Surgical retractor systems and methods

Abstract

Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A handheld retractor comprising:
 first and second handles;   first and second arms respectively associated with the first and second handles;   a pivotal connection between the first and second handles and the first and second arms;   first and second universal mounts respectively associated with the first and second arms, the first and second universal mounts each comprising an interface member coupled to a rotatable shaft, wherein the interface member comprises a distal surface having a plurality of protrusions and receptacles; and   first and second blade members each comprising a connector body and a blade extending therefrom, the connector body having an internal cavity configured to reversibly receive the rotatable shaft therein, wherein the first and second blade members comprise a plurality of protrusions and receptacles configured to intermesh with the plurality of protrusions and receptacles of the interface member.   
     
     
         2 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , wherein a pivot point is located on each of the first and second arms that allow the first and second handles to be angled relative to the blades, thereby conforming to a patient's anatomy. 
     
     
         3 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld retractor provides for radial movement of the blades. 
     
     
         4 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring-loaded button mechanism configured to lock the first and second blade members to the first and second universal mounts, respectively, at any desired position. 
     
     
         5 . The handheld retractor of  claim 4 , wherein the spring-loaded button mechanism includes a depressable button and a spring positioned within a cavity in the button. 
     
     
         6 . The handheld retractor of  claim 5 , wherein a spring is provided within a cavity in the universal mount, such that when the blade member is unlocked, the spring is configured to cause the blade member to eject off the rotatable shaft and separate from the universal mount. 
     
     
         7 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable shaft comprises a circumferential groove on an exterior surface thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld retractor provides for parallel movement of the blades. 
     
     
         9 . The handheld retractor of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first connector disposed between the first and second arms; and   a second connector disposed between the first and second arms,   wherein the first and second connectors are configured to maintain the parallel movement of the blades.   
     
     
         10 . The handheld retractor of  claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second connectors includes a first end pivotally coupled to a first portion of a respective one of the first and second arms and a second end slidably mated with an elongate opening in a second portion of a respective one of the first and second arms. 
     
     
         11 . The handheld retractor of  claim 8 , further comprising a lever pivotally coupled to an end one of the first or second handles and ratchetably engageable with the other one of the first or second handles. 
     
     
         12 . The handheld retractor of  claim 1 , further comprising etch marks disposed on the first and second blade members and on distal ends of the first and second universal mounts to indicate when the first and second blade members are in a vertical position.