Patent ID: 9439640
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A method for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac comprising: providing a device having: a handle, an arm and a flexible elongated body traversable between a first position and at least one second position and defined by a first fin having an end region defining a first elongated flexible body terminal end and a second fin having an end region defining a second elongated flexible body terminal end, said fins being supported at a distal end of the arm, said fins formed from an inert flexible silicone elastomer being moveable between an unbiased position and a biased position configured for ease of removal from a partially sutured dural sac opening; inserting the fins into an opening in the dural sac wherein the fins are positioned between the dural sac and the rootlets in order to provide that the rootlets are retracted by the fins within the dural sac thereby providing a protective barrier to reduce potential damage to the rootlets; closing a portion of the opening adjacent to a first of the fins; removing the fins from the dural sac; and closing a remaining portion of the opening.