Abstract: An emergency medical collar adapted to be moved between a first more flexible state and a second more rigid state includes a body sized and adapted to be fitted to the neck region of a patient, and a chamber disposed inside of the body. The emergency medical collar also includes a support element disposed inside of the chamber. The emergency medical collar is adapted to allow attachment to the neck region of a patient when the neck of the patient is in a variety of positions, for example, neutral, extended, flexed, or lateral.

Abstract: A vascular graft sizer for gauging the size of a distorted blood vessel includes a sizing member. The sizing member has a shape substantially similar to a shape of a distorted blood vessel, and corresponds to a vascular graft that has a shape substantially similar to a non-distorted blood vessel.

Abstract: A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally affecting graft organs during harvesting and transplantation operations. An insulation jacket is configured to conform to the shape of the graft organ. The insulation jacket includes a body portion constructed from a flexible surgical grade plastic, insulation foam, or thermo mass. The body portion may include a plurality of non-communicating pillows capable of retaining a malleable condition when chilled to desired implantation temperatures. The selection of material for the body portion and the sterile nature of the cooling material allow the insulation jacket to be placed inside a patient's body during surgery. When secured about a graft organ, the insulation jacket provides openings for access to graft organ vessels, thereby allowing the implantation surgery to proceed while at least a portion of the graft organ remains enclosed in the insulation jacket. The insulation jacket may also include at least one layer of insulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally affecting graft organs during harvesting and transplantation operations. An insulation jacket may be configured to conform to the shape of the graft organ. The insulation jacket may include a body portion constructed from a flexible surgical grade plastic, insulation foam, or thermo mass. The body portion may include a plurality of non-communicating pillows capable of retaining a malleable condition when cooled. The selection of material for the body portion and the sterile nature of the cooling material allow the insulation jacket to be placed inside a patient's body during surgery. When secured about a graft organ, the insulation jacket provides openings for access to graft organ vessels, thereby allowing the implantation surgery to proceed while at least a portion of the graft organ remains enclosed in the insulation jacket. The insulation jacket may also include at least one layer of insulation.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes a first member having a first handle, a first jaw, and a first pivot point intermediate the first handle and the first jaw; a second handle member having a second handle, a second jaw, and a second pivot point intermediate the second handle and the second jaw. The second handle member is pivotally connected to the first handle member at their respective pivot points. The first jaw and the second jaw cooperate to define a clamping element and a cutting element.

Abstract: A surgical port and dilator is disclosed that are useful for creating access to surgical sites having tortuous geometries and/or requiring relatively long and narrow access to the surgical site. The surgical port or dilator can be provided with an oblique distal end to facilitate placement and the displace tissue near angled surfaces. The surgical port can be inserted into the operative site following dilation in the same fashion as a conventional port. Once inserted, however, the surgical port may then be elongated to provide relatively long and narrow, elliptically-shaped access to the surgical site. The elongation of the port allows the surgeon access to long and narrow surgical sites, such as the spine, without having to expand radially. This reduces trauma to the patient. A locking means is also provided to hold the surgical port in the open position until a release mechanism is activated.

Abstract: An external cervical fixation system includes a body configured to be secured to a patient, an attachment arm extending from the body, a bone screw, and a mounting fixture. The bone screw is mounted to the attachment arm, and has a threaded distal tip that is configured for threaded engagement with the patient's skull. The mounting fixture joins the attachment arm and the bone screw. The mounting fixture is configured to allow mounting and removal of the attachment arm and the bone screw when the bone screw is threadedly engaged with a patient's skull. The body can be adjusted independently of the bone screw.

Abstract: A cam-operated universal latch joint apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, the joint apparatus includes a cam locking mechanism, as well as a first clamping member and a second clamping member independently positionable with respect to each other. The second clamping member has an upper portion and a lower portion arranged adjacent to each other. A latch is pivotably mounted the upper portion of the second clamping member so that the latch selectively engages the lower portion of the second clamping member. Also, a through rod connecting the cam locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided. A bushing is also arranged between the upper portion of the second clamping member and the first clamping member. In an embodiment, the cam locking mechanism includes a handle and a cam connected to the handle and pivotably connected to the through rod so that the cam engages the first clamping member when selectively positioned by the user using the handle.