ADJUSTABLE LOCKING SURGICAL RETRACTOR

Abstract

A surgical retractor assembly for providing surgical exposure. The surgical retractor assembly consists of two frame segments connected by adjustable ratchet mechanisms to form a retractor frame. The ratchet mechanisms can be attached to tissue retractor blades that provide exposure of the wound when expanded, without the requirement of a direct connection/attachment to an operating table or bed frame. The tissue retractor blades are attached in a manner that is adjustable and facilitates the ability of the overall surgical retractor assembly to be raised or lowered with respect to the patient. The retractor frame also allows attachments of additional retractor blades or other surgical retractor accessories for additional surgical exposure.

Claims

1. An adjustable surgical retractor comprising: a retractor frame having an adjustable circumference comprising a first and second frame segment and two connectors, the first and second frame segment comprising: a first and second substantially straight arm portion and a middle portion connecting the first and second substantially straight arm portions, the first and second substantially straight arm portion and the middle portion substantially in the same plane, where the long axis of the first and second substantially straight arm portions are parallel to each other and project to the same side of the middle portion, the middle portion forms a first and a second bend so that the long axis of the middle portion is perpendicular to the long axes of the first and second substantially straight arm portions, each frame segment having a top and bottom face with an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein the frame segments are configured to connect with a first arm portion of the first frame segment with the first arm portion of the second frame segment and the second arm portion of the first frame segment with the second arm portion of the second frame segment forming an adjustable retractor frame, and the connectors configured to receive the first and second substantially straight arm portions of the first and second frame segments to form the retractor frame, wherein the connector can be in (i) an unlocked configuration that allows the substantially straight arm portions of the frame segments to move with respect to one another allowing the retractor frame to adjust or (ii) a locked configuration that fixes a substantially straight arm portion at a position relative to a substantially straight arm portion of the other frame segment; and two or more retractor blades coupled to the frame where the face of the retractor blade forms an angle with the plane of the frame.

2. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the frame segments further comprise an expansion stop on one or both faces and at one or both ends of the frame segment that is configured to stop expansion of the frame prior to a frame segment passing completely through a connector.

3. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprise a removable stop coupled with a prescribed slot or pattern of holes formed in the frame segment that together are configured to reversibly lock the connector in place.

4. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connectors are configured to allow one or more frame segments to be expanded and do not allow one or more frame segments to be contracted.

5. The retractor of claim 4, wherein the connectors are affixed or removeably affixed to at least one frame segment.

6. The retractor of claim 5, wherein the frame segments are unequal in length.

7. The retractor of claim 5, wherein the frame segments are equal in length.

8. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the frame segments are equal in length.

9. The retractor of claim 4, wherein the connector comprises a pawl configured to engage one or more frame segment.

10. The retractor of claim 9, wherein the connector comprises individual pawls configured to interact with individual frame segments.

11. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to position the ends of the frame segments in a stacked configuration.

12. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to position the ends of the frame segments in an offset configuration.

13. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connector is further comprised of a motorized, controlled, screw drive, worm gear, or removable locking system that allows the movement of both adjacent frame segments towards or away from each other allowing the frame to be contracted or expanded when using the system.

14. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises one or more spring loaded brake mechanisms.

15. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor blades are adjustable and the connector is configured to receive a proximal portion of the retractor blade and to reversibly fix the retractor blade position with a locking mechanism incorporated into the connector, wherein the proximal portion of the retractor blade is moveable up and down until locked by a retractor blade locking mechanism.

16. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the frame is a rounded polygon.

17. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the frame is a rounded quadrilateral.

18. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the outer edge of the frame segment forms one or more notches or teeth.

19. The retractor of claim 18, wherein the teeth of the first frame segment are directed in an opposite direction relative to the teeth on the second frame segment.

20. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight arm portions of adjacent frame segments are positioned having the inner edge of one substantially straight arm portion aligned substantially parallel to the outer edge of an adjacent frame segment.

21. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight arm portions of the frame segment are about 2.5 to 50 centimeters in length and the middle portion of the frame segment is 2.5 to 100 centimeters in length.

22. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor in an expanded configuration has an adjustable internal distance of 2.5 to 90 centimeters.

23. The retractor of claim 1, wherein rounded angle of the frame segment is approximately 90 degrees.

24. The retractor of claim 1, wherein 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 retractor blades are coupled to the retractor frame.

25. The retractor of claim 1, wherein 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 retractor blades are comprised so they may become decoupled from the retractor frame.

26. The retractor of claim 1, wherein at least one retractor blade is coupled to a connector.

27. The retractor of claim 1, wherein at least one retractor blade coupled to a frame segment.

28. The retractor of claim 1, wherein at least one retractor blade is configured to be moveable along the retractor frame.

29. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor is coupled to a bed frame.

30. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor is attached to patient after being expanded.

31. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor is configured for human surgical retraction.

32. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the retractor is configured for veterinary surgical retraction.

33. A surgical retractor frame segment comprising a first and second substantially straight and substantially parallel, with respect to each other, arm portions connected by a substantially straight middle portion, the middle portion being connected to each substantially straight arm portion by a curve portion, the frame segment having a top and bottom face with an inner edge and an outer edge.

34. The frame segment of claim 33, further comprising one or more expansion stops that can be reversibly connected to the top or bottom face of the frame segment at or near one or both ends of the frame segment.

35. A surgical retractor connector comprising a body forming two or more lumens, each lumen configured to receive substantially straight arm portions of two adjacent frame segments, a ratchet mechanism configured to interact with at least one edge of a frame segment when inserted into the connector lumen, wherein the connector can be in (i) an unlocked configuration that allows the substantially straight arm portions of the adjacent frame segments to move with respect to one another allowing the circumference of the frame to adjust or (ii) a locked configuration that fixes a substantially straight arm portion at a position relative to a substantially straight arm portion of the adjacent frame segment.

36. The connector of claim 35, further comprising a retractor blade positioned below the frame and forms an angle with the plane of the frame.

37. The connector of claim 36, wherein the retractor blade is affixed to the connector body.

38. The connector of claim 36, wherein the retractor blade is attached a retractor blade arm that is configured to be removeably connected to the connector body.

39. A method of using the surgical retractor of claim 1, comprising: inserting a contracted retractor of claim 1 in a wound or incision; and expanding the surgical retractor in one or more superior, inferior, or lateral direction to expose a body cavity; and locking the frame.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specification embodiments presented herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view illustration of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a bottom-up perspective illustration of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of an adjustable retractor assembly in a fully expanded configuration.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of a retractor blade assembly in isolation.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of a frame segment in isolation.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a focused perspective illustration of one embodiment of a surgical retractor connector in a surgical retractor assembly in a fully expanded configuration.

DESCRIPTION

[0034] Attachment of the surgical retractor described herein to an operating table or other support is not necessary, but can be an option, and therefore use of the surgical retractor described herein does not require involvement of any non-sterile member of the operating team. In addition, the lack of an obtrusive fixed metal frame allows the surgeon increased mobility and positioning at the sides of the patient during the operation. The system remains sterile, and its simple and rapid deployment can be applied to emergency and time sensitive situations.

[0035] The adjustable/expandable system comprising frame segments expanded on connectors or locking ratchet mechanisms allows full exposure of the surgical wound, as the ratchet mechanisms attached to the frame segments allow the wound to be maximally retracted. This design allows the incision to be retracted to its maximal possible dimensions, as it is not limited by the use of a pre-determined ring size (as in the Bookwalter retractor).

[0036] The expandable locking surgical retractor allows the subsequent attachment of multiple retractor blades to provide additional surgical exposure (similar to the Bookwalter retractor). The frame also allows the use of lighting options which attach directly to the frame, improving surgical visualization and illumination of deep wounds and/or spaces.

[0037] The surgical retractor described herein can comprise two frame segments forming a retractor frame by connecting the frame segments with a connector or retractor frame connector (see FIG. 9). In certain aspects the retractor comprises two frame segments joined by two connectors. In certain embodiments a segment will have two substantially straight arm portions joined by a middle portion having a curved portion connecting each substantially straight arm portion, forming a U-shaped frame segment (see FIG. 8). The segments are configured to be assembled to form a rounded polygon, e.g., rounded rectangular, frame. Each segment comprises a top and bottom surface/face with an inner edge facing the inside of the assembled frame and an outer facing outward.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a surgical retractor frame in an exploded view. In certain embodiments the frame comprises two frame segments 100. Each frame segment 100 has two arm portions 120 and 122 connected by a middle portion 121. Frame segments are connected using connector 103. The frame segments can have teeth or grooves 105 along one or more edges, and/or ridges or grooves (105 or 106) along one or more face. In certain aspects the inner edge of frame segment 100 is configured to interact with connector 103, connector 103 can have ratchet mechanism 104 and portions of the frame segment 100 can have ratchet teeth 105 and/or 106 along an edge and/or a face of the frame segment. The inner edge faces the interior of the opening formed by assembly of frame segments 100. In other aspects frame segments 100 can have notches, grooves, or teeth 105 and/or 106 that can be utilized for securing attachments and the like. In certain aspects notches, grooves, or teeth 106 can be positioned in the outer edge of segment 100, the upper face of segment 100, the lower face of segment 100, or combinations thereof. Arm portions (also referred to as substantially straight arm portions herein) 120 and 122 of separate frame segments can be connected by connector 103. In certain embodiments connector 103 comprises a ratchet mechanism 104 that interacts with ratchet teeth 105 to adjustably secure arm portions 120 and 122 and allowing expansion and contraction of the assembled frame as well as stabilizing the frame once a desired configuration is achieved. In certain aspects a retractor blade connector 107 can have a fixed or removable retractor blade 108. In certain aspects the frame segment 100 has an expansion stop 109 that protrudes from the face of the frame segment and stops the expansion of the arm portions through the connector. The expansion stop can be a screw, a clip, a pin, or other mechanism that is configured to not allow the frame segment to pass through connector 103.

[0039] With further reference to FIG. 1, the retractor blades 108 can be configured to move up and down with respect to the frame. In this embodiment retractor blade connector 107 can be configured to provide for movement of retractor blade. Retractor blade connector 107 can be fixed to the frame using a retractor blade connector locking mechanism 110. The mechanism can include a screw, pin, spring loaded pin or similar adjustable locking mechanisms. Retractor blade connector 107 can be configured to receive the proximal portion (111) of a retractor blade. The proximal portion of the retractor blade can be reversibly locked by using a retractor blade locking mechanism 112. The proximal portion of the retractor can form a retractor blade locking mechanism receiver. The locking mechanism receiver can be a notch, a hole, a cavity or other structure to receive the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is engaged the retractor blade is reversibly fixed at that particular position. If one wanted to adjust the retractor blade one would disengage locking mechanism, move the retractor blade to a new position, and fix that position by engaging locking mechanism with the locking mechanism receiver.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an assembled retractor frame. Connectors 203 are configured with a release/locking mechanism that allows a person to release frame segment 200 and allow expansion or contraction of the frame as well as providing a locking mechanism to secure the segments in place when desired. In certain aspects connectors 203 comprise a locking, ratchet mechanism 204. In another embodiment the frame segment has a stop mechanism 209 that will stop the expansion of the frame at a selected point. The expansion stop is an elevated portion that cannot pass through the connector resulting the stopping of the frame expansion at the point to the expansion stop. The expansion stop can be a screw or a pin that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. Typically, the expansion stop would be engaged during use to prevent over extension. In certain embodiments not only does the frame have a mechanism for adjustment, but so does the retractor blade portion 208 of the device (212). Retractor blade 208 can have a portion that is proximal to the frame (proximal portion 211) that passes through retractor blade connector 207 and can engage a retractor blade locking mechanism 210 to be reversibly fixed in position. Reversibly fixed means that it will maintain its position until a locking mechanism is disengaged or the engagement is reversed allowing freedom of movement when disengaged. In certain aspects the proximal portion can have one or more locking mechanism receivers that receive the locking mechanism. Also shown in FIG. 2 are notches, grooves, or teeth (ratchet teeth 205 and/or grooves 206) that can be utilized for securing attachments or connectors and the like to the frame.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a top down view of the assembled frame showing frame segment connectors 303 connecting frame segments 300 with example of a frame locking mechanism 309 to secure the segments in place when desired. In certain aspects connectors 303 comprise a locking, ratchet mechanism 304. Also illustrated are frame segment stop mechanism 309. Retractor blade portions 308 are shown with proximal portion 311 of the retractor blade is shown traversing retractor blade connector 307. Retractor blade 308 can be reversibly positioned on the frame using retractor blade locking mechanism 312 The retractor connector locking mechanism 312 is shown interacting with a locking pin 310 that fits in a groove 306. Also shown in FIG. 3 are notches, grooves, or teeth (ratchet teeth 305 and/or grooves 306) that can be utilized for securing attachments or connectors and the like to the frame.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a bottom up perspective view of the assembled frame showing frame segment connectors 403 connecting frame segments 400 with example of a frame locking mechanism 409 to secure the segments in place when desired. In certain aspects connectors 403 comprise a locking, ratchet mechanism 404. Also illustrated are frame segment stop mechanism 409. Retractor blade portions 408 are shown with proximal portion 411 of the retractor blade is shown traversing retractor blade connector 407. Retractor blade 408 can be reversibly positioned on the frame using retractor blade locking mechanism 412 The retractor connector locking mechanism 412 is shown interacting with a locking pin 410 that fits in a groove 406. Also shown in FIG. 4 are notches, grooves, or teeth (ratchet teeth 405 and/or grooves 406) that can be utilized for securing attachments or connectors and the like to the frame.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembled frame showing frame segment connectors 503 connecting frame segments 500 with example of a frame locking mechanism 504 to secure the segments in place when desired. In certain aspects connectors 503 comprise a locking, ratchet mechanism 504. Also illustrated are frame segment stop mechanism 509. Retractor blade portions 508 are shown with proximal portion 511 of the retractor blade is shown traversing retractor blade connector 507. Retractor blade 508 can be reversibly positioned on the frame using retractor blade locking mechanism 512 The retractor connector locking mechanism 512 is shown interacting with a locking pin 510 that fits in a groove 506. Also shown in FIG. 5 are notches, grooves, or teeth (grooves 506) that can be utilized for securing attachments or connectors and the like to the frame.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the assembled fully extended frame showing frame segment connectors 603 connecting frame segments 600 with example of a frame locking mechanism 604 to secure the segments in place when desired. In certain aspects connectors 603 comprise a locking, ratchet mechanism 604. Also illustrated are frame segment stop mechanism 609. Retractor blade portions 608 are shown with proximal portion 611 of the retractor blade is shown traversing retractor blade connector 607. Retractor blade 608 can be reversibly positioned on the frame using retractor blade locking mechanism 612 The retractor connector locking mechanism 612 is shown interacting with a locking pin 610 that fits in a groove 606. Also shown in FIG. 6 are notches, grooves, or teeth (ratchet notches 605 and grooves 606) that can be utilized for securing attachments or connectors and the like to the frame.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a retractor blade assembly in isolation. Retractor blade 708 are shown with proximal portion 711 of the retractor blade is shown traversing retractor blade connector 707. Retractor blade 708 can be reversibly positioned on the frame using retractor blade locking mechanism. The retractor connector locking pin 710 fits in a groove or other frame element.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows a frame segment in isolation. A frame segment has a first arm (substantially straight arm) portion 820 and a second arm (substantially straight arm) portion 822 connected by a middle portion 821. Each arm portion 820/822 of a frame segment is configured to interact with a connector in a way that allows assembly and adjustment of the assembled frame of the retractor. The inner edge of the arm portion can be configured to allow connector release/locking (e.g., ratchet 805). In certain aspects the outer edge can be configured to interact with the connector, alone or in combination with the inner edge, e.g., grooves 806. The middle portion 821 is the portion of the frame segment between the arm (substantially straight arm) portions 820. The middle portion 821 having curved portions 823 that connects the arm (substantially straight arm) portions 820/822 to the middle portion 821. In certain aspects, when there are two opposing U-shaped frame segments positioned to be moved apart to open an abdomen, for example, and the retractor configured to lock in place to prevent collapse as it is being expanded and a connector configured with one pawl for release of both frame segments then in this configuration the teeth on the frame segment for interacting with the pawl can be cut or configured in opposite directions to provide locking during expansion using a single pawl. In other aspects an individual pawl can be provided in the appropriate configuration so that the teeth need not be cut or positioned in opposite directions. Teeth on individual frame segments can be cut or configured in the same or counter directions so when the retractor is assembled the teeth are all pointing in opposite directions or in the same direction, respectively.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of frame segment connector (or connector) 903 and frame segment 900 assembly in isolation. Each connector 903 can have one or two receiving openings for receiving the arm portions of two frame segments (900a and 900b). In certain aspects opening can be offset, stacked, or side-by-side. In certain aspects the openings are offset. In other aspects the openings are stacked. In certain aspects a connector 903 has one opening (e.g., when a connector is a fixed, integral part of one end of a frame segment); or it can have two or more openings. In certain embodiments one frame segment is attached to two connectors, for example, the connector can be fixed to one or both ends of a frame segment. In other aspects one connector can be adjustably connected to two frame segments, for example the connector has one or two openings for receiving an arm portion of a first frame segment and an arm portion of a second frame segment. The frame segments can be attached, coupled, or connected through a shared connector. Connector 903 can comprise a ratchet(s) or pawl(s) 904, which are configured to ratchet in opposite directions. Ratchet(s) or pawl(s) 904 can be configured to interact with a toothed surface of two adjacent segments (e.g., 905a and 905b). The ratchet(s) or pawl(s) can be configured to allow the frame to be expanded by applying a force away from the centerpoint of the retractor without disengaging the ratchet. In other aspects the ratchet is configured to not allow contraction of the frame unless the ratchet is disengaged. Other release/locking mechanisms can be integrated into the current design, so the ratchet mechanism is just one example. The connector can include 1, 2, 3, or more ratchets or pawls configured to engage one or more frame segment. In certain aspects, the connector comprises individual ratchets or pawls configured to interact separately and/or independently with individual frame segments.

[0048] The position of the connector along a segment can be fixed by engaging a lock mechanism that can engage the teeth or grooves of a frame segment(s) for locking purposes. In other embodiments the connector can be integrated into one end of the frame segment, in this case the connector may only have one opening and one ratchet mechanism since the connector is fixed at one end of the segment.

[0049] A retractor blade need not be associated with the connector. A retractor blade or other implement can be fixed to one or more retractor blade connector or can be an accessory implement that attaches to the frame at positions other than the connector points. A plurality of retractor blades or other implements can be attached to the frame, in certain aspects 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more retractor blades and/or other implements can be attached to the frame. The only limiting factor for attachment is the space available along the frame and physical interference between attachments.

[0050] A frame segment comprises various regions or portions. A frame segment has a first arm (substantially straight arm) portion and a second arm (substantially straight arm) portion connected by a middle portion. Each arm portion of a frame segment is configured to interact with a connector in a way that allows assembly and adjustment of the assembled frame of the retractor. The inner edge of the arm portion can be configured to allow connector release/locking. In certain aspects the outer edge can be configured to interact with the connector, alone or in combination with the inner edge. The middle portion is the portion of the frame segment between the arm portions. The middle portion has a curved portion that connects the arm portions to the middle portion. The curve portion forms an angle between the arm portions and the middle portion. The curve portion can be characterized by the angle formed between the long axis of an arm portion and middle portion. In certain aspects this angle is between 85 and 95 degrees. In certain aspects the segment angle is or is about 90 degrees.

[0051] The frame segment, connector, and retractor blade can be metallic, metallic alloy, plastic, or combination thereof. In certain aspects the retractor is made of material that can be autoclaved or otherwise sterilized (e.g., irradiated, etc.). The frame segment can be a formed rod (having a bend or angle) with circular, oval, square, or rectangular cross section. The connectors are configured to receive and reversibly engage the frame segments of the frame. The segments are coupled connectors to form a retractor frame. Each connector couples two segments.