Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and a power supply device. The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus comprises: an ultrasonic host including a pluggable main battery pack; a backup power supply device including a plurality of pluggable backup battery packs, for powering the ultrasonic host; and a trolley for carrying the ultrasonic host and the backup power supply device; wherein a specification of each of the plurality of backup battery packs is identical to that of the main battery pack.

Abstract: A device for use with a biopsy cannula includes a housing and a locking assembly. The housing defines a shaft aperture sized to receive and at least partially circumferentially encompass a biopsy cannula. The locking assembly defines a lock opening configured to receive the biopsy cannula. The locking assembly includes a pair of lock members extending inwardly within the lock opening. The pair of lock members are configured to bind against the biopsy cannula upon translation of the locking assembly relative to the lock opening to a locking position. The locking member and the housing are configured to restrict the depth of insertion of the biopsy cannula through the lock opening when the pair of lock members are bound against the biopsy cannula in the locking position.

Abstract: An MRI guided breast biopsy targeting set includes a firing obturator for use with positioning a breast biopsy device within a patient. The obturator is insertable into a targeting cannula in lieu of a needle of a biopsy device. The targeting set includes an obturator and a firing assembly. The firing assembly includes a housing, a latch mechanism, and a release mechanism, The firing assembly is responsive to the release mechanism to fire the obturator into the desired position within the breast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy device comprising a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending there through. At least one section (6) of the needle (3) is provided with a curved shape, so that tissues that normally would be out or reach of conventional needles can be targeted.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, an analysis area, a valve, and a tissue sample holder. The cutter is movable relative to the needle and in communication with the needle for transporting tissue samples. The analysis area is disposed proximally of the cutter and in communication with the needle to receive a tissue sample cut by the cutter for analysis by a user. The valve is disposed proximally of the analysis area and configured to alternate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The tissue sample holder is disposed proximally of the valve and fixedly attached to the body. The valve is configured to permit analysis of the sample disposed in the analysis area when the valve is in the closed configuration and to permit the tissue sample to be passed into the tissue sample holder when the valve is in the open configuration configuration.

Abstract: A tissue collecting instrument which cuts and collects tissue includes a first member formed in a tubular shape and including an internal space and a side hole communicating with the internal space, a second member inserted into the internal space and configured to be movable relative to the first member, a first protruding portion provided on the first member and configured to protrude toward the inside of the side hole, and a second protruding portion provided on the second member and configured to protrude in a direction opposite to the first protruding portion, wherein the tissue is able to enter the internal space through the side hole when the first member and the second member are in a positional relationship in which the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are spaced apart and facing each other.

Abstract: A fistula treatment system comprises a guide such as a guide coil 1101 which is adapted to extend partially around a tissue tract and an implant element 1102. The implant element 1102 is activated to draw tissue surrounding the tract inwardly.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided and includes an intelligent surgical device having a drive motor supported in the housing and being in electrical communication with the power source; and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a feedback system for monitoring a condition of the surgical device during a use thereof and for changing an operative parameter of the surgical device when a change in the monitored condition occurs. The surgical system includes a non-intelligent loading unit for selective connection to the housing of the surgical device and which is actuatable by the drive motor, the loading unit having a first and a second condition. During operation, the drive motor actuates the loading unit from the first condition to the second condition; and when the loading unit achieves the second condition, a change in the at least one monitored condition occurs and an operative parameter of the surgical device is changed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for vacuum expansion of a paste prior to freeze-drying said paste to achieve a dry paste composition which reconstitutes efficiently to form a flowable paste upon addition of an aqueous medium. The present disclosure further relates to a syringe for retaining a dry paste composition in a vacuum.

Abstract: A retractor in accordance with embodiments of the invention includes an adapter and an arm that can be releasably connected to the adapter. An end portion of the arm includes first and second legs and a lock well between the legs. The adapter includes a tubular channel having side walls configured to receive the end portion of the arm, and a lock having a cam in the channel that is rotatable between a release position and a lock position. The lock is configured such that (1) when the lock is in the release position the end portion of the arm can be inserted into the channel and removed from the channel with the cam passing to and from the lock well between the legs, and (2) when the lock is in the lock position the cam is in the lock well and engages the legs to urge the legs into engagement with the side walls of the channel.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises a rack, a pair of adapters on the rack, and a pair of arms with blades that are releasably connectable to the adapters. Each arm includes a pair of snap arms having top and bottom sides, a head on a distal end, and an undercut in both of the top and bottom sides at a proximal portion of the head. Each adapter includes a channel having undercut catches, and is configured to receive the retractor arm at an inserted position. The undercut catches extend into the channel and engage the snap arm undercuts when the retractor arm is at the inserted position. Lead-ins in the channel are configured to engage the snap arm heads and deflect the heads around the undercut catches as the retractor arm is inserted into the channel and moved toward the inserted position. The retractor arms and adaptors can be formed from radiodense and/or radiolucent materials.

Abstract: A retractor in accordance with embodiments of the invention comprises a retractor element and a retractor arm releasably connectable to the retractor element. A first connector structure on the retractor arm includes a first end portion having a first edge, a first pin slot extending into the first end portion from the first edge, and a first lock well in the first pin slot. A second connector structure on the element includes an end portion having an aperture, the end portion configured to receive the first connector structure at a connected position with the aperture aligned with the first lock well of the first connector structure. The lock includes a first cam and is rotatable between a release position and a lock position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a no-hole-preparation suture anchor including a tubular anchor body, a tapered tip coupled to the anchor body, an eyelet extending transversely through the anchor, and a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along at least a portion of the anchor length. The material of the tapered tip is harder than that of the anchor body to facilitate insertion. An anchor inserter for use in combination with the suture anchor includes an elongated, tubular shaft defining a cannulation extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of tines extends distally from the distal end of the shaft. The anchor includes a plurality of longitudinally extending slots, dimensioned to receive respective ones of the inserter tines. The slots extend along the length of the anchor body and continue into the proximal end of the tubular shaft of the distal tip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically stretchable; a first leg connected to said bridge and configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to said bridge and configured to be elastically bendable; said first and second legs being connected to said bridge so that they are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; such that when said bridge is elastically strained into an elongated condition, and said first and second legs are elastically strained so that they extend substantially parallel to one another, and said first and second legs are disposed in appropriate holes on opposing sides of a fracture line, and when the strain on said staple is thereafter released, compression will be provided across the fracture line by both said bridge and said first and second legs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating, applying and maintaining compression to a site in a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising: a staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically bendable; a first leg connected to the bridge by a first hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to the bridge by a second hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; wherein the first hinge region comprises a first hole configured to mate with a first element of a delivery device and the second hinge region comprises a second hole configured to mate with a second element of a delivery device; and wherein the first and second legs are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; whereby, when the staple is mounted to a delivery device so that the first hole of the first hinge region mates with a first element of a delivery device and the second hole of the second hinge region mates with a second element of a delivery device, and when the delivery device applies a

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector that is configured to receive various control motions from a robotic system.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used to treat long gap esophageal atresia, while obviating much of the delay and complexities associated with current procedures. The devices and methods involve actively stretching the esophagus portions with traction to promote growth of the esophagus portions. Moreover, the devices and methods provided allow for a compression anastomosis to occur between the esophageal ends. This eliminates the need for a second operation to suture the esophageal ends together.

Abstract: Body lumen occlusion apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: A one piece molded polymeric ligating clip comprises a pair of curved legs having a unitary hinge at a proximal end and a latch at a distal end. The inner face of each leg includes two rows of transverse ribs, with the rows separated from one another along a longitudinal center line of each leg. The ribs of one row are staggered with respect to the ribs of the other row of the same leg as well as ribs of the corresponding rows on the other leg. Each rib includes a sloped flexible tapered sharp pointed prong which projects away from the inner face of the respective leg and toward the longitudinal center of the leg. The sharp pointed prongs impale the vessel wall when the clip is closed around a vessel or duct.

Abstract: A catheter (1) and vein repair method that enables vein repair surgeries without any bleeding and without hindering blood flow in veins through bypassing the blood flow in the vein to be operated and by preventing any diseases arisen due to stop of blood flow of the organ fed by the associated vein and that sustains blood flow by means of vein bypass in the course of vascular surgeries implemented for surgical processes related to veins in human body and that comprises one balloon (3) on each point close to its both ends, protective layer (4) positioned on the balloons (3); second path (5) enabling deflation inflation of the balloons (3), having monolithic pipe shape adhered to the first path (2) side by side, whose one open end terminates within the balloon (3); check valve apparatus (7) that is monolithic with back end of the second path (5) and provides substances such as air and liquid with the injector for inflation deflation of the balloon (3); protective segment (6) surrounding externally the first pat

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an arm. A first member is movable relative to the arm and gravity responsive to define a first orientation of the arm. A lock is engageable with the first member. A second member is movable relative to the arm and gravity responsive to measure an angle of a second orientation of the arm relative to the first orientation. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An oscillating decorticating burr assembly for decortication of the articular surfaces of joints of the human body is disclosed. The oscillating decorticating burr assembly comprises a burr, a burr-support post, and a handle. Power is imparted to the assembly by way of a user input on the handle causing oscillation of the burr.

Abstract: Method for producing a reamer such as a milling cutter intended to mill the acetabular cavity of a patient, the reamer including a rigid base with an interface for coupling to a tool holder, and including a cutter body which has a thin wall and is perforated and toothed. The rigid base is produced separately from the cutter body, by cutting out and drawing a first flat metal blank in a press.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopaedic reamer handle that includes a reamer portion configured to transmit torque to a reamer head, a driver portion connected to the reamer portion that is configured to receive and transmit torque from a driver, and a drive train connecting the reamer portion to the driver portion to transmit torque from the driver portion to the reamer portion. The drive train includes a first drive shaft that defines a first axis and is connected to the driver portion at a first end and to a first intermediate connector at a second end. An offsetting member is connected to a second intermediate end of the first intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the first axis and defines a second axis. The offsetting member connects to the reamer portion via a second intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the second axis.

Abstract: A patient-specific navigational guide (1, 1?) for use in spinal surgery, comprises two tubular guiding member (2) extending from a proximal opening (2a) and a distal opening (2b) for guiding a surgical operation on a patient's vertebra (100, 100?). The two tubular guiding members are integral with a bearing frame (3) comprising at least five contact members (11, 15, 16) designed to match with a corresponding plurality of contact areas on the patient's vertebra (100, 100?) in order to define a unique coupling configuration of the patient-specific navigational guide (1, 1?) on the patient's vertebra (100, 100?).

Abstract: Patient-specific navigational guide (1) for use in spinal surgery, comprising two tubular guiding members (2) integral with a bearing frame (3) and extending from a proximal opening (2a) to a distal opening (2b) for guiding a surgical operation on a patient's vertebra (100); contact members (14, 15, 16) designed to match a corresponding plurality of contact areas (103, 102) on the patient's vertebra (100) in order to define a unique coupling configuration of the patient-specific navigational guide (1) on the patient's vertebra (100), wherein said contact members (14, 15, 16) comprise at east one pair of first main contact members (15), designed to abut on a contact area corresponding to the superior articular process (103) or facet of the patient's vertebra (100) and a pair of second main contact members (16), designed to abut at least partially on a contact area corresponding to the laminae (102) of the patient's vertebra (100).

Abstract: A cut block positioning jig including a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and both first and second guide members. The first alignment member is movable towards and away from a patient's bone to which the positioning jig is mounted to arrange the jig at a predetermined position relative to the bone based on x-rays of the patient. The second alignment member is movable towards and away from the bone to arrange the jig at the predetermined position relative to the bone. The first and second guide members are configured to direct cut block support members to the bone to couple a cut block to the bone to provide the bone with patient-specific cuts.

Abstract: A system can comprise a catheter and a device having an elongate member and an expandable member. The expandable member can be coupled to the elongate member. The elongate member can extend through the catheter. The expandable member can be positioned with a proximal member end proximal to a distal catheter end, a distal member end positioned distal to the distal catheter end, and at least a portion of the expandable member between the distal catheter end and the distal member end in an expanded state in which a maximum transverse dimension of the expandable member is larger than a maximum transverse dimension of the distal member end. The catheter can be advanced in a patient's body with the expandable structure, in the expanded state, at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval system includes a bag having a flexible basket with an opening configured for receiving a tissue specimen, an elongate tail extending from the flexible basket, a primary loop attached to a proximal end of the tail opposite the flexible basket, and a string encircling the flexible basket and extending therefrom along the tail and terminating exterior of the proximal end of the tail, the string being operable to close the opening of the flexible basket. The system also includes an outer cannula having a distal end and a proximal end with a cannula handle located at the proximal end of the outer cannula, the outer cannula configured to receive the bag therein via the distal end of the outer cannula, with the tail of the bag, the primary loop and a portion of the string extending out of the proximal end of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A guide wire, for use, for example, in guiding an elongated catheter through an artery or vein of a mammalian body having a stenosis and/or an occlusion therein, includes an elongated conductor having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end and a distal end. The guide wire further includes an insulator overlying the elongated conductor. The insulator exposes a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated conductor to form an electrode. The elongated conductor is arranged to be connected to a source of high voltage pulses to cause electrical arcs at the electrode that in turn form steam bubbles and shock waves to break the stenosis and/or open the occlusion and permit the guide wire to pass there through. Other embodiments are directed to a system including the guide wire and a method of using the guide wire.

Abstract: A device for use within an occluded biological vessel and a method of using same to remove occlusion material from a vessel are provided. The device includes an elongated body configured for delivering extensions arranged around a distal portion thereof into the biological vessel. Each of the extensions includes an array of projections spaced apart to match openings in a biological mesh forming a part of the occlusion material.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a drive assembly operatively connected to a drive shaft to impart rotation and reciprocation to the drive shaft and thereby rotate and reciprocate a tissue-removing element of the catheter. The drive assembly includes a prime mover configured to generate a rotational drive force and a reciprocating rotor operatively connected to the prime mover to receive the rotational drive force. The rotor is also operatively connected to the drive shaft to impart rotation and reciprocation to the drive shaft. The drive assembly can include a stator configured to constrain rotation and reciprocation of the reciprocating rotor relative to an axis of the rotor. The rotor can define a race that extends around the rotor axis, and the stator can define one or more bearing projections that track through the race as the prime mover rotates the rotor about the rotor axis to drive reciprocation of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for retaining and moving a laparoscope during an operation, which comprises a securing unit for securing on a retaining arm, a receiving unit for retaining the laparoscope, as well as a main body. Furthermore, the device has a lever via which the receiving unit is secured to the main body. The main body is mounted on the securing unit in a rotatable manner about a first rotation axis via a first rotation unit. The lever is mounted on the main body in a rotatable manner about a second rotation axis via a second rotation unit. Furthermore, a first drive unit is provided, which, upon activation, drives the first and the second rotation unit in such a manner that the main body is rotated about the first rotation axis, and the lever is rotated about the second rotation axis by the same rotation angle in the opposite rotation direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (1) is provided with a rigid probe (2), and cuts off the trabecular meshwork by inserting this probe (2) into the canal of Schlemm. An inner tube portion having a cutter is equipped inside the probe, and the trabecular meshwork sucked in from a hole portion (22) is cut off by the cutter due to the movement of the inner tube portion. A protection portion (21) is formed on the tip the probe (2) and protects the outer wall of the canal of Schlemm when cutting the trabecular meshwork. According to the invention, an ophthalmic surgical instrument for glaucoma patients is provided, the surgical instrument having excellent operability and preventing cutting of parts that should not be cut off without fail.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a tissue specimen or organ from the body of patient is disclosed. The system includes a bag and an excising instrument. The tissue specimen or organ is located in the bag, which is located in the patient's body. The instrument comprises a guide and a cutter. The guide is configured for introduction into the bag. The cutter is rotatable within the guide and includes a central passageway and an annular cutting blade. The cutting blade is brought into engagement with a peripherally located portion of the tissue specimen and rotated to produce a tangentially cut peripheral portion while a pulling force is applied to the tissue specimen through the central passageway. The pulling force rotates the tissue specimen within the bag to effect the production of the tangentially cut peripheral portion and to move the tangentially cut peripheral portion out of the patient's body. Gas pressure may be applied to inflate the bag to facilitate placement of the excising instrument.

Abstract: The device comprises a generally cylindrically shaped body having an elongated base with a distal end and a proximal end, and is conformed to be received by a fingertip of a medical practitioner. A plurality of prongs for debridement scrapping are formed on an outer surface of the base. A pair of arcuately shaped portions are integrally formed with the base to secure the device to any finger of a medical practitioner.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation method including the following steps: inserting a treatment catheter into an atrium of a heart, the treatment catheter including an ultrasound emitter; positioning the ultrasound emitter to face heart tissue within the left atrium outside of a pulmonary vein; emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitter while rotating the ultrasound emitter about a rotation axis; and ablating heart tissue with the ultrasound energy to form a lesion outside of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A cartridge includes an electrical connection assembly, a first port, a second port, a pumping mechanism, a valve, and a fluid flow sensor. The electrical connection assembly is configured to electrically couple to an electrosurgical unit. The first port is configured to fluidly couple to a fluid source. The second port is configured to fluidly and electrically couple to a surgical instrument. The pumping mechanism is disposed between the first and second ports and is configured to draw fluid from the fluid source and pump the fluid to the surgical instrument. The valve is disposed between the first and second ports and is configured to selectively obstruct the flow of the fluid therethrough. The fluid flow sensor is disposed between the first and second ports and is configured to sense fluid flow therethrough. The fluid flow sensor is configured to electrically communicate with the electrosurgical unit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an instrument with an end effector (4) including a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (5 & 6), movable between open and closed positions. First and second electrodes (9, 17) are located on the first and second jaw members, while a third electrode (10) is also located on the first jaw member (6). The system includes first and second connections (19, 20) by which the electrodes can be connected to the output of an electrosurgical generator. The first electrode (9) is connected to the first connection (19), the second electrode (17) is connected to the second connection (20), and the third electrode (10) is connected to the first connection (19) via a capacitor (24). The third electrode (10) is more prominent than the first electrode (9) such that as the jaw members are moved to their closed position, the third electrode (10) contacts the second electrode (17) before the first electrode (9) contacts the second electrode (17).

Abstract: A vibrating body unit includes a vibration generator, a vibration transmitter and first amplitude enlarger. The vibration generator generates ultrasonic vibration whose amplitude has a predetermined correlation with a frequency. The vibration transmitter has a proximal end and a distal end while the vibration generator is attached from a proximal side, and transmits the ultrasonic vibration to a distal side in a longitudinal axis direction. At least one first amplitude enlarger is provided in the vibration transmitter, and enlarges the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration at a first amplitude enlargement rate in a direction of transmission of the ultrasonic vibration, the first amplitude enlargement rate having a correlation with the frequency opposite to the predetermined correlation.

Abstract: Provided is an instrument tool for performing a percutaneous extraforaminotomy with foraminal ligament resection, which examines various ligaments around intervertebral foramen, artificially expands the intervertebral foramen blocked by adhesive fibrosis through repeated inflammatory reactions using epidural neurolysis or percutaneous extraforaminotomy, transmits chemical materials efficacious in pain treatment to the periphery of nervous branches causing pain through a catheter, and smoothly discharges an inflammatory material existing in spinal canal with the chemical materials through the intervertebral foramen.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for guiding a surgical needle with improved accuracy. The apparatus (100) having a base (1) for positioning the apparatus (100) on a patient; a second arc member (6) attached to the base (1); a first arc member (4) moveably attached to the second arc member (6); an arm (2) attached to a needle guide support (3) at one end and moveably attached to the first arc member (4) at a distal end, and an angle marking device (7) attached to the arm (2) to indicate a vertical reference point for measuring the angle of tilt of the arm (2) from the vertical reference point relative to the base (1). Wherein the first arc member (4) is configured to move on the second arc member (6) to facilitate movement of the needle guide support (3) in a cranio-caudal plane and the arm (2) is configured to move on the first arc member (4) to facilitate movement of the needle guide support (3) in an axial plane.

Abstract: For producing a skin opening for minimally invasive surgery an instrument is employed, comprising a grip (10) and a puncture awl (16). The puncture awl (16) is provided on the distal end of a grip (10), which distal end forms a stop surface (12), which limits the penetration depth of the puncture awl (16).

Abstract: Patient-mounted retractors with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided patient-mounted retractor assemblies. Blade type and tube type patient-mounted retractors that may be re-positioned during the course of a procedure are provided in varying configurations and/or geometries suitable for varying procedures and/or patient anatomies. Applications of re-positionable patient-mounted retractor assemblies are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for table-mounted retraction assemblies and/or cannulas that restrict the operating environment.