U.S. patent application number 16/926173 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for tissue retractor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Loic JOSSE.
Application Number | 20220008056 16/926173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220008056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOSSE; Loic |
January 13, 2022 |
TISSUE RETRACTOR
Abstract
A retractor system for enabling access to a surgical site is
disclosed. The retractor system may include a primary retractor
assembly configured to open and close a first arm and a second arm
along a first path of travel. The primary retractor assembly may
include a handle assembly having first and second handles
configured to open and close the first and second arms, and the
first and second arms may be operably coupled to first and second
blades, respectively. The retractor system may further include a
secondary retractor assembly configured to couple and uncouple with
the primary retractor assembly and independently extend and
contract a third arm and optionally a fourth arm. The third arm and
optional fourth arm may be operably coupled to third and fourth
blades, respectively. The inclination of each blade may be
independently adjusted and each arm may also be independently
moved.
Inventors: |
JOSSE; Loic; (Collierville,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. |
Warsaw |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
Warsaw
IN
|
Appl. No.: |
16/926173 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2020 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/02 20060101
A61B017/02; A61M 29/02 20060101 A61M029/02 |
Claims
1. A retractor system for enabling access to a surgical site,
comprising: a primary retractor assembly configured to open and
close a first arm and a second arm along a first path of travel,
the primary retractor assembly including: a handle assembly having
first and second handles operably coupled to the first and second
arms and configured to open and close the first and second arms,
respectively, the first and second arms operably coupled to first
and second pivoting members at a distal end thereof, respectively,
the first and second pivoting members being configured to operably
couple to first and second blades, respectively; a first actuator
and a second actuator configured to actuate the first and second
pivoting members, respectively, the first and second pivoting
members configured to independently angulate the first and second
blades, respectively; a primary actuator configured to actuate a
primary pinion gear mechanism operably coupled to the first and
second handles and configured to open and close the first and
second blades along the first path upon actuation of the primary
actuator; and a secondary retractor assembly configured to couple
and uncouple with the primary retractor assembly and independently
extend and contract a third arm, the secondary retractor assembly
including: a first channel for operably retaining the third arm
therein, the first channel defining a second path of travel, the
third arm being configured to travel along the second path; a third
actuator disposed adjacent the first channel and operably
configured to extend and contract the third arm via a first pinion
gear mechanism; the third arm being operably coupled to a third
pivoting member at a distal end thereof, the third pivoting member
being configured to operably couple and uncouple with a third
blade; and a fifth actuator configured to actuate the third
pivoting member, the third pivoting member being configured to
independently angulate the third blade, upon actuation of the fifth
actuator.
2. The retractor system of claim 1, wherein the secondary retractor
assembly is further configured to couple and uncouple from the
primary retractor assembly via a first recessed key portion and a
second recessed key portion disposed on the first and second arms,
respectively, and a turnkey projecting from a central portion of
the primary retractor assembly through a central aperture of the
secondary retractor assembly.
3. The retractor system of claim 1, wherein the primary retractor
assembly is further configured to independently open and close the
first arm along the first path upon movement of the first handle
and independently open and close the second arm along the first
path upon movement of the second handle.
4. The retractor system of claim 1, wherein the primary pinion gear
mechanism is operably coupled to the first and second handles and
configured to provide a controlled mechanical advantage to open and
close the first and second arms along the first path upon actuation
of the primary actuator.
5. The retractor system of claim 1, wherein the secondary retractor
assembly is further configured to extend and withdraw a fourth arm,
the secondary retractor assembly further comprising: a second
channel for operably retaining the fourth arm therein, the second
channel defining a third path of travel, the fourth arm being
configured to travel along the third path; a fourth actuator
disposed adjacent the second channel and operably configured to
extend and contract the fourth arm via a second pinion gear
mechanism; the fourth arm being operably coupled to a fourth
pivoting member at a distal end thereof, and being configured to
operably couple and uncouple with a fourth blade; and a sixth
actuator configured to actuate the fourth pivoting member the
fourth pivoting member being configured to independently angulate
the fourth blade upon actuation of the sixth actuator.
6. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein the first and second
pivoting members each further comprise a corresponding pin and
socket mechanism and a corresponding blade attachment mechanism
having a dovetail groove configured to engage a corresponding one
of the first blade and second blade, respectively, and wherein the
third and fourth pivoting members each further comprise a
corresponding pin and socket mechanism and a corresponding blade
attachment mechanism having a dovetail groove configured to engage
a corresponding one of the third blade and fourth blade,
respectively.
7. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein the primary retractor
assembly further comprises a primary retention lever configured to
control opening and closing of the first and second arms.
8. The retractor system of claim 7, wherein the primary retention
lever engages a rack portion fixedly coupled to the second arm to
thereby control opening and closing of the first and second
arms.
9. The retractor system of claim 7, wherein the secondary retractor
assembly further comprises a first retention lever configured to
engage the third arm to control extension and contraction of the
third arm and a second retention lever configured to engage the
fourth arm to control extension and contraction of the fourth
arm.
10. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein the first, second,
third, and fourth blades are each configured to operably couple to
a corresponding first, second, third, and fourth shim.
11. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the
first, second, third, and fourth blades is configured to surround
at least a portion of the at least one dilator and contact an
outside surface of the at least one dilator.
12. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the
first, second, third, and fourth blades is configured to surround
at least a portion of a set of nested dilators and contact an
outside surface of an outermost dilator of the set of nested
dilators.
13. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the
first, second, third, and fourth blades is configured to surround
and contact at least a portion of an outermost dilator of a set of
nested dilators comprising: a first dilator having a circular cross
section; a second dilator having an ellipsis shaped cross section
and surrounding the first dilator; and a third dilator having a
circular cross section and surrounding the second dilator; a fourth
dilator having an ellipsis shaped cross section and surrounding the
third dilator, wherein the first dilator is an innermost dilator
and the fourth dilator is an outermost dilator.
14. The retractor system of claim 5, wherein the first channel has
an arcuate shape and the third arm has a corresponding arcuate
shape, the arcuate shape of the first channel defining the second
path, wherein the second channel has an arcuate shape and the
fourth arm has a corresponding arcuate shape, the arcuate shape of
the second channel defining the third path, and wherein a radius of
curvature of the first path is greater than a radius of curvature
of the second path and a radius of curvature of the third path.
15. The retractor system of claim 1, wherein the primary retractor
assembly further comprises at least one table mounting portion
configured to mount to a table thereby fixedly coupling the
retractor system stably to the table.
16. A method for enabling access to a surgical site, comprising:
providing a primary retractor assembly configured to open and close
a first arm and a second arm along a first path of travel, the
primary retractor assembly including: a handle assembly having
first and second handles operably coupled to the first and second
arms and configured to open and close the first and second arms,
respectively, the first and second arms operably coupled to first
and second pivoting members at a distal end thereof, respectively,
the first and second pivoting members being configured to operably
couple to first and second blades, respectively; a first actuator
and a second actuator configured to actuate the first and second
pivoting members, respectively, the first and second pivoting
members configured to independently angulate the first and second
blades, respectively; a primary actuator configured to actuate a
primary pinion gear mechanism operably coupled to the first and
second handles and configured to open and close the first and
second blades along the first path upon actuation of the primary
actuator; providing a secondary retractor assembly configured to
couple and uncouple with the primary retractor assembly and
independently extend and contract a third arm, the secondary
retractor assembly including: a first channel for operably
retaining the third arm therein, the first channel defining a
second path of travel, the third arm being configured to travel
along the second path; a third actuator disposed adjacent the first
channel and operably configured to extend and contract the third
arm via a first pinion gear mechanism; the third arm being operably
coupled to a third pivoting member at a distal end thereof, the
third pivoting member being configured to operably couple and
uncouple with a third blade; and a fifth actuator configured to
actuate the third pivoting member, the third pivoting member being
configured to independently angulate the third blade, upon
actuation of the fifth actuator; opening at least one of the first
arm and the second arm along the first path; and closing at least
one of the first arm and the second arm along the first path.
17. The method for enabling access to a surgical site of claim 16,
comprising: extending, independently, the third arm along the
second path; and contracting, independently, the third arm along
the second path.
18. The method for enabling access to a surgical site of claim 17,
comprising: independently angulating at least one blade chosen from
the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade.
19. The method for enabling access to a surgical site of claim 18,
comprising: providing a set of nested dilators including: a first
dilator having a circular cross section; a second dilator having an
ellipsis shaped cross section and surrounding the first dilator;
and a third dilator having a circular cross section and surrounding
the second dilator; a fourth dilator having an ellipsis shaped
cross section and surrounding the third dilator, wherein the first
dilator is an innermost dilator and the fourth dilator is an
outermost dilator; and dilating a paraspinous muscle before the
steps of: opening/closing at least one of the first arm and the
second arm along the first path.
20. A retractor system for enabling access to a surgical site,
comprising: a primary retractor assembly configured to open and
close a first arm and a second arm along a first path of travel,
the primary retractor assembly including: a handle assembly having
first and second handles operably coupled to the first and second
arms and configured to open and close the first and second arms
independently upon opening and closing of the first and second
handles, the first and second arms operably coupled to first and
second pivoting members at a distal end thereof, respectively, the
first and second pivoting members being configured to operably
couple to first and second blades, respectively, a first actuator
and a second actuator configured to actuate the first and second
pivoting members, respectively, the first and second pivoting
members configured to independently angulate the first and second
blades upon actuation of the first and second actuators,
respectively, the first and second pivoting members each comprising
a corresponding pin and socket mechanism and a corresponding blade
attachment mechanism, the corresponding blade attachment mechanism
comprising a dovetail groove configured to engage a corresponding
one of the first blade and second blade, respectively; a primary
actuator configured to actuate a primary pinion gear mechanism
comprising a primary gear, a secondary gear, and a tertiary gear,
the primary pinion gear mechanism being operably coupled to the
first and second handles and configured to provide a controlled
mechanical advantage to simultaneously open and close the first and
second arms along the first path upon actuation of the primary
actuator; and a primary retention lever configured to control
opening and closing of the first and second arms; and a secondary
retractor assembly, configured to couple and uncouple with the
primary retractor assembly and independently extend and contract a
third arm and a fourth arm, respectively, the secondary retractor
assembly including: a first arcuate channel for operably retaining
the third arm therein and a second arcuate channel for operably
retaining the fourth arm therein, the first arcuate channel
defining a second arcuate path of travel and the second arcuate
channel defining a third arcuate path of travel, the third arm
being configured to travel along the second path and the fourth arm
being configured to travel along the third path; a third actuator
disposed adjacent the first channel and operably configured to
extend and contract the third arm via a first pinion gear mechanism
and a fourth actuator disposed adjacent the second channel and
operably configured to extend and contract the fourth arm via a
second pinion gear mechanism; the third and fourth arms being
operably coupled to third and fourth pivoting members at a distal
end thereof, respectively, the third and fourth pivoting members
being configured to operably couple and uncouple with third and
fourth blades, respectively; fifth and sixth actuators configured
to actuate the third and fourth pivoting members, respectively, the
third and fourth pivoting members configured to independently
angulate the third and fourth blades, respectively, upon actuation
of the fifth and sixth actuators, respectively, the third and
fourth pivoting members each comprising corresponding a pin and
socket mechanism and a corresponding blade attachment mechanism,
each corresponding blade attachment mechanism comprising a dovetail
groove configured to engage a corresponding one of the third blade
and fourth blade, respectively; and a first retention lever
configured to engage the third arm to control extension and
contraction of the third arm and a second retention lever
configured to engage the fourth arm to control extension and
contraction of the fourth arm.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present technology is generally related to medical
devices to assist a surgeon during treatment of musculoskeletal
disorders, and more particularly to a surgical system and method
for accessing a surgical site to facilitate treatment. More
particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a surgical
retractor system including a primary retractor assembly and a
secondary retractor assembly that are configured for various
approaches to the spine, including for example, anterior, lateral,
and oblique surgical techniques.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, disc
herniation, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis
and other curvature abnormalities, kyphosis, tumor, and fracture
may result from factors including trauma, disease and degenerative
conditions caused by injury and aging. Spinal disorders typically
result in symptoms including pain, nerve damage, and partial or
complete loss of mobility.
[0003] Non-surgical treatments, such as medication, rehabilitation
and exercise can be effective, how-ever, may fail to relieve the
symptoms associated with these disorders. Surgical treatment of
these spinal disorders includes fusion, fixation, discectomy,
laminectomy and implantable prosthetics. Surgical retractors may be
employed during a surgical treatment to provide access and
visualization of a surgical site. Such retractors space apart and
support tissue and/or other anatomical structures to expose
anatomical structures at the surgical site and/or provide a
surgical pathway for the surgeon to the surgical site.
SUMMARY
[0004] This disclosure describes an adjustable surgical retractor
system having a first surgical retractor assembly including at
least two blades that can optionally be mated with a second
surgical retractor assembly including at least two blades for
enhanced configurability and variability over prior art retractor
systems. Additionally, this disclosure describes a plurality of
nested dilators having, for example, alternating circular cross
sectional shapes and oval (ellipsis) cross sectional shapes that
facilitate dilation of anatomical features in a controlled way,
e.g., the fibers of the paraspinous muscle may be separated more
gently by the oval cross sectional shape of the dilation tools.
[0005] The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to tissue
retraction and dilation systems and methods that are directed to
providing an enlarged surgical opening in a controlled manner.
Disclosed tissue retraction systems may be highly customizable and
include a primary retraction assembly having a pair of handles and
a pair of blades that can be used independently on its own and/or
in conjunction with a secondary retraction assembly that may couple
to the primary retractor assembly and that also has either one or a
pair of additional blades. The primary retraction assembly and
secondary retraction assembly each may feature, for example, a
plurality of pivoting members capable of independently inclining a
corresponding blade.
[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a retractor
system for enabling access to a surgical site. The retractor system
may include a primary retractor assembly configured to open and
close a first arm and a second arm along a first path of travel.
The primary retractor assembly may include a handle assembly having
first and second handles operably coupled to the first and second
arms and configured to open and close the first and second arms,
respectively, the first and second arms operably coupled to first
and second pivoting members at a distal end thereof, respectively.
The first and second pivoting members may be configured to operably
couple to first and second blades, respectively. The primary
retractor assembly may further include a first actuator and a
second actuator configured to actuate the first and second pivoting
members, respectively. The first and second pivoting members may be
configured to independently angulate the first and second blades,
respectively. The primary retractor assembly may further include a
primary actuator configured to actuate a primary pinion gear
mechanism operably coupled to the first and second handles and
configured to open and close the first and second blades along the
first path upon actuation of the primary actuator. The retractor
system may further include a secondary retractor assembly
configured to couple and uncouple with the primary retractor
assembly and independently extend and contract a third arm. The
secondary retractor assembly may include a first channel for
operably retaining the third arm therein, the first channel
defining a second path of travel, and the third arm may be
configured to travel along the second path. The secondary retractor
assembly may further include a third actuator disposed adjacent the
first channel and operably configured to extend and contract the
third arm via a first pinion gear mechanism. The third arm may be
operably coupled to a third pivoting member at a distal end
thereof, and the third pivoting member may be configured to
operably couple and uncouple with a third blade. The secondary
retractor assembly may further include a fifth actuator configured
to actuate the third pivoting member, the third pivoting member
being configured to independently angulate the third blade, upon
actuation of the fifth actuator.
[0007] In another aspect, the secondary retractor assembly may be
further configured to couple and uncouple from the primary
retractor assembly via a first recessed key portion and a second
recessed key portion disposed on the first and second arms,
respectively, and a turnkey projecting from a central portion of
the primary retractor assembly through a central aperture of the
secondary retractor assembly.
[0008] In another aspect, the primary retractor assembly may be
further configured to independently open and close the first arm
along the first path upon movement of the first handle and
independently open and close the second arm along the first path
upon movement of the second handle.
[0009] In another aspect, the primary pinion gear mechanism is
operably coupled to the first and second handles that is configured
to provide a controlled mechanical advantage to open and close the
first and second arms along the first path upon actuation of the
primary actuator.
[0010] In another aspect, the secondary retractor assembly is
further configured to extend and withdraw or translate away from
the operative corridor a fourth arm. The secondary retractor
assembly may further include a second channel for operably
retaining a fourth arm therein, and the second channel may define a
third path of travel and the fourth arm may be configured to travel
along the third path. The secondary retractor assembly may further
include a fourth actuator disposed adjacent the second channel and
operably configured to extend and contract the fourth arm via a
second pinion gear mechanism and the fourth arm may be operably
coupled to a fourth pivoting member at a distal end thereof, and be
configured to operably couple and uncouple with a fourth blade. The
secondary retractor assembly may further include a sixth actuator
configured to actuate the fourth pivoting member the fourth
pivoting member being configured to independently angulate the
fourth blade upon actuation of the sixth actuator.
[0011] In another aspect, the first and second pivoting members may
each further comprise a corresponding pin and socket mechanism and
a corresponding blade attachment mechanism having a dovetail groove
configured to engage a corresponding one of the first blade and
second blade, respectively, and the third and fourth pivoting
members each further comprise a corresponding pin and socket
mechanism and a corresponding blade attachment mechanism having a
dovetail groove configured to engage a corresponding one of the
third blade and fourth blade, respectively.
[0012] In another aspect, the primary retractor assembly may
further include a primary retention lever configured to control
opening and closing of the first and second arms.
[0013] In another aspect, the primary retention lever engages a
rack portion fixedly coupled to the second arm to thereby control
opening and closing of the first and second arms.
[0014] In another aspect, the secondary retractor assembly further
comprises a first retention lever configured to engage the third
arm to control extension and contraction of the third arm and a
second retention lever configured to engage the fourth arm to
control extension and contraction of the fourth arm.
[0015] In another aspect, the first, second, third, and fourth
blades are each configured to operably couple to a corresponding
first, second, third, and fourth shim.
[0016] In another aspect, least one of the first, second, third,
and fourth blades is configured to surround at least a portion of
the at least one dilator and may contact an outside surface of the
at least one dilator.
[0017] In another aspect, at least one of the first, second, third,
and fourth blades is configured to surround at least a portion of a
set of nested dilators and may contact an outside surface of an
outermost dilator of the set of nested dilators.
[0018] In another aspect, at least one of the first, second, third,
and fourth blades is configured to surround and contact at least a
portion of an outermost one of a set of nested dilators. The set of
nested dilators may further include: a first dilator having a
circular cross section, a second dilator having an ellipsis shaped
cross section and surrounding the first dilator, a third dilator
having a circular cross section and surrounding the second dilator,
and a fourth dilator having an ellipsis shaped cross section and
surrounding the third dilator. Additionally, the first dilator may
be an innermost dilator and the fourth dilator may be an outermost
dilator.
[0019] In another aspect, the first channel may have an arcuate
shape, the third arm may have a corresponding arcuate shape, and
the arcuate shape of the first channel may define the second path.
The second channel may have an arcuate shape, the fourth arm may
have a corresponding arcuate shape, and the arcuate shape of the
second channel may define the third path. Additionally, a radius of
curvature of the first path may be greater than a radius of
curvature of the second path and a radius of curvature of the third
path.
[0020] In another aspect, the primary retractor assembly may
further include at least one table mounting portion configured to
mount to a table thereby fixedly coupling the retractor system
stably to the table.
[0021] In one aspect, a method for enabling access to a surgical
site, may be disclosed. The method may include the steps of
providing a primary retractor assembly and opening at least one of
the first arm and the second arm along the first path. The method
may also include the step of closing at least one of the first arm
and the second arm along the first path.
[0022] In another aspect, disclosed methods may include providing a
secondary retractor assembly and extending, independently, at least
one of the third arm along the second path and the fourth arm along
the third path. Additionally, disclosed methods may include
contracting, independently, at least one of the third arm along the
second path and the fourth arm along the third path.
[0023] In another aspect, disclosed methods may include
independently angulating at least one blade chosen from the first
blade, second blade, third blade, and fourth blade.
[0024] In another aspect, disclosed methods may include providing a
set of nested dilators, and sequentially dilating the paraspinous
muscle before the steps of: opening/closing at least one of the
first arm and the second arm along the first path.
[0025] In another aspect, a retractor system for enabling access to
a surgical site, is disclosed. The retractor system may include a
primary retractor assembly configured to open and close a first arm
and a second arm along a first path of travel. The primary
retractor assembly may include a handle assembly having first and
second handles operably coupled to the first and second arms and
configured to open and close the first and second arms
independently upon opening and closing of the first and second
handles. The first and second arms may be operably coupled to first
and second pivoting members at a distal end thereof, respectively,
and the first and second pivoting members may be configured to
operably couple to first and second blades, respectively. The
primary retractor system may further include a first actuator and a
second actuator configured to actuate the first and second pivoting
members, respectively. The first and second pivoting members may be
configured to independently angulate the first and second blades
upon actuation of the first and second actuators, respectively. The
first and second pivoting members may each include a corresponding
pin and socket mechanism and a corresponding blade attachment
mechanism. The corresponding blade attachment mechanism may include
a dovetail groove configured to engage a corresponding one of the
first blade and second blade, respectively. The primary retractor
system may further include a primary actuator configured to actuate
a primary pinion gear mechanism comprising a primary gear, a
secondary gear, and a tertiary gear, the primary pinion gear
mechanism being operably coupled to the first and second handles
and configured to provide a controlled mechanical advantage to
simultaneously open and close the first and second arms along the
first path upon actuation of the primary actuator, and a primary
retention lever configured to control opening and closing of the
first and second arms. The retractor system may further include a
secondary retractor assembly configured to couple and uncouple with
the primary retractor assembly and independently extend and
contract a third arm and a fourth arm, respectively. The secondary
retractor assembly may further include a first arcuate channel for
operably retaining a third arm therein and a second arcuate channel
for operably retaining a fourth arm therein, the first arcuate
channel may define a second arcuate path of travel and the second
arcuate channel may define a third arcuate path of travel. The
third arm may be configured to travel along the second path and the
fourth arm may be configured to travel along the third path. The
secondary retractor assembly may further include a third actuator
disposed adjacent the first channel and operably configured to
extend and contract the third arm via a first pinion gear mechanism
and a fourth actuator disposed adjacent the second channel and
operably configured to extend and contract the fourth arm via a
second pinion gear mechanism. The third and fourth arms may be
operably coupled to third and fourth pivoting members at a distal
end thereof, respectively, and the third and fourth pivoting
members may be configured to operably couple and uncouple with
third and fourth blades, respectively. The secondary retractor
system may further include fifth and sixth actuators configured to
actuate the third and fourth pivoting members, respectively, and
the third and fourth pivoting members may be configured to
independently angulate the third and fourth blades, respectively,
upon actuation of the fifth and sixth actuators, respectively. The
third and fourth pivoting members may each include a corresponding
pin and socket mechanism and a corresponding blade attachment
mechanism Each corresponding blade attachment mechanism may include
a dovetail groove that is configured to engage a corresponding one
of the third blade and fourth blade. The secondary retraction
assembly may further include a first retention lever configured to
engage the third arm to control extension and contraction of the
third arm and a second retention lever configured to engage the
fourth arm to control extension and contraction of the fourth
arm.
[0026] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set
forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in
this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings,
and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
retractor system including a primary retractor assembly and a
secondary retractor assembly in accordance with the principles of
the disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the primary retractor
assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the secondary retractor
assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the retractor system of FIG.
1 including a plurality of blades in accordance with the principles
of the disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a top down view of the primary retractor assembly
of FIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a top down view of the secondary retractor
assembly of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of the retractor system of FIG. 1
in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an alternate cutaway view of the retractor system
of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary blade for use
with the retractor system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 10 is an alternate perspective view of an exemplary
blade and pin for use with the retractor system of FIG. 1 in
accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary blade and shim
for use with the retractor system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary set of nested
dilators for coordinated use with the retractor system of FIG. 1 in
accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 13A is a top down view of the set of nested dilators of
FIG. 12, and FIG. 13B is a top down view of a plurality of blades
for use with the retractor system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a top down view of an exemplary retractor system
having a plurality of blades surrounding a set of nested dilators
in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 15 is a top down view of an exemplary retractor system
of FIG. 14 in a first partially expanded position after removal of
the set of nested dilators in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a top down view of an exemplary retractor system
of FIG. 14 in the first partially expanded position in accordance
with the principles of the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a side view of the exemplary retractor system of
FIG. 14 having a plurality of blades surrounding a set of nested
dilators in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 18 is a side view of the exemplary retractor system of
FIG. 14 in a second expanded position in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure; and
[0045] FIG. 19 is a side view of the exemplary retractor system of
FIG. 14 in the second expanded position in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] In one aspect, exemplary embodiments describe a retractor
system 100 for use with anterior, lateral, and oblique surgical
techniques. At least one use of retractor system 100 is to assist
in the preparation of a surgical site to enable a surgeon to access
a space between vertebrae of patient's spine. The retractor system
100 may assist a surgeon in accessing a space between vertebrae by
enabling highly controlled dilation of the paraspinous muscles with
a set of nested dilators and retraction of the various fibers and
tissues at the surgical site with the use of a plurality of
independently movable and inclinable blades.
[0047] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8 exemplary retractor systems
for enabling access to a surgical site are disclosed. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retractor system
100 including a primary retractor assembly 200 and a secondary
retractor assembly 300 in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure. Retractor system 100 is highly customizable and
modular. For example, the primary retractor assembly 200 may be
used as a standalone retractor system without the use of secondary
retractor assembly 300. Secondary retractor assembly 300 is
configured to couple and uncouple on as needed basis with the
primary retractor assembly 200. Additionally, secondary retractor
assembly 300 can use one arm or two arms on an as needed basis with
each arm having a corresponding blade.
[0048] Exemplary embodiments may include a primary retractor
assembly 200 configured to open and close a first arm 105 and a
second arm 107 along a first path of travel. The first path may be
an arcuate path or segment defined by the length and geometry of
the arms 105 and 107 and a handle pivoting mechanism 101c (see FIG.
8) configured to enable first handle 101a and second handle 101b to
open and close. Other paths of travel are contemplated depending
upon the geometry of the arms 105, 107 and the relative location of
the handle pivoting mechanism 101c. The primary retractor assembly
200 may include a handle assembly having first and second handles
101a, 101b that are operably coupled to the first and second arms
105, 107 and configured to open and close the first and second arms
105, 107. For example, the first handle 101a may be coupled to the
first arm 105 and the second handle 101b may be coupled to the
second arm 107. The first and second arms 105, 107 may be operably
coupled to first and second pivoting members 105a, 107a at a distal
end thereof, respectively. The first and second pivoting members
105a, 107a may be configured to operably couple to first and second
blades, 205, 207 (see FIG. 2), respectively, by a corresponding
blade attachment mechanism as will be explained in more detail
below during the discussion of FIGS. 9-13B.
[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, a first actuator 105b and a
second actuator 107b are configured to adjust the angulation of
first blade 205 and second blade 207, respectively. For example,
the first actuator 105b may be configured to actuate the first
pivoting member 105a to adjust the angulation of first blade 205
with respect to the first arm 105. Similarly, the second actuator
107b may be configured to actuate the second pivoting member 107a
to adjust the angulation of second blade 207 with respect to second
arm 107. In the exemplary embodiment, the first pivoting member
105a may be configured to independently adjust the angulation of
first blade 205 with respect to the first arm 105 upon actuation of
the first actuator 105b. Similarly, the second pivoting member 107a
may be configured to independently adjust the angulation of the
second blade 207 with respect to the second arm 107 upon actuation
of the second actuator 107b. In disclosed embodiments, the first
and second pivoting members 105a, 107a may each include a
corresponding pin and socket mechanism enabling the pivoting
members to pivot on a pin aperture 199 (see, e.g., FIG. 8).
Additionally, the first and second pivoting members 105a, 107a may
each include a corresponding blade attachment mechanism at a distal
end thereof which will be explained in more detail below when
discussing FIGS. 9-13.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the primary retractor assembly
200 may include a primary actuator 102 that is configured to
actuate a primary pinion gear mechanism 210 (see FIG. 7) to provide
a precise and controlled mechanical advantage to open and close the
first arm 105 and second arm 107. For example, the primary pinion
gear mechanism 210 may include a primary pinion gear 210a fixedly
coupled to the primary actuator 102 such that the primary actuator
102 may rotationally translate the primary pinion gear 210a. The
primary pinion gear 210a may be engaged with the secondary pinion
gear 210b, e.g., the primary pinion gear 210a and secondary pinion
gear 210b may be toothed gears that are meshed with one another at
a contact location (not illustrated). Furthermore, secondary pinion
gear 210b may be fixedly coupled to tertiary pinion gear 210c which
may be axially aligned with secondary pinion gear 210b and disposed
directly beneath secondary pinion gear 210b (see FIG. 8). For
example, secondary pinion gear 210b may share an axis of rotation
with tertiary pinion gear 210c and secondary pinion gear 210b may
be relatively larger in diameter than tertiary pinion gear 210c.
This arrangement may resemble a two stage gear box or the like that
allows for an increase in applied torque. In other embodiments,
primary pinion gear mechanism 210 may be any other similar
planetary gear system as would be understood by a person having
ordinary skill in the relevant art. For example, those with skill
in the relevant art will readily recognize that the particular
diameter, tooth sizing, and tooth spacing of the primary pinion
gear 210a relative to the particular diameter, tooth sizing, and
tooth spacing of the secondary pinion gear 210b relative to
tertiary pinion gear 210c may control the amount of force
(mechanical advantage or torque) that is applied to open and close
the first and second arms 105, 107.
[0051] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, tertiary pinion gear
210c may be meshed with a first curved rack portion 210a-2 and a
second curved rack portion 210b-2 disposed opposite the first
curved rack portion 210a-2. First curved rack portion 210a-2 may be
fixedly coupled to second arm 101b and second curved rack portion
210b-2 may be fixedly coupled to first arm 101a. Each of curved
rack portions 210a-2 and 210b-2 may feature a plurality of teeth
extending along the curved body thereof and facing tertiary pinion
gear 210c. The first curved rack portion 210a-2 and second curved
rack portion 210b-2 may be meshed with the teeth of tertiary pinion
gear 210c on opposite sides of tertiary pinion gear 210c. In this
way, when primary actuator 102 is rotated, primary pinion gear 210a
rotates which in turn rotates secondary pinion gear 210b and
tertiary pinion gear 210c. In turn, tertiary pinion gear 210c
engages teeth on each of curved rack portions 210a-2 and 210b-2 and
causes handles 101a, 101b to open or close. In the disclosed
embodiment, when tertiary pinion gear 210c applies force to first
curved rack portion 210a-2, the first curved rack portion 210a-2
may extend through first handle 101a at a corresponding first
handle aperture 210a-1. Similarly, when tertiary pinion gear 210c
applies force to second curved rack portion 210b-2, the second
curved rack portion 210b-2 may extend through second handle 101b at
a corresponding second handle aperture 210b-1.
[0052] In disclosed embodiments, the primary pinion gear mechanism
210 may be operably coupled to the first and second handles 101a,
101b and configured to simultaneously open and close the first and
second arms 105, 107 along a first path of travel. For example, the
primary actuator 102 may rotationally translate the primary pinion
gear mechanism 210 in a clockwise direction which in turn
rotationally translates the first arm 105 and second arm 107 such
that they move away from one another, i.e., they open as explained
above. Likewise, the primary actuator 102 may rotationally
translate the primary pinion gear mechanism 210 in a counter
clockwise direction which in turn rotationally translates the first
arm 105 and second arm 107 such that they move towards one another,
i.e., they close as explained above. Also as explained above, the
particular diameter of primary, secondary, and tertiary pinion
gears 210a, 210b, and 210c may be adjusted to provide the desired
amount of mechanical advantage or torque to open and close first
and second arms 101a, 101b.
[0053] In disclosed embodiments, primary retractor assembly 200 may
include a primary retention lever 104 disposed between the first
and second handles 101a, 101b that is configured to engage the
primary retractor assembly 200 to control opening and closing of
the first and second arms 105, 107 and thereby retain the first and
second arms 105, 107 in a specific position. In the disclosed
embodiment, primary retention lever 104 may frictionally engage
curved rack portion 210b-2 to control opening and closing of the
first and second arms. In other embodiments, the primary retention
lever 104 may engage the primary pinion gear mechanism 210 at an
outside portion of the circumference of the primary pinion gear
210a (see FIG. 7) to thereby control and/or prevent rotation of the
primary pinion gear 210a. For example, the primary retention lever
104 may lock the primary pinion gear mechanism 210 in place to
control opening and closing of the first and second arms. In some
embodiments, the primary retention lever 104 may have a biasing
element (not illustrated) that causes the primary retention lever
104 to naturally urge an angled tip portion of the body of the
primary retention lever 104 against a portion of the primary pinion
gear mechanism 210. For example, a spring may naturally urge an
angled tip portion of primary retention lever 104 to engage with a
toothed portion of secondary pinion gear 210b. Additionally, the
primary retention lever 104 may be moved from an engagement
position where primary retention lever 104 is in direct contact
with the primary pinion gear mechanism 210 to a disengaged position
where primary retention lever 104 is not engaged with the primary
pinion gear mechanism 210. For example, an end user such as a
surgeon may depress primary retention lever 104 with their thumb to
toggle primary retention lever 104 between the engaged position and
the disengaged position. Furthermore, some embodiments may have a
toggle feature (not illustrated) for maintaining the primary
retention lever 104 in either of the engaged or disengaged
positions.
[0054] In disclosed embodiments, the primary retractor assembly 200
may include a first table mount portion 106a disposed adjacent the
first handle 101a and coupled to a body 200a (see FIG. 5) or
housing of the primary retractor assembly 200. Similarly, the
primary retractor assembly 200 may include a second table mount
portion 106b disposed adjacent the second handle 101b and coupled
to the body or housing of the primary retractor assembly 200. The
first and second table mount portions 106a, 106b may each be
attached to a surgical table (not illustrated) for fixing the
primary retractor assembly 200 (and/or the retractor system 100) in
a fixed location in three dimensional space. In example
embodiments, the primary retractor assembly 200 may be attached to
a surgical table by at least one of the first and second table
mount portions 106a, 106b or by both.
[0055] At least one advantage of securing the primary retractor
assembly 200 to a surgical table may be for enhanced stability and
the even transfer of resultant forces from the primary actuator 102
through the first and second arms 105, 107 to the first and second
blades 205, 207 and vice versa. For example, when the primary
retractor assembly 200 is fixed to the surgical table and the
primary actuator 102 is translated to open the first and second
arms 105, 107 the primary pinion gear mechanism 210 may apply a
precise controlled amount of force to open the first and second
arms 105, 107 to thereby gently retract the tissue of a patient in
a controlled manner Additionally, when the primary retractor
assembly 200 is fixed to the surgical table, it may be easier for
an end user to independently move only one of the handles 101a,
101b with respect to the surgical table. When moving only one of
the handles 101a, 101b the corresponding arm 105, 107 may move
relative to the other. This scenario and functionality may assist a
surgeon with precise surgical techniques where it may be desirable
to independently move either of the first and second arms 105, 107
along the first path of travel independently with respect to the
other.
[0056] Disclosed embodiments described above may be configured to
independently open and close the first arm 105 along the first path
of travel by movement of the first handle 101a relative to the
second handle 101b and independently open and close the second arm
107 along the first path of travel by movement of the second handle
101b relative to the first handle 101a. Additionally, because the
primary pinion gear mechanism 210 includes a primary gear 210a and
a secondary gear 210b operably coupled to the first and second
handles 101a, 101b disclosed embodiments may be configured to
provide a controlled mechanical advantage to open and close the
first and second arms 105, 107 along the first path upon actuation
of the primary actuator 102.
[0057] In accordance with disclosed embodiments, a secondary
retractor assembly 300 may be configured to couple and uncouple
from the primary retractor assembly 200 via a first recessed key
portion 220a disposed on the first arm 105 and a second recessed
key portion 220b disposed on the second arm 107 (see FIG. 2). Each
of recessed key portions 220a, 220b may include a groove having a
geometry that facilitates engagement of the primary retractor
assembly 200 with the secondary retractor assembly 300 while also
operably allowing the opening and closing of arms 105, 107. For
example, the secondary retractor assembly 300 may have a
corresponding outdent (e.g., dovetail) on an underside thereof
configured to mate with an indent (e.g., dovetail groove) of the
primary retractor assembly 200. Additionally, secondary retractor
assembly 300 may be fixed to primary retractor assembly 200 by
turnkey 113. Turnkey 113 may project from a central portion of the
primary retractor assembly 200 through a central aperture 113a (see
FIG. 6) of the secondary retractor assembly 300. In a first
position, turnkey 113 may urge the primary retractor assembly 200
and secondary retractor assembly 300 towards each other and
maintain direct contact to fixedly engage them to one another.
Conversely, in a second position, turnkey 113 may be rotated such
that turnkey 113 is aligned with central aperture 113a and
therefore has no bearing surface to urge the primary retractor
assembly 200 and secondary retractor assembly 300 towards each
other. Thus, in the second position the primary retractor assembly
200 and secondary retractor assembly 300 may be disengaged from one
another. Other embodiments may use alternate means to securely
engage the primary retractor assembly 200 with the secondary
retractor assembly 300, e.g., as fasteners, hexagonal grooves,
channel locks, magnets, etc. provided that the primary retractor
assembly 200 and the secondary retractor assembly 300 are securely
engaged with one another such that resultant forces acting on the
retractor system 100 may transfer between primary retractor
assembly 200 and secondary retractor assembly 300 and also by
extension to a surgical table via table mount portions 106a and/or
106b.
[0058] Secondary retractor assembly 300 may have a body portion
300a generally defining a first channel 109d and a second channel
111d. Secondary retractor assembly 300 may be configured to
independently extend and contract a third arm 109 and a fourth arm
111, respectively. Although two channels 109d, 111d and two arms
109, 111 are illustrated it is contemplated that secondary
retractor assembly 300 may have any number of suitable channels and
arms. Additionally, it is contemplated that only a single arm,
e.g., third arm 109 or fourth arm 111 will be provided in some
surgical settings.
[0059] In disclosed embodiments, the secondary retractor assembly
300 may include a first channel 109d having a curved or arcuate
shape for operably retaining third arm 109 therein where third arm
109 has a corresponding curved or arcuate shape. The third arm 109
may be configured to extend outwards from first channel 109d and
contract within first channel 109d Similarly, secondary retractor
assembly 300 may include a second channel 111d having a curved or
arcuate shape for operably retaining fourth arm 111 therein where
fourth arm 111 has a corresponding curved or arcuate shape. The
fourth arm 111 may be configured to extend outwards from first
channel 111d and contract within second channel 111d. The geometry
of the first channel 109d and third arm 109 may define a second
path of travel, e.g., an arcuate path of travel defined by the
arcuate shapes of the first channel 109d and third arm 109.
Similarly, the geometry of the second channel 111d and fourth arm
111 may define a third path of travel, e.g., an arcuate path of
travel defined by the arcuate shapes of the second channel 111d and
fourth arm 111.
[0060] In disclosed embodiments, the secondary retractor assembly
300 may include a third actuator 109c operably disposed adjacent
the first channel 109d and operably configured to extend and
contract the third arm 109 via a pinion gear mechanism (not
illustrated) having the same or similar components as primary
pinion gear mechanism 210 of primary retractor assembly 200. For
example, a toothed pinion P1 (see FIG. 7) may be coupled to
actuator 109c and may operably engage a corresponding rack portion
(not illustrated) on an adjacent surface of arm 109 to linearly
translate, e.g., curvo-linear, third arm 109 forward and backward,
i.e., extend and withdraw or translate away from the operative
corridor. Similarly, the secondary retractor assembly 300 may
include a fourth actuator 111c operably disposed adjacent the
second channel 111d and operably configured to extend and contract
the fourth arm 111 via a pinion gear mechanism (not illustrated)
having the same or similar components as primary pinion gear
mechanism 210 of primary retractor assembly 200. For example, a
toothed pinion P2 (see FIG. 7) may be coupled to actuator 111c and
may operably engage a corresponding rack portion (not illustrated)
on an adjacent surface of arm 111 to linearly translate, e.g.,
curvo-linear, fourth arm 111 forward and backward, i.e., extend and
withdraw or translate away from the operative corridor. For
example, actuator 109c may rotationally translate P1 in a clockwise
direction which in turn linearly translates the third arm 109 arm
such that it extends outward from channel 109d. Similarly, actuator
109c may rotationally translate P1 in a counter clockwise direction
which in turn linearly translates the third arm 109 arm such that
it contracts inward into channel 109d. Likewise, actuator 111c may
rotationally translate P2 in a clockwise direction which in turn
linearly translates the fourth arm 111 arm such that it extends
outward from channel 111d. Similarly, actuator 111c may
rotationally translate P2 in a counter clockwise direction which in
turn linearly translates the fourth arm 111 such that it contracts
inward into channel 109d. Accordingly, in disclosed embodiments,
the third arm 109 is configured to independently extend and
contract along a second path of travel upon actuation of the third
actuator 109c, and the fourth arm 111 is configured to
independently extend and contract along a third path of travel upon
actuation of the fourth actuator 111c.
[0061] In disclosed embodiments, the third and fourth arms 109, 111
may be operably coupled to third and fourth pivoting members 109a,
111a at a distal end thereof, respectively. The third and fourth
pivoting members 109a, 111a may be configured to operably couple to
third and fourth blades 209, 211, respectively (see FIG. 3) by a
corresponding blade attachment mechanism as will be explained in
more detail below during the discussion of FIGS. 9-13B. In the
exemplary embodiment, a fifth actuator 109b and a sixth actuator
111b are configured to adjust the angulation of third blade 209 and
fourth blade 211, respectively. For example, the fifth actuator
109b may be configured to actuate the third pivoting member 109a to
adjust the angulation of third blade 209 with respect to the third
arm 109. Similarly, the sixth actuator 211b may be configured to
actuate the fourth pivoting member 211a to adjust the angulation of
fourth blade 211 with respect to fourth arm 111. In the exemplary
embodiment, the third pivoting member 109a may be configured to
independently adjust the angulation of third blade 209 with respect
to third arm 109 upon actuation of the fifth actuator 109b.
Similarly, the fourth pivoting member 211a may be configured to
independently adjust the angulation of fourth blade 211 with
respect to the fourth arm 111 upon actuation of the fourth actuator
111b.
[0062] In disclosed embodiments, the third and fourth pivoting
members 209a, 211a may each include a corresponding pin and socket
mechanism enabling the pivoting members 209a, 211a to pivot on a
pin disposed in a corresponding pin aperture 199 (see, e.g., FIG.
8). Additionally, the third and fourth pivoting members 209a, 211a
may each include a corresponding blade attachment mechanism at a
distal end thereof which will be explained in more detail below
when discussing FIGS. 9-13.
[0063] In disclosed embodiments, the secondary retractor assembly
300 may include a first retention lever 109e configured to engage
the third arm 109 to control extension and contraction of the third
arm 109 along the second path of travel and a second retention
lever 111e configured to engage the fourth arm 111 to control
extension and contraction of the fourth arm 111 along the third
path of travel. First and second retention levers 109e, 111e may
have the same or similar components as described above with respect
to primary retention lever 104.
[0064] First retention lever 109e and second retention lever 111e
may frictionally engage with the third arm 109 and fourth arm 111,
respectively, to control and/or prevent the extension and
contraction of the third arm 109 and fourth arm 111. For example,
first retention lever 109e and second retention lever 111e may
engage with a rack portion on an outside adjacent surface of the
third arm 109 and fourth arm 111, respectively, through an aperture
302 (see FIG. 8) projecting through a portion of channels 109d,
111d, respectively. In some embodiments, first and second retention
levers 109e, 111e may include a biasing element having the same or
similar components as explained above with respect to primary
retention lever 104. In some embodiments, first retention lever
109e may engage a corresponding pinion gear mechanism operably
associated with actuator 109c to thereby control and/or prevent
rotation of the corresponding pinion gear mechanism. Similarly,
second retention lever 111e may engage a corresponding pinion gear
mechanism operably associated with actuator 109c to thereby control
and/or prevent rotation of the corresponding pinion gear
mechanism.
[0065] Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 7, and 9-11 the pivoting
members 105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may each include the same or
similar components and features. For example, pivoting members
105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may each include a corresponding pin and
socket mechanism. The pin and socket mechanism of pivoting members
105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may be adjustable by way of actuators
105b, 107b, 109b, and 111b such that an inclination of pivoting
members 105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may be independently adjustable
with respect to arms 105, 107, 109, and 111, respectively. In some
embodiments, translation of actuators 105b, 107b, 109b, and 111b
may cause a corresponding element, such as an internal pin, set
screw or the like, to urge pivoting members 105a, 107a, 109a, and
111a to pivot outwards on a corresponding pin within a
corresponding socket thereby enabling travel of pivoting members
105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a inwards and outwards with respect to
arms 105, 107, 109, and 111, respectively. In some embodiments,
pivoting members 105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may pivot outwards, for
example, within a range of 0-25 degrees, and more particularly
within a range of 0-15 degrees with respect to arms 105, 107, 109,
and 111.
[0066] Pivoting members 105a, 107a, 109a, and 111a may include
corresponding blade attachment mechanisms 105f, 107f, 109f, and
111f, respectively (see FIG. 7). The blade attachment mechanisms
105f, 107f, 109f, and 111f, may each include a dovetail groove
having a geometry that facilitates secure engagement with a
corresponding one of blades 205, 207, 209, and 211. For example,
blade attachment mechanisms 105f, 107f, 109f, and 111f, may have an
indent portion on an inside surface thereof facilitating secure
engagement with an outdent portion disposed on an outside surface
of blades 205, 207, 209, and 211 respectively. In some embodiments,
the dovetail grooves of the blade attachment mechanisms 105f, 107f,
109f, and 111f, are tapered, and may for example be conically
tapered, from one end to the other end to further securely retain
blades 205, 207, 209, and 211. In other embodiments, the blade
attachment mechanisms 105f, 107f, 109f, and 111f, may take
alternate shapes, and have varying configurations provided that the
shape thereof can securely engage with a corresponding one of
blades 205, 207, 209, and 211. For example, an indent such as a
square channel, hexagonal channel, or the like dimensioned to match
to a corresponding outdent. Additionally, the blade attachment
mechanisms 105f, 107f, 109f, 111f may have an outdent portion
(rather than an indent portion as illustrated) and blades 205, 207,
209, and 211 may have an indent portion (rather than an outdent
portion as illustrated).
[0067] Referring generally to FIGS. 9-13B exemplary blades, shims,
and dilators for use with, e.g., retractor system 100, are
disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, an exemplary blade, e.g., first
blade 205 is illustrated. It shall be understood that
characteristics of first blade 205 may be found throughout each of
blades 205, 207, 209, and 211 and the foregoing description is
described with respect to first blade 205 solely for convenience of
explanation. Moreover, although first blade 205 is illustrated as a
relatively long and narrow curved blade 205 it can take any shape
suitable for any particular type of surgery application. Indeed, it
is contemplated that retractor system 100 is suitable for a
multitude of different blades having different lengths, widths, and
cross sectional shapes thereof that can couple and uncouple to
secondary blades, tools, and shims. For example, relatively shorter
and wider blades having generally planar surfaces are contemplated.
Furthermore, blade 205 may feature any number or type of secondary
coupling members where shims, for example, may couple thereto. In
at least one embodiment, blade 205 may have a relatively narrow
portion at one end and fan out to a relatively wider portion at the
opposite end, i.e., the blade 205 may have a width that increases
along the length thereof from one end to the other end.
Additionally, blade 205 may include channels, grooves, indents,
outdents, etc. for fixation of secondary members such as shims,
light fixtures other diagnostic tools such as endoscopes,
electrodes, temperature sensors, suction devices, and etc.
[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, blade 205 has a proximate side
205a, a distal side 205b opposite the proximate side, an outside
surface 205c and an inside surface 205d opposite the outside
surface 205c. The proximate side 205a may be operably coupled to a
distal end of pivoting member 105a via an engagement feature 205e
disposed on the outside surface 205c of blade 205, for example. In
some embodiments, blade 205 may include an elastic material
allowing it to deflect at least partially. Additionally, in some
embodiments a blade removal instrument may be required to install
and/or remove blade 205 from a blade attachment mechanism.
[0069] In the disclosed embodiment, engagement feature 205e is the
outdent portion of a dovetail groove, i.e., the dovetail. In other
embodiments, engagement feature 205e may be a lap joint, tongue and
groove type joint, a doweled butt joint, etc. In the exemplary
embodiment, engagement feature 205e features an indent portion
205f. Indent portion 205f may be a socketed portion facilitating
secured engagement and retention with blade attachment mechanism
105f. For example, indent portion 205f may house a spring clip (not
illustrated) to hold blade 205 in secure engagement with blade
attachment mechanism 105f. In embodiments that include a spring
clip, a corresponding release tool or lever may be inserted into
the indent portion 205f to release the biasing force of the spring
and thereby uncouple the blade 205 from blade attachment mechanism
105f. In other embodiments, engagement feature 205e may have an
aperture for running a diagnostic tool such as an electrode or
endoscope there through. In some embodiments, blade 205 may be
conductive such that it may communicate with an external diagnostic
tool (not illustrated). For example, blades may include a
conductive material such as a metal like copper and be conductive
and/or have terminals for electrical conduction between conductive
pads placed external to retractor system 100. In some embodiments,
blade 205 may include partially conductive features, e.g., a
semiconductor and/or other passive electrical devices such as
resisters, diodes, and etc. In other embodiments, blade 205 may be
an insulator such that it does not interfere with electrical signal
processing of the aforementioned electrical devices.
[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, first blade 205 may include a
longitudinal groove 205g extending longitudinally along the inside
surface 205d that is sized accordingly to house and retain a
corresponding pin 205p therein. In at least one embodiment, pin
205p may securely attach to a vertebrae of a patients spine by
socketing in to the vertebrae or screwing into the vertebrae. In
some embodiments, pin 205p may be a conductive pin having a sensor
at a distal end thereof or pin 205p may be a hollow pin that houses
electrical components and wiring therein. In other embodiments pin
205p is purely mechanical in nature. In at least one embodiment,
pin 205p may be used to facilitate attachment of a shim 205s to an
inside surface 205d of blade 205. Shim 205s may laterally extend
from a side surface of the blade 205 and include a gripping portion
at a proximate side thereof. Shim 205s may also extend from the
blade 205 to increase the operative length thereof and/or extend
laterally to increase the operative width thereof. In some
embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth blades 105, 107,
109, 111 are each configured to operably couple to a corresponding
first, second, third, and fourth shim laterally projecting from a
side portion thereof. In other embodiments, diagnostic tools such
as an electrode, endoscope, fiber optic, light emitting diode or
the like may extend along groove 205g. In other embodiments still,
a second groove (not illustrated) similar to groove 205g may be
provided so that a combination of the above described features may
be used. For example, groove 205g may house a corresponding pin
205p and the second groove (not illustrated) may enable a
diagnostic tool or the like to extend along the second groove (not
illustrated).
[0071] Referring to FIG. 12 an exemplary set of nested dilators 400
is illustrated. Exemplary dilators 400 may include a neuro
monitoring sensor or the like to help guide insertion of the
dilators through muscle fibers. The set of nested dilators 400 may
include a series of dilators having alternating circular and
ellipsis (oval) cross sectional shapes or oblong cross sectional
shapes. For example, a first dilator 401 having a relatively small
circular cross section is surrounded by a second dilator 403 having
an ellipsis, or oval shaped cross section. The size and shape of
the circular cross section of the first dilator 401 may be defined
by a radius extending from a center point thereof and the shape of
the ellipsis cross section may be defined by a major axis and a
minor axis extending perpendicularly with respect to one another
from a center point thereof.
[0072] In the exemplary embodiment, the second dilator 403 may, for
example, have an ellipsis or elliptical cross section, or other
cross sections, for example bi-convex or elongated and
substantially flat sides with convex ends, and may have a curvature
but may not be circular or elliptical, some such embodiments having
a minor axis roughly corresponding to the radius of the circular
cross section of first dilator 401. For example, the minor axis of
the ellipsis cross section of the second dilator 403 may only be
slightly larger than the radius of the circular cross section of
the first dilator 401, and the major axis of the ellipsis cross
section of the second dilator 403 may be relatively larger than the
radius of the circular cross section of the first dilator 401 and
the minor axis of the ellipsis cross section of the second dilator
403. In some embodiments, the major axis of the ellipsis cross
section of second dilator 403 may be roughly twice as large as the
radius of the circular cross section of first dilator 401. In some
embodiments, the major axis of the ellipsis cross section of the
second dilator 403 may be twice as large as the minor axis of the
ellipsis cross section of the second dilator 403. At least one
advantage to this arrangement of alternating cross sections is that
the second dilator 403 may be insert around the first dilator 401
between fibers of a muscle, e.g., the paraspinous muscle, such that
the major axis of the second dilator 403 is initially arranged
parallel with the fibers of the paraspinous muscle and can
therefore be insert around the first dilator 401. Once inserted
around the first dilator 401, second dilator 403 can be rotated
such that the major axis of second dilator 403 is perpendicular to
the orientation of the fibers of the paraspinous muscle thereby
gently separating the fibers by orienting the second dilator 403
such that the major axis area of the second dilator 403 gently and
controllably applies pressure to separate the fibers.
[0073] A third dilator 405 having a circular cross section may be
insert around the second dilator 403. The size and shape of the
circular cross section of the third dilator 405 may be defined by a
radius extending from a center point thereof. For example, the
third dilator 405 may have a circular cross sectional shape having
a radius roughly corresponding to the major axis of the second
dilator 403. The third dilator 405 can freely rotate around the
second dilator 403 and features a circular cross section having a
radius that is only slightly larger than the cross sectional major
axis of the second dilator 403. A fourth dilator 407 having an
ellipsis cross section (oval) may be insert around the third
dilator 405. The fourth dilator 407 may be defined by an ellipsis
cross section having a minor axis that is only marginally larger
than the cross sectional radius of the third dilator 405, i.e., the
cross sectional minor axis of the fourth dilator roughly
corresponds to the cross sectional radius of the third dilator 405.
Additionally, the cross sectional major axis of the fourth dilator
407 is relatively larger than the cross sectional radius of the
third dilator 405 and the cross sectional minor axis of the fourth
dilator. In some embodiments, the major axis of the ellipsis cross
section of fourth dilator 407 may be roughly twice as large as the
radius of the circular cross section of third dilator 405. In some
embodiments, the major axis of the ellipsis cross section of the
fourth dilator 407 may be twice as large as the minor axis of the
ellipsis cross section of the fourth dilator 407. At least one
advantage to this arrangement of alternating cross sections is that
the fourth dilator 407 may be insert around the third dilator 405
between fibers of a muscle, e.g., the paraspinous muscle, such that
the major axis of the fourth dilator 407 is initially arranged
parallel with the fibers of the paraspinous muscle and can
therefore be insert around the third dilator 405. Once inserted
around the third dilator 405, fourth dilator 407 can be rotated
such that the major axis of fourth dilator 407 is perpendicular to
the orientation of the fibers of the paraspinous muscle thereby
gently separating the fibers by orienting the fourth dilator 407
such that the major axis area of the fourth dilator 407 gently and
controllably applies pressure to separate the fibers.
[0074] FIG. 13A is a top down view of the set of nested dilators
400 as explained above. As illustrated a set of nested dilators 400
that may sequentially gently separate fibers of a muscle are
illustrated. The set of nested dilators 400 may be insert
sequentially and rotated on an as needed basis to gently dilate an
anatomical feature. FIG. 13B is a top down view of blades 205, 207,
209, and 211. As illustrated blades 205, 207 are relatively larger
in width than blades 209, and 211.
[0075] FIGS. 14-19 illustrate various positions and modes of
operation of retractor system 100 in use with the set of nested
dilators 400. For example, in FIG. 14, retractor system 100 is
shown in a closed position where arms 105, 107 are closed and
surround, at least partially, the set of nested dilators 400.
Additionally, arms 109, 111 are fully extended and surround, at
least partially, the set of nested dilators 400. In FIG. 14, the
inside surfaces of blades 205, 207, 209, and 211 (not labelled in
FIG. 14) together surround and contact an outside surface of a
fourth dilator 407 (not labelled in FIG. 14). For example, the
blades 205, 207, 209, and 211 surround and contact a set of nested
dilators 400. For example still, a side surface of each of blades
205, 207, 209, and 211 contacts an adjoining side surface of a
different adjacent blade of the blades 205, 207, 209, and 211
thereby forming a closed shape. FIG. 17 is a side view of the
arrangement of FIG. 14.
[0076] In FIG. 15, the set of nested dilators 400 is removed and
the retractor system 100 is adjusted to a first partially opened
position where arms 105, 107 are partially opened and arms 109, 111
are partially contracted. FIG. 18 is a side view of the first
partially opened arrangement of FIG. 15. In FIG. 16, the retractor
system is adjusted to a second partially opened position where arms
105, 107 are further opened and arms 109, 111 are further
contracted. FIG. 18 is a side view of the second partially opened
arrangement of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 shows the angulation of each blade
being adjusted outward approximately 15 degrees from the side view
of FIG. 18.
* * * * *