Adjustable surgical dilator
US6436119B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/91
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adjustable surgical dilator for dilating an opening formed in a bodily tissue structure, such as an anulus of a spinal disc. The dilator includes an outer tube and an inner rod. The outer tube includes a proximal section, a distal section and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section terminates in a distal end and includes first and second arms each defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The arms combine to define a head tapering to the distal end. The head is configured to contact bodily tissue and has a variable cross-sectional outer dimension as defined by the outer surfaces of the arms. The inner rod is co-axially disposed within the central lumen and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and forms a bearing surface for selectively engaging the inner surfaces of the first and second arms, respectively. With this engaging relationship, the inner rod, and in particular the bearing surface, controls the variable cross-sectional outer dimension of the head. With this configuration, the inner rod is axially movable relative to the outer tube for providing …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.