Enhanced Lateral Retractor System for Spine Surgery
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept discloses a lateral retractor system with improved stability, visibility, ease of use, and robustness for spine surgical procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
Current lateral spine surgical procedures often involve retractor systems that compromise patient safety, surgical visibility, and procedural efficiency. The original patent, 'Lateral retractor system and methods of use', addressed some of these limitations but still had inherent drawbacks. The new inventive concept builds upon the original patent to provide a more comprehensive solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced lateral retractor system comprises a reinforced structural frame, improved joint mechanisms, and adjustable blades with enhanced tissue protection features. The system also includes a transparent or translucent blade for improved visibility, automatic locking mechanisms for ease of use, and quick-release attachment features for efficient blade exchange. Additionally, the modular design and reinforced joints ensure enhanced robustness.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a reinforced structural frame, improved joint mechanisms, and adjustable blades with enhanced tissue protection features, which are not present in the original patent. These enhancements provide a significant improvement in stability, visibility, ease of use, and robustness, making the inventive concept novel and non-obvious.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the blade material, shape, and size, as well as different locking mechanisms and attachment features. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other surgical procedures beyond spine surgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced lateral retractor system has significant commercial potential in the spine surgery market, where improved patient safety, surgical efficiency, and reduced complications are highly valued. The system could be marketed to hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device companies, offering a competitive advantage in the market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0206 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/025 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7079 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0256 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical Instrumentation, specifically lateral spine surgical retractor systems, involving biomechanical design, surgical device engineering, and minimally invasive surgical technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical instrument designer with expertise in orthopedic/spine surgical devices, familiar with mechanical design principles, material science, and surgical workflow optimization
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental retractor design, utilizing standard engineering approaches to address known limitations in surgical retraction technologies. The modifications involve well-understood mechanical and ergonomic improvements that would be apparent to someone skilled in surgical instrument design. The PTD's variations represent incremental advancements that extend the source patent's core mechanical concepts through routine design optimization.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,173 |
|---|---|
| Title | Lateral retractor system and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc. |