The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 21, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1997
Salvatore Castro, Seymour, CT (US);
Christine M Tompkins, Washington, DC (US);
United States Surgical, Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
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.