US 2007/0191686 A1 · Method of making a surgical clamp

Abstract

A surgical clamp includes a support frame clamp member, a retraction shaft clamp member and a handle linked to the support frame clamp member and the retraction shaft clamp member for moving the clamp members between loosened and tightened positions. The handle includes a cam, and the handle/cam is unitarily formed by metal injection molding. The handle includes relatively uniform thickness throughout to better accept the shrinkage induced by the metal injection molding process. The base used for a bottom position of the cam is adjustable and spring loaded, to better support a wider range of manufacturing tolerances on the cam as well as the other components of the clamp without over stressing the metal injection molded handle during use. The handle includes a gripping portion with a planar portion inducing alignment of the clamping force as desired for best operation of the clamp.

Claims38

Dependent claims

A method of making a surgical clamp, comprising:

forming a clamp body, the clamp body having at least a first opening for receiving a first rod, the first opening changing dimensions to receive the first rod in a loosened first clamp position and in a tightened first clamp position;
metal injection molding a handle;
and
coupling the handle to the clamp body so the handle is movable to change the dimensions of the first opening.

1 more element

A surgical clamp comprising:

a first clamp member having a first rod opening for receiving a first rod, the first opening changing dimensions to receive the first rod in a loosened first clamp position and in a tightened first clamp position;
a second clamp member having a second rod opening for receiving a second rod, the second opening changing dimensions to receive the retractor rod in a loosened second clamp position and in a tightened second clamp position, the second clamp member being attached to the first clamp member;
a handle having a handle linkage both for moving the first clamp between its loosened first clamp position and its tightened first clamp position and for moving the second clamp between its loosened second clamp position and its tightened second clamp position, the handle linkage comprising:
a cam member biasing off a bearing surface about a cam center plane, the cam member pivotally rotating about a cam axis;
a shaft portion extending along the cam axis off a single side of the cam member for applying torque to rotate the cam member;
and
a handle extension extending to grip portion, the handle extension being bent such that the grip portion extends through or within the cam center plane.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of making a surgical clamp

Life of this patent

Method of making a surgical clamp

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims38