Goldberg retractor

Abstract

The disclosed technology herein relates to an ophthalmic retractor. The ophthalmic retractor includes a handle extending along a length of the ophthalmic retractor and disposed between a first end and a second end. The first end of the ophthalmic retractor includes a rake having a plurality of tines. The second end of the ophthalmic retractor includes a retractor having a curved body. An inner facing surface of the curved body includes a convex shape and an outer facing surface of the curved body includes a concave shape. The retractor is positioned towards the first end at an acute angle with respect to the handle. Distal ends of the plurality of tines and a distal end of the retractor are disposed on a first side extending the length of the handle.

Description

GOLDBERG RETRACTORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,608, filed on June 28, 2024, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional retractor, such as the Senn retractor, is traditionally used for hand and foot surgeries. Typically, during the surgery, a surgical assistant holds the retractor with a palm grip or a key grip and retracts surface tissue away from the surgical site to provide the surgeon with a better view of the surgical site.

[0003] Ophthalmic instruments are typically designed to be held with a fine pinch grip or a pencil grip to provide finer movements and a steady static hold. These movements and steady hold are important for surgeries conducted around smaller anatomical areas, such as the eye, eyelid, and orbit. For instance, the Knapp lacrimal sac retractor is intended for lacrimal sac use, but its application has been broadened to the oculoplastic field. As orbital, lacrimal, and ophthalmic plastic surgery is a relatively new sub-specialty of ophthalmology, the surgeries and instruments are being developed concordantly. However, the instruments used during these ophthalmic plastic surgeries are generally designed and intended for use in other types of plastic surgeries. Thus, these instruments are typically inefficient or not optimal for ophthalmic plastic surgeries. As such, there is a need in the art for instruments to efficiently perform ophthalmic plastic surgeries. The present invention satisfies these needs.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic instruments, and more particularly, to an ophthalmic retractor.

[0005] In one or more aspects, the disclosed technology relates to an ophthalmic retractor. The ophthalmic retractor includes a handle extending along a length of the ophthalmic retractor and disposed between a first end and a second end. The first end of the ophthalmic retractor includes a rake having a plurality of tines. The second end of the ophthalmic retractor includes a retractor having a curved body. An inner facing surface of the curved body includes a convexshape and an outer facing surface of the curved body includes a concave shape. The retractor is positioned towards the first end at an acute angle with respect to the handle. Distal ends of the plurality of tines and a distal end of the retractor are disposed on a first side extending the length of the handle.

[0006] In one or more aspects, the disclosed technology relates to an ophthalmic retractor. The ophthalmic retractor includes a handle having a body extending along a length of the handle and disposed between a tapered first end and a tapered second end. The first end includes a rake having a plurality of tines that curve backwards from a base of the rake towards the second end, in which the base of the rake is aligned with the first end. The second end includes a retractor having a curved body. An inner facing surface of the curved body includes a convex shape and an outer facing surface of the curved body comprises a concave shape. Distal ends of the retractor and the plurality of tines are positioned on a same side of the body of the handle and face one another.

[0007] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combination of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0009] FIGs. 1 A and IB are perspective views of an example retractor.

[0010] FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of an example retractor end of the example retractor of FIGs. 1A-1B.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the example retractor end of FIG. 2A taken along section A-A.

[0012] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of an example rake end of the example retractor of FIGs. 1A-1B.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a side view of the example retractor of FIGs. 1 A-1B in which the example retractor end is positioned at a first angle with respect to the example retractor.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a side view of the example retractor of FIGs. 1A-1B in which the example retractor end is positioned at a second angle with respect to the example retractor.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of ophthalmologic instruments that are apparent to those skilled in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

[0016] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest reasonable interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It is noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and that the terms “includes” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0017] Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to arelationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively or operably connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

[0018] Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics of “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” may be combined in any suitable manner with each other to form additional embodiments of such combinations. It is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and / or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0019] Moreover, throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6, and any whole and partial increments there between. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. As used herein, the term “about” in reference to a measurable value, such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass the specified value and / or variations of plus or minus 20%, plus or minus 10%, plus or minus 5%, plus or minus 1%, and plus or minus 0.1% of the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

[0020] The terms “proximal,” “distal,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “medial,” “lateral,”“superior,” and “inferior” are defined by their standard usage indicating a directional term of reference. For example, “proximal” refers to a position that is situated nearer to the center of a body or point of attachment, while “distal” refers to a position that is situated away from the center of the body or point of attachment. In another example, “anterior” refers to the front of a body or structure, while “posterior” refers to the rear of a body or structure. In another example, “medial” refers to the direction towards the midline of a body or structure, and “lateral” refers to the direction away from the midline of a body or structure. In some examples, “lateral” or “laterally” may refer to any sideways direction. In another example, “superior” refers to the top of a body or structure, while “inferior” refers to the bottom of a body or structure. It should be understood, however, that the directional term of reference may be interpreted within the context of a specific body or structure, such that a directional term referring to a location in the context of the reference body or structure may remain consistent as the orientation of the body or structure changes.

[0021] The terms “patient,” “subject,” “individual,” and the like are used interchangeably herein, and refer to any animal amenable to the systems, devices, and methods described herein. The patient, subject or individual may be a mammal, for example, a human.

[0022] As ophthalmic plastic surgery is a relatively new sub-specialty of ophthalmology, surgical procedures and instruments to perform such procedures are being developed concordantly. However, the surgical instruments to perform these procedures are generally designed for use in other types of surgeries and are thus, typically inefficient or not optimal for ophthalmic surgeries. The embodiments described herein provide an ophthalmic retractor to efficiently perform ophthalmic plastic surgeries.

[0023] FIGs. 1A and IB are perspective views of an example retractor 100. In one or more cases, the retractor 100 includes a handle 106 that extends along a length L of the retractor 100. The handle 106 is disposed between a retractor end 102 and a rake end 104. FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the retractor end 102 of the retractor 100. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the retractor end 102 taken along section A-A. FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the rake end 104 of the retractor 100. In one or more cases, the retractor 100 may be used in surgical applications, such as, but not limited to, a spectrum of orbital, lacrimal, and ophthalmic plastic surgery conditions. For instance, the retractor 100 may be used in lower lid blepharoplasty.

[0024] The handle 106 may be grasped to control the use of the retractor end 102 or the rake end 104. The handle 106 includes a body 112 that is an elongated rigid member. In one or more cases, the body 112 has two flat sides 107 and 109 disposed about two curved sides 111, 113 of the body 112. In one or more other cases, the body 112 includes one flat side, in which the remainder of the body has a cylindrical shape. In one or more other cases, the body 112 is cylindrically shaped. In some cases, the handle 106 may have one or more serrated portions disposed on the body 112 to improve a user’s grip while using the retractor end 102 or the rake end 104. For example, serrated portions 110 and 114 may be disposed on opposing the ends of the body 112. A user may grasp the serrated portion 114 when using the retractor end 102. A user may grasp the serrated portion 110 when using the rake end 104. In some cases, a serrated portion may be disposed on both sides 107, 109 of the body 112. In some cases, a serrated portion may be disposed on one side of the body 112. In other cases, a serrated portion may extend around the entire surface of the body 112. In yet other cases, the body 112 may not include a serrated portion. The retractor 100 may be about 150 millimeters (mm) in length. The handle 106 may have a width of about 5mm between side 111 and side 113. For the cases in which the handle 106 includes sides 107, 109, the handle 106 may have a height of about 4mm.

[0025] In one or more cases, the rake end 104 includes a rake 120 having one or more tines 128. The rake 120 is coupled to an end of the body 112 via a rigid member 108. The rigid member 108 is an elongated body that reduces in size from the end of the body 112 to the rake 120. For example, the outer circumferential diameter of the member 108 near the end of the body 112 is greater than the outer circumferential diameter of the member 108 near the rake 120. The narrowing portion of the member 108 near the rake 120 increases the surgical field. In one or more cases, the one or more tines 128 may curve backwards from the base 123 of the rake 120 towards the retractor end 102. For instance, the one or more tines 128 may curve backwards from the base 123 of the rake 120 forming a U-like shape. In some cases, the one or more tines 128 may be formed parallel to one another and parallel with the body 112. The parallel tines 128 provide a strong grip, thereby preventing tissue from slipping off the rake 104. The ends of each of the one or more tines 128 may be blunt. The blunt ends of the tines 128 may prevent tissue damage. In one or more cases, the width of the rake 120 is small enough to allow the rake 120 to hold anatomical structures effectively. Yet, the width of the rake 120 may also be large enough to provide an adequate surgical view. For example, the rake 120 may have a width of about8mm. A width of an individual tine 128 may be about 1mm. In one or more cases, the height of the rake 120 (i.e., the space 121 that is defined between the base 123 of the rake 120 and an interior surface of the curved tines 128) may correspond to, for example, but not limited to, a thickness of a lower lid tarsus, such that a portion of the lower lid tarsus may reside within and be held by the rake 120. For example, the height of the rake 120 may be about 4mm.

[0026] In one or more cases, the retractor end 102 includes a retractor 118 coupled to an end of the body 112 via a rigid member 116. The rigid member 116 is an elongated body that reduces in size from the end of the body 112 to the retractor 118. For example, the outer circumferential diameter of the member 116 near the end of the body 112 is greater than the outer circumferential diameter of the member 116 near the retractor 118. The narrowing portion of the member 116 near the retractor 118 increases the surgical field.

[0027] The retractor 118 has a rigid body 119 that is angled with respect to the body 112 of the handle 106. In one or more cases, the surfaces 126a, 126b, of the body 119 are formed having curved surfaces. For example, the surface 126a may have a concave surface, and surface 126b may have a convex surface. As such, the body 119 may form a saddle-like shape blade. The retractor 118 is configured to hold, for example, fatty tissue back effectively. Effectively holding back fatty tissue is valuable for lower lid blepharoplasty and other orbital procedures. Further, the curved body 119 allows the retractor 118 to glide along the tissue from side to side without shearing tissue. That is, the curved surface 126b allows the retractor 118 to slide side-to-side smoothly over the tissue that it is retracting without causing shearing force damage. In some cases, the body 119 of the retractor 118 may be about 10mm wide. In some cases, the body 119 of the retractor 118 may be about 24mm in length. In one or more cases, the surface 126a is curved along the entire length of the body 119. In such cases, the curvature of the surface 126a at the proximal end 124 of the retractor 118 that couples to the body 112 of the member 116 creates a space between the surface 126a. The space at the proximal end 124 of the retractor 118 may be large enough for a needle, such as a curved needle, to rotate more easily in a tight space. In one or more cases, the distal end 122 of the retractor 118 includes an angled tip. The angled tip may be angled inwards towards the handle 106. The angled tip may allow the retracted tissue not to sag at, for example, the most deeply retracted areas. As such, the angled tip provides a good surgical view deep into the retracted tissue.

[0028] The retractor 1 18 is angled with respect to the body 112 of the handle 106. For example, the body 119 of the retractor 118 may be angled at an acute angle from the body 112 of the handle 106. In another example, the body 119 of the retractor 118 may be angled about 80 degrees from the body 112 of the handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3 A. In another example, the body 119 of the retractor 118 may be angled about 90 degrees from the body 112 of the handle106, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. For the cases in which the distal end 122 of the retractor 118 includes an angled tip, the distal end 122 may be angled about 30 degrees to 45 degrees from the body 119 of the retractor 118, as illustrated in FIGs. 3 A and 3B. For example, when the retractor 118 is angled about 80 degrees from the handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the distal end 122 may be angled about 30 degrees from the body 119 of the retractor 118. In another example, when the retractor 118 is angled about 90 degrees from the handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the distal end 122 may be angled about 45 degrees from the body 119 of the retractor 118. In one or more cases, the rake 120 and retractor 118 may be angled towards a same side, such as side107, of the handle 106.

[0029] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An ophthalmic retractor, the ophthalmic retractor comprising: a handle extending along a length of the ophthalmic retractor and disposed between a first end and a second end; the first end comprising a rake having a plurality of tines; and the second end comprising a retractor having a curved body, wherein an inner facing surface of the curved body comprises a convex shape and an outer facing surface of the curved body comprises a concave shape, wherein the retractor is positioned towards the first end at an acute angle with respect to the handle, and wherein distal ends of the plurality of tines and a distal end of the retractor are disposed on a first side extending the length of the handle.

2. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tines curve backwards from a base of the rake towards the second end.

3. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 2, wherein distal ends of the plurality of tines are blunt.

4. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the rake comprises a width of about 8 millimeters.

5. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the length of the ophthalmic retractor is about 150 millimeters.

6. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein a base of the rake and the distal ends of the plurality of tines are spaced apart by about 4 millimeters.

7. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1 , wherein the curved body of the retractor is about 10 millimeters wide.

8. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor comprises a length of about 24 millimeters.

9. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the retractor is coupled to an end of the handle, and wherein an outer facing surface of the proximal end is curved about a width of the retractor.

10. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the retractor is positioned at an angle with respect to the curved body of the retractor.

11. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 10, wherein the angle comprises about 30 degrees with respect to the curved body of the retractor.

12. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 1, wherein the acute angle of the retractor comprises about 80 degrees with respect to the handle.

13. An ophthalmic retractor, the ophthalmic retractor comprising: a handle having a body extending along a length of the handle and disposed between a tapered first end and a tapered second end; the first end comprising a rake having a plurality of tines that curve backwards from a base of the rake towards the second end, the base of the rake being aligned with the first end; and the second end comprising a retractor having a curved body, wherein an inner facing surface of the curved body comprises a convex shape and an outer facing surface of the curved body comprises a concave shape, and wherein distal ends of the retractor and the plurality of tines are positioned on a same side of the body of the handle and face one another.

14. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein the distal end of the retractor is acutely angled towards the first end with respect to the second end of the handle.

15. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein a proximal end of the retractor is coupled to the second end of the handle, and wherein an outer facing surface of the proximal end is curved about a width of the retractor.

16. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein the distal ends of the plurality of tines are blunt.

17. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein the first end tapers downwards from the body of the handle to the base of the rake, and wherein the second end tapers downwards from the body of the handle to a base of the retractor.

18. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13 comprises a blepharoplasty retractor.

19. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein one or more gripping features are disposed along a side of the body.

20. The ophthalmic retractor of claim 13, wherein a tine of the plurality of tines bends from the base of the rake forming a U-shape.

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