Abstract: A gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device configured to deliver an aerosol onto a surgical site. The fluid-dispensing device includes at least one fluid chamber configured to contain a fluid. The fluid chamber has a distal end and proximal end. A plunger extends at least partially into the fluid chamber from the proximal end. A spray nozzle tip is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the fluid chamber and is coupled to a gas supply. The tip is capable of generating aerosol with a gas from the gas supply and the fluid from the fluid chamber. A housing has an upper portion with a docking port configured to operably receive the fluid chamber. An actuating member is operably coupled to a plunger and is configured to apply a force to the plunger to discharge fluid from the fluid chamber and into the tip.

Abstract: A gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device configured to deliver an aerosol onto a surgical site, and methods of use. The device includes a support structure and a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber contains a fluid and has a distal end and a proximal end. A piston is positioned within the fluid chamber. A spray nozzle tip is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the fluid chamber and includes a gas inlet. The tip generates the aerosol with a gas from the gas inlet and the fluid from the fluid chamber. A pneumatic switch has a first stage and a second stage. The first stage permits gas flow through the pneumatic switch and into the gas inlet of the tip. The second stage permits gas flow through the pneumatic switch and into both the gas inlet of the tip and into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring fluids from a non-sterile field to a sterile field within a surgical environment includes utilizing a device that includes a main body having a first inlet port that is in communication with a first outlet port. Fluid is taken from the patient, typically with a sterile syringe and transferred to the non-sterile field where the fluid is processed. The processed fluid is then drawn into another syringe in the non-sterile field and a distal end of the first syringe is place within the inlet port of the sterile main body. A distal end of a second sterile syringe is inserted into the outlet port, where the distal ends of the sterile syringe and the non-sterile syringe do not make contact. As a plunger is forced into a chamber of the first non-sterile syringe to force the fluid out of the first syringe, the plunger of the second sterile syringe is retracted such that a chamber in the second syringe has a sufficient volume to store the processed liquid.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device (10) for delivering a dose of fluid into a surgical site includes a tube (12) with a lumen (22) for receiving the dose of fluid, a housing (14) coupled to the tube, and a flexible plunger (24) at least partially disposed in the housing (14). The fluid dispensing device (10) also includes an actuation device (66, 140) engaging the flexible plunger (24) and a trigger (26) operable to cause the actuation device (66, 140) to move the flexible plunger (24). The actuation device (66, 140) may be toggled between a first operational mode in which movement of the trigger (26) advances the flexible plunger (24) into the lumen (22) and a second operational mode in which movement of the trigger (26) retracts the flexible plunger (24) from the lumen (22).

Abstract: A method and device for transferring fluids from a non-sterile field to a sterile field within a surgical environment includes utilizing a device that includes a main body having a first inlet port that is in communication with a first outlet port. Fluid is taken from the patient, typically with a sterile syringe and transferred to the non-sterile field where the fluid is processed. The processed fluid is then drawn into another syringe in the non-sterile field and a distal end of the first syringe is place within the inlet port of the sterile main body. A distal end of a second sterile syringe is inserted into the outlet port, where the distal ends of the sterile syringe and the non-sterile syringe do not make contact. As a plunger is forced into a chamber of the first non-sterile syringe to force the fluid out of the first syringe, the plunger of the second sterile syringe is retracted such that a chamber in the second syringe has a sufficient volume to store the processed liquid.

Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise hand-held retractor in a retracting position within a surgical wound. The retractor retaining device includes a clamp that is attachable to a retractor support that is positioned about the wound. A retaining plate is attached to the clamp and engages a flexible loop. The flexible loop is detachably attached to the retaining plate for engaging a handle of the hand held retractor such that the hand held retractor is retained in the retracting position.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of performing knee-joint replacement surgery. The tibia and the femur are positioned such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made over or adjacent the patella to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is extended along at least opposite sides of the knee-joint. The skin flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a plurality of retractors which are attached to the retractor support. At least one of the retractors is attached to the retractor such that the retractor may be flexed sufficiently for movement of the knee-joint during surgery without having to reposition the retractors.