Abstract: A retractor member includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and being at least partially defined by a first lateral perimeter edge and a second lateral perimeter edge that each extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. The body portion additionally includes an upper surface and a lower surface that each extends between the first lateral perimeter edge and the second lateral perimeter edge. A first lateral support portion is coupled to the body portion at a first location at or adjacent to the first lateral perimeter edge, and a second lateral support portion is coupled to the body portion at a second location at or adjacent to the second lateral perimeter edge. A first coupling portion is disposed at a top end portion of the first lateral support portion and a second coupling portion is disposed at a top end portion of the second lateral support portion.

Abstract: A tissue retractor having a spring loaded retractor blade that provides constant downward pressure on the spine to eliminate/reduce tissue from creeping underneath the tips of the blades during use, which decreases operation time and reduces patient risk.

Abstract: Surgical retractors are disclosed herein. More particularly but not exclusively, in one form, a surgical retractor includes blade portions positioned on opposite ends thereof. The retractor also includes one or more portions positioned between the blade portions which provide an ergonomic handle design configured to facilitate engagement thereof by a user. By way of non-limiting example, in one form the ergonomic design includes a pair of concave surfaces spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the body of the retractor from one another. Other features and aspects relating to this and other surgical retractors are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure includes inserting a first blade of a retractor system into an incision in a body of a patient. The retractor system includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm is coupled to a retractor assembly blade. The retractor assembly blade has a handle portion and the first blade. The second articulating arm is coupled to a bracket securing a second blade. The method includes retracting tissue using the first blade, inserting the second blade into the incision in the body of the patient and retracting tissue using the second blade.

Abstract: Retractor holding frames and related methods are provided. The frame includes a support body including a first bore extending transversely from a first side of the support body to a second side of the support body opposite the first side, and a second bore extending transversely from the second side to the first side. The frame includes a left support frame arm including a first annular hub configured to be disposed within the first bore and a first plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the left support frame arm configured to retain a first retractor in a first orientation. The frame includes a right support frame arm including a second annular hub configured to be disposed within the second bore and a second plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the right support frame arm configured to retain a second retractor in a second orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to surgical instruments for spinal surgery. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bi-planar rod persuader for urging a spinal rod into a screw, and methods regarding the same. The bi-planar rod persuader may include an implant holder, which may also include a holding sleeve. A securing foot may be attached to the distal end of the holding sleeve, and the holding sleeve may also include a threaded opening at the proximal end for receiving a stem that drives the securing foot between a first position and second position. The implant holder may also include a threaded part to engage a reduction knob. A handle assembly may also be provided, which may include two pivotally attached arms. A rod hook may be connected to one of the arms and a guide attached to the other of the arms.

Abstract: A TFL Protector for use during a total hip arthroplasty having a generally semi-circular or U-shaped elongate body includes a distal end, a proximal end, an elbow and a convex surface opposite a concave surface. The generally U-shaped or semi-circular elongated body extends from the distal end to the proximal end and the proximal end turns back toward back toward the distal end at elbow.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. Further tools include a removable stabilizer, a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve for minimally invasive surgery, having a first sleeve part, which has essentially the shape of a straight tubular piece with a longitudinal axis, and having a second sleeve part, which at least partly surrounds the first sleeve part in close contiguity and is movable during use with respect to the first sleeve part. The mobility of the second sleeve part in relation to the first sleeve part consists essentially only in rotatability of the second sleeve part around the first sleeve part, and in addition the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part each comprise on their distal axial ends a flange part that extends radially outward at an angle of less than 180 degrees from the respective sleeve part.

Abstract: A latch apparatus is formed of a cantilevered beam (202) and a button (204). The cantilevered beam (202) comprises a loading feature (210) and a notch (216), while the button (204) comprises a slot (218) and an engagement tab (220). When mounted within a cavity of a housing, the cantilevered beam and button provide both push-in and side sliding movement of the button. The latch is locked by sliding the button in one direction, and the latch is unlocked by pushing the button inward and then sliding the button in an opposite direction. The housing may further comprise an angled catch feature within the cavity for mating with a complimentary angle of the button to avoid inadvertent unlocking of the latch. The combination of push in force and side sliding force minimizes inadvertent unlocking of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation 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.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes a connector including an arm, a coupling element, a rod, and a ridged slider. The arm includes first and second notched sections disposed in opposed lateral sides thereof. The coupling element includes a body section defining an opening therethrough, and opposed tabs protruding therefrom that are configured to receive the second notched section therebetween such that the arm is pivotably coupled to the coupling element. The rod includes a shaft having a plurality of angled grooves defined partially along a length thereof. The rod extends through the opening of the coupling element and the first notched section of the arm. The ridged slider includes a first surface having a plurality of ridges extending along a partial length thereof. The ridged slider extends through the coupling element with the plurality of ridges operably engaged with the plurality of angled grooves of the rod.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device is provided. The tissue retractor device includes a handle attached to an inflatable rake-shaped tissue retractor head.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted to apply a tensioning force to the tether along the path of the tether to thereby move the tether along the path. The device further includes an actuation mechanism movably coupled to the tensioning mechanism such that the actuation mechanism is adapted to effect movement of the tensioning mechanism to control the tensioning force applied to the tether.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system, including a pedicle screw having a screw shaft with an external thread and having a screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship. The screw head includes a connecting element receptacle for a connecting element of a spinal stabilization system. The pedicle screw system further includes: a bone alignment apparatus and a coupling device for at least one of force-locking coupling and form-locking coupling of the bone alignment apparatus and the pedicle screw in an alignment position in which a mobility of the screw head and the screw shaft is reduced from three degrees of freedom of movement in rotation of the screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship therewith by at least one degree of freedom of rotation.

Abstract: A device for removing a dental covering having: (a) an engagement portion that is configured to contact a portion of the dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and receive a prying load applied by an operator; and (b) a load applying portion connected to the engagement portion which is adapted to rest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering and be pivoted upwardly or downwardly by application of the prying load. The device may be a dental covering removal tool which may find particular use in removing dental coverings, such as temporary and permanent crowns.

Abstract: An actuation grip for a microsurgical instrument, with an inner shaft, which is surrounded coaxially and cylindrically by an outer shaft, wherein the shafts are axially movable relative to each other. Two pivotable grip parts, each with two ends, are coupled pivotably at a proximal end of the actuation grip. On each grip part, a first lever is articulated rotatably via an attachment point between the ends of the grip part, wherein the two first levers are coupled rotatably to each other at an intersection point between their ends. The first levers are each connected rotatably to a second lever at their ends directed away from the grip parts, such that the first levers form, with the second levers, a double scissor hinge which serves to move the two shafts axially relative to each other, in order to use this movement to actuate a surgical tool.

Abstract: A retractor with at least two spreader arms that can be displaced relative to one another and can be blocked by a blocking device and on their end sections are provided with blades that can be displaced in their gripping ranges. The blades are of unit construction and are inserted so that they can slide in linear guides forms from spreader arms in such a manner that can be fixed in a range of freely chosen positions each corresponding to various griping ranges by means of a releasable fixing device.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a retractor body having a site portion and handle portion, and an impactor body on the retractor body. The impactor body is positioned and configured for use in impacting the site portion of the surgical site. An impaction axis of the impaction body is preferably substantially aligned with an axis of the site portion of the impactor body. The impactor body is preferably attached to the retractor body at a junction between the site portion and the handle portion of the retractor body. In one embodiment, the impactor portion is configured to selectively mate with an impactor extension member to thereby optionally receive direct impaction on the impactor portion or indirect impaction through the impactor extension member.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for surgical retractor, and more particularly to systems and methods for self-retaining retractor used in hip replacement surgery. In an embodiment, a retractor for surgery comprises a pair of handles, a locking ratchet, a first arm comprising a first portion, a hinge joint, and a second portion having a modular blade system; and a second arm comprising a first portion, a universal locking joint, a locking lever, and a second portion having a generally triangular shaped end. In an embodiment, the modular blade system has an interchangeable blade. In another embodiment, the second portion of the second arm has a ball shaped end. In another embodiment, the second portion of the second arm has a female end.

Abstract: An apparatus for perineal retraction during a prostatectomy includes a handle portion with a first end, a second end and a curvilinear segment between the first and second end. The second end faces in a direction toward the first end. The apparatus also includes a head portion including a first surface on one side of the head portion and a second surface on an opposite side of the head portion, the second surface being connected to or engageable with the second end of the handle. Use of the apparatus for perineal retraction during prostatectomy is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes an access device having a tubular shape and a channel extending through the device that is sized to receive a surgical instrument. The outer surface of the device defines a support section and access section having an aperture extending through the wall of the device. The aperture has a wider distal portion and a narrower proximal portion and the surgical instrument may be inserted through the aperture. The access device simultaneously retracts soft tissue and distracts bone when inserted into the surgical site while allowing a surgeon access to the surgical site.

Abstract: A distraction device includes a cage distractor, two distractor blades, an inserter positioner, and a clip inserter. The cage distractor is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and includes two distractor housings moveable relative to one another. The inserter positioner is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and include a center member that is centered between the distractor blades when the inserter positioner is secured to the two distractor blades. The clip inserter is configured to secure a clip to a distal end thereof and is slidable through the center member to secure the clip to a cage distracted by the movement of the two distractor housings away from one another. The clip maintaining the distraction of the cage.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second members, with each member including a handle adjacent a first end of the member, a working portion having an inner surface and an outer surface and extending from a second, opposite end of the member, and a pivot portion located between the handle and the working portion. The first and second members are pivotally connected at the pivot portions about a pivot axis such that the handles are movable between an open position in which the handles are spaced apart and the working portions are adjacent one another and a closed position in which the handles have been brought together and the working portions are spaced apart.

Abstract: A speculum having first and second arms beginning at a proximal point and ending at a distal end and having a cup positioned at the distal end, an attachment portion positioned on the first arm and proximal to the cup, and a user manipulation element positioned within the attachment portion. In another embodiment the speculum has a generally U-shaped frame having a proximal point and pair of distal ends, a pair of cups attached to the distal ends, a pair of user manipulation elements attached to the frame and positioned between the cups and the proximal point so that the user manipulation elements can rotate relative to the frame.

Abstract: A self retaining adaptor enables hands free use of a balfour retractor blade. An elongated element includes a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated element includes an intermediate portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The intermediate portion has a predetermined width with an elongated slot being formed therein. The elongated slot includes a predetermined number of enlarged openings formed at predetermined intervals along the length of the slot. The enlarged openings enable the insertion of a wing-nut connection for attaching a member to the elongated element.

Abstract: A surgical retractor including a pair of handles mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin, a pair of arm members each terminating at a distal end in a downwardly depending blade and attachable to a respective handle at a proximal end. On application of hand pressure by an operator to the pair of handles of the surgical retractor rotates each handle and arm member about the pivot pin and causes the blades to move apart so that in use in a surgical site the blades abut against and retract tissue matter.

Abstract: An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical retractor capable of preventing an organ of a human body from being damaged when the organ of the human body positioned over a surgical area in the human body is lifted up. The surgical retractor includes a support body including a plurality of support members that are inserted below an organ of a human body which is positioned over a surgical area in the body of a patient to lift the organ of the human body in an upward direction, the plurality of support members being fastened to a joint, and a protective film member joined to the support body to cover a region between the support members, and configured to enclose and protect a lower surface of the organ of the human body.

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 apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity. The apparatus may include a seal anchor member including a compressible material. The seal anchor member may be adapted to transition between a first condition for insertion of at least a portion of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and a second condition to facilitate a securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining a tissue tract. The seal anchor member may have proximal and distal ends and may define at least one port extending between the proximal and distal ends, the at least one port being adapted for the reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial scaled relation with the object. The seal anchor member may include indicia that indicates to a user a location at which the member may be cut so as to reduce the size of the member.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The device may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: When replacing an implanted medical device, the physician may have difficulty locating the new unit in exactly the same space or cavity within the body that held the old unit. Various embodiments and combinations of embodiments of a medical removal/insertion tool are proposed which can be inserted temporarily, as “place holders,” in the space of the implanted medical device to be removed, and used to guide the insertion of the replacement unit and to ensure that the replacement unit is properly situated within the body. In its simplest form, the removal/insertion tool has a “first part” which is configured to facilitate the positioning of the new unit in approximately the same space as the old unit, and a “second part” which serves as a handle for gripping, during use, to insert, position and subsequently remove the first part within the body cavity when replacement is complete.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The device may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: An endorectal trocar provided with body for endorectal introduction that defines open internal channel and leak-tight barrier that extends across internal channel and exhibits passageways for rectoscopy instruments, the body and the leak-tight barrier are two distinct assemblies that can be attached by the fixing elements within the internal channel.

Abstract: A self-retaining retractor is described. The retractor can be sized for small patients, such as young children or infants or some animals. The retractor has two blades that are capable of holding tissue separated during a procedure, such as a tracheotomy.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical retractor that can be manipulated with only a digit of a single hand. The surgical retractor includes a shaft, which may be cylindrical, with a finger member attached to one side. The finger member may be an arc segment properly sized to keep a digit next to the shaft. Attached to one end of the shaft is a rake head. The rake head consists of three segments attached to one another, the first of which is attached to the shaft. The final segment has a concavity formed upon it to allow another instrument access beneath the surgical retractor. The method of using the surgical retractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wound retractor system comprises a retractor having a distal ring 91 and a retracting sleeve 4 extending from the ring. An insertion tool 120 has a distal groove 122 to hold the ring for insertion of the ring through a small incision 90 in the abdominal wall 97. The retractor may be used for retracting an incision to receive an instrument therethrough. A seal or valve may be mounted to the retractor through which an instrument can pass.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a retractor body having a site portion and handle portion, and an impactor body on the retractor body. The impactor body is positioned and configured for use in impacting the site portion of the surgical site. An impaction axis of the impaction body is preferably substantially aligned with an axis of the site portion of the impactor body. The impactor body is preferably attached to the retractor body at a junction between the site portion and the handle portion of the retractor body. In one embodiment, the impactor portion is configured to selectively mate with an impactor extension member to thereby optionally receive direct impaction on the impactor portion or indirect impaction through the impactor extension member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an insertion aid device with a handle, a tongue depressor, a tracheal suction catheter guide, and a guide with a recess formed by a pair of prongs. The guide may be configured to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of a tracheal suction catheter, a nasogastric tube, or an orogastric tube. The tracheal suction catheter guide may include a connection port configured to couple to an in-line suction catheter. A light source may be included with the insertion aid device.

Abstract: A mountable, top-loading retractor device that is quickly and easily mountable to a surgical tool support frame. The device has two main sections a mount assembly for attaching to the support frame, and a top-loading retractor assembly pivotably linked to the mount assembly. The mount assembly has opposed upper and lower clamping jaws to a grip a section of the frame when the assembly is operated to set the clamping jaws. The retractor assembly includes a retractor mechanism having a separate arm receivable into the top surface of the retractor assembly and engageable by the retractor mechanism. The arm extends beyond the retractor assembly and is positionable along its length. The distal end of the arm is adapted to attach to a surgical retractor tool, and to apply a force to operate the tool.

Abstract: A self retaining adaptor enables hands free use of a balfour retractor blade. An elongated element includes a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated element includes an intermediate portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The intermediate portion has a predetermined width with an elongated slot being formed therein. The elongated slot includes a predetermined number of enlarged openings formed at predetermined intervals along the length of the slot. The enlarged openings enable the insertion of a wing-nut connection for attaching a member to the elongated element.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical retractor. The surgical retractor may include a handle having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends, a first coupling mechanism adjacent the proximal end of the handle, and a blade member having a proximal end and a distal end. The blade member may have a coupling element, and the coupling element may be configured and dimensioned to connect with the first coupling mechanism. The present invention also relates to methods for treating bone.

Abstract: A hinged retractor includes a distal portion adapted to be located inside the body of a patient during a surgical procedure and a proximal portion adapted to be closer to the surgeon during a surgical procedure. The hinged retractor includes a first side including a first blade and a second side including a second blade. The second side is joined to the first side proximate to a distal end of the hinged retractor. The hinged retractor includes a pivot proximate to the distal end. The hinged retractor is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein a distance between a proximal portion of the first and second blades increases more than a distance between a distal portion of the first and second blades when the hinged retractor is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A grasper for a surgical retractor is provided. The grasper has a grasper body, a push-button activator and a holder to releasably retain a connector head of, for example, a retractor blade. The holder is configured to move from a first position, located at least partially in the opening to provide for selectively retaining the connector head in the opening, to a second position wherein the connector head may be removed. The push-button activator is operably connected to the holder to move the holder from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment the holder is gear driven by the activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.