US6945933B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instruments and methods for minimally invasive tissue retraction and surgery
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2002-06-26
•
Granted: 2005-09-20
•
Expires: 2022-06-26
Abstract
Abstract Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles L. Branch
- 👤 Kevin T. Foley
- 👤 Thomas E. Roehm, III
- 👤 Anthony J. Melkent
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B17/3439; A61B17/02; A61B17/0206; A61B17/0293; A61B17/3423; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/282; A61B2017/2829; A61B17/2833; A61B2017/2837
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 83
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion having a proximal end and a distal end; and a second portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said second portion forming with said first portion a working channel in communication with an exterior of said first and second portions at said proximal ends and said distal ends with said working channel being enclosed by said first portion and said second portion between said distal and proximal ends, wherein said working channel is enlargeable by laterally moving each of said first and second portions away from one another and pivoting each of said distal ends of said first and second portions away from one another such that only a portion of said working channel is enclosed by said first and second portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion having a proximal end and a distal end; and a second portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said second portion forming with said first portion a working channel in communication with an exterior of said first and second portions at said proximal ends and said distal ends with said working channel being enclosed by said first portion and said second portion between said distal and proximal ends, wherein said working channel is enlargeable by laterally moving each of said first and second portions away from one another and pivoting each of said distal ends of said first and second portions away from one another such that only a portion of said working channel is enclosed by said first and second portions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The retractor of claim 1 , further comprising a first bracket member extending from said proximal end of said first portion and a second bracket member extending from said proximal end of said second portion, wherein said first and second bracket members are positionable adjacent one another for engagement with a flexible arm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The retractor of claim 1 , wherein said first portion includes a collar about said proximal end thereof and said second portion includes a collar about said proximal end thereof, each of said collars including an engagement member extending proximally therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The retractor of claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second portions includes a semi-cylindrical body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The retractor of claim 4 , wherein said bodies of said first and second portions are rigid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
93 words
The retractor of claim 1 , wherein: said first portion includes opposite edges extending therealong between said proximal end and said distal end thereof; said second portion includes opposite edges extending therealong between said proximal end and said distal end thereof; when said working channel is enclosed said opposite edges of said first portion are adjacent respective ones of said opposite edges of said second portion; and when said working channel is enlarged said opposite edges of said first portion are separated from respective ones of said opposite edges of said second portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The retractor of claim 6 , wherein said opposite edges of said first portion abut with an adjacent one of said opposite edges of said second portion when said working channel is substantially enclosed by said first and second portions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The retractor of claim 6 , wherein said opposite edges of said first portion overlap with an adjacent one of said opposite edges of said second portion when said working channel is substantially enclosed by said first and second portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The retractor of claim 6 , wherein said opposite edges of said first portion interdigitate with an adjacent one of said opposite edges of said second portion when said working channel is substantially enclosed by said first and second portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The retractor of claim 1 , wherein: one of said first portion and said second portion includes an alignment member extending toward the other of said first portion and said second portion; and the other of said first portion and said second portion includes a receptacle for receiving said alignment member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
66 words
The retractor of claim 10 , wherein said alignment member extends from an edge of said one of said first portion and said second portion facing the other of said first portion and said second portion, and said receptacle is formed in an edge of said other of said first portion and said second portion facing said one of said first portion and said second portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
The retractor of claim 1 , further comprising a guide member extending between said first portion and said second portion, each of said first portion and said second portion engageable with said guide member to secure said first portion and said second portion at any one of a number of locations along said guide member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The retractor of claim 12 , wherein each of said first and second portions are further engageable with said guide member to secure said first and second portions at any one of a number of pivotal orientations relative to said guide member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The retractor of claim 12 , further comprising a separation instrument engageable to said proximal ends of said first and second portions, said separation instrument operable to move at least one of said first and second portions along said guide member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
The retractor of claim 14 , wherein said guide member includes an arcuate profile between said first portion and said second portion and said separation instrument is operable to simultaneously separate and pivot said first and second portions away from one another along said guide member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
The retractor of claim 14 , wherein said separation instrument has a lateral separator operable to laterally separate said first and second portions along said guide member and a rotational separator operable to pivot said first and second portions relative to said guide member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor of claim 12 , wherein said guide member is pivotally coupled to said proximal ends of each of said first and second portions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The retractor of claim 12 , wherein: said first portion includes an ear extending from said proximal end thereof toward said second portion; said guide member is an extension of said proximal end of said second portion; and said ear is engageable with said guide member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
57 words
The retractor of claim 18 , wherein said guide member includes a slot, and further comprising a cam locking mechanism extending through said slot and coupled to said ear, said cam locking mechanism having a first position locking said ear to said guide member and a second position wherein said ear is moveable along said guide member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
The retractor of claim 1 , further comprising a separation instrument engageable to said first and second portions, said separation instrument including a lateral separator for laterally separating said first and second portions and a rotational separator for pivoting said first and second portions relative to one another.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
42 words
The retractor of claim 20 , wherein: said lateral separator extends laterally from said first and second portions transversely to a lateral separation direction of said first and second portions; and said rotational separator extends proximally from said first and second portions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The retractor of claim 21 , wherein said rotational separator is pivotal to a lateral orientation along said lateral separator to clear access to said working channel from said proximal ends of said first and second portions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The retractor of claim 1 , wherein said working channel has a generally circular cross-section when enclosed by said first and second portions and a generally oval cross-section when said first and second portions are separated.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
161 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion and a second portion adjacent said first portion, said first and second portions each having a length between a distal end and a proximal end thereof such that said proximal ends are positionable outside the patient and said distal ends are positionable in the patient; a working channel between said first and second portions sized to receive at least one surgical instrument for performance of a surgical procedure; and said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel has a cross-section circumscribed by said first and second portions and an enlarged configuration wherein each of said first and said portions are laterally separable and pivotable relative to one another to provide said working channel with a cross-section circumscribeable by each of said first and second portions and tissue of the patient between said first and second portions when said working channel is enlarged in the patient.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
161 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion and a second portion adjacent said first portion, said first and second portions each having a length between a distal end and a proximal end thereof such that said proximal ends are positionable outside the patient and said distal ends are positionable in the patient; a working channel between said first and second portions sized to receive at least one surgical instrument for performance of a surgical procedure; and said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel has a cross-section circumscribed by said first and second portions and an enlarged configuration wherein each of said first and said portions are laterally separable and pivotable relative to one another to provide said working channel with a cross-section circumscribeable by each of said first and second portions and tissue of the patient between said first and second portions when said working channel is enlarged in the patient.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The retractor of claim 24 , wherein said cross-section of said working channel is circular in said insertion configuration and said cross-section of said working channel is oval in said enlarged configuration.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
The retractor of claim 24 , wherein said first portion includes opposite edges extending between said distal and proximal ends thereof, said second portion includes opposite edges extending between said distal and proximal ends thereof abutting said edges of said first portion with said working channel in said insertion configuration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
99 words
The retractor of claim 24 , wherein: said first portion includes opposite edges extending therealong between said proximal end and said distal end thereof; said second portion includes opposite edges extending therealong between said proximal end and said distal end thereof; when said working channel is in said insertion configuration said opposite edges of said first portion are adjacent respective ones of said opposite edges of said second portion; and when said working channel is in said enlarged configuration said opposite edges of said first portion are separated from respective ones of said opposite edges of said second portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor of claim 24 , wherein each of said first and second portions has a body with a semi-circular cross-section.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The retractor of claim 24 , wherein: said first portion includes a first collar adjacent said proximal end having a first engagement member extending therefrom; and said second portion includes a second collar adjacent said proximal end having a second engagement member extending therefrom.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
61 words
The retractor of claim 29 , wherein said first collar includes a first extension extending at a distal angle relative to said first collar and said second collar includes a second extension extending at a distal angle relative to said second collar, said first engagement member extending from said first extension and said second engagement member extending from said second extension.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
62 words
The retractor of claim 29 , wherein: said first collar includes an ear extending therefrom toward said second portion; said second collar includes a guide member extending therefrom toward said first portion; and said ear is engageable at any one of a number of locations along said guide member as said first portion and said second portion are separated from one another.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor of claim 31 , further comprising a cain locking mechanism for releasably engaging said ear to said guide member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 29 , further comprising a separation instrument removably engageable to said first and second engagement members.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The retractor of claim 33 , wherein said separation instrument is configured for application of a lateral separation force and a pivotal separation force to said first and second portions.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor of claim 24 , further comprising a separation instrument removably engageable to each of said first and second portions.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The retractor of claim 35 , wherein said separation instrument is operable to simultaneously laterally separate and pivotally separate said first and second portions.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
120 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a second portion extending between a proximal end and a distal end, said first and second portions forming a working channel between said distal ends and said proximal ends of said first and second portions, said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel is substantially circumscribed by said first and second portions, said working channel further having an enlarged configuration wherein said first portion is separated from said second portion; and means for simultaneously laterally separating and pivoting each of said first and second portions relative to the other of said first and second portions.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
120 words
A tissue retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first portion extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a second portion extending between a proximal end and a distal end, said first and second portions forming a working channel between said distal ends and said proximal ends of said first and second portions, said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel is substantially circumscribed by said first and second portions, said working channel further having an enlarged configuration wherein said first portion is separated from said second portion; and means for simultaneously laterally separating and pivoting each of said first and second portions relative to the other of said first and second portions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
61 words
The retractor of claim 37 , wherein said means includes: a first distally angled extension extending from said proximal end of said first portion and a first engagement member extending proximally from said first extension; and a second distally angled extension extending from said proximal end of said second portion and a second engagement member extending proximally from said second extension.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
65 words
The retractor of claim 37 , wherein said means comprises a guide member extending between said first portion and said second portion, at least one of said first portion and said second portion being engageable with said guide member to secure said at least one of said first portion and said second portion at any one of a number of locations along said guide member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor of claim 39 , wherein each of said first and second portions are movable along and pivotal with respect to said guide member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
45 words
The retractor of claim 39 , wherein said means further comprises a separation instrument engageable to said proximal ends of said first and second portions, said separation instrument operable to move said at least one of said first and second portions along said guide member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The retractor of claim 41 , wherein said guide member includes an arcuate profile between said first portion and said second portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
The retractor of claim 41 , wherein said separation instrument has a lateral separator operable to laterally separate said first and second portions along said guide member and a rotational separator operable to pivot said first and second portions relative to said guide member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The retractor of claim 39 , wherein said guide member is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of said first portion and to a proximal end of said second portion.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
43 words
The retractor of claim 39 , wherein: said first portion includes an ear extending from said proximal end thereof; said guide member is an extension of said proximal end of said second portion; and said ear is movably engaged with said guide member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor of claim 45 , further comprising a second guide member extending between said first portion and said second portion opposite said guide member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
50 words
The retractor of claim 37 , wherein said means comprises a separation instrument engageable to said first and second portions, said separation instrument including a lateral separator for laterally separating said first and second portions and a rotational separator for pivoting said first and second portions relative to one another.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
73 words
The retractor of claim 37 , wherein said means comprises a separation instrument engageable to said first and second portions, said separation instrument including: a lateral separator extending laterally from said first and second portions transversely to a lateral separation direction of said first and second portions; and a rotational separator for pivoting said first and second portions relative to one another, said rotational separator extending proximally from said first and second portions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
125 words
A kit for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a retractor having a first portion and a second portion forming a working channel, said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel is substantially circumscribed by said first and second portions, said first and second portions separable from one another to open said working channel to an exterior of said retractor thereby enlarging said working channel; at least one guide member extending between and coupling said first portion and said second portion to one another; and a separation instrument engageable with said first and second portions and operable to separate and pivot each of said first and second portions relative to said guide member and to the other of said first and second portions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
125 words
A kit for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a retractor having a first portion and a second portion forming a working channel, said working channel having an insertion configuration wherein said working channel is substantially circumscribed by said first and second portions, said first and second portions separable from one another to open said working channel to an exterior of said retractor thereby enlarging said working channel; at least one guide member extending between and coupling said first portion and said second portion to one another; and a separation instrument engageable with said first and second portions and operable to separate and pivot each of said first and second portions relative to said guide member and to the other of said first and second portions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
42 words
The kit of claim 49 , wherein each of said first and said second portions are engageable with said guide member to secure said first portion and said second portion at any one of a number of locations along said guide member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
40 words
The kit of claim 50 , wherein each of said first and second portions are engageable with said guide member to secure said first and second portions any one of a number of pivotal orientations relative to said guide member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
39 words
The kit of claim 49 , wherein said separation instrument is engageable to said proximal ends of said first and second portions, said separation instrument operable to laterally separate said first and second portion portions along said guide member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
The kit of claim 52 , wherein said guide member includes an arcuate profile between said first and second portions.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
44 words
The kit of claim 49 , wherein said separation instrument has a lateral separator operable to laterally separate said first and second portions along said guide member and a rotational separator operable to pivot said first and second portions relative to said guide member.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The kit of claim 49 , further comprising a set of sequential tissue dilators.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
128 words
A kit for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a retractor having a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end of said retractor, said retractor having a first portion and a second portion substantially circumscribing said working channel in an insertion configuration, said first and second portions separable from one another to enlarge said working channel; and a separation instrument engageable to said first and second portions, said separation instrument having a lateral separator operable to laterally separate each of said first portion and said second portion from the other of said first portion and said second portion and a rotational separator operable to pivot each of said first portion and second portion relative to the other of said first portion and said second portion.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
128 words
A kit for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a retractor having a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end of said retractor, said retractor having a first portion and a second portion substantially circumscribing said working channel in an insertion configuration, said first and second portions separable from one another to enlarge said working channel; and a separation instrument engageable to said first and second portions, said separation instrument having a lateral separator operable to laterally separate each of said first portion and said second portion from the other of said first portion and said second portion and a rotational separator operable to pivot each of said first portion and second portion relative to the other of said first portion and said second portion.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
The kit of claim 56 , wherein said lateral separator extends laterally from said first and second portions transversely to a lateral separation direction of said first and second portions and said rotational separator extends proximally from said first and second portions.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
34 words
The kit of claim 57 , wherein said rotational separator is pivotal to a lateral orientation along said lateral separator to clear access to said working channel from said proximal end of said retractor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The kit of claim 56 , wherein each of said lateral separator and said rotational separator extends proximally from said first and second portions.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The kit of claim 56 , further comprising a dilator set comprising one or more tissue dilators.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
19 words
The kit of claim 56 , further comprising a view instrument for visualizing a surgical location in a patient.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The kit of claim 56 , further comprising one or more surgical instruments insertable through the working channel.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for performing a surgical procedure at a location in a patient, comprising: making an incision in skin and tissue of the patient to access the location; forming a substantially enclosed working channel through the incision to the location by inserting a distal end of a retractor into the patient with a proximal end of the retractor located outside of the patient; and enlarging the working channel by laterally separating and pivoting each one of first and second portions of the retractor relative to the other of the first and second portions of the retractor to expose the working channel to tissue along the retractor.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for performing a surgical procedure at a location in a patient, comprising: making an incision in skin and tissue of the patient to access the location; forming a substantially enclosed working channel through the incision to the location by inserting a distal end of a retractor into the patient with a proximal end of the retractor located outside of the patient; and enlarging the working channel by laterally separating and pivoting each one of first and second portions of the retractor relative to the other of the first and second portions of the retractor to expose the working channel to tissue along the retractor.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 63 , further comprising: mounting a separation instrument on the proximal end of the retractor before exposing the working channel to tissue along the retractor.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 63 , further comprising: positioning a viewing element to view the location through the retractor.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein forming the working channel includes sequentially dilating tissue through the incision before inserting the distal end of the retractor.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein enlarging the working channel includes simultaneously laterally separating and pivoting the first and second portions of the retractor.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein the location is adjacent the spinal column of the patient.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein the working channel defines a substantially oval cross-section when enlarged.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
111 words
A surgical method for accessing a location in a patient, comprising: sequentially dilating tissue of the patient to the location; placing a retractor through the sequentially dilated tissue to provide a substantially enclosed working channel to the location, the retractor having a length between a distal end and a proximal end thereof; performing a first surgical procedure through the substantially enclosed working channel; enlarging the working channel to expose the working channel to tissue along the length of the retractor by separating and pivoting each of a first portion and a second portion of the retractor relative to one another; and performing a second surgical procedure through the enlarged working channel.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
111 words
A surgical method for accessing a location in a patient, comprising: sequentially dilating tissue of the patient to the location; placing a retractor through the sequentially dilated tissue to provide a substantially enclosed working channel to the location, the retractor having a length between a distal end and a proximal end thereof; performing a first surgical procedure through the substantially enclosed working channel; enlarging the working channel to expose the working channel to tissue along the length of the retractor by separating and pivoting each of a first portion and a second portion of the retractor relative to one another; and performing a second surgical procedure through the enlarged working channel.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein the location is adjacent the spinal column of the patient.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein the working channel has a substantially oval cross-section when enlarged.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein the working channel has a substantially circular cross-section when substantially enclosed.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein the working channel is enlarged by simultaneously separating and pivoting the first and second portions of the retractor.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 70 , further comprising positioning a viewing element over the retractor.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 70 , further comprising positioning a viewing element in the working channel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-09-19 | 2009-03-21 | 2009-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-09-19 | 2013-03-21 | 2013-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-09-19 | 2017-03-21 | 2017-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |