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Surgical access system and related methods

  • US 9,820,729 B2
  • Filed: 03/02/2016
  • Issued: 11/21/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A retractor blade for use in a system for accessing a surgical target site, the retractor blade comprising:

  • an elongated retractor blade extending from a proximal end that is dimensioned to couple to a mounting structure to a distal end that is spaced longitudinally from the proximal end, wherein the retractor blade includes a first edge extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a second edge extending between the proximal end and the distal end, an inner face defined by the retractor blade between the first and second edges, and an outer face defined by the retractor blade between the first and second edges, wherein the inner face of the retractor blade defines an engagement groove dimensioned to couple to an engagement portion of a connectable element, wherein the engagement groove is defined by the inner face of the retractor blade between a first ridge extending along a first portion of the engagement groove proximate the first edge of the retractor blade and a second ridge extending along a second portion of the engagement groove proximate the second edge of the retractor blade, and wherein the inner face of the retractor blade defines at least one recess dimensioned to receive a displaceable engagement member of the connectable element so as to hold the connectable element in place with respect to the retractor blade.

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