Abstract: A first embodiment of a support system for a surgical retractor device includes a pair of vertically extending support members, releasably attachable to a patient support platform, at least one horizontally extending cross bar attached to and supported by the pair of vertically extending support members, and at least one lifting device disposed on the at least one cross bar and attached for retraction to a retractor assembly. The first embodiment may further include a horizontal extension, upon which may be mounted a lifting device. The first embodiment may further include a second cross bar, upon which a second lifting device may be mounted.

Abstract: A device for retracting tissue that includes a cannula and a retractor positionable in the working channel of the cannula. The retractor includes a working tip configured to atraumatically displace tissue as the retractor is manipulated through the tissue.

Abstract: A bone leveler or apparatus including a first blade member having a forward end suitable for contacting the bone and a rearward end, a second blade member having a forward end suitable for contacting the bone and a rearward end, and an elastic member having one end received by the first blade member and an opposite end received by a second blade member. Each of the blade members has an identical configuration. Each of the blade members has a hole formed between the forward end and rearward end. The elastic member has one end received by the hole of the first blade member and an opposite end received by the hole of the second blade member. Each of the blade members has a slot formed at the rearward end so as to extend inwardly therefrom. The respective ends of the elastic members are fixed into the slots of the respective blade members. The elastic member is a length of surgical tubing.

Abstract: An instrument holder including a releasably lockable adjustable arm for rigidly maintaining a tool or instrument in a pre-selected orientation. The instrument holder also includes a tensioning device pivotally connected by a hinge to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of links longitudinally arranged along a common axis, wherein adjacent links are pivotally connected by a hinge, and a duct. A tensioning cable extending within the duct of the arm attaches to the distal end of the articulated arm and to the tensioning device, and applies a tension force to compress the hinges so as to rigidly lock the arm into the preset position.

Abstract: A heart retractor links lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the heart retractor of the present invention. The retractor includes a plurality of flexible arms and a plurality of rigid arms as well as a surgery target immobilizing element. One form of the retractor can be used in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of rakes for retraction of the patient's ribs and thoracic region in, e.g., a reoperative midsternotomy surgical procedure, for providing additional support as the surgical cavity is enlarged during the course of dissection of, e.g., the internal mammary artery during its harvest for use in a coronary bypass procedure. The present invention provides as a retraction device a xiphoid rake for providing support to a body portion in a surgical procedure which includes forming a surgical cavity by a xiphoid entry, wherein the xiphoid rake is substantially stronger than conventional retractor rakes and provides a large body-supporting portion for providing greater sternal support as required in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a surgical instrument to a base, which facilitates positioning a surgical instrument relative to the surgical site so that only the minimum portion of the instrument is positioned in the free space available around the surgical site. A surgical instrument is also provided which includes a handle, a tool member, and a segmented flexible articulating arm which operatively connects the handle and the tool member. Also provided is an instrumentation kit having a surgical instrument which includes an end effector connecting assembly disposed at the distal end portion of an articulating arm to facilitate the removal or attachment of and end effector from the distal end of the articulating arm. The surgical instrumentation kit also includes a number of interchangeable surgical tool end effectors each having a uniform connector portion for interchangeable engagement with the end effector connecting assembly of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a support system for a surgical retractor device includes a pair of vertically extending support members, releasably attachable to a patient support platform, at least one horizontally extending cross bar attached to and supported by the pair of vertically extending support members, and at least one lifting device disposed on the at least one cross bar and attached for retraction to a retractor assembly. The first embodiment may further include a horizontal extension, upon which may be mounted a lifting device. The first embodiment may further include a second cross bar, upon which a second lifting device may be mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A retractor includes an elongate member having an arcuate cross-section defining an elongate passage therein, and a handle molded to its proximal end. A transparent illumination member has a proximal portion connectable to a light source, and a distal portion that extends within the elongate passage along an inner surface of the elongate member, and includes a plurality of grooves for diffusing light transmitted from the proximal portion uniformly into and along the elongate passage. The device may also include a support member attachable to the proximal end of the elongate member to further facilitate visualization of and/or access into the elongate passage.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a connection region to connect to cannulas, tubing, blood pumps, and the like. By fixing these items against the surgical retractor, they are kept out of the surgical field of view and thus do not interfere with the surgery.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a surgical instrument to a base, which facilitates positioning a surgical instrument relative to the surgical site so that only the minimum portion of the instrument is positioned in the free space available around the surgical site. A surgical instrument is also provided which includes a handle, a tool member, and a segmented flexible articulating arm which operatively connects the handle and the tool member. Also provided is an instrumentation kit having a surgical instrument which includes an end effector connecting assembly disposed at the distal end portion of an articulating arm to facilitate the removal or attachment of and end effector from the distal end of the articulating arm. The surgical instrumentation kit also includes a number of interchangeable surgical tool end effectors each having a uniform connector portion for interchangeable engagement with the end effector connecting assembly of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable plate retractor assembly which includes a pivotable mounting plate to which a rake and a cable plate assembly are attached. The length of both the rake and the lifting plate portion of the cable plate assembly is threadably adjustable relative to the mounting plate. A method of retracting a portion of a patient's body adjacent a surgical cavity includes making a first surgical incision, placing a rake in a position for retraction, retracting a first portion of the patient's body with the rake, making a second surgical incision, inserting a first end of a cable with a lifting plate thereon into the surgical cavity, drawing the first end of the cable through the second incision whereby the lifting plate is retained in the patient's body at a second end of the cable, adjusting the position of at least one of the rake and the lifting plate relative to the mounting plate, and retracting a second portion of the patient's body by raising the lifting plate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of rakes for use as surgical retractors in a surgical procedure in which the set of rakes includes a progressively longer body-supporting base portion. The present invention further includes a C-shape surgical retraction device including a rake end for lifting a first body portion, a pad end for depressing a second body portion and, e.g., a ring for attaching a lifting device, in which the device is adapted for use in a mid-cab surgical procedure. The present invention provides a set of rib rakes for retraction of the patient's ribs and thoracic region in a mid-cab procedure, in which each retractor rake has a progressively larger body-supporting portion, for providing additional support as the surgical cavity is enlarged during the course of dissection of, e.g., the internal mammary artery during its harvest for use in a coronary bypass procedure.

Abstract: A retractor system having a tray for receiving a small animal or a portion of a body during surgery. The tray has a notched flange for receiving an elastic member of a surgical stay while a tissue holding member of the stay holds a surgical incision open. The tray also includes a drain and a spout either of which may be used to discharge fluids accumulating during surgery. The system may include a snap-on cover to contain the tray contents when moving the tray. The system may have an inclined, textured bottom member and wall holes for receiving adjustable arms having notched flanges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in a patient's body, together with a delivery device for positioning the retractor in the patient's body. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. The retractor is held by the delivery device in a collapsed orientation for placement in the patient's body. The delivery device is released from the retractor to allow the retractor to assume an expanded orientation in the patient's body. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis.

Abstract: A heart retractor links lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the heart retractor of the present invention. The retractor includes a plurality of flexible arms and a plurality of rigid arms as well as a surgery target immobilizing element. One form of the retractor can be used in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic retractor frame assembly (10) for use during orthopaedic surgery at an incision site associated with a limb of a patient. The retractor frame assembly (10) includes a retractor frame (16) for placement adjacent the incision site. A limb attachment device (22) is connected to the retractor frame (16) and is configured for connection with a limb of the patient, whereby the retractor frame (16) is held at a desired orientation relative to the incision site. In addition, the retractor frame assembly (10) provides for retractor instruments (18) to be adjustably positioned relative to the retractor frame (16).

Abstract: A first embodiment of a support system for a surgical retractor device includes a pair of vertically extending support members, releasably attachable to a patient support platform, at least one horizontally extending cross bar attached to and supported by the pair of vertically extending support members, and at least one lifting device disposed on the at least one cross bar and attached for retraction to a retractor assembly. The first embodiment may further include a horizontal extension, upon which may be mounted a lifting device. The first embodiment may further include a second cross bar, upon which a second lifting device may be mounted.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a tissue structure within a body cavity provides for retracting and supporting the heart wall to provide access into the heart during a cardiac surgical procedure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a surgical tool support apparatus comprises a base having an atraumatic tissue-engaging surface and an aperture for receiving an elongate tool. The apparatus also has a clamp assembly aligned with the aperture and spaced-apart from a surface of the base opposite to the tissue-engaging surface. The apparatus is particularly useful in maintaining a retracting force on a surgical tool used to manipulate tissue within a body cavity such as the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a rake plate, and plural rakes for applying retractor force to a body. The rakes are pivotably mounted to the rake plate, and the length of the rakes may be adjusted relative to the rake plate. Various connections are provided for connecting the rakes to the rake plate. Also, the rake plate is concave to facilitate placement relative to a surgery cavity of a patient. A method of holding open a surgery cavity includes the placing of the rakes relative to the cavity and adjusting the length of the respective rakes.

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

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for pivoting a surgical retractor having two arms. The apparatus has a bridge for engaging at least one arm of the surgical retractor. The bridge has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The bridge further includes a distal coupling attached to the distal end of the bridge for attaching the bridge to the surgical retractor. An arm extender comprising a bridge coupling and a blade is attached to the bridge and engages with the tissue of the surgical patient. The apparatus also has a lifting assembly comprising an elevator. The lifting assembly is for applying an upward force to the proximal end of the bridge, so that when the apparatus is attached to the arm of the surgical retractor, the lifting assembly pivots the retractor with respect to the surgical patient.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for pivoting a surgical retractor with respect to a patient it is being used on. The device includes a bridge having distal and proximal ends wherein a distal coupling is attached to the distal end of the bridge and a proximal coupling is slidably attached to the bridge proximal to the distal coupling. The proximal and distal couplings include a means for releasably attaching itself to a surgical retractor. The device further includes a lifting assembly attached to the bridge proximal to the proximal coupling. The lifting assembly comprises a means for applying an upward force to the proximal coupling, whereby when the device is attached to a surgical retractor, the lifting assembly pivots the retractor upward about the distal coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a surgical instrument to a stationary member comprising an arm adapted to support the surgical instrument, a mounting member fixedly attached to the stationary member, and a rotatable positioning segment for coupling the arm to the mounting member so that the arm is rotatable to a selected one of a plurality of desired radial positions relative to the mounting member and is detachably coupled to the mounting member in the desired radial position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing and/or manipulating moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissues. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube is operatively connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end. The device further includes at least one foot operatively connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue. Each foot is attached to the tube by a ball and socket connector. The ball and socket connector is operatively connected to an actuator which can release and re-engage the ball from the socket.

Abstract: A surgical retractor holder includes a length of pliant material having opposed fastening end areas at which hook elements or the like are located for engaging opposite sides of a surgical table. Open ended pockets are provided along the length of the material for receiving the proximal end of a retractor handle to secure the handle in position when the length of material is fixedly secured to a surgical table across a surgery patient. The retractor holder enables the retractor to be secured in position without the need for manipulation by a surgical assistant.

Abstract: A surgical stay apparatus provides a frame that can be annular and conforming to a patient's body at a surgical site. An opening allows a surgeon to access the surgical site through the central portion of the frame. A stay includes a handle body having proximal and distal ends. The first bore extends through the handle body communicating at least with the proximal end of the handle body. The second bore extends at least a partial distance through the handle body and communicates with the proximal surface of the body. An elastic member extends through the first bore, the elastic member having an elongated portion that extends from the distal end of the handle body and a short proximal end that is positioned at the handle body occupying at least a portion of the first bore. A hook member having proximal and distal end portions occupies the second bore of the handle body, the hook member has a curved hook at the distal end portion of the handle body for retracting body tissue.

Abstract: Abdominal wall retractors is made of a plurality of extension arms to define a plane when expanded. The device is inserted through a small opening in the patient's abdomen, after which it is expanded by manipulation upon the portion remaining exterior to the patient. The retractor then elevates the abdominal wall to facilitate laparoscopic surgery, thus avoiding the need for creation of a pneumoperitoneum or the use of general anesthetic.

Abstract: A clamping device for use in a surgical retractor support includes a first clamp member for clamping a first retractor support. The first clamp member has a first opening that is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the first retractor support for receiving the first retractor support. A pin disposed within the clamp member has a cam surface for acting on the first retractor support member. A handle operable with the pin for moving the cam surface between a first nonlocking position and a second locking position for locking the first retractor support member from movement in a substantially vertical direction. Preferably a wedge section is positioned between the cam surface and the first retractor support such that the wedge section frictionally engages the first retractor support when the cam surface is in the second locking position. The clamping device also has a second clamp member for clamping a second retractor support.

Abstract: A surgical instrument positioning system includes a belt assembly positionable adjacent and across the body of the patient and a surgical instrument, such as a retractor, provided with an attachment portion for attachment to one or more of a plurality of adjustment positions provided on the belt assembly.

Abstract: An iris retractor for use in ophthalmic surgery, includes an elongated body portion for insertion through an incision in the eye to retract the iris, with the body portion including two parallel shafts secured to each other along a common longitudinal edge wherein each shaft has at least one end formed with a hook-shaped member. The shafts of the body portion are so joined together that the hook-shaped members diverge from the longitudinal edge downward at an angle to one another to exhibit a .LAMBDA.-shaped configuration, and exhibit parallel shanks which are spaced from each other at a distance, the dimension of which depends on the angle between the hook-shaped members.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for performing peritoneal distension. The method includes providing a support structure on a surgical table, wherein the support structure includes a substantially vertical post and an arm assembly. A distal end of the arm assembly is positioned over a patient on the surgical table while the vertical post remains stationary. A peritoneal distension instrument extending from the arm assembly is coupled to a peritoneal structure of the patient. The peritoneum of the patient is distended by vertically raising the arm assembly while the post remains stationary relative to the surgical table. The apparatus is a surgical instrument support structure including a substantially vertical post having a gear rack disposed generally along the post's axis and an arm assembly movably coupled along the gear rack extending from the gear rack for holding a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A four blade medical retractor for holding open a body or surgical cavity. A first blade is fixedly mounted to the first leg of an L-shaped frame. A second blade is slidably mounted to the second leg of the frame and includes a spring biased pawl to control motion of the second blade relative to the first blade. A third blade is slidably mounted to the first leg and also includes a pawl to control motion of the third blade along the first leg. A carrier mounted to the second leg holds a fourth blade which is movable both along the length of the second leg and also to and from the third blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for suspending the abdominal wall of a patient. The device is formed of a substantially rigid rod comprising a first section having a free end and bent to define either a conical helix or a planar serpentine figure. A second section of the rod is used as a pulling member. In accordance with the method of the invention, to suspend the abdominal wall of a patient, (a) an incision is cut in the patient's abdominal wall, (b) the free end of the first rod section is inserted in the incision and the first rod section slid in this incision until it is completely introduced in the patient's abdominal cavity, and (c) the second rod section, situated on the outside of the abdominal wall, is pulled to apply the first rod section on the inner face of the patient's abdominal wall and then to suspend this abdominal wall.

Abstract: Each pivotal shaft normally urged in one direction by the urging means drives the movable barrel to push the pressure spring, so that the clutch disposed either to the inner ball or to the outer ball in each joint is brought into press contact with the other ball to lock the joint. Accordingly, once the holding arm holds a tool, the holding force of the arm does not decline with time. Since the pressure applied to the pressure spring by the movable barrel is released by turning the pivotal shaft in the opposite direction by the driving means, each joint assumes an unlocked state. Thus, the tool held at the free end portion of the holding arm can be moved to a desired position, and also the holding position can be changed very easily.

Abstract: An elevator device for an abdominal wall in videolaparoscopic surgical operations is provided, which comprises mechanical elements (8) for tensioning an abdominal wall (10) and movement means (2) for the mechanical tensioning elements (8), in which the mechanical tensioning elements (8) are embodied by shaped needles having sharpened ends (14a) adapted to be introduced into the subcutaneous tissue (9) of the abdominal wall (10), and in which the movement means (2) comprises raising members (6) and spacing members (28) to move the shaped needles (8) away from each other, adapted to carry out raising of the abdominal wall (10) and tensioning of same transversally of said raising.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing two retractors, preferably fan retractors, to be used to lift the abdominal wall to provide improved visualization and working space in the abdomen of obese patients, and in the lateral regions of the abdomen of normal patients. The apparatus connects a first retractor and a second retractor to a mechanical lifting arm, and comprises a bar, and first, second, and third connecting devices. The first and second connecting devices are each slidably mounted on the bar, are each lockable to the bar, and connect the first retractor and the second retractor, respectively, to the bar. The third connecting device is attached to the center of the bar and connects the bar to the mechanical lifting arm. The apparatus is used by making a first incision and a second incision in the abdominal wall at separated locations. The first retractor is inserted into the first incision, and the second retractor is inserted into the second incision.

Abstract: A medical instrument stabilizer for use in endoscopic procedures includes a stabilizer body for being placed against an external surface of an anatomical cavity wall and having a port for receiving medical instruments to be introduced into the anatomical cavity through the stabilizer body and the anatomical cavity wall. An anchoring system carried by the stabilizer body includes a tissue penetrating member movable between a retracted position wherein a tissue penetrating tip of the tissue penetrating member is disposed in a safe, non-exposed position and an extended position wherein the tissue penetrating tip extends from the stabilizer body to penetrate the anatomical wall and anchor the stabilizer thereon. Medical instruments inserted into the anatomical cavity through the port of the stabilizer are secured relative to the stabilizer and, therefore, the anatomical wall.

Abstract: A retractor blade having a generally "S" shaped configuration in cross section. The blade is pivotally attached to a rod which may be connected to a table fixed ring retractor. The central portion of the blade moves tissue away from the operative site when the distal end of the blade is placed against a bone and the rod is moved away from the operative site.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator and protector. It includes a shield member configured to engage with the area surrounding the external cervical os. The shield member has a curved blade projecting from an edge thereof for extension into the posterior vaginal cul de sac. Also formed on an interior surface of the shield member is a finger which extends into the cervix. An elongated handle terminating in an exo-vaginal portion graspable by the user extends from the exterior surface of the shield member.