Rotational stabilizing locking mechanism
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9247866-B2
Publication Date
2016-02-02
Expiration Date
2033-03-15
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Abstract
A rotational stabilizing locking apparatus for a surgical retractor is disclosed. The, rotational stabilizing locking apparatus may be a locking cap that includes a central body having a surgical aperture extending from a first side of the central body to a second opposed side of the central body. The central body may include an attachment arm extending away from the surgical aperture. Also, a first interfacing prong may extend from the first side of the central body. The first interfacing prong may include a first light source guide element along an extent of the first interfacing prong. Additionally, the locking cap may be applied to an inner arcuate blade nested inside an outer arcuate blade having a coupling aperture. The inner arcuate blade may include a prong slot for receiving the first interfacing prong. Also, a coupling tab of the inner arcuate blade may be disposed within the coupling aperture.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a rotational stabilizing locking apparatus for a surgical retractor designed to provide controlled access to a surgical cavity. The apparatus includes a central body with a surgical aperture that extends from one side to the other, an attachment arm, and at least one interfacing prong extending from the central body. The prongs interact with prong slots in an inner arcuate blade nested within an outer arcuate blade, allowing rotational locking of the components. The prongs have a tapered width with a narrower distal end and a wider proximal end, which creates a frictional fit by expanding the prong slots in the inner arcuate blade upon full insertion, thus rotationally locking the blades and the central body relative to one another.
The apparatus also includes features for guiding light sources through the locking mechanism into the surgical cavity via light source guide elements integrated along the length of the interfacing prongs. These channels provide tubular passageways for light source conductors, such as fiber-optic cables, maintaining an unobstructed surgical aperture and facilitating enhanced visualization. The apparatus is further configured for integration with mounting structures via apertures on the attachment arm, enabling stabilization of the device during surgical procedures.
The problem addressed is that current rotational mechanisms in orthopedic surgical instruments, such as retractors, often lack stability once positioned, especially when rotational displacement is involved. Existing deep-cavity surgical retractors have limited visualization capabilities and typically do not provide a reliable locking system to maintain tissue displacement once the desired position is set. This invention solves the need for a locking mechanism that can stabilize the relative rotation between nested arcuate blades to maintain surgical access while potentially enhancing visualization via incorporated light guidance.
Claims Coverage
The claims define multiple inventive features centered on a rotational stabilizing locking apparatus and surgical retractors comprising nested arcuate blades and a locking mechanism that rotationally secures these blades relative to one another.
Rotational locking by expansion of prong slot
A central body with a surgical aperture and an attachment arm; a first interfacing prong extending from the central body configured to travel and seat within a prong slot of an inner arcuate blade nested inside an outer arcuate blade, causing the prong slot and inner blade to expand and rotationally lock the components relative to each other.
Dual interfacing prongs for enhanced locking
The presence of a second interfacing prong extending from the central body disposed remote from the first prong, enhancing the locking engagement.
Light source guide integrated in prongs
Interfacing prongs including light source guide elements extending lengthwise along the prongs, forming channels or tubular passageways for light source conductors.
Attachment arm adapted for mounting
An attachment arm extending from the central body configured to interface with mounting structures and including at least one mounting aperture.
Tapered interfacing prong for frictional locking
A first interfacing prong with a proximal end wider than a distal end to create a frictional pressure fit that expands the prong slot upon full insertion.
Coupling tab and aperture engagement for axial restriction
The inner arcuate blade includes a coupling tab configured to be seated within a coupling aperture in the outer arcuate blade, preventing full insertion without deformation and limiting relative axial movement.
Surgical retractor comprising nested truncated conical arcuate blades
An outer arcuate blade and an inner arcuate blade each forming truncated conical shapes, with the inner blade partially surrounded by the outer blade and rotationally locked via the locking mechanism described.
Method of using surgical retractor with locking and rotation
A method comprising providing outer and inner arcuate blades and a rotational stabilizing locking mechanism, inserting the coupling tab into the coupling aperture, partly driving the interfacing prong into the prong slot, rotating the mechanism to adjust blade position, fully inserting the prong to cause expansion and rotational locking, and optionally emitting light through a conductor within the prong.
The claims comprehensively cover the structural features of a locking apparatus involving a central body with interfacing prongs interacting with nested arcuate blades to provide rotational locking via prong slot expansion, integrated light guidance, mounting features, and coupling tabs for axial locking, as well as methods of using this apparatus in surgical retractors.
Stated Advantages
Provides control of relative rotation between inner and outer arcuate blades to maintain surgical cavity access.
Locks blades rotationally and axially to stabilize the surgical retractor in desired positions.
Includes channels for guiding light sources into the surgical cavity to enhance visualization.
Attachment arm permits integration with mounting structures to stabilize the assembly during surgery.
The frictional locking mechanism secures the retractor blades firmly while allowing controlled insertion and removal.
Documented Applications
Used as a surgical retractor for accessing surgical cavities through tissue dilation.
Facilitates minimally invasive surgery by maintaining tissue displacement and providing visualization via integrated light guidance.
Used in orthopedic surgery and other medical device applications requiring rotationally stabilized tubular or arcuate surgical instruments.
Integration with table mounts and mounting structures for surgical tool stabilization.
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