Patent ID: 12226089

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and examples illustrate some exemplary implementations, embodiments, and arrangements of the disclosed invention in detail. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and modifications of this invention that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, the description of a certain example embodiment should not be deemed to limit the scope of the present invention.

Implementations of the technology described herein are directed generally to a retractor holding frame assembly and related methods.

General Interpretive Principles for the Present Disclosure

Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The teachings disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, a system or an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced using any one or more of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such a system, apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be set forth in one or more elements of a claim. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

With respect to the use of plural vs. singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

When describing an absolute value of a characteristic or property of a thing or act described herein, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” and/or other terms or phrases of degree may be used without the specific recitation of a numerical range. When applied to a characteristic or property of a thing or act described herein, these terms refer to a range of the characteristic or property that is consistent with providing a desired function associated with that characteristic or property.

In those cases where a single numerical value is given for a characteristic or property, it is intended to be interpreted as at least covering deviations of that value within one significant digit of the numerical value given.

If a numerical value or range of numerical values is provided to define a characteristic or property of a thing or act described herein, whether or not the value or range is qualified with a term of degree, a specific method of measuring the characteristic or property may be defined herein as well. In the event no specific method of measuring the characteristic or property is defined herein, and there are different generally accepted methods of measurement for the characteristic or property, then the measurement method should be interpreted as the method of measurement that would most likely be adopted by one of ordinary skill in the art given the description and context of the characteristic or property. In the further event there is more than one method of measurement that is equally likely to be adopted by one of ordinary skill in the art to measure the characteristic or property, the value or range of values should be interpreted as being met regardless of which method of measurement is chosen.

It will be understood by those within the art that terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are intended as “open” terms unless specifically indicated otherwise (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used, such a construction would include systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together without C, A and C together without B, B and C together without A, as well as A, B, and C together. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include A without B, B without A, as well as A and B together.”

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure can be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein. The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

Disclosure of Several Example Embodiments

The present disclosure describes a retractor holding frame10attached or attachable to the side of a surgical table with an adjustable support arm. Several embodiments of retractor holding frame10will now be discussed in connection withFIGS.1-8.FIG.1provides a left-side perspective view of retractor holding frame10, whileFIGS.3and4provide center and right-side perspective views of retractor holding frame10, respectively.

Retractor holding frame10can include a left support frame arm11and a right support frame arm12. Left and right support frame arms11,12are each independently and adjustably supported by support body13. Support body13is, in turn, adjustably supported from a surgical table by an adjustable support arm (not shown).

As best illustrated in the enlarged side elevation view of support body13ofFIG.2, support body13includes a first bore14extending transversely through support body13from a first side of support body13to a second side of support body13opposite the first side. Support body13also includes a second bore15extending transversely through support body13from the second side of support body13to the first side of support body13. First bore14is configured to receive at least a portion of left support frame arm11at the first side of support body13and second bore15is configured to receive at least a portion of right support frame arm12at the second side of support body13.

As best illustrated by the top plan view of left support frame arm11inFIG.5, left support frame arm11is provided with an annular hub16aconfigured to be disposed in first bore14in support body13. Similarly, as best illustrated by the top plan view of right support frame arm12inFIG.6, right support frame arm12is provided with an annular hub16bconfigured to be disposed in second bore15in support body13. In some embodiments, each of first and second bores14,15and each of the respective first and second annular hubs16a,16bof left and right support frame arms11,12have substantially circular cross-sections so as to allow respective annular hubs16a,16bof left and right support frame arms11,12to fit and rotate within respective first and second bores14,15of support body13.

In some embodiments each of first and second annular hubs16a,16bhave respective tapered distal ends27a,27b, which allow for easy alignment and insertion of respective first and second annular hubs16a,16binto respective first and second bores14,15.

In some embodiments, each of first and second annular hubs16a,16bfurther include a respective annular series of recesses or detents17a′,17b′ configured to selectively receive a respective retaining pin17a,17bof a respective spring-biased locking mechanism18a,18bdisposed on a top surface of support body13. As viewed inFIG.2, respective retaining pins17a,17bare configured to extend down into respective first and second bores14,15, under force provided by respective spring-biased locking mechanisms18a,18b, and seat and/or index within a respective one of the respective annular series of recesses or detents17a′,17b′ of respective hubs16a,16b.

In operation, respective portions of spring-biased locking mechanisms18a,18bcan be pulled upwardly to thereby retract respective retaining pins17a,17bsufficiently to allow respective annular hubs16a,16bof respective left and right support frame arms11,12to be inserted into respective first and second bores14,15and respective left and right support frame arms11,12to be rotated to respective desired positions. Once left and right support frame arms11,12are rotated to such respective desired positions, the respective portions of spring-biased locking mechanisms18a,18bcan be released to thereby allow respective retaining pins17a,17bto extend back into respective first and second bores14,15and seat and/or index within respective ones of the respective annular series of recesses or detents17a′,17b′ of respective hubs16a,16b. This permits selective rotating adjustment of frame arms11and12with respect to at least support body13.

Support body13is further provided with a quick-connect connector28for coupling support body13to a positioning arm (not shown) which, in turn, adjustably supports retractor holding frame10from a surgical table. A number of conventional positioning arms are available on the market.

The present disclosure contemplates each of left and right support frame arms11,12having any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, left and right support frame arms11,12may have a substantially curved shape as illustrated inFIGS.1and3-6. However, one or both of left and right support frame arms11,12could also and/or alternatively have a substantially straight shape, or one or more portions may have a substantially curved shape, while one or more other portions may have a substantially curved shape to suit the particular application. Moreover, different sized and/or shaped left and right support frame arms11,12may be readily substituted, inserted and/or removed from support body13as described above.

Left and right support frame arms11,12each further include a respective plurality of retaining hooks or posts20a,20bdisposed along their outside edges and configured to receive and retain one or more retractors21in position. For example, one or more retractors21may each be provided with a series of apertures22aat a proximal end23aand such apertures22aare configured to receive one of hooks or posts20a,20band thereby retain proximal ends23aof retractors21on those respective hooks or posts20a,20b. Retractors21may have any suitable shape. For example, retractors21may have at least one curved portion. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, proximal23aand distal26aends of retractor21can be substantially curved. In some embodiments, retractors21may have at least one substantially straight portion. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, a medial portion of retractor21can be substantially straight. In some embodiments, at least a portion of retractor21can be tapered. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, in some embodiments, retractor21can taper along its length of extension at least from its medial portion to distal end26a. Such a tapered aspect may allow retractors21to more effectively focus retention force to a particular portion of a patient's tissue. It should also be appreciated that, while the figures illustrate one retractor21disposed on left support frame arm11, one or more retractors21can also or alternatively be similarly disposed on right support frame12.

In some embodiments, an underside of support body13can further include one or more hooks or posts24configured to receive and retain in position one or more additional retractors25. For example, one or more additional retractors25can each be provided with a similar series of apertures22bat a similar proximal end23bof additional retractors25, and such apertures22bof additional retractors25are configured to receive one of hooks or posts24on underside of support body13and thereby retain proximal end(s)23bof additional retractor(s)25on respective hooks or posts24. As described above in connection with retractor(s)21, retractors25may have any suitable shape. For example, retractors25may have at least one curved portion. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, proximal23band distal26bends of retractor25can be substantially curved. In some embodiments, retractors25may have at least one substantially straight portion. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, a medial portion of retractor25can be substantially straight. In some embodiments, at least a portion of retractor25can be tapered. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.1,3and4, in some embodiments, retractor25can taper along its length of extension at least from its medial portion to distal end26b. Such a tapered aspect may allow retractors25to more effectively focus retention force to a particular portion of a patient's tissue.

In the manner described above, respective distal ends26a,26bof retractors21,25may be adjustably positioned to retain and spread patient tissue at an incision made at a surgical access point on the patient. This allows the surgeon to securely place and hold a set of retractors21,25during a surgical procedure without the need for additional surgical staff.

Discussion now turns to an example method of using a retractor holding frame, for example, as that described in connection with any ofFIGS.1-6.FIG.7illustrates a flowchart700corresponding to such a method of use, in accordance with some embodiments. While flowchart700illustrates one or more actions and/or steps, it should be understood that one or more described actions can be omitted, one or more additional or alternative actions can be added, and/or one or more actions can be performed in another order than that specifically described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Block702includes inserting a first annular hub of a left support frame arm into a first bore of a support body, the first bore extending transversely through the support body from a first side of the support body to a second side of the support body opposite the first side. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, first annular hub16aof left support frame arm11can be inserted into first bore14of support body13. First bore14extends transversely through support body13from a first side of support body13to a second side of support body13opposite the first side.

In some embodiments, inserting the first annular hub of the left support frame arm into the first bore of the support body includes utilizing at least a portion of first spring-biased locking mechanism18ato retract first retaining pin17asufficiently from first bore14to allow annular hub16aof left support frame arm11to be inserted into first bore14. In some embodiments, first annular hub16ahas a tapered distal end27aconfigured to aid alignment between first annular hub16aand first bore14.

Block704includes fixing the left support frame arm in a desired orientation with respect to the support body by disposing a first retaining pin of a first spring-biased locking mechanism of the support body down into the first bore such that the first retaining pin is received into one of a first annular series of detents disposed in the first annular hub of the left support frame arm. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, left support frame arm11can be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to support body13by disposing first retaining pin17aof first spring-biased locking mechanism18aof support body13down into first bore14such that first retaining pin17ais received into one of a first annular series of detents17a′ disposed in annular hub16aof left support frame arm11.

In some embodiments, fixing the left support frame arm in the desired orientation with respect to the support body includes first rotating left support frame arm11to the desired orientation while its annular hub16ais disposed within first bore14and first retaining pin17ais retracted from first bore14.

In some embodiments, left support frame arm11further comprises first plurality of posts20adisposed along an outer edge of left support frame arm11. In some such embodiments, flowchart700may further include securing one of a series of apertures22a, disposed at a proximal end23aof a first retractor21, to one of the first plurality of posts20aof left support frame arm11to thereby retain first retractor21in a first desired orientation.

Block706includes inserting a second annular hub of a right support frame arm into a second bore of the support body, the second bore extending transversely through the support body from the second side to the first side. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, annular hub16bof right support frame arm12can be inserted into second bore15of support body13. Second bore15extends transversely through support body13from the second side of support body13to the first side of support body13.

In some embodiments, inserting the second annular hub of the right support frame arm into the second bore of the support body includes utilizing at least a portion of second spring-biased locking mechanism18bto retract second retaining pin17bsufficiently from second bore15to allow annular hub16bof right support frame arm12to be inserted into second bore15.

In some embodiments, second annular hub16bhas a tapered distal end27bconfigured to aid alignment between second annular hub16band second bore15.

Block708includes fixing the right support frame arm in a desired orientation with respect to the support body by disposing a second retaining pin of a second spring-biased locking mechanism of the support body down into the second bore such that the second retaining pin is received into one of a second annular series of detents disposed in the second annular hub of the right support frame arm. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, right support frame arm12can be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to support body13by disposing second retaining pin17aof second spring-biased locking mechanism18bof support body13down into second bore15such that second retaining pin17bis received into one of a second annular series of detents17b′ disposed in annular hub16bof right support frame arm12.

In some embodiments, fixing the right support frame arm in the desired orientation with respect to the support body includes first rotating right support frame arm12to the desired orientation while its annular hub16bis disposed within second bore15and second retaining pin17bis retracted from second bore15.

In some embodiments, an underside of support body13further comprises at least one post24and flowchart700can further include securing one of a series of apertures22b, disposed at a proximal end23bof an additional retractor25, to one of the at least one post24on the underside of support body13to thereby retain additional retractor25in an additional desired orientation.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second annular hubs16a,16b, first bore14and second bore15have a circular cross-section, thereby allowing the first annular hub16abto rotate within first bore14and left support frame arm11to rotate with respect to support body13and thereby allowing the second annular hub16bto rotate within second bore15and right support frame arm12to rotate with respect to support body13.

In some embodiments, support body13further includes quick-connect connector28and flowchart700can further include coupling support body13to a positioning arm utilizing quick-connect connector28. In some embodiments, at least one respective portion of each of left and right support frame arms11,12has a curved shape. In some embodiments, at least one respective portion of each of left and right support frame arms11,12has a substantially straight shape. In some embodiments, at least one of first and second retractors21taper along their respective lengths. In some embodiments, first and second retractors21each comprise at least one curved portion.

Discussion now turns to an example method of manufacturing a retractor holding frame, for example, as that described in connection with any ofFIGS.1-7.FIG.8illustrates a flowchart800corresponding to such a method of manufacture, in accordance with some embodiments. While flowchart800illustrates one or more actions and/or steps, it should be understood that one or more described actions can be omitted, one or more additional or alternative actions can be added, and/or one or more actions can be performed in another order than that specifically described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Block802includes providing a support body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, support body13, having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, can be provided.

Block804includes forming a first bore extending transversely through the support body from the first side to the second side. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, first bore14can be formed to extend transversely through support body13from a first side of support body13to a second side of support body13opposite the first side.

Block806includes forming a second bore extending transversely through the support body from the second side to the first side. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, second bore15extends transversely through support body13from the second side of support body13to the first of support body13.

Block808includes providing a left support frame arm comprising a first annular hub configured to be disposed within the first bore of the support body, and a first plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the left support frame arm and configured to receive and retain at least a first retractor in a first desired orientation. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, left support frame arm11can be provided including annular hub16aconfigured to be disposed within first bore14of support body13, and a first plurality of posts20adisposed along an outer edge of left support frame arm11and configured to receive and retain at least a first retractor21in a first desired orientation.

Block810includes providing a right support frame arm comprising a second annular hub configured to be disposed within the second bore of the support body, and a second plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the right support frame arm and configured to receive and retain at least a second retractor in a second desired orientation. For example, as previously described in connection with at least one figure, right support frame arm12can be provided including annular hub16bconfigured to be disposed within second bore15of support body13, and a second plurality of posts20bdisposed along an outer edge of right support frame arm12and configured to receive and retain at least a second retractor21in a second desired orientation.

In some embodiments, each of first and second annular hubs16a,16b, first bore14and second bore15are formed to have a circular cross-section, thereby allowing the first annular hub16ato rotate within first bore14and left support frame arm11to rotate with respect to support body13and thereby allowing the second annular hub16bto rotate within second bore15and right support frame arm12to rotate with respect to support body13.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include disposing at least one post24on an underside of support body13such that the at least one post24is configured to receive and retain at least one additional retractor25in an additional desired orientation.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include forming a tapered distal end27aon first annular hub16ato aid alignment between first annular hub16aand first bore14. In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include forming a tapered distal end27bon the second annular hub16bto aid alignment between second annular hub16band second bore15.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include providing a first spring-biased locking mechanism18a, including a first retaining pin17aconfigured to extend down into first bore14, on support body13. In some such embodiments, providing the first spring-biased locking mechanism includes providing at least a portion of the first spring-biased locking mechanism18athat is configured to retract the first retaining pin17asufficiently from first bore14to allow first annular hub16ato be inserted into first bore14or left support frame arm11to be rotated with respect to support body13while first annular hub16ais disposed within first bore14.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include providing second spring-biased locking mechanism18b, including second retaining pin17bconfigured to extend down into second bore15, on support body13. In some such embodiments, providing second spring-biased locking mechanism18bincludes providing at least a portion of second spring-biased locking mechanism18bthat is configured to retract second retaining pin17bsufficiently from second bore15to allow second annular hub16bto be inserted into second bore15or right support frame arm12to be rotated with respect to support body13while second annular hub16bis disposed within second bore15.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include forming a first annular series of detents17a′ in first annular hub16aconfigured to selectively receive first retaining pin17aand thereby fix left support frame arm11in a desired orientation with respect to support body13. In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include forming a second annular series of detents17b′ in second annular hub16bconfigured to selectively receive second retaining pin17band thereby fix right support frame arm12in a desired orientation with respect to support body13.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include securing quick-connect connector28to support body13, quick-connect connector28being configured to couple support body13to a positioning arm.

In some embodiments, at least one respective portion of each of left and right support frame arms11,12has a curved shape. In some embodiments, at least one respective portion of each of left and right support frame arms11,12has a substantially straight shape.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include providing the first retractor21having a series of apertures22adisposed at proximal end23bthereof, the series of apertures22aconfigured to receive a post of first plurality of posts20bof left support frame arm11and thereby retain proximal end23aof first retractor21thereon.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include providing the second retractor21having a series of apertures22adisposed at a proximal end23athereof, the series of apertures22aconfigured to receive a post of the second plurality of posts20bof right support frame arm12and thereby retain proximal end23aof second retractor21thereon.

In some embodiments, flowchart800can further include providing the additional retractor25having a series of apertures22bdisposed at a proximal end23bthereof, the series of apertures22bconfigured to receive the at least one post24on the underside of support body13and thereby retain proximal end23bof additional retractor25thereon.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second retractors21tapers along their respective lengths. In some embodiments, the first and second retractors21each comprise at least one curved portion.

Reference throughout this disclosure to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this disclosure are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim in this or any application claiming priority to this application require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.

Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element.

While specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present disclosure disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.