Abstract: This application describes a surgical retractor and related methods for providing access to a surgical target site for the purpose performing minimally invasive spinal fusion across one or more segments of the spinal column.

Abstract: System and methods for transversely displacing structures in the body can include a device for displacing structures in a patient's body, the device having: a handle; a first longitudinal member fixed in position relative to the handle; a second longitudinal member coaxial with the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member movable relative to the first longitudinal member between a retracted position and an extended position; and at least one resilient blade extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one resilient blade mechanically fixed in position relative to the second longitudinal member; wherein the distal end of the at least one resilient blade is engaged with the first longitudinal member when the second longitudinal member is in its extended position and disengaged from the first longitudinal member when the second longitudinal member is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting hook structure, comprising a sleeve, a fixing rod, a first limit unit, a hook and a fixing device. The fixing rod is connected to the side surface of the sleeve. The hook body is connected to one end of the sleeve. The first limit unit is arranged on the side surface of the sleeve and adjacent to the hook body. The first limit unit makes the hook body rotates with the axis direction of the sleeve as a rotation axis. The fixing device is connected to the other end of the sleeve to fix the rotating position of the hook body. Through the above, the hook part enters the proximal thigh from a surgical entrance and the hook part rotates to make the hook part abut against the proximal femur to complete the positioning and fixation of the femur hook structure to the femur.

Abstract: A retractor assembly that includes a base portion in slidable engagement with two or more retractor arms with at least one of the retractor arms releasably securing a retractor blade configured to be anchored to a bone anchor. The retractor blade includes an elongate blade portion with a retractor engagement portion positioned at the proximal end of the elongate blade portion and an anchor mechanism positioned at the distal end of the elongate blade portion. The anchor mechanism includes a first jaw and second jaw configured to engage the bone implant. When closed around or anchored to the bone implant—which may be a shank of a modular screw system—the components of the modular screw are able to be assembled to the shank without adjusting, loosening, or opening the anchor mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for shaping an external nasal cast. A nasal cast bender may comprise a base; and a protrusion protruding upwards from the base portion, wherein the protrusion comprises a handle and a bending surface comprising a convex profile; wherein the bending surface is configured to shape an external nasal cast.

Abstract: Techniques for implantable orthopedic pain management devices are disclosed, including incising an opening in a synovial capsule substantially surrounding a joint, using a first tool to form an enlarged opening in the synovial capsule, determining whether to modify the joint, the joint being modified using a second tool if a bone structure coupled to one or more bones is found within the joint and the bone structure is configured to limit articulation of the one or more bones when an implantable device is inserted into the synovial capsule and the joint, and inserting the implantable device into the synovial capsule through the enlarged opening, the implantable device being inserted into the joint using a third tool.

Abstract: A retractor device for breast reconstruction surgery which entails the effective exposure and visibility of the breast pocket and, at the same time, does not compromise the integrity of the subcutaneous flap, resulting in a positive outcome of the breast reconstruction procedure generally, but not exclusively, performed using a prepectoral (or sub-cutaneous) acellular biological matrix.

Abstract: In one aspect, a surgical retractor having sliders configured to have tissue engaging members connected thereto and slider drives including operating members. The operating members are rotatable to cause the slider drives to shift the sliders relative to one another. The surgical retractor includes a coupler having a coupling configuration wherein the coupler connects the slider drives and rotation of one of the operating members causes movement of the sliders. The coupler also has a decoupling configuration wherein the coupler disconnects the slider drives and rotation of the one operating member causes movement of fewer sliders than the sliders that are moved with the coupler in the coupling configuration. The retractor has an actuator connected to the coupler and movable between a dependent slider movement position and an independent slider movement position to shift the coupler between the coupling configuration and the decoupling configuration.

Abstract: A surgical rib retractor is disclosed. The surgical rib retractor has a housing and a body pivotably coupled to the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The surgical rib retractor further has a first arm unit pivotably coupled to the first shoulder and configured to receive one rib. The first arm unit may include a first arm, and a first strut movable relative to the first arm in a first plane defined by the first arm. The surgical rib retractor also has a second arm unit pivotably coupled to the second shoulder and configured to receive another rib. The second arm unit may include a second arm and a second strut movable relative to the second arm in a second plane define by the second arm, where the second plane is not parallel to the first plane when the body is in the closed position.

Abstract: A nasal speculum, rhinoscope, designed for examination of the nasal cavity in both humans and animals, is characterized in that it is made from one piece of material and has a resilient arc-shaped connector (1) of the arms (2), said arms connected centrally to one another by means of a catch (3) located in opening (4), said arms extending beyond the said point of connection in the form of parallel shorter arms (5), said shorter arms terminating in appropriately shaped members (6) resembling a truncated cone, the speculum being also provided with a lip (7) positioning the arms of the speculum and with indentations (8) that prevent slipping of the hand when arms (2) are being pressed.

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 L5-81 disc space.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation 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.

Abstract: A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

Abstract: An improved manual oral cavity expansion device comprising a fixing element with one end connected with a first holding element, and another end forming an accommodating portion protrudingly disposed with a pivoting portion; at least one linkage element disposed on the fixing element; a rotating element accommodated in an accommodating space of the accommodating portion and sleeved on the pivoting portion; a movable element with one end connected with a second holding element, and another end forming a movable portion correspondingly disposed in the accommodating space and sleeved on the pivoting portion; and an expansion unit. An outer circumference of the rotating element is arranged with a plurality of tooth elements in a row, and one end of the linkage element contacts the tooth elements. The expansion unit has a first expansion arm connected to the accommodating portion and a second expansion arm connected to the movable portion.

Abstract: This application describes a surgical retractor and related methods for providing access to a surgical target site for the purpose performing minimally invasive spinal fusion across one or more segments of the spinal column.

Abstract: Cannula devices, systems, and methods are provided for introducing one or more instruments into a patient's body to perform a procedure. In one example, the cannula device includes first and second housings defining a throughbore, and a plurality of elongate members extending distally from the housings, the elongate members cooperatively defining a passage axially aligned with the throughbore between proximal ends and distal tips of the elongate members. The first housing is moveable in an axial direction with respect to the second housing to cause the proximal ends of the elongate members to move outwardly to increase a size of the passage and, optionally, may taper when expanded. Optionally, one or more secondary devices, e.g., an obturator with a sharpened tip, or an obturator and tubular access device may be provided that may be inserted through the throughbore into the passage before expansion of the passage.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

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: An intervertebral prosthetic disc placement instrument is provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The placement instrument shaft has a distal end and a proximal end and an instrument handle on the proximal end having an activation mechanism. A pair of grasping jaws on the distal end of the instrument shaft are configured to move with respect to one another to grasp a multipart prosthetic disc in a non-articulating configuration. The grasping jaws are movable from a tightened to a released position by the activation mechanism. A prosthetic disc ejector on the distal end of the instrument shaft moves distally with respect to the pair of grasping jaws when the grasping jaws are in the released position and the ejector is configured to contact the prosthetic disc to fully disengage the prosthetic disc from the placement instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument and method is described for facilitating lacrimal occlusion. The instrument has two arms for holding a plug being inserted through the punctum, each arm having a distal end and a proximal end. Attached to the proximal end of the arms is a dilator oriented in the opposite direction along the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The instrument is conveniently rotated in the hand of the practitioner to alternately present the functioning end of the instrument as either the distal end of the arms (for holding a plug) or the distal end of the dilator (for enlarging the punctum prior to attempting to inserting the plug). The instrument has a means for moving the two arms near to each other and away from each, and a means for holding the two arms near to each other without requiring closing pressure applied by the practitioner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a retractor apparatus that includes a retractor frame, five arms attached to the retractor frame and five rods each attached to one of the five arms. Each rod includes a convex surface facing a center of the retractor frame. At least two of the five rods are movable independently from one another. A first rod of the five rods includes a longitudinal axis and is translatable along the longitudinal axis. Further, the first rod is attached to a first arm of the five arms and is pivotable relative to the first arm. The axis of pivot is offset from the longitudinal axis through which the first rod translates.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to improved instruments and instrument features for distraction and tissue retraction. In particular, the present application is directed to distraction blades and wide blocking blades that can be used together, or individually, to assist in the distraction of bone and the retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure, such as a spinal fusion procedure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an illumination system includes a speculum having two arms coupled to blades at distal ends thereof and a biasing member at proximal ends thereof. One or more optical fibers are disposed through at least one of the arms and have one or more termination points located within at least one of the blades. The optical fibers are configured to deliver light to an interior space of an eye when the eye is coupled to the speculum. In some embodiments, the illumination system further includes a temple support pad.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.

Abstract: A method and system for femoral condylar resection arthroplasty of the knee, which preserves the undamaged meniscus, whether by arthroscopy arthrotomy, and only replaces the damaged area of the femoral condyle. In one embodiment, only the distal femoral condyle is replaced and the posterior femoral condyle remains intact. In another embodiment, both the distal and posterior femoral condyle are replaced. The method and system include placing an intercondylar insert between articular surfaces of a distal femoral condyle and a tibial plateau with the knee in extension. The method and system also includes a box retractor having four right angle blades, two for medial structures and two for lateral structures. The blades are at two depths, shallow and deep. The components of the system are preferably of plastic material. The method and system preserve the meniscus on top of the tibial plateau.

Abstract: A method and system for femoral condylar resection arthroplasty of the knee, which preserves the undamaged meniscus on top of the tibial plateau, whether by arthroscopy or arthrotomy, and only replaces the damaged area of the femoral condyle. In one embodiment, only the distal femoral condyle is replaced and the posterior femoral condyle remains intact. In another embodiment, both the distal and posterior femoral condyle are replaced. The method and system include providing a combined, one-piece Intra-condylar insert and distal femoral cutting block, and placing the intercondylar insert between articular surfaces of a distal femoral condyle and a tibial plateau with the knee in extension. The method and system also includes a box retractor having four right angle blades, two for medial structures and two for lateral structures. The blades are at two depths, shallow and deep. The components of the system are preferably of plastic material.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer assembly having a plurality of articulated intervertebral spacers coupled in series, each intervertebral spacer releasably and connectable to an adjacent intervertebral spacer, each intervertebral spacer having a cannula extending from a first exterior surface of a tail portion through a nose portion to reach a second exterior surface of the nose portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vaginal speculum comprising a vaginal assembly comprising at least two longitudinal separating elements connected at a distal end for insertion into the vagina of a subject. The vaginal speculum is configured for holding the vaginal walls of the subject apart, thereby permitting examination and/or suturing of at least the posterior part of the vaginal tissue. The present disclosure further relates to a set of vaginal specula comprising a number of specula according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said specula are provided in predefined sizes such that the specula suitably fit a range of anatomies. The present disclosure also relates to a method for providing an unobstructed view of at least the posterior part of the vaginal wall during suturing of a subject after said subject has given birth.

Abstract: A light source assembly (10) includes one or more lights (12) mounted on a substrate (14). A transparent cover (18) covers the one or more lights (12). A shaft (22) is coupled to the substrate (14) and to a handle (24). An electrical wire (30) is connected to the one or more lights (12) and passes through the shaft (22). A fluid conduit (32) passes through the shaft (22) and is in fluid communication with a fluid port (34) near or on the substrate (14).

Abstract: This application describes a surgical retractor and related methods for providing access to a surgical target site for the purpose performing minimally invasive spinal fusion across one or more segments of the spinal column.

Abstract: A lumbar spine fusion system includes a probe and a retractor blade. The probe includes a shaft, a pointed tip, and a collar. The pointed tip is configured to puncture tissue in a disk space of a disk and anchor the probe to the tissue. The collar is configured to act as a stop to control a distance through which the shaft of the probe traverses the tissue. The retractor blade includes an end portion and a slot. The slot is configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft of the probe. At least a portion of the end portion is configured to rest upon one or more of the disk and the collar when the retractor blade is mounted on the probe.

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

Abstract: An expander includes a first handle, a second handle, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The first handle includes a first gripping portion, a first pivoting portion, a first connecting portion, and an expanding compass. The second handle includes a second gripping portion, a second pivoting portion, and a second connecting portion. The second gripping portion includes a thru groove, and the expanding compass passes through the thru groove. The second pivoting portion is pivoted to the first pivoting portion. The second connecting portion and the second gripping portion are extending from two ends of the second pivoting portion, and the extension direction of the second connecting portion is not parallel to the extension direction of the second gripping portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic surgical pliers-like tool (1) for performing surgery on the patella bone, comprising: —at least a couple of jaws (2, 3) coupled to corresponding handle members (12, 13) pivotally mounted with a hinge bolt (5) in relation with one another; —a distal clamp portions (8, 9) on each jaw (2, 3) for gripping and holding at least the periphery of a patella bone; —an intermediate force transmission mechanism (4) between the tool handle members (12, 13) and the jaws (2, 3); —a couple of arms (20, 30) in said intermediate force transmission mechanism (4) structurally independent from the handle members (12, 13) and interposed between the handle members (12, 13) and the jaws (2, 3); —an elastic member (25, 35) in each arm (20, 30) for coupling each arm to a corresponding handle member (12, 13) in a first linking point (38, 39); —a second more distal linking point (31, 33) in each arm (20, 30) engaging a corresponding distal end (43, 42) of a handle member (12,13); —the first

Abstract: A surgical method in one method includes making an opening in the skin of a patient having an orthopedic condition involving a nerve pathology producing pain, positioning an instrument in the opening, the instrument having first and second substantially opposed arcuate arms, each arm having a concave inside surface so that the arms substantially define a rounded space, and a third component located substantially at a periphery of the rounded space, retaining an internal target tissue comprising a nerve on the instrument, causing an emitter to apply an emission signal upon the retained tissue, causing a detector to receive an evaluation signal from the internal target tissue, wherein the evaluation signal is a tissue response to the emission signal, causing a processor to receive the evaluation signal from the detector, receiving an indicia about the nerve from the processor, and retracting the third component in response to the indicia.

Abstract: A human or animal joint is treated by introduction of a device between the suitably prepared articulating surfaces of the joint, and the device is anchored in both these articular surfaces with a material having thermoplastic properties. For allowing at least limited articulation of the joint after implantation, the device includes two articulating portions, wherein one of the articulating portions is anchored in each articulating surfaces of the joint. On implantation a proximal face of the device is contacted with a vibrating tool and the vibration is transmitted through parts of the device to locations in which the material having thermoplastic properties is near the bone tissue of the articulating surfaces of the joint and in which liquefaction is desired. The liquefied material penetrates the bone tissue and, on re-solidification forms a positive fit connection between the device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones, wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: A retractor assembly includes a base, a first side assembly coupled to a first side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a first direction, a first tap assembly coupled to the first side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, a second side assembly coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction independent from the first side assembly, a second tap assembly coupled to the second side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, and a center assembly coupled to a center portion of the base. At least a portion of the center assembly is configured to translate relative to the base along a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an element connectable with a fixture. A first member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially posterior portion of an incision relative to a body. A second member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially anterior portion of the incision relative to the body. A third member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially cephalad portion of the incision relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

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

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable at nature in a linear direction.

Abstract: Devices, systems and surgical methods for achieving surgical access to a site within the body, particularly the spine. The system includes a modular retractor with a body and hood that are independently operable at their proximal ends to manipulate soft tissue at their distal ends, and may be adjustably and releasably coupled to form an open channel to a target tissue. On insertion, the hood is at least partially compressed against the retractor body. When coupled, the retractors are displaced from one another and constrained to one or more of at least three degrees of freedom, movable pivotally around a proximal end pivot axis that is perpendicular to the channel to adjust displacement of the retractors at their distal ends, displaceable vertically to adjust the distance between the retractors at their proximal ends, and slidable horizontally along the channel axis.

Abstract: Access devices including access ports and retractors, which enhance the working area and access to a surgical site. The access port includes a tubular body with at least one sidewall defining an interior path along the length of the tubular body. The sidewall includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion is able to stretch or deform, for example, to accommodate an angled trajectory of a surgical implement. A surgical access device for retracting tissue includes a plurality of retractor blades. The outer surface of the retractor blades form a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration with a plurality of spiral ridges projecting therefrom such that advancement of the retractor into the surgical site may be improved.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.