows the surgeon or operators to gain the benefit of less obstructed view and conduct their procedures with more adequate space within the field of instrumentation.

Abstract: A lighting accessory stem using fiberoptic illumination is provided. In certain embodiments, the lighting accessory system is combinable with a hand tool, for example a forceps, to illuminate the grasping tips of the tool. The lighting accessory system provides an illuminable tool whereby an object may be illuminated and grasped while being illuminated without obstruction by the illumination means. In certain embodiments, the lighting accessory system may be used for medical or surgical tools.

Abstract: The disposable speculum with included light and complementary mechanisms for examination and gynecological surgery is a device used for medical and surgical procedures in the vagina, neck level and the uterus. It has two separate sheets joined in their own handles; the upper sheet has three cuts to evacuate the gases and smoke produced on the surgery area. It also has a light bulb to give clarity on the surgery area, to optimize the visibility with aluminum reflexive cover; the lower sheet has three cuts connected among themselves for an internal central channel, to evacuate the blood and fluids coming from the surgical area; the upper sheet's handle has some buttons to activate an opening and close mechanism of these sheets.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consists of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a movable blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Furthermore, the entire upper part of the speculum, i.e., the guide portion together with the removable blade, can be completely disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina. The remaining lower part can be used as a spatula. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool.

Abstract: A medical device for retracting tissue allows access to the inside of the body by “prying open” an existing or created opening in a body. The device comprises a substantially transparent head having first and second head halves defining a substantially conical surface including a gap when the first and second head halves are joined. Angular motion of the first and second head halves enlarges the existing or created opening and provides an area of access to the inside of the body. The substantially transparent nature-of the device allows it-to-function as a light-pipe so that the operator can see the body cavity or tract opened by the device. The device has scissors-like handles to allow an operator to open or close the device with one hand.

Abstract: The disposable speculum with included light and complementary mechanisms for examination and gynecological surgery is a device used for medical and surgical procedures in the vagina, neck level and the uterus. It has two separate sheets joined in their own handles; the upper sheet has three cuts to evacuate the gases and smoke produced on the surgery area. It also has a light bulb to give clarity on the surgery area, to optimize the visibility with aluminum reflexive cover; the lower sheet has three cuts connected among themselves for an internal central channel, to evacuate the blood and fluids coming from the surgical area; the upper sheet's handle has some buttons to activate an opening and close mechanism of these sheets.

Abstract: A medical device for retracting tissue allows access to the inside of the body by “prying open” an existing or created opening in a body. The device comprises a substantially transparent head having first and second head halves defining a substantially conical surface including a gap when the first and second head halves are joined. Angular motion of the first and second head halves enlarges the existing or created opening and provides an area of access to the inside of the body. The substantially transparent nature of the device allows it to function as a light pipe so that the operator can see the body cavity or tract opened by the device. The device has scissors-like handles to allow an operator to open or close the device with one hand.

Abstract: A small, lightweight, self contained light having a single cell rechargeable 3 volt battery and also having a support bracket with a device for attachment to the common metal speculum more often referred to as the Graves Metal Speculum. The light having a light tube being connected to the upper housing of the light body. This arrangement allows the light tube to swivel and tilt, permitting the light emitted from the end of the light tube to be precisely focused to the examination areas medial and lateral to the relative position of the opposing blades of the metal speculum.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an upper and a lower blade member, each of the members having a main generally elongated blade portion, each of the members having spaced upstanding lateral sidewalls, the upper blade member being vertically, movable with respect to the lower blade member to selectively open and close the spacing between the blade members. A light cone may be provided in the upper blade member for connection of an illuminating device for providing light to the surgeon's work area. A port may also be provided in the upper blade member for connecting a suction tube thereto for removing fluids and the like during use of the instrument.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.