Abstract: A blade extending tower for setting blade depth on retractors having telescoping or extending blades. The blade extending tower features a base, a column extending from the base, and mating features on the column configured to engage the blades of a retractor to extend the blades to a desired blade depth. Blade depth of the retractor is set buy sliding the retractor onto the blade extending tower such that the mating features of the blade extending tower engage the blades or the retractor, stopping the blades progression while the rest of the retractor continues along the length of the column. Thus the blades of the retractor are extended from the retractor to a depth determined by the configuration of the blade extending tower.

Abstract: An expandable port for minimally invasive surgery includes a first section, a second section, and at least one intermediate section. The port is expandable from a closed configuration in which the first section is proximate the second section along at least a portion of a length of the first section to an expanded configuration in which the first section is spaced apart from the second section. The intermediate portion spans a gap between the first section and the second section when the port is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Devices for use during surgical or non-surgical procedures can move items from the field of view or work space. Retraction of items during any surgical or non-surgical procedure moves the items from the field of view or work space. The flexibility and compactness of a retraction device can make it suitable for surgery, especially minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.

Abstract: A supplementary blade for a speculum, 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 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. A speculum comprising first and second blades whose opening and closing is controlled by manipulating respective handles, wherein at least one of the handles comprises ratchet means engageable by the other of said handles.

Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical retractor may be provided for a surgical procedure such as spinal surgery. The surgical retractor may include a separator, a first and second blade holder coupled to the separator, and blade assemblies coupled to the blade holders. The separator may move the blade holders to change the position of the first blade holder relative to the second blade holder. The blade assemblies may retract tissue of a patient. An activator of a blade holder may be used to rotate a first blade of the blade assembly. Rotating the first blade tilts the blade assembly to create a larger opening at a distal end of the retractor. In some embodiments, side blades may be placed in 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: A surgical retractor device includes a frame and at least one retracting member configured for being secured to the collapsible frame. The retracting member is formed from a spring-biased rotatable member, a tension line secured at a proximal end to the spring-biased rotatable member, and a tissue securing member disposed at a distal end of the tension line. In certain embodiments, the surgical retractor may be collapsible and delivered laparoscopically to the resection site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a pair of small grips that are disposed at the ends of arms that can be moved toward or away from each other. The grips engage and separate the sides of an incision that has been made in a patient. A lifting mechanism that can be attached to one of the arms enables one side of the incision to be raised relative to the other side of the incision. The lifting mechanism includes a clamp that can be connected to the retractor and a foot that is connected to the clamp and which is movable relative thereto. The foot is engageable with the patient such that extension of the foot causes a selected grip to be raised. Retraction of the foot permits the selected grip to be lowered. In the preferred embodiment, the foot is disposed at one end of a notched rack; a rotatable pinion is in contact with the notches to extend and contract the rack; and a pivotally movable pawl permits movement of the rack in one direction and prevents movement of the rack in the other direction.

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.

Abstract: A heart stabilizer that may include a wrist which couples an end effector to a first linkage. The end effector and wrist may be inserted through an incision in the chest of a patient to assist in performing a minimally invasive coronary procedure. The wrist provides dexterity so that the end effector can be placed on the heart to stabilize the same. The end effector may include a pair of paddles that are moved between open and closed positions by a pair of manually actuated levers. The paddles may have cleats that allow sutures to be attached to the stabilizer during a minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus in which a surgical retractor comprises a plurality of mechanically coupled tissue retaining walls that are guided into position along one or more guides previously implanted into the patient. The walls are preferably coupled by pivots, so that separating some of the walls from one another opens an operating space. There are preferably two guides, which are driven or screwed into the pedicles of vertebrae, or other bone. Oversized channels are best disposed in a frame, which also serves to hold lock the walls apart. Various convenience features are contemplated including a web disposed between the walls, which expands as the walls are separated. Also contemplated are projections from near the bottoms of one or more of the walls, which can alternatively or additionally help to hold the underlying tissue in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for releasing a positioning device from a locked position. The positioning device has a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member which permits rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction. The releasing mechanism comprises a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member. Engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.

Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.

Abstract: An expandable surgical retractor for use in minimal incision surgery is disclosed. The retractor consists of a fiber optic central rod surrounded by flexible wires designed to create an open space for visualization and surgical work within an illuminated surgical field. The flexible wires are disposed via selective pressure of the surgeon and are variable in number. The configuration will allow for both forward and back illumination of the surgical field. The expandable surgical retractor allows for surgical visualization in anatomical areas heretofore too complicated for surgical consideration. Other embodiments of the expandable surgical retractor are contemplated wherein a handle with an aperture may replace the central rod. The flexible wires may fit in openings around the aperture. The handle, in this embodiment, may have a light source and may be adapted to be used in select areas of anatomy. Further, the handle may be transparent.

Abstract: A heart stabilizer that may include a wrist which couples an end effector to a first linkage. The end effector and wrist may be inserted through an incision in the chest of a patient to assist in performing a minimally invasive coronary procedure. The wrist provides dexterity so that the end effector can be placed on the heart to stabilize the same. The end effector may include a pair of paddles that are moved between open and closed positions by a pair of manually actuated levers. The paddles may have cleats that allow sutures to be attached to the stabilizer during a minimally invasive procedure.

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.

Abstract: A retractor with devices that allow a surgeon to control the amount of retractor force. The retractor may include a first blade and a second blade. The second blade can be moved by a gear mechanism. A torque measuring device, force measuring device and/or slip clutch may be coupled to the gear mechanism. The torque measuring device may have a readout that displays the amount of torque being applied by the surgeon to the retractor. The readout provides accurate feedback that allows the surgeon to gauge the amount of force being applied to the patient. Likewise the force measuring device may provide a visual indication of the actual force being applied by the retractor onto the patient. The slip clutch may actuate at a threshold torque to prevent an excessive exertion of force on a patient.

Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described to manipulate the position of the heart to provide surgical access to lateral and posterior portions of the heart. A jack apparatus connected to a surgical retractor can be positioned in the surgical cavity to produce a sideways force on the heart. A tripod apparatus can be used to hold up the heart into a desired position. A band can be attached to the heart to rotate its position. Fingers attached to the bottom of a blade on a surgical retractor can be used to manipulate the hearts position.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a tissue structure within a thoracic cavity of a patient includes the step of providing a tissue positioning tool having a shaft, a tool support apparatus and a tissue supporting member releasably connectable to the shaft. The tool support apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to secure the shaft to the tool support apparatus. The tool support apparatus is positioned on an outer surface of a patient's chest and at least a portion of the shaft and the tissue supporting member are introduced into the patient's thoracic cavity. The tissue supporting member is attached to the portion of the shaft that is disposed within the patient so as to contact a tissue structure. A force is applied to the shaft to displace the tissue structure and the shaft is locked to the tool support apparatus with the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors having improved blades for use, on the retractor and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes a plurality of grooves on the bottom surface thereof and a plurality of blades having a member that is releasably received in the grooves and which also allows for the pivotal movement of the blades relative to the arms of the retractor and further including nesting blades having a third section which is generally linear and second sections which are preferably curved about 180 degrees to allow for the simplified insertion of the blades into the chest incision and the providing for the secur

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site wherein the device includes a stabilizer having a base portion with elongate extending members that surround the sides of an aperture area and an end portion which is removable from the base portion and which surrounds the remaining side of the aperture area and wherein the stabilizer is preferably used in combination with a pair of flexible connectors that are threaded through the tissue adjacent to the aperture area to draw the tissue into contact with the aperture area of stabilizer and into contact with a pair of tab members extending from the bottom surface of the stabilizer such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel is occluded by tab members when the flexible connectors are releasably attached to the stabilizer.

Abstract: A heart stabilizer includes a shaft and two articulating arms coupled to a distal end of the shaft. At the end of each arm is a rotatable foot adapted to be angled relative to the heart wall contour and apply pressure against the wall of the heart to effectively eliminate motion of the heart wall between the feet. The stabilizer is adapted to provide a stabilized area sufficiently large to allow an accurate anastomosis to be performed. According to preferred aspects of the invention, the stabilizer is particularly adapted to be collapsible (foldable) to be inserted through the port device and locked longitudinally relative thereto. The stabilizer is also preferably adapted to be automatically deployed into its final configuration by release of a lock actuated at a proximal portion of stabilizer extending outside the port. In addition, the stabilizer is adapted to automatically fold when being pulled back through the port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedures the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally and rotatably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a device to lock or fictionally hold the bifurcated member in a desired position both on the organ and relative to the handle segment during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum consisting of two blades pivotally interconnected through a fork-like member so that the blades can be expanded and fixed in an expanded state in order to dilate the vagina for observing the condition of the vagina cavity. The device is characterized by having adjustable blades, which can be withdrawn partially or completely for replacement with blades of other dimensions without withdrawing the entire speculum from the vagina. In a closed state, the distal ends of the blades form a bifocal lens, which can be used for visually detecting changes, associated with an earlier stage of cancer or erosion. Provision of retractable blades makes it possible for a physician to withdraw the blades in an alternating sequence for exposing one of the walls of the vagina cavity by pressing down with the longer blade on the opposite wall.

Abstract: A port device includes tubular body with a distal swivel, a platform movable along the length of the port body, and preferably three legs movable relative to the platform. The tubular body is inserted through the chest wall, and the platform is then positioned over the proximal end of the tubular body and adjusted such that feet on the legs contact the chest wall and clamp the chest wall between the feet and the swivel. The legs may be individually adjusted to provide the tubular body at a desired angle relative to the chest wall. According to preferred aspects of the port device, the platform may be ratcheted relative to the port body and the feet may be ratcheted relative to the platform to permit rapid adjustment of the port relative to the patient.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space between a vessel, such as the saphenous vein, and the subcutaneous tissue when the illuminated retractor is used to retract the subcutaneous tissue away from the superior surface of the vessel, the illuminated surgical retractor having a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section and a second elongate section that is releasably connected to the first elongate section and a portion of the second elongate section defining an illumination input end portion which is optically coupled to a light source so that the second elongate section is substantially illuminated, and, a shroud member is positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to aid in the dissection of the intervening tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly kit for an apparatus for simultaneously obtaining a biological sample and measuring the electrical resistance of said sample at at least two different frequencies for diagnosis of a condition of said sample. The assembly kit of the invention includes a main case; an aspirating needle adapted to be connected to the main case; a liquid collector adapted to be connected to said aspirating needle; and an electroimpedancemeter. The aspirating needle is used for obtaining a sample of biological liquid. The liquid collector receives said sample of said biological liquid and having a metal conductor in electrical contact with said needle and a metal piston. The electroimpedancemeter simultaneously measures electrical resistance of the sample at at least two different frequencies. Also disclosed is a method simultaneously obtaining a biological sample and measuring electrical impedance of the sample for the purpose of diagnosis of a condition of the sample.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical retractor and its use for improving a surgeon's ability to perform closed-chest video-assisted exploratory, diagnostic or surgical procedures on a patient. The surgical retractor is designed to have opposable blades which can be inserted into a surgical incision in a patient undergoing a surgical procedure then spread apart to form an elongated access opening through which a instrument may be inserted to perform exploratory, diagnostic or surgical procedures. The blades used in the surgical retractor may be flexible or rigid and are attachable to the retractor. The blades are of a width, depth and thickness to provide an access to an internal cavity or subcutaneous region to allow greater degrees of freedom to the surgeon in inserting instruments into the access opening. The use of the surgical retractor forms a substantially ovoid channel, through which a medical instrument can be inserted to aid a doctor in performing surgical or other operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally and rotatably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a device to lock or frictionally hold the bifurcated member in a desired position both on the organ and relative to the handle segment during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Surgical procedures on the beating heart are enabled by an incision made in the xyphoid area and specially designed retractors and related devices to facilitate cardiac surgical procedures. Specifically, coronary artery bypass graft procedures (CABG) are achieved using a vertically offsetting retractor or access platform in combination with a beating heart stabilizer. The surgical methodology permits procedures such as the CABG procedure without penetrating the rib cage or performing a sternotomy or thorocotomy.

Abstract: Surgical procedures on the beating heart are enabled by an incision made in the xyphoid area and specially designed retractors and related devices to facilitate cardiac surgical procedures. Specifically, coronary artery bypass graft procedures (CABG) are achieved using a vertically offsetting retractor or access platform in combination with a beating heart stabilizer. The surgical methodology permits procedures such as the CABG procedure without penetrating the rib cage or performing a sternotomy or thorocotomy.

Abstract: An instrument platform and retractor, for holding and organizing cannulas, instruments and sutures during a surgical procedure, wherein the instrument platform has a platform body which is mountable to the retractor and includes a central opening and cannula notches formed therein adjacent to the central opening for securing cannulas during a surgical procedure. The platform body also includes suture grips and instrument mounts for securing surgical instruments and sutures during a surgical procedure. The retractor includes a pair of blades and a spreader mechanism detachably mounted to blade arms.

Abstract: Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device for minimizing displacements of the heart when performing a beating heart surgical procedure including two heart engaging members. The heart engaging members are slidably coupled to a retractor. The heart engaging members may be rotated and extended as necessary to reach the target site on the patient's heart. The heart engaging members have curved distal ends which are configured to engage a coronary shunt positioned in the coronary artery. A suture extends around the coronary and is coupled to the heart engaging members.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for expanding a perivascular cavity at a surgical site includes an elongated retractor having a tip at the distal end for convenient insertion into a perivascular cavity, and having a slidable coupler near the proximal end for convenient coupling to an elevator element supported in a retractor frame. The elongated retractor supports an endoscope thereon to facilitate visualization of surrounding tissue during insertion into the perivascular cavity. With the retractor inserted in the cavity, the retractor frame is positioned on the skin in alignment with and straddling the cavity, and the elevator element is selectively coupled to the retractor to elevate the retractor relative to the base of the retractor frame, thereby to expand or distend the cavity to provide ample access to tissues and vessels for surgical manipulations within the cavity.

Abstract: A mechanical lifting retractor is provided which increases working space in the chest for cardiac surgery by temporarily expanding the space between the rib cage and the pericardium. The lifting device has a pair of parallel right-angled retractors. Distal portions of the retractors are insertable in side-by-side parallel relation between a pair of adjacent ribs in the rib cage and into the mediastinal space between the ribs and sternum and the pericardium beneath them. The distal portions are pivotable into a lifting position in which they are separated by a rotational angle of approximately 180.degree.. Following insertion of the distal portions into the mediastinal space, the distal portions are rotated into the lifting position and oriented in the sagittal plane such that each distal portion extends beneath one of the ribs. A lifting force is applied to the lifting retractor, causing the distal portions to engage the ribs and to lift the rib cage and thereby enlarging the mediastinal space.

Abstract: Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for expanding a perivascular cavity at a surgical site includes an elongated retractor having a tip at the distal end for convenient insertion into a perivascular cavity, and having a slidable coupler near the proximal end for convenient coupling to an elevator element supported in a retractor frame. The elongated retractor supports an endoscope thereon to facilitate visualization of surrounding tissue during insertion into the perivascular cavity. With the retractor inserted in the cavity, the retractor frame is positioned on the skin in alignment with and straddling the cavity, and the elevator element is selectively coupled to the retractor to elevate the retractor relative to the base of the retractor frame, thereby to expand or distend the cavity to provide ample access to tissues and vessels for surgical manipulations within the cavity.

Abstract: An intermammary harvesting retractor comprised of a retractor frame having a fixed or stationary arm on one end of a crossbar and a movable arm mounted on the crossbar by a crank mechanism. The crank mechanism allows the movable arm to be adjusted toward or away from the stationary arm. A support tower is mounted on the free end of the retractor crossbar to allow the angle of the retractor to be adjusted after placement in an incision. The angular adjustment allows the upper portion of a patient's ribcage to be lifted to provide improved access and visualization to the intermammary artery. Adjustable lifter blades are provided on the movable arm to also adjust the lift angle of the upper ribcage. One embodiment has an adjustable lifter blade that can be adjusted after placement in the incision and adjustment of the angle of the retractor crossarm.

Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The handle rod may be attached to an extension arm of a surgery support frame via a standard joint clamp. Once secured, the retractor blade may be manually positioned to the desired angular position and secured in place. The adjustment mechanism includes a notched push bar which engages a brace member of the retractor blade thereby effecting movement of the retractor blade when the push bar is moved by the user. A releasable engagement member then engages one of several notches in the push rod to inhibit any further movement of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A medical retractor apparatus that includes a housing assembly and a retractor assembly is provided. The housing assembly includes a retractor body having a proximal end. The retractor assembly includes a retractor element having a tip. The retractor element is extended/retracted relative to the proximal end. The retractor element is extended offset from the center of the proximal end. A guide member with a slot located at the proximal end prevents unacceptable turning of the retractor element. Preferably, the retractor element includes two spaced loops that can be surrounded by a cover member. The retractor element desirably positions a body vessel of at least about 1 cm in diameter during a surgical procedure. The retractor element has sufficient tensile and compressive strengths to position the great vessel, while avoiding unwanted bulging of the great vessel and visual interference during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An improved retractor blade mounting system for use in surgical instrument retractors. In one embodiment the system includes a mounting clip attached to a retractor blade that engages a longitudinal groove in the retractor arm. To assure a positive tight grip on retractor arm the clip has a tongue that fits a longitudinal groove in a retractor arm and has tapered or angled surface that abuts a sharp edge of the longitudinal groove preventing the blade from moving once installed. In an optional embodiment the mounting clip is provided with a narrower tongue that is constructed with a beveled surface that fits over the corner or edge of the longitudinal groove securely holding the clip on the retractor arm.

Abstract: An improved surgical retractor of the type that comprises a rack and pinion for moving an arm mount which supports the pinion and is moved when the pinion is turned, a hinge connecting the mount to an arm and a blade mount and a fixed arm mounted on the other end of the rack, a hinge connecting the mount to an arm and a blade mount wherein the improvement comprises a pair of opposed blade assemblies mounted on the respective blade mounts, said blade assemblies being so configured and constructed as to permit the respective blades to pivot independently of the blade mount and to be locked at an angle relative to each other and to the rack, is disclosed.