Abstract: Cooling systems are described herein that may be used in connection with one or more attached devices to cool patient tissue. The disclosed cooling systems include a refrigeration unit containing a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with a heat exchanger, a fluid pump in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, tubing connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, a fluid cooling element in thermal contact with the thermoelectric element, and a temperature sensor positioned to detect a temperature of fluid within the tubing. The temperature of fluid within the tubing can be controlled by a control unit having a user interface and a power controller to adjust cooling power to the thermoelectric element. Various types of devices can be configured to receive and circulate cooled fluid from the cooling systems, such as retractor blades, retractor shims, cooling pads, and scope sheaths.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A retractor may include one or more racks and retractor blades coupled to the respective racks via respective carriages and retractor arms. The carriages may traverse respective racks to laterally position retractor blades. The retractor blades may include tracks which the retractor arms may traverse to longitudinally position retractor blades with respect to the racks.

Abstract: An optical fiber identifier apparatus and system are provided. The apparatus includes a housing forming a pathway at which an optical fiber is positionable. The housing forms a tip end that forms a bend of the optical fiber at the pathway. At least two lenses are positioned parallel to one another. Each lens defines an optical axis extended through the bend of the optical fiber and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective lens. A photo detector device is positioned to receive a beam of light from the optical fiber via the one or more lenses.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, controller, and method for polarity detection, optical insertion loss measurement, optical power measurement, fiber length measurement, and optical fiber communication is provided, configured to transmit light from a light source; adjust a signal parameter of the light; compare an output optical signal parameter pattern of a cabling-under-test with a polarity pattern template; and determine the polarity of the cabling-under-test based at least on a best-fit of the output optical signal parameter pattern to the polarity pattern template.

Abstract: Cooling systems are described herein that may be used in connection with one or more attached devices to cool patient tissue. The disclosed cooling systems include a refrigeration unit containing a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with a heat exchanger, a fluid pump in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, tubing connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, a fluid cooling element in thermal contact with the thermoelectric element, and a temperature sensor positioned to detect a temperature of fluid within the tubing. The temperature of fluid within the tubing can be controlled by a control unit having a user interface and a power controller to adjust cooling power to the thermoelectric element. Various types of devices can be configured to receive and circulate cooled fluid from the cooling systems, such as retractor blades, retractor shims, cooling pads, and scope sheaths.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting or positioning a thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. A number of exemplary thermal devices are disclosed, including bone anchors, inserts for use with bone anchors, K-wires, bone anchor extensions or towers, cross-connectors, spinous process plates, spinal rods, pedicle markers, bone taps, drill bits, bone plugs, bone plates, clamps, interbody or disc implants, thermal pads, and tubing loops. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A retractor system for securing surgical retractors includes an elastic tether and a cleat. The elastic tether has an elongated side and a predetermined diameter. The cleat includes a base, a head, and a shaft. The base includes an upper surface with a first row of teeth. The head is coupled to the base via the shaft. The head includes a lower surface with a second row of teeth. The first row of teeth are opposite the second row of teeth by less than the predetermined diameter of the tether and are configured to receive and compress the elongated side of the tether. Each tooth of the first row of teeth includes a first gripping surface that extends away from the shaft. Each tooth of the second row of teeth includes a second gripping surface that extends away from the shaft and that is parallel to the first gripping surface of a directly opposite tooth of the first row of teeth.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A surgical retraction system includes a frame and a universal joint coupled to the frame. A handle adaptor secures a surgical retractor to the frame via the universal joint. The handle adaptor includes an extension arm, a hinge, and a clamp. The extension arm comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated member is secured to the frame via the universal joint. The hinge is attached to the distal end of the extension arm. The clamp is attached to the hinge and is configured to receive and retain a handle of a surgical retractor.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system secured to a surgical operating table. The retractor system includes a single cross bar and a one-piece frame for positioning of surgical retractor blades relative to a surgical site.

Abstract: A modular engine is provided in which cylinder heads and camshaft carriers with different attributes can be interchanged with one another that allows for an engine head assembly to be put together for achieving various desired characteristics without the need to replace the entire engine or redesign a new engine.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting or positioning a thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. A number of exemplary thermal devices are disclosed, including bone anchors, inserts for use with bone anchors, K-wires, bone anchor extensions or towers, cross-connectors, spinous process plates, spinal rods, pedicle markers, bone taps, drill bits, bone plugs, bone plates, clamps, interbody or disc implants, thermal pads, and tubing loops. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A retractor system for securing surgical retractors includes an elastic tether and a cleat. The elastic tether has an elongated side and a predetermined diameter. The cleat includes a base, a head, and a shaft. The base includes an upper surface with a first row of teeth. The head is coupled to the base via the shaft. The head includes a lower surface with a second row of teeth. The first row of teeth are opposite the second row of teeth by less than the predetermined diameter of the tether and are configured to receive and compress the elongated side of the tether. Each tooth of the first row of teeth includes a first gripping surface that extends away from the shaft. Each tooth of the second row of teeth includes a second gripping surface that extends away from the shaft and that is parallel to the first gripping surface of a directly opposite tooth of the first row of teeth.