Abstract: A retractor apparatus having a hollow rod member and a clamping device is provided. Support members are adjustably secured to the hollow rod member. The clamping device includes a first member having a first clamping portion and a second member having a second clamping portion. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member. When the second member is pivoted into a clamping position with the first member, the first and second portions clamp a side rail of an operating table. A tightening mechanism retains the first and second clamping portions in the clamping position. The first member has a passage for receiving the hollow rod member.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus includes a retractor blade having a malleable element that defines a blade perimeter and a retractor area. A flexible member is supported by the malleable element and extends over the retractor area.

Abstract: A clamping device, preferably for use on a retractor support, includes a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism, the first clamping mechanism includes first and second pivotal clamping sections pivotal between a clamping position and an open position, and a mechanism for compressing the first and second clamping mechanisms to a clamping position.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a body organ during surgery includes a flexible enclosure having at least one opening large enough to permit the body organ to pass through and including means for limiting closure of the opening such that injury to the body organ is minimized.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus includes an extension rod, first and second support rods and first and second clamps. The extension rod is attached to the first support rod with the first clamp. The first support rod is attached to the second support rod with the second clamp. The first and second support rods extend outwardly over the surgical table on opposite sides of the incision and the second support rod may be moved relative to the first support rod so as to correctly position the retractors over the incision.

Abstract: A retractor system having a plurality of quick release retractor blades. The retractor system includes a shaft cooperating with the retractor system for positioning a selected one of the quick release retractor blades. The quick release attachment mechanism is distributed between the shaft and the blades, the shaft having a first end thereof adapted for attachment to a selected quick release retractor blade. A pair of grooves extending longitudinally from the first end along opposite sides of the outside of the shaft. A retaining groove grids the shaft spaced from the first end. Each retractor blade has a pair of tongues disposed in a plane and oriented inwardly toward one another. A torsion spring is attached to each blade and a flange extends from the torsion spring through the plane of the tongues. An aperture through the flange is sized and positioned to admit the shaft with the longitudinal grooves engaging the tongues.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus for attachment to a rail of a surgical table includes first, second and third support rods and first, second and third clamps. The first support rod is attached to the rail of the surgical table and permits movement about and along a vertical axis of the first rod. The second rod is attached to an upper section of the first rod with the second clamp. The second clamp permits movement of the second support rod about an axis of the first rod and about an axis of the second support rod and permits pivotal movement of the second rod with respect to the first rod about a pivotal axis of the second clamp. The third clamp clamps the third rod to the second rod and permits movement of the third rod along and about the axis of the second rod and about the axis of the third rod and permits movement about a pivotal axis of the third clamp.

Abstract: A rectractor apparatus for attachment to a rail of a surgical table includes first, second and third support rods and first, second and third clamps. The first support rod is attached to the rail of the surgical table and permits movement about and along a vertical axis of the first rod. The second rod is attached to an upper section of the first rod with the second clamp. The second clamp permits movement of the second support rod about an axis of the first rod and about an axis of the second support rod and permits pivotal movement of the second rod with respect to the first rod about a pivotal axis of the second clamp. The third clamp clamps the third rod to the second rod and permits movement of the third rod along and about the axis of the second rod and about the axis of the third rod and permits movement about a pivotal axis of the third clamp.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus includes an improved clamping device on the sterile side of a surgical drape with the drape covering an operating table having side rails. The device includes a first member having a first clamping portion and a second member having a second clamping portion. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member. The first and second portions engage the sterile side of the surgical drape and when the second member is pivoted into a clamping position with the first member, the first and second portions clamp the surgical drape and side rail. A tightening mechanism retains the first and second clamping portions in the clamping position. The first and second members have first and second passages, respectively, that are substantially aligned with each other in both the clamping position and a nonclamping position. A support member of the surgical retractor apparatus extends through the first and second passages and is secured therein in a fixed position by a suitable mechanism.