EP0792620A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Access platform for internal mammary dissection
Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems LLC
•
Filing: 1997-02-20
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2017-02-20
Abstract
Abstract An access platform (10) having a first and a second blade (50,51) interconnected to a spreader member (12) that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad (80,81) interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor (70,71) is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S. Taylor
- 👤 William N. Aldrich
- 👤 Federico J. Benetti
- 👤 Richard M. Ferrari
- 👤 Robert G. Matheny
- 👤 Dwight P. Morejohn
- 👤 Brent Regan
- 👤 Eugene E. Reis
- 👤 Ivan Sepetka
- 👤 William F. Witt
- 👤 Richard S. Ginn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 07:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B17/3423; A61B17/02; A61B17/0206; A61B90/00; A61B90/50; A61B17/025; A61B17/3476; A61B2017/3427; A61B2017/348; A61B2017/3482; A61B2017/349
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 196
Claim 1
Independent Claim
35 words
An surgical access platform comprising a spreader member, a first blade, a second blade interconnected to said spreader member, and a bi-directional vertical displacement member operably interconnected to said first blade and said spreader member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, further comprising a support pad interconnected to said first blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 2, wherein said support pad in adjustably interconnected to said first blade.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, further comprising a first support pad and a second support pad interconnected to said first and second blades respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, wherein said spreader member further comprises a hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 5, wherein said hub further comprises an upper hub rotatably connected to a lower hub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 5, wherein said hub further comprises a ratchet mechanism operably interconnecting a first hub member to a second hub member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 5, wherein said hub further comprises a harmonic gear assembly operably interconnecting a first hub member to a second hub member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 6, further comprising first and second spreader arms extending from said upper and lower hubs respectively.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, wherein said spreader member further comprises a rack and pinion assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 10, wherein said rack and pinion assembly further comprises a pinion housing slidably received over a rack of said rack and pinion assembly, and interconnected to said first blade, and a pinion wrench rotatably received in said pinion housing and operably connected to said rack.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said spreader member includes a block and tackle drive mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical access platform of claim 12 wherein said block and tackle mechanism includes a clutch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical access platform of claim 13 wherein said clutch comprises a clutch housing, a cylindrical capstand rotatably mounted in said clutch housing, and a hub releasably coupled to and coaxially mounted within said capstand.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
92 words
The surgical access platform of claim 14 wherein said clutch further comprises first and second dowel pins extending longitudinally along the exterior of said hub, said first and second dowel pins being partially captured in first and second recesses along the interior of said capstand, and partially captured within a slot bored through said hub, and a spring mechanism positioned within said slot of said hub and interposed between said first and second dowel pins, said spring mechanism biasing said dowel pins outwardly into said first and second recesses of said capstand.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein the spreader member further comprises a gear driven lead screw having first and second portions with oppositely wound threads thereon, and first and second drive blocks operably interconnected to said first and second portions of said gear driven lead screw and said first and second blade arms.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
94 words
The surgical access platform of claim 8 further comprising a spreader base, said hub and said harmonic gear drive being mounted in said spreader base, first and second blade arms connected to said first and second blades, first and second blade arm mounts pivotally coupled to said first and second blade arms, first and second spreader links pivotally coupled to said first and second spreader arms and first and second blade arm mounts, respectively, and first and second guide links pivotally connected to said first and second blade arm mounts and said spreader base.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said spreader member comprises first and second blade arms connected to said first and second blades, a lead screw, a carrier threadably mounted on said lead screw, and a plurality of links pivotally connected to said carrier and said inferior and superior blade arms.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said spreader member comprises first and second blade arms connected to said first and second blades, said first and second blade arms being pivotally connected, first and second curved racks formed on said first and second blade arms, and first and second pinions operably coupled to said first and second curved racks and to one another.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, wherein said first blade further comprises an elongated vane.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 20, wherein said first blade further comprises a recessed throat.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, wherein said vertical displacement member further comprises a first member operably connected to a second member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 22, wherein said first member further comprises a reduction gear.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 22, wherein said first member further comprises a ratchet mechanism.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 22, wherein said first and second members further comprises a rack and pinion assembly.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 25, wherein said rack and pinion assembly comprises a curved rack.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
75 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 22, further comprising first and second elongated stanchions operably coupled to and slidably received in first and second positioners, said first positioner and said first stanchion being adjustable in a lateral direction relative to said second positioner and second stanchion, said first stanchion being adjustably coupled in a lateral direction to said second stanchion, and said first and second blades being rotatably coupled to said first and second stanchions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
53 words
The surgical access platform of claim 27, further comprising a pinion housing slidably coupled to said second stanchion, and a rack connected to said first stanchion and extending laterally from said first stanchion, said rack being slidably received in said pinion housing and operably coupled to a pinion mounted in said pinion housing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
The surgical access platform of claim 28, further comprising first and second torsional members mounted adjacent the top of said first and second stanchions, and first and second blade arms extending outwardly from said first and second torsional members and connecting to said first and second blades.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said vertical displacement member comprises a lead screw operably interconnected to said first blade and said spreader member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The surgical access platform of claim 30 wherein said vertical displacement member further comprises first and second links pivotally interconnected to said spreader member and said first blade, and a carrier operably coupled to said lead screw and pivotally connected to said second link.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of claim 31 wherein said second blade is translatably coupled to said spreader member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical access platform of claim 22 wherein said first and second members comprise a worm gear operably connected to a curved worm gear rack, said worm gear rack being interconnected to said first blade.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical access platform of claim 33 wherein said spreader member further comprises a base and a drive block translatably mounted thereon, said worm gear rack being pivotally captured by said drive block.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical access platform of claim 34 further comprising a carrier extending from said base, a first shaft being threaded through said carrier and rotatably captured by said drive block, and a second shaft being rotatably received in said first shaft and having first and second ends extending outwardly therefrom, said worm gear being connected to the first end of said second shaft.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, further comprising a tissue retractor operably interconnected to said first blade.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 1, further comprising a blade arm extending from said first blade and operably connected to said vertical displacement member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 37, further comprising a tissue retractor pivotally connected to said blade arm and connected to said first blade.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
The surgical access platform of claim 38 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a retractor arm rotatably coupled at a first end to said blade arm, a spindle extending outwardly from a second end of said retractor arm, and an elastic sheet attached to and extending between said spindle and said first blade.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical access platform of claim 36 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a flexible ring and an elastic sheet connected to said first blade and said flexible ring.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of claim 36 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a plurality of interconnected fingers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of claim 41 wherein said plurality of fingers are formed from annealed steel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
48 words
The surgical access platform of claim 41 further comprising a positioner mounted to said first blade and rotatably coupled to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said plurality of interconnected fingers being freely rotatable in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction by said positioner.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical access platform of claim 43 wherein said positioner comprises an elongated base mounted to said first blade, a guide attaching to said base and extending along said base, a brake radially extending from said guide and extending along said base, and a sleeve interconnected to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said sleeve being rotatably mounted over said guide and said brake.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical access platform of claim 44, wherein said positioner further comprises a flexure interconnecting said guide to said brake.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
50 words
The surgical access platform of claim 45, wherein said guide comprises a central portion integrally formed with said base and outer portions formed in a spaced relation with said base, and wherein said positioner further comprises a tab extending upwardly from said brake adjacent said central portion of said guide.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The surgical access platform of claim 46, wherein said brake is generally pie-shaped and includes a radius that is sized to direct said brake into contact with said sleeve to inhibit the rotation of said sleeve in the second direction.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said first blade is convertible from a spreader type blade to a lifting type blade.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical access platform of claim 48 wherein said first blade further comprises a slot formed therein, and an elongated vane member foldably received within said slot.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical access platform of claim 48 wherein said first blade comprises a slot formed therein, and a flexible and extensible elongated vane member slidably received within said slot.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical access platform of claim 50, wherein said extensible flexible vane member is flexible in a first direction and comprises a restraint to prevent flexing in a second direction.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
108 words
The surgical access platform of claim 48 wherein said first blade comprises a spreader blade member having a groove formed in an upper portion and a tongue extending from a lower portion, and an offset blade member detachably coupled to said spreader blade member, said offset blade member comprising a throat section having a recess formed therein, a tongue extending from an upper portion of said recess to mate with said groove of said spreader blade member, a groove formed in a lower portion of said recess to mate with said tongue of said spreader blade member, and an elongated vane portion extending outwardly from said throat section.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said first blade includes a forced tapering flexible edge extending from and coupled to said first blade via a tongue and groove type connector.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said first blade comprises a tissue retractor formed integrally therewith.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said first blade comprises a plurality of access mounts formed on a back side of said superior blade.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a heart stabilizer mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a malleable shaft blower mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a flexible blower and hose coupled to one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a suction boot mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a surgical clip mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of claim 55 further comprising a light source mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
40 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 further comprising a blade arm coupled to said first blade, a surgical clip, a mount coupled to said blade arm, and a stem extending from said mount and connecting to said surgical clip.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical access platform of claim 62 further comprising an intermediate mounting block interposed between said mount and said blade arm, and coupled to said blade arm.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of claim 63 wherein said intermediate mounting block comprises input ports to provide access to sources of suction, aeration and electrical power.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical access platform of claim 64 wherein said intermediate mounting block further comprises output lumens to interconnect surgical tools to sources of suction, aeration and electrical power interconnected to said input ports.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 further comprising a light panel electrically coupled to a light source and mounted to said first blade and a blade arm extending from said first blade.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of claim 66 wherein said light panel comprises a light directing contoured surface.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein a blade arm extending from said first blade comprises a universal port providing access to sources of electrical power, aeration and suction.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical access platform of claim 68 wherein said blade arm further comprises an on/off switch coupled to said universal port.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical access platform of claim 69 wherein said on/off switch operably locks a universal connector in an engaged position with said universal port.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
81 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 wherein said first blade comprises an embedded electrical source extending along a back side of said first blade, a first dovetail slot extending along the backside of said first blade, a slide slidably received in said first dovetail slot, said slide comprising a second dovetail slot formed therein, and a connector received in said second dovetail slot, said connector including a push button that electrically couples a surgical tool to said embedded electrical source.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
61 words
The surgical access platform of claim 1 further comprising first and second blade arms connected to said first and second blades, and a suture holder coupled to said first and second blade arms, said suture holder surrounding an access area between said first and second blades when said first and second blades are positioned within an incision in a patient's chest.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical access platform of claim 72 wherein said suture holder is constructed from felt.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical access platform of claim 72 wherein the suture holder is constructed from foam.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical access platform of claim 73 wherein the suture holder is constructed from rubber.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
41 words
A surgical access platform comprising a spreader member, and a first blade and a second blade pivotally interconnected to said spreader member, said first and second blades being capable of rotating about an axis of rotation parallel to said spreader member.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical access platform of claim 76, further comprising a vertical displacement member interposed between and operably connected to said first blade and said spreader member.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical access platform of claim 76 further comprising a vertical displacement member including a parallelly disposed first and second lead screws rotatably coupled to said first blade and threadably coupled to said second blade.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
69 words
The surgical access platform of claim 78 further comprising first and second blade arms pivotally coupled to said first and second blades, a first lift mount mounted on said first blade arm and threadably coupled to said first lead screw, a lift mount arm extending upwardly from said first blade, and a second lift mount mounted on said lift mount arm and threadably coupled to said second lead screw.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical access platform of claim 79 further comprising first and second links pivotally coupled to and interposing said first and second blade arms and said spreader member.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical access platform of claim 76, further comprising first and second telescoping arms interposed between and releasably attached to said first and second blades.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
50 words
The surgical access platform of claim 76, further comprising a rib-offset pry bar releasably coupled to said first blade, said pry bar comprising a pry blade, an elongated body pivotally attached to said pry blade at one end of said body, and a sternal pad slidably received on said body.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
75 words
The surgical access platform of claim 76, wherein said spreader member comprises a rack, a pinion housing slidably received over said rack, and a spreader base attached to one end of said rack, wherein said first blade is pivotally interconnected to said pinion housing, and said second blade is pivotally interconnected to said spreader base, said first and second blades being capable of rotating about an axis of rotation that is parallel to said rack.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
43 words
The surgical surgical access platform of claim 76, further comprising a first blade arm attached to said first blade and pivotally connected to said spreader member, and a second blade arm attached to said second blade and pivotally connected to said spreader member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
108 words
The surgical access platform of claim 84, further comprising a first link interposing said first blade arm and said spreader member, said first link being pivotally connected to said spreader member at a first end and pivotally connected to said first blade arm at a second end, and a second link interposing said second blade arm and said spreader base, said second link being pivotally connected to said spreader base at a first end and pivotally connected to said second blade arm at a second end, said first and second blades being capable of rotating about two parallel axes of rotation that are parallel to said spreader member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 76, further comprising a tissue retractor operably interconnected to said first blade.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
71 words
The surgical access platform of Claim 84, further comprising a tissue retractor pivotally connected to said first blade arm and connected to said first blade, wherein said tissue retractor comprises a retractor arm rotatably coupled at a first end to said first blade arm, a spindle extending outwardly from a second end of said retractor arm, and an elastic sheet attached to and extending between said spindle and said first blade.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical access platform of claim 86 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a flexible ring and an elastic sheet connected to said first blade and said flexible ring.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of claim 86 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a plurality of interconnected fingers.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical access platform of claim 89 wherein said plurality of fingers are formed from annealed steel.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
48 words
The surgical access platform of claim 90 further comprising a positioner mounted to said first blade and rotatably coupled to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said plurality of interconnected fingers being freely rotatable in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction by said positioner.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical access platform of claim 91 wherein said positioner comprises an elongated base mounted to said first blade, a guide attaching to said base and extending along said base, a brake radially extending from said guide and extending along said base, and a sleeve interconnected to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said sleeve being rotatably mounted over said guide and said brake.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical access platform of claim 92, wherein said positioner further comprises a flexure interconnecting said guide to said brake.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
50 words
The surgical access platform of claim 93, wherein said guide comprises a central portion integrally formed with said base and outer portions formed in a spaced relation with said base, and wherein said positioner further comprises a tab extending upwardly from said brake adjacent said central portion of said guide.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
40 words
The surgical access platform of claim 94, wherein said brake is generally pie-shaped and includes a radius that is sized to direct said brake into contact with said sleeve to inhibit the rotation of said sleeve in the second direction.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
54 words
A surgical access platform comprising a rack, first and second blades operably interconnected to said rack, a housing operably connected to said rack and interconnected to said first blade, a support pad pivotally attached to said housing, and a vertical displacement lever pivotally attached to said rack and slidably mounted on said support pad.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
84 words
The surgical access platform of claim 96, further comprising a base attached to said rack, a first blade arm interconnecting said first blade to said first housing, said first blade arm extending downwardly from said first housing and offset at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to said rack, and a second blade arm interconnecting said second blade to said base, said second blade arm extending downwardly from said base and offset at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to said rack.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical access platform of claim 97 further comprising a spring loaded lock lever pivotally attached to said housing and operably coupled to said rack.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
75 words
An access platform comprising a spreader member, an inferior blade, an inferior blade arm connected to said spreader member and said inferior blade, a superior blade, and a superior blade arm connected to said superior blade and pivotally coupled to said spreader member at a pivot positioned above said superior blade, said superior blade being freely upwardly rotatable as a spreading force from said inferior blade is transmitted to said superior blade through said pivot.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
40 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a sternal pad, and a sternal pad arm attached to said sternal pad at a first end and rotatably coupled to said superior blade arm adjacent said pivot at a second end.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
35 words
The access platform of claim 100 further comprising a ratchet formed on said superior blade arm adjacent said pivot, and a pawl pivotally mounted on said sternal pad arm and operably coupled to said ratchet.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
43 words
The access platform of claim 101 further comprising a drive block operably coupled to said spreader member, and a cylindrical shaft extending from said drive block, said superior blade arm and said sternal pad arm being rotatably and releasably mounted on said shaft.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
39 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a compression shoe, and a shoe arm attached to said compression shoe at a first end and rotatably coupled at a second end to said superior blade arm adjacent said pivot.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
53 words
The access platform of claim 103 further comprising a pinion housing operably coupled to said spreader member and having a moveable pivot extending therefrom, a cylindrical stem extending from said superior blade arm, said stem being rotatably received in said moveable pivot, and said sternal pad arm being rotatably mounted on said stem.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
23 words
The access platform of claim 104 further comprising a moveable pivot lock mounted on said shoe arm and operably connected to said stem.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
56 words
The access platform of claim 103, further comprising first and second blade arms interconnected to said spreader member, said first blade arm being attached to said first blade and said second blade arm being attached to said second blade, and a shoe arm attached to said compression shoe and pivotally connected to said first blade arm.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
43 words
The access platform of claim 106, wherein each of said first and second blade arms comprise a first portion extending upwardly from said first and second blades respectively and a second portion extending from said first portion and connecting to said spreader member.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
36 words
The access platform of claim 107, wherein said first portion of said first blade arm extends higher vertically from said first blade than said first portion of said second blade arm extends from said second blade.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
28 words
The access platform of claim 105 further comprising a vertical displacement member connected to said spreader member and operably interconnected to said compression shoe and said shoe arm.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
32 words
The access platform of claim 109 further comprising an offset link attached to said spreader member, and an adjustable offset drive screw operably connected to said offset link and said shoe arm.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
40 words
The access platform of claim 110 further comprising first and second spaced apart fingers formed in an end of said offset link opposite said spreader member, and a bushing rotatably captured by and extending between said first and second fingers.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
32 words
The access platform of claim 111 further comprising a boss extending from said shoe arm, said boss having a recess adapted to receive a hemispherical end of said adjustable offset drive screw.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
59 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said spreader member comprises a drive base, said inferior blade arm extending from said drive base, a drive shaft operably coupled to said drive base, said superior blade arm being pivotally interconnected and operably coupled to said drive shaft, and a first handle attached to a first end of said drive shaft.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
65 words
The access platform of claim 113 further comprising a second handle rotatably coupled to said drive base and threadably connected to said drive shaft, and a carrier threadably connected to said drive shaft and translatably connected to said drive base and said drive shaft, said carrier and said second handle having oppositely wound threads, and said superior blade arm being pivotally interconnected to said carrier.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
70 words
The access platform of claim 114 further comprising a carrier arm extending upwardly and outwardly from said carrier, a branch extending from said superior blade arm, said branch being pivotally captured by said carrier arm at said pivot positioned above said superior blade, and a tab extending downwardly from said branch of said superior blade arm and operably contacting a second end of said drive shaft extending beyond said carrier.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
27 words
The access platform of claim 115 further comprising a sternal pad, and a sternal pad arm extending from said drive base and connecting to said sternal pad.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
47 words
The access platform of claim 116 further comprising a bearing support extending upwardly from said drive base, and a bearing coupled to said bearing support, said second handle being rotatably coupled to said bearing, said drive shaft being slidably received through said bearing and said bearing support.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
28 words
The access platform of claim 117 wherein said bearing support, drive base, inferior blade, inferior blade arm, sternal pad and sternal pad arm are formed from one-piece construction.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
26 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a sternal pad, a sternal pad arm extending from said spreader member and connecting to said sternal pad.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
81 words
The access platform of claim 119 further comprising an offset stanchion extending upwardly from said sternal pad arm, said superior blade arm being pivotally mounted to said offset stanchion at said pivot located above said superior blade, a compression member extending from said offset stanchion, a counter-lift tab extending from said superior blade arm adjacent said offset stanchion in spaced relation with said compression member, and an offset spring interposing and operably coupling to said compression member and said counter-lift tab.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
The access platform of claim 120 wherein said inferior blade arm is translatably coupled to said spreader member.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
24 words
The access platform of claim 120 wherein said compression member is pivotally connected to said offset stanchion and adjustably interconnected to said spreader member.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
25 words
The access platform of claim 122 further comprising an offset lead screw threadably connected to said compression member and rotatably interconnected to said spreader member.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
16 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a tissue retractor mounted to said superior blade.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
16 words
The access platform of claim 124 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a plurality of interconnected fingers.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
47 words
The access platform of claim 125 further comprising a positioner mounted to said superior blade and rotatably coupled to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said plurality of interconnected fingers being freely rotatable in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction by said positioner.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
62 words
The access platform of claim 126 wherein said positioner comprises an elongated base mounted to said superior blade, a guide attaching to said base and extending along said base, a brake radially extending from said guide and extending along said base, and a sleeve interconnected to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said sleeve being rotatably mounted over said guide and said brake.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
19 words
The access platform of claim 127, wherein said positioner further comprises a flexure interconnecting said guide to said brake.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
49 words
The access platform of claim 128, wherein said guide comprises a central portion integrally formed with said base and outer portions formed in a spaced relation with said base, and wherein said positioner further comprises a tab extending upwardly from said brake adjacent said central portion of said guide.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
39 words
The access platform of claim 129, wherein said brake is generally pie-shaped and includes a radius that is sized to direct said brake into contact with said sleeve to inhibit the rotation of said sleeve in the second direction.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
52 words
The access platform of claim 124 wherein said tissue retractor comprises a retractor arm rotatably coupled at a first end to said superior blade arm, a spindle extending outwardly from a second end of said retractor arm, and an elastic sheet attached to and extending between said spindle and said superior blade.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
17 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said spreader member includes a block and tackle drive mechanism.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
15 words
The access platform of claim 132 wherein said block and tackle mechanism includes a clutch.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
34 words
The access platform of claim 133 wherein said clutch comprises a clutch housing, a cylindrical capstand rotatably mounted in said clutch housing, and a hub releasably coupled to and coaxially mounted within said capstand.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
91 words
The access platform of claim 134 wherein said clutch further comprises first and second dowel pins extending longitudinally along an exterior of said hub, said first and second dowel pins being partially captured in first and second recesses along an interior of said capstand, and partially captured within a slot bored through said hub, and a spring mechanism positioned within said slot of said hub and interposed between said first and second dowel pins, said spring mechanism biasing said dowel pins outwardly into said first and second recesses of said capstand.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
54 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein the spreader member further comprises a gear driven lead screw having first and second portions with oppositely wound threads thereon, and first and second drive blocks operably interconnected to said first and second portions of said gear driven lead screw and said inferior and superior blade arms.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
91 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said spreader member comprises a spreader base, an harmonic gear drive mounted in said spreader base, first and second spreader arms coupled to said harmonic gear drive, first and second blade arm mounts pivotally coupled to said inferior and superior blade arms, first and second spreader links pivotally coupled to said first and second spreader arms and first and second blade arm mounts, respectively, and first and second guide links pivotally connected to said first and second blade arm mounts and said spreader base.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
39 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said spreader member comprises a lead screw, a carrier threadably mounted on said lead screw, and a plurality of links pivotally connected to said carrier and said inferior and superior blade arms.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
22 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade is convertible from a spreader type blade to a lifting type blade.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
26 words
The access platform of claim 139 wherein said superior blade further comprises a slot formed therein, and an elongated vane member foldably received within said slot.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
28 words
The access platform of claim 139 wherein said superior blade comprises a slot formed therein, and a flexible and extensible elongated vane member slidably received within said slot.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
29 words
The access platform of claim 141, wherein said extensible flexible vane member is flexible in a first direction and comprises a restraint to prevent flexing in a second direction.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
107 words
The access platform of claim 139 wherein said superior blade comprises a spreader blade member having a groove formed in an upper portion and a tongue extending from a lower portion, and an offset blade member detachably coupled to said spreader blade member, said offset blade member comprising a throat section having a recess formed therein, a tongue extending from an upper portion of said recess to mate with said groove of said spreader blade member, a groove formed in a lower portion of said recess to mate with said tongue of said spreader blade member, and an elongated vane portion extending out from the throat section.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
31 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade includes a forced tapering flexible edge extending from and coupled to said superior blade via a tongue and groove type connector.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
17 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade comprises a tissue retractor formed integrally therewith.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
25 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade comprises a plurality of access mounts formed on a back side of said superior blade.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
20 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a heart stabilizer mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
21 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a malleable shaft blower mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
22 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a flexible blower and hose coupled to one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
20 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a suction boot mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
20 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a surgical clip mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
20 words
The access platform of claim 146 further comprising a light source mounted in one of said plurality of access mounts.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
32 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a surgical clip, a mount coupled to said superior blade arm, and a stem extending from said mount and connecting to said surgical clip.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
28 words
The access platform of claim 153 further comprising an intermediate mounting block interposed between said mount and said superior blade arm, and coupled to said superior blade arm.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
25 words
The access platform of claim 154 wherein said intermediate mounting block comprises input ports to provide access to sources of suction, aeration and electrical power.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
32 words
The access platform of claim 155 wherein said intermediate mounting block further comprises output lumens to interconnect surgical tools to sources of suction, aeration and electrical power interconnected to said input ports.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
28 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a light panel electrically coupled to a light source and mounted to said superior blade and said superior blade arm.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
16 words
The access platform of claim 157 wherein said light panel comprises a light directing contoured surface.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
26 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade arm comprises a universal port to provide access to sources of electrical power, aeration and suction.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
21 words
The access platform of claim 159 wherein said superior blade arm further comprises an on/off switch coupled to said universal port.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
23 words
The access platform of claim 160 wherein said on/off switch operably locks a universal connector in an engaged position with said universal port.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
80 words
The access platform of claim 99 wherein said superior blade comprises an embedded electrical source extending along a back side of said superior blade, a first dovetail slot extending along the backside of said superior blade, a slide slidably received in said first dovetail slot, said slide comprising a second dovetail slot formed therein, and a connector received in said second dovetail slot, said connector including a push button that electrically couples a surgical tool to said embedded electrical source.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
47 words
The access platform of claim 99 further comprising a suture holder coupled to said inferior and superior blade arms, said suture holder surrounding an access area between said inferior and superior blades when said inferior and superior blades are positioned within an incision in a patient's chest.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
14 words
The access platform of claim 163 wherein said suture holder is constructed from felt.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
14 words
The access platform of claim 163 wherein the suture holder is constructed from foam.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
14 words
The access platform of claim 163 wherein the suture holder is constructed from rubber.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
41 words
A self-aligning access platform comprising first and second blades, a first blade arm connected to said first blade, a second blade arm operably coupled to said first blade arm, and a flexure interconnecting said second blade to said second blade arm.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
27 words
The self-aligning access platform of claim 167, further comprising first and second flexures forming a "V"-shaped blade mount interconnecting said second blade arm to said second blade.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
28 words
The self-aligning access platform of claim 167, further comprising a tension member connected to said second blade at a second flexure and interconnected to said second blade arm.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
28 words
A bladeless access platform comprising a tubular body having top and bottom edges, and a pair of elongated handles extending upwardly from the top of said tubular body.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bladeless access platform of claim 170 wherein said tubular body comprises sidewalls that are concave in shape.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
41 words
A bladeless access platform comprising a hollow conically shaped body having a first portion forming a tip, said first portion being releasably coupled to a second portion, and a plurality of threads formed on the exterior of said conically shaped body.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bladeless access platform of claim 172, wherein said conically shaped body further comprises a third portion releasably coupled to said second portion.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
24 words
The bladeless access platform of claim 173, further comprising splined connections that interconnect said second portion to said first portion and said third portion.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bladeless access platform of claim 173, further comprising locking tabs positioned within locking grooves formed within said second and third portions.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bladeless access platform of claim 173, further comprising finger or drive tool pockets formed in an interior of said first, second and third portions.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
61 words
An access platform comprising first and second blades, and an offset spreader assembly including a handle pivotally mounted at a first end to said first blade and at a midpoint to said second blade to spread and raise the second blade relative to the first blade in one motion, and a guide link pivotally connected to said first and second blades.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
47 words
The access platform of claim 177 wherein said handle of said offset spreader is "U"-shaped and is pivotally connected to said first and second blades adjacent opposing ends of said first and second blades, and a second guide link pivotally connected to said first and second blades.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
73 words
The access platform of claim 177, further comprising a first blade mount extending upwardly from said first blade and a second mount extending downwardly from said second blade, said first blade mount being pivotally mounted to said handle at a midpoint of said handle and said second blade mount being pivotally mounted to said handle at said first end, and said guide link being pivotally mounted to said first and second blade mounts.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
59 words
The access platform of claim 179, wherein said offset spreader assembly is releasably mounted to said first and second blades and further comprises a dovetail assembly comprising first and second tails formed in said first and second blade mounts, and first and second pins extending from said first and second blades to mate with said first and second tails.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
20 words
The access platform of claim 180, further comprising an offset positioner assembly releasably coupled to said first and second blades.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
49 words
The access platform of claim 181, wherein said offset positioner assembly further comprises first and second position mounts formed on said first and second blades, a positioning arm releasably coupled to said first and second position mounts, and a sternal pad and arm rotatably coupled to said positioning arm.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
30 words
The access platform of claim 182, further comprising a pawl pivotally coupled to said sternal pad arm and operably connected to a ratchet which is interconnected to said positioning arm.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
60 words
The access platform of claim 183, wherein said positioning arm further comprises first and second splined shafts extending from said positioner arm adjacent first and second ends of said positioning arm, said splined shafts being received in and discreetly coupled to first and second splined holes formed in said first and second position mounts on said first and second blades.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tissue retractor comprising a hub, an arm extending from said hub, and an elastic sheet interconnected to said arm.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue retractor of Claim 185, further comprising a spindle extending from said arm and connected to said sheet.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
44 words
A tissue retractor comprising a positioner mountable to a retractor blade, a plurality of interconnected fingers rotatably coupled to said positioner, said plurality of interconnected fingers being freely rotatable in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction by said positioner.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
57 words
The tissue retractor of claim 187 wherein said positioner comprises an elongated base, a guide attaching to said base and extending along said base, a brake radially extending from said guide and extending along said base, and a sleeve interconnected to said plurality of interconnected fingers, said sleeve being rotatably mounted over said guide and said brake.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue retractor of claim 188, wherein said positioner further comprises a flexure connecting said guide to said brake.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
44 words
The tissue retractor of claim 189, wherein said guide comprises a central portion integrally formed with said base and outer portions formed in a spaced relation with said base, and a tab extending upwardly from said brake adjacent said central portion of said guide.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
39 words
The tissue retractor of claim 188, wherein said brake is generally pie-shaped and includes a radius that is sized to direct said brake into contact with said sleeve to inhibit the rotation of said sleeve in the second direction.
Claim 192
Independent Claim
236 words
A method for dissecting an internal mammary artery comprising the steps of positioning a superior blade, superior blade arm, sternal pad arm and sternal pad of an access platform on the patient's chest, the superior blade arm extends from the superior blade and is rotatably coupled to the sternal pad arm which extends from the sternal pad, inserting the superior blade into an incision in the patient's chest wall, sliding the superior blade under the superior ribs adjacent to the incision, adjusting the sternal pad downwardly to the patient's chest by rotating the pad arm relative to the superior blade arm, aligning an inferior blade and spreader member of the access platform on the patient's chest, the inferior blade being coupled to the spreader member, inserting the inferior blade into the incision in the patient's chest, coupling the superior blade, superior blade arm, sternal pad and sternal pad arm rotatably to the spreader member of the access platform at a pivot point above the superior blade, spreading apart the inferior and superior blades and corresponding ribs, transmitting a spreading force from the inferior blade to the superior blade through the pivot located above the superior blade at a position where the superior blade, superior blade arm, sternal pad and sternal pad arm are rotatably coupled to said spreader member, rotating said superior blade upwardly around the pivot to offset the superior ribs, and dissecting the IMA.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 192 further comprising the steps of connecting a vertical displacement member to the spreader member and the sternal pad arm, and adjusting the vertical displacement member to further offset the superior ribs once said inferior and superior blades are separated.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 192 further comprising the steps of sterilizing the access platform, and packaging the access platform in a sterile package.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 192 further comprising the steps of inhibiting the upward rotation of the superior blade by applying a spring force to a counterlift tab attached to the superior blade arm.
Claim 196
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of performing a heart bypass comprising the steps of inserting first and second blades into an incision in a patient's chest, inserting first and second blade arms extending from the first and second blades into first and second vertical displacement members which are interconnected to a spreader member of an access platform, spreading apart the first and second blades and corresponding ribs, positioning first and second support members which are interconnected to the first and second vertical displacement members and the first and second blades on the patient's chest, adjusting the first vertical displacement member to raise the first blade upwardly, adjusting the second vertical adjusting member to lower the second blade, dissecting the proximal portion of the IMA, adjusting the second vertical displacement member to raise the second blade upwardly adjusting the first vertical displacement member to lower the first blade, dissecting the distal portion of the IMA, leveling the blades, attaching a heart stabilizing tool to the access platform, positioning the heart stabilizing tool on the patient's beating heart adjacent to the LAD, and performing an arteriotomy and anastomosis while the patient's heart continues to beat.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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