Surgical retractor system and methods of use

US10166018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NuVasive, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Leonel A. Hunt · San Diego, US
• Gabriel E. Hunt · Los Angeles, US
• Drew Schifle · Superior, US
• Greg Causey · San Diego, US
• Alan Burkholder · Denver, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 17, 2012
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2019
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F04C2270/0421
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.