Abstract: A method of performing knee-joint surgery includes positioning the tibia and the femur such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is mounted to a surgical table. The skin and flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a retractor that is attached to the retractor support which is mounted to a surgical table.

Abstract: A retractor system of the present invention includes an adjustable arm, a carriage, and an activating device disposed in the carriage. The activating device causes movement of at least the adjustable arm to selectively stiffen or release the adjustable arm. The activating device further includes an engagement mechanism that causes movement of at least the carriage to selectively move the carriage. The present invention further includes a tubular retractor distally attached to the adjustable arm having a fiber optic cable embedded in the case of the tubular retractor that is capable of lighting the distal end of the tubular retractor when connected to a light source.

Abstract: A clamping device for use in a surgical retractor support includes a first clamp member for clamping a first retractor support. The first clamp member has a first opening that is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the first retractor support for receiving the first retractor support. A pin disposed within the clamp member has a cam surface for acting on the first retractor support member. A handle operable with the pin for moving the cam surface between a first nonlocking position and a second locking position for locking the first retractor support member from movement. Preferably a wedge section is positioned between the cam surface and the first retractor support such that the wedge section frictionally engages the first retractor support when the cam surface is in the second locking position. The clamping device also has a second clamp member for clamping a second retractor support.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for performing peritoneal distension. The method includes providing a support structure on a surgical table, wherein the support structure includes a substantially vertical post and an arm assembly. A distal end of the arm assembly is positioned over a patient on the surgical table while the vertical post remains stationary. A peritoneal distension instrument extending from the arm assembly is coupled to a peritoneal structure of the patient. The peritoneum of the patient is distended by vertically raising the arm assembly while the post remains stationary relative to the surgical table. The apparatus is a surgical instrument support structure including a substantially vertical post having a gear rack disposed generally along the post's axis and an arm assembly movably coupled along the gear rack extending from the gear rack for holding a surgical instrument.