Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: A retractor, preferably a nerve root retractor, comprising three components: a base portion, an arm portion, and an anatomical structure retractor portion. The nerve retractor is designed to eliminate the requirement of having a person hold the retractor tool during a surgical procedure. The nerve retractor can be secured to a portion of the anatomical structure involved with, or near the surgical procedure site, and utilizes an actuating device which allows the user to manipulate the angle of orientation of the arm portion or anatomical structure retractor portion. The anatomical structure retractor may comprise a modular anatomical structure engaging member/head, allowing the surgeon to use multiple or differently configured structure engaging members/heads during a procedure as needed.

Abstract: An instrument guide is removably inserted into a proximal portion of a cannula and extends to a distal end of the cannula to guide and support multiple surgical instruments within the cannula. The instrument guide is designed to be manufactured by injection molding of plastic material. The instrument guide includes a tube and several radial walls connected to the tube to form passageways within the tube. The radial walls are joined to a core where they intersect. The tube and radial walls have substantially the same wall thickness and the core has a minimum diameter that is substantially larger than the wall thickness to facilitate delivery of plastic material. Portions of the tube and radial walls are thinner than the general wall and rib thickness to form guideways that support surgical instruments within the passageways. Channels may be formed on an outside of the tube to deliver insufflation gas.

Abstract: A tissue contact surface for use on a surgical retractor is provided. The tissue contact surface comprises a generally smooth surface; and a plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces extending out and away from the generally smooth surface. The plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces comprise a first partial ellipsoid surface and an adjacent second partial ellipsoid surface. The first partial ellipsoid surface extends approximately 0.5 millimeters to 1 centimeter out from the generally smooth surface. A spacing between the first partial ellipsoid surface and the second partial ellipsoid surface is approximately 0.5 millimeters to 1 centimeter. In various embodiments, the plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces are 3D printed onto the generally smooth surface.

Abstract: A retractor system with a closed loop control includes a retractor having one or more sensors, which measure parameters associated with a retracted tissue. The system further includes a positioning mechanism connected to the retractor and a controller which receives feedback signals from the sensors. Based on the feedback signals from the sensors, the retractor is actuated by the positioning mechanism so that the tissue can be retracted while maintaining the parameters associated with the retracted tissue above a threshold level or within a desired range. Another retractor system includes a retractor with a force sensor and at least one additional sensor, which can be used without a closed loop control arrangement.

Abstract: This document provides surgical retractor devices and systems. For example, this document provides a weighted surgical retractor system. In one example embodiment, this document provides a weighted Deaver retractor system that includes a selectable amount of weight that can be releasably coupled to a shaft of the retractor. The surgical retractors provided herein can be used during a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical procedures performed on the abdomen, thoracic regions, limbs, and so on. In some embodiments, the surgical retractors provided herein are well-suited for retraction of the vaginal canal for hysterectomy surgery, and for other procedures for which vaginal retraction is necessary.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a wedge assembly and an actuating mechanism. The wedge assembly comprises includes a base and a plurality of blades extending from the base so that the distal end of the blades extend away from the base. The mechanism is operably associated with the blades so as to cause the distal end of the blades to move from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are radially expanding debridement tools configured to pass through an access channel present in a first tissue of a living being, expand radially, and create a void in a second tissue of the living being upon being advanced distally through the access channel and into the second tissue while being rotated, wherein the shape of the void comprises at least one step. Further disclosed are debridement systems and methods of treating tissue defects in living beings.

Abstract: A girth adjustable device for dilation and stretch of body orifices for medical applications, massage, body orifice improvement and activities pleasurable to the body, that can repeatedly, gradually increase and decrease a uniform and sustainable pressure against the entire lateral surface area of body orifices. The girth adjustable device comprises at least one controller, a housing, at least one threaded shaft, at least one module, a plurality of shaft members and at least one sheath. The part of the girth adjustable device that has to be inserted into body orifices is the shaft. In a body orifice, the user increases and decreases the girth size of the shaft via the controller.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical arm including at least a distal segment. The surgical system further includes a drape disposed over the surgical arm such that the surgical arm is at least partially covered by the drape. An instrument connector is coupled to the distal segment of the surgical arm through the drape and includes a stem and a shaft. The shaft is configured to receive a surgical instrument. When the instrument connector is coupled to the surgical arm, the instrument connector secures a portion of the drape against the distal segment of the surgical arm. Other example surgical systems and surgical arms are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation, in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes elongate members, moveable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath. The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducer elements carried by elongate members sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue. The elongate members are rotatable in groups or as a group in the expanded configuration. The device is retractable.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation, in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes elongate members, moveable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath. The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducer elements carried by elongate members sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue. The elongate members are rotatable in groups or as a group in the expanded configuration. The device is retractable.

Abstract: A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defines a channel therebetween. A series of openings is defined in a distal portion of the tube allowing for fixation of tissue using suction. A flexible member has an initial position disposed alongside the tube and is deployable to a subsequent position in which the flexible member engages a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member is configured to be deployable to automatically assume a shape of a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member includes a bulging region and a tapering region when deployed. The flexible member is releasably attached to the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein are directed to a surgical retractor which is optimized for production by additive manufacturing systems in situations where external medical supplies are interrupted or unavailable.

Abstract: A kit for extracting a tissue specimen includes a specimen container having a proximal rim and a specimen bag operably supported about the proximal rim and depending therefrom. The specimen bag includes a plurality of ribs depending from the proximal rim having a series of mechanical interfaces associated therewith and extending therealong. The kit also includes a cutting guard having a body with proximal and distal ends. The distal end is configured for insertion within the specimen bag when disposed within an incision and the proximal end defines an opening therein configured to facilitate introduction of one or more surgical instruments therethrough. The cutting guard includes one or mechanical interfaces operably associated with the body of the cutting guard configured to selectively engage one of the series of mechanical interfaces of one of the plurality of ribs of the specimen container upon insertion of the cutting guard within the incision.

Abstract: A mechanical cap ring/gel pad assembly useful in surgical access devices and methods for making the same, wherein the cap ring and the gel pad are formed separately and then mechanically attached to form a strong seal without the need for heating, solvents or adhesives.

Abstract: A tongue anteriorizer includes a handle and a tongue lifting part having a curved portion. The tongue lifting part is configured to move the tongue anteriorly, open the laryngopharyngeal area, and make endotracheal intubation simple, safe and efficient. The tongue lifting part has a wider section and may have protrusions on part of the tongue lifting part surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first arm having a slot and a part defining a cavity configured for disposal of a spinal implant. The part is sagittally movable relative to vertebrae and selectively fixable relative to the first arm. A second arm includes a slot and a part defining a cavity configured for disposal of the spinal implant. The part of the second arm is sagittally movable relative to the vertebrae and selectively fixable relative to the second arm. The first arm has a member that is movable within the slot of the second arm and the second arm has a member that is movable within the slot of the first arm to facilitate movement of a first vertebral surface relative to a second vertebral surface. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable protective mouth assembly and method for protecting the surroundings adjacent to the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The adjustable protective mouth assembly includes a channeled body comprising first and second legs spaced and integrally coupled by a connecting portion. The channeled body is for inserting into the oral cavity of a patient during use. The channeled body further comprises first and second ends, such that the channeled body of the first end is constructed to be received and nest within the channeled body of the second end, forming a connection therebetween.

Abstract: A girth adjustable device for physical therapy such as the dilation and stretch of body orifices that can repeatedly, gradually increase a uniform and sustainable pressure over the entire lateral surface area and over the entire length of a body orifice at the same time, and gradually decrease the pressure uniformly from the entire lateral surface area and the entire length of a body orifice at the same time. The girth adjustable device comprises at least one controller, a housing, at least one threaded shaft, at least one module, a plurality of shaft member and at least one sheath. The part of the device inserted into a body orifice is the shaft. In a body orifice, the user via the controller rotates clockwise the threaded shaft to increase the girth of the shaft. Then, the user via the controller rotates counter-clockwise the threaded shaft to decrease the girth of the shaft.

Abstract: The inventive film clamping element (10) is held by a lip ring (14) and a vestibular ring (16), between which and possibly beyond which a film (12) extends. The film (12) and also the rings (14, 16) are elastically deformable, and it is provided that the film (12) comprises an attachment (24, 26) each at two positions opposite one another. Between these attachments (24, 26), at least one elastic band (20, 22) extends which is suitable to constrict the film (12) radially towards the inside.

Abstract: A trocar surgical seal or surgical access device is provided. The trocar surgical seal comprises first and second supports coupled together by a film passageway. The trocar surgical seal provides an instrument seal for instruments inserted therethrough. The trocar surgical seal occupies minimal surgical space.

Abstract: A gasket for creating a fluid seal in a medical device includes a flexible base, a flexible hollow body, and a multi-leaflet valve. The flexible hollow body extends along an axis from a hole defined in the flexible base. The flexible hollow body is configured to have a relaxed state in which a cross section of the flexible hollow body has a first shape and a compressed state in which the cross section of the flexible hollow body has a second shape. The multi-leaflet valve is disposed in the flexible hollow body. The compressed state causes the multi-leaflet valve to close to increase (a) a first threshold force or a first threshold pressure differential needed to open the multi-leaflet valve in a distal direction and (b) a second threshold force or a second threshold pressure differential needed to open the multi-leaflet valve in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A tissue guard for use with a surgical access device includes a proximal ring having proximal and distal ends, the distal end configured to operably couple to a ground ring that ultimately electrically connects to an electrical ground. One or more mechanical interfaces extend about the proximal ring and are configured to mechanically engage a rim of an access device to secure the tissue guard thereon. A retention body is configured to operably couple to a distal end of the ground ring, the retention body including a distal end configured to operably engage the access device to secure the tissue guard therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for retracting body tissue in a therapeutic procedure includes a blade having a body portion and a plurality of elongate elements extending from the body portion. The plurality of elongate elements is separated a distance from one another along a length of the body portion and form one or more gaps therebetween. The plurality of elongate elements is connected by one or more cross connectors transverse to the plurality of elongate elements. The retractor blade is configured to permit movement of a lung being retracted.

Abstract: An expandable introducer with embodiments that may include a fastener, tubular member, sleeve and combinations thereof. The sleeve may have a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve may include a slit through the wall, which may allow the sleeve to be decreased in diameter for implantation and/or increased in diameter after implantation for alignment. The sleeve may include two slits in the tubular wall thereby forming two semi-tubular members. The semi-tubular members may be placed separately at the implantation site then aligned to form a tubular member. The tubular member may include threads, pebbles, bumps, ridges, hills, openings and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A surgical access device comprises a seal assembly (51) having a plurality of part circular sealing members (55) each attached to a common ring (53) which is held within the device about its longitudinal axis. In use, the sealing members are located radially inwards of the ring in a stacked relationship. When not within the device, the sealing members are movable from a position radially outwards of the ring to a position radially inwards of the ring. A seal core comprises the seal assembly and a protective member which, in use, is located on the proximal side of the seal assembly. A method of assembling the surgical access device is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cannulated body extending along an axis and having a first working end spaced along the axis from a second working end. The surgical instrument may be used with a fenestrated screw assembly, a delivery unit, and an alignment guide wire. The first working end of the surgical instrument is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction about the axis and the second working end is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction generally transverse to the axis. The first working end may be used to rotate the delivery unit to thereby removably attach the delivery unit to the fenestrated screw assembly. The surgical instrument may be repositioned to engage the second working end with the proximal end of the delivery unit to maintain the rotational position of the delivery unit.

Abstract: A surgical device (21) comprising a deployable peripheral structure (23) for insertion into a human or animal body, and one or more surgical tools (30) disposed at least partially within the deployable peripheral structure and having a plurality of tendons (24, 25, 26, 27) connected thereto operable to manipulate the or each surgical tool.

Abstract: An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted.

Abstract: A rotating assistant port device including a circular elastomeric element, a sleeve coupled to the circular elastomeric element, a sleeve mount coupled to the sleeve opposite the circular elastomeric element, an outer hub removably attached to the sleeve mount, and an inner hub captured between the sleeve mount and the outer hub. The inner hub can include a cannula port. In some embodiments, the assistant port device can be utilized for skin retraction during single port teleoperated robotic surgery.

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to a malleable and integrally illuminated surgical retractor. In an embodiment, a malleable steel strip, having a thickness approximately in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm, may form a substrate. An elastically deformable layer, such as a polymeric layer, may be secured to the malleable steel strip. One or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks, which may elongate and/or compress during bending of the substrate, may be secured to the TPU layer. The one or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks may operate to couple current from an electronics module to one or more malleable illumination sources comprising, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

Abstract: An instrument access device 1 comprises a proximal member 25 for location externally of an opening into a body cavity. A first connector 20 extends between the proximal member 25 and a first instrument receiver 2. A second connector 21 extends between the proximal member and a second instrument receiver 3. Instrument seals can be housed in relatively rigid housings for added strength.

Abstract: A medical dilator includes a keeper section and an auxiliary member. The auxiliary member includes an insertion section configured to be insertable in an opening part, and a support section which is disposed on the insertion section, thereby being inserted in the opening part together with the insertion section, and disposed to cross a direction of insertion of a treatment instrument into the opening part, the support section being configured to support the treatment instrument which is inserted in the opening part.

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to an illuminating surgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and an array of louvers to direct light from the individual illuminating elements toward a surgical field.

Abstract: A protective tissue cover having a sleeve configuration to slide onto the working portion of a surgical instrument, such as a retractor. At least the contact side of the protective tissue cover is constructed from smooth antimicrobial material that minimizes contact irritation with tissue. Alternative embodiments include various multiple-ply constructions that incorporate an antimicrobial layer, an absorbent layer, and other medical layers to assist in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defines a channel therebetween. A series of openings is defined in a distal portion of the tube allowing for fixation of tissue using suction. A flexible member has an initial position disposed alongside the tube and is deployable to a subsequent position in which the flexible member engages a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member is configured to be deployable to automatically assume a shape of a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member includes a bulging region and a tapering region when deployed. The flexible member is releasably attached to the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A bowel retractor device comprising a bendable collar, a flexible planar film, and at least one preformed opening defined in the flexible planar film is disclosed. The at least one preformed opening is configured to retainingly support at least one section of bowel. The at least one preformed opening comprises an open center portion defining a hole in the flexible planar film and a plurality of radially-extending slots extending from an outer perimeter of the hole. Each radially-extending slot comprises a slot width that is different from a diametrical width of the hole to form a plurality of gripping portions extending inward toward the open center portion. The gripping portions are formed for gripping the at least one section of bowel to retainingly support the at least one section of bowel inserted through the open center portion.

Abstract: The draining device 1 is provided with a main body 11 including two side wall members 111 each having a tip end section 111B curved downward, and a connecting portion 12 connecting the side wall members 111. In a manner such that at least upper portions of adjacent side wall members 111 are spaced at a certain distance d and side surfaces 111a of the adjacent side wall members 111 face each other, by connecting the side wall members 111 of the main body 11 with the connecting portion 12, a liquid draining passage R for draining a liquid to a space between adjacent side wall members 111. For this reason, since the liquid inflow cross-sectional area S1 and the passage cross-sectional area S2 increase, it becomes possible to introduce a large amount of liquid into the gap between the side wall members and pass therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cannulated body extending along an axis and having a first working end spaced along the axis from a second working end. The surgical instrument may be used with a fenestrated screw assembly, a delivery unit, and an alignment guide wire. The first working end of the surgical instrument is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction about the axis and the second working end is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction generally transverse to the axis. The first working end may be used to rotate the delivery unit to thereby removably attach the delivery unit to the fenestrated screw assembly. The surgical instrument may be repositioned to engage the second working end with the proximal end of the delivery unit to maintain the rotational position of the delivery unit.

Abstract: A channel retractor with one or more gate tracks to receive one or more slide gates to hold one or more extended retractors away from the surgical access channel running through the extended retractor. The distal ends of the one or more extended retractors held by the one or more slide gates holding tissue distal to the end of the channel retractor to maintain an extended access channel beyond the distal end of the channel retractor. The channel retractor assembly may be used to hold open an extended access channel through the psoas muscle to allow access to the spine or through other tissue in other surgical access techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods of their use, for closing surgical openings or defects in a sidewall of a vessel in a subject. In several embodiments, the disclosed implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods can be used to close a surgical opening in a sidewall of the heart.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical system and, more particularly, to a surgical system and method for verifying calibration of a surgical device. The surgical system or method can be configured to perform the steps of: identifying an interface on an anatomy of a patient, determining a position of a checkpoint of the interface in a coordinate frame of reference, contacting the interface with a portion of a surgical tool of the surgical device, determining a position of the portion of the surgical tool in the coordinate frame of reference, and determining whether the position of the portion of the surgical tool has an expected correspondence to the position of the checkpoint. The interface may comprise a painted portion of a bone of the patient, a divot made in the bone, or a mechanical interface that includes a portion configured to be affixed to the bone and an interface portion that is configured to be contacted by the portion of the surgical tool.

Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a shim that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The shim couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. For example, the shim may include an extension portion configured to engage the retractor blade and a connection portion configured to receive and temporarily lock the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.

Abstract: A protective tissue cover having a sleeve configuration to slide onto the working portion of a surgical instrument, such as a retractor. At least the contact side of the protective tissue cover is constructed from smooth antimicrobial material that minimizes contact irritation with tissue. Alternative embodiments include various multiple-ply constructions that incorporate an antimicrobial layer, an absorbent layer, and other medical layers to assist in surgical procedures.

Abstract: In some implementations, bending or other shape changes of a device are actuated by inflating or deflating a bladder in the device. Then, once the desired new shape is achieved by this actuation, another bladder in the device is layer-jammed, to make the device rigid in the new shape. In some cases, sheets in the layer-jamming bladder are coated with abrasive particles. In some cases, layer jamming bladders are interwoven to form a woven device. The rigidity of the woven device can be anisotropically controlled. Layer jamming some, but not all, of the bladders in the woven device causes the woven device to have a rigidity that varies by direction. In some cases, a layer-jamming bladder includes a solid layer with a crease in it. As a result, the bladder can easily bend at the crease.

Abstract: An introducer includes a housing and a flexible seal. The housing includes a hub, a cap, and a lumen. The flexible seal is positioned across the lumen and retained between the hub and the cap. The seal includes a top surface and a bottom surface, a bottom slit formed in the bottom surface, and a top slit formed in the top surface. The top slit crosses the bottom slit. The seal member is biased by an interface between the hub and the cap to at least partially close the top slit and at least partially open the bottom slit.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly 40 and a tissue retraction assembly 10, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes 23 for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor 15 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly 10 has a plurality of blades 12, 16, 18 which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor 15 to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade 12, 16, 18 to expand the operative corridor 15 adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.