Abstract: A vaginal speculum and system include a plurality of pivoting blades coupled to a housing having an aperture. The plurality of pivoting blades is coupled to a cam plate, and upon rotation of the cam plate, the plurality of pivoting blades are configured to go from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The system further includes an insert having a vaginal seal at a distal end and a plurality of ports at a proximal end. The vaginal speculum and system are configured for use in medical diagnostic and treatment procedures by opening the vagina of a patient in multiple directions for mitigating potential obstruction of view such that a practitioner may fully visualize the cervix and properly inspect and diagnose cervical conditions or the absence thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, can include, for example, a uterine manipulator having a clamp arrangement having a first tip(s) and a second tip(s), and a colpotomy ring arrangement coupled to the clamp arrangement on or at the first tip(s), and including an opening(s) in an outer surface thereof for insertion of the second tip(s) therethrough when the clamp arrangement is in a closed position. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the clamp arrangement can include a uterine manipulator. The first tip(s) can include a plurality of removable tips, where each of the tips can have a different length from one another. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first tip(s) can have a variable length.

Abstract: A lighting module includes a housing portion, a clip portion having a receiving space between configured to receive a speculum, an arm portion extending from the clip portion and including a lighting element, and a power source electrically connected to the lighting element. Also, a speculum assembly including a speculum and a lighting module is disclosed. Finally, a method of using a lighting module is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for performing examination through the uterine cavity, preferably to carry out a computed tomography virtual hysterosalpingography, by the use of a speculum and a cannula or probe, wherein the device comprises a support for centering in the speculum and the probe is retained in a central end of the support to guarantee the centering of the probe within the cervix and the holding of the probe in the desired position during the test.

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 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.

Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft, a handle connected to a first end of the shaft, and a head connected to a second end of the shaft. The head includes a rigid anterior surface that moves independently from a rigid posterior surface of the head. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the rigid anterior surface is movable to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the rigid posterior surface is movable to displace a posterior wall of the vagina. A light source is provided on the head.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a rigid shaft connected between a handle and a head. The head of the surgical device is sized for insertion into an organ such as a vagina, a uterus, a rectum, or an esophagus. The head includes an expansion plate and a door coupled to a central plate. The central plate has a distal end connected to the rigid shaft, an anterior surface, and a recess formed in a posterior side of the central plate that provides a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface. The expansion plate is coupled to and movable relative to the anterior surface of the central plate. The door is coupled disposed within the recess of the central plate and movable relative to the posterior surface of the central plate. The expansion plate is movable independently of the door to allow the head to expand and move the organ.

Abstract: A guard and guide apparatus and method is used with a speculum having jaws in a vagina to define a passage toward a cervix at an end of the vagina. The guard and guide apparatus has a guard body movable into the passage, the guard body having sides, a top and a bottom defining a tunnel toward the cervix for preventing contact between a probe and walls of the vagina. Flexible cervix panels are at the inner end of the guard body and extend toward the fornix of the cervix for covering the fornix to protect it from contact by the probe. A support fulcrum is provided in the guard body tunnel at a location between inner and outer ends of the guard body for supporting the probe handle to help a practitioner hold the probe handle steady and aim the probe accurately to a selected location on the cervix.

Abstract: A transvaginal ultrasound probe speculum is designed for use with a generally cylindrical elongated ultrasound probe. The speculum has an elongated blade having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connector, such as a collar. The speculum has a lever that cooperates with the collar and the elongated blade for pivoting the blade relative to the ultrasound probe so that the blade and the ultrasound probe serve as the blades of the speculum.

Abstract: A device for use for the treatment of a hemorrhoid prolapse, particularly by HAL surgery, attaching a tightening suture, or a rubber band ligation, using a tube having a tube shell wall and a closing device having a closure shell wall enclosing a hollow space. The tube shell wall is supported displaceably and/or rotatably in the hollow space of the closure shell wall, and the tube shell wall and the closure shell wall can be inserted into a rectum of a patient. The tube shell wall has at least one tube wall opening, and the closure shell wall has at least one closure shell opening which can be at least partially aligned with one another in an open position with a web arranged thereof protruding at least partially into the tube shell opening and/or into the closure shell opening.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for preparing a patient's body to receive a bodily implant are disclosed. The medical device includes a needle member configured to be inserted into a tissue layer. The needle member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. An adjustment member is coupled to the proximal end portion of the needle member. The adjustment member includes an adjustment screw and a nut for setting a predetermined depth of insertion of the needle member within the tissue layer. The adjustment member further includes an adjustment member support configured to provide a support to the adjustment screw and the nut. The adjustment member is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the adjustment member support to limit insertion of the needle member within the tissue layer to the predetermined depth.

Abstract: An attachment which can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment has a pair of arms on one end which will engage the fornix lateral to the cervix of a women's vagina, and a U-shaped curved portion on the other end which will allow a doctor to engage the attachment with a vaginal speculum in order to spread a patient's lateral, as well as vertical, walls at the same time.

Abstract: A transvaginal ultrasound probe speculum is designed for use with a generally cylindrical elongated ultrasound probe. The speculum has an elongated blade having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connector, such as a collar. The speculum has a lever that cooperates with the collar and the elongated blade for pivoting the blade relative to the ultrasound probe so that the blade and the ultrasound probe serve as the blades of the speculum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaginal speculum embodying an applicator for the uniform delivery of a standardized dose of a liquid diagnostic marker onto the woman's lower genital tract. The applicator can comprises of a marker container and a mechanism for transferring a desirable quantity of its content to an injection probe for dispensing the marker onto the tissue surface. The cross section of the injection probe is substantially smaller than the rear opening of the speculum, so that the monitoring of the optical effects provoked to the tissue by the marker and the insertion of treatment tools is not obstructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speculum comprising a body (100), an opening (20), a first blade (2) pivotably secured to the body and a second blade (3) that is integral with the body. The blades are located at opposed sides of the opening. The first blade is pivotally secured with respect to the body by means of pivot pins. The first blade is movable between a first retracted position in which it lies adjacent to the second blade and a second extended position in which it is spaced apart from the second blade. A mechanism (5, 41) is also provided that is configured to move the first blade (2) from the first position to the second position. When the first blade is in the extended position, there is an inspection channel (20) formed that extends through the opening and between the blades. The mechanism for moving the first blade is preferably located substantially outside the periphery of the opening when the first blade is in the extended position.

Abstract: A speculum for the electropharmacological treatment of vaginal diseases has a pair of elongated blades interconnected such that an opening adapted for observation and passage of instruments is defined between the blades. There is at least one electrode connected to one of the blades on an inner face of the blade. The electrode has a proximal insulated portion and a distal uninsulated portion. To treat vaginal diseases, the speculum is placed in a vagina so that the electrode is located proximate to the vaginal disease, and a drug solution is injected into the vagina. An electric current is then applied to the electrode, which causes the migration of the drug solution toward the vaginal disease.

Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing surgery in a patient are provided that minimize tissue dissection and retraction to access locations within the patient. One specific application concerns devices, instruments and techniques that provide for selective retraction of tissue, neural elements, organs or other anatomical structures at locations distally of the retractor sleeve providing percutaneous access to the locations.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum assembly is provided including an upper arm and a lower arm movably coupled to one another by a coupling member positioned at a posterior end. Each of the upper and lower arms are dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's vagina, and when so inserted, are dimensioned to exert pressure on at least upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the patient's vaginal wall. The coupling member permits movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another to adjust their positioning relative to the vaginal wall. The assembly further includes a locking device coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arms which, when activated, substantially prevents movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another. A connector member extends outwardly from a posterior end of the upper arm.

Abstract: A speculum is equipped with an ultrasound probe, for permitting ultrasound visualization during procedures, such as transcervical embryo transfer with In Vitro Fertilization, thus providing superior transvaginal ultrasonographic imaging without interference by the ultrasound probe with usual embryo transfer techniques, and without the need for an additional assistant. The probe may be disposed on either of the posterior blade and the anterior blade, depending upon physiological factors varying with each patient and procedure.

Abstract: A surgical portable light connector having an attachment plate so as to firmly fit onto instruments such as speculums, retractors or other instruments in the field for illumination, holding tenaculums and securing suctioning tubes and other devices. This portable attachment plate connector allows the surgeon or operators to gain the benefit of less obstructed view and conduct their procedures with more adequate space within the field of instrumentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: An implant insertion apparatus for guiding surgical instrumentation and facilitating insertion of surgical implants into an intervertebral space, including a retractor having an internal opening for introduction of a surgical instrument and positionable with respect to adjacent vertebrae in the intervertebral space, and a guide bar mounted to the retractor. The guide bar includes a longitudinal guide shaft dimensioned to guide introduction of surgical instrumentation through the internal opening of the retractor. The apparatus further includes a guide member mounted to the surgical instrument for providing the guidance thereof.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum assembly is provided including an upper arm and a lower arm movably coupled to one another by a coupling member positioned at a posterior end. Each of the upper and lower arms are dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's vagina, and when so inserted, are dimensioned to exert pressure on at least upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the patient's vaginal wall. The coupling member permits movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another to adjust their positioning relative to the vaginal wall. The assembly further includes a locking device coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arms which, when activated, substantially prevents movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another. A connector member extends outwardly from a posterior end of the upper arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical apparatus and method for performing less-invasive, closed chest cardiac surgery through a transabdominal approach, without cardiopulmonary bypass. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a heart manipulator and a coronary stabilizer which are deployed through an access cannula and secured relative to a stationary support through a surgical arm. Heart manipulator and coronary stabilizer cooperate together to enable access to all the coronary artery territories of the heart through a single access cannula. Also provided is a diaphragm tissue retractor.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical system includes a plurality of tissue retractors configured to maintain a working space within soft tissue. The tissue retractors include a prong on their inner surfaces for engaging a ring member. The ring member maintains the position of the tissue retractors while also defining a number of channels inside the ring member. In one embodiment, the ring member includes concentric inner and outer walls connected by support walls. The inner wall defines an inner bore for supporting a working channel sleeve for the introduction of working instruments. A plurality of outer channels are defined between the inner, outer and support walls for the introduction of ancillary instruments to the surgical site. A manipulation tool is also provided that engages each tissue retractor for positioning the retractor within the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular a mediastinoscope, in which the handle and the optics guided therein form an inseparable unit and which includes a first and second spatula-like part which can be separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. An adjusting mechanism is provided which permits a separation, a fastenable displacement parallel to the axis and a fastenable pivoting of the two parts relative to one another. In particular by way of the pivotability an expansion of a body cavity to be visually examined or which is to undergo therapy by way of introduced auxiliary instruments is made possible according to requirements.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle having a first blade fixed thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. A blade housing is pivotally mounted to the handle having a second blade fixed thereto spaced from the first blade and extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of levers are pivotally mounted to the handle, each of the levers having a blade normally disposed adjacent each other and between the first and second blades. The blade housing has an open area therethrough whereby, when the first blade is pivoted away from the second blade, the blades on the levers move apart from each other to a position generally vertical with respect to the first and second blades and a surgical instrument can be inserted through the open area between the spread apart blades.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device camera is removably mounted in a adaptor and the adaptor is removably mounted in the viewing aperture of a speculum. The camera is connected to a display device, such as a video monitor, by a cable. At least one high-intensity light is also mounted in the adaptor with the axis of the light parallel to that of the camera. The light is connected to an adjustable power source by a power supply cord. In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical positioner is provided to allow the physician to align the patient's cervix with the camera's axis for optimal viewing.

Abstract: Inflatable dual-walled speculums, used for gynecological examinations, that are controllably inflated by the patient with a warmed fluid are provided. A retaining device inserted after inflation of the speculum provides a base and safety for the use of other instruments during the examination. Control of the device by the patient results in a more comfortable examination environment for the patient.

Abstract: A cylindrical anal retractor for examining the inside of an anus of a living body including an inserting valve portion inside of which a substantially circular-shaped opening is formed, a handle which serves to dilate the opening by gripping it, and an auxiliary appliance for making the insertion of the inserting valve portion into the anus smooth; the trivalve inserting portion has three plate-like members, which are curved inside, and two of the members are connected to the handle so as to be rotatable about axes extended in an inserting direction of the inserting valve portion. In the anal retractor according to the present invention, therefore, the pain which is given to the patient when the anal retractor is inserted into his or her anus is remarkably reduced.