With Sensor Or Measuring Means Patents (Class 600/202)
  • Patent number: 8708899
    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: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar
  • Patent number: 8696559
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8688186
    Abstract: A retractor device has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The retractor device also has a force sensor which can measure an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor device. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor and a force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: ViOptix, Inc., Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jimmy Jian-min Mao, Robert E. Lash, Shane Burch
  • Publication number: 20140088990
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Namal Nawana, William C. Horton, Max Reinhardt, Jonathan Bellas, Cody Cranson, Jennifer DiPietro, Mary L. Fowler, William J. Frasier, John P. Griffin, Mark T. Hall, David D. Konieczynski, Michelle LeClerc, Thomas Martin, Christopher Nordstrom, Michael O'Neil, James Paiva, Matthew Parsons, Nicholas Pavento, Douglas Raymond, James J. Roveda, Sean P. Selover, Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Robert E. Sommerich
  • Publication number: 20140088367
    Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas M. DiMauro, William Horton
  • Patent number: 8679006
    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: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8663100
    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: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20140058205
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to systems, devices, and/or methods relating to surgical procedures, and more specifically for accessing an insufflated cavity of a patient and/or positioning surgical systems or devices into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventor: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
  • Publication number: 20140058206
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, 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. Some embodiments of the surgical access system may be particularly suited for establishing an operative corridor to a surgical target site in the spine. Such an operative corridor may be established through the retroperitoneal space and the psoas muscle during a direct lateral, retroperitoneal approach to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Luiz Pimenta, Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley
  • Publication number: 20140039264
    Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a wedge assembly and an actuating mechanism. The wedge assembly comprises includes a base and a plurality of blades extending from the base so that the distal end of the blades extend away from the base. The mechanism is operably associated with the blades so as to cause the distal end of the blades to move from a closed condition to an expanded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Heiman
  • Publication number: 20140012088
    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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20140012089
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20140005488
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Nader Nazarifar, Christopher C. Jung
  • Publication number: 20140005487
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: CAMPLEX LLC
    Inventor: John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20140005486
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8602982
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, 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 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20130317301
    Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft, a handle connected to a first end of the shaft, and a head connected to a second end of the shaft. The head includes a rigid anterior surface that moves independently from a rigid posterior surface of the head. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the rigid anterior surface is movable to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the rigid posterior surface is movable to displace a posterior wall of the vagina. An index is provided on the head to locate a suture placement position a calculated distance away from a leading proximal end of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: COLOPLAST A/S
    Inventors: Sarah J. Deitch, Ty Erickson, Allen Gaynor, Manish Patel, Michael M. Witzmann
  • Publication number: 20130317303
    Abstract: For minimally invasive surgical applications, an expandable surgical retractor is inserted in a surgical corridor and expanded to a desired size and shape. Cooling allows the retractor to maintain the expanded characteristic. Following surgery, the retractor can be removed in a manner that minimizes bleeding and tissue damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Vivek R. Deshmukh, Neil R. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20130317302
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MEDITECH DEVELOPMENT INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Neal Marc Lonky, Albert Steve Gurganian
  • Publication number: 20130317304
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8562521
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20130274557
    Abstract: A dilator assembly includes a dilator and a retractor member that is configured to be removably attached to the dilator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Scott Bowman, Corbett Stone, Benjamin Arnold, Kabir Gambhir, Robert J. Bishop
  • Patent number: 8556929
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Publication number: 20130267785
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post incorporating a jack, and a lifting arm pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence programme, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: CardioPrecision Limited
    Inventors: Ying Sutherland, Fraser William Havern Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8550994
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8550991
    Abstract: A touch panel sensor for sensing a contact position of part of body comprises a substrate, a resist electrode part including resist electrodes formed on the substrate to have a capacitance changeable according to approaching of the part of body, and a signal electrode part including signal electrodes formed on the resist electrode having resistance coefficient less than the resist electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Dong Sik Nam
  • Publication number: 20130237765
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20130231537
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8512235
    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: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert Kaula, Goretti Medeiros
  • Publication number: 20130211201
    Abstract: The Surgical Visual Field Enhancer is used to improve the visual field under a limited skin incision. It includes various parts to make the surgeon's work easier, such as the removable handle, the tunnel opening guide, the tunnel dilator, the lighting tool and the lighting transmitter. Initially, the user holds the surgical tool body of the surgical visual field enhancer and uses the tunnel opening end to create a tunnel through the soft tissue. The tunnel opening end is composed of the tunnel opening tip and the enlargement scalpel for tunnel enlargement. The distance marker and guard are used for depth estimation, in some cases, the tunnel opening guide can be inserted in the soft tissue to guide the tunnel creation. The tunnel dilator will follow the tunnel opening guide to create the tunnel to the operative site. When the tunnel has been created, the visual enhancer end is inserted to enhance the surgical visual field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SURGICAL INNOVATION HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sunton Wongsiri
  • Patent number: 8508368
    Abstract: A sensing device for sensing one or more conditions inside a container is provided. The sensing device comprises a radio frequency based sensor; a support for positioning the sensor in operative proximity to the inside of the container, and a pick-up coil in operative association with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, William Guy Morris, David James Monk, Vijay Singh
  • Publication number: 20130197313
    Abstract: A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Shaw P. Wan
  • Publication number: 20130158357
    Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130150677
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130150678
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NUVASIVE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130150679
    Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130150676
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130144127
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NUVASIVE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130137931
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NUVASIVE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130131456
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130123582
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the characteristics of tissue adjacent a surgical site and communicating that information to a health care provider includes a retractor, a sensor, and a processing system. The sensor is disposed on the retractor and is configured to measure a parameter indicative of at least one characteristic of the tissue adjacent the first or the second blade. The processing system is in communication with the sensor and configured and arranged to receive information from the sensor indicative of the measured parameter. It includes a threshold stored therein indicative of excessive trauma to the tissue and it is configured in a manner such that it compares the received information to the stored threshold and communicates information to the health care provider regarding the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130066154
    Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: VYCOR MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: VYCOR MEDICAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130060091
    Abstract: An access device adapted and configured to be inserted through a natural biological orifice, and related surgical methods are provided. The access device includes a body, a nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The body is configured and dimensioned to be inserted through a natural bodily orifice and has proximal and distal end portions and defines at least one lumen therethrough to accommodate passage of one or more surgical instruments. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region within the lumen to form a fluid seal around the one or more surgical instruments passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: SurgiQuest, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130060092
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: NuVasive, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8382666
    Abstract: A connector of a sensor probe and its receptacle on a console have security mechanisms that ensure that the connector and the receptacle are properly connected and mated. The connector and receptacle can have physical security features that block insertion of the connector into the receptacle if they are not aligned in a proper orientation. The console can also include a software security feature that allows optical measurements from the sensor probe only if the connector of the sensor probe and receptacle on the console are connected properly. An adapter can also be used to convert a conventional receptacle mounted on a console into a receptacle with security features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Jian-min Mao, Robert E. Lash
  • Patent number: 8376937
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the characteristics of tissue adjacent a surgical site and communicating that information to a health care provider includes a retractor, a sensor, and a processing system. The sensor is disposed on the retractor and is configured to measure a parameter indicative of at least one characteristic of the tissue adjacent the first or the second blade. The processing system is in communication with the sensor and configured and arranged to receive information from the sensor indicative of the measured parameter. It includes a threshold stored therein indicative of excessive trauma to the tissue and it is configured in a manner such that it compares the received information to the stored threshold and communicates information to the health care provider regarding the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jusong Xia, Joseph Jude Saladino, Jeff R. Justis, Newton H. Metcalf, Jr., Greg C. Marik, Nikolas F. Kerr, Hai H. Trieu
  • Patent number: 8355780
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, 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: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley
  • Publication number: 20130012782
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal housing having proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the housing being configured and adapted to engage a proximal portion of a flexible wound retractor. The proximal housing can be provided with a plenum chamber being defined therein, the plenum chamber being in fluid communication with at least one nozzle. The nozzle is preferably configured to direct pressurized fluid in an axial direction from the plenum chamber into a central bore of the surgical access device to provide a constant gaseous seal around a surgical instrument inserted therethrough, while inhibiting a loss of pressurized fluid from the body cavity therethrough. The plenum chamber can be adapted and configured to receive pressurized fluid and conduct the pressurized fluid to the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, James R. Parys, Kurt Azarbarzin
  • Patent number: 8343046
    Abstract: A method for accessing a spinal disc of a lumbar spine of a patient using a surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly. The method can include maintaining an operative corridor along a lateral, trans-psoas path using the retraction assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert Kaula, Jeffrey Blewett, Goretti Medeiros, legal representative