Patent ID: 8979748
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac comprising: a handle operative to be grasped by a user; an arm extending outwardly from the handle; and an elongated flexible body configured to be inserted in an opening within a dural sac for positioning between spinal rootlets and said dural sac opening, whereby the rootlets are retained within said dural sac with said elongated flexible body creating a protective barrier to reduce potential damage to the rootlets, said 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 elongated body formed from an inert flexible silicone elastomer allowing ease of removal from a partially sutured dural sac opening wherein said elastomer urges said terminal ends into the first position; wherein said first configuration, said elongated flexible body has a continuous, non-curved planar surface separating said first elongated flexible body terminal end and said second elongated flexible body terminal end, and wherein a distance between said first elongated flexible body terminal end and said second elongated flexible body terminal end is greater than when in said at least one second position; wherein opposing said terminal ends are movable towards each other into said second position by pressure from dural sac during removal position and being positioned at a greater distance away from a first configuration longitudinal axis of said elongated flexible body.