Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.

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 connector for a surgical retractor is shown. The connector includes a body member having an opening for receiving a nipple of a retractor blade. The connector also includes a retainer pivotally attached to the body member between an open position and a closed position. A lock mechanism locks the retainer in the closed position so that the nipple of the retractor blade is locked in the connector. A safety latch constrains the lock mechanism when the retainer is in the closed position.

Abstract: A improved equine dental speculum includes upper and lower frames pivotably connected to one another, upper and lower jaw and teeth engagement bars mounted on respective ones of the upper and lower frames which fit in the horse's mouth, frame spacing bars extending between and connecting the frame and the frame spacing securement devices which each include a slide stop assembly movably mounted on the frame arm which includes a movably mounted carriage and a stop bar adjustably mounted thereon, the stop bar having a frame arm slot extending transversely therethrough and having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the frame arm and through which the frame arm extends to releasably frictionally engage the frame arm so that the upper and lower frames will open along with the horse's mouth yet prevent the horse from closing its mouth until the stop bar is released.

Abstract: An equine speculum has an extension (17b) to the upper jaw piece (17a) to which the speculum-controlling handle (28a) is joined by a pivot (30), there being a slot (44) in the handle to permit relative motion of a pivot (29) that joins the handle to the lower jaw piece (18). An extension (46) below the lower jaw piece provides additional teeth (47) to permit latching the speculum in various open positions.