Abstract: An expandable speculum is described which may be provided in kit form. The speculum includes a handle with an integral eyepiece. A set of first elongated tubular members, each releasably connectable to the handle adjacent the eyepiece are formed of a substantially rigid material. Each includes an external surface and an internal bore formed along a longitudinal axis. A selected one of the tubular members may be selected and attached to the handle. The elongated tubular members in the set include various lengths and cross-sectional dimension at the external surfaces thereof to permit selection according to use and patient physiology. Elastic tubular sheaths are disposed axially over the external surfaces of the first elongated tubular members and are radially inflatable with respect to the first tubular members and said longitudinal axis in response to application of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly includes an elongated base bar, a first leg extending from the base bar and substantially normal thereto, a first gripper disposed on the first leg, a second leg mounted at a proximal end thereof on the base bar and extending parallel to the first leg, the second leg proximal end being coupled to and movable along the base bar, and a second rib gripper disposed on the second leg. A U-shaped flexible rail is mounted proximate first and second ends thereof, respectively, on the first and second legs, with a bend portion of the rail extending proximate the base bar. An accessory support member is mounted on the rail and is slidably movable thereon, the accessory support member being adapted to retain an accessory device such that an operative end of the accessory device is disposed generally between the first and second legs.

Abstract: A medical visualization device for examination of an anatomical area through a body orifice for diagnosis or local therapeutic treatment. The device comprises a fiber optic handle and a distal tip which incorporates a viewing lens. The distal tip further comprises access means for insertion of hypodermic needle to perform an injection of therapeutic substances.

Abstract: A portable hand-held transluminating wand is disclosed which includes a hand grip portion containing the power source and an illumination source at a narrow terminating end. The illumination source is enclosed by a slide-on transparent cover which is shaped to permit insertion into a patient's mouth and placement against the roof of the mouth without discomfort. The translucent cover is tinted red to selectively provide light of a desired bandwidth beneficial to translumination of human tissue. The cover is clear in the region to be placed in contact with the roof of the mouth so that the light emitted in this region is not diffused but remains directed toward the roof of the mouth to facilitate translumination and frosted elsewhere to inhibit light leakage from the patient's mouth when closed about the device. The wand is constructed with a multi-position switch which permits the illumination source to be turned off and on through levels of illumination.

Abstract: A reactor device for simultaneously retracting and viewing bodily tissues during a medical procedure. The retractor includes a blade member for retracting bodily tissues and an imaging device to form an image of the bodily tissues which are exposed by the operation of the blade member. The imaging device is coupled to a display device so that the image of the bodily tissues formed by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. Moreover, a method is provided for endoscopically performing a tissue retracting procedure using a retractor device. The method includes the steps of retracting bodily tissues using a retractor to form a cavity and imaging the cavity using an imaging device mounted on said retractor to form an image of the cavity and to provide the image of the cavity to a display device that is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for performing surgery to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgical instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected legs with each leg including a handle portion and a blade portion with the blade portions terminating in a nose. The nose is inserted through an incision in the wrist area and progressively "worked" into an area between the transverse carpal ligament. The surgical instrument is rotated approximately 90 degrees and the handle portions are then squeezed to spread the blade portions to create a surgical area fully exposing the transverse carpal ligament. One of the blade portions carries illuminating means for illuminating the surgical area or arena to assure that only the transverse carpal ligament is severed to prevent damage to the median nerve, tendons and the like passing through the carpal tunnel.

Abstract: The surgical instrument of the invention consists of a pair of arms hinged together at an intermediate point for relative pivoting movement. The arms are provided with obliquely oriented handles at one end thereof. The opposite ends of the arms support removable posts having means for removably securing a plurality of different retractor or compressor heads thereto. The posts are pivotably connected to the arms to allow the posts to achieve a variety of orientations relative to the arms. A variety of retractor and compressor heads and different shaped posts are provided to allow the instrument to be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures. Separate serrated locking mechanisms are provided to lock the arms in either a retraction or compression position. In one embodiment the posts are secured to one another such that they undergo parallel retraction/compression.

Abstract: An illuminated retractor provides illumination to a surgical field deep in a cavity in a patient's back. The illuminated retractor has a first blade that is inserted into the cavity and hooks on a vertebrae. A second blade lies on the patient's back. Weights applied to the second blade hold the cavity open. Fiber optic cables are embedded in the illuminated retractor. Output ends of the fiber optic cables terminate at a step in the first blade. Input ends of the fiber optic cables extend from a second blade and are gathered into a fitting. By connecting the fitting to a source of illumination, light is provided by the fiber optic cables output ends to the surgical field. The illuminated retractor first blade is smooth and occupies minimum space so as to not interfere with the surgeon's fingers or instruments.

Abstract: A self-examination otoscope for allowing a user to examine an eardrum and external canal of one of his own ears comprising an elongated bored housing having an eyepiece end positionable near a user's eye for viewing and a speculum end simultaneously positionable within the user's ear; a lamp mechanism coupled to the housing for transmitting light towards the user's ear when the speculum end of the housing is positioned therein; a power source mechanism for supplying electrical energy to the lamp mechanism; a light direction mechanism secured within the housing for directing light entering the speculum end towards the eyepiece end; and a lens mechanism secured within the housing for allowing light transmitted towards the eyepiece end to be focused for allowing the user a clear view of his ear.

Abstract: A new and improved adjustable mouth prop for holding a dental patient's mouth open during performance of a dental procedure in a manner which is safe and comfortable for the patient and convenient for the dentist is disclosed. The adjustable mouth prop comprises a threaded shaft formed of rigid material suitable for sterilization, the shaft having an enlarged head formed on one end thereof. Upper and lower arms formed of rigid material suitable for sterilization are mounted on the threaded shaft and project outwardly from the threaded shaft. The distal end of the arms have integral elongated concave jaw support members extending laterally thereacross. The jaw support members are engagable with the patient's teeth such that the teeth are removedly retained irrespective of the angles of the arms. The adjustable mouth prop further includes adjustable locking member whereby the user may lock the arm members at a selected angular position relative to each other to prop open the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An improvement for laryngoscope blades is disclosed, for expanding the field of view beyond that directly visible to a person performing intubation. A small endoscope is provided, slidably attached to the blade, and includes an eyepiece near the laryngoscope handle and a front lens near the blade tip. The endoscope is adapted to expose for remote viewing through the eyepiece an additional field of view generally above and beyond the blade tip. The endoscope is slidably attached to the blade so that the endoscope can be advanced and retracted when and as required to assist intubation. The blade includes an upper protrusion extending outwardly from the blade spoon, and a ridge depending downwardly from the protrusion for shielding the front lens of the endoscope from tissue surrounding the lens.