Surgical retractor with locking blade

Certain embodiments provide surgical retractors that include an arm and a blade, the arm including an opening and a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening, the blade including a nipple and a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple. Attaching the blade to the arm such that the notched surfaces mate can secure the blade relative to the arm such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening. Certain embodiments provide methods for securing a retractor blade that can include inserting a nipple on a retractor blade into an opening and mating a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening with a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to surgical devices for retracting anatomy to provide exposure to an operating site and to properly retain tissue surrounding a surgical incision. In surgical operations, it is particularly important that a patient's abdominal region be well exposed to facilitate work by a surgeon. To effect this desired exposure, surgical retractors are normally employed which engage and hold the skin apart at the incision during the course of the operation.

Most retractors comprise an arm connected to a blade. The blade can be of a variety of constructions including, for example, a paddle-like design or a finger-like configuration. The type of retractor blade used depends on a number of factors including, the size of the incision, the size of the patient and the type of surgery to be performed.

Oftentimes, a surgeon is required to change the type of retractor blade being used, during the course of an operation. To this end, a variety of interchangeable retractor blade systems have been proposed which allow for the blade to be quickly released from the retractor handle whereby one blade can be removed and another put in its place. This type of arrangement allows a single retractor arm to be used with a variety of blades. In addition, certain quick release retractor blades can swivel in place to compensate for inexact positioning of an arm.

Some known surgical retractors are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,865 entitled “SURGICAL RETRACTOR HAVING LOCKING INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES”, which issued Nov. 16, 1999 to Farley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,233 entitled “ANGLING SURGICAL RETRACTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF RETRACTING ANATOMY”, which issued May 11, 1999 to Farley et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,038 entitled “TABLE MOUNTED SURGICAL RETRACTOR”, which issued Nov. 29, 1990 to Farley, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

It is desirable to provide improved surgical retractors with improved functionality, such as those described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present technology provide surgical retractors and methods of securing surgical retractors. For example, in an embodiment, a surgical retractor includes: an arm comprising an opening and a first notched surface, wherein the first notched surface comprises a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening; and a blade comprising a nipple and a second notched surface, wherein the second notched surface comprises a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple, wherein the opening is configured to receive the nipple, and wherein attaching the blade to the arm such that the first notched surface and the second notched surface mate secures the blade relative to the arm such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening.

For example, in an embodiment, a surgical retractor includes: an arm; a head comprising an opening and a first notched surface, wherein the first notched surface comprises a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening; a connector configured to attach the arm to the head and provide for angular displacement of the head relative to the arm; and a blade comprising a nipple and a second notched surface, wherein the second notched surface comprises a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple, wherein the opening is configured to receive the nipple, and wherein attaching the blade to the head such that the first notched surface and the second notched surface mate secures the blade relative to the head such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening.

For example, in an embodiment, a method for securing a retractor blade includes: inserting a nipple on a retractor blade into an opening; and mating a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening with a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple, thereby securing the blade such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the application, like elements are identified with like numerals.

FIGS. 1-6depict a surgical retractor100used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The surgical retractor100includes an arm102, a connector104, a head106and a blade108. The arm102is configured to be attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. The connector104is configured to movably attach the head106to the arm102. That is, the head106is attached to the connector104such that the head106can be angularly displaced relative to the arm102. The blade108is configured to be movably and removably attached to the head106. The blade108is configured such that it can be released from the head, thereby allowing the blade108to be removed completely from the head106or to swivel relative to the head106. The blade108is also configured such that it can be secured to the head106in any of a plurality of positions.

The connector104includes a first end126that is attachable to the arm102. For example, in certain embodiments, the first end126can be soldered to the arm102. The connector also includes a second end128(opposite the first end126) that is attachable to the head106. The second end128includes an opening configured to receive a pin122. The head106includes a neck portion comprising opposing side walls,118,120. Each side wall118,120of the head106is configured to receive the pin122in a circular opening123. The connector104also includes an externally threaded shaft110and an internally threaded nut112. One end of the shaft110includes an opening configured to receive a pin124. Each side wall118,120of the head106is configured to receive the pin124in an opening125. In operation, translation of the shaft110can exert a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. The side wall openings125in the head106are round on the ends and flat on the sides and allow the pin124to translate about the opening125during rotation of the head106about pin122.

The internally threaded nut112is configured to receive the externally threaded shaft110. The nut112includes an exterior surface with a first portion113that is generally cylindrical and textured to aid a user in gripping the surface. The exterior surface of the nut112also includes a second portion115that is generally hexagonal such that a user can grip the surface, for example, with a mechanical device such as a wrench. The nut112is held captive between a first wall114and a second wall116, each wall including an opening configured to receive the shaft110. Manipulating the nut112in a first direction about the shaft110causes the shaft110to translate in a direction x. Translation of the shaft110in the direction x exerts a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. As best shown inFIG. 4, this results in angular displacement of the blade108such that the distal end130of the blade108moves away from the arm102. Manipulating the nut112about the shaft110in a direction opposite the first direction causes the shaft110to translate in a direction y that is opposite the direction x. Translation of the shaft110in the direction y exerts a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. As best shown inFIG. 4, this results in angular displacement of the blade108such that the distal end130of the blade108moves toward the arm102.

The blade108includes a nipple132extending therefrom that is configured to be received by the head106. The nipple132is generally cylindrical and includes a recess402(see, e.g.,FIGS. 4 and 6) that runs circumferentially around the exterior surface of the side of the nipple132. The blade108also includes a notched surface202(see, e.g.,FIGS. 2,6and8). The notched surface202includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the nipple132. The notched surface202is located toward the base of the nipple132on an upper surface602of the blade108, and the notched surface202completely surrounds the nipple132(see, e.g.,FIGS. 6 and 8).

The head106includes an opening131configured to receive the nipple132. The head also includes a notched surface204(see, e.g.,FIGS. 2,6and7). The notched surface204includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the opening131. The notched surface204is on a lower surface702of the head106, and the notched surface204completely surrounds the opening131(see, e.g.,FIG. 7). The notched surface204of the head106is configured to mate with the notched surface202of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108relative to the head106. The blade108can be swiveled radially about the head106three-hundred and sixty degrees and, because the blade's notched surface202completely surrounds the nipple132and the head's notched surface204completely surrounds the opening131, the blade108can be secured in any position relative to the head106by mating the notched surfaces202,204.

The head106also includes a first corridor502(see, e.g.,FIG. 5) in communication with a second corridor503. The second corridor503runs substantially perpendicular to the first corridor502and is also in communication with the opening131. Disposed in the first corridor502is a spring504attached to a plunger506. The plunger506extends from the corridor504such that it can be manipulated by a user. The plunger506is generally cylindrical and includes a recess508that runs circumferentially around the exterior surface of the side of the plunger506. Disposed in the second corridor503are ball bearings510,512. The ball bearings510,512are held captive between the first corridor502and the opening131. One end of the second corridor503includes a lip that is smaller in diameter than the ball bearing512, such that the ball bearing512can extend from the second corridor503into the opening131, but is still held captive by the second corridor503. The other end of the second corridor503is in communication with the first corridor502such that the ball bearing510can contact the plunger506.

In operation, when the plunger506is being depressed, the spring504is in a compressed state, and the recess508is aligned with the second corridor503such that the ball bearing510is allowed to extend from the second corridor503into the first corridor502, thereby allowing the ball bearing512not to extend from the second corridor503into the opening131. In this state, the nipple132on the blade108can be inserted into the opening131, removed from the opening131and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade108to be swiveled radially about the head106as indicated inFIG. 5by the arrows).

In operation, when the plunger506is not being depressed, the spring504is in an extended state, and an exterior surface of the plunger506(that is not the recess508) is aligned with the second corridor503and exerts a force on the ball bearing510, thereby forcing the ball bearing512to extend from the second corridor503into the opening131. When the plunger506is not being depressed, the nipple132on the blade108cannot be received in the opening131of the head106because the ball bearing512is being forced to extend from the second corridor503into the opening131, thereby blocking the opening131. Also, when the plunger506is not depressed, a blade108that is already attached to the head106cannot be removed from the head106because the ball bearing512is being forced to extend from the second corridor503into the opening131and into the recess402on the nipple132. Further, when the blade108is attached to the head106(and the ball bearing512is being forced to extend from the second corridor503into the opening131and into the recess402on the nipple132) the notched surface204of the head106mates with the notched surface202of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108relative to the head106such that the blade108cannot swivel radially about the head106. This can provide for locking of the blade108in any radial position about the head106.

In an alternative embodiment, the plunger/spring/ball bearing actuation system of the head106depicted and described in connection withFIGS. 1-8can be replaced with an actuation system that includes a thumb screw. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, inFIG. 9, which depicts a head906with a threaded opening901in communication with the opening131that is configured to receive the nipple132of the blade108. In operation, a thumb screw902with external threads903configured to mate with the threaded opening901can be screwed into the threaded opening901until an end904of the screw902extends from the threaded opening901into the opening131. When the screw902is unscrewed from the head906such that the end904of the screw902does not extend from the threaded opening901into the opening131, the nipple132on the blade108can be inserted into the opening131, removed from the opening131and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade108to be swiveled radially about the head906). When the end904of the screw902extends from the threaded opening901into the opening131, the nipple132on the blade108cannot be received in the opening131of the head906because the end904of the screw902is blocking the opening131. Also, when a blade108is already attached to the head906, the blade108cannot be removed from the head906because the end904of the screw902is extending from the threaded opening901into the opening131and into the recess402on the nipple132. Further, when the blade108is attached to the head906(and the end904of the screw902is extending from the threaded opening901into the opening131and into the recess402on the nipple132) a notched surface of the head906can mate with the notched surface202of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108relative to the head906such that the blade108cannot swivel radially about the head906. In certain embodiments, the thumb screw902can be screwed into the threaded opening901until the end904of the screw902contacts the nipple132of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108in position relative to the head906such that the blade108cannot swivel radially about the head906.

In an alternative embodiment, the threaded shaft/nut actuation system of the connector104depicted and described in connection withFIGS. 1-8can be replaced with an actuation system that includes a notched shaft and a spring loaded lever. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, inFIG. 10, which depicts a connector1004that includes a first end1026that is attachable to the arm102. The connector also includes a second end1028(opposite the first end1026) that is attachable to the head106. The second end1028includes an opening configured to receive a pin122. The head106includes a neck portion comprising opposing side walls,118,120. Each side wall118,120of the head106is configured to receive the pin122in a circular opening123. The connector1004also includes a notched shaft1010and a spring loaded lever1012. One end of the shaft1010includes an opening configured to receive a pin124. Each side wall118,120of the head106is configured to receive the pin124in an opening125. In operation, translation of the shaft1010can exert a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. The side wall openings125in the head106are round on the ends and flat on the sides and allow the pin124to translate about the opening125during rotation of the head106about pin122.

The notched shaft1010is retained by openings in a first wall1014and a second wall1016such that the notches can be contacted by the spring loaded lever1012. The spring loaded lever1012is pivotally mounted on the first wall1014such that the spring loaded lever1012can pivot about pin1050. When the spring loaded lever1012is not being actuated, the spring loaded lever1012contacts the notches in notched shaft1010, thereby maintaining the notched shaft in its current position. When the spring loaded lever1012is actuated (by depressing an end of the lever1012), the spring loaded lever1012releases the notches in the notched shaft1010, thereby allowing the notched shaft to be translated in a first direction (direction a) or the opposite direction (direction b). Translation of the shaft1010in the direction a exerts a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. This results in angular displacement of the blade108such that the distal end130of the blade108moves away from the arm102. Translation of the shaft1010in the direction b exerts a force on pin124, thereby causing rotation of the head106about pin122. This results in angular displacement of the blade108such that the distal end130of the blade108moves toward the arm102.

In an alternative embodiment, the arm102, connector104and head106depicted and described in connection withFIGS. 1-8can be replaced with an integrated structure that does not provide for angular displacement of the blade relative thereto. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, inFIGS. 11-13and16, which depict an arm1102with an opening1131at one end. The opening1131is configured to receive a nipple132of a blade108. The arm1102also includes a plunger1156in communication with a spring and a plurality of ball bearings similar to the plunger/spring/ball bearing actuation system described in connection withFIGS. 1-8. The arm also includes a notched surface1204(see, e.g.,FIGS. 12-13). The notched surface1204includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the opening1131. The notched surface1204is on a lower surface1202of the arm1102, and the notched surface1204completely surrounds the opening1131. The notched surface1204of the arm1102is configured to mate with the notched surface202of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108relative to the arm1102. The blade108can be swiveled radially about the arm1102three-hundred and sixty degrees and, because the blade's notched surface202completely surrounds the nipple132and the head's notched surface1204completely surrounds the opening131, the blade108can be secured in any position relative to the arm1102by mating the notched surfaces202,1204.

In operation, when the plunger1156is being depressed, a ball bearing is not being forced to extend into the opening1131, and the nipple132on the blade108can be inserted into the opening1131, removed from the opening1131and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade108to be swiveled radially about arm1102. When the plunger1156is not being depressed, a ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening1131, thereby blocking the opening such that the nipple132on the blade108cannot be received in the opening1131of the arm1102. Also, when the plunger1156is not being depressed, a blade108that is already attached to the arm1102cannot be removed from the arm1102because the ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening1131and into the recess402on the nipple132. Further, when the blade108is attached to the arm1102(and the ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening131and into the recess402on the nipple132), the notched surface1204of the arm1102mates with the notched surface202of the blade108, thereby securing the blade108relative to the arm1102such that the blade108cannot swivel radially about the arm1102.

The arm1102(see, e.g.,FIG. 16) is similar to the arm102(see, e.g.,FIG. 1) in that the length of both arms are smooth and do not include any notches. Such arms are configured to be removably and movably attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. Such arms can be translated relative to a stationary device by loosening any securing mechanism between the arm and the stationary device (such as a clasp, for example) and sliding the arm relative to the stationary device. The arm can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In certain embodiments, the lack of notches and/or attachment to a smooth surface of an arm can provide more freedom to choose a desired position for the arm relative to the stationary device.

In an alternative embodiment, the arm102(described in connection withFIGS. 1-8) or the arm1102(described in connection withFIGS. 11-13and16) can be replaced with a notched arm. Such embodiments are depicted, for example, inFIGS. 14 and 15, respectively.FIG. 14depicts an arm1402with a notched surface1404in combination with a connector104, head106and blade108(as described in connection withFIGS. 1-8).FIG. 15depicts an arm1502with a notched surface1504in combination with an opening1131and plunger1156(as described in connection withFIGS. 11-13and16). The arms1402,1502are configured to be removably and movably attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. In certain embodiments, such arms1402,1502can be translated relative to a stationary device using a cranking mechanism that mates with the notches1404,1504. In other embodiments, arms1402,1502can be secured relative to a stationary device using a spring loaded lever that contacts the notches1404,1504when the lever is not actuated. In such embodiments, the arm1402,1502can be unsecured by actuating the lever and the arm1402,1502can be translated by sliding the arm1402,1502relative to the stationary device. The arm1402,1502can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In other embodiments, arms1402,1502can be secured relative to a stationary device using a latch that contacts the notches1404,1504when the latch is in a closed position. In such embodiments, the arm1402,1502can be unsecured by moving the latch to an open position, and the arm1402,1502can be translated by sliding the arm1402,1502relative to the stationary device. The arm1402,1502can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In certain embodiments, using notches on an arm can provide for improved secure attachment to a stationary device.

In an alternative embodiment, a blade can be configured like the blade108shown and described in connection withFIGS. 1-8and can also include a second recess in the nipple. The second recess can be configured so as to allow the blade to be attached to the head such that the notched surface of the blade and the notched surface of the head do not mate, thereby allowing the blade to swivel freely about the head. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, inFIG. 17, which depicts a blade1708comprising a notched surface1702and a nipple1732that includes a first recess1740and a second recess1742. The first recess1740is located in closer proximity to the notched surface1702than the second recess1742. When the blade1708is attached to the head106, it can be attached to the first recess1740such that the ball bearing512is extending into the opening131and into the first recess1740on the nipple1732, and such that the notched surface204of the head106mates with the notched surface1702of the blade1708, thereby securing the blade1708relative to the head106such that the blade1708cannot swivel radially about the head106. This can provide for locking of the blade108in any radial position about the head106. Also, when the blade1708is attached to the head106, it can be attached to the second recess1742such that the ball bearing512is extending into the opening131and into the second recess1742on the nipple1732, and such that the notched surface204of the head106does not mate with the notched surface1702of the blade1708, thereby allowing the blade1708to swivel freely about the head106.

Certain embodiments may include some or all of the features described herein in any workable combination. Certain embodiments may implement the elements described herein as separate components or as integrated components.