Abstract: A surgical retractor immobilizes tissue at a surgical site. A preferred embodiment of the retractor is used during minimally invasive direct coronary bypass procedures to arrest movement of the grafting site while the heart continues pumping. Tape or thread can be used to connect the artery to the retractor with a holder.

Abstract: Featured is a package or carrier for releasably holding any of a number of medical devices including a rigid member that is interconnected to a flexible member such as suture-needle combinations. The package includes a support unit having a long axis, which support unit is configured so as to include a handle/cover member, a face cover member, a stationary panel, a plurality of folding panels, and a plurality (i.e., two or more) of securing members that releasably secure or retain portions of the medical device and/or portions of the interconnected flexible member to the package. The handle/cover member is foldable in either of two positions. In the first position a part of the handle/cover member covers a portion of the stationary panel that is not covered by the face cover member. In the second position, this portion of the stationary panel becomes uncovered to expose the medical devices that are secured therein and.

Abstract: A cooled stabilizer is provided for use in coronary bypass grafting surgical procedures. The cooled stabilizer can be attached to a surgical retractor for providing localized traction, stabilization and/or hemostasis to a predetermined area of body tissue. The stabilizer includes cooling channels and/or pads forming a continuous bottom surface for providing a chilled surface to contact body tissue. In one example, the cooled stabilizer can be shaped as a horseshoe with chilled surfaces over horseshoe sections and optionally over a heel.

Abstract: A cooled stabilizer is provided for use in coronary bypass grafting surgical procedures. The cooled stabilizer can be attached to a surgical retractor for providing localized traction, stabilization and/or hemostasis to a predetermined area of body tissue. The stabilizer includes cooling channels and/or pads forming a continuous bottom surface for providing a chilled surface to contact body tissue. In one example, the cooled stabilizer can be shaped as a horseshoe with chilled surfaces over horseshoe sections and optionally over a heel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes a plurality of recessed surfaces thereon for the mounting of a tower type of sled member thereon and wherein the sled member is readily attachable and removable from the retractor and is adjustable upon actuation of an adjustment knob which releasably controls the rotation of the connector with respect to the retractor and the movement of the stabilization arm segment with respect to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved sled assembly for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to a sled assembly having a sled member and mounting mechanism thereon for use with surgical retractors and medical or stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm system on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a sled assembly which releasably controls the rotation of the stabilizing device in a three dimensional directions relative to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: Featured is a package or carrier for releasably holding any of a number of medical devices including a rigid member that is interconnected to a flexible member such as suture-needle combinations. The package includes a support unit having a long axis, which support unit is configured so as to include a handle/cover member, a face cover member, a stationary panel, a plurality of folding panels, and a plurality (i.e., two or more) of securing members that releasably secure or retain portions of the medical device and/or portions of the interconnected flexible member to the package. The handle/cover member is foldable in either of two positions. In the first position a part of the handle/cover member covers a portion of the stationary panel that is not covered by the face cover member. In the second position, this portion of the stationary panel becomes uncovered to expose the medical devices that are secured therein and.

Abstract: A cooled stabilizer is provided for use in coronary bypass grafting surgical procedures. The cooled stabilizer can be attached to a surgical retractor for providing localized traction, stabilization and/or hemostasis to a predetermined area of body tissue. The stabilizer includes cooling channels and/or pads forming a continuous bottom surface for providing a chilled surface to contact body tissue. In one example, the cooled stabilizer can be shaped as a horseshoe with chilled surfaces over horseshoe sections and optionally over a heel.

Abstract: An anastomosis device is provided for making connections between various conduits in the body of a patient. The device includes a first assembly that is threaded through the target conduit of the patient to a desired location. The device then pierces the wall of the target conduit and is then attached to an external assembly that is withdrawn through the wall of the target conduit to draw the desired connector and a graft conduit into the desired position along the wall of the target conduit. Thereafter, the first assembly is separated from the connector and graft conduit. In this invention, the connector may be a stent like device, staples or similar components to secure the graft conduit to the desired location along the wall of the target conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical retractor that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site. A preferred embodiment of the retractor is used during minimally invasive direct coronary bypass procedures to arrest movement of the grafting site while the heart continues pumping. Tape or thread can be used to connect the artery to the retractor with a holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical retractor that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site. A preferred embodiment of the retractor is used during minimally invasive direct coronary bypass procedures to arrest movement of the grafting site while the heart continues pumping. Tape or thread can be used to connect the artery to the retractor with a holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes a plurality of recessed surfaces thereon for the mounting of a tower type of sled member thereon and wherein the sled member is readily attachable and removable from the retractor and is adjustable upon actuation of an adjustment knob which releasably controls the rotation of the connector with respect to the retractor and the movement of the stabilization arm segment with respect to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved sled assembly for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to a sled assembly having a sled member and mounting mechanism thereon for use with surgical retractors and medical or stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm system on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a sled assembly which releasably controls the rotation of the stabilizing device in a three dimensional directions relative to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing and retaining device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors or is usable separately in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor or in combination with a base member that may be independently positioned adjacent to the surgical site.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure and more particularly to an irrigation system for use with medical devices that are used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and stabilizing devices configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the irrigation system provides a controlled flow of fluid to a desired surface of the medical device to maintain a clear surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.