Thompson Surgical Instruments, Inc.

Spineworks, LLC

Peak Performance Company

Anthony J Mulac

Daniel K Farley

Richard L Saunders

Dennis Lee Abernathie

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. In the illustrated embodiment, a pawl mechanism is connected to the adaptor housing and configured for automatic engagement with at least one of a plurality of serrations that are located on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the efficient adjustment and automatic locking of the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the operative site.

Crank retractor handle

A surgical port and dilator are useful for creating access to surgical sites having tortuous geometries and/or requiring relatively long and narrow access to the surgical site. The surgical port or dilator can be provided with an oblique distal end to facilitate placement and the displace tissue near angled surfaces. The surgical port can be inserted into the operative site following dilation in the same fashion as a conventional port. Once inserted, however, the surgical port may then be elongated to provide relatively long and narrow, elliptically- shaped access to the surgical site. The elongation of the port allows the surgeon access to long and narrow surgical sites, such as the spine, without having to expand radially. This reduces trauma to the patient. A locking means is also provided to hold the surgical port in the open position until a release mechanism is activated.

Elongateable surgical port and dilator

A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.

Universal scissors joint apparatus

An emergency medical collar adapted to be moved between a first more flexible state and a second more rigid state includes a body sized and adapted to be fitted to the neck region of a patient, and a chamber disposed inside of the body. The emergency medical collar also includes a support element disposed inside of the chamber. The emergency medical collar is adapted to allow attachment to the neck region of a patient when the neck of the patient is in a variety of positions, for example, neutral, extended, flexed, or lateral.

Emergency medical collar

A cervical fixation system comprises a body rigidly attached to a patient's skull at one or more rigid attachment points. One method of achieving such a rigid attachment is through the use of bone screws. The bone screws may comprise a shoulder. The bone screws may further attach to the body of the cervical fixation system. Examples of possible attachment methods include the use of a quick disconnect head, and the use of a threaded body on the bone screw.

Halo/collar cervical orthosis

A rongeur has a frame and a reciprocating member slidably associated with the frame. A blade is disposed on the distal end of the reciprocating member. The frame has a handle that is coupled with the reciprocating member for slideable movement of the reciprocating member. In this fashion, the blade is moved into a cutting position against a footplate formed in the distal end of the frame. A flexure is associated with the handle which allows the handle to be flexed. To reduce the potential for breakage of the footplate, a stop mechanism is provided for preventing further movement of the reciprocating member when the flexure is flexed.

Rongeur surgical instrument

A surgical retractor system is provided with an insulating capacity between the retractor blades and surgical table. In particular, the surgical retractor system may include may include a joint clamp with an insulating sleeve within the opening of one of the clamping members. Alternatively, other components of the surgical retractor system may provide the insulating characteristic.

Insulating sleeve for a table mounted retractor

A surgical retractor is provided including a handle, a blade, and a head member with a locking mechanism for locking the blade within the head member. The locking mechanism includes a plunger and spring combination that is actuable to receive and release the blade from the head member.

Surgical retractor having locking interchangeable blades

A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The handle rod may be attached to an extension arm of a surgery support frame via a standard joint clamp. Once secured, the retractor blade may be manually positioned to the desired angular position and secured in place. The adjustment mechanism includes a notched push bar which engages a brace member of the retractor blade thereby effecting movement of the retractor blade when the push bar is moved by the user. A releasable engagement member then engages one of several notches in the push rod to inhibit any further movement of the retractor blade. Pursuant to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retractor blade may be precisely adjusted to its desired angular position with respect to the retracted anatomy without having to also adjust the position of the handle rod itself.

Angling surgical retractor apparatus and method of retracting anatomy

A cam-operated universal latch joint apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, the joint apparatus includes a cam locking mechanism, as well as a first clamping member and a second clamping member independently positionable with respect to each other. The second clamping member has an upper portion and a lower portion arranged adjacent to each other. A latch is pivotably mounted the upper portion of the second clamping member so that the latch selectively engages the lower portion of the second clamping member. Also, a through rod connecting the cam locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided. A bushing is also arranged between the upper portion of the second clamping member and the first clamping member. In an embodiment, the cam locking mechanism includes a handle and a cam connected to the handle and pivotably connected to the through rod so that the cam engages the first clamping member when selectively positioned by the user using the handle.

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East Jordan, MI, United States of America

Anthony J Mulac