Abstract: The Surgical Visual Field Enhancer is used to improve the visual field under a limited skin incision. It includes various parts to make the surgeon's work easier, such as the removable handle, the tunnel opening guide, the tunnel dilator, the lighting tool and the lighting transmitter. Initially, the user holds the surgical tool body of the surgical visual field enhancer and uses the tunnel opening end to create a tunnel through the soft tissue. The tunnel opening end is composed of the tunnel opening tip and the enlargement scalpel for tunnel enlargement. The distance marker and guard are used for depth estimation, in some cases, the tunnel opening guide can be inserted in the soft tissue to guide the tunnel creation. The tunnel dilator will follow the tunnel opening guide to create the tunnel to the operative site. When the tunnel has been created, the visual enhancer end is inserted to enhance the surgical visual field.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anoscope (1) that comprises a back piece (3) to stand on; a handle (6) with a longitudinal axis that faces the front piece (2) of the anoscope (1), particularly the sliding lid (5) and the window (11) when the lid (5) is opened; a broadly piece (7) that is located at the junction of the handle (6) and the front piece (2) and that sits on the front piece (2); a socket (8) on the surface of the atrium (23) of the broadly piece (7); a cylindrical extension (17) inside the broadly piece (7); a sliding lid (5) located on the front piece (2) that can either be separated totally from the front piece (2) or can form a window (11) that opens to the desired extent; a protrusion (12) located at the inner surface of the sliding lid (5) that facilitates the lid (5) being handled and pulled; a tongue (9) distal to the front piece (2) that sits on the socket (8) and manages locking and unlocking processes of the front piece (2) and the back piece (3); and a pillar (21) and a console (22) located

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a working channel for accessing a surgical site and an integrated light emitter for illuminating the surgical site. The light emitter is integrated in proximity to a distal end of the surgical access device. In some embodiments, the light emitter is offset from the distal end. In certain embodiments, the integrated light emitter includes a light transmission medium for transmitting light from a proximal end of the access device to the distal end.

Abstract: A percutaneous tube assembly is provided for performing minimally invasive surgery, the system comprising a percutaneous tube comprising a translucent main body; an external attachment fixture attached to the main body; an access channel longitudinally bored through the main body; an internal attachment channel longitudinally bored through the main body, wherein the internal attachment channel comprises a partially smooth inner surface adjacent to a partially rough inner surface; and an internal attachment, mating with the internal attachment channel.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The device may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: A surgical suction instrument having multiple LEDs for selectively providing illumination as light of different wavelengths at the tip thereof. Typically, at least one of the LEDs is chosen to emit polychromatic white light. Individual switches operable by either the surgeon or another member of the surgical team allow any combination of the LEDs to be energized, thereby creating numerous combinations of light wavelength from the novel surgical suction instrument. Control of the intensity of one or more of the LEDs may be provided to further determine the character of the composite light emitted from the multiple LEDs. The LEDs may be powered by self-contained batteries or from an external power source. The device may either be a single use, disposable device or, in alternate embodiments, may be a device intended for multiple uses and capable of withstanding sterilization.

Abstract: A trocar assembly having integrated optical scope and light fibers is provided for illuminating and visualizing an operative site. The trocar assembly includes an obturator and an illuminated optical access port. An optical fiber extends through the walls of the access port from a distal end of the access port to a receptacle or connector located on a housing of the access port. The access port additionally includes one or more illuminating light fibers which also extend through the side walls of the access port from the distal end of the access port to the receptacle or connector on the housing.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope includes a handle to be gripped by a medical professional in performing the endotracheal intubation; a blade portion extending from the handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; a power source; and a black light source powered by the power source and carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the efficient provision of directed illumination to a subdermal surgical field that is attachable to or completely forms a surgical retractor blade.

Abstract: A scleral depressor designed to better control the globe of the eye is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scleral depressor has a handle and a blade attached to the handle where the blade is a portion of an oblate spheroid. In one embodiment, the blade has an illuminating device. The handle is attached to the blade at an angle or straight in relation to the plane of the handle. In another embodiment, the blade is attached to a thimble. In another embodiment of the invention, the blade has an access hole for simultaneous use of other instruments during examination or surgery. The resulting apparatus has greatly improved control of the eye, effective visualization of the periphery, ease of use for the examiner, and increased comfort for the patient.

Abstract: An improved medical inspection device at least comprises a hand-held portion, a display portion being connected with the hand-held portion and comprising a first printing circuit board, an image display module, an annular protuberance and at least one electrode contact, an inspection module comprising a joint portion, an inspection portion and a third printing circuit board, wherein the joint portion has a second printing circuit board provided at an inner surface thereof, and the inspection portion further comprises a lens, an image sensing unit and a light source, and a fastening ring that is detachably fastened with the annular protuberance of the display portion so as to firmly fasten the joint portion of the inspection module to the display portion.

Abstract: A retractor having a housing having a handle portion at a first end and a blade portion at a second, opposite end. The retractor includes a light system having an organic light source for illuminating the blade portion. The light system is positioned within the housing such that it is fully encased by said housing. A pair of polarized light panels are attached to the blade portion for varying direction of light from the blade portion.

Abstract: A retractor with a video system that has a blade portion detachably secured thereto is disclosed. In one embodiment, the video system is sealed within the retractor during use so that it need not be sterilized between uses. The blade portion is either reusable, in which case only it needs to be sterilized between uses, or the blade portion is disposable, thereby further preventing inadvertent contamination of the patient. The video system can be detachably secured to a variety of different shaped blade portions, thereby allowing the retractor, with its single video system, to operate effectively as a straight or curved blade laryngoscope, anoscope, colposcope, and the like.

Abstract: A soft tissue retractor includes a retractor body and a proximal projection extends generally perpendicular to the proximal end of the retractor body. An illumination waveguide engages a slot in the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site while maintaining total internal reflection in the waveguide. An illumination input is formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide. The proximal projection is configured for application of counter traction without the need for squeezing the retractor body. The proximal projection may be weighted to balance the soft tissue retractor as well as enabling the retractor to provide counter traction by itself. The configuration of the proximal projection further enables self-retraction by including a flat foot to prevent rolling and sliding of the retractor when it is providing self-retraction.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The device may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: A portable illuminator includes a contained power source and an integrally contained light source that is selectively inserted into the handle portion of a vaginal speculum. The portable illuminator includes at least one feature to protect the illuminator from contamination and to prevent users from pinching or snagging gloves or fingers during operation.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a plurality of lights affixed to a blade thereof, that can illuminate a wound of a patient during operation. The lights can be on a distal end of the blade and/or an interior or exterior surface of the blade, so that the user can control the lighting on the retractor to suit the particular needs of a particular application. The lights can be powered by a battery compartment within the handle, allowing for untethered operation of the retractor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are probes for use in delivering electrical current therapy to a target tissue. In specifically exemplified embodiments, the probes comprise a base comprised of a degradable material so as to prevent the potentially dangerous reuse of the probes. Also disclosed is a surgical tool for use in rectal examination and surgical removal of hemorrhoid tissue. The tool includes an anoscope having a somewhat conical shape wherein the proximal end is larger in diameter than the distal end. The anoscope has a first slot near the proximal end and a second slot near the distal end. An obturator is included that also has a somewhat conical shape. The obturator is smaller in diameter than the anoscope so that it will easily fit within the anoscope. A cylindrical shaped light cover is included as well, which is adapted to engage the first slot of the anoscope. The light cover further includes a receptacle and a lens in its distal end which receives a light.

Abstract: An illuminated medical system comprises a medical instrument and a light transmitting waveguide. The waveguide projects lights from a distal portion of the waveguide toward a target area. The waveguide is formed primarily of a cyclic olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin polymer.

Abstract: A medical device 1 for colo-proctological pathologies, comprising a retractor body 2, having a distal end 3 and a proximal end 4, a handle 7 connected to the retractor body 2, and illuminating means 16, located internally of a cavity 12 fashioned internally of the proximal end 4, for generating a light beam internally of the retractor body 2.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semitransparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.

Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semi-transparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.

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 laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; and a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: A percutaneous tube assembly is provided for performing minimally invasive surgery, the system comprising a percutaneous tube comprising a translucent main body; an external attachment fixture attached to the main body; an access channel longitudinally bored through the main body; an internal attachment channel longitudinally bored through the main body, wherein the internal attachment channel comprises a partially smooth inner surface adjacent to a partially rough inner surface; and an internal attachment, mating with the internal attachment channel.

Abstract: A seal anchor member including leading and trailing ends, wherein the leading end includes a light source. The light source may be powered by an internal or an external power source. The light source may include, but is not limited to, light emitting diodes and/or fiber optic cables. The light source may emit light having any known wavelength, e.g., visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

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 surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an LED lighting apparatus and a method of using the same for illumination of a body cavity. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of surgery in which one incision is made for hands and surgical instruments, and another incision is made for insertion of an LED lighting device. Both incisions open into the same cavity, and the lighting device provides continuous internal lighting to the body cavity where the operation is occurring. In another aspect, a method and apparatus are described that provide internal chandelier lighting to an internal body cavity using a plurality of switched LED's for surgical without damaging tissue within the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical retractor that comprises an integrated light source for creating a working space for the access of dissecting instruments employed during an open surgical procedure is described. The retractor is of the type that comprises two elongated arms mechanically connected by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration. The described retractors further comprise adjustable paddle assemblies located at the distal end of the elongated arms and a unique locking mechanism that allows for the relative separation of the paddle assemblies to be set at any position between the closed and open configuration of the retractor. The design of the retractor provides them with increased functionality while allowing them to be cost effectively produced so that they can simply be disposed of after use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame (12) attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post (18) incorporating a jack (54), and a lifting arm (17) pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing (57) to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports (71, 72, 73) and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence programme, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow produces the desired cooling effect and is accomplished, for example, by saline irrigation flow with a valve element to block flow of blood into the inner cavity of the electrode.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A cervix examination device capable of containing and separating an inspection apparatus is disclosed. The cervix examination device comprises: a first blade; a second blade, which is pivoted to the first blade, comprising an open part and a holding part; an adjuster installed between the first and the second blades; and a container connected to the inner side of the second open part and the second holding part. The container comprises an open portion and a closed portion, and the open portion is located at the second holding part. At least a portion of the inspection apparatus can be contained in the closed portion via the open portion. The inspection apparatus comprises a light unit and a control unit. The control unit controls the light unit for the inspection process.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic instrument for use by medical professionals. The portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a circuit control that can maintain the output of the light intensity constant, even when battery power is reduced. The circuit control system can also comprise a warning system to provide information about remaining battery life to the user. Furthermore, the portable diagnostic instrument can comprise an otoscope further comprising a separate, folding magnifying lens assembly and a separate, folding specula assembly.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: A blade for a surgical retractor. The blade includes a base portion and a distal portion. The base portion may be attached to a frame of a surgical retractor. The distal portion may be removably coupled to the base portion and may be unitarily constructed of a translucent material. A light source may be removably coupled to the distal portion. The distal portion may be disposable.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space during surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a working path for access to a location in the patient. A light instrument is positionable in working channel to emit light at the surgical space without substantially obstructing access to the surgical space.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating tissue during a surgical procedure where a surgical access device, including a body member having walls with at least one conduit therein, is inserted into the patient. A chilled fluid is circulated through the at least one conduit such that the tissue that is located proximate the body member is cooled. Alternatively, the body member may be constructed from a highly thermally conductive material such that heat energy is transmitted through the body from the tissue located proximate the body member and into a heat sink. The surgical device may include a first or second blade portions constructed from an inner and an outer shell having walls. Ribs located on the inner shell sealingly coupled to the inner wall of the outer shell to create the at least one conduit within the walls of the blade portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a surgical retractor and a light conduit releasably coupled to the surgical retractor. In an alternative embodiment, a method of illuminating a surgical cavity includes expanding the cavity with a plurality of surgical retractors, transmitting light from a remote source the to the cavity through a light conduit of at least one of the retractors, focusing a first amount of the light into a first portion of the cavity via the retractor including the conduit, and dispersing a second amount of the light into a second portion of the cavity via substantially lustrous surfaces of the retractors.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a disposable speculum and a releasably attachable illumination assembly. A handle portion of the disposable speculum includes a receiving cavity that is adapted to interchangeably receive either a first or a second illumination assembly.