Abstract: A retractor system includes a mounting assembly, an articulated arm coupled to the mounting assembly, a retractor connector coupled to the articulated arm, and a handle. The articulated arm includes arm segments and joints that permit articulation of the arm segments. The retractor connector includes an attachment port adapted to receive an attachment post of a retractor blade. A handle mount includes a tab and a pedestal that affixes the tab to an arm segment of the articulated arm. The handle includes an attachment portion and a rod. The attachment portion includes a slot configured to receive the tab of the handle mount. The rod engages the tab of the handle mount and secures the handle to the handle mount when advanced through the attachment portion and into the slot.

Abstract: A stabilization device for stabilizing a robotic arm is provided attached at a fixing point on a predefined side of an operating table is provided. The stabilization device comprises a first fixation device configured to attach the stabilization device to the robotic arm, a support structure joined to the first fixation device, and a second fixation device joined to the support structure, the second fixation device being configured to fix the stabilization device to the operating table. The first fixation device is attachable to the robotic arm, and the stabilization device is configured such that the second fixation device is fixable to the operating table at a fixation location located at another place than at the predefined side of the operating table.

Abstract: A shoulder hold-down is provided for use in securing at least a shoulder of a patient in position relative to a surgical frame. The shoulder hold-down includes a locking mechanism that is adjustable to afford positioning of a shoulder engaging portion for contacting the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices for accessing the central nervous system, as well as making and using medical devices, are disclosed. An example medical device may include an expandable access sheath having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The expandable access sheath may be designed to shift between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable access sheath may include a tubular body having one or more axial support members disposed along the tubular body. The medical device may include an expansion member designed to shift the expandable access sheath between the first configuration and the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a surgical retractor includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a first portion coupled to a second portion via a hinged connection, wherein the first and second portions are configured to rotate about a body axis; a first radiolucent tip coupled to a distal portion of the first portion; a second radiolucent tip coupled to a distal portion of the second portion; a holder coupled to one of the first or second portions; and a deformable member extending through the holder, wherein the deformable member is configured to be deformed to facilitate fixation of the surgical retractor at a desired location.

Abstract: A shoulder hold-down is provided for use in securing at least a shoulder of a patient in position relative to a surgical frame. The shoulder hold-down includes a locking mechanism that is adjustable to afford positioning of a shoulder engaging portion for contacting the patient.

Abstract: A medical support system that includes a support arm including one or more active joints having an actuator, and one or more passive coupling mechanisms including a passive joint and a telescopic extension arm, the passive joint having no actuator; and processing circuitry configured to obtain information indicating a change due to movement of the one or more passive coupling mechanisms, and control the actuator of each of the one or more active joints based on the obtained information indicating the change, and the telescopic extension arm is positioned between (1) an active joint of the one or more active joints on a first side of the telescopic extension arm, and (2) the passive joint on a second side of the telescopic extension arm, the first side being closer to an proximal end of the support arm than a distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to holding equipment at an operating table. In order to removably provide equipment at a patient support, a holding device (10) is provided that comprises an accessory rail (12) and at least a first portion (14) of a coupling is provided. The accessory rail is configured as an attachment interface (16) for temporal attachment of equipment (18) at a patient support (20). The accessory rail is rigidly connected to the first portion of the coupling. The first portion of the coupling is configured to provide, in interaction with a second portion (22) of the coupling, a movable connection for connecting the accessory rail to a patient support, wherein the movable connection is configured to provide a horizontal sliding movement of the accessory rail in relation to the patient support. The provision of a movable connection allows, for example, to temporarily move or even remove the accessory rail together with mounted equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a holding device (12) for medical instruments (14) having a proximal base (20) for mounting on a frame (16), said base comprising a first joint (30), having a distal instrument holder (22) which comprises a second joint (32), having at least two sliding elements (52, 54, 58) between the base (20) and the instrument holder (22), and having at least two clamping elements (138, 140, 142, 144) which can be actuated by at least one transfer element (84, 86, 88), which can be operated jointly in a clamped stated and a released state, and which are designed to lock joints of the holding device (12) in the clamped state, wherein the at least two sliding elements (52, 54, 58) form a sliding joint (24) and can be displaced translationally relative to each other along a longitudinal axis (132), and wherein the at least two sliding elements (52, 54, 58) are telescopable relative to each other and coupled non-rotationally with each other.

Abstract: Retractor systems and methods for retracting body tissue during surgery. The retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: The patient positioning frame includes a posterior support, a lateral support, and an anterior restraint. The patient positioning frame can be placed on an upper surface of a conventional surgical table with the posterior support lying horizontally and the lateral support position vertically. A patient lies supine on the lateral support and is restrained using the anterior restraint assembly. The patient and the patient support are then simultaneously turned on the table to expose the patient's hip region for subsequent hip replacement or other surgery.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: The minimally invasive spinal fixator surgical device contains a support member; a guiding member adjustably joined to the support member; at least two sliding members correspondingly and adjustably joined to the guiding member; a first extension member adjustably joined to a sliding member; a second extension member adjustably joined to another sliding member; a first pulling member joined to the first extension member; a second pulling member joined to the second extension member; a tubular member joined to a side of the first pulling member; and a probe member plugged into the tubular member for conducting implant location determination and then removed. With the assistance of the present invention, the wound and damage to the muscle tissue of the patient are minimal and there is little bleeding. The operation team is also exposed to the X-ray for a minimum amount of time. The patient would also enjoy fast recovery.

Abstract: A method for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure includes inserting a first blade of a retractor system into an incision in a body of a patient. The retractor system includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm is coupled to a retractor assembly blade. The retractor assembly blade has a handle portion and the first blade. The second articulating arm is coupled to a bracket securing a second blade. The method includes retracting tissue using the first blade, inserting the second blade into the incision in the body of the patient and retracting tissue using the second blade.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A quick-action tensioning clip of a wound retractor, with at least one braceable seat for at least one holding arm and/or for a joint ball of a holding arm, is made available which can be operated safely, easily and quickly and which requires only low operating forces and at the same time safely and permanently generates high clamping forces, this being achieved by the fact that, in order to generate the tensioning force, it is equipped with a toggle catch composed of two joint levers which are connected to each other via a connecting joint and which, at their free ends, are articulated via attachment joints on component parts of the quick-action tensioning clip that can be mechanically moved away from or towards one another.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a surgical clamp for use with a surgical retractor support frame. The surgical clamp has a handle that rotates about a first pivot point from a first position to a second position, and a second pivot point eccentric to the first pivot point. The surgical clamp also has an intermediate link with a first portion that rotates about the second pivot point and a second portion that is rotatably connected to a third pivot point on an output link. The intermediate link is manipulated by rotation of the handle, and the intermediate link further manipulates the output link from a first position to a second position. The output link is operably connected to at least one of the first and second clamps to apply a clamping force on a surgical instrument to lock the surgical instrument in place.

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 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: An adjustable surgical retractor clamping mechanism for attaching mechanism to an operating table. The mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and a releasable clamp for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of slots cut into the sidewalls of upper jaw to form at least one flexible finger. The clamp is in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The clamp includes a cam lever. Movement of the cam lever to its closed position compresses the clamp causing the flexible fingers to grip the adjustable post locking its longitudinal movement. Rotation of the cam lever to the open position releases the compressive force on the clamp, unlocking the adjustable post allowing the post to be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

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 novel retractor system can be attached to a table and can be adjusted at desired points in x-y-z axes, and which provides spine surgeries be made in a healthier manner via retractors which are mounted on the retractor carrier wings, and a set, which provides fusion of spines via this system by using an insert.

Abstract: Surgical retractor fixing device having a clamp body arranged for removably fixing the surgical retractor fixing device to a frameset arranged to be mounted on an operating table; a rotating body attached to the clamp body, the rotating body pivotable around an axis of rotation and having a fixing element arranged for fixing a surgical retractor; the clamp body having a mouth to at least partially encompass the frameset and the clamp body comprising a locking device, the locking device having a locking rod arranged for engaging with the frameset thus fixing the clamp body to the frameset and a locking lever arranged for actuating the locking rod, the locking lever being pivotable around a locking lever swivel axis, the locking rod being arranged to exert a rotating body clamping force on the rotating body so that the rotating body is clamped when the locking lever actuates the locking rod.

Abstract: A surgical accessory clamp, method of use, and a robotic surgical system including the clamp are disclosed. A surgical accessory may be attached and removed from a manipulator arm during a surgical procedure without requiring the use of an intermediate sterile accessory clamp, thus removing the need for a detachable accessory mount or adaptor that needs cleaning and sterilization and allowing for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The accessory clamp further allows for easy removal and attachment of instruments, tools, or accessories to the robotic surgical system without breach of sterility. In one embodiment, an accessory clamp includes a base for coupling to a distal end of a manipulator arm; two clamp jaws adapted to receive a surgical accessory, each of the clamp jaws rotatably coupled to the base and configured to pivot relative to one another; a sterile drape portion over the two clamp jaws; and a lever portion capable of actuating the two clamp jaws into an open position or a closed position.

Abstract: A quick-action tensioning clip of a wound retractor, with at least one braceable seat for at least one holding arm and/or for a joint ball of a holding arm, is made available which can be operated safely, easily and quickly and which requires only low operating forces and at the same time safely and permanently generates high clamping forces, this being achieved by the fact that, in order to generate the tensioning force, it is equipped with a toggle catch composed of two joint levers which are connected to each other via a connecting joint and which, at their free ends, are articulated via attachment joints on component parts of the quick-action tensioning clip that can be mechanically moved away from or towards one another.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical retractor system for clamping system to an operating table. The clamping mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and releasable locking mechanism for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The releasable locking mechanism can be a mechanism that includes a sleeve in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of sockets for receipt of a plurality of balls. The sleeve can have a first position which positions an internal shoulder in alignment with the sockets and urges the balls into engagement with circumferential grooves in post member to lock the post at desired height. In a second position, an internal groove in the sleeve can align with the sockets to allow the balls to move partially out of the sockets and out of engagement with the groove in the post so that the post can be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A mountable, top-loading retractor device that is quickly and easily mountable to a surgical tool support frame. The device has two main sections a mount assembly for attaching to the support frame, and a top-loading retractor assembly pivotably linked to the mount assembly. The mount assembly has opposed upper and lower clamping jaws to a grip a section of the frame when the assembly is operated to set the clamping jaws. The retractor assembly includes a retractor mechanism having a separate arm receivable into the top surface of the retractor assembly and engageable by the retractor mechanism. The arm extends beyond the retractor assembly and is positionable along its length. The distal end of the arm is adapted to attach to a surgical retractor tool, and to apply a force to operate the tool.

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: The invention relates to a surgical retractor fixing device, comprising: (a) a clamp body (16) arranged for removably fixing the surgical retractor fixing device (10) to a frameset (93) that extends along a frameset longitudinal axis (L) and that is arranged to be mounted to an operating table, (b) a rotating body (14) attached to the clamp body (16), (c) the rotating body (14) being pivotable around an axis of rotation (A), (d) the rotating body (14) comprising a fixing element (32) arranged for fixing a surgical retractor (12) where in that the fixing element is a releasable one-way fixing element (32).

Abstract: A clamp for attaching a medical device to an OR table rail, including two closable clamp jaws that close to an extreme position that leaves inadequate room for the rail. A handle actuates the jaws apart, and a spring biases them together through a range of jaw positions. A lock member is biased to swing through a range of lock positions in which it progressively engages and locks the jaw mechanism through its range of jaw positions. A pair of bars carries the medical device on the clamp, and allows it to be adjustably positioned with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A U-type clamp has two arms and a base and tightens around cylindrical stock. The surface of the clamp that makes contact with the cylindrical stock is not itself entirely cylindrical in its loosened state. The preferred embodiment involves a first cylindrical profile extending around about ¾ of the contact surface which is intended to match the curvature of the post. The final ¼ or so of contact surface has a larger radius of curvature than the first cylindrical profile. The second cylindrical profile may also be offset relative to the first cylindrical profile.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a pair of small grips that are disposed at the ends of arms that can be moved toward or away from each other. The grips engage and separate the sides of an incision that has been made in a patient. A lifting mechanism that can be attached to one of the arms enables one side of the incision to be raised relative to the other side of the incision. The lifting mechanism includes a clamp that can be connected to the retractor and a foot that is connected to the clamp and which is movable relative thereto. The foot is engageable with the patient such that extension of the foot causes a selected grip to be raised. Retraction of the foot permits the selected grip to be lowered. In the preferred embodiment, the foot is disposed at one end of a notched rack; a rotatable pinion is in contact with the notches to extend and contract the rack; and a pivotally movable pawl permits movement of the rack in one direction and prevents movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.

Abstract: A radiolucent halo-type retractor (20) having a radiolucent curvilinear fixed member (32) connected to a radiolucent curvilinear movable member (34). Each of the fixed and movable members has a radiolucent male coupling (44, 46) projecting outward from a convex surface (40, 42) to receive a female coupling of a retractor arm. The ends (60, 68) of the movable member are separated by a distance less than a distance separating the ends (56, 64) of the fixed member. Radiolucent starburst connectors (58, 62) are disposed on first ends of the fixed and movable members to secure the fixed and movable members at a desired angular orientation. Radiolucent starburst connectors (66, 70) are also disposed on second ends of the fixed and movable members to secure the fixed and movable members at a desired angular orientation. A pin (72) rotatably connects the first ends. A locking shaft (76) rotatably connects the second ends and is operable to lock the fixed and movable members in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A clamping device which secures a retractor support apparatus to an operating table having a side rail. The clamping device has a first clamping member disposed between a side of the operating table and the side rail. The clamping device also includes a second clamping member disposed between the side rail and the first clamping member. A first securing mechanism operably connects the first and second clamping members such that a force provided by the first securing mechanism causes the first and second clamping members to move in opposing directions and frictionally engage the side of the operating table and the side rail.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for an external fixation system includes a first clamp member receiving a first elongated and a second clamp member receiving a second elongated member. The first clamp member includes a first fastener rotatably in a first direction to lock the first elongated member relative to the first clamp member. A second fastener connects the first and second clamp members. The second fastener is rotatable in the first direction to independently lock the second elongated member relative to the second clamp member. The first fastener is hollow and the second fastener passes through the first fastener.

Abstract: A probe position sensing system for accurately determining a spatial location in a coordinate system of a distal end of a probe assembly. The probe assembly includes an articulated arm having a pair of sections interconnected by a flexible joint and at least one element. The element extends through the joint and is positioned to be subjected to a degree of flexure due to relative displacement of the sections. A flexure of the element induces a change in a physical property associated with the element. An instrument monitors the physical property and derives an angle between adjacent sections from variations of the physical property.

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 instrument for assisting surgical laparascopic or coelioscopic operations where the patient's anterior abdominal wall is formed with an aperture and is raised away from the patient's visceral organs comprises a wirelike body having a first part extending substantially in a plane and adapted to lie against the posterior face of the anterior abdominal wall, a second part extending transversely from the plane of the first part, having an outer end, and adapted to traverse the aperture in the abdominal wall, and a hook at the outer end of the second part adapted to be secured to a stationary support. After inflation of the patient's peritoneum to raise the anterior abdominal wall, the second part of the device is hooked under this wall and the outer end is hooked over a bracket to maintain the abdominal wall raised.