Abstract: The present invention provides an open looped (open-ended) retractor frame for use in surgical procedures. The open-ended retractor frame of the present invention is particularly useful in infracoccygeal sacropexy or posterior intravaginal slingplasty procedures. The present invention furthermore provides a variety of clip-on attachments to the open-ended retractor frame that provide different functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system utilizing a medical drape adapted to overlay the body of a patient. The drape of the present invention has a lower surface for engaging the patient and a fluid impervious upper surface containing at least one adhesive portion. In one embodiment, the drape of the present invention is adapted for use in conjunction with one or more unique surgical retractors. The present invention provides a series of elastic stays each having an adhesive portion capable of releasably attaching to the adhesive portion(s) of the medical drape. In this manner, the present invention allows medical personnel to gently and effectively pull back tissue in preparation for, and during, surgical procedures. Further, the elastic capability of the stays allow medical personnel to adjust the amount of tension applied to retracted tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deep tissue blade for use with a retractor system useful in a wide variety of surgical procedures. The deep tissue blade of the present invention also provides several unique structures that enhance its ability to retract and hold large tissue masses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor system useful in a wide variety of surgical procedures. This retractor system includes an annular retractor frame that can be used in conjunction with a bridge member or bridge frame to modify the positions available for the attachment of stays during a surgical procedure. In addition, the present invention provides a novel deep tissue blade for use with the annular retractor frame and the bridge member.

Abstract: A surgical stay-grip assembly includes a pair of jaws pivotally connected to one another and a jaw closing member, preferably a spring, for urging a first end of the jaws together. An elongated member, preferably elastic, is connected to one of the jaws. One jaw includes a receiver for securing the elongated member to the jaw. The other jaw preferably includes a receptacle adapted to secure an elongated member to this other jaw. When securing to the receptacle, the elongated member includes an enlarged end portion and the receptacle includes an opening adapted to retain the enlarged end portion within the receptacle. Preferably, the surgical stay-grip assembly includes a retractor hook assembly connected to the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A retractor system having a blade assembly with notches for receiving a portion of a surgical retractor stay. A retractor system having a cam lock mechanism and/or a ratchet mechanism to restrict movement of the paddle arms. A retractor system having pinions to engage an elastic band to aid the frame and paddle arms to automatically self-position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An improved surgical retractor stay system has a variable geometry retractor frame and disposable retractor stay clips. The retractor stay clips are adapted to snap onto the variable geometry retractor frame and are slidably movable thereon. The retractor frames are custom made having variable geometry and are prepared from extruded metals. The surgical retractor stay system uses the snap-on retractor stay clips in conjunction with the variable geometry retractor frame.

Abstract: An improved surgical retractor stay having a plastic hook member such that the entire surgical retractor stay is substantially non-interfering with X-ray and MRI imaging techniques.

Abstract: A retractor system having a tray for receiving a small animal or a portion of a body during surgery. The tray has a notched flange for receiving an elastic member of a surgical stay while a tissue holding member of the stay holds a surgical incision open. The tray also includes a drain and a spout either of which may be used to discharge fluids accumulating during surgery. The system may include a snap-on cover to contain the tray contents when moving the tray. The system may have an inclined, textured bottom member and wall holes for receiving adjustable arms having notched flanges.

Abstract: The sliding hook assembly has an integrally formed handle body encapsulating a hook member which can be used to engage a physical restraint in the surgical field in the absence of the use of a slotted surgical retractor frame. The sliding hook assembly further includes an opening with a notch for receiving and securing the elastic member of a surgical retractor stay.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for use in performing surgery upon a patient at a surgical siting includes an annular frame conformed to fit the surface of the patient's body at the site, the frame having a plurality of notches, each having a width. A plurality of stays are provided each including an elongated elastic member having a length, a width, and proximal and distal end portions. The width of each elastic member is preferably greater than the width of the notches so that the stay forms a connection with the annular frame by engaging a selected portion of the elastic member into a notch. At least a portion of one of the elastic members includes a section of hollow elastic tubing having a bore surrounded by a tubing wall. A tissue holding member includes a handle plate forming a first plane, the plate having a thickness, a length, and a height. A wide section of the tissue holding member is much wider than the diameter of the tubing.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes an elongated elastic member having first and second end portions. A retractor hook portion is connected to the first end portion of the elastic member. The second end of the elastic member has a receptacle for connecting a pair of jaws thereto. A pair of jaws is provided, each being mounted to the elastic member at the receptacle. A jaw closing member is provided for urging the jaws to clamp together in a "closed" position. Two sockets are provided in the receptacle, each of the sockets accepting one of the jaws. A portion of the elastic member is positioned in between the two jaws to provide elasticity that urges the jaws to clamp the jaw together.

Abstract: An improved surgical retractor stay has an integrally formed handle body and elongated elastic member with a tail that can engage a slot of a retractor. The improved construction preferably includes an injection molded one piece handle and elongated member so that void spaces are eliminated. A wire hook member includes multiple folded sections that are encapsulated by the handle (e.g., during injection molding of the handle about the hook member). An exposed portion of the hook member extends beyond the distal tip of the handle body and provides a sharp end portion that is used to engage selected body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stay apparatus provides a frame that can be annular and conforming to a patient's body at a surgical site. An opening allows a surgeon to access the surgical site through the central portion of the frame. A stay includes a handle body having proximal and distal ends. The first bore extends through the handle body communicating at least with the proximal end of the handle body. The second bore extends at least a partial distance through the handle body and communicates with the proximal surface of the body. An elastic member extends through the first bore, the elastic member having an elongated portion that extends from the distal end of the handle body and a short proximal end that is positioned at the handle body occupying at least a portion of the first bore. A hook member having proximal and distal end portions occupies the second bore of the handle body, the hook member has a curved hook at the distal end portion of the handle body for retracting body tissue.

Abstract: An isolator and method of using same for providing an atmosphere free of contamination from external sources and for containing and evacuating contaminates generated during the course of a surgical procedure, particularly laser procedures that are performed within the isolator. The isolator includes a double chambered structure made of a flexible material on a rigid frame. Filtered air is provided to the outer chamber and enters the inner chamber through various openings in the inner enclosure walls. The inner chamber is under negative pressure and the mix of filtered air and any air borne contaminants generated by the procedure are evacuated to an air handling unit where contaminants are neutralized and removed from the air. A portion of the top side of the bag is made of a relatively stiff, optically transparent, material through which the surgeon or the assembly worker can view the work area.

Abstract: An isolator and method of using it for providing a contamination-free atmosphere in which a surgical procedure can be performed or equipment that is sensitive to environmental contamination can be assembled. The isolator includes an inflatable bag of flexible material through which filtered air is circulated. For use in surgery, a portion of the lower side is made of an elastic surgical drape material to allow a body member upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed to be pulled into the work space of the bag. A portion of the top side of the bag is made of a relatively stiff, optically transparent, material through which the surgeon or the assembly worker can view the work area. A plurality of open-ended sleeves are attached to the bag through which the hands and arms of the surgeon and his assistants or the worker can extend into the work space.

Abstract: A dilator for use in implant and other types of urologic surgery which reduces tissue abrasion and damage includes radially separable longitudinal sections for variably dilating generally cylindrial urinary passages and tissue formations. The controlled variable dilation is accomplished by inserting a generally wedge-shaped member between the radially separable sections until the proper degree of dilation has been achieved. The wedge-shaped member can carry an instrument such as a needle and suture through the dilated body passage.

Abstract: A surgical retractor, which includes a frame conformed to fit the surface contour of the portion of the body to be operated on and at least one stay which includes an elastic member and tissue holding means. The frame has a plurality of notches spaced about its periphery and the elastic member of the stay is adapted to be inserted into one of the notches and held in place by friction to retract the tissue.