Method of using a shape-formable apparatus. A shape-formable apparatus can include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and at least two locking sheets positioned in the chamber in an at least partially overlapping configuration. Each locking sheet can include a major surface, and at least a portion of each locking sheet can be patterned to include solid regions and open regions, the solid regions being movable with respect to one another within the major surface. The method can include providing the shape-formable apparatus in a first state; forming the apparatus into a desired shape; and reducing the pressure in the chamber to change the apparatus from the first state to a second state in which the apparatus is substantially less formable than in the first state.

A surgical clip may be configured to ligate tissue. The surgical clip may include first and second leg members. The first leg member may have a proximal portion, a distal portion, a convex first inner surface, and a convex first outer surface. The first leg member may also include an inner portion at least partially defining the first inner surface and an outer portion at least partially defining the first outer surface. The inner and outer portions may be joined at first and second portions of the first leg member and separated by a channel. The second leg member may include a proximal portion, a distal portion, a second inner surface, and a second outer surface. The first and second leg members may be movable relative to each other between open and closed configurations, and the first and second inner surfaces may be configured to ligate the tissue when in the closed configuration.

Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

An elongated support assembly is positionable, at least in part, in sliding relationship with an elongated flexible medical assembly. The elongated support assembly is configured to support, at least in part, the elongated flexible medical assembly after the elongated support assembly is positioned, at least in part, in sliding relationship with the elongated flexible medical assembly. The elongated support assembly is, at least in part, selectively maneuverable via an elongated ancillary medical assembly toward a distal portion of the elongated ancillary medical assembly.

A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes an expandable structure for enhancing engagement with median lobe prostate tissue.

A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

This document provides surgical retractor devices and systems. For example, this document provides a weighted surgical retractor system. In one example embodiment, this document provides a weighted Deaver retractor system that includes a selectable amount of weight that can be releasably coupled to a shaft of the retractor. The surgical retractors provided herein can be used during a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical procedures performed on the abdomen, thoracic regions, limbs, and so on. In some embodiments, the surgical retractors provided herein are well-suited for retraction of the vaginal canal for hysterectomy surgery, and for other procedures for which vaginal retraction is necessary.

Disclosed adjustable retaining arm systems can include a multi-segmented, articulable arm that holds one or more interchangeable tools and can be made relaxed to set a desired position and made rigid to fix the desired position by adjusting tension in a cable running through the arm. The arm can quickly attach and detach from a support structure. The support structure include a cable tensioning system, sensors, control system, power system, etc. A user input device, such as a foot pedal or button on the arm, can be used by a surgeon to change the arm between relaxed and rigid states. The arm and attachable tools can be detachable, disposable and/or sterilizable, while other system components can remain mounted in a fixed location as the arm is removed and replaced. The arm can hold multiple tools in any desired orientation around subject work location.