Surgery – Specula – Retractor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-29
2003-06-03
O'Connor, Cary E. (Department: 3732)
Surgery
Specula
Retractor
C600S231000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06572541
ABSTRACT:
The invention concerns a system for combined use of retractors and surgical sheets used for keeping a field of surgery in clear view during surgery in process. Thus, the invention concerns a system of the above-mentioned kind, comprising also an assistance nipple and an assistance ring, with a number of nipples for fastening of retractors in the decided position.
It is known, for instance during abdominal surgery, to use retractors which retract the edges of an incision apart, keeping them separated, so that the field of surgery is accessible and with unimpaired view. Previously, retractors where kept manually in desired position by surgeon assistants who also had to attend when the surgeon requested adjustment of the retractors' position. Use of retractors was therefore akward, partially strenuous and time-consuming as well as costly, due to the need for participating assistants. When used for long periods of time, it was also difficult to keep the retractors constantly in the desired position, due to variations in tension, and due to fatigue in the assistant(s).
In order to simplify the use of retractors, and decrease the need for participation from assistants, it has previously been suggested various devices for non-manual fastening of retractors and for adjustment of their position. However, it is common for all known devices that they are costly, and with complicated construction, and that they usually require two hands for positioning on a patient, and for being adjusted into position. It is also a drawback that these devices unintentionally may be brought out of position, and thus inflicting complications in ongoing surgery.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,493,598 concerns a canvas mat to be positioned over a patient's abdomen, with a relatively wide, circular opening, covering the operation area. Along the mat's longitudinal edges are straps for fastening to the lower edges of the operation table. A number of peripherally positioned retractors alongside the mat's central opening may be strapped to the opening's reinforced inner edge. The device shows none of the characteristic steps in the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,998,217 describes a flat, ring-shaped frame with four outwardly pointing peripheral support flanges, each having two fixed pegs for insertion into retractor shaft holes, through which each of four retractors may by locked in the desired position. The device is markedly different from the present invention, in which is included also retractors made from special plastic.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,374 describes a flat, elliptical frame to be positioned around an operation area having a number of peripheral holes. Through the holes, a number of gripping instruments and a hook instrument may be attached, for detachment with the frame. In each gripping instrument is included an upper and a lower gripping jaw, each of which are forced against one another by means of a spring, for fastening of slippery, organic tissue in the operation area. No characteristics steps present in the present invention are shown.
DE-Off.Schr. 1566069 describes a flat and slightly curved frame for positioning around an operation area, and having, on its upper side, pegs for insertion into suitable holes in retractor shafts, enabling the retractors being adjustably locked into position, in relation to the operation area. No characteristics similar to the present invention are shown.
From the summary above may be deducted that there exists a need for a retractor systems, suitable for use during surgery, and which will satisfy the requirement that need to be fulfilled by the system in question.
A suitable system of this kind must include an assistance nipple of the new type, for fastening into position on the patient's body, for fastening of a retractor, enabling retraction and fastening the edges of an incision in an operation area, where the retractor may be moved and adjusted into position using only one hand, as well as a mainly flat assistance ring, for positioning around an operation area, having mounted assistance nipples of the above-mentioned type for insertion into holes in the retractor shafts, so that the retractors may be replaced into different positions, allowing the incision edges to be retracted and fastened into different positions in relation to the operation area. These positions must be adjustable, through repositioning of the retractors by use of one hand only, so that the assistance nipples on the assistance frame may be inserted into other shaft holes. The assistance frame is used in combination with a surgical sheet, having an opening for the operation field. Both the assistance nipples, as well as the assistance ring and the retractors having shafts with holes are made from non conductive, acid and impact resistant plastic material. Retractors, assistance nipples and assistance rings made form said material are not known beforehand, and are therefore novel, separate elements in combination according to the invention's system.
A requirement for use is also that the system's single parts easily may be cleaned and sterilized for use.
According to the invention, a retractor system has been presented, and it is characterized in the claims below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2493598 (1950-01-01), Rozek
patent: 3998217 (1976-12-01), Trumbull et al.
patent: 4274398 (1981-06-01), Scott, Jr.
patent: 4434791 (1984-03-01), Darnell
patent: 5052374 (1991-10-01), Alvarez-Jacinto
patent: 5520608 (1996-05-01), Cabrera et al.
patent: 6042539 (2000-03-01), Harper et al.
patent: 1566069 (1969-12-01), None
patent: 0156218 (1985-10-01), None
patent: 9202181 (1992-02-01), None
O'Connor Cary E.
Pular Medica AS
Sherman & Shalloway
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