Abstract: A tunneling tool for implanting a medical device into body tissue is described. The tunneling tool comprises a first leg and a second leg. An intermediate portion of the second leg is shaped to nest a medical device therein. A hub connects the first and second distal leg ends together. A sheath providing a lumen extends from the hub to an open end distal of the first and second legs. The first and second legs are manipulatable to separate the hub and the sheath into two portions, a first split portion connected to the first leg and a second split portion connected to the second leg. When a medical device is nested in the tunneling tool, breaking the tunneling tool apart enables the first and second split portions to be removed from body tissue, leaving the implanted medical device behind.

Abstract: A tunneling tool for implanting a medical device into body tissue is described. The tunneling tool comprises a first leg and a second leg. An intermediate portion of the second leg is shaped to nest a medical device therein. A hub connects the first and second distal leg ends together. A sheath providing a lumen extends from the hub to an open end distal of the first and second legs. The first and second legs are manipulatable to separate the hub and the sheath into two portions, a first split portion connected to the first leg and a second split portion connected to the second leg. When a medical device is nested in the tunneling tool, breaking the tunneling tool apart enables the first and second split portions to be removed from body tissue, leaving the implanted medical device behind.

Abstract: A tunneling tool for implanting a medical device into body tissue is described. The tunneling tool comprises a first leg and a second leg. An intermediate portion of the second leg is shaped to nest a medical device therein. A hub connects the first and second distal leg ends together. A sheath providing a lumen extends from the hub to an open end distal of the first and second legs. The first and second legs are manipulatable to separate the hub and the sheath into two portions, a first split portion connected to the first leg and a second split portion connected to the second leg. When a medical device is nested in the tunneling tool, breaking the tunneling tool apart enables the first and second split portions to be removed from body tissue, leaving the implanted medical device behind.

Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.

Abstract: A clamping device which secures a retractor support apparatus to an operating table having a side rail. The clamping device has a first clamping member disposed between a side of the operating table and the side rail. The clamping device also includes a second clamping member disposed between the side rail and the first clamping member. A first securing mechanism operably connects the first and second clamping members such that a force provided by the first securing mechanism causes the first and second clamping members to move in opposing directions and frictionally engage the side of the operating table and the side rail.

Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for releasing a positioning device from a locked position. The positioning device has a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member which permits rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction. The releasing mechanism comprises a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member. Engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.

Abstract: A clamping device which secures a retractor support apparatus to an operating table having a side rail. The clamping device has a first clamping member disposed between a side of the operating table and the side rail. The clamping device also includes a second clamping member disposed between the side rail and the first clamping member. A first securing mechanism operably connects the first and second clamping members such that a force provided by the first securing mechanism causes the first and second clamping members to move in opposing directions and frictionally engage the side of the operating table and the side rail.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for releasing a positioning device from a locked position. The positioning device has a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member which permits rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction. The releasing mechanism comprises a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member. Engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.

Abstract: A retractor support apparatus of the present invention includes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a first clamping member. The first and second support arms each have a pivot ball attached thereto. The first clamping member has a clamping bore that is adapted to receive and engage the pivot balls. The first clamping member retains the first and second support arms in a selected position when the clamp is in an open position. The first clamping member secures the first and second support arms in the selected position when the clamp is in clamping position.

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: A retractor support apparatus of the present invention includes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a first clamping member. The first and second support arms are each attached to a pivot ball. The first clamping member has a clamping bore that is adapted to receive and engage the pivot balls. The first clamping member retains the first and second support arms in a selected position when the clamp is in an open position. The first clamping member secures the first and second support arms in the selected position when the clamp is in clamping position.

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 in a substantially vertical direction. 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: A clamping device includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The first clamping member is fabricated from a unitary structure. The first clamping member has a first clamping end, a second clamping end, and a first fulcrum portion located between the first clamping end and the first attachment end.

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.