Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation between a locked position and an unlocked positions. The joint clamp may include springs which provide a scissors clamp of the clamps with a clip-on feature in which the scissors clamp may clipped-on and clipped-off an object such as a frame member, table post, or retractor handle. The springs may further prevent or reduce a rising movement of the clamps when the cam lever rotates from an unlocked state to a locked state.

Abstract: A method of positioning a device for pedicle access includes securing a clip in an adjustable frame assembly and securing the device in the clip. The method also includes positioning the device at an initial position having a trajectory estimated to allow the device to penetrate a pedicle without damaging the nervous system, and determining whether the trajectory of the initial position is proper to avoid damage. Further, the method includes re-positioning the device to a new position if the trajectory of the initial position is not proper to avoid damage to the nervous system, and determining whether the trajectory of the new position is proper to avoid damage. The method also includes repeating the steps of re-positioning the device and determining whether the trajectory of the new position is proper as required until a proper trajectory is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical retractor clamping mechanism for attaching mechanism to an operating table. The mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and a releasable clamp for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of slots cut into the sidewalls of upper jaw to form at least one flexible finger. The clamp is in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The clamp includes a cam lever. Movement of the cam lever to its closed position compresses the clamp causing the flexible fingers to grip the adjustable post locking its longitudinal movement. Rotation of the cam lever to the open position releases the compressive force on the clamp, unlocking the adjustable post allowing the post to be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed.

Abstract: Surgical retractor systems including removable angling devices and methods of use are provided. A surgical retractor system can include a head with an opening, a blade including a nipple, and an angling device including a handle. The nipple can include a first recess that runs circumferentially around an exterior surface of the nipple and terminates at a flange. The opening can be configured to receive the nipple. The nipple can be longer than the opening such that the flange and at least a portion of the recess extend beyond an end of the opening when the blade is attached to the head. The angling device can be configured to receive the flange such that the angling device can be removably attached to the flange. The angling device can be used to manipulate the position of the blade when the angling device is attached to the flange.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide surgical retractors that include an arm and a blade, the arm including an opening and a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening, the blade including a nipple and a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple. Attaching the blade to the arm such that the notched surfaces mate can secure the blade relative to the arm such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening. Certain embodiments provide methods for securing a retractor blade that can include inserting a nipple on a retractor blade into an opening and mating a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening with a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical retractor system for clamping system to an operating table. The clamping mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and releasable locking mechanism for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The releasable locking mechanism can be a mechanism that includes a sleeve in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of sockets for receipt of a plurality of balls. The sleeve can have a first position which positions an internal shoulder in alignment with the sockets and urges the balls into engagement with circumferential grooves in post member to lock the post at desired height. In a second position, an internal groove in the sleeve can align with the sockets to allow the balls to move partially out of the sockets and out of engagement with the groove in the post so that the post can be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical port and dilator are useful for creating access to surgical sites having tortuous geometries and/or requiring relatively long and narrow access to the surgical site. The surgical port or dilator can be provided with an oblique distal end to facilitate placement and the displace tissue near angled surfaces. The surgical port can be inserted into the operative site following dilation in the same fashion as a conventional port. Once inserted, however, the surgical port may then be elongated to provide relatively long and narrow, elliptically- shaped access to the surgical site. The elongation of the port allows the surgeon access to long and narrow surgical sites, such as the spine, without having to expand radially. This reduces trauma to the patient. A locking means is also provided to hold the surgical port in the open position until a release mechanism is activated.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a retractor clamp for a low profile retractor system including a spreader including first and second arms joined by a cross-bar, wherein the first and second arms define an arm level. The retractor clamp includes a gripping assembly, a main body, an extension arm, a retractor blade arm, and a securement assembly. The gripping assembly is sized and adapted to engage at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar, wherein the retractor clamp is movably and securably joined along the at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar at substantially the arm level. The retractor blade arm is joined to the main body by the extension arm, and is positioned at a retractor blade arm level above the arm level. The retractor blade arm is sized and adapted to accept a blade clamp for securing a retractor blade thereto.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system comprises a retractor frame secured to an operating structure. The retractor frame includes a cross bar that comprises a plurality of pivotally connected cross bar sections.

Abstract: A rongeur has a frame and a reciprocating member slidably associated with the frame. A blade is disposed on the distal end of the reciprocating member. The frame has a handle that is coupled with the reciprocating member for slideable movement of the reciprocating member. In this fashion, the blade is moved into a cutting position against a footplate formed in the distal end of the frame. A flexure is associated with the handle which allows the handle to be flexed. To reduce the potential for breakage of the footplate, a stop mechanism is provided for preventing further movement of the reciprocating member when the flexure is flexed.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a shaft member with a first clamping member and a second clamping member mounted on the shaft member. Both of the clamping members have leg portions that are movable toward and away from each other between a clamping and non-clamping position. The clamping apparatus further includes a cam member engaging the shaft member that urges the clamping members between their clamping and non-clamping positions. embodiment, the joint mechanism includes a locking mechanism for permitting quick adjustment of the joint clamp components relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided including a handle, a blade, and a head member with a locking mechanism for locking the blade within the head member. The locking mechanism includes a plunger and spring combination that is actuable to receive and release the blade from the head member.

Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The handle rod may be attached to an extension arm of a surgery support frame via a standard joint clamp. Once secured, the retractor blade may be manually positioned to the desired angular position and secured in place. The adjustment mechanism includes a notched push bar which engages a brace member of the retractor blade thereby effecting movement of the retractor blade when the push bar is moved by the user. A releasable engagement member then engages one of several notches in the push rod to inhibit any further movement of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for use in a surgical retractor system is disclosed. The system comprises a shaft member having first and second ends. The shaft member carries first and second clamping members. The first and second clamping members have resilient leg portions that are movable toward and away from each other between clamping and non-clamping positions. A cam member is pivotally connected to the first end of the shaft member. The pivot axis of the cam member is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The cam member has an eccentric outer surface of incrementally increasing radius from the pivot axis. The cam member is rotatable about the pivot axis by a lever arm. Rotation of the cam member between clamping and non-clamping positions urges the leg portions of the first and second camping members between clamping and non-clamping positions. The cam member may be rotated 360 about the axis of the shaft member.

Abstract: A cam-operated universal latch joint apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, the joint apparatus includes a cam locking mechanism, as well as a first clamping member and a second clamping member independently positionable with respect to each other. The second clamping member has an upper portion and a lower portion arranged adjacent to each other. A latch is pivotably mounted the upper portion of the second clamping member so that the latch selectively engages the lower portion of the second clamping member. Also, a through rod connecting the cam locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided. A bushing is also arranged between the upper portion of the second clamping member and the first clamping member. In an embodiment, the cam locking mechanism includes a handle and a cam connected to the handle and pivotably connected to the through rod so that the cam engages the first clamping member when selectively positioned by the user using the handle.