Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configurations: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.

Abstract: Anorectal diagnostic procedures are oftentimes carried out with the patient laying in the left decubitus position, which leads to non-representative response to test maneuvers due to the unnatural position and patient anxiety. Devices spanning, or fastened on, the interglutial cleft of a patient allow for a more natural patient position and eliminate non-representative responses.

Abstract: A retractor (10) for use in a surgical intervention in the area of an eye socket is described. The retractor (10) comprises two planar retraction elements (26, 28), which are movable relative to each other between an insertion position with a first surface coverage and a retraction position with a second surface coverage AI, which is smaller than the first surface coverage. A spring element (20) provides pretensioning, which presses the retraction elements (26, 28) into the retraction position.

Abstract: An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configuration: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: A pre-load unit, for inserting a lens into the eye of a human or animal, includes a housing, a lens-receiving part arranged on or in the housing, having a section that protrudes from the housing, and two separate leaf-like units which, at least at their ends directed away from the housing, are in releasable contact with each other and form a chamber of storing an optical lens. A slide which is arranged movably in the interior of the housing can be moved between the leaf-like units of the lens-receiving unit. The pre-load unit may be combined with a grip piece, wherein the pre-load unit and the grip piece are connected to each other in such a way that the pre-load unit can be moved inside the grip piece.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue retraction assembly equipped with two or more electrodes for use in monitoring the status of nearby neural structures, including the localized depth of neural structures relative to one or more components of the tissue retraction assembly. Additional neurological testing may be performed to monitor the health and status of the neural structures during the portions of the surgical procedure in which the tissue retraction assembly is used to maintain the operative corridor.

Abstract: An instrument capable of providing large-area shielding within an isolated operating region, such as the eye, while being passable through a small incision in the region through which the instrument must be inserted. For example, an instrument capable of being passed through a typical 3 mm (or smaller) phacoemulsification incision without undue damage to ocular tissue, and which expands to provide large-area shielding, e.g. to occlude a large-diameter (e.g. approx. 6 mm) posterior capsule opening. The surgical instrument includes two or more leaves, the leaves being interconnected by at least one fastener in a manner that causes expansion of a leading or distal portion of the instrument when the following or proximal portions of each leaf are manipulated, whether by a user or through interaction with a wall of the incision.

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 retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for microns-resolution transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools. According to an embodiment of the present invention the transmission is simpler. Likewise, an auxiliary handle is added to facilitate the insertion of the ribs into the body of the operated patient, and the vast majority of components of the surgical retractor are made with biocompatible, and FDA approved material ULTEM HU 1000 RESIN transparent (radiolucent) to X-ray radiation and are designated for single use.

Abstract: A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. An actuating member is coupled with and extends between ends of the retractor portions which are positionable above the incision. The actuating member is in communication with a controller which includes a user interface for receiving actuation commands from the user. In response to actuation commands, the actuating member is actuated and its length is adjusted to position the first and second retractor portions relative to one another in the incision. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A surgical retractor that comprises an integrated light source for creating a working space for the access of dissecting instruments employed during an open surgical procedure is described. The retractor is of the type that comprises two elongated arms mechanically connected by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration. The described retractors further comprise adjustable paddle assemblies located at the distal end of the elongated arms and a unique locking mechanism that allows for the relative separation of the paddle assemblies to be set at any position between the closed and open configuration of the retractor. The design of the retractor provides them with increased functionality while allowing them to be cost effectively produced so that they can simply be disposed of after use.

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 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 system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, 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 spine retractor and distractor device comprises spinal process clamps and a retractor assembly, which may be rotatably coupled with the spinal process clamps. The retractor assembly may include a retractor ring, or frame, and a plurality of retractor blades adjustably coupled to the frame, e.g., by clamps. The spinal process clamps can maintain a grip on the spinal processes of the patient, and distraction pliers may be used to impart a distraction force on the spinal process clamps to distract the spinal segments. Additionally, other components, features, or tools, e.g., a light source and/or a camera, can be mounted on the instrument.

Abstract: This application presents structurally-adjustable vaginal specula, which provides visualization and access to the vagina and the cervix. The specula may be lightweight and compact, and may also be configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The specula may comprise built-in light sources. The specula may comprise a fluid handler, for example, to remove fluids from the vagina during medical interventions. The specula may retract the labia as well as the vaginal walls. The speculum may also be used as a retractor.

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: Retractor for insertion in an incision of a patient includes a frame defining a central opening and a reference plane, and at least one blade disposed within the central opening. The blade operatively coupled to the frame by a support structure for movement in a first direction generally laterally with the reference plane between an unretracted position and a retracted position, a second direction at an angle extending through and relative to the reference plane for adjustment of the blade depth, and a third direction rotationally relative to the reference plane. Additionally, the frame includes a track in mating relationship with the support structure for sliding movement therebetween in a defined relationship relative to the reference plane. Retractor assembly includes the retractor as previously described, in combination with an adjustment tool or an insertion tool.

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.

Abstract: The present self-retaining vaginal retractor with a weighted speculum comprises the weighted speculum including the speculum blade, speculum projection comprising the teeth for controllable dilation, dilating mechanism, including cables and cable connecting device, left and right pivotable dilating portions, including blades, blade holders and blade holders length adjustment devices, and the handle coupled with the speculum body and including the dilated vaginal opening fixing device comprising the cam and fixation release trigger.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a surgical device. A first paddle assembly may be engaged with a first paddle, and a second paddle assembly may be engaged with a second paddle. A first retainer arm assembly can be pivotally engaged with the first paddle assembly, and a second retainer arm assembly can be pivotally engaged with the second paddle assembly. A retaining key may be selectively engaged with the first and second retainer arm assemblies, and configured to couple the first retainer arm assembly and the second retainer arm assembly together in a pivotal arrangement; where the pivotal arrangement may to allow the first and second retainer arms to be positioned in a retained position with respect to each other; and may also allow the first and second retainer arm assemblies to be positioned in an non-retained position with respect to each other.

Abstract: Instrumentation for retracting tissue comprising a retractor member including a sidewall defining an axial passage extending along a length thereof and a lateral opening in transverse communication with the passage. A pin member is disposed within the passage and includes a distal end portion positionable adjacent the distal end of the retractor member, with at least a portion of the pin member positioned adjacent and visible through the lateral opening. In another embodiment, the retractor member includes a sidewall having a main sidewall portion defining a first wall thickness, and an enlarged sidewall portion extending axially along a length of the sidewall and defining a second wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness, with the sidewall defining an axial passage extending through the enlarged sidewall portion. A pin member is disposed within the passage and includes a distal end portion positionable adjacent the distal end of the retractor member.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis. The retractor further comprises a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In operation, the blade assemblies are closed 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 blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, thereby stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.) The retractor thus forms an aperture for passage of surgical instruments and viewing of the surgical field by surgical personnel.

Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.

Abstract: A dilator (100) for expanding a vessel incision to assist insertion of a catheter thereinto and having a distal end (104) and a proximal end (106). The dilator has two portions (110,210) that are assembled together at a hinge (112,212) permitting angled-apart proximal ends (122,222) of the two portions at the proximal end (106) to be squeezed together about the hinge which slightly spreads apart the respective distal ends (114,214) of the two portions to enlarge the incision into the vessel. A spring (150) biases apart the proximal ends of the two portions to maintain the two distal ends (114,214) together until pried apart as desired to dilate the vessel incision.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate.

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. A retractor assembly for creating an operative corridor to a spinal surgical target site is disclosed, comprising: a retractor body and a plurality retractor blades extending generally perpendicularly to the retractor body, the retractor body being operable to separate the at plurality of retractor blades relative to each; and a supplemental retractor blade assembly attachable to at least two of the plurality of retractor blades, the supplemental retractor blade assembly comprising an elongated supplemental retractor blade and a crossbar connector, the crossbar connector configured to be attached to said at least two retractor blades while engaging the supplemental retractor blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue separation comprises a hollow retractor expandable in at least one dimension, the retractor having upper and lower guide surface portions for contacting respective upper and lower tissue surfaces; a first dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby separate the upper and lower tissue surfaces by a first distance; and a second dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby render the upper and lower tissue surfaces being separated by a second distance, the second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma.

Abstract: A medical access device for creating an access to a body for minimally invasive intervention has a hollow body assembled from at least two parts having longitudinal extending edges. Each part has a distal body portion and at an angle to the latter a proximal body portion. A locking mechanism locks the assembled proximal hollow body portions. The locking mechanism has a hook projecting from an edge of a proximal body. A nose of the hook can enter from proximal to distal in a recess in an edge joining said edge having said hook.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

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: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

Abstract: A device for surgical operations on a prolapse, comprising a hollow stretcher body (2) having a prevalent development direction along a longitudinal axis (A) and being insertable in an orifice, the stretcher body (2) exhibiting a through-window (7), defining an area of intervention and realising a communication between an internal cavity (3) of the stretcher body (2) and a portion of a prolapse, a mobile wall (8) defining the through-window (7) in combination with the stretcher body (2) and being slidably associated to the stretcher body (2) in order to open and/or close the through window (7) between a configuration of minimum extension and a configuration of maximum extension of the through-window (7); characterized in that it comprises means for blocking (10) which act between the mobile wall (8) and the stretcher body (2) in order to maintain the through-window (7) stably in the configuration of minimum extension during insertion of the stretcher body (2).

Abstract: A cervical retractor includes a bi-folded body; a pair of primary pegs extending outward from the bi-folded body and in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bi-folded body; and a secondary peg extending outward from the bi-folded body in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and substantially linear with the pair of primary pegs. The bi-folded body includes a middle panel and a pair of side flanking panels, and each flanking panel includes a tab extending from a bottom portion of the flanking panel; and a pair of slots flanking the tab. The pair of slots aligns with the pair of primary pegs when the side flanking panels fold onto the middle panel, and the slots permit the primary pegs to outwardly extend there through.

Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including creating an operative corridor to the spine with a tissue retraction system and registering the tissue retraction system to the patient.

Abstract: a minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes first and second wings disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. Each wing includes a body portion, a distal portion and first and second portions. A side wall section hingedly connects the body portions of the wings to one another at the first portion thereof and at the second portions thereof. Each of the side wall sections is movable with respect to the other side wall sections between a first position and a second position wherein each of the side wall sections is angled with the first and second wings. The first and second wings are moveable between an approximated position corresponding to the first position of the side wall sections and a spaced apart position corresponding to the second position of the side wall sections.

Abstract: A radially expanding surgical retractor which includes a base having a thickness, the base having a first slot extending through the thickness in a first arc, and a second slot discrete from the first slot and extending through the thickness in a second arc. The radially expanding surgical retractor further includes a first handle, a second handle, a first blade extending through the first slot and connected to the first handle, and a second blade extending through the second slot and connected to the second handle.

Abstract: A device comprises a first member comprising a tong portion, a pivot point, and a handle portion. A second member comprises a tong portion, a pivot point, and a handle portion, in which the first member and the second member are joined at the pivot points. A first contact member comprises a surface being configured for contacting a tissue portion. The first contact member is joined to a distal end of the first member with the surface generally facing away from a plane formed by the joined tong portions. A second contact member comprises a surface being configured for contacting a tissue portion. The second contact member is joined to a distal end of the second member with the surface generally facing away from the plane, in which a rotation of the first member and the second member about the pivot point is operable for separating the tissue portions.

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 vaginal manipulator includes a shaft and a head. The head includes a central plate having a distal end connected to the shaft, an expansion plate coupled to and configured to move radially away from the central plate, and a door having a constrained end and a free end. The constrained end of the door is hinged to the central plate and the free end of the door is configured to move away from the central plate. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the expansion plate is movable relative to the central plate to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the door is movable relative to the central plate to displace a posterior wall of the vagina into a trans-abdominal line of sight.