Abstract: The uvula retractor is an elongate, arcuate body having a hooked handle at one end and a raised platform or flat spoon at the opposite end for lifting the uvula for access to the region behind the uvula. The uvula retractor arm has a plurality of clefts or holes defined therein for hooking the retractor onto a mouth gag once the uvula is properly retracted. A channel housing a fiber optic cable extends along the posterior side of the retractor. A fiber optic connector adapted for attachment to a light source extends from the retractor adjacent the handle. The inferior end of the retractor has at least one rib or support web beneath the raised platform, which supports the lower end of the channel and aims the light emitting end to illuminate the area behind the retracted uvula.

Abstract: The ultrasonic imaging probe includes a proximal handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an ultrasonic transducer attached to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may define multiple bends to assist in properly positioning the transducer when the probe is inserted through the sinus of a patient. An ultrasound communications fiber extends through the probe to the transducer. A tube that may be used for dispensing an ultrasound gel extends out from the handle and follows the length of the shaft for dispensing ultrasound gel on the transducer and surrounding tissue. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves and detects reflected ultrasonic waves for creating an image of structures within the tissue. A data cable extending proximally out from the handle is adapted to transmit the data from the reflected waves to a monitor, which produces a real-time image from the data.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the removal of frontal nasal recess cells includes an elongate handle, a first arm extending from a first end of the handle and a second arm extending from a second end of the handle. The first and second arms can extend in opposing directions. Each of the arms include a spherical terminal hub on their respective ends. A plurality of cylindrical fingers extend from each terminal hub at an angle, thereby providing an umbrella-like configuration. A spherical cap is attached to a free end of each cylindrical finger.

Abstract: The uncinectomy knife is a surgical knife for performing uncinectomies and other sinus or endoscopic procedures. The uncinectomy knife has a central elongated handle having opposing first and second ends. The knife has a horizontally oriented cutting blade extending orthogonally from the first end of the handle and a vertically oriented cutting blade extending orthogonally from the second end of the handle. Both of the blades may be double-edged so that they can cut when the handle is moved in opposite directions. Both ends of each blade may terminate in a bulbous tip having a smooth, blunted surface, such as a sphere or rounded ball to prevent tissue trauma when the blade ends contact tissue. Accordingly, the uncinectomy knife may be inserted into tight cavities for tissue augmentation or removal without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The self-retaining nasal septum retractor includes two pivotally attached arms having handles on one end and speculum blades on the opposing end. The speculum blades are adjustably connected to the arms through pivoting joints. A user can adjust the vertical displacement and angular relation between the speculum blades and the arms to fit different patient septal/nasal structures. A self-retaining mechanism allows a user to lock the retractor in a retracted position, freeing up a hand of the user for other surgical tasks.