United States Surgical Corporation

Surgical Dynamics, Inc.

Christine M Tompkins

Salvatore Castro

Peter W Hinchliffe

Christopher McDonnell

Scott W Larsen

Stephen W Zlock

Dennis M Stefura

Peter C Miller

A laparoscopic surgical retractor for use during a laparoscopic spinal procedure, includes an elongated sleeve member having proximal and distal end portions and defining a longitudinal opening therethrough and a valve assembly mounted to the proximal end portion of the elongated sleeve member for sealing a surgical instrument introduced within the longitudinal opening of the sleeve member. The distal end portion is configured for insertion at least partially into an intervertebral space between adjacent opposed vertebrae to distract the adjacent vertebrae. A method for inserting a fusion implant with the use of the retractor is also disclosed.

Method and instrumentation for implant insertion

A suture anchor installation system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, an elongated shaft extending distally from the distal end of the body portion, the shaft having a distal end with an annular region disposed at the distal end of the shaft. A suture anchor is attachable within the annular region and comprising a setting portion and an engagement portion, the suture anchor having at least one suture associated therewith. A suture retaining member is positioned on the body portion, the suture retaining member including tabs to grip the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor to maintain the setting portion within the engagement portion. A loading unit for use with a suturing apparatus is mountable on the body portion including a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold at least one suture needle, the at least one suture needle being associated with the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor. The loading unit further includes a receiving structure formed in the body portion for receiving a distal end portion of the suturing apparatus in operative alignment with mounting member to facilitate mounting of the at least one surgical needle in the suturing apparatus. A method for applying a suture anchor comprises the steps of providing a suture anchor installation system, implanting the suture anchor into a bone, securing the suture anchor within the bone, mounting the suture apparatus into the receiving structure of the loading unit, loading the at least one suture needle into the suturing apparatus, and suturing the suture anchor to soft tissue with the at least one suture needle.

Suture anchor installation system

An apparatus for use during endoscopic discectomy procedures includes an elongated portion defining a generally longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a retractor mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongated portion and having at least two retractor members for engaging and spreading tissue, an articulating mechanism operatively connected to the retractor mechanism for selectively articulating the two retractor members and an actuator mechanism operatively connected to the retractor mechanism for causing relative movement between the two retractor members. The retractor mechanism is preferably releasably mounted to the distal end of the elongated portion and is released by a release mechanism. The apparatus further includes a tissue penetrating member associated with the retractor mechanism and mounted for movement to facilitate mounting of the retractor mechanism to tissue. The tissue penetrating member is mounted to the distal end of the elongated portion and is movable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. A deployment mechanism for moving the tissue penetrating member to the deployed position is provided. A method for facilitating the retracting of tissue during a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Surgical instruments useful for spinal surgery

Growing community of inventors

Washington, DC, United States of America

Christine M Tompkins