Abstract: This invention relates to a device for stabilizing a particular area of the heart surface tissue for performing an anastomosis. In one embodiment the invention is comprised of a rectangular flat plate frame stabilizer having a bottom gripping surface for pressing against the surface tissue of the heart and minimizing motion during a heart bypass operation. Opposite closed sides or ends of the rectangular flat plate stabilizer substantially occlude the vessel while the surgery is being performed. A gap or opening in a side of the stabilizer allows for removal after the operation is completed. Various methods are described for locking the position of the stabilizer once it is pressed firmly in position against surface tissue of the heart. In one embodiment a knurled cylindrical rail is mounted on the stabilizer and engages a socket in a rigid shaft. A locking mechanism is provided by a pin and a handle for locking the rail in the socket in the rigid shaft.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retractor for use in small tissue incisions such as heart valve surgery. The retractor is comprised of a plurality of retractor blades that can be operated simultaneously or at least one or more blades can be operated independently. Right and left retractor blades are mounted on an actuator mechanism that spreads or expands the blades as a rotatable primary actuator knob is rotated. A third retractable arm is mounted for simultaneous operation with the right and left retractor blade or independent operation through a secondary rotatable actuator knob that extends or retracts a threaded shaft attached to the center retractor blade. The retractor includes a housing having a hangar for use of the retractor in conjunction with a larger retractor such as a sternum spreader or rib spreader retractor.

Abstract: A rotatable retractor clamp having a detachable blade clamp. A retractor blade is rotatably secured to a blade clamp by a boss fitting a socket in a clamp body that includes a blade release lever that locks the blade onto the clamp body. After attachment to the clamp, the blade may freely rotate on the blade clamp allowing adjustment after placement of a retractor in an incision. The blade is rotatably held in a socket in the clamp body when installed on a retractor arm but may be easily detached for replacement by a different length blade.

Abstract: A lumbar laminectomy retractor and distractor system comprised of a unique retractor system and unique distractor system. The retractor has one or more retractor frames including retractor blades for placement in an incision. The blades can be placed in an incision and then engaged by a retractor frame to spread the incision for viewing the surgical site. An optional, but preferred feature is a provision for tilting the retractor frame arms to spread the retractor blades, providing greater visualization of a surgical site. The distractor system has a distractor frame offset at right angles to the retractor frame, having fixed distractor blades, introduced into the incision and optionally held in place by screws, screwed into the vertebrae adjacent to the diseased or damaged disc. The screws are incorporated into the distractor blades on the distractor frame.

Abstract: Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor.

Abstract: An intermammary harvesting retractor comprised of a retractor frame having a fixed or stationary arm on one end of a crossbar and a movable arm mounted on the crossbar by a crank mechanism. The crank mechanism allows the movable arm to be adjusted toward or away from the stationary arm. A support tower is mounted on the free end of the retractor crossbar to allow the angle of the retractor to be adjusted after placement in an incision. The angular adjustment allows the upper portion of a patient's ribcage to be lifted to provide improved access and visualization to the intermammary artery. Adjustable lifter blades are provided on the movable arm to also adjust the lift angle of the upper ribcage. One embodiment has an adjustable lifter blade that can be adjusted after placement in the incision and adjustment of the angle of the retractor crossarm.

Abstract: An improved retractor blade mounting system for use in surgical instrument retractors. In one embodiment the system includes a mounting clip attached to a retractor blade that engages a longitudinal groove in the retractor arm. To assure a positive tight grip on retractor arm the clip has a tongue that fits a longitudinal groove in a retractor arm and has tapered or angled surface that abuts a sharp edge of the longitudinal groove preventing the blade from moving once installed. In an optional embodiment the mounting clip is provided with a narrower tongue that is constructed with a beveled surface that fits over the corner or edge of the longitudinal groove securely holding the clip on the retractor arm.