Method and apparatus for spinal surgery
OwnerJohn L. Zinkelinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Spinal surgery is carried out under direct visualization through a relatively small opening formed in a patient's skin. Intervening tissue between the opening and the surgical site is displaced so as to form a keyhole channel therethrough. The channel is characterized in that it increases in width as it progresses from the opening to the surgical field. The use of the keyhole channel maximizes the surgeon's access to the surgical field while minimizing tissue trauma. Also disclosed are surgical retractors used to provide the channel.
Claims26
A surgical retractor for use in spinal surgery comprising:
- a first and a second arm, each arm including a first end which defines a handle portion, and a second end having a retractor blade projecting therefrom, said arms being pivotally connected together at a connection point between their respective first and second ends;
- wherein the retractor blade of the first arm and the retractor blade of the second arm each include a junction end at which said blade is permanently affixed to its respective arm, and a free end;
- and
- wherein said arms and blades are configured and disposed so that when, in the use of the retractor, the arms are pivoted about said connection point, the free ends of the blades are always at least as far apart as said junction ends.
A method for performing a spinal surgery, said method comprising the steps of:
- forming an opening through the skin of a patient, said opening having a maximum dimension of no more than 20 millimeters, said opening being separated from a surgical field by intervening tissue;
- displacing said intervening tissue between said opening and said surgical field so as to form a keyhole channel therethrough, said keyhole channel being characterized in that it increases in width as it progresses from said opening to said surgical field;
- whereby the cross-sectional area of said surgical field exposed by said channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of said opening;
- and
- performing a surgical procedure at said surgical field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.