568 results about "Retractor" patented technology

The invention is directed to a surgical wound retractor for retracting and sealing an incision and forming a functional opening or channel through which a surgical procedure may be executed. The wound retractor provides a path for a surgeon to insert his hand and / or instruments through the opening formed by the wound retractor. The wound retractor is sized and configured to be easily placed through a small incision and removed without further insult to the body tissue adjacent to the incision. The wound retractor is adapted to dilate a surgical wound incision to a desired diameter, and comprises a first ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound incision; a second ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision and being adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound incision; and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first ring and the second ring, the first ring having at least one notch to facilitate folding or collapsing of the first ring during insertion and removal of the first ring through the wound incision. The first ring may further comprise a second notch disposed on an opposing end of the first notch to further facilitate folding or collapsing of the first ring. With this aspect, the first ring is folded by squeezing between the first and second notches during insertion and removal of the retractor from the incision. In another aspect, the wound retractor may further comprise a tether having a length, a first end attached to the first ring interiorly of the sheath, and a second end disposed outside of the wound incision, wherein the tether facilitates removal of the first ring by pulling on the second end to retrieve the first ring through the wound incision.

Bowel retractor devices. In various forms, the bowel retractor devices are configurable from a collapsed position wherein the retractor may be inserted through a trocar cannula or other opening in a patient's body to a second expanded position wherein at least a portion of the patient's bowel may be advantageously supported in a desired position.

Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and / or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.

An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slide-ably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls. By remaining seated against the inside wall, the retractor expansion component follows the tissue plug into the coring component. The surgeon applies force and rotary motion to the pushing component sufficient to cut the tissue plug and implant the prosthetic component.

A limb holder generally includes a limb holder assembly, a sled or yoke assembly, a pylon and support bar assembly, a clamp assembly, and a retractor assembly. A limb, such as a leg, is supported by the limb holder. The limb holder is supported by a sled which can move along a support bar that is supported by virtue of a mounting pylon. The mounting pylon is fixed in place by a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly being attached directly to a bed, table, or other patient support. The limb holder can also receive one or more retractor assemblies capable of retracting an incision, such that a user may manipulate a patient's limb during a procedure in which the use of retractors is desired.

Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.

A magnetic oral retractor assembly for distending the cheek of a patient undergoing an oral dental / surgical procedure comprises a gripper element mounted to a support structure external of the patient's oral cavity and an intraoral retractor device for contacting the inner surface of the patient's cheek. The gripper element and the retractor device each include a magnetic member, at least one magnetic member being a magnet and the other being either another magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. The magnetic members are positioned on the gripper element and the retractor device for magnetically coupling the gripper element to the retractor device through the patient's cheek. The invention has application in surgical procedures to secure patient tissue magnetically in place during surgical procedures or to distend an opening in a patient's body wall during an open surgical procedure.

A reconfigurable modular retractor system including a set of interchangeable body modules, the body modules including mechanisms for forming retractors and slot mechanisms for connecting blades, and blades including locking mechanisms for locking inside the slot mechanisms. A method of using the retractor system by forming a retractor by using at least one body module, attaching blades to the body module, inserting the retractor into a surgical area, retracting tissue, removing retraction from the tissue, and removing the retractor.

Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.

An endoscopic tool utilizes a fiber optic system for illuminating and imaging ligaments or other tissue which are to be cut. Illumination and imaging is performed above a lateral opening at the distal end of a probe that is inserted into an incision point. Preferably, a two edged blade which can be moved in both the distal to proximal direction and the proximal to distal direction is selectively deployable from of the lateral opening at the distal end of the probe. The endoscopic tool is small in size, and preferably includes a pencil grip with a button actuator for deploying the two edged cutting blade. A wire actuator that fits into a slot in the bottom of the deployable blade, can be nested with the fiber optic cable such that the cross sectional area of the probe is reduced. Alternatively, a tube concentric with the fiber optic cable can be used as the mechanism for actuating the blade or other device. The surgeon can observe cutting of the ligament or other tissue as he moves the endoscopic tool in either or both the forward or reverse direction on a display screen which is operatively connected to the fiber optic system. A retractor can be used in conjunction with the endoscopic tool to lift tissue where dissection is desired, and to function as a guide for the blade.

Devices, methods, and systems provide a surgical access device comprising an internal retractor device integrated with or coupled to a body wall or wound retractor. The wound retractor retracts an opening in a body wall into a body cavity, while the internal retractor permits a user to control the positions of internal structures within the body cavity, thereby permitting a user to define a surgical field. Embodiments of the internal retractor are adjustable.

Methods and apparatus for a surgical retractor include a ring, a plurality of flexible straps connected to the ring, a patch of hook or loop material connected to each strap, a coordinating patch of hook or loop material connectable to the patient's skin or the surgical drape. The flexible straps of the surgical retractor may be frangibly connected together. LEDs molded into the distal end create a light source to illuminate the surgical site. The ring may take several forms including a flexible or adjustable ring and an inflatable bladder. The ring of the surgical retractor is inserted into the surgical incision, a patch of loop fastener is attached to the patient, a set of straps connected to the ring are pulled outward and the hook portion is applied to the loop portion to hold the incision open. The retractor is useable for thoracic and other types of surgery.

A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to move and adjust at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. The system also includes at least one pressure sensor and display and at least one timing circuit with display. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient using the pressure sensors and display as will as the timing circuit and display to assure that the amount of pressure applied and the duration does not exceed pre-determined values.

A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and / or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

A bone distractor having four bone plate attachment members for affixation to the posterior and anterior maxilla and / or zygomatic buttress and to the posterior and anterior mandible, the attachment members mounted onto a pair of parallel rods, one rod being a threaded drive rod and the other being a releasable guide rod, whereby rotation of the drive rod causes dimensional separation of the anterior attachment members from the posterior attachment members. The guide rod can be quickly removed such the superior attachment members joined to the maxilla and / or zygomatic buttress are physically separated from the inferior attachment members joined to the mandible such that the jaw can be opened.

A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

Access devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve flexible or adjustable cannulas that have a substantially cylindrical insertion configuration and a substantially conical expanded configuration. Various methods and features are provided for transitioning the cannula from the insertion configuration to the expanded configuration while the access device is inserted through tissue to form a conical opening through the tissue. Examples include cables, biasing elements, retaining elements, bimodal rings, and coil springs. The devices and methods disclosed herein can allow for improved retention of the access device, improved angulation of instruments passed through the access device, and can increase the integrity of a seal formed between the access device and surrounding tissue.

Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing having multiple access ports for receiving surgical instruments, and a retractor removably coupled to the housing and having a working channel configured to extend into a body cavity. With the housing and retractor mated together, a portion of the housing through which instruments can be inserted can rotate relative to the retractor. The retractor can be positioned in tissue using an inserter tool configured to seat the retractor and to automatically release the retractor into position within the tissue. The retractor can be removed from the tissue using a cord coupled to the retractor.

The present invention is primarily directed to a surgical retractor suitable for laparoscopic insertion, comprising an elongate shaft having two or more arms at its distal end, and a mechanism for controlling the mutual separation of said arms located at its proximal end, wherein a membrane is attached to said two or more arms, such that upon mutual separation of said arms, said membrane forms a non-planar surface suitable for use as a barrier for retracting or holding tissues or organs.

An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ. The compliant joint can connect the member to an arm which is adjustably mounted to a sternal retractor or operating table. The compliant joint can be a sliding ball joint, a hinged joint, a pin sliding in a slot, a universal joint, a spring assembly, or another compliant element. In preferred embodiments, the method includes the steps of affixing a suction member to a beating heart at a position concentric with the heart's apex, and applying suction to the heart while moving the member to retract the heart such that the heart has freedom to undergo normal beating motion at least in the vertical direction during retraction.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of removable tips for use with medical retractors in laparoscopic surgery that provide many benefits, including but not limited to, improving the efficiency and navigation to the target anatomy while maintaining adequate exposure to the target anatomy.

A spinal interbody distractor is provided that is configured to provide distraction of adjacent vertebrae after implantation within a spinal disc cavity through manual rotation of the distractor once implanted. Such implantation is preferably, but not necessarily, through minimally invasive surgical techniques. In one form, the distractor is configured to be rotated 90° to 180° after implantation to provide distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The distractor has a lateral side to lateral side height of a first length and a superior end to inferior end height of a second length that is greater than the first length. This configuration allows the distractor to be inserted into a spinal disc cavity having an opening with a height that is smaller than an end height of the spinal disc cavity after implantation thereof, thereby providing distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The spinal interbody distractor may have one or more cavities, areas, openings and / or bores for spinal fusion material when the distractor is used as a fusion body. The spinal interbody distractor is made from a biocompatible material such as a thermoplastic (e.g. PEEK), a polymer, metal, combination thereof or otherwise, such as desired and / or is appropriate.

A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.

A retractor system having a tray for receiving a small animal or a portion of a body during surgery. The tray has a notched flange for receiving an elastic member of a surgical stay while a tissue holding member of the stay holds a surgical incision open. The tray also includes a drain and a spout either of which may be used to discharge fluids accumulating during surgery. The system may include a snap-on cover to contain the tray contents when moving the tray. The system may have an inclined, textured bottom member and wall holes for receiving adjustable arms having notched flanges.

This invention describes novel methods and devices for stabilizing and retracting tissue during surgery, in particular internal tissue. Patches of material, preferably biodegradable, are adhered to tissue surfaces. By manipulation of the patches, for example directly with forceps, or via sutures attached to the patches, tissues can be retracted or otherwise manipulated with minimal trauma to the tissues. The method is especially useful in minimally-invasive surgery.

A three-prong retractor is disclosed which is inserted into an incision in a patient in order to create an area for surgery. The retractor opens such that two blades move away from a first blade to create an elongated opening. The two blades may then move away from each other in a direction that intersects the direction of the movement of the first blade away from the two blades. The ends of the two blades remote from the retractor body may then move away from the end of the first blade remote from the retractor body to further open the incision. The retractor may also have an elastomeric sheath surrounding the blades in order to create a barrier between the surgical area and the patient's skin.

A surgical retractor securing apparatus includes an adjustable securing device which attaches the apparatus to the surgical accessory bar of a halo style head fixation device and a capture assembly that releasably engages the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor. The adjustable securing device compressively grips along a portion the length of a surgical accessory bar or otherwise attaches to an external support, providing a plurality of attachment points. The capture assembly may include a pivotable cam that releasably grips the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor by compressing the band between the gripping cam and the surgical accessory bar or other external support.

A method for laterally accessing a lumbosacral intervertebral disc space of a patient includes positioning the patient laterally and making an incision to provide lateral access to the patient's iliac crest. A bracket (24) may be placed on the iliac crest and a retractor (28) may be attached to the bracket such that a distal end of the retractor is positioned over the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space while a proximal end of the retractor provides an entry space for a surgeon to insert at least one tool (90). The surgeon may perform a surgical procedure on the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space through a channel (49) defined by the retractor.