Abstract: A series of integrally formed segments 24 are allowed to move relative to each other by flexure of hinges 26 that are also integrally formed with the sections.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for crimping and releasing a suture securing a strip of buttress material to an end effector. The mechanism includes a retention member movably mounted within the end effector. The retention member is movable from a first position crimping the suture to the end effector to a second position releasing the suture from the end effector. The mechanism additionally includes a follower member, engageable with the retention member, and movable in response to actuation of a surgical instrument to move the retention member between the first and second positions. A lock mechanism is also provided to secure the retention member in the first position. The follower member operates to disengage the lock mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for penetratingly extending a blind hole into a hard tissue, particularly a jawbone. The device is characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (1) having a distal working opening (2) and an inlet (3) opposite the working opening (2), said inlet being closed by a sealing element (4) that is penetrated by a shaft (5) of a working tool, for example a milling tool (5, 6), and allows at least a feed motion, a drive motion and a steering motion of the working tool (5, 6), the tubular body (1) being provided with a connection (8) for applying an internal pressure.

Abstract: A medical method is provided, including a medical device having a distal assembly including at least one electrode and at least one treatment element, the medical device generating information regarding at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device; a plurality of surface electrodes affixable to a skin of the patient, wherein the surface electrodes are in electrical communication with the distal assembly to obtain position information of the medical device; and a processor pairing the position information and the at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device.

Abstract: A cryotherapy balloon catheter includes a compliant cryotherapy balloon comprising a distal balloon section dimensioned for placement within a renal artery and a proximal balloon section dimensioned to abut against an ostium of the renal artery and extend into at least a portion of the abdominal aorta. The compliant balloon has a diameter that varies non-uniformly along a length of the compliant balloon, such that a diameter at the proximal balloon section is larger than a diameter of the distal balloon section. The cryotherapy balloon catheter may be configured to deliver cryogenic therapy to at least the ostium of the renal artery sufficient to irreversibly terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, such as by causing neurotmesis of renal nerve fibers and ganglia at the ostium of the renal artery.

Abstract: A medical device for crossing a tissue wall and methods of use thereof are provided. The device may include a flexible shaft defining a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween to apply a vacuum to at least a portion of the tissue wall; and a tissue penetration element movably positioned within the shaft. The device may further include one or more anchors, one or more expandable elements disposed thereon, an image capture device coupled to a portion thereof, an expandable array, and/or one or more electrically conductive segments.

Abstract: A method of deploying an antenna of an ablation device includes the step of placing an introducing member relative to tissue. The introducing member is disposed on a distal end of a handle member. The method also includes the steps of advancing an antenna distally through the handle member and at least partially through the introducer and rotating the handle member about the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the antenna. The method also includes the step of moving the handle member proximally along the longitudinal axis thereof to retract the introducer proximally relative to the antenna such that the antenna is at least partially deployed relative to the introducer to treat tissue.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy output device in the form of laser handpiece and a trunk assembly is disclosed. The electromagnetic energy output device includes a digital camera and electromagnetic energy waveguides for emitting illumination or excitation light energy to enhance user viewability of a target surface and signal analysis and to receive electromagnetic energy such as return excitation light. An image acquisition fitting routes images acquired at or in a vicinity of the distal end of the electromagnetic energy output device. The image acquisition fitting can include an attachable or clip-on element or set of elements. In other implementations, the image acquisition fitting may be securable, in whole or in part, within an interior of the electromagnetic energy output device.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. A controller automatically suspends energy delivery for one or more periods of time while the temperature is monitored.

Abstract: Instrument and systems for applying ablative energy to epicardial tissue via a subxiphoid access surgical approach. The instrument has a head assembly sized and shaped for a subxiphoid surgical approach to a patient's heart and defines a contact face. The head assembly includes a paddle body, a first ablation electrode, and a second ablation electrode. The ablation electrodes are coupled to the paddle body in a spaced apart, spatially-fixed fashion. The ablation electrodes are exteriorly exposed at the contact face. A tubular member extends from the head assembly and maintains wiring connected to the ablation electrodes. The instrument is manipulable to locate the contact face on epicardial tissue of a patient's heart via a subxiphoid surgical approach, such as between the left and right pulmonary vein junctions of the posterior left atrium.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug to provide a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and outlets in the form of fluid ports formed in the thin shell wall. The plurality of the fluid ports is predetermined, as is their diameter. The tip electrode thus considers a diffusion ratio of total fluid output area to fluid input area, and a fluid port ratio. The tip electrode also considers a fluid inlet aspect ratio where the fluid inlet has a noncircular (for example, oval or elliptical) radial cross-section. The plenum chamber has a narrow proximal portion opening to a wider distal portion so that fluid pressure decreases while fluid velocity increases with the desired effect of increased turbulence which decreases momentum for a more uniform distribution of fluid in the tip electrode.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, a sealing plate, and a ceramic layer. The sealing plate is coupled to the electrical jaw lead and mounted to the support base. The sealing plate includes a tissue engaging surface, an opposing surface, and a series of depressions formed within the opposing surface and projecting from the tissue engaging surface. The ceramic layer is deposited atop each of the series of depressions. The combination of the depressions that project from the tissue engaging surface and their ceramic layers form a corresponding series of nonconductive stop members for controlling the separation distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug to provide a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and outlets in the form of fluid ports formed in the thin shell wall. The plurality of the fluid ports is predetermined, as is their diameter. The tip electrode thus considers a diffusion ratio of total fluid output area to fluid input area, and a fluid port ratio. The tip electrode also considers a fluid inlet aspect ratio where the fluid inlet has a noncircular (for example, oval or elliptical) radial cross-section. The plenum chamber has a narrow proximal portion opening to a wider distal portion so that fluid pressure decreases while fluid velocity increases with the desired effect of increased turbulence which decreases momentum for a more uniform distribution of fluid in the tip electrode.

Abstract: A system and method are described for sensing the orientation of a catheter relative to a tissue and regulating the application of power to maintain the tissue at a pre-determined temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording, storing and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. A confounding signal is created for retransmission into the cells of a malignant tumor to damage the cell and cause apoptosis. The invention uses ultra low voltage and current to cause apoptosis.

Abstract: Methods of ablating tissue in an alimentary tract are provided. The methods include advancing an ablation structure into an alimentary tract while supporting the ablation structure with an endoscope. The methods further include a step of moving at least part of the ablation structure with respect to the endoscope and toward a tissue surface, before activating the ablation structure to ablate a tissue surface.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a support base and a sealing plate formed from a ferrous material. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member including a support base, an electrical jaw lead and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate includes a first layer formed from a non-stick material and a second layer having a coil formed thereon.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. Each of the jaw members has a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and an electrically insulative layer.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezoelectric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.

Abstract: A cerclage device includes a base member, a cerclage member, and a drive member. The base member has a length sufficient to allow for manual holding by a user, an interior space extending from a distal end toward a proximal end, and a slot extending from the distal end toward the proximal end and connecting the interior space to the exterior. The cerclage member has a long side with a proximal end and a distal end and a curvature in one direction about its long side at least at the distal end. The cerclage member has means for attaching a suture and fits within and is straightened by the base member within the interior space when in a retracted position. In an extended curved position the distal end of the sheet is extended out of the interior space at the distal end of the base member. The drive member is attached or attachable to the cerclage member and is slidable within the slot and has an engagement portion that is disposed at least partially through the slot.

Abstract: A hip cup extraction apparatus (101) comprising a shaft (402), a handle (404), a semicircular cutting blade (406), a spring loaded latching member (408), and a head (100) for removing a hip cup (405) from a pelvic bone (401). The head (100) includes a semispherical section (102) terminating in a substantially planar surface (104), a hip cup extraction apparatus aperture (106), a retaining sleeve (108), and a three sided void (110). The head (100) may be configured for selective attachment to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101). The hip cup extraction apparatus (101) is inserted into the hip cup extraction apparatus aperture (106), and an optional spring loaded latching member (408) retains the head (100) in place. As the head (100) is being attached to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101), the semicircular cutting blade (406) may pass through the three sided void (110). Once the head (100) is attached to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101), the head (100) is inserted into the hip cup (405).

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical instrument for guiding a drill into bone, the surgical instrument comprising; an elongate body comprising a shaft having a handle towards its proximal end and a head towards its distal end, wherein the head comprises a mouth and jaw assembly, and the shaft comprises a lumen aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft and extending from the proximal end of the surgical instrument to the mouth of the shaft, wherein the lumen is suitable for receipt and passage of a drill, and the jaw assembly comprises a pair of opposed reciprocating arms.

Abstract: A surgical rasping system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a rasping head which may be low profile and offer a flat cutting/rasping surface, and is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through an opening spaced apart from or adjacent to the rasping surface. A radiofrequency ablation (RF) electrode may be carried on the rasping system to provide ablation or coagulation of soft tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect to each other. Movement of the implant halves and their respective positions are controlled by set screw within the implant. The implant includes radial anchors which fit into alignment slots made in the misaligned vertebra by the disclosed method. The set screws are used to advance the halves of the implant which in turn move the misaligned vertebrae back into correct positions. The correct position of the vertebrae is locked in place through a nut and a plate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paste-powder binary bone cement used in arthroplasty or vertebroplasty, and, more particularly, to a paste-powder binary bone cement which can be directly used at a site to be treated without additionally waiting it to the site by dissolving predetermined chemically-unreactive powdered compositions in a liquid monomer to form paste having high viscosity and then mixing other powdered components with the paste in a minimum amount of air, and to an apparatus for injecting the same.

Abstract: A device for mixing, dispensing and applying a paste, such as bone cement, has a housing (1), a cylinder (4) for receiving the paste, and a piston (13) associated with a piston rod (7). A mixing paddle (12) is provided with ridges (23) for engagement with grooves (24) on the piston (13). By this engagement, the paddle-piston assembly (12-13) can be rotated after removal of a safety pin (9) and interconnected by a jamming mechanism (25). After this interconnection, the paddle-piston assembly (12-13) is used to push the paste inside the cylinder (4) and out thereof for dispensing. A low-friction piston rod locking mechanism (14) is provides as well.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes selecting a countersink depth setting with a linear countersink adjustment mechanism of a distractor-inserter, positioning distal ends of blades of the distractor-inserter between the two vertebral bodies to be separated, driving a head block assembly of the distractor-inserter forward until the retraction members of the distractor-inserter engages respective outer faces of the vertebral bodies, and retracting the distal ends of the blades and the tip from between the vertebral bodies, wherein the vertebral bodies compress the disc implant and hold the disc implant between the vertebral bodies at the countersink depth. A distractor-inserter includes first and second retraction members disposed within channels of the blades, and a countersink adjustment mechanism configured to linearly adjust a distance between a tip and the retraction members to thereby linearly adjust a countersink depth of an implantable element inserted between two distracted elements.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for an orthopedic cast remover. The cast remover includes a rotatable cutting assembly having first and second cutting wheel sandwiched between a smaller-sized hub, where the space between the first and second wheel defines a passage in which fractured material may pass. A shear is coupled to the cutting assembly and is positioned in the passage, where edges of the shear are configured to engage with each of the cutting wheels. During operation, rigid material, such as a cast shell, passes along a top surface of the shear and is fractured into a predetermined width at a point where the shear edges engage with the rotating cutting wheels. The fractured material is fed into the passage for easy removal.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device for more easily inserting an intraocular lens into the eye. The intraocular lens insertion device (1) includes a main body (2), an operational portion (3) provided on an end (2a) of the main body (2), a knock mechanism (4) for moving the operational portion (3) forward and backward with respect to the main body (2), and a cartridge (5) attached to the other end (2b) of the main body (2) and serving as an insertion tube. The device is constructed, as a whole, such that the knock mechanism (4) moves the operational portion (3) repeatedly forward and backward so that an intraocular lens (6) placed in the cartridge (5) can be pushed out stepwise. The knock mechanism (4) is structured so as to move the operational portion (3) pushed forward toward a backward direction and automatically return it to an original position prior to the same being pushed forward.

Abstract: A method and system for removing tissue from a body cavity is provided. The system includes a retrieval bag that is insertable through a first incision in tissue and includes open and closed ends. A surgical instrument is insertable into the body cavity and configured to grasp and excise a sample/specimen from within the body cavity and selectively substantially seal the retrieval bag. A fluid circulator in fluid communication with the surgical instrument and the open end of the retrieval bag is configured to evacuate gaseous matter from within the body cavity and into the open end of the retrieval bag such that the retrieval bag substantially encircles the excised tissue specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coupling, in particular a hub (2 a-i), with a base body (23 a-i) having a proximal end (24 a-i), embodied as a connecting region (25 a-i) for an applicator (26 a-i), and a distal end (27 a-i), embodied as connecting region (28 a-i) for a delivery device (29 a-i) with a tubular member (30 a-i) for delivering a medical device (31 a-1) into a part of an animal or human body, and having a recess (9 a-i) extending between the proximal end (24 a-i) and the distal end (27 a-i). It is provided that the recess (9 a-i) is positioned eccentrically from an outer diameter (20 a-i) of the base body (23 a-i) and a central axis (18 a-i) of the recess (9 a-i) is nonparallel in respect to a central axis (32 a-i) of the outer diameter (20 a-i) of the base body (23 a-i).

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. The fixation mechanism comprises a plurality of tine elements arrayed in a tine element array along a segment of the lead.

Abstract: A method for determining an insertion trajectory of a tool for reaching a moving target object prior to its insertion into a tissular matrix is provided, the method comprising: acquiring images of the tissular matrix; constructing a three-dimensional representation of the tissular matrix; determining coordinates of the initial position of the target object and of the obstacles; determining at least one potential trajectory of the tool from the coordinates of the obstacles of the tissular matrix and of the initial position of the target object; simulating insertion of the tool in the tissular matrix to determine displacement of the target object within the tissular matrix during insertion of the tool up to the initial position of the target object along the potential trajectory; determining a new position of the target object based on the determined displacement; and determining the insertion trajectory for the new position of the target object.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector n space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and method for their use are also provided.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a swingable operating section formed of a pair of forceps which rock around a first rocking axis. A tubular sheath includes a distal end portion situated on a proximal end side of the operating section having a circular-section portion having a circular cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis and a pair of flat portions formed by cutting the opposite sides of the circular-section portion and in sliding contact with the proximal end portions of the forceps. A manipulator advances and retreats in a longitudinal direction of the sheath, thereby rocking the forceps. A junction connects the manipulator for rocking motion around a second rocking axis with respect to the forceps in the flat portions, and is situated on or near a reference plane passing through the longitudinal central axis of the sheath and extending parallel to the second rocking axis when the operating section is closed.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system (100) includes an instrument driver (106) that is mounted on an operation table (104), and an instrument assembly (108) is operatively coupled to the instrument driver (106), wherein the instrument assembly (108) includes a flexible guide instrument and a component instrument carried in a lumen of the guide instrument, the component instrument including a light source, camera and laser energy fiber.

Abstract: A skin care element holder is designed for use with a handheld body having a receptacle. The skin care element holder includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface arranged and configured for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface, opposite the first surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle. Handheld skin care systems incorporating the skin care holder are also described.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein may be used to ligate tissue, e.g., tubular structures where access is limited by using a sheath to deliver one or more sutures that can be deflected such that the end of the sheath forms a curve.

Abstract: A delivery system for percutaneously guiding a repair or replacement device into a desired position relative to a valve within a patient. The delivery system includes a longitudinal support tube having a distal end, a deformable centering loop extending from the distal end of the support tube, at least one stop positioned on the centering loop and spaced from the distal end of the support tube, at least one clip delivery system slideably attached to the centering loop, and a sheath that is longitudinally slideable relative to the support tube, the centering loop, and the at least one clip delivery tube.

Abstract: A micro-camera guided suturing device is disclosed comprising an elongate suture body having at least one lumen disposed therein and an imaging structure disposed within the at least one lumen of the suture. The imaging structure comprises a SSID optically coupled to a lens system. In one aspect, the suturing device further comprises a conductive element detachably coupled to the suture. In yet another aspect, the suture body comprises a shape memory material.

Abstract: An anchor assembly can include at least one anchor member, such as a pair of anchor members that are configured to be implanted in a target anatomical location in a first configuration, and can subsequently be actuated to an expanded configuration that secures the anchor members in the target anatomy. The anchor assembly can further include a connector member that attaches the pair of anchor members together across a gap so as to approximate the anatomical defect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic suturing apparatus wherein triggers activate suturing and securing of the tissue of a patient. Also disclosed herein is an automatic suturing apparatus wherein triggers activate suturing and securing of a valve to tissue of a patient. Systems and kits for using the automatic suturing apparatus are included herein. Also disclosed are methods of suturing a tissue or a valve to tissue using an automatic suturing apparatus.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of repairing tissue using a suture passer configured to relasably couple to a suturing element to pass the suturing element (and therefore a suture) through the tissue so that that the suture may be loaded and/or unloaded while the suture passer is positioned within the tissue. Thus, the methods described herein may allow the suture passer to be loaded without requiring that the suture passer be removed from within the patient or in some variations from off of the target tissue. The same suture or multiple sutures may thus be loaded and/or unloaded onto the suture passer, allowing the formation of complex suture patterns without requiring the extra steps of withdrawing the suture passer from the patient (or target tissue). Knotless suture anchors are also described.

Abstract: An end effector is presented having an elongate body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The end effector also includes a rotating head configured to be disposed at the distal end of the body portion and an actuation member configured to be disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The actuation member is in operative cooperation with a handle assembly to enable rotational movement of the rotating head. The rotating head further cooperates with a needle movable relative to the rotating head.

Abstract: Described is a surgical suture positioning system for closing an opening inside an intracorporeal tissue wall, comprising an elongated shaft, which has a distal shaft region, on which a means is provided, which is made at least partially of an elastomer material and which can be reversibly transferred from a position that is flush with the shaft into a position radially protruding over the shaft, and a needle guide unit, which is provided on the shaft and in which at least one needle arranged movably along the shaft is guided, which needle can be reversibly transferred from a retracted position into an advanced distal position, in which the needle penetrates the means located in the position radially protruding over the shaft, wherein a suture carried along by the means remains in the means by retracting the needle into the retracted position.

Abstract: A tissue retractor for displacing body tissue during surgery includes a tissue piercing member such as a surgical needle, a wire-like filament such as a suture line affixed to the surgical needle, a fixed element such as an anchoring port being associated with a stable surgical platform such as a sternum retractor and a movable element such as an anchoring plug cooperating with anchoring port to engage a portion of suture line after the suture line is threaded through the body tissue with the surgical needle and after the suture wire is tensioned to effect a predetermined displacement of the body tissue. The predetermined displacement of body tissue is maintained by retention of the engaged portion of suture line by the fixed anchoring port and the movable anchoring plug.