Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to disposable speculums, and more particularly to disposable vaginal speculums having single-sided support and operating mechanisms. In an embodiment, a speculum includes an upper member having an upper blade and a hinge assembly; a lower member having a handle and a lower blade, wherein a combined smoke channel light guide directs light from a light source in the handle to a distal end of the lower blade for smoke removal; and a linear support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body therebetween, the linear support member vertically moveable within a track positioned in the lower member.

Abstract: A suction retraction surgical instrument retracts tissue and removes smoke, fluid, debris and other matter from a surgical site. The instrument includes an elongate body having a proximal section, a distal section and a central section. A vacuum or suction channel is defined within the elongate body. The instrument includes a retractor at the distal section of the elongate body. The retractor has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a suction port. The suction port is adapted to remove smoke, blood and other matter from the surgical site. The instrument includes a suction connector at the proximal section of the elongate body. The suction connector is in communication with the vacuum channel. The suction connector is adapted to aid in communication with a vacuum system for removal of smoke, fluid and other matter from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. A method for making the surgical access device includes the combining of a gelling agent with an oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes steps for creating an opening with the instrument.

Abstract: A dental lamp includes a control system adapted to control operation of a light source within the dental lamp. The control system requires that an unexpended light guide including a recordable medium be coupled to a lamp head of the dental lamp, in order to illuminate the light source. The control system records a first data signal on the recordable medium during illumination of the light source indicating that the light guide has been expended. The control system also records a second data signal onto a second recordable medium so that a particular duration of use of the light source may be indicated.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.

Abstract: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. Auxiliary instruments such as the retractor inserter, universal hex driver and blade removal instrument allow quick and controlled access to the surgical site. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing surgery in a patient are provided that minimize tissue dissection and retraction to access locations within the patient. One specific application concerns devices, instruments and techniques that provide for selective retraction of tissue, neural elements, organs or other anatomical structures at locations distally of the retractor sleeve providing percutaneous access to the locations.

Abstract: A predictive robot includes a prediction-related item storage to store terms related to prediction performance, a first communicator which transmits stored prediction-related terms and receives a search result of information search with regard to the prediction-related terms, a search controller to control information search of the prediction-related terms stored in the prediction-related item storage via the first communicator, a media converter to convert the search result into a notification medium, and a notification section to provide the search result by the notification medium. Preferably, predictive information is provided spontaneously.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body during a surgical operation to provide a relatively motionless surgical field, such as during a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The devices include tissue stabilizers which engage and provide stabilization to a targeted area of tissue and further have the ability to engage and manipulate some portion of tissue within or adjacent the targeted area to improve the surgical presentation of that portion of tissue. The tissue stabilizer typically has one or more stabilizer feet which have a first foot portion configured to provide stabilization to the targeted tissue and a second foot portion moveable relative to the first foot portion for manipulating a portion of tissue to improve the surgical presentation.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a body tissue in a desired orientation includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg has longitudinally spaced distal and proximal ends. The second leg is laterally spaced from the first leg, is adapted for lateral motion with respect to the first leg, and has longitudinally spaced distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the first and second legs are for contacting the body tissue. The first leg includes a first guide post extending toward the second leg. The second leg includes a second guide post extending toward the first leg. The first and second guide posts telescopically engage to form a guide track. A first threaded post extends from the first leg toward the second leg, and a second threaded post extends from the second leg toward the first leg. A turnbuckle body connects the first and second threaded posts to form a turnbuckle assembly. The proximal ends of the first and second legs are movably connected by the guide track and the turnbuckle assembly.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a drive assembly and an articulated arm assembly pivotally connected to the drive assembly. The articulated arm includes a pivoting base link system, a wrist link system, and a first elbow link system rotatably connected to the base link system by a pair of upper arms and connected to the wrist link system by a pair of forearms, a second elbow link system rotatably connected to the base link system by another at least one upper arm and connected to the wrist link system by another at least one forearm, wherein the drive assembly is connected to at least one of the upper arms and the base link system to provide three degrees of freedom by driving the at least one of the upper arms and pivoting the pivoting base link system to position the wrist link system at a given location with a predetermined skew relative to an axis of translation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for manipulating and supporting an organ. The subject devices are characterized by having an inflatable annular member having a central opening and an organ contacting surface, a vacuum distribution element configured to create a diffused vacuum space in the central opening, and a positioning element having a lumen coupled to a vacuum source and to the inflatable annular member. The subject devices are suitable for use in a variety of surgical approaches and, as such, may be configured to be inserted into a patient's chest cavity through a sheath. Methods are also provided for using the subject devices, where the order of the methods may be altered. Also provided are systems and kits for manipulating and positioning an organ.

Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor system is shown which has a support frame having two opposing pairs of horizontally oriented sides. The sides of the frame can be adjusted to vary an interior space of the frame. Four retractor blades are mounted on the frame for engaging tissue within a surgical site. Each retractor blade has an elongate body portion with a length which is oriented perpendicularly to the frame in use. One of the retractor blades can be equipped with a light source and a suction source which are integral to the blade. The blade also has an integral power source for powering the light source. The blade can also house a tissue retractor such as a dural retractor for retracting the dural sack of a patient during spinal surgery.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.

Abstract: An access device particularly adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery facilitates access with instruments, such as the hand of the surgeon, across a body wall and into a body cavity. The device can be formed of a gel material having properties for forming a zero seal, or an instrument seal with a wide range of instrument diameters. The gel material can be translucent facilitating illumination and visualization of the surgical site through the access device.

Abstract: A retractor including: an extension member having distal and proximal ends; a retractor member connected to the distal end of the extension member, the retractor member having a retractor surface. In a first implementation, at least a portion of the retractor surface has a distal vacuum port for positively retaining the tissue upon application of a vacuum to the vacuum port. In an alternative implementation, the retractor has an illuminator for transmitting light into an interior of the body proximate to the tissue.

Abstract: A device having a tissue-engaging member including a generally concave vacuum compartment. The vacuum compartment defines a contacting peripheral edge for contacting a portion of body tissue. The vacuum compartment also defines two compartment grasping portions. The vacuum compartment is deformable between a first compartment configuration and a second compartment configuration upon the creation of a vacuum having a threshold pressure value within the vacuum compartment. The compartment grasping portions are closer together when the vacuum compartment is in the second compartment configuration then when the vacuum compartment is in the first compartment configuration. A coupling allows fluid coupling of the vacuum compartment to a vacuum source.

Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for endoscopically cannulating the aorta, right atrium, and other body tissues to establish cardiopulmonary bypass for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and for other surgeries. After inserting the suction support through a minimal access port, the suction support having an arcuate member with suction ports provides countertraction to the aorta by creating a vacuum seal between its suction ports and the aorta, therefore facilitating aortic incision and cannulation. In one embodiment, the suction support allows aorta stabilization, incision, and insertion with an introducer to be achieved sequentially. Methods for using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a portal or working path for access to a working space location in the patient. The retractor transmits and emits light from a light delivery system to illuminate the working channel and surgical space.

Abstract: A cooled stabilizer is provided for use in coronary bypass grafting surgical procedures. The cooled stabilizer can be attached to a surgical retractor for providing localized traction, stabilization and/or hemostasis to a predetermined area of body tissue. The stabilizer includes cooling channels and/or pads forming a continuous bottom surface for providing a chilled surface to contact body tissue. In one example, the cooled stabilizer can be shaped as a horseshoe with chilled surfaces over horseshoe sections and optionally over a heel.

Abstract: A cardiac stabilizer for use during cardiac surgery. The stabilizer has a cardiac engagement member having at least two vacuum ports, wherein each vacuum port is connected to a separate pressure tube. The pressure in each vacuum port is individually controlled by a multiplexing unit.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consists of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a movable blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Furthermore, the entire upper part of the speculum, i.e., the guide portion together with the removable blade, can be completely disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina. The remaining lower part can be used as a spatula. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool.

Abstract: A device having a tissue-engaging member including a generally concave vacuum compartment. The vacuum compartment defines a contacting peripheral edge for contacting a portion of body tissue. The vacuum compartment also defines two compartment grasping portions. The vacuum compartment is deformable between a first compartment configuration and a second compartment configuration upon the creation of a vacuum having a threshold pressure value within the vacuum compartment. The compartment grasping portions are closer together when the vacuum compartment is in the second compartment configuration then when the vacuum compartment is in the first compartment configuration. A coupling allows fluid coupling of the vacuum compartment to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A heart muscle irrigation device comprises a short rivet like member with one closed and one open end, and a barrel including a plurality of holes, slots, an area mesh, or a grid. The irrigation device is inserted into the heart muscle so as to provide a channel from, for example, the left ventricle, to provide an adequate oxygenated blood supply to a starved muscle. The irrigation device is inserted from either outside or inside the rib cage by an insertion device. The insertion device comprises a plunger and barrel assembly adapted to contain the irrigation device. The tip of the insertion device includes members adapted to penetrate the heart muscle. If the irrigation device is inserted through an insertion into the rib cage, an applicator comprising a tubular member with a planar tip including a soft elastomeric seal can be used whereby a portion of the heart muscle is held more or less rigidly for the short period during which the irrigation device is inserted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for isolating a surgical site such as an anastomosis between an internal mammary artery and a coronary artery in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The system comprises a foot (11) pivotally coupled to the distal end of a shaft (3) by a linkage (13). The foot has first and second engaging portions (15, 17) with contact surfaces for engaging a tissue surface. The engaging portions are movable between an open position, where the contact surfaces are separated by a gap, and a collapsed position, where the foot is configured for delivery through the percutaneous penetration.

Abstract: A surgical portable light connector having an attachment plate so as to firmly fit onto instruments such as speculums, retractors or other instruments in the field for illumination, holding tenaculums and securing suctioning tubes and other devices. This portable attachment plate connector allows the surgeon or operators to gain the benefit of less obstructed view and conduct their procedures with more adequate space within the field of instrumentation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body during a surgical operation to provide a relatively motionless surgical field, such as during a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The devices include tissue stabilizers which engage and provide stabilization to a targeted area of tissue and further have the ability to engage and manipulate some portion of tissue within or adjacent the targeted area to improve the surgical presentation of that portion of tissue. The tissue stabilizer typically has one or more stabilizer feet which have a first foot portion configured to provide stabilization to the targeted tissue and a second foot portion moveable relative to the first foot portion for manipulating a portion of tissue to improve the surgical presentation.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.

Abstract: A cardiac stabilizer for use during cardiac surgery. The stabilizer has a cardiac engagement member having at least two vacuum ports, wherein each vacuum port is connected to a separate pressure tube. The pressure in each vacuum port is individually controlled by a multiplexing unit.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when a surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to a surgical tool.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body during a surgical operation to provide a relatively motionless surgical field, such as during a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The devices include tissue stabilizers which engage and provide stabilization to a targeted area of tissue and further have the ability to engage and manipulate some portion of tissue within or adjacent the targeted area to improve the surgical presentation of that portion of tissue. The tissue stabilizer typically has one or more stabilizer feet which have a first foot portion configured to provide stabilization to the targeted tissue and a second foot portion moveable relative to the first foot portion for manipulating a portion of tissue to improve the surgical presentation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an upper and a lower blade member, each of the members having a main generally elongated blade portion, each of the members having spaced upstanding lateral sidewalls, the upper blade member being vertically, movable with respect to the lower blade member to selectively open and close the spacing between the blade members. A light cone may be provided in the upper blade member for connection of an illuminating device for providing light to the surgeon's work area. A port may also be provided in the upper blade member for connecting a suction tube thereto for removing fluids and the like during use of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical stabilizer especially adapted for use in cardiac surgery includes first and second hollow legs that are disposed generally parallel to each other, each leg having a closed end and an open end. Each leg has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface including a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A yoke extends between and connects the first and second legs. A manifold is connected to the open end of each leg. When a suction tube is connected to the manifold, a vacuum can be applied to the openings in the legs so as to attract the surface of the heart to the legs. An adjustable embodiment of the invention includes first and second support arms that are connected to first and second legs. The support arms are connected pivotally to each other to permit the legs to be moved toward or away from each other. The legs can be provided with small pins, sharpened edges, and/or suction in order to engage or grasp the heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure and more particularly to an irrigation system for use with medical devices that are used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and stabilizing devices configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the irrigation system provides a controlled flow of fluid to a desired surface of the medical device to maintain a clear surgical site.

Abstract: A stabilizer for use in surgical procedures such as coronary bypass surgery includes an elongate, rigid handle, a neck at the end of the handle, a base leg connected to the end of the neck, and first and second spaced, generally flat fingers that are disposed generally parallel with each other and which lie in a plane disposed at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the handle. The fingers can be used to press against the surface of the heart to stabilize it during surgery. In another embodiment, the handle is in the form of a flexible member that can be adjusted in a variety of positions. In either embodiment, the attachment between the fingers and the heart can be enhanced by providing serrations for the underside of the fingers, or by making the fingers hollow and forming a plurality of openings in the underside of the fingers in order to apply a vacuum to the underside of the fingers.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum for separation of the eyelids with an automatic system for irrigation and aspiration. In one embodiment, the speculum is provided as a truncated cone-shaped main body with lid retractors extending out of it in the form of a ring, forming an angle appropriate to the curvature of the eye. Hollow rings are provided in the body of the cone with perforated channels for delivering irrigation fluid and for aspiration. Two syringes are provided, each connected by tubing to one of the hollow rings so as to either deliver irrigation or aspirate excess fluid. The irrigation and aspiration rates are controlled by an electronic processor which controls the rates of both activities independently. In another embodiment, the device is further provided with an illumination unit for trans-illumination via the sclera of the interior of the eyeball.

Abstract: A suctioning laryngoscope blade is provided that allows a user to efficiently suction the airway of a patient without increasing costs or time for the user. More particularly, a suctioning laryngoscope blade is provided that includes a blade portion and a suction tube, coupled to an external surface of the blade portion, wherein the suction tube is a permanent component of the laryngoscope blade.

Abstract: Provided is a suction retractor for use in surgical procedures. The suction retractor comprises a handle wherein the handle comprises a couple for attachment to a suction tube. A retractor plate is contiguous to the handle and a retractor blade is contiguous to the retractor plate. The retractor blade further comprises a plurality of suction ports. A continuous channel interior to the handle, retractor plate and retractor blade connects the couple to the plurality of suction ports.

Abstract: A self-supporting retractor for holding open an anatomic space for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. The retractor includes a substantially rigid elongate member, having proximal and distal ends, and having an arch shape or “C” cross-section, defining a passage and longitudinal working window along the retractor. The distal end is preferably rounded or streamlined to facilitate insertion along a dissected space with minimized tissue trauma, and may include a hooded portion enclosing the passage at the distal end. The elongate member may include radially cooperating segments or self-retaining edges to maximize the area of the space held open by the retractor. The retractor may include a handle or a pivotable finger grip on the proximal end to manipulate the retractor during use, and/or a curved handle to tent the incision providing access to the dissected space. The retractor may also include a channel member for an endoscope, integrally formed or pivotally attached to the retractor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing and/or manipulating moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissues. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube is operatively connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end. The device further includes at least one foot operatively connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue. The distal surface of each foot has an outer perimeter having a substantially spherical profile. This spherical profile helps the device make better contact with the tissue, so the tissue can be more effectively manipulated.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when a surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to a surgical tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for isolating a surgical site such as an anastomosis between an internal mammary artery and a coronary artery in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The system comprises a foot (11) pivotally coupled to the distal end of a shaft (3) by a linkage (13). The foot has first and second engaging portions (15, 17) with contact surfaces for engaging a tissue surface. The engaging portions are movable between an open position, where the contact surfaces are separated by a gap, and a collapsed position, where the foot is configured for delivery through the percutaneous penetration.

Abstract: A vacuum actuated surgical retractor for retracting body tissue or organs comprises an end-piece adapted for sealing engagement with body tissue, the end-piece having at least one suction port therein, the at least one suction port operably linked to at least one vacuum line. Suction supplied to the at least one suction port may be controlled by a vacuum control unit. Retractors of the invention may be provided in a range of shapes and sizes according to the intended application or tissue to be retracted. A method for making a vacuum actuated retractor of the invention is disclosed, together with a method for atraumatically retracting body tissue.

Abstract: An improved single use vaginal speculum with lateral retracting bills is disclosed. Each of the lateral retracting bills is supported on an axially rotatable shaft mounted to a side of the yoke of the lift mechanism which raises the lower bill assembly away from the lower bill and handle member. The lateral bills separate by action of levers which are moved when the upper bill is rotated about its pivot on the yoke. The lift mechanism may be slid along a channel in the handle when a push button is depressed and latched when the push button is released. The observation opening of the vaginal speculum is enlarged and the lateral bills are supported to prevent their obstructing the observation of the user in examining the cervix and vaginal walls. The handle mounted to the lower bill is rotated rearward from a perpendicular and finger indentations are formed around the handle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissue. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube has a flexible hose extending through the lumen of the tube between its distal and proximal ends. The hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from its distal end to its proximal end. The tube is made up of a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another. The device further includes at least one foot connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissue. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube is connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end. The device further includes at least one foot connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue. In one preferred embodiment the device includes a filter on said distal surface of each foot whereby particulate material is substantially prevented from entering said lumen of said tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.