Minimally Invasive Retractor and Methods of Use
AssigneeK2M, Inc.
InventorJosef Gorek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed as a co-molded part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and removing them from the incision. The retractor device is intended to be made of a relatively stiff material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.
Claims20
A surgical retractor comprising:
- a pedicle screw having a tulip;
- and
- at least one elongate member extending from said tulip, the elongate member being removable affixed to the tulip, wherein the elongate member is frangibly attached to the tulip.
A method of performing spine surgery comprising the steps of:
- a) providing at least two retractor assemblies, each retractor assembly including at least one elongate member flexibly and frangibly attached to a pedicle screw;
- b) securing the first screw to a portion of a first vertebral body;
- c) retracting tissue using the at least one elongate member of the first retractor;
- d) securing the second screw to a portion of a second vertebral body;
- e) retracting tissue using the at least one elongate member of the second retractor;
- f) inserting a rod between the first and second screws;
- g) securing the rod to the first and second screws:
- and
- h) removing the elongate members from the pedicle screws.
A method of performing surgery comprising:
- a) percutaneously inserting a guidewire into a boney structure;
- b) inserting a cannulated bone screw with an integrally formed, frangible retractor member over the guidewire to the target site;
- c) implanting the bone screw into bone;
- d) spreading the retractor from a pivot point adjacent the bone screw to retract soft tissue and provide access to the site;
- e) performing a surgical procedure at the target site through the retractor;
- f) removing the integrally formed retractor member from the bone screw.
A kit comprising a sterile enclosure containing:
- a surgical pedicle screw having at least one frangible elongate retracting member, and at least one relief region, and a flexible joint coupling the elongate member to the pedicle screw.
A method of fabricating a screw based retractor comprising:
- a) providing pedicle screw tulip configured with one of the attachment features selected from a series of protrusions and a series of indentations located about a proximal end;
- b) placing the pedicle tulip within an injection mold;
- and
- c) injecting a material through the injection mold, wherein the material interacts the attachment feature and forms at least one arm extending from the pedicle screw.
A method of fabricating a screw based retractor comprising:
- a) providing pedicle screw tulip;
- b) provide at least one retractor arm;
- c) providing an adhesive that is compatible with both the pedicle tulip and the at least one arm;
- d) applying the adhesive to one of either the pedicle tulip and the at least one retractor;
- and
- e) attaching the at least one retractor to the pedicle tulip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.