A tissue retraction system that allows aeration in a skinfold of a patient needing medical attention may include a flexible frame having a defined body shape comprising an internal facing surface configured to face a crease in the skinfold, an external facing surface opposite the internal facing surface configured to face outwardly and away from the patient, a first tissue facing surface, and a second tissue facing surface opposing the first tissue facing surface. Each of the first and the second tissue facing surfaces may be configured to engage against opposing sides of the skinfold.

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.

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for partly isolating a target biological structure. The device may include a main body comprising a front face and a rear face, the main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may be arcuate in a first state and may be substantially planar in a second state. The device may further include one or more balloons disposed on the distal end of the main body. Each of the one or more balloons is deflated in the first state and each of the one or more balloons is inflated in the second state. The distal end of the main body is configured to deform to be substantially planar when each of the one or more balloons are inflated in the second state.

This disclosure provides a retractor for use in repairing vaginal tears following birth. The retractor is formed as a sheet of soft rubber, plastic or silicone and is rolled or folded for vaginal insertion; the retractor is resilient so as to provide a spring force which urges the vaginal canal open to a degree that facilities visualization and obstetric repair while avoiding unnecessary strain on the tissues being repaired. An optional flange structure can be provided so as to provide a structure for the surgeon/OB to reposition the retractor in-situ, and also to serve as a stop or retainer to hold the retractor in place. The disclosed retractor is self-retaining, such that both of a surgeon's hands can be freed for other tasks.

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.

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 surgical port for protecting nearby tissue is described. In one example, the port includes a base portion connected to a hollow tubular portion having a beveled end. The base portion is sized and shaped to protect the surrounding tissue from heat and friction. The base portion may include one or more holes for receiving sutures to releasably secure the surgical port to the body during use. The beveled end of the tubular portion facilitates lateral movement of surgical instruments toward the short side of the bevel. The base portion may include an indicator such as a notch that provides a visual and tactile cue to the surgeon about the orientation of the beveled end. Using the indicator as a guide, the surgeon can release and rotate the surgical port to another orientation without removing it from the body and re-inserting it.

A surgical tool (1) for laparoscopic insertion into a subject (13), the tool being expandable from a smaller collapsed configuration to a larger deployed configuration, the tool comprising an extendable barrier (5), and an expandable support (3) that is coupled to the barrier (5); wherein expansion of said support (3) extends said barrier (5).

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for partly isolating a target biological structure. The device may include a main body comprising a front face and a rear face, the main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may be arcuate in a first state and may be substantially planar in a second state. The device may further include one or more balloons disposed on the distal end of the main body. Each of the one or more balloons is deflated in the first state and each of the one or more balloons is inflated in the second state. The distal end of the main body is configured to deform to be substantially planar when each of the one or more balloons are inflated in the second state.

A closed loop granular jamming apparatus is disclosed including a three-dimensional membrane structure filled with granular material. Fluid is evacuated from the structure which induces a jamming effect, whereas the viscosity of the granular media increases with increasing particle density. The thin membrane conforms to the shape of the granular material. Decreasing enclosed volume and increasing packing density prevents particles from distributing within the confined space, inducing the aggregate to behave as a solid. In the jammed state, the apparatus is resistive to force and change of shape. The apparatus is returned to the unjammed state by releasing the vacuum. The size and shape of the apparatus may be repeatedly adjusted by alternating between the jammed and unjammed states. The closed loop granular jamming apparatus may include toroidal and cylindrical shapes with articulating inserts and compliant spines.