Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a blade having first and second opposing surfaces, a handle extending in a first direction at an angle from a proximal end of the blade, an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source positioned to directly emit light toward a distal end of the blade, wherein the first surface of the blade faces away from the first direction, the illumination assembly abuts the first surface of the blade, and the illumination assembly includes a cover partially enclosing the at least one light source and abutting the first surface of the blade.

Abstract: A bite block includes a body defining a first side wall, a second side wall, a first bite surface extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a second bite surface extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. A window is formed as part of the first side wall, an LED is positioned within the body and positioned to emit light through the window, and a power supply is positioned within the body and is connected to the LED. A switch is positioned within the body and is actuatable through the second side wall to selectively provide power to the LED.

Abstract: Cardiac surgery retractor which comprises a baseband formed by a first base and a second base, mutually arranged in a perpendicular manner and forming a cross-section of the baseband in the shape of an L, the second base being planar and the first base having a curved geometry; the baseband incorporating a fin formed by a profile with a cross-section also in the shape of an L and the fin being articulated at the second base of the baseband, at a lateral edge of the second base contiguous to the contact thereof with the first base of the same baseband; such that in one position of the joint of the fin, one of the sides of the L profile forming the fin is the continuation of the same second base and the other side of the same L profile of the fin is the continuation of the first base.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a blade, a handle, a curved section and an illumination assembly. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. The curved section connects the handle to the blade. The illumination assembly includes at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source. The illumination assembly is attachable to the curved section.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor embodiment includes a blade, a handle, a curved section and an illumination assembly. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. The curved section connects the handle to the blade. The illumination assembly includes at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source. In an embodiment, the blade, handle, and curved section are molded from a glass-fiber reinforced polymer.

Abstract: An illumination element such as an optical waveguide for illuminating a surgical field in a patient has a light input section, a light transmitting section, and a light output section. The light input section is optically coupled to a proximal section of the light transmitting section and inputs light into the illumination element. The light transmitting section transmits the light preferably by total internal reflection or by other transmission means. The light output section is adjacent a distal section of the light transmitting section which has a light extraction area from which the light exits with an energy density. The light extraction area is large enough to maintain the energy density at a level that prevents melting of the illumination element or burning of the patient, and the light extraction area has a profile that does not interfere with access to the surgical field.

Abstract: A handpiece tip includes an optical waveguide with a proximal input end for receiving electromagnetic energy and a distal output end for emitting electromagnetic energy. The tip has an eyeball engagement surface with a concave contour, and has an oppositely facing eyelid engagement surface with a convex contour. The distal output end of the waveguide is located at the eyelid engagement surface.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a blade, a handle, a curved section and an illumination assembly. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. The curved section connects the handle to the blade. The illumination assembly includes at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source. The illumination assembly is attachable to the curved section.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member comprising an end surface. A second member includes a flange and a first groove having a holding member movably disposed therein. A third member includes a lip and a second groove having the holding member movably disposed therein. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to an axis defined by the third member. The holding member is movable between a first configuration in which the holding member is disposed in the second groove and first and second portions of the holding member are positioned in the first groove and a second configuration in which the holding member is spaced apart from the second groove and the first and second portions of the holding member are spaced apart from the first groove. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for surgery includes a first arm member and a second arm member movable in relation to one another in a same plane through a pivoted portion, in an open and closed position, that is controlled by a pair of handles; at least one through hole is made onto one of the arm members; and a first blade and a second blade, each defined by a tip, a body and a base, perpendicularly extended in parallel from the first and second arm members respectively; wherein both blades have a substantially flat portion started from the tip to the body followed by an expanded portion around the base attached on the arm members that the expanded portion defines a groove therein enclosing the through hole in the closed position.

Abstract: A speculum includes upper and lower members and a linear support member. The upper member includes an upper blade. The lower member includes a lower blade and a handle portion. The lower blade includes a support structure at a proximal end thereof which extends vertically on the right or left side of the lower blade, and a handle portion extending downwardly from the lower blade and defining a vertical track. The linear support member has a proximal end pivotally connected to the upper blade, a distal end, and an elongated body between the proximal and distal ends. The elongated body slidably engages the vertical track of the handle portion. The linear support member is formed with a hidden slot which slidably receives the support structure of the lower blade.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and apparatuses for the efficient provision of directed illumination to a subdermal surgical field that is attachable to or completely forms a surgical retractor blade. Medical systems, devices and apparatuses for illuminating tissues and surgical work spaces within the body during surgery, especially during minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A rotational stabilizing locking apparatus for a surgical retractor is disclosed. The, rotational stabilizing locking apparatus may be a locking cap that includes a central body having a surgical aperture extending from a first side of the central body to a second opposed side of the central body. The central body may include an attachment arm extending away from the surgical aperture. Also, a first interfacing prong may extend from the first side of the central body. The first interfacing prong may include a first light source guide element along an extent of the first interfacing prong. Additionally, the locking cap may be applied to an inner arcuate blade nested inside an outer arcuate blade having a coupling aperture. The inner arcuate blade may include a prong slot for receiving the first interfacing prong. Also, a coupling tab of the inner arcuate blade may be disposed within the coupling aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated dental prop for holding a patient's mouth open during dental procedures. The illuminated dental prop is completely disposed within the patient's mouth during use and includes a body portion and a lighting assembly that is selectively detachable from the body to allow for intense sterilization of the components after use. Under certain embodiments of the invention, the body portion and/or the lighting assembly will be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor. The light output portion of the illuminator contains from two to eight output zones, each zone having specially designed output optical structures that control and direct light to escape the illuminator to shine onto a predetermined area of interest or to form one or more predetermined shapes or footprints.

Abstract: A formix manipulator includes a collar and stabilizer. The collar has a first end and a second end, the second end having an opening and diameter greater than the first end and the first end having an opening to receive a cervix into the collar. The stabilizer has a base portion defining a guide hole and a plurality of prongs extending from the base portion to contact the first end of the collar.

Abstract: The invention is a simple surgical drape system for female urology procedures that provides sealed isolation of top versus bottom sides of the drape and only exposes the female urethral meatus area for the procedure. It is achieved by a combination of a drape with a fenestration, a labia spreader where the drape fenestration is attached to provide a seal, and local illumination of the meatus area integrated in the drape system for safer and easier instrument insertion. The labia spreader also frees up one of the operator's hands and provides protection for false catherization. The labia spreader can have a vaginal inserted portion for precise position fixation of the drape fenestration to the female. The drape system also provides improved liquid management made possible by the unique combination of drape and labia spreader acting as seal between the two sides of the drape.

Abstract: A surgical access system including an access port device. The port device has a port member, a plurality of blades, and an articulation mechanism. The blades are circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the port member to collectively define an access region. The articulation mechanism defines a pivot point along a length of each blade, and is operable to articulate the blades between collapsed and expanded states. The blade tips collectively define a diameter in the collapsed state that is less than that in the expanded state. The blades rotate about the corresponding pivot point, and the pivot points move longitudinally relative to the port member, in transitioning between the contracted and expanded states. Light source(s) can be integrated with the blades or separately provided to enhance surgical field visibility.

Abstract: A medical surgical device for coloproctological pathologies comprises a tubular body (2), provided with a first end (5), which can be inserted into the anal cavity, and a second end (6), opposite the first end (5) and connected to a handle (7) for maneuvering the tubular body (2) inside the anal cavity. A light source (8) for illuminating the inside of the tubular body (2) can be removably connected to the tubular body (2). Downstream of the light source (8) is located an entraining body (10) for entraining a portion of the light emitted by the light source (8) toward the inserting end (5). The entraining body (10) comprises a thickening (11) on the internal wall (3).

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

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: A surgical retractor includes an outer ring unit, a tubular retraction membrane made of a resilient material and including an inner surface defining a passageway, and a lighting unit. The tubular retraction membrane has an outer tubular end connected to the outer ring unit and rollable about the outer ring unit. The lighting unit is connected to an inner tubular end of the retraction membrane and includes a light-emitting ring, and a heat-dissipation ring in contact with the light-emitting ring.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first top structure and a conical outer wall. The first top structure has a first opening. The outer wall extends below the first top structure to form an ellipse-shaped second opening in communication with the first opening. The second component includes a second top structure and conical inner wall. The second top structure has a third. The inner wall extends below the second top structure to form an ellipse-shaped fourth opening in communication with the third opening. The second top structure of the second component is disposed at least partially inside the first top structure of the first component such that the second component is rotatably adjustable with respect to the first component.

Abstract: A medical device 1 for colo-proctological pathologies, comprising a retractor body 2, having a distal end 3 and a proximal end 4, a handle 7 connected to the retractor body 2, and illuminating means 16, located internally of a cavity 12 fashioned internally of the proximal end 4, for generating a light beam internally of the retractor body 2.

Abstract: A tongue depressor for illuminating an oral cavity, the tongue depressor including a handle which includes a light source and a switch for connecting a power supply to the light source. The tongue depressor also includes a blade for depressing the tongue, the blade being removably coupled to the handle, and wherein coupling the blade to the handle actuates the switch so that light emitted from the light source is transmitted by the blade into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A surgical illumination system includes a retractor having a proximal handle portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a surgical field and retraction of body tissue, and a light guide disposed on the retractor, said light guide having a distal surface adapted to face the surgical field when in use in retracting body tissue away from a surgical field, and a proximal aperture adapted to receive light from a light engine or other light source wherein a portion of the distal surface adapted to face the surgical field is faceted with a plurality of facets, ridges, steps or shoulders, wherein the distally oriented surface of said facets, ridges, steps or shoulders are angled relative to the axis of the light guide and the location of the surgical field such that light passing through the light guide is emitted and directed toward the surgical field.

Abstract: A surgical suction instrument having multiple LEDs for selectively providing illumination as light of different wavelengths at the tip thereof. Typically, at least one of the LEDs is chosen to emit polychromatic white light. Individual switches operable by either the surgeon or another member of the surgical team allow any combination of the LEDs to be energized, thereby creating numerous combinations of light wavelength from the novel surgical suction instrument. Control of the intensity of one or more of the LEDs may be provided to further determine the character of the composite light emitted from the multiple LEDs. The LEDs may be powered by self-contained batteries or from an external power source. The device may either be a single use, disposable device or, in alternate embodiments, may be a device intended for multiple uses and capable of withstanding sterilization.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first top structure and a conical outer wall. The first top structure has a first opening. The outer wall extends below the first top structure to form an ellipse-shaped second opening in communication with the first opening. The second component includes a second top structure and conical inner wall. The second top structure has a third. The inner wall extends below the second top structure to form an ellipse-shaped fourth opening in communication with the third opening. The second top structure of the second component is disposed at least partially inside the first top structure of the first component such that the second component is rotatably adjustable with respect to the first component.

Abstract: Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a ring structure and a conical outer wall. The ring structure has a first opening and defines a first plane. The outer wall forms an ellipse-shaped second opening in communication with the first opening and extends below the ring structure at an acute angle with respect to the first plane. The second component includes a top structure and a conical inner wall. The top structure has a third opening and defines a second plane. The inner wall forms an ellipse-shaped fourth opening in communication with the third opening and extends below the top structure at an acute angle with respect to the second plane. The top structure is disposed at least partially inside the ring structure such that the second component is rotatably adjustable with respect to the first component.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that is movably connected with respect to the upper blade. The lower blade member includes an integrated handle portion having a receiving cavity configured for interchangeably receiving one of a first illumination assembly and a substantially different second illumination assembly. The first illumination assembly differs from the second illumination assembly by at least one structural and/or functional aspect, such as the form of power supply, the type of light source and physical size of the assembly housing.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor. The light output portion of the illuminator contains from two to eight output zones, each zone having specially designed output optical structures that control and direct light to escape the illuminator to shine onto a predetermined area of interest or to form one or more predetermined shapes or footprints.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

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 method and instruments for performing breast augmentation mammaplasty in a patient are provided. The method includes making an incision to gain access to an area underneath the breast of the patient, and providing a retractor including a shaft and a tubular member connected to the shaft. The tubular member includes a hollow endoscope guide portion and a generally flattened blade portion, where the endoscope guide portion transitions into the blade portion such that an end of the blade extends beyond an end of the endoscope guide. The method further includes inserting the retractor at least partially through the incision to aid in placing a breast implant within the patient.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes 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 to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a ring structure and a conical outer wall. The ring structure has a first opening and defines a first plane. The outer wall forms a second opening in communication with the first opening and extends below the ring structure at an acute angle with respect to the first plane. The second component includes a top structure and conical inner wall. The top structure has a third opening and defines a second plane. The inner wall forms a fourth opening in communication with the third opening and extends below the top structure at an acute angle with respect to the second plane. The top structure of the second component is disposed at least partially inside the ring structure of the first component such that the second component is rotatably adjustable with respect to the first component.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.

Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member supporting a pair of retracting elements to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth, with a light source housed in the supporting member. An optical device for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source inside the mouth extends along the supporting member and/or along the retracting elements.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular retractor system including a set of interchangeable body modules, the body modules including mechanisms for forming retractors and slot mechanisms for connecting blades, and blades including locking mechanisms for locking inside the slot mechanisms. A method of using the retractor system by forming a retractor by using at least one body module, attaching blades to the body module, inserting the retractor into a surgical area, retracting tissue, removing retraction from the tissue, and removing the retractor.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that is movably connected with respect to the upper blade. The lower blade member includes an integrated handle portion having a receiving cavity configured for interchangeably receiving one of a first illumination assembly and a substantially different second illumination assembly. The first illumination assembly differs from the second illumination assembly by at least one structural and/or functional aspect, such as the form of power supply, the type of light source and physical size of the assembly housing.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for defining and illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space near a vessel (such as the radial artery or the basilic vein) during a procedure for harvesting the vessel, wherein the illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section that has a non-liner shape, and includes a second elongate section releasably connected to the first elongate section, wherein a portion of the second elongate section defines an illumination input end portion, which is optically coupled to a light source to substantially illuminate the second elongate section, and further including an insertion area positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to allow the second elongate section to be inserted into the first elongate section.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for defining and illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space near a vessel (such as the saphenous vein or radial artery) during a procedure for harvesting the vessel, wherein the illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section that has an at least partially tapered width, and includes a second elongate section releasably connected to the first elongate section, wherein a portion of the second elongate section defines an illumination input end portion, which is optically coupled to a light source to substantially illuminate the second elongate section, and further including an insertion area positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to allow the second elongate section to be inserted into the first elongate section.