Surgical access system and related methods
US9486133B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0262
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures. A retractor assembly for creating an operative corridor to a spinal surgical target site is disclosed, comprising: a retractor body and a plurality retractor blades extending generally perpendicularly to the retractor body, the retractor body being operable to separate the at plurality of retractor blades relative to each; and a supplemental retractor blade assembly attachable to at least two of the plurality of retractor blades, the supplemental retractor blade assembly comprising an elongated supplemental retractor blade and a crossbar connector, the crossbar connector configured to be attached to said at least two retractor blades while engaging the supplemental retractor blade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.