Abstract: Retractor holding frames and related methods are provided. The frame includes a support body including a first bore extending transversely from a first side of the support body to a second side of the support body opposite the first side, and a second bore extending transversely from the second side to the first side. The frame includes a left support frame arm including a first annular hub configured to be disposed within the first bore and a first plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the left support frame arm configured to retain a first retractor in a first orientation. The frame includes a right support frame arm including a second annular hub configured to be disposed within the second bore and a second plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the right support frame arm configured to retain a second retractor in a second orientation.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor arm and a retractor blade attached to the retractor arm via a swivel gear of a retractor blade connector. The retractor blade includes an attachment post extending through a port of the swivel gear. The retractor blade connector further includes a swivel gear detent and a plunger. The swivel gear detent is positioned to selectively engage the swivel gear and prevent the swivel gear and attached retractor blade from rotating about the rotational axis. The plunger is movable among at least a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the plunger urges the swivel gear detent into engagement with the swivel gear and prevents rotation of the swivel gear and attached retractor blade about the rotational axis. In the unlocked position, the plunger permits the swivel gear and attached retractor blade to rotate past the swivel gear detent.

Abstract: A system for positioning and restraining a hand during hand surgery and similar may include a support plate and a plurality of finger restraining elements, wherein each of the finger restraining elements is removably connectable to a finger or a plurality of fingers, and is detachably attachable to the support plate. The support plate may include a magnetic material, and each of the finger re-straining elements may include a rigid ring portion for receiving a finger, and a fastening portion with a permanent magnet for detachably attaching the finger restraining element in a desired position on the support plate, so that a finger received in the ring portion can be secured to the support plate in the desired position.

Abstract: Surgical access port stabilization systems and methods are described herein. Such systems and methods can be employed to provide ipsilateral stabilization of a surgical access port, e.g., during spinal surgeries. In one embodiment, a surgical system can include an access port configured for percutaneous insertion into a patient to define a channel to a surgical site and an anchor configured for insertion into the patient's bone. Further, the access port can be coupled to the anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the access port and a longitudinal axis of the anchor are non-coaxial. With such a system, a surgeon or other user can access a surgical site through the access port without the need for external or other stabilization of the access port, but can instead position the access port relative to an anchor already placed in the patient's body.

Abstract: A device for the retraction of soft tissue in a patient undergoing arthroscopic surgery, comprising a pulling element extending in its own main direction between a first end and a second end, the latter being fitted with a hooking body configured to pass through the soft tissue of a patient and engage in the soft tissue following the traction of the pulling element towards the first end. The device further comprises a presser body suitable to press on the skin of the patient and connectable to the pulling element in at least one operating position placed at a fixed distance from the second end, wherein the fixed distance is such as to define a housing for the layers of soft tissue of the patient engaged by the hooking body.

Abstract: A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on the wrist of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved frame having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved frame and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved frame. The bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and the blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon.

Abstract: Device for folding an instrument tray into a packaging material, comprising a supporting surface for supporting the instrument tray during folding of the instrument tray into the packaging material, a first folding plate and a second folding plate, a movable folding aid for fixing the packaging material over a predefined line portion before and/or during the making of a fold, at least one movable clamp for gripping and moving the packaging material, a control unit for controlling the movement of the first folding plate between its respective first and second positions, the movement of the second folding plate between its respective first and second positions, the movement of the folding aid, and the movement and clamping and release of the at least one clamp.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pin end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wound closure device including: (a) a first opposing member and a second opposing member disposed on opposing sides of a central axis, each resiliently moveable between a closed position and open position relative to each other, each of the opposing members having a distal edge; (b) skin penetrating means for anchoring the device; (c) a pressure bar along each distal edge; (d) releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position; and optionally (e) an accessory component.

Abstract: A medical device system includes: a surgical arm mounting device including a coupler and a surgical arm interface, the coupler including a clamp for a first side rail of an operating table; and a support member including a brace, the brace extending from the coupler at least part way across the width of an operating table. The clamp has a first mechanical state in which the mounting device is fixed to the side rail, a second mechanical state in which the mounting device is translatable along the side rail, and a third mechanical state in which the mounting device is removable from the side rail. The surgical arm interface is configured to receive a mating mounting device interface of a surgical arm.

Abstract: An Anterior Cervical Distractor System and Technique of use for surgical procedures to correct cervical spinal deformities is described. The Anterior Cervical Distractor System includes a cervical distractor having a distracting assembly for distracting vertebral bodies and a centering assembly for providing proper alignment. A plurality of control knobs, a distractor assembly control knob and a centering component assembly control knob, are used to allow the surgeon to control the centering and distracting functionality.

Abstract: A method for distracting a pair of uncinate joints of a cervical spine segment includes positioning a pair of distractor tips in intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and pushing the pair of distractor tips into the pair of uncinate joints, respectively, from the intervertebral disc space to at least partly distract the uncinate joints. A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes at least partly distracting the uncinate joints, thereby increasing height of the intervertebral disc space and, while maintaining distraction of the uncinate joints, placing an intervertebral device in the intervertebral disc space, the intervertebral device being configured to stabilize the cervical spine segment. A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes at least partly distracting the uncinate joints, and implanting uncinate joint stabilizers in the uncinate joints to stabilize the uncinate joints, thereby stabilizing the cervical spine segment.

Abstract: A midline retractor provides access for the placement of PARS screws and other surgical sites. A lower profile allows for better visualization of the patients anatomy and provides better access for surgical instruments. The retractor may include integrated lighting, such as fiber optic lighting or other suitable lighting. The blades of the retractor may include a textured profile, such as diamond plating, grooves, etching or any other desired textured treatment on the blades. The texture on the blades may keep tissue from migrating down the blades and may prevent the blades from slipping up and out of the patient. The PARS retractor may include a blade rotation locking mechanism and/or a blade toe feature that allows for ease of use and an adjustable blade toe. The retractor may also include a rack release that provides for free movement of the rack.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical apparatus, in particular a navigation probe for localizing and treating lesions in a brain, comprising: a body member (10) having an anterior end (20), a posterior end (30) and at least one groove (60, 62) extending for a particular length in a longitudinal direction of the body member (10) between said anterior end (20) and said posterior end (30); a saddle (70) adapted to securely hold a medical device, the saddle (70) being placed on said body member (10) and having at least one grip (74, 75, 76) that extends into said at least one groove (60, 62) so as to mount the saddle (70) on the body member (10) moveable in said longitudinal direction; and a means for maneuvering said body member (10).

Abstract: A system and method for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to an introducer and/or tray and inserted into the abdomen through a large puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum comprising a longitudinally Elongated support, first and second elongated members carried by the support to extend laterally, and eyelid positioning spoons carried by the members, at least one of the members having adjustable connection to the support to be selectively positioned relative to the other of the members whereby the spoons may be relatively adjustably positioned.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for permitting access to tissue includes an elongated introducer and a surgical port. The introducer includes an outer wall segment defining a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal port passage extending therethrough and a longitudinal slot in communication with the port passage. The introducer is dimensioned for at least partial introduction within an opening in tissue. The surgical port includes a port body mounted to the introducer with one of its leading and trailing ends disposed within the port passage and with the intermediate segment extending through the longitudinal slot and the other of the leading and trailing end external of the elongated introducer. The port body is dimensioned to be advanced within the port passage for deployment through the opening in the tissue and is adapted to transition from a compressed state to a released state.

Abstract: A surgical support attaches to a surgical table by means of mounting plates and base plates that may communicate through a surgical drape without puncturing the surgical drape. The base plates may be attached to the surgical table by means of a pegboard or by direct clamping of the base plates to a side of the surgical table underneath the surgical drape.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.

Abstract: A surgical retractor support system includes a body extending from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion, and a surgical retractor retaining configuration arranged relative to the body. The surgical retractor retaining configuration including an opening configured and disposed to receive a handle end of a surgical retractor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical access systems and methods of using the same to access a surgical site during a surgical procedure. The surgical access system includes a portal member and a patch. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member is formed from a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition such that an outer surface of the portal member is adapted for a substantial sealing relation with an opening in tissue upon insertion of the portal member therethrough. The patch includes a non-porous substrate having a tissue facing surface including an adhesive for positioning over the opening in the tissue and sealing a surface thereof. The patch is adapted for sealed reception of the portal member.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of performing an anterior approach hip replacement using a retractor assembly. The method may include: providing a retractor assembly including a first vertical post, a plurality of accessory arms mounted to the first post, a second vertical post, and a femur distractor mounted to the second post; exposing a surgical site including the femoral neck and acetabulum using a plurality of retractors secured to the accessory arms; cutting the femoral neck to remove the femoral head; preparing the acetabulum for insertion of an acetabular cup; preparing the femur for insertion of a femoral implant by lifting the femur using a femur hook and the femur distractor; and closing the surgical site. In various alternative embodiments, the retractors may include a lesser trochanteric retractor coming from a direct medial approach and a greater trochanteric retractor coming from a lateral, posterior, proximal approach.

Abstract: A method for laterally accessing a lumbosacral intervertebral disc space of a patient includes positioning the patient laterally and making an incision to provide lateral access to the patient's iliac crest. A bracket (24) may be placed on the iliac crest and a retractor (28) may be attached to the bracket such that a distal end of the retractor is positioned over the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space while a proximal end of the retractor provides an entry space for a surgeon to insert at least one tool (90). The surgeon may perform a surgical procedure on the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space through a channel (49) defined by the retractor.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting surgical devices inside a patient's body cavity comprising an external frame, a plurality of elongated members extending from the external frame and through the patient's skin into the body cavity, and an internal platform located inside the body cavity. The internal platform includes a plurality of links reconfigurable from a first elongated position wherein the links are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis for insertion to a second position wherein the links are angled with respect to one another to form a non-linear configuration. A first support of the external frame is movable with respect to the second support to thereby move the internal platform.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

Abstract: A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis arid a distal end, the tool introducer capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular position of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retraction system for exposing accesses in human medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, wherein said retraction system is arranged on the respective body region and has at least one hook-shaped retractor element 1 and retaining means for fixing the latter. The retraction system is characterized in that it is made of a radioparent material and in that it has a self-retaining action and/or is flexible at least in some areas such that, during retraction, a flexible element or a flexible section nestles against a tissue that is to be retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof. The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post incorporating a jack, and a lifting arm pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence programme, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof. The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types.

Abstract: An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.

Abstract: An introducer sheath assembly is provided that is capable of securely fastening a sheath tube to a patient's limb so as to keep it from being displaced after insertion into an incision. The introducer sheath assembly has an introducer sheath including a sheath tube to be inserted into the incision made on the patient's limb and a sheath hub attached to the proximal end of the sheath tube. In one form, the introducer sheath assembly has a belt, which is connected to the sheath hub and wound around the limb, and a fastening member to fasten the belt wound around the limb.

Abstract: A holding device for a surgical instrument may include a central instrument holding plate, patient attachment straps extending from the holding plate and instrument fasteners attached to the holding plate. In an exemplary application of the holding device the central holding plate may support a weighted speculum. Patient attachment straps may extend from the holding plate and may be configured to surround thighs of the patient. The fasteners may be configured to hold the speculum.

Abstract: An arm structure includes: a pair of arms; a support post; a support member; a cam provided in one of the pair of arms; a shaft member inserted through a lateral insertion hole of the support member; and a pair of ring-shaped members provided in end portions of the shaft member, wherein by turning the one of the arms around its axis thereby to make the cam revolve, a force works to make the shaft member move, and due to its reaction force the ring-shaped members pressure-contact the support member and a slit portion is narrowed. As a result, a longitudinal insertion hole is diameter-reduced and becomes in a state of pressure-contacting the support post, leading to restriction of rotation of the arm around the support post, and the cam pressure contacts the one of the arms, leading to restriction of sliding of the arm in a long side direction, and the ring-shaped members pressure-contact the support member, leading to restriction of rotation of the arm by the shaft member.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting surgical devices inside a patient's body cavity comprising an external frame, a plurality of elongated members extending from the external frame and through the patient's skin into the body cavity, and an internal platform located inside the body cavity. The internal platform includes a plurality of links reconfigurable from a first elongated position wherein the links are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis for insertion to a second position wherein the links are angled with respect to one another to form a non-linear configuration. A first support of the external frame is movable with respect to the second support to thereby move the internal platform.

Abstract: Methods for performing minimally invasive heart surgery include accessing a heart of a patient through a first incision on the left thorax of the patient, contacting the heart through the incision with a heart stabilizing device and/or a heart positioning device, introducing at least one coupling device through a second incision on the patient located apart from the first incision, coupling the coupling device with the heart stabilizing device or the heart positioning device, and performing a surgical procedure on the heart. Systems may include a retractor device, a heart stabilizing device, and a coupling device, for enhancing cardiac surgery. Any suitable heart surgery may be performed using methods, devices or systems of the present invention. In one embodiment, a CABG procedure is performed.

Abstract: A method for holding a hollow internal organ in a desired location during a medical procedure uses a retractor device and a gripper element, each of which includes a magnetic member, one being a first magnet and the other being either a second magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. The retractor device is placed into the lumen of the organ and the gripper element is located outside the body cavity of the patient. The magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device are brought into proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ and a body wall of the patient between them, with the gripper element being held at a location that secures the organ at the desired location. In another embodiment, the gripper element is placed inside the body cavity of the patient and outside the organ, with the magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device in proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ between them.

Abstract: A surgical retractor fixing device including a clamp body arranged for removably fixing the surgical retractor fixing device to a frameset that extends along a frameset longitudinal axis and that is arranged to be mounted to an operating table, a rotating body attached to the clamp body, the rotating body being pivotable around an axis of rotation, the rotating body comprising a fixing element arranged for fixing a surgical retractor, where in that the fixing element is a releasable one-way fixing element.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use within a body cavity during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The anchoring device includes an external assembly, an internal assembly, a controller, and a module. The external assembly has a first magnetic component. The internal assembly has a second magnetic component. The internal assembly is sized to be placed inside of the body cavity. The electrical current is connected with one of the first and the second magnetic component to produce a magnetic field about the connected magnetic component to approximate the internal and external assemblies. The module determines a parameter and is in communication with a controller. The controller controls the electrical current in response to the parameter.

Abstract: A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity that includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end and wherein the tool introducer is capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool wherein the tool holder is pivotally connected to the tool introducer distal end, thereby allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity.

Abstract: A retraction assembly is provided for retracting body tissue away from an operative site. The retraction device generally includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected by a biasing member. The biasing member urges distal ends of the first and second jaws together to grasp the body tissue. An anchoring assembly is connected to the retraction device for reposition the grasped target body tissue away from the operative site. The anchoring assembly includes a surgical needle and a length of suture material attached to the retraction device. There is also provided an applicator instrument having a hollow outer tube for receipt of the retraction device and to position and advance the retraction device over the body tissue. A pusher is provided and is movable within the hollow outer tube, and engageable with the retraction device, to force the retraction device out of the hollow outer tube and about the body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for use with a spinal stabilization system including a plurality of bone anchors and a plurality of anchor extensions. The surgical retractor includes a frame positionable between a first anchor extension connected to a first bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra and a second anchor extension connected to a second bone anchor implanted in a second vertebra and a first retractor blade connectable to the frame for retracting tissue between the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types.