Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to a malleable and integrally illuminated surgical retractor. In an embodiment, a malleable steel strip, having a thickness approximately in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm, may form a substrate. An elastically deformable layer, such as a polymeric layer, may be secured to the malleable steel strip. One or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks, which may elongate and/or compress during bending of the substrate, may be secured to the TPU layer. The one or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks may operate to couple current from an electronics module to one or more malleable illumination sources comprising, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

A retractor/protector suitable for use in a surgical incision or a natural orifice comprises a longitudinal axis defining an instrument access channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a flexible outer ring; an inner ring; a flexible sheath extending between the outer ring and the inner ring; and at least one rigid segment adapted to attach to the flexible outer ring to thereby increase the rigidity of the outer ring. Embodiments of the retractor/protector are described that have interlocking and non-interlocking rigid segments. Embodiments are also described that have bases that insert into or under the flexible outer ring in addition to or in lieu of rigid segments to increase rigidity and/or provide support for a detachable cap.

Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

In order to provide a device with variable rigidity and a surgical gripping device that make it possible to increase the range of change in rigidity by means of a simple structure, this device with variable rigidity is configured so as to comprise two flexible sheets (12, 14) that include: a base material (20) formed using a sheet-like elastic material and having a plurality of recesses (20B) and a plurality of protrusions (20A) formed on one surface thereof; a low rigidity section (22) that is formed using an elastic material with a lower modulus of elasticity than the base material (20) and that is arranged in the recesses (20B) and joined to the recesses (20B) so that one surface of said low rigidity section (22) becomes flat; and a friction material (24) provided to the one surface. In addition, the two flexible sheets (12, 14) are covered by a bag-like cover with the two pieces of friction material (24) facing each other and are configured so as to have a ventilation port (18) whereby it is possible to suction the air within the flexible sheets (12, 14) and the cover (16) from the exterior of the cover (16).

Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery including a system for performing minimally invasive procedures including a flexible catheter having a first lumen, a first flexible tube positioned in the first lumen, and a second flexible tube positioned in the first lumen. The first lumen defines a first space configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope. The first flexible tube and second flexible tube are fixed at a proximal portion and configured to float within the first lumen of the catheter. First and second flexible guides are slidably positioned within the first and second flexible tubes and dimensioned to receive a first instrument for axial movement therein, the first and second flexible guides movable to an angled position with respect to a longitudinal axis. A working space expanding system positioned at a distal portion of the flexible catheter, the working space expanding system movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body lumen.

In at least one embodiment, a medical device can comprise an elongate outer sheath that extends along a sheath longitudinal axis and defines a central lumen extending therethrough, the elongate outer sheath can comprise a proximal sheath portion and a distal sheath portion. A first guidewire can comprise a first guidewire end and a second guidewire end, the first guidewire can extend from the first and second guidewire ends through the central lumen and can form a distal looped portion. An occlusion device can be disposed at a distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The elongate flexible shaft can extend from the proximal sheath portion through the central lumen. The occlusion device can include a guide lumen through which the first guide wire passes.

Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices, in one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

A retractor introducer system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor and a retractor introducer. The circumferential retractor retracts and protects a patient’s body opening and the retractor introducer facilitates insertion and positioning of the circumferential retractor within the patient’s body.

Devices and methods are described for accessing the mediastinum without an intercostal incision and without deflating the lungs. In some embodiments, the devices and methods facilitate mediastinal access via a single percutaneous needle puncture. In some embodiments, a first puncture below the ribs or sternum, and a second puncture that is intercostal are used. Devices and methods to facilitate concurrent access to the pericardial and mediastinal spaces are also described. Multiple minimally invasive procedures are described that advantageously utilize the pericardial and mediastinal space access procedures.

A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a working space within a body lumen of a patient including a flexible catheter configured to receive a working instrument therethrough. The flexible catheter has a working space expanding system positioned at the distal portion, the working space expanding system including first and second flexible elements movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body. The first and second flexible elements are connected at a distal region by a coupling structure. A stabilizing member stabilizes the distal portion of the flexible catheter.