ROTATING RETRACTOR ARM

摘要

A rotatable arm is provided which provides an ability to rotate a working end of an instrument such as a surgical retractor. Rotation of a key hub transfers torque to a drive hub which causes an extension or retraction of a lead screw along a center axis of the rotating arm. The extension or retraction forces a drive pin to bear against sides of helical slots of a driven tip, producing a rotation of the driven tip along a pitch line of the helical slots. The driven tip is connected to the working end such that the two rotate together. The rotatable arm has a low profile, a non-reversible torque transmission, and may be hermetically sealed.

主权项

1. A rotating arm for a surgical retractor, comprising:
a driven tip connectable to a working end of the surgical retractor and having helical slots; a lead screw having a distal end that is axially displaceable within a hollow center of the driven tip, the distal end holding a drive pin with portions disposed in the helical slots; a drive hub with gearing that, when driven, causes rotation of the drive hub about a center axis of the rotating arm, wherein a proximal end of the lead screw is arranged in a threaded hole of the drive hub; and a housing that encloses the drive hub, the lead screw, the drive pin, and a proximal portion of the driven tip from an exterior environment, wherein rotation of the drive hub causes an extension or retraction of the lead screw along the center axis of the rotating arm, the extension or retraction forcing the drive pin to bear against sides of the helical slots and cause a rotation of the driven tip along a pitch line of the helical slots.