Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a medical device may include an adjustable support that includes a plurality of elongate members movable relative to one another. The support mechanism may also include a bracket coupled to the adjustable support. The bracket may be adapted to be coupled to a first medical device that extends along a longitudinal axis. The support mechanism may also include an instrument holder that extends along a central axis. The instrument holder may be movably coupled to the bracket and adapted to be coupled to a second medical device. The bracket and the instrument holder may be oriented such that central axis of the instrument holder intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle.

Abstract: A fiber includes M primary cores and N redundant cores, where M an integer is greater than two and N is an integer greater than one. Interferometric circuitry detects interferometric pattern data associated with the M primary cores and the N redundant cores when the optical fiber is placed into a sensing position. Data processing circuitry calculates a primary core fiber bend value for the M primary cores and a redundant core fiber bend value for the N redundant cores based on a predetermined geometry of the M primary cores and the N redundant cores in the fiber and detected interferometric pattern data associated with the M primary cores and the N redundant cores. The primary core fiber bend value and the redundant core fiber bend value are compared in a comparison. The detected data for the M primary cores is determined reliable or unreliable based on the comparison. A signal is generated in response to an unreliable determination.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for fusion of adjacent vertebral bones of a subject using distractor platforms for the exposure and resection of at least a portion of the facet joint, such as in performance of a TLIF procedure. In one embodiment, the distractor platform contains at least a first receptacle and/or extension that are adapted to couple to the implanted screw/bone marker and the method includes advancing a first threaded segment of a first bone fastener assembly into the identified first pedicle of the first vertebral bone, wherein the first bone fastener assembly further comprises a second segment that is adapted to couple with a distraction platform adapted to concurrently attach onto at least one tissue retention blade and is adapted to retain the tissue retention blade in the displaced position.

Abstract: A repositionable, lockable support arm assembly for surgical and other tools includes a base arm having a lower end and an upper end, a distal arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a central joint, typically a rotational joint, directly or indirectly linking the upper end of the base arm to the proximal end of the distal arm. A lower joint, typically a spherical joint, is positioned at the lower end of the base arm, and an upper joint, also typically a spherical joint, is located at the distal end of the distal arm, A locking mechanism is coupled to the base arm at a location above the lower joint and is configured to simultaneously deliver locking forces to the lower joint, to the rotational joint, and to the upper joint. The locking mechanism usually includes a powered, bilateral force generator for actuating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assisting apparatus for assisting in performing brachytherapy. The position of an introduction element (17) like a catheter is tracked particularly by using electromagnetic tracking, while a group of seeds is introduced into a living object (2). This provides a rough knowledge about the position of the seeds within the object. An ultrasound image showing the group is generated depending on the tracked position of the introduction element and, thus, depending on the rough knowledge about the position of the seeds, in order to optimize the ultrasound visualization with respect to showing the introduced seeds. Based on this optimized ultrasound visualization the position of a seed of the group is determined, thereby allowing for an improved determination of seed positions and correspondingly for an improved brachytherapy performed based on the determined positions.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed localization system for localizing radioactive seeds within a diseased tissue, the brachytherapy seed localization system employs a tool tracking machine (50) for generating a tracked seed distribution map (51) of delivered locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue, and a tissue imaging machine (60) for generating a seed distribution image (61) of projected locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue including at least one false projected location. The brachytherapy seed localization system further employs a brachytherapy seed localizer (70) for generating a composite seed distribution map (71) of estimated locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue derived from a combination of the tracked seed distribution map (51) and the seed distribution image (61) excluding any false projected location(s) within the seed distribution image (61).

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A photodynamic therapy (PDT) system includes an elongated interventional device with a bundle of optical fibers forming respective light exit ports which can be individually accessed. The bundle has an optical shape sensing fiber arranged for sensing position and orientation of the light exit ports. A processor is configured to generate a light dose signal to allow generation of light outputs to the optical fibers. The light dose signal is generated in response to the determined position and orientation of the light exit ports, and three-dimensional body anatomy image information obtained by a first image modality. The processor is also configured to take image information regarding distribution of a photo sensitizer in the body tissue as input, as well as take into account image information regarding a concentration of oxygen in the body tissue.

Abstract: A depth limiter for surgical suturing is disclosed. The depth limiter has a tissue stop. The depth limiter also has at least one attachment point coupled to the tissue stop and configured to removably engage a surgical suturing device to position the tissue stop relative to a tissue bite area of the surgical suturing device. A further depth limiter for surgical suturing is disclosed. The depth limiter has a tissue stop. The depth limiter also has at least one attachment point coupled to the tissue stop and configured to engage a surgical suturing device to position the tissue stop relative to a tissue bite area of the surgical suturing device.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an user of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having sufficient rigidity in a fixed mode and being freely operable in a steering mode includes one or more arm modules having at least one degree of freedom, each arm module including at least one steering cable to steer the arm module and a plurality of link units to form the at least one arm module, each link unit including a head disposed at an upper portion thereof and having a hemispherical shape, a seat formed at a lower portion thereof, and a sliding ball arranged at the seat, wherein the link units are arranged such that the head of one of the link units is seated on the seat of the other of the link units, and the head of one of the link units and the seat of the other of the link units are slid with respect to each other by the sliding ball.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.

Abstract: A tissue retractor is disclosed.

Abstract: A stabilizer for use with a trackable surgical instrument can include a first member, a second member and a retaining member. The first member can have a first annular body portion and a first pair of legs extending therefrom. The first annular body portion can include a plurality of locating slots for engaging a selectively positionable portion of a surgical instrument. The second member can have a second annular body portion and a second pair of legs extending therefrom. The second annular body can engage a drive device of the surgical instrument. The first pair of legs can be telescopically coupled with and adjustable relative to the second pair of legs such that the first member can be axially adjustable relative to the second member. The retaining member can cooperate with at least one leg to retain the first member adjustably coupled to the second member.

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: Devices, systems and methods related to endoscopic surgery, particularly related to robotic surgical operations, provide a tissue stabilizer for endoscopically stabilizing a target tissue within a patient's body. For stabilizing a beating heart during a closed-chest coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, a stabilizer is inserted through an endoscopic cannula and provides sufficient surface area to contact the heart and effectively stabilize the target tissue area. The stabilizer can straddle a blood vessel, such as a coronary artery, which is targeted for an anastomosis. Vessel occlusion fasteners may occlude the target blood vessel prior to the anastomosis procedure.

Abstract: The present application discloses a telescopic retractor holder comprising a telescopic rod with an inner tube, an outer tube and a locking mechanism as well as a retractor rod. Said retractor rod has at its one end a retractor mounting, which is adapted for releasably gripping a retractor, and at its other end is fastened to the telescopic rod by means of a jointed connection. The telescopic rod can be supported on an operating table and has an actuating mechanism, by which the locking mechanism can be transferred from a first position, in which the inner tube and the outer tube of the telescopic rod are held immovably in relation to one another, into a second position, in which the inner tube and the outer tube of the telescopic rod are movable in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the tubes.

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 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: 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 sued in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system is used to provide an apparatus configured to measure sound in an ear canal of a wearer's ear at a distance from a tympanic membrane of the ear. The sound is measured and received by the apparatus to produce a signal. A frequency analysis is performed on the signal to determine output as a function of the frequency and to determine the frequency of the minima (null). Further, a distance equal to a quarter wavelength of the null frequency is calculated. A correction factor associated with the quarter wavelength is retrieved and applied to the output to generate a corrected output. An estimated sound pressure level at the tympanic membrane from the corrected output is produced.

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: An instrument assembly support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly may include an instrument support arm. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument assembly on the arm assembly.

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 tissue stabilizer including an elongated arm, a collet, and a head-link assembly. The collet is disposed at a distal end of the arm. The head-link assembly includes a tube and a spreading mechanism. The tube forms an intermediate section and opposing arms each terminating at a tip. The spreading mechanism can adjust a lateral distance between the tips, and includes first and second articulating members each having a leg and a collet interface body. The first member further includes a female hinge feature, whereas the second member includes a male hinge feature differing from the female hinge feature. The legs of are mounted to discrete regions of the tube, and the male hinge feature is pivotably coupled to the female hinge feature. Automatic spreading of a lateral distance between the tips occurs in response to a compressive force applied to the collet interface bodies.

Abstract: A surgical holding arm has a plurality of holding arm members which are coupled to one another and a tensioning device for tensioning the holding arm members against one another. The tensioning device is designed in such a manner that the holding arm can be brought from an operative position, in which the holding arm members are tensioned against one another so as to be immovable, into an adjusting position, in which the holding arm members can be moved relative to one another. The holding arm can be brought, in addition, into a cleaning position, in which adjacent holding arm members can be moved away from one another further than in the adjusting position. Furthermore, a surgical holding device is described.

Abstract: The surgical support system may include a primary telescoping support, secondary telescoping support supported from the primary telescoping support and configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that telescoping of the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support; and a positioning joint disposed between the primary and secondary telescoping supports for universally positioning and locking the secondary telescoping support with respecting to the primary telescoping support.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for accessing and stabilizing an unstable or moving tissue structure within a patient's body, and in particular, for temporarily stabilizing a target site on the beating heart. The devices generally involve tissue stabilizers having at least one multiple link support member operably connecting a stabilizer foot to a retractor. The tissue stabilizer may have a stabilizer foot allowing for additional members to be connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. The support member and the additional members may be attachable to a retractor. The support member and the additional members may be operably associated with attachments or mounts which provide additional degrees of freedom at a connection to the retractor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for moving tissue and/or moving the devices relative to the tissue during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The devices and methods disclosed herein can be used in conventional, open surgical procedures, or in minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, the method can be used to provide an enlarged opening in the stomach wall for transgastric access.

Abstract: Positioning mechanisms can be used with surgical retractor systems to allow a surgeon to easily laterally move, tilt and lengthen each individual retractor blade used in the system. A lateral retraction mechanism provides the necessary actuating forces to laterally move and hold tissue at the surgical site. A retractor blade tilt mechanism can be used to change the angular position of a retractor blade at a surgical site. This tilt mechanism allows the surgeon to further increase the size of the surgical site by tilting one or more of the retractor blades allowing the distal end or toe of each blade to move laterally via a tilting action. A retractor blade holding mechanism allows the surgeon to hold each retractor blade in a fixed position within a blade holder and allows the surgeon to easily change the length of the retractor blade which extends out of the blade holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.

Abstract: A robot system for use in surgical procedures has two movable arms each carried on a wheeled base with each arm having a six of degrees of freedom of movement and an end effector which can be rolled about its axis and an actuator which can slide along the axis for operating different tools adapted to be supported by the effector. Each end effector including optical force sensors for detecting forces applied to the tool by engagement with the part of the patient. A microscope is located at a position for viewing the part of the patient. The position of the tool tip can be digitized relative to fiducial markers visible in an MRI experiment. The workstation and control system has a pair of hand-controllers simultaneously manipulated by an operator to control movement of a respective one or both of the arms. The image from the microscope is displayed on a monitor in 2D and stereoscopically on a microscope viewer. A second MRI display shows an image of the part of the patient the real-time location of the tool.

Abstract: In a master-slave manipulator system, manipulation device can be manipulated intuitively even when clutch manipulation is performed.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) having a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. The modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to the frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.

Abstract: A system and method for CT guided instrument targeting including a radiolucent instrument driver; a robot and a control box. The robot includes a robotic module that positions the radiolucent driver about two directions coincident a predetermined point. The control device is connected to the robot and the radiolucent instrument driver. The control driver sends a robot control signal to the robot that causes the robotic module to place the radiolucent instrument driver in a desired orientation with respect to the predetermined point. After the radiolucent instrument driver is in the desired orientation, the control device sends a driver control signal to the radiolucent instrument driver that causes the radiolucent driver to insert a medical instrument or device through the predetermined point to a location proximate a target point in a patient.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical retractor comprises a support handle and a surgical retractor holding element pivotally attached to the support handle. A rod engages the retractor holder element at a position spaced from the pivotal attachment to the support handle with the rod being movable thereby pivoting the holding element to move the position of the retractor blade of the surgical retractor.

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: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.

Abstract: Movement of an instrument to a target treatment site can be performed easily and quickly, so that the burden imposed on an operator can be reduced. A surgical manipulator system including a stabilizer manipulator having a stabilizer, at the tip, holding an operative site of a patient; one or more operating manipulator having an instrument, at the tip, treating the operative site held by the stabilizer manipulator; and a control unit controlling these manipulators, wherein the stabilizer manipulator and the operating manipulator have coordinate systems that are associated with one another; and the position coordinates of a target site to be treated are set to the stabilizer provided on the stabilizer manipulator; and the control unit controls the operating manipulator so as to dispose the instrument in the vicinity of the target site set to the stabilizer when the stabilizer is disposed at the operative site to hold the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor having laterally extending rack with a first arm connected to the rack spaced from the second arm. A retractor clamp has a slot which engages one of the arms. Extending from the clamp is a leg with a mount which receives a connector head of a retractor blade. One or more retractor clamps may be advantageously positioned on either of the arms at a desired location. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is rotatable relative to a member housing the slot such that a retractor blade connected to the mount may be pivoted into and out of an incision. Furthermore the housing member is configured so that a hand held gripper may be connected to the connector head of a retractor blade as it extends through the mount.

Abstract: Methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. A stabilizing device may be introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles in a vicinity of a site of surgery to be performed, is effectively eliminated. A surgeon may contact the heart with the stabilizing means, assess the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exert a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site. The stabilizing means may be attached to a rigid support or may be attached to a semi-rigid support which is rendered motionless mechanically, chemically, or by human intervention.

Abstract: The distal end part of the retractor according to the invention is provided both with terminal tips for abutment on one of the femoral condylar walls which define therebetween the intercondylar space, and with a wing extending laterally in projection from this end part in order to form a frontal surface for thrust, in a medial-lateral direction, of that part of the quadriceps muscle tendon containing the patella when the tips are in abutment in the intercondylar space. By using this retractor as a lever, the wing efficiently reclines the patella, without turning it completely on itself, entirely exposing one of the femoral condyles. This invention is more particularly applicable to a surgical procedure for implanting a unicompartmental knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for providing suction to tissue is disclosed. A method of suctioning tissue is also disclosed.