A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.

A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes an anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a tension member having a second attachment surface.

The devices and methods of the present invention provide a means to depress the sclera in such a fashion as to provide single point, multiple point, semicircular or 360° circumferential scleral tissue depression without the need for manual manipulation of the scleral depressor. The device comprises a shaped depressor for insertion between the sclera and the orbit of the eye and a holding means for positioning the depressor. In some embodiments the device can be integrated with a speculum. Use of the device eliminates the need to have a second person manipulate the depressor during the procedure and directly enables bimanual surgery.

A unitary adhesive retractor is provided for supporting a patient's excess/redundant tissue to maintain the excess/redundant tissue away from an incision or other existing wound. The retractor defines a top-to-bottom length and a side-to-side width greater than one-half the top-to-bottom length, and comprises a stretchable, air-permeable fabric layer adherable directly to the excess/redundant tissue by means of a silicone gel adhesive which coats at least a substantial portion of a bottom surface of the fabric layer. When the retractor is placed in tension upon application of the retractor to a patient, due to the weight of the excess/redundant tissue, forces generated by the weight of the excess/redundant tissue are transferred through the gel adhesive to the fabric layer, such that the gel substantially protects the dermis of the patient from sheer forces generated by the weight of the excess/redundant tissue being evenly distributed to the dermis of the patient.

A multi-ply adhesive retraction device is provided which comprises a top layer, a backing layer and a stretchable middle layer between the top and backing layers. A middle-ply adhesive applied to substantially the entirety of the middle layer bottom surface to removably adhere the backing layer to the middle layer bottom surface. The device includes at least one bottom ply tab integral with the device which is operable to remove at least a portion of the backing layer from the middle layer to expose the adhesive of the middle layer. Additionally, the device includes at least one top ply tab which is operable to remove the top layer from the middle layer. The device can be applied pre-operatively, and then the top layer can be removed post-operatively to remain in place during healing of, for example, an incision site.

A diffuser for use with a wound retractor and configured to deliver gases includes an interface tube for connecting to a gases supply and a diffuser interface positioned at a proximal end of the interface tube, the diffuser interface configured for delivering gases received from the gases supply through the interface tube, and the diffuser interface comprising a diffusion mechanism configured to deliver gases in a diffusion direction. A wound retractor with an integrated diffuser is also disclosed. The wound retractor includes an upper ring, a lower ring, a sleeve extending between and connecting the upper ring to the lower ring, and an integrated diffuser interface having a gases inlet and a diffusion mechanism.

A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.

Surgical instruments and methods are disclosed including a tissue removal tool for treatment of endometrial tissue on a background tissue of a patient. The tissue removal tool can optionally comprise a graspable portion, a shaft and an end effector. The shaft can be coupled to the graspable portion. The shaft can have a proximal portion and a distal portion and can be configured to access an anatomic location of the endometrial tissue. The end effector can be coupled to the distal portion of the shaft. The end effector can be configured to lift the endometrial tissue relative to the background tissue to a lifted position. The end effector can be configured to cut the endometrial tissue from the background tissue with the endometrial tissue in the lifted position.