Retractor system for spinal surgery

Abstract

A retractor system for spinal surgery, comprising: two retractor members (1, 2), each of which is made of a blade (1) and a proximal portion forming a frame (2); at least two pins (10), each pin having a distal end configured to be anchored in a vertebra; and a blocking mechanism (5) for keeping the retractor members (1, 2) at a distance from each other; wherein the at least one retractor member (1, 2) comprises a channel (3) configured to slidably retain the pin (10); the invention is characterized in that the channel (3) is oriented in a direction different from the direction of the blade (1). The invention also relates to a retractor system comprising at least one shim (12) having a guide slot (15) terminating before the distal end of the shim.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to surgical retractor systems constructed for accessing the spine using lateral, anterior, or posterior surgical techniques. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal surgical retractor systems are used to retract and keep soft tissue away from the surgical site so that surgeons can access the intervertebral disc (or any other structure of the spine), for example, to partially remove the disc and place implants such as cages or screws.

[0003] A retractor system typically includes: at least two blades, each having a proximal portion forming a frame; two pins, each having a distal end configured to be anchored in the vertebra; and a blocking mechanism for keeping the blades at a distance from each other.

[0004] For example, the puller system as defined above is disclosed in patent documents US 9,220,491 B2 and US10,470,753 B2.

[0005] In some systems, each blade includes a channel configured to slidably hold a pin. See, for example, US 8,852,089 B2 and US11,426,152B2.

[0006] In those existing technology systems, the channel is oriented in a direction parallel to the blade direction.

[0007] Spacers can also be placed between the blade edges or attached to the blade to prevent unwanted or sensitive biological structures (such as tissue, nerves, or blood vessels) from entering the surgical target site, and to prevent instruments from passing outside the surgical target site and contacting surrounding tissues or structures. Such spacers are disclosed in US 9,220,491B2, US10,470,753B2, or US 8,821,396 B1.

[0008] Existing technology systems have several drawbacks, particularly the risk of the blade accidentally withdrawing from the surgical site due to pressure exerted on it by surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the typically framing-based expansion method necessitates the use of very rigid materials and potentially large structural volumes.

[0009] If it were not impossible, keeping the blade around the surgical site and simply retrieving the pad would also be complicated, for example, to allow for easier access to the surgical site. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, several solutions are provided to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a retractor system for spinal surgery, comprising: two retractor members, each retractor member being made of a blade and a proximal portion forming a frame; at least two pins, each pin having a distal end configured to be anchored in a vertebra; and a blocking mechanism for holding the blades at a distance from each other; wherein at least one retractor member includes a channel configured to slidably hold the pins; characterized in that the channel is oriented in a direction different from the direction of the blades.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood when considered with reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 An example of a puller component according to the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The pair of puller components shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 and 2 An example of an expander component used in conjunction with a retractor component.

[0017] Figure 4 It shows the result of, as Figure 3 The expander shown is made from two expander components.

[0018] Figure 5 Shown from above Figure 4 The expander.

[0019] Figure 6 The same expander (top view) is shown, surrounded by two retractor components.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view of a retractor with an expander and pins.

[0021] Figure 8 The pin is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 and Figure 7 Similarly, but showing the angle between the pin and the associated blade.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the forces acting on the blade and pin.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a top view along the blade axis.

[0025] Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 A similar view, but on the pin axis.

[0026] Figure 13 A retractor component with its retaining ring is shown.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a retractor with gaskets.

[0028] Figure 15 Indicates a gasket.

[0029] Figure 16 A top view of a retractor with a pad fixed to the blade is shown.

[0030] Figure 17 The distal portion of the retractor with pins and gaskets is shown.

[0031] Figure 18 The distal portion of the gasket is shown.

[0032] Figure 19 It shows the relationship with Figure 17 Similar construction, but the gasket is located at the bottom.

[0033] Figure 20 The pads are shown in two different positions.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a top view of the retraction system relative to the spine.

[0035] Figure 22 It shows the relationship with Figure 21 A similar construction, but in perspective.

[0036] Figure 23 Another example of the retractor according to the invention is shown (perspective top view).

[0037] Figure 24 It shows the relationship with Figure 23 The same object in the image, but in a perspective view from below.

[0038] Figure 25 It shows the relationship with Figure 23 The same object in the diagram, but in a top view.

[0039] The reference numerals used in the attached figures are:

[0040] 1. Blade

[0041] 2. Framework

[0042] 3. Blade Groove

[0043] 4. Arm

[0044] 5. Ratchet system

[0045] 6. Expander components

[0046] 7. Kirschner wire channel

[0047] 8. Guideware

[0048] 9. Expander slot

[0049] 10. Sales

[0050] 11. Maintain the ring

[0051] 12. Gasket

[0052] 13. Distal end of the gasket

[0053] 14. Guide stop

[0054] 15. Linear guide groove Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 The retractor components 1 and 2 shown are the main components. Due to its position during surgery, it is also referred to as the craniotail. It is made of blade 1 and the proximal portion forming a frame 2, which has two arms 4 each located at different heights.

[0056] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 The retractor base is made of the retractor components 1 and 2 and the second retractor components 1 and 2. The two frames 2 have complementary shapes such that when the two retractor components 1 and 2 are connected, one arm 4 of the first frame 2 is above one arm 4 of the second frame 2, and the other arm 4 of the first frame is below the other arm 4 of the second frame 2.

[0057] Each frame 2 includes a ratchet system 5 for holding the two puller components 1, 2 at a distance from each other.

[0058] Each blade 1 also includes a groove 3 extending along the entire length of the blade.

[0059] The dimensions of groove 3 are determined to allow pin 10 to be slidably retained, as described below.

[0060] Figure 3 This refers to expander component 6, and Figure 4 This refers to an expander made of two expander components 6 interlocked together by a guide 8.

[0061] The expander is designed to expand the retractor when it is located within soft tissue.

[0062] It has several functions, including generating expansion from inside the retractor over the entire length of blade 1.

[0063] Then the blade 1 is reinforced and locked in the bone at the bottom by means of the pin 10 and at the top by the frame 2.

[0064] This structure allows the blade to be manufactured from materials that are not mechanically strong (such as plastic).

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the two expander components 6 can be placed together to form a progressive expander, that is, when introduced between expander components 1 and 2, the expander causes the blades 1 to gradually unfold each other.

[0066] On its outer surface, each expander member 6 includes a groove 9 designed to guide a pin 10. Together with its adjacent blade 1, which also includes a groove 3, channels 3 and 9 are formed for guiding the pin 10 within the expander. This configuration offers several advantages, particularly with a very long and narrow channel (up to 200 mm long) running through the entire length of the blade. Compared to holes, it is easier and cheaper to manufacture grooves (simple surface grooves by milling or injection molding).

[0067] The expander component 6 is also designed to generate Kirschner wire channels 7 for initial positioning of the retractor system around the surgical site.

[0068] Selling 10 (see Figure 7 , 8 (9, 13) provides several functions, including engaging the bone, locking the blade 1 at the bone level to prevent the blade from bending under tissue pressure, reinforcing the blade 1 with a metal frame, and its innovative positioning to prevent the retractor from exiting the surgical wound.

[0069] Pin 10 can be threaded or unthreaded, and can have a drive drill bit (hexagonal, square, male, female, etc.) or not at the other end. The other end of the pin can also be other shapes, such as a hole, a bend, or an attached plastic part, which can be used to retrieve the pin by pulling it.

[0070] like Figure 9 and 10 As shown, channels 3 and 9, formed by the retractor groove 3 and the expander groove 9, are oriented in a direction different from the blade direction. Therefore, when the pin 10 is located within channels 3 and 9, its axis forms an angle relative to the blade axis called the "holding angle".

[0071] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates the force exerted inward on the blade by the surrounding soft tissue (vertical arrow). This force has a distally oriented component (left arrow, gray). This additional force prevents the retractor from being accidentally removed from the surgical site.

[0072] This angle provides a second advantage because it allows the pin to enter slightly rearward from the inner surface of the blade 1, thus creating a short retaining ring 11 that keeps the pin 10 horizontal in the frame even when the expander is removed.

[0073] The pad 12 is the outer blade, which is designed to prevent soft tissue from entering the space between the retractor blades 1.

[0074] It has a distal end 13 designed to cut and enter the intervertebral disc, and a guide pad 12 inserted into the groove 15 of the retractor blade 1 to avoid any deviation toward the nerve or blood vessels in front of the patient.

[0075] When the gasket 12 is properly positioned in the tray, the linear guide is interrupted 14, and the outer side of the gasket is pulled away without removing or expanding the blade 1.

[0076] Alternatively, the retractor according to the invention may include only one arm per retractor component. In this case, the frame forms a U-shape. This alternative... Figure 23 , 24 As shown in Figure 25. In this example, there is only one ratchet on one side.

[0077] Any suitable shape and blocking mechanism can be used for the intended purpose.

[0078] The invention is not limited to those examples. It includes an outer, front retractor system and a rear retractor system.

[0079] The same considerations apply to each retractor system with multiple blades and pins.

Claims

1. A retractor system for spinal surgery, the system comprising: two retractor members (1, 2), each retractor member being made of a blade (1) and a proximal portion forming a frame (2); At least two pins (10), each having a distal end configured to be anchored in a vertebra; and a blocking mechanism (5) for maintaining the retractor members (1, 2) at a distance from each other; wherein at least one of the retractor members (1, 2) comprises a channel (3) configured to slidably retain the pin (10); characterized in that the channel (3) is oriented in a direction different from the direction of the blade (1).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The channel (3) extends along the entire length of the blade.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The passage is a groove (3).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The distal portion of the channel is a groove (3) and the proximal portion of the channel is a ring (11).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each blade (1) includes a channel (3) configured to slidably retain a pin (10).

6. The system according to any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, further comprising an expander for expanding the retractor, wherein: The dilator is configured to be slidably mounted between the blades (1).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The expander includes at least one slot (9) configured to slidably retain the pin (10) together with the blade slot (3).

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The dilator is made of two components (6) interlocked together by a guide (8).

9. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The dilator has a radiopaque distal end or includes any kind of markings and can be used to measure or control the position of a cage or implant to be placed between the vertebral bodies.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a spacer (12) between the blades (1).

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: Each retractor member includes two arms.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: Each retractor member comprises only one arm.

13. A retractor system for spinal surgery, the system comprising: Two blades (1), each blade having a proximal portion forming a frame (2); A blocking mechanism (5) for keeping the blades (1) at a certain distance from each other; and at least one spacer (12) slidably mounted between the blades (1) and comprising an outer linear guide groove (15); characterized in that the guide groove ends before the distal end (13) of the spacer.

14. A retractor system for spinal surgery, the system comprising: Two blades (1), each blade having a proximal portion forming a frame (2); a blocking mechanism (5) for keeping the blades (1) at a distance from each other; and at least one dilator (10) for dilating the retractor, wherein the dilator is configured to be slidably mounted between the blades (1).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The expander includes at least one slot (9) configured to slidably retain the pin (10) together with the blade slot (3).

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The dilator is made of two components (6) interlocked together by a guide (8).

17. A system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The dilator has a radiopaque distal end or includes any kind of markings and can be used to measure or control the position of a cage or implant to be placed between the vertebral bodies.

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