Methods and tool kits for implanting a lead subcutaneously. Examples include tool kits and methods for establishing first and second subcutaneous tunnels at an angle relative to one another to facilitate introduction of a lead to the subcutaneous space. In an example, a first insertion tool is used to establish a first subcutaneous tunnel, and a second insertion tool, with or without the use of a blunt dissector, sheath, guidewire, or steering mechanism, is used to initiate or form the second subcutaneous tunnel. Such methods and tool kits may reduce the number of incisions needed to implant a subcutaneous lead along a subcutaneous path having a curve therein.

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.

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.

Intervertebral inflatable distractors employing thecal sac retractors, and related systems and methods are disclosed. Adjacent vertebrae are spaced apart or distracted to prepare for the installation of intervertebral cages during spine surgery. An intervertebral inflatable distractor may include a inflatable portion having first and second inflation modes. In the lower-volume first mode, the inflatable portion may be efficiently received within the intervertebral space, then the higher-volume second mode may be used to abut against vertebrae endplates to urge them apart and thereby provide space to receive the cages. A thecal sac retractor of the intervertebral inflatable distractor may also be used to abut against the thecal sac to provide space for larger cages. In this manner, an interbody cage may be efficiently installed between vertebrae while minimizing injury to the vertebrae and the thecal sac.

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 shape-formable apparatus comprising locking sheets. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can further 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 comprises 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.

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 expansion instrument includes an outer and inner circumference walls. The outer circumference wall is configured to be deformable in directions where a diameter of the outer circumference wall expands and shrinks. The inner circumference wall is located in a position surrounded by the outer circumference wall, and configured to be deformable in the directions where a diameter of the inner circumference wall expands and shrinks. Between the outer circumference wall and the inner circumference wall, an internal space where fluid can be introduced is provided. When the fluid is not introduced into the internal space, the outer and inner circumference walls are deformed in the direction where each diameter shrinks. When the amount of the fluid exceeding the initial volume that the internal space inherently has is introduced into the internal space, the outer and inner circumference walls are deformed in the direction where each diameter expands.

A disclosed medical device may have a sling, a first needle coupled to a first end of the sling and a second needle coupled to the second end of the sling. The first needle may be coupled via a first suture having one point of attachment on the sling, and the second needle may be coupled via a second suture having two points of attachment on the sling. The sling may be used in laparoscopic surgeries and is intended to, if desired, be left in place during the procedure. The sling is further configured to allow a surgeon to visualize the full and proper surgical field by holding and retaining at least one organ.

A trans-xiphoid procedure for gaining entry to the chest cavity of a patient, sometimes also referred to herein as a TRAX procedure. The procedure may be used for, among other things, mobilization of the mammary arteries and performing coronary artery bypass surgery in which the mammary artery of the patient or other conduit is joined to a coronary artery of the patient, such as the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.