Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided that can assume both open and closed positions, and is easily convertible from one position to the other. The retractor assembly involves an arcuate frame member that can be engaged to an arcuate connector, which together form a generally circular or elliptical retractor frame assembly. The frame member has a groove for the insertion of one or more mobile carriages that hold retractor blade posts and allow the posts to move in multiple directions. The carriages may be locked to prevent movement in one or more directions, as well.

Abstract: A retractor is designed to assist in cuff implantation procedure. It has a flat non-cutting retracting end at the distal. Its function is to isolate tissue of interest, to make access, and to retract tissue for cuff placement and removal while protecting critical tissue at the surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical instruments, and discloses a multifunctional compound light penetration enhanced imaging system and an enhanced imaging method. The structural design of the present invention is reasonable. Through the cooperation of the first working channel tube, the second working channel tube, and the third working channel tube, the size of the channel is switched. When the system shrinks to the minimum, the opening size of the wound is only 1/3 of that when the system is fully opened, which is suitable for a double-channel spinal endoscopic surgery. When the system is expanded to the maximum, it is suitable for transforaminal endoscopic surgery, and is suitable for multiple surgical modes. By adding a special red light component on the basis of the white light to form compound light illumination and increase the system transmittivity, the background penetration is realized.

Abstract: A surgical site retractor is configured to retract tissue, such as in an intercostal procedure. The retractor may be formed from non-radiopaque material for improved monitoring via x-ray imaging. The retractor may have a rigid retractor and a soft tissue retractor, where the rigid retractor has a plurality of legs and the soft tissue retractor extends between the legs to prevent soft tissue from extending between said legs. The retractor may have a bendable arm with an implement holder, such as distal cuff or clip adapted to resiliently hold an implement such as a tube of an elongated port-access device. A method involves partly installing the surgical site retractor, expanding the surgical site retractor, deploying the surgical implement from outside the body through the incision and into the patient, resiliently capturing the implement with the holder of the arm, and bending the arm to hold the implement in a desired position.

Abstract: A scleral depressor includes an elongated handle defining a first axis. An extension member has one end attached to the proximal end of the handle and includes a blade at the remote end thereof. The extension member defines a second axis and extends from the handle at approximately 90° thereby defining a plane. A bulbous or cylindrically shaped blade located at the remote end of the extension member has its rounded surface extending out of the plane. By properly manipulating the handle, such as by rotating the same, the rounded surface of the blade is used to depress the sclera.

Abstract: A vaginal shield assembly includes an elongated handle that has a first end and a second end. A splash guard is attached to the second end. The splash guard has a width greater than 1.5 inches and a length greater than 3 inches. The splash guard is configured to be positioned over a vagina to prevent fluids from splashing on or adjacent to the vagina when a user of the assembly is using a toilet.

Abstract: A device, providing enlargement and preventing collapse, of the pupil of the eye, during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The device, configured as a continuous or discontinuous ring, comprises plurality of notches at corners and flanges at sides. The ring is formed from a strand of resiliently flexible material and is disposed entirely within a single plane. The notches engage the pupillary margin at different parts, pushing them apart, resulting in sustained enlargement of the pupil. In addition, the device causes bending of the pupillary margin and iris at the notches and above and below the flanges, resulting in a secure engagement. The enlarged pupil created by the ring, allows a wide view of the structures deeper to the pupillary plane, previously obscured due to a small pupil.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, cigar or pipe has a capacitor sensor includings a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate configured to form a capacitor circuit. An output of the capacitor sensor is based at least in part on the capacitance of the capacitor circuit. A pressure sensitive component is connected to the first conductive plate and configured to move the first conductive plate based on a pressure differential between two sides of the pressure sensitive component to change a capacitance of the capacitor circuit.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device with obturator. The device facilitates extraction of specimens from a female subject's abdominal cavity through the subject's vagina by also facilitating the suturing of a mesh to the anterior and posterior walls of the subject's vagina. The device includes an elongate sheath that has a flat surface on the front, a curved shape on the back, and an inner port opening formed within the flat surface, where the port opening that enables introduction of instruments or removal of specimens from the peritoneal cavity. An internal obturator can be inserted into the sheath to reduce the size of the port opening into the peritoneal cavity, or can be used to close the inner port opening into the peritoneal cavity. The obturator and sheath can be utilized as firm surfaces against which a user can suture a sacrocolpopexy mesh to the anterior and posteriors vaginal walls.

Abstract: Protective barrier for laparoscopy. The barrier has a closed bottom, wall(s), and open end. The barrier may incorporate a drawstring and/or optional flexible stay(s), in internal channel around periphery of the open end of bag. The barrier may optionally utilize self-sealing communication in closed bottom. Furthermore, barrier may also include flexible ring or other shapes positioned inside and tube passing through communication in the closed bottom. Protective barrier is configured to be collapsed, rolled, and/or folded into a size that can pass through an opening, such as a trocar. Protective barrier, when deployed in the peritoneal cavity, may be used to collect tissue, tissue parts, blood and/or other fluid that may spray during Morcellation or other laparoscopic procedure. After completion of the procedure, protective barrier can be collapsed, rolled or folded at a size that can be easily removed from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a retractor body having a site portion and handle portion, and an impactor body on the retractor body. The impactor body is positioned and configured for use in impacting the site portion of the surgical site. An impaction axis of the impaction body is preferably substantially aligned with an axis of the site portion of the impactor body. The impactor body is preferably attached to the retractor body at a junction between the site portion and the handle portion of the retractor body. In one embodiment, the impactor portion is configured to selectively mate with an impactor extension member to thereby optionally receive direct impaction on the impactor portion or indirect impaction through the impactor extension member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a guide assembly including a guide having a body and a joint including at least one through hole, wherein the joint is configured for sliding along a length of the body, and a first surgical device. The guide is coupled to the first surgical device and a longitudinal axis of the through hole is co-radial with an end of the first surgical device. Other guide assemblies and methods of creating multiple portals during surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of attaching an end effector to a surgical instrument having a center rod with a distal tip. The method includes providing an end effector having a base and a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted within the base. The end effector is moved over the center rod such that the distal tip of the center rod is seated within the pocket of the coupler. There is also disclosed an end effector including a base having a slot, a coupler movably mounted within the base and defining a pocket for receipt of a moving member of a surgical instrument and an operative member movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler.

Abstract: Disposable medical items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose based PH, polycaprolate (PCL), polybutyleneadipatetetephathalate (PBT), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), green polyethylene (GPE), green polyethylene terephthalate (GPET), Poly3-hydoxybutrate-3-hydroxyhexxanate (PHBH), poly-D-lactide (PDLA), and poly-L-lactide (PLLA); a plasticizer intermixed with the resin to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; and a device formed from the bioplastic, where the device is at least one of a vaginal speculum, a specimen container, a measuring cup, a urinal, or a medical band.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac are provided. In this regard, a representative device includes: a handle operative to be grasped by a user; an arm extending outwardly from the handle; and moveable fins supported at a distal end of the arm, the fins being moveable between an unbiased position and a biased position; in the biased position, free ends of the fins having been moved toward each other such that an extent of the fins along a major axis is decreased relative to an extent of the fins along the major axis in the unbiased position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rib spreader including a stationary arm having a first bent portion; a first hook having a contact surface to contact with one incision plane of a sternum of human, and attached to the stationary arm ahead of the first bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range; a rack fixed to the base end of the stationary arm at a predetermined angle and curved archwise; a movable arm supported at the base end of the movable arm by the rack so as to be movable along the rack, to thereby vary the distance from the stationary arm; and a second hook having a contact surface to contact with the other incision plane, and is attached to the movable arm ahead of the second bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.

Abstract: A wound closure system includes a device, a sleeve, and a needle assembly. The device includes a shaft and one or more arms movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. The sleeve is removably positionable about the shaft and is slidable about the shaft to retain tissue between the distal end of the sleeve and the arms when the arms are in the deployed position. The needle assembly includes a base one or more needles insertable through respective needle lumens of the sleeve. The base defines a central aperture for removably positioning the base about the shaft. The base is slidable relative to the shaft and sleeve between a proximal position, wherein the needles are disposed within respective needle lumens, and a distal position, wherein the needles extend from respective needle lumens towards respective arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In addition, the applicator includes a sequencing means for coordinating the relative movement of the retractor element and the hole forming element in a sequential manner to thereby carry out a procedure for forming a hole in the wall of the hollow organ. The sequencing means may further include a safety latch element operatively coupled to the retracting means and the hole forming element. The safety latch of the invention keeps prevents damage to the internal surface of the organ during the formation of the hole.

Abstract: A self-retaining retractor and surgical method of retracting integument at a surgical site comprising a medial arm moveably connected to a first end of an extension arm. The extension arm is connected to a lateral arm. The connection may be made after the medial arm is in the surgical site. The extension arm may be moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The medial arm or the lateral arm may include a surgical instrument holder, such as a holder for an endoscope. A locking mechanism may be used to lock the retractor in a deployed position. A strap may also be used to secure the retractor.

Abstract: An anoscope kit comprising an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region, the distal region including an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region, the intermediate region having an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for treating back pain associated with a vertebral body of a patient. The system may include an external energy source configured to be positioned at a location external to the body of the patient, a linear configured to drive translation of the external source in one or more axes, a computer coupled to the external source and linear drive and programming executable on said computer for determining a target treatment site within or near the vertebral body based on acquired imaging data, positioning a focal point of the external energy source to substantially coincide with the target treatment site, and delivering a treatment dose of therapeutic energy at said target treatment site, wherein the treatment dose is configured to modulate a nerve within or near the vertebral body.

Abstract: A unitary multilumen cranial bolt for use in multimodal monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters in brain tissue incorporates a plurality of lumens, each lumen directing a catheter borne sensor through a bore hole in the cranium and into brain tissue of a patient. The lumens are configured to cause the catheters to splay outward as they enter the cranial cavity and reach their intended depth of penetration. Each lumen is associated with a guide. The guides are adapted for use with introducers that enable fragile and/or flexible sensors to be introduced into brain tissue. Each catheter borne sensor can be positioned and repositioned within brain tissue independently of all other sensors.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument that includes an elongated handle member and a plurality of extensions configured to grasp an eyelid, wherein the extensions extend from a top surface of the handle member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle member, wherein a first extension is located on a first side of the top surface of the handle member and a second extension is located on a second side of the top surface of the handle member. A double-everting method that includes holding an eyelid to a second end of the handle member and rotating the instrument until the eyelid is placed in an everted position, positioning the plurality of extensions over a lower edge of the everted eyelid in order to grasp the everted eyelid with the plurality of extensions, and rotating the instrument until the grasped-everted eyelid is placed in a double-everted position.

Abstract: The device for examining and surgically operating on body cavities, in particular the anal and vaginal cavities, comprises an elongate hollow body (2) exhibiting an insertion portion (3) for at least a partial insertion of the device (1) internally of the cavity and an open portion (4), through which the doctor or surgeon can operate. The hollow body (2) exhibits a longitudinal window (5) through which the pathological site of interest on the cavity wall can be isolated. The hollow body (2) exhibits, along the longitudinal window, a transversal section constituted by a curved sector, ends of which extend in a substantially parallel directions which diverge in such a way as to stretch the affected portion of cavity without invading the viewing space and/or the maneuvering space defined by the hollow body (2).

Abstract: A surgical method of operating on the spinal column includes the steps of making a slit in the back of a patient proximate to the spinal column, such to divide a first muscle portion around the spinal column into a pair of separate side muscle portions, and detaching at least one of the separate side muscle portions from the spinal column by force-fitting an elongate gauze member into the slit and compressing the gauze member between the spinal column and the at least one of the side muscle portion, such to controllably detach an additional separate muscle portion of the side muscle portions from the spinal column.

Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.

Abstract: The use of a memory metal mesh stent as a retractor in a lateral approach to the spine. The expanded stent is used as a conduit through which an implant can pass. This advance is predicated upon the appreciation that modern stent implants have diameters that are large enough to accommodate passage of an intervertebral spinal implant therethrough.

Abstract: The invention is a simple surgical drape system for female urology procedures that provides sealed isolation of top versus bottom sides of the drape and only exposes the female urethral meatus area for the procedure. It is achieved by a combination of a drape with a fenestration, a labia spreader where the drape fenestration is attached to provide a seal, and local illumination of the meatus area integrated in the drape system for safer and easier instrument insertion. The labia spreader also frees up one of the operator's hands and provides protection for false catherization. The labia spreader can have a vaginal inserted portion for precise position fixation of the drape fenestration to the female. The drape system also provides improved liquid management made possible by the unique combination of drape and labia spreader acting as seal between the two sides of the drape.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for inducing neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Further disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for identifying where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces are also disclosed, including diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain.

Abstract: An apparatus for perineal retraction during a prostatectomy includes a handle portion with a first end, a second end and a curvilinear segment between the first and second end. The second end faces in a direction toward the first end. The apparatus also includes a head portion including a first surface on one side of the head portion and a second surface on an opposite side of the head portion, the second surface being connected to or engageable with the second end of the handle. Use of the apparatus for perineal retraction during prostatectomy is also described.

Abstract: Various universal ports for installation into a colon are disclosed. Some embodiments include means for permitting an anvil of a surgical stapler to pass through a port in a first direction and means for permitting a portion of the patient's colon to pass through the port in a second direction. Some embodiments also employ a flexible sleeve that may extend from the port out through the anus to provide a passageway for passing surgical instruments into and out of the rectum and also for removing severed specimens therefrom.

Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft attached to a head and a door connected to the head. The head has an anterior side opposite a posterior side and includes a core fixed to the shaft and a sleeve coupled in a sliding relationship to the core. The door is coupled to the core and is movable relative to the posterior side of the head through an opening provided in the sleeve. A proximal end of the core defines a proximal end of the head and a distal end of the sleeve defines a distal end of the head. The proximal end of the core is fixed to the shaft. The sleeve moves relative to the core to provide the head with an adjustable length between the proximal end of the head and the distal end of the head.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a sleeve and a port. The sleeve is adapted for insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site. The sleeve defines a first passage therethrough. The first passage has a first diameter. The port defines one or more second passages extending therethrough. The port is adapted for insertion within the first passage of the sleeve in a substantially sealed relationship therewith. The one or more second passages are adapted for a substantially sealed reception of a surgical object therethrough. The one or more second passages have one or more second diameters. The port is selectively removably positionable within the first passage of the sleeve. The first diameter is greater than the one or more second diameters.

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

Abstract: 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: In a pericardioscopic procedure, without providing an endoscope or surgical instrument with special space ensuring means and without unnecessarily dilating the pericardial space, a space necessary for operation of the endoscope or surgical instrument is ensured, so that maneuverability is improved while suppressing complications. Provided is a space ensuring device comprising: a pericardium pressing part for pressing a pericardium from the pericardial space side; a heart pressing part for pressing the surface of a heart from the pericardial space side; and an interconnecting part interconnecting the pericardium pressing part and the heart pressing part, wherein the interconnecting part generates the resilient force enabling expansion against a pressure applied by a pericardium and a heart so as to ensure a space between the pericardium pressing part and the heart pressing part.

Abstract: A method for creating a sequence of access channels to provide access for performing surgery on a lumbar spine; through positioning a patient to facilitate surgical access to the lumbar spine; docking a retractor device against a proximal surface of the psoas muscle and maintaining the pre-psoas access channel with the retractor device docked at the proximal surface of the psoas muscle. Making a direct visual inspection of the psoas muscle before splitting the psoas muscle to create and maintain a psoas access channel that extends from the pre-psoas access channel to the spine. Holding open the psoas access channel with a pair of retractor blades. After completing a surgical process on the spine removing the pair of retractor blades from the psoas access channel.

Abstract: A composite anoscope for ano-rectal diagnostic and surgery, wherein the anoscope (2) also comprises an internal component (1), to be inserted therein, and a suitably shorter external component (3), ending with a conic frustum mantle (18), wherein the anoscope (2) is to be inserted. The three components (1, 2, 3) are all conic frustum shaped hollow bodies having circular cross-section. The internal component (1), when inserted in the anoscope (2), forms therewith a single body having a compact and smooth external surface and an ogival tip. The external component (3) is provided close to its mouth with slotted wings (19, 20), to be fixed to the perianal skin for securing the whole composite anoscope during the diagnostic and surgical operations.

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: 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: Embodiments include a method of performing a medical procedure in a patient. The method includes creating an incision in the patient and inserting a flexible guide tube into the incision. The method also includes locating a flexible instrument and a flexible optical device within the guide tube, tunneling the distal tip of the guide tube through the incision to a sternal notch or a position proximate the sternal notch, and dissecting at least part of a thyroid using the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical access system and method for accessing a surgical target site in order to perform surgical procedures, and particularly suited for establishing an operative corridor to an intervertebral target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for removing solid matter from a brain and controlling bleeding associated with the removal of the matter. The method involves securing a cranial anchor to a region of the skull in which an opening has been created to expose brain matter and introducing through a passage defined by the anchor a channel member that displaces brain tissue and exposes the solid matter. After removing the solid matter, a flowable hemostat is introduced into the cavity created by removal of the matter. A balloon introduced into the working channel is then inflated to compress the hemostat against the wall of the cavity to control bleeding from blood vessels around the cavity. The device includes a cranial anchor, a channel member defining a working channel, an optional removable trocar, and a catheter for introducing the hemostat and the inflatable balloon into the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes an access device having a tubular shape and a channel extending through the device that is sized to receive a surgical instrument. The outer surface of the device defines a support section and access section having an aperture extending through the wall of the device. The aperture has a wider distal portion and a narrower proximal portion and the surgical instrument may be inserted through the aperture. The access device simultaneously retracts soft tissue and distracts bone when inserted into the surgical site while allowing a surgeon access to the surgical site.