Abstract: A retractor system and related methods for use in spinal surgery procedures, including but not limited to fusing or repairing damaged or deteriorated intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies in the lower lumbar levels. The retractor system includes a plurality of blade assemblies coupled to a handle assembly, wherein each of the blade assemblies may be independently adjusted (e.g. length blade and/or blade angulation and/or blade rotation relative to the handle assembly) to provide unprecedented customization of an operative corridor extending to the surgical target site of the patient such that any number of spinal surgery procedures may be undertaken by a surgeon, including but not limited to spinal fusion procedures at the L5-S1 disc space.

Abstract: Surgical retractors and methods thereof for retracting body tissue in a therapeutic procedure. The surgical retractor may include retractor blades have openings or channels configured to receive bone pins while maintaining accessibility and visibility of the operative window.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly includes a retractor (30, 730, 930) and at least one cylindrical rod (102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902) attached to the retractor. The rod has a fixed length portion (108, 406, 508, 708, 808, 908) and a spring portion (104, 404, 504, 718, 832, 905). The spring portion of the rod has a longitudinal dimension that changes as a function of loading on the rod. When the rod is in contact with a solid surface such as a bone, it maintains contact with such surface even while changing shape due to loading on the rod. When the assembly includes multiple rods attached to the retractor, both spring-based rods and other types of rods may be used in combination.

Abstract: An assembly for retracting soft tissue in a surgical incision is provided, the assembly including a supporting member having first and second ends; a retractor blade having a first distal end and a second proximal end retained at the first end of the support member; a retaining arm which co-operates with the support member and receives and supports a clamping assembly; and an adjusting assembly which engages the support member and allows the clamping assembly to advance and retract relative to the retractor blade.

Abstract: A retractor includes retractor blades and one or more shims coupled to one or more of the retractor blades. The shims can include features configured to fasten the shim to vertebral anatomy. Such features can facilitate the use a K-wire or barbed features. Example disclosed shim designs include those featuring a K-wire feature, a barbed feature, and a K-wire with barb design.

Abstract: A retractor system may provide access to a surgical site along an access pathway surrounded by tissue. In some embodiments, the retractor system may include three arms and four retractor blades, each having a tissue engagement surface. The second arm may translate along a first retraction direction relative to the first arm. The first retractor blade may be securable to the first arm and the second retractor blade may be securable to the second arm. The third arm may have a connection feature that may be removably securable to a connection interface of the second arm. The third retractor blade may be securable to the third arm and the fourth retractor blade may be securable to a rack between the first and second arms. The third and fourth retractor blades may have cross-sectional shapes oriented generally parallel to the first retraction direction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for aiding insertion of a surgical implant by providing a threaded guide tube configured to engage a threaded surgical instrument such that an end-effector of a robot may provide force to drive the surgical implant into a patient. In addition, devices, systems, and methods relating to a dilator system for use with a robotic system that allows independent and separate control of tools within the dilator system.

Abstract: A tissue retraction system comprising a drive gear coupled to a shaft. The tissue retraction system includes a first plurality of linking members located along a second axis and configured to rotate along the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear is rotated. The tissue retraction system includes a linking member selector configured to rotate along the first axis, wherein the linking member selector comprises a cylindrical body integrally formed with a handle. The tissue retraction system includes a right arm assembly, a left arm assembly, and a center arm that are each configured to move along trajectories. The tissue retraction system includes a first retractor blade, a second rector blade, and a third retractor blade. The tissue retraction system includes an array with tracking markers.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating brain surgery performed through an opening having a rim, created in the skull of a patient and having a curved frame, defining an inward dimension and an outward dimension. Also, at least one clamp arm subassembly is attached to the frame, and has a clamp arm frame clamp, releasably attached to the frame; a clamp arm having a longitudinal dimension, releasably held and supported by the clamp arm frame clamp, and adjustable relative to the frame clamp along the longitudinal dimension; and a skull clamp, supported by the arm, and adapted to clamp onto the rim. Further included is at least one spatula arm subassembly, which has a spatula arm frame clamp, releasably attached to the frame; a spatula arm held and supported by the spatula arm frame clamp; and a spatula extending from the inward end of the spatula arm of the spatula arm subassembly.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system including a retractor tube, one or more modular independent retractor extension clips removably engageable with the retractor tube to deflect and minimize tissue creep, and a deployment instrument for deploying and recovering retractor extension clips.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: An oral retraction device comprises a tongue depressor blade, an articulation assembly constructed and arranged to articulate the tongue depressor blade with at least three degrees of freedom, and a support element constructed and arranged to provide a stabilizing force to the articulation assembly during articulation of the tongue depressor blade.

Abstract: A screw-based retractor comprises an elongate rack having a rack axis, a plurality of arms slidably supported for translational movement on the rack, and a plurality of blades, one each supported by a respective arm at a distal portion thereof. At least one of the arms includes at its distal portion a blade releasably attached thereto. Such blade is attached to a blade receptacle movably attached to the at least one arm in a manner to provide articulation of the blade receptacle and hence the attached blade about an articulation point spaced from and not located on such arm. Such blade is additionally movable relative to the rack in multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Surgical retractors and methods thereof for retracting body tissue in a therapeutic procedure. The surgical retractor may include retractor blades have openings or channels configured to receive bone pins while maintaining accessibility and visibility of the operative window.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A jaw exerciser for providing passive motion therapy such as that used to treat trismus is provided. The jaw exerciser has a user-adjustable distance between the upper jaw support and the lower jaw support. The jaw exerciser includes a shaft, a first or upper jaw support frame including a first jaw support, a second or lower jaw support frame including a second jaw support, a distance adjuster which may be in the form of a jack screw for manually adjusting the distance between the first jaw support and the second jaw support, and a retaining screw. The jack screw may be received by the second or lower jaw support frame and engage the first or upper jaw support frame. Removable bite pads may optionally be provided for installing on the first jaw support and the second jaw support.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises a support comprising a first mating part comprising a shaft, which defines a longitudinal axis, extending therefrom. At least one tissue engaging member extends between a first end defining a first axis and a second end defining a second axis and having a tissue engaging surface disposed along the second axis. The first end comprises a second mating part comprising a wall that defines an elongated cavity disposed along the first axis and being configured to receive the shaft such that the first axis and the longitudinal axis are co-axial. The wall is engageable with the shaft to align the second mating part with the first mating part such that the second axis intersects the longitudinal axis. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.

Abstract: Provided is a muscle retractor for spine surgery including: first and second retractors having blades configured to support a spine and muscles, and insertion blocks extending from the blades and having facing open surfaces; an expander having expansion arms slidably inserted into the insertion blocks of the first and second retractors, a gear rack movably installed at both of the expansion arms and having a gear section formed at one surface thereof, and a ratchet installed at the expansion arm moving along the gear rack and locked to or released from the gear section of the gear rack; a slider accessibly inserted into the blade of the first retractor or the second retractor in a projected state; and an auxiliary plate pivotally installed at a lower portion of the blade of the first retractor of the first and second retractors supporting the muscles.

Abstract: An illuminated medical system comprises a medical instrument and a light transmitting waveguide. The waveguide projects lights from a distal portion of the waveguide toward a target area. The waveguide is formed primarily of a cyclic olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin polymer.

Abstract: A trans-soft tissue anchor implantation system in one embodiment includes a positioning wire having a tissue penetrating distal tip, a cannula for passage through the soft tissue and a suture anchor. The cannula has an axial lumen therethrough sized to accommodate at least the positioning wire, a thin-walled distal portion and a tissue engaging feature, such as an arcuate groove, on at least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula proximal of and adjacent to the distal portion. Tissue, such as a tendon, expands into the groove allowing a surgeon to manipulate the tissue with the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical head holder and accessories for use with the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes two wings pivotally coupled that adjust the angle therebetween. Arcuate base members are coupled to the wings to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base. A table attachment supports the horseshoe shaped head support and is adapted to be selectively and rigidly coupled to an operating table. The table attachment includes a vertical body, a horizontal generally u-shaped bar adjustably intersecting therewith, and an attachment member extending therefrom for coupling to the operating table. Various neurosurgical accessories may be rigidly coupled to the table attachment.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe (100) includes an elongate handle (102) with first and second end regions (101, 103). The probe (100) further includes first and second blade sections (104, 112). The first blade section (104) is attached to the first end region (101) and extends in a direction away from the first end region. The second blade section (112) is movably attached to the first end region (101) and extends in the same direction as the first blade section (104). The second blade section (112) is configured to move between a first position in which the second blade section (112) is next to the first blade section (104) and a second position in which the second blade section (112) is further away from the first blade section (104). The probe (100) further includes transducer array (110) affixed to the first blade section (104) opposite the first end region (101) and in between the first and second blade sections (102, 104).

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical procedure, and related systems, for creating a minimally invasive operating corridor from a generally lateral approach, for example for performing corpectomies in the lumbar and thoracic regions of the spine.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal procedures is disclosed. The retractor includes a first frame member defining a first recess and a second frame member pivotally connected to the first frame member. The second frame member defines a second recess. The retractor further includes a first blade assembly operably received within the first recess and a second blade assembly operably received within the second recess. The first blade assembly includes a first blade configured to pivot relative to the first frame member and a first blade extender selectively extendable from the first blade. The second blade assembly includes a second blade configured to translate within the second recess and a second blade extender selectively extendable from the second blade.

Abstract: Papillary muscle position control devices (900) systems and methods are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, a papillary muscle position control device generally comprises a first anchor (905), a second anchor (920), and a support structure (915). The first anchor can be configured to fixedly connect to an in situ valve of a heart ventricle. The second anchor can be configured to fixedly connect to a muscle wall of the valve. The support structure can be configured to have an adjustable length and be coupled to the first anchor and second anchor such that adjusting the length of the support structure varies a distance between the first anchor and the second anchor. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A method for retraction useable in joint arthroplasty. The method includes using a joint retractor having a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first portion and a second portion and the second arm having a first portion and a second portion. The retractor is inserted into a surgical opening of a patient's shoulder joint. The second portion of the first arm is placed against the coracoid process and the second portion of the second arm is placed against the resected humerus. The first portions of the first and second arms are hung over the resected tissue to allow exposure of the glenoid.

Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A multiple piece tongue blade is described. The multiple piece tongue blade is provided with a step and a tip. The stem is adapted to be inserted into a handle of a surgical retractor. The tip is adapted to be selectively attached to the stem. The tip is insertable into a mouth of a patient such that the tip applies pressure onto a tongue of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical port includes a port body having a lumen extending therethrough and a plate having an opening. The port body may be made from foam. The port is configured such that rotation of the plate with respect to the port body aligns the opening and lumen defining a passage therethrough for the insertion of surgical instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rib spreader including a stationary arm having a first bent portion; a first hook having a contact surface to contact with one incision plane of a sternum of human, and attached to the stationary arm ahead of the first bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range; a rack fixed to the base end of the stationary arm at a predetermined angle and curved archwise; a movable arm supported at the base end of the movable arm by the rack so as to be movable along the rack, to thereby vary the distance from the stationary arm; and a second hook having a contact surface to contact with the other incision plane, and is attached to the movable arm ahead of the second bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range.

Abstract: A supplementary blade for a speculum is disclosed, the speculum having a plurality of primary blades movable relative to each other for opening and closing, wherein the supplementary blade comprises an anchor portion attachable to the speculum and a blade portion movable with respect to the anchor portion, and the blade portion is shaped to interact with at least one of the primary blades to move into an extended position in response to opening of the primary blades. A speculum is disclosed having a plurality of primary blades movable relative to each other for opening and closing, wherein at least one of the blades comprises a means for attaching a supplementary blade thereto to increase the functional length of the at least one blade.

Abstract: An anterior cervical retractor comprises a first medial-lateral retractor body having a base arm and a moving arm and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may be side loading or top loading. The cervical retractor comprises a second cranial-caudal retractor body having a pair of moving arms and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may have an adjustable angulation. The retractor blades may also be fixed to the spine and provide distraction upon operation of the second retractor body. The blades of the first retractor body and/or the second retractor body may be coupled to light elements that illuminate the operative corridor between the blades.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes proximal and distal shaft components, an articulation assembly, and an outer sleeve. The shaft components are pivotably coupled to one another. The distal shaft component is articulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a substantially aligned configuration and an articulated configuration. The articulation assembly includes a rack and a pinion gear engaged with one another. The rack and the pinion gear cooperate to permit incremental articulation of the distal shaft component relative to the proximal shaft component between the substantially aligned and articulated configurations. The outer sleeve is disposed about the proximal shaft component and is manipulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a first position and a second position for articulating the distal shaft component between the substantially aligned configuration and the articulated configuration.

Abstract: A retraction apparatus and method are disclosed that provide optimized access to a surgical site. In one form, a retraction frame has a retraction opening with two sets of blades operating therein. The blades are used to sequentially retract the tissue from about an incision. The sequential retraction of the blades generates only narrow gaps between the blades so that tissue and blood encroachment during the surgical procedure are minimized.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a surgical retractor having two blade-supporting arms, which are mounted to be laterally slideable towards and apart from each other by a toothed rack. Each arm supports a respective retractor blade. In some embodiments, the retractor blades are curved in the same direction as each other so that the first blade is concave in the first direction, and a second blade is also concave in the same direction. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, a cushioned material or cushioned sleeve is present on the blades where the blades contact the anatomy. The cushioned material or sleeve may be made of a soft silicone. Further, the cushioned material or sleeve may be coated or molded onto the blade structure, or may be a removable sleeve that is manually slid onto or off of the blade structure. Also, alternatively or in addition in some embodiments, blade-mounted lighting may be provided.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction 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 self-retaining retractor and surgical method of retracting integument at a surgical site comprising a medial arm moveably connected to a first end of an extension arm. The extension arm is connected to a lateral arm. The connection may be made after the medial arm is in the surgical site. The extension arm may be moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The medial arm or the lateral arm may include a surgical instrument holder, such as a holder for an endoscope. A locking mechanism may be used to lock the retractor in a deployed position. A strap may also be used to secure the retractor.

Abstract: A surgical site retractor is configured to retract tissue, such as in an intercostal procedure. The retractor may be formed from non-radiopaque material for improved monitoring via x-ray imaging. The retractor may have a rigid retractor and a soft tissue retractor, where the rigid retractor has a plurality of legs and the soft tissue retractor extends between the legs to prevent soft tissue from extending between said legs. The retractor may have a bendable arm with an implement holder, such as distal cuff or clip adapted to resiliently hold an implement such as a tube of an elongated port-access device. A method involves partly installing the surgical site retractor, expanding the surgical site retractor, deploying the surgical implement from outside the body through the incision and into the patient, resiliently capturing the implement with the holder of the arm, and bending the arm to hold the implement in a desired position.

Abstract: A portal for accessing a desired lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a laminoplasty portal is presented that defines an interior conduit and has a first sidewall section and a second sidewall section.

Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors for vaginal repairs, which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may have occluders that may partially or substantially block or absorb fluids, for example, from or around the cervix. The retractors may incorporate built-in light sources. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The retractor may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: A length adjustable cannula includes: a pipe-like main body having a through hole formed therein and an outer circumferential surface on which a screw thread is formed; a base grip provided at an end of the main body; an inner support plate provided at another end of the main body; and an outer support plate thread-coupled with the outer circumferential surface of the main body, the outer support plate being movable along the screw thread in a lengthwise direction of the main body. A position of the outer support plate is adjusted based on a distance from an outside skin to a medical treatment region of a human body, such that the outer support plate is brought into contact with the outside skin and the inner support plate is brought into contact with and supported by an inside skin of the human body.

Abstract: An anterior cervical retractor comprises a retractor body having a base arm and a moving arm and a pair of retractor blades having a side loading blade and a top loading blade. The base arm includes a first track and a side loading connector. The first track extends perpendicularly from a proximal end of the base arm and the first track includes an articulating arm post and a gear teeth. The moving arm is located opposite to the base arm and includes a first track receptacle and a top loading connector. The moving arm is advanced along the first track by means of a knob extending from the base arm. The side loading blade includes a first blade portion and a first connection post and the top loading blade includes a second blade portion and a second connection post.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.

Abstract: A surgical port includes a port body having a lumen extending therethrough and a plate having an opening. The port body may be made from foam. The port is configured such that rotation of the plate with respect to the port body aligns the opening and lumen defining a passage therethrough for the insertion of surgical instruments.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

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