Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.

A retractor blade assembly includes an arm member, blade connector and a retractor blade having stem member provided at the top of the blade. The stem member includes a first pin member, provided at an upper portion of the stem member. The first pin member has at least one abutment extending outward from the stem member, a first groove provided below the first pin member, a second groove provided below the first groove, provided about the circumference of the stem member, a second pin member having at least one abutment extending from the second groove. The blade connector cooperatively engages the stem member permitting the retractor blade to operate in a rotatable mode and a locked mode.

An apparatus for the efficient provision of directed illumination to a subdermal surgical field that is attachable to or completely forms a surgical retractor blade. This illuminated surgical retractor system may include a retractor and a light guide disposed over the retractor. The retractor has a front surface facing a surgical field, a rear surface adapted to engage tissue, a distal end, and a proximal end. The light guide conforms to the shape of the retractor and is removably secured to the retractor and conducts light through the front or rear surface of the retractor. The light guide has an input adaptor and one or more light emitting surfaces.

An apparatus for the efficient provision of directed illumination to a subdermal surgical field that is attachable to or completely forms a surgical retractor blade. This illuminated surgical retractor system may include a retractor and a light guide disposed over the retractor. The retractor has a front surface facing a surgical field, a rear surface adapted to engage tissue, a distal end, and a proximal end. The light guide conforms to the shape of the retractor and is removably secured to the retractor and conducts light through the front or rear surface of the retractor. The light guide has an input adaptor and one or more light emitting surfaces.

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.

An obesity treatment apparatus comprises at least one operable stretching device (10) implantable in an obese patient and adapted to stretch a portion (12a) of the patient's stomach wall (12), and an operation device (16, 18) for operating the stretching device when implanted to stretch the stomach wall portion such that satiety is created.

A device may include an elongated housing formed of an optically transparent material, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lateral wall extending from the proximal end to a distal tip of the housing, the housing defining a lumen extending into the housing from a proximal opening in the proximal end of the housing. The device also may include a first port extending through the lateral wall of the housing to open the lumen of the housing to an exterior of the housing, the first port being sized and shaped to receive therein a target portion of tissue to be inspected and/or treated.

A speculum includes an upper bill, a lower bill downwardly of the upper bill, a yoke moveably joining the upper bill to the lower bill, and a ratchet to hold the upper bill and lower bill at a position relative to each other, the ratchet including teeth facing upwardly to selectively hold the upper bill and lower bill. When the ratchet is moved downwardly, the upper bill may pivot freely on the yoke. When the ratchet is moved upwardly, the upper bill is fixed against pivoting. In an example, the yoke includes a pivot about which the upper bill pivots when the ratchet allows and holds the upper bill in position against pressure on the upper bill. A latch prevents the yoke from being removed from the lower bill. Guides allow the upper bill move vertically on the lower bill through the yoke.

A speculum includes an upper bill, a lower bill downwardly of the upper bill, a yoke moveably joining the upper bill to the lower bill, and a ratchet to hold the upper bill and lower bill at a position relative to each other, the ratchet including teeth facing upwardly to selectively hold the upper bill and lower bill. When the ratchet is moved downwardly, the upper bill may pivot freely on the yoke. When the ratchet is moved upwardly, the upper bill is fixed against pivoting. In an example, the yoke includes a pivot about which the upper bill pivots when the ratchet allows and holds the upper bill in position against pressure on the upper bill. A latch prevents the yoke from being removed from the lower bill. Guides allow the upper bill move vertically on the lower bill through the yoke.

A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.