Retractor with adjustable length blades and light pipe guides
First Claim
1. A variable length blade for a surgical retractor comprising;
- a fixed blade having longitudinal flanges forming channels;
means for securing said fixed blade to a retractor arm;
an extendible blade, said extendible blade telescopically engaging said longitudinal channels for retraction into or extension from said fixed blade to adjustably vary the length of said variable length blade;
blade restraining means for restraining and holding said extendible blade in an adjusted position;
said blade restraining means including locking means for locking said extendible blade in an extended position;
said locking means comprising a plurality of teeth along an edge of said extendible blade and a pawl pivotally mounted to said fixed blade and having a catch for engaging said teeth to lock said extendible blade in a predetermined extended position;
whereby said variable length retractor blade can be adjusted and re-adjusted for use on a wide range of surgical procedures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor. The two outer tubular guides are used to place two fixation grooves in each blade to provide a stable platform for a distractor frame. A center tubular guide is used to position a light pipe for intense illumination of a surgical site. A locking mechanism is also provided to hold a telescoping extension in an adjusted position. The locking mechanism is comprised of teeth along one edge of the fixed blade and a ratchet mechanism to lock the position of a blade after it is extended.
583 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A variable length blade for a surgical retractor comprising;
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a fixed blade having longitudinal flanges forming channels; means for securing said fixed blade to a retractor arm; an extendible blade, said extendible blade telescopically engaging said longitudinal channels for retraction into or extension from said fixed blade to adjustably vary the length of said variable length blade; blade restraining means for restraining and holding said extendible blade in an adjusted position; said blade restraining means including locking means for locking said extendible blade in an extended position; said locking means comprising a plurality of teeth along an edge of said extendible blade and a pawl pivotally mounted to said fixed blade and having a catch for engaging said teeth to lock said extendible blade in a predetermined extended position; whereby said variable length retractor blade can be adjusted and re-adjusted for use on a wide range of surgical procedures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification