Abstract: A fiberoptically illuminated appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a light source and an elongate fiberoptic cable, which is operably engaged to the light source and which conducts light from the light source therethrough. A translucent appliance is operated in a conventional manner to perform a primary predetermined function, which function is exclusive of lighting. The appliance includes a continuous light conducting pathway that is uninterrupted by air and a light-emitting surface formed on the periphery of the appliance and communicably connected to the light-conducting pathway. The cable and the appliance are communicably interengaged. Light is directed from the cable through the continuous light-conducting pathway to the light-emitting surface, from which surface light is projected to illuminate the primary predetermined function.

Abstract: An improved single use vaginal speculum with lateral retracting bills is disclosed. Each of the lateral retracting bills is supported on an axially rotatable shaft mounted to a side of the yoke of the lift mechanism which raises the lower bill assembly away from the lower bill and handle member. The lateral bills separate by action of levers which are moved when the upper bill is rotated about its pivot on the yoke. The lift mechanism may be slid along a channel in the handle when a push button is depressed and latched when the push button is released. The observation opening of the vaginal speculum is enlarged and the lateral bills are supported to prevent their obstructing the observation of the user in examining the cervix and vaginal walls. The handle mounted to the lower bill is rotated rearward from a perpendicular and finger indentations are formed around the handle.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum having an upper blade and a lower blade pivoted together and adjusting screw means mounted operated to close/open the upper blade and the lower blade, wherein a longitudinally extended light guide is formed integral with an inside wall of the upper blade, having a rear end for connection to light source means by an optical fiber tube for guiding in light for illumination.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum comprises two elements (1, 2) having on one hand a spoon part possible to insert in a woman's vagina (3, 5) and on the other hand an oblique handle part (4, 6). After insertion in the vagina, the spoon parts are movable through displacement of the handle parts so that said parts may widen the vagina. There is an aperture of inspection in one handle part (4), the handle parts (4, 6) having co-operating looking means for locking the parts (1, 2) in relation to each other. The upper as well as the lower spoon part (3, 5) have longitudinally curved shape. More precisely, said spoon parts have such a shape that they diverge with at least 30.degree. from concavely curved intermediate portions (17, 17') towards convexly curved portions (18, 18'), the distance between the convexly curved portions (18, 18') being considerably larger than the corresponding distance between the concavely curved portions (17, 17').

Abstract: A retractor device for simultaneously retracting and viewing bodily tissues during a medical procedure. The retractor includes a blade member for retracting bodily tissues and an imaging device to form an image of the bodily tissues which are exposed by the operation of the blade member. The imaging device is coupled to a display device so that the image of the bodily tissues formed by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. Moreover, a method is provided for endoscopically performing a tissue retracting procedure using a retractor device. The method includes the steps of retracting bodily tissues using a retractor to form a cavity and imaging the cavity using an imaging device mounted on said retractor to form an image of the cavity and to provide the image of the cavity to a display device that is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A speculum includes manually operated scissor arms with keyed shafts at the ends of each arm adapted to receive speculum jaw or blade members supported on the shaft in a desired, adjustable orientation. The speculum blades include a self-contained fiber optic light source. An optional sleeve with shape memory characteristics may be used in combination with the speculum jaw members.

Abstract: An endoscopic retriever comprising an endoscope and retriever is disclosed, wherein the illuminating light passes at right angles to the plane of the grasping jaws of the retriever. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one illuminating light guide fiber travels partly through at least one of the grasping arms and passes perpendicular to the length of at least one of the grasping jaws through at least one of the grasping laws, terminating in at least one of the two jaws at right angles to the plane of the jaw. The endoscope may have a torque handle to control the grasping force of the jaws of the retriever.

Abstract: Inflatable dual-walled speculums, used for gynecological examinations, that are controllably inflated by the patient with a warmed fluid are provided. A retaining device inserted after inflation of the speculum provides a base and safety for the use of other instruments during the examination. Control of the device by the patient results in a more comfortable examination environment for the patient.

Abstract: A reactor device for simultaneously retracting and viewing bodily tissues during a medical procedure. The retractor includes a blade member for retracting bodily tissues and an imaging device to form an image of the bodily tissues which are exposed by the operation of the blade member. The imaging device is coupled to a display device so that the image of the bodily tissues formed by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. Moreover, a method is provided for endoscopically performing a tissue retracting procedure using a retractor device. The method includes the steps of retracting bodily tissues using a retractor to form a cavity and imaging the cavity using an imaging device mounted on said retractor to form an image of the cavity and to provide the image of the cavity to a display device that is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for performing surgery to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgical instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected legs with each leg including a handle portion and a blade portion with the blade portions terminating in a nose. The nose is inserted through an incision in the wrist area and progressively "worked" into an area between the transverse carpal ligament. The surgical instrument is rotated approximately 90 degrees and the handle portions are then squeezed to spread the blade portions to create a surgical area fully exposing the transverse carpal ligament. One of the blade portions carries illuminating means for illuminating the surgical area or arena to assure that only the transverse carpal ligament is severed to prevent damage to the median nerve, tendons and the like passing through the carpal tunnel.

Abstract: An improved vaginal speculum includes a lower blade member having a straight segment, a curved portion, and a hollow leg portion. The speculum also includes a slide member, an upper blade member rotatably and slidably movable relative to lower blade member, and a light pipe extending from the hollow leg toward the straight segment of the lower blade. The light pipe is adapted to direct light from a light source positionable within the leg, into a region under examination. The upper blade is provided with a smoke evacuation passage formed by a U-shaped channel member positioned adjacent a contoured interior surface of the upper blade member. The U-shaped channel member is provided with a forward end, a rearward end, a bottom surface, and a pair of opposed side walls each having a top edge shaped to fit snugly against the contours of the interior surface or retaining walls formed thereon.

Abstract: A single use, disposable, vaginal speculum uses a chemically florescent light tube to provide built-in illumination for the body cavity being examined with the speculum. An integrally molded light tube holder has two opposing walls between which the light tube is inserted. Ridges on the inner surfaces of the opposing walls serve to guide the light tube into position in the speculum and to firmly grasp the light tube so as to prevent dislodgement during the examination. An integral stop member is molded into the light tube holder to terminate the insertion of the light tube into the holder in precisely the position required to properly position the light tube.