Abstract: A surgical drape for preventing surgical site infections during surgery includes an emitter sealed air tight to the drape. The emitter includes an inflatable receiver portion and a terminal outlet distributor fluidly continuous with the receiver portion. The receiver portion inflates on receiving a sterile gas flow from a source of sterile gas. The terminal outlet portion conditions the received sterile gas and emits it as a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of essentially sterile gas into ambient air in the operating room substantially anatomically levelly at least immediately past the incision while keeping the gas essentially sterile. An embodiment is for use in surgery on an extremity of the patient and another embodiment is for use in surgery on an anatomical part that is not an extremity.

Abstract: A method of maintaining sterile surgical instruments sterile. The instruments are placed on a tray located on an upper surface of a sterile gas flow conditioning emitter affixed onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision. The emitter has upper and lower gas vents from its interior, the upper vent facing and opening across the tray for passing sterile gas across the tray to maintain a sterile field on the tray for the instrument.

Abstract: A method of maintaining sterile surgical instruments sterile. The instruments are placed on a tray located on an upper surface of a sterile gas flow conditioning emitter affixed onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision. The emitter has upper and lower gas vents from its interior, the upper vent facing and opening across the tray for passing sterile gas across the tray to maintain a sterile field on the tray for the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods for protecting a patient from surgical site infection from airborne microbes during surgery. A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.

Abstract: A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a patient from surgical site infection from airborne microbes during surgery. A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a patient from surgical site infection from airborne microbes during surgery. A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.

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: 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: A power humidifier which supplies steam humidity to the air flow of a furnace system. Heater elements within a water reservoir heat the water to create steam supplied to the air flow. The humidifier is controlled by a microprocessor to ensure efficient operation while monitoring operating characteristics to prevent damage to the humidifier. The microprocessor ensures that the reservoir fills properly, the water level does not fall below the heating element, and that the unit does not overheat during operation.