Abstract: A device for accessing the intra-thoracic space without the need for a thoracotomy or sternotomy includes a cannula having a shaft positionable through a supra-sternal incision into a retrosternal space and a stabilization system for supporting the cannula in a fixed position. The cannula includes illumination features used to illuminate the retrosternal space, giving clear, direct visualization of the retrosternal space during dissection to, and performance of procedures at, the surgical site.

Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum.

Abstract: A seal anchor member defines a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having leading and trailing ends, and including a plurality of lumens extending between the leading and trailing ends, each lumen being adapted for substantially sealed reception of an object therein and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two of the lumens define longitudinal axes that are non-parallel to facilitate angled, at-rest placement of multiple instruments within the seal anchor member.

Abstract: A seal anchor member defines a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having leading and trailing ends, and including a plurality of lumens extending between the leading and trailing ends, each lumen being adapted for substantially sealed reception of an object therein and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two of the lumens define longitudinal axes that are non-parallel to facilitate angled, at-rest placement of multiple instruments within the seal anchor member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted.

Abstract: This application presents structurally-adjustable vaginal specula, which provides visualization and access to the vagina and the cervix. The specula may be lightweight and compact, and may also be configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The specula may comprise built-in light sources. The specula may comprise a fluid handler, for example, to remove fluids from the vagina during medical interventions. The specula may retract the labia as well as the vaginal walls. The speculum may also be used as a retractor.

Abstract: A surgical access system that facilitates access to a surgical site through an incision in the patient's body includes a surgical retractor and a fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device. The fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device is coupled to the surgical retractor and is adapted to deliver fluid to the surgical site or evacuate fluid from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula has open proximal and distal ends defining a lumen therebetween. The lumen defines an inner surface of the cannula having a mating structure. The obturator is generally tubular and has an outer surface including a corresponding mating structure. The respective mating structures of the obturator and the cannula engage each other so as prevent relative rotation of the obturator and cannula, and to prevent inadvertent disconnection of an upper valve housing attached to the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument access device includes a wound protector and retractor, a proximal assembly coupled to the wound protector and retractor, and an instrument receiver which can be releasably coupled to the proximal assembly. The instrument receiver has a valve assembly through which an instrument is passed and a cannula portion which extends in use through an incision which has been retracted and protected by the retractor. The instrument receiver has an insufflation/desufflation port. The proximal assembly comprises an inner proximal ring member and an outer proximal ring member. The proximal end of the retractor sleeve is located between the proximal ring members. The inner proximal ring member has a slot for receiving and releasably engaging with an insufflation port section of the instrument receiver.

Abstract: A surgical access device for facilitating access through an incision to a surgical site in a patient's body has a pliable membrane which is configured to engage and expand the incision. The pliable membrane includes a base layer, a permeable membrane attached to the base layer, and a fluid channel disposed between the layers. The fluid channel is fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The fluid is delivered to the surgical site via the permeable membrane. The surgical access device may also have a locking mechanism for holding the device in a desired configuration.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity, includes a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract. The seal anchor member defines a central longitudinal axis and has leading and trailing ends. At least one longitudinal object port extends between the leading and trailing ends and is adapted for reception of a surgical object whereby compressible material defining the at least one longitudinal object port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object.

Abstract: A single-arm stabilizer having suction capability includes a single, small leg through which suction can be applied. The leg has an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber. The lower surface includes a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A support arm is connected to the leg in order to position the leg as desired. A suction line is in fluid communication with the chamber in order to create a vacuum within the chamber. The stabilizer can be used to stabilize any desired portion of a patient's body, but is particularly effective at stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart. Such stabilization can be accomplished by inserting the leg into the patient's heart through the aorta.

Abstract: A device includes a conduit utilized for vacuum flow and a valve assembly fluidly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a valve body defining an opening, a valve member moveable with respect to the valve body, and a shape memory member, wherein the shape memory member operates to actuate the valve member to close the opening upon the shape memory member reaching a transition temperature.

Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for retracting tissue and removing surgical smoke using a smoke evacuation conduit positioned on or within an internal surface of the retractor blade such that the conduit does not protrude onto the external surface of the blade, along with a smoke intake port on or flush with the exterior surface of the blade and set back from the tip to minimize tissue aspiration. The systems and devices allow for the channeling of surgical smoke away from the surgical site while avoiding occlusion of the surgeon's field of view and preserving the surgeon's freedom of motion.

Abstract: A device for assisting robotic surgery of soft tissue, that comprises a shell with a flexible sealing rim, instrument ports, and a vacuum port. The flexible sealing rim seals the shell around a surgical area and allows for the application of negative pressure via the vacuum port. The negative pressure manipulates soft tissue to allow a surgeon to perform an incision with a robotic surgery apparatus.

Abstract: Surgical instruments providing access to delicate tissue, such as brain tissue, through a transcutaneous channel. A surgical access assembly has a pin component removably fastened to a cannula component such that rotational forces are translated between the pin component and the cannula component. The pin component is adapted to receive and secure a guide-pin component from a navigation system to assist in the proper initial placement of the surgical access assembly. The cannula component has features on the outer surface configured to facilitate insertion and retention of the surgical access assembly in the target delicate tissue. When desired, pin component can be removed from cannula component to reveal an inner cavity configured to provide access to the target delicate tissue and a working channel for the particular procedure to be performed.

Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.

Abstract: Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus.

Abstract: A retractor includes a handle portion, a blade portion coupled to the handle portion. The blade portion is configured for insertion into an internal region of a patient. The blade portion includes a first portion configured to manipulate tissue of the patient. In an embodiment, a locator element is configured to highlight an external region of the patient to indicate to a user the location of the first portion in the internal region. In an embodiment, a signal-transmission medium is coupled to the blade portion and has a port. An overmolded camera unit has a lens and is configured to couple with the port. When the camera unit is coupled with the port, the lens is oriented to capture images of the internal region.

Abstract: An endoscopic access port and sheath assembly or laparoscopic port (10) comprises a sheath (12) and a haemostatic valve. The sheath has an elongate tubular body and a sheath lumen through it. The haemostatic valve comprising a housing (14), the housing comprises a tubular body with an internal lumen (18) and a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the sheath and the sheath lumen and the internal lumen are in fluid communication. The second end of the housing has an access port. There is a substantially cylindrical valve assembly (27) within the housing at the second end of the housing. The substantially cylindrical valve assembly is formed from a plurality of valve segments (28). Each valve segment has an elongate body being in cross section a sector of a circle. Each valve segment is formed from a resilient material.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a device used for dislodging an object occluding the upper trachea of a human choking on that object, the method of use, and the method of manufacturing the device itself. The device is a mouthpiece comprising three main parts, namely a mouth cover, a hollow tongue depressor and an attached nose clamp. The mouth cover provides a nozzle in fluid communication with the hollow tongue depressor, and the nozzle is adapted to be connected to a vacuum generator. The hollow tongue depressor is adapted to be inserted into the choking human's mouth and to deliver a vacuum differential generated by the vacuum generator and transmitted through the nozzle to the mouth cavity of the human through the hollow tongue depressor. The mouth cover is used to create a closed system by sealing the mouth and lips of the choking human and thereby create the pressure differential in the upper trachea of the choking human when a vacuum is generated. The nose clamp is used to complete the closed system.

Abstract: A method for grasping and holding tissue employs an apparatus including flexible sheet having walls that define adjoining top and bottom chambers which move together as a unitary part during use. The top and bottom walls of the flexible sheet conform to tissue and have corresponding first and second sets of holes. The method supplies suction to the top chamber and the first set of holes via the first fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the top wall by suction forces applied through the first set of holes, and also supplies suction to the bottom chamber and the second set of holes via the second fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the bottom wall by suction forces applied through the second set of holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port device includes a compliant port body having a distal and proximal end having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen has a filtering agent configured to retain or treat particulate contaminates present in insufflation gases. The laparoscopic port device further includes a valve operatively connected with the lumen to selectively regulate flow of the insufflation gases therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable plastic vaginal speculum constructed for heavy duty use and/or for long duration gynecological procedures including vaginal surgical and electrosurgical procedures. The hinge region of the speculum is reinforced so that the speculum can bear forces of a magnitude normally bearable only by metal vaginal specula. The reinforcing element also functions as a smoke evacuation element.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating tissue during a surgical procedure where a surgical access device, including a body member having walls with at least one conduit therein, is inserted into the patient. A chilled fluid is circulated through the at least one conduit such that the tissue that is located proximate the body member is cooled. Alternatively, the body member may be constructed from a highly thermally conductive material such that heat energy is transmitted through the body from the tissue located proximate the body member and into a heat sink. The surgical device may include a first or second blade portions constructed from an inner and an outer shell having walls. Ribs located on the inner shell sealingly coupled to the inner wall of the outer shell to create the at least one conduit within the walls of the blade portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering therapeutic hypothermia to a patient are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a hypothermia system comprising a fluid source, a heat exchanger assembly, a catheter in fluid communication with the fluid source, and a pump system configured to infuse hypothermic fluid into a patient cavity and extract hypothermic fluid from the patient cavity. The hypothermia system can infuse and extract fluid automatically from the patient cavity. In one embodiment, the patient cavity is a peritoneal cavity. A safe access device to gain access to the patient cavity is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an image-guided medical instrument that utilizes a tracking device to track the location of at least a portion of the instrument on at least one image of a patient's anatomy. The instrument may include a handle having an operating element, an elongated flexible body member connected to the handle, wherein the body member includes a lumen, a transmission element housed within the lumen of the body member, and a treatment apparatus connected to end of the transmission element, wherein actuation of the operating element actuates the treatment apparatus via the transmission element. The body member also includes at least one sensor element that is utilized by the tracking device to determine position information regarding the treatment apparatus that is used to display the location of the treatment apparatus on the at least one image of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A medical port includes: a faceplate having a through-hole; a fixing ring formed in an annular shape and having an outer circumferential surface in which an outer diameter is gradually increased from a first opening end opened at a faceplate side toward a second opening end opened at an opposite side of the faceplate side; and a moving member connected to the fixing ring and the faceplate and configured to move the fixing ring with respect to the faceplate such that the fixing ring is pulled toward the faceplate.

Abstract: An endoscopic access port and sheath assembly or laparoscopic port (10) comprises a sheath (12) and a haemostatic valve. The sheath has an elongate tubular body and a sheath lumen through it. The haemostatic valve comprising a housing (14), the housing comprises a tubular body with an internal lumen (18) and a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the sheath and the sheath lumen and the internal lumen are in fluid communication. The second end of the housing has an access port. There is a substantially cylindrical valve assembly (27) within the housing at the second end of the housing. The substantially cylindrical valve assembly is formed from a plurality of valve segments (28). Each valve segment has an elongate body being in cross section a sector of a circle. Each valve segment is formed from a resilient material.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.

Abstract: A flexible port seal is provided for use in single incision surgery and includes an outer seal defining a bore extending from a proximal end of the outer seal to a distal end of the outer seal. A support plate is located within the bore of the outer seal and one or more throughports are attached to the support plate for receipt of a surgical instrument. The throughports form a fluid tight seal with cannulas and/or surgical instruments inserted through the throughports. The flexible port seal is formed of a compressible or flexible material to facilitate insertion through the single incision in the patient and allow for movement of the surgical instruments relative to the seal to independently orient each of the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.

Abstract: A hollow disposable sleeve suction retractor. The sleeve suction retractor is an ergonomically shaped combination suction/retractor instrument for holding and retracting tissues, suctioning tissue pieces, blood and fluids and a surgical smoke plume from an electrosurgery device all at the same time. The suction sleeve retractor is comfortable to hold securely and allows a surgeon a clear line of sight on an area of tissue dissection. It can be used without the need for having another hand (e.g., surgeon's or an assistant, etc.) sponge or separate suction devices in a wound. It is economical to purchase and does not have to be sterilized or autoclaved since it disposable.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.

Abstract: The instrument ports for introducing instruments into a surgical site that are disclosed herein include a port body having a channel running therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end, an instrument sleeve in slidable contact with the channel, creating a gap therebetween, and a fluid flow element for removing emboli efficiently from the instrument port, wherein the fluid flow element includes the gap. Disclosed fluid flow systems are for use in the disclosed instrument ports. Methods are also disclosed for removably securing an instrument sleeve to a port body by anchoring the instrument port to heart tissue, making at least one flood line in a channel, flushing out emboli, and performing surgery with the instrument port.

Abstract: A suction tip for a surgical instrument includes a hollow housing having a top flat wall and a bottom flat wall and including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a widened tip portion that is wider than the proximal end. The distal end may have a plurality of suction ports located at its front, top, right side and left side of the widened tip portion. Furthermore a ledge portion may protrude outwardly past a terminal end of the top flat wall to provide a clear space between the suction ports and tissue for evacuation of fluid in the clear space.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing member, a tubular member, a rotor and a lever. The housing member defines a lumen therethrough and includes a port in fluid communication with the lumen. The tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the lumen of the housing member. The rotor defines a longitudinal passage therethrough and a bore on a sidewall of the rotor. The rotor is rotatably associated with the housing member and is coupled to the tubular member. The lever is translatably mounted on the housing member. Axial translation of the lever causes rotation of the rotor about the longitudinal axis between an open position in which the bore is aligned with the port providing a fluid communication between the port and the tubular member and a closed position in which the side wall of the rotor closes off the port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speculum for performing colonoscopy in combination with colon irrigation/cleansing, a compact system comprising a colon irrigation device and a colonoscopy device, and a method for performing colonoscopy along with colon irrigation/cleansing. The present invention also provides a disposable kit with the speculum and a washer cone. The speculum according to the present invention comprises a main tube having a proximal end and distal end, and an inlet tube and an outlet tube intersecting to the main tube. The speculum of the present invention allows carrying out colonoscopy screening immediately following the colon irrigation which saves time.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto.

Abstract: A device and method for elevating skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle of a patient during medical procedure, the device comprises at least one opening, a suction port and a ring liner having means for a soft interface between the device and the skin and provides a positive seal between the device and the skin. The opening is located at the top of the device having means for inserting surgical instruments within the patient's body cavity created by separation of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle from the underlying organs. The said method comprises the steps of placing the device on the patient's target medical interventional area for elevating the said area; exerting negative pressure onto the target body area of the patient through the suction port and inserting surgical instruments into patient's abdomen for medical procedure through the opening at the top.

Abstract: Several methods to reduce surgical site infections include inserting a surgical access device into an incision, retracting tissue, and introducing fluid into the surgical access device such that the fluid exits the surgical access device and irrigates a surgical site. Other methods do not include introducing fluid into a surgical access device but include suctioning a fluid into the surgical access device and removing the fluid from the body.