Supporting Frame Patents (Class 600/231)
  • Patent number: 11931525
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of stabilizers for use in delivering a replacement heart valve. The stabilizers can receive a portion of a delivery system, such as a handle, to prevent unwanted motion of the delivery system. The stabilizer can include a linear actuator for adjusting a position of the delivery system once held within the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Deena Walid Jamal, Hieu Minh Luong, Garrett Dallas Johnson, Tarannum Ishaq Gutierrez, Matthew Michael Becerra, Karen Fromell Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 11930747
    Abstract: A light module includes a substrate, at least one first light source, at least one second light source, and at least one third light source. The first light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a first type of light towards a plant. The second light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a second type of light towards the plant. The third light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a third type of light towards the plant. The first to third types of light have peak wavelengths in different wavelength bands. The first type of light is UV light or blue light in a short wavelength band, the second type of light is UV light, and the third type of light is visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se Ryung Kim
  • Patent number: 11844504
    Abstract: A self-supporting surgical retractor is provided for retracting soft tissue and anatomy at a spinal surgical site. The retractor includes a tubular base defining an upper rim and a lower rim and a working channel there between the upper and lower rims, in which the base and lower rim are sized and configured to be seated on adjacent vertebral bodies spanning an intervertebral space. At least two elongated legs are provided, each projecting from the upper rim and each including a fixation feature at a free end thereof. Each of the legs has a length sufficient for the fixation feature to be outside the body of a patient when the lower rim is seated on adjacent vertebral bodies of the patient. The retractor is formed of a radio-transparent or radio-lucent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Axis Spine Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Nick Sandham, Eddie Hamilton, Jonathan Lloyd Arcos, Christopher Reah, John Sutcliffe, Patrick Joseph McKenna, Obi Agu
  • Patent number: 11812940
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Patent number: 11759196
    Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine and fixing one or more segments of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Lovell, Michael Serra, Troy B. Woolley, Mark D. Peterson, Antoine G. Tohmeh
  • Patent number: 11666317
    Abstract: A sternal elevator apparatus is disclosed. The sternal elevator may include a panel, a support beam traversing the panel, and a post coupled to a proximal end of the panel. The apparatus may also include an indicator handle coupled to the sternal elevator, an actuator drive pivotably coupled to the indicator handle, and a housing movably coupled to the actuator drive. The sternal elevator apparatus may have an actuator drive incorporating a linear rack. The housing further may include a cylindrical gear where the cylindrical gear is engaged with the linear rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Matthew David DeClerck, Angelo John Martellaro, Benjamin James Boseck, Matthew Wrona
  • Patent number: 11659790
    Abstract: A light module includes a substrate, at least one first light source, at least one second light source, and at least one third light source. The first light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a first type of light towards a plant. The second light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a second type of light towards the plant. The third light source is disposed on the substrate and emits a third type of light towards the plant. The first to third types of light have peak wavelengths in different wavelength bands. The first type of light is UV light or blue light in a short wavelength band, the second type of light is UV light, and the third type of light is visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se Ryung Kim
  • Patent number: 11564674
    Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a body portion and first and second retractor arms operatively coupled thereto. The body portion includes a rotatable knob, a first blade holder, and a first blade. The first blade is configured for axial displacement with the first blade holder and angulation relative to the first blade holder about a first axis. The first and second retractor arms include respective second and third blades detachably secured thereto. The first and second retractor arms are transitionable between an approximated configuration and a spaced apart configuration. The second and third blades are configured to angulate about respective second and third axes that are defined by the respective first and second retractor arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Hill, Sanjay Khurana, Darren Lebl, Pierce Dalton Nunley, K. Brandon Strenge, John I. Williams, Ryan Den Haese, Alexander Horia Artaki, Robert J. Tokash, Eric Rodriguez, Kaitlin Elizabeth Anne McClymont, Nicholas Padovani, Daniel Genovese, Joshua David Rubin
  • Patent number: 11291436
    Abstract: A retraction apparatus increases flexibility of retracting tissues around a surgical site, such as during cardiac surgery including mitral valve repair or other surgical procedures. A holder is configured to mount to a fixed rail such as a sternal retractor. A rake element comprises a strap segment having a proximal end slidably received in a slot in the holder. The rake element has a primary rake finger at a distal end of the strap segment configured to grasp and retract tissue at a surgical site and a sub-finger extending perpendicularly via a bendable wing from a side of the primary rake finger adapted to retract adjacent tissue around the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 11123056
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 11116489
    Abstract: A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Choll Kim
  • Patent number: 11109851
    Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided having a frame that releasably couples two retractor blades. The retractor blades are coupled to the frame via a pair of mobile carriages that engage a track on the frame. A third retractor blade is configured to be independent of the frame with the first two retractor blades. The independent blade may be fixably positionable in the patient by a direct coupling to a rigid table mount. The retractor assembly may be utilized for creating anterior access to spinal target site while the patient is oriented in the lateral decubitus position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey O'Connell, Joel Kohn, James Coleman Lee, David Banks
  • Patent number: 11051796
    Abstract: A screw-based retractor comprises an elongate rack having a rack axis, a plurality of arms slidably supported for translational movement on the rack, and a plurality of blades, one each supported by a respective arm at a distal portion thereof. At least one of the arms includes at its distal portion a blade releasably attached thereto. Such blade is attached to a blade receptacle movably attached to the at least one arm in a manner to provide articulation of the blade receptacle and hence the attached blade about an articulation point spaced from and not located on such arm. Such blade is additionally movable relative to the rack in multiple degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Serokosz, Eugene Avidano, Dylan Freund, David Boisvert
  • Patent number: 11000241
    Abstract: A breast securement device for an imaging system is provided. The securement device includes a retainer configured to attach to at least a portion of a patient's breast and a tensioning system coupled to the retainer. The tensioning system is configured to pull the retainer away from a chest wall of the patient so as to apply a pulling force to the patient's breast. The retainer may include a substantially tubular-shaped mesh material having a first end configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's breast and an opposite second end coupled to the tensioning system. In another example, the retainer may include a vacuum bag having a first end configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's breast. In still another example, the retainer may include an adhesive member configured to adhere to the patient's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn St. Pierre, Timothy R. Stango, Christopher Marvel
  • Patent number: 10898253
    Abstract: A pivotable wire assembly, including a pivotable wire, including a first section having a first end and a second end, a pivotable section, and a second section connected to the second end via the pivotable section, the second section having an engaging portion, wherein the first section is pivotably displaceable relative to the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Loubert S. Suddaby
  • Patent number: 10893855
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade and a handle assembly. The retractor blade includes a base portion, a blade extending from the base portion, and a handle mount affixed to the base portion. The handle assembly includes an attachment portion and a retaining rod. The attachment portion includes a slot configured to receive the handle mount, a first cavity adjoining the slot, a retaining member moveable along the first cavity, and a second cavity adjoining the first cavity. Advancement of the retaining rod through the second cavity and into the first cavity advances the retaining member into the slot and into engagement with the handle mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Truckey
  • Patent number: 10874387
    Abstract: A surgical retractor system having a frame and a plurality of arms connected thereto is disclosed. At least one arm is moveable relative to the frame and the relative movement is constrained to a direction along the longitudinal axis of the arm. At least one retractor blade is removably connected to each of the plurality of arms. The blade is fixably rotatable about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm to which it is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Karpowicz, Andrew Iott
  • Patent number: 10682130
    Abstract: Surgical access port stabilization systems and methods are described herein. Such systems and methods can be employed to provide ipsilateral stabilization of a surgical access port, e.g., during spinal surgeries. In one embodiment, a surgical system can include an access port configured for percutaneous insertion into a patient to define a channel to a surgical site and an anchor configured for insertion into the patient's bone. Further, the access port can be coupled to the anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the access port and a longitudinal axis of the anchor are non-coaxial. With such a system, a surgeon or other user can access a surgical site through the access port without the need for external or other stabilization of the access port, but can instead position the access port relative to an anchor already placed in the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Michael White, Stephane Gully, Jan Klett, Peter Senn, Joern Richter
  • Patent number: 10464199
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool includes a jaw head, a locking mechanism pivotably attached to the jaw head, a first handle, and a second handle. The jaw head includes a first jaw having a first tang and a second jaw having a second tang. The locking mechanism includes a projection extending from a lock body. The first tang includes a notch, and the first handle includes a notch configured to align with the notch in the first tang. The aligned notches are configured to receive the projection of the locking mechanism when the locking mechanism is in a locked position. The first handle is fixed to the jaw head when the locking mechanism is in the locked position due to the projection of the locking mechanism contacting both of the aligned notches. The first handle can be removed from the first tang when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Hardinge, John Nason, Darrin Seeds
  • Patent number: 10213192
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an element connectable with a fixture. A first member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with an incision in a cranial-caudal orientation relative to a body to space apart tissue. A second member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of an anterior portion of the incision relative to the body. A third member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a posterior portion of the incision relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Cristian A. Capote
  • Patent number: 10092282
    Abstract: Devices and methods for sternal retraction that reduces bleeding from the cut edges of a sternum and reduces fracturing of the sternum during retraction. The devices and methods involve the use of sternal retractor blades having a certain geometry and inserts placed inside the sternal retractor blades during retraction of the sternotomy incision. The blades and inserts act to tamponade the blood flow from the cut sternal edge and reduce fracturing of the sternum during retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: John D. Puskas, Kelly Kloster Hon, Erick Eladio Rio, Brian Wong-Shui, Mark Joseph Moneypenny
  • Patent number: 9808322
    Abstract: A maxillofacial or cranial-facial surgical stabilizer comprising a head frame fully or partially surrounding the head of a patient at an angle running from ears to temple, and that is fixated to the skull of the patient by multiple screws and/or ear holders and screws. One or more flexible/locking arms are removably attached to the head frame for holding and positioning a plurality of interchangeable instruments or accessories. One flexible/locking arm is a medial/center arm accessorized with a dental arch mold. A method of using a head frame to position the pieces of bones during maxillofacial or cranio-facial surgery is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: Vito Del Deo, Xinsheng Cedric Yu
  • Patent number: 9636097
    Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a retractor body and a retractor arm. The retractor arm includes a first portion configured to operatively connect to the retractor body, and a control assembly configured to control movement of a retractor blade. The control assembly includes a base member having a first opening and a second opening, and movable between a first position and second position. The retractor arm further includes a regulating member to control rotation of the base member and move through the first opening of the base member, a connecting member cooperatively connected to the regulating member, and a barrel member in operative slidable engagement with the second opening formed in the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TEDAN SURGICAL INNOVATIONS, LLC.
    Inventor: Daniel Bass
  • Patent number: 9622795
    Abstract: Devices for retracting tissue during a minimally-invasive, posterior spinal fusion procedure include a blade positionable along a passageway device connected to a connecting element implanted in a vertebra of the spine, such that the blade covers at least a portion of a longitudinal opening of the passageway device. The blade may be coupled to the passageway device by receiving the passageway device with a receiving portion. Systems for displacing the vertebrae of the spine include first and second extenders, the distal ends of each of which are configured to engage the connecting elements. Each extender may include a shaft configured to be securely engaged within a cage of the respective connecting element. The devices and systems of the present invention may be used in connection with an interbody fusion technique performed through an opening extending between the passageway devices, and an intermediate retractor blade may provide additional tissue retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Abram Reitblat, Steven Krause, Douglas Pedrick, David Talijan, Erika Corbin, Brad Prybis
  • Patent number: 9545250
    Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc
    Inventors: Hubert W. Pfabe, Thomas R. Rainey
  • Patent number: 9414828
    Abstract: A retractor-distractor system comprising a frame with slidably coupled superior and inferior arms extending therefrom. The superior arm comprises a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm, a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm, and a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint. The inferior arm comprises an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm, an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm, and an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint. The superior and inferior arms are operable to receive a modular blade to retract and distract tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Cin K. Abidin, Brad Elmer, Sheeraz Qureshi, Nomaan Ashraf
  • Patent number: 9408598
    Abstract: A method for accessing an intervertebral disc space in a patient's body involves making an incision in a region of the patient's body that permits access to the psoas muscle, directing a blade of a first dissecting refractor through the incision and such that a distal end of the first dissecting retractor blade is positioned proximate the intervertebral disc space, and directing, independently of the first dissecting retractor blade, a blade of a second dissecting retractor through the incision and such that a distal end of the second dissecting retractor blade is positioned proximate the intervertebral disc space. During their placement within the patient's body, the first and second dissecting retractor blades are employed in a tissue dissection process. Following the positioning of the distal ends of the first and second dissecting retractor blades proximate the intervertebral disc space, the first and second dissecting refractors are coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Altus Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Fantini, Charlie Goodwin, Alex Hughes, Brian Bankoski, Michael A. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9167962
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: University Hospitals of Cleveland, Amin, Turocy & Watson, LLP
    Inventors: Howard S. Nearman, Donald M. Voltz, Alon S. Aharon
  • Patent number: 8932215
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Jason Cianfrani, Matthew Beehtel
  • Patent number: 8915847
    Abstract: A retractor holder comprises a body poration, a retractor locking portion and a support ring mating portion. The retractor handle can be inserted through a compatible opening bore extending through body portion. The locking portion has a spring-loaded pawl where the leading edge of pawl can mate with teeth of the retractor handle to lock the retractor handle in a fixed position. The mating portion has a slot with an opening on the opposite surface from the leading edge of the pawl to slide onto the support ring. To improve the problem that prior art retractor holders can not rotate an angle on the support ring, a plurality of dowel pins are set in the slot of the support ring mating portion. Thus, the retractor holder can rotate an angle and keep at least one dowel pin to engage with an indentation on support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Shyh-Jen Wang
  • Patent number: 8915846
    Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20140371540
    Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Thomas Purcell, Christopher Campbell
  • Patent number: 8911364
    Abstract: A spine retractor and distractor device comprises spinal process clamps and a retractor assembly, which may be rotatably coupled with the spinal process clamps. The retractor assembly may include a retractor ring, or frame, and a plurality of retractor blades adjustably coupled to the frame, e.g., by clamps. The spinal process clamps can maintain a grip on the spinal processes of the patient, and distraction pliers may be used to impart a distraction force on the spinal process clamps to distract the spinal segments. Additionally, other components, features, or tools, e.g., a light source and/or a camera, can be mounted on the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Feigenwinter, Beat Lechmann, Roger Buerki, Paul W. Pavlov
  • Patent number: 8894029
    Abstract: A retractor ring assembly includes a ring holder that has a first selectively engaged connection and a second selectively engaged connection. A first and second ring portion each has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first and second ring portions are selectively connected to the respective first and second selectively engaged connections of the ring holder. The distal end of the first ring portion has a third selectively engaged connection. The distal end of the second ring portion has a fourth selectively engaged connection. The third selectively engaged connection and the fourth selectively engaged connection are connectable to form a reinforced closed ring configuration, and are disconnectable to form an open ring configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Specialty Surgical Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Agbodoe, Olaf Storz, John R. Bookwalter
  • Publication number: 20140336471
    Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Hubert W. Pfabe, Thomas R. Rainey
  • Publication number: 20140336468
    Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Hubert W. Pfabe, Thomas R. Rainey
  • Patent number: 8882661
    Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Thomas Purcell, Christopher M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8876712
    Abstract: A surgical stabilizer for use with a surgical site retractor has a base, a bendable arm, and a distal cuff adapted to resiliently hold a tube of an elongated port-access device. The cuff may have a body defining a partial enclosure within which is held a highly flexible gasket having a slit for resiliently receiving the tube. The surgical site retractor may have a collapsible ring and a flexible outer portion attached thereto, the ring being sized to pass through an intercostal incision and expand therein under adjacent ribs to prevent removal, and the flexible outer portion extending out of the incision and drawing over the stabilizer base to mutually secure the retractor and base. The port-access tube may be for a heart valve delivery system using an elongated port-access device for transapically delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kristopher Yee, Francis G. Duhay, Manouchehr Miraki
  • Patent number: 8864661
    Abstract: A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Steven M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8852090
    Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Jason Cianfrani, Matthew Bechtel
  • Patent number: 8827902
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal surgery for retracting soft tissue and mounting between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a relatively rigid frame, a first retractor blade mounted to the frame and a distractor element movably mounted to the frame. The distractor element has a body, a proximal end and a distal end. The distractor element has a thickness and a length. The distractor element is configured for mounting between the superior and inferior spinous processes in a working configuration. The distractor element is generally tapered at the distal end in an insertion configuration. The instrument also includes an insertion shaft attached to the proximal end and a first shaft joint mounted between the frame and the insertion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Donald David Dietze, Jr., Brian Reed Bankoski
  • Patent number: 8808176
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of performing an anterior approach hip replacement using a retractor assembly. The method may include: providing a retractor assembly including a first vertical post, a plurality of accessory arms mounted to the first post, a second vertical post, and a femur distractor mounted to the second post; exposing a surgical site including the femoral neck and acetabulum using a plurality of retractors secured to the accessory arms; cutting the femoral neck to remove the femoral head; preparing the acetabulum for insertion of an acetabular cup; preparing the femur for insertion of a femoral implant by lifting the femur using a femur hook and the femur distractor; and closing the surgical site. In various alternative embodiments, the retractors may include a lesser trochanteric retractor coming from a direct medial approach and a greater trochanteric retractor coming from a lateral, posterior, proximal approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tedan Surgical Innovations, LLC.
    Inventors: Lawrence Richard Menendez, Daniel C. Allison, Daniel Bass, Bob Mastny, Terry Johnston
  • Publication number: 20140171748
    Abstract: A ratchet assembly for multi-dimensional movement and placement of a retractor blade includes a retractor blade holder, a housing member, a rotating indexer and a self-retaining locking mechanism. The retractor blade holder is shaped and dimensioned to receive a stem of a retractor blade and includes a locking mechanism that enables selective lateral adjustment of the retractor blade relative to the retractor blade holder. The retractor blade holder is mated to the housing member and is vertically pivotable with respect to the housing member to enable selective vertical pivoting adjustment of the retractor blade relative to the housing member. The rotating indexer is mated to the housing member, and the housing member is rotatable with respect to the rotating indexer so that the retractor blade holder, the housing member and the retractor blade are able to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rotating indexer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SYMMETRY MEDICAL MANUFACTURING, INC
    Inventors: JOHN BOOKWALTER, KEVIN REDMOND
  • Patent number: 8727975
    Abstract: A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert W. Pfabe, Thomas R. Rainey
  • Publication number: 20140031633
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes a first rod supporting a first arm that is slidable along the first rod, a first valve being attached to the first arm, and a second arm, a second valve being attached to the second arm. The vaginal speculum further includes a second rod supporting a third arm that is slidable along the second rod, a third valve being attached to the third arm, and a fourth arm, a fourth valve being attached to the fourth arm. The first rod and the second rod are rigidly connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE - HOPITAUX DE PARIS
    Inventor: Jonathan Cohen
  • Patent number: 8622897
    Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond, Connie Marchek, Thomas W. Higginbotham, Anthony R. Carlone, Katherine Herard, Timothy Beardsley
  • Patent number: 8579806
    Abstract: A retraction device adapted to retract tissue is provided, comprising at least one pair of opposed retraction members, with each retraction member being capable of operably engaging the tissue to be retracted. A drive mechanism is operably engaged with at least one of each pair of retraction members for separating one of each pair of retraction members from the other to retract the tissue. A measuring device is operably engaged with at least one of the drive mechanism and one of each pair of retraction members, for determining and/or controlling a magnitude and/or rate of a force and/or strain imparted to the tissue by the drive mechanism via the retraction members as the tissue is being retracted. Associated devices and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Gregory D. Buckner, Gil Bolotin
  • Publication number: 20130225935
    Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: K2M, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8469032
    Abstract: An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy J. Farnum
  • Patent number: 8388528
    Abstract: A surgical retractor device includes a frame and at least one retracting member configured for being secured to the collapsible frame. The retracting member is formed from a spring-biased rotatable member, a tension line secured at a proximal end to the spring-biased rotatable member, and a tissue securing member disposed at a distal end of the tension line. In certain embodiments, the surgical retractor may be collapsible and delivered laparoscopically to the resection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Dino D. Buro