Surgery – Specula – Retractor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-29
2001-04-03
Smith, Jeffrey A. (Department: 3732)
Surgery
Specula
Retractor
C600S184000, C600S245000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210325
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a retractor system that is useful in surgical procedures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surgical support structure, such as a retractor apparatus, and to a clamping mechanism for a retractor system. The present invention further relates to illuminating a retractor apparatus.
During many types of surgical procedures, such as micro endoscopic and direct division discectomy, it is customary to use a retractor. The retractor is used to hold back tissue proximate a surgical incision to enable a surgeon to work at and in the surgical incision. Retractors typically include a blade and an arm, such as a shaft, to which the blade is attached. The retractor is generally held in place by attachment to a retractor support apparatus that is positioned over a support surface, such as an operating table. The retractor support is usually attached to a side rail located along one or more sides of the operating table by a clamping device, such as a fulcrum clamp or a cammed clamp.
During surgical procedures, it is highly desirable that the retractor be flexible in order to precisely position the retractor. Quickly securing the retractor in the desired position is also equally important in promoting efficient and safe surgical procedures. Simple horizontal and vertical adjustment of the retractor at the clamping device positioned along the sides of the operating table are also key requirements for successful surgical procedures.
Current retractors are not easy to manipulate and position over the surgical incision since the arm is typically a solid inflexible rod. Locking mechanisms to lock the retractors in a precise location are typically cumbersome and require complex maneuvers that may increase the risk of injury to the patient. Horizontal and vertical adjustment of the retractor at the clamping device that attaches the retractor to the sides of the operating table still remains challenging since the clamping device may be difficult to operate, or be located at a place that may increase the risk of contamination to the patient. Thus, an urgent need presently exists to produce a retractor that overcomes these challenges.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a retractor system having a clamp system that adjustably secures the retractor system to a support surface; and, an adjustable arm including a cam-activated device that selectively stiffens or releases the adjustable arm. The present invention further includes an engagement mechanism of the cam-activated device that causes movement of a carriage in which the engagement mechanism, and thus, the cam-activated device is disposed. The present invention further includes illuminating the retractor apparatus with a fiber optic cable embedded in a light carrying case surrounding a tubular retractor distally attached to the adjustable arm.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2893278 (1959-07-01), Cooper
patent: 3858578 (1975-01-01), Milo
patent: 4143652 (1979-03-01), Meier et al.
patent: 5400772 (1995-03-01), LeVahn et al.
patent: 5513827 (1996-05-01), Michelson
patent: 5792044 (1998-08-01), Foley et al.
patent: 5865730 (1999-02-01), Fox et al.
patent: 5947896 (1999-09-01), Sherts et al.
patent: 5967970 (1999-10-01), Cowan et al.
patent: 5967972 (1999-10-01), Santilli et al.
Bartie Bruce
LeVahn Steven M.
Sharratt Todd W.
Kinney & Lange , P.A.
Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
Smith Jeffrey A.
LandOfFree
Cam-activated adjustable arm and illuminated tubular retractor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Cam-activated adjustable arm and illuminated tubular retractor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cam-activated adjustable arm and illuminated tubular retractor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2463008