WO2022098770A1

WO2022098770A1 - Cheek retraction device

Info

Publication number: WO2022098770A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/057914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boris PASKHOVER
Original assignee: Md Medical Design, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-11-03
Filing date: 2021-11-03
Publication date: 2022-05-12

Abstract

A cheek retractor includes a pair of lip holders coupled to one another by a connecting member. Each lip holder has a lip engaging portion, a front surface, a back surface, and a channel that extends from the front surface to the back surface, and the channel includes a locking protrusion. There is at least one blade that includes a proximal section, a distal section opposite the proximal section, and a middle section disposed between the proximal section and distal section, and the proximal section includes a ratcheted surface. The proximal section of the at least one blade is positioned within the channel and slidable relative the channel, and the ratcheted surface of the of the at least one blade is releasably engaged with the locking protrusion of the channel such that the at least one blade is releasably locked relative to the channel.

Description

[0001] Cheek Retraction Device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/204,961 filed November 3, 2020 entitled “Cheek Retraction System and Method for Oral Procedures”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a device for performing surgical procedures in an oral cavity and, more particularly, to a cheek retraction device having one or more blades coupled thereto.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one embodiment, there is a cheek retractor including a pair of lip holders coupled to one another by a connecting member, each lip holder having a lip engaging portion, front surface, a back surface, and a channel extending from the front surface to the back surface, the channel including a locking protrusion. The cheek retractor further includes at least one blade including a proximal section, a distal section opposite the proximal section, and a middle section disposed between the proximal section and distal section, the proximal section including a ratcheted surface, the proximal section of the at least one blade is positioned within the channel and slidable relative the channel. The ratcheted surface of the of the at least one blade is releasably engaged with the locking protrusion of the channel such that the at least one blade is releasably locked relative to the channel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the ratcheted surface is coupled to a flexible portion having a handle, the flexible portion being flexible such that, when flexed, the ratcheted surface disengages the locking protrusion of the channel to allow the proximal section to be translated along to the channel. In some embodiments, the middle section of the at least one blade extends at an oblique angle relative to the proximal section and couples the proximal section to the distal section, the proximal and distal sections being generally parallel with one another. In some embodiments, the distal section of the at least one blade is configured to couple one or more accessories to the at least one blade.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one accessory includes one of a mirror, light source, sensor, and camera. In some embodiments, the at least one blade includes a blade channel extending at least through the proximal section, middle section, and distal section. In some embodiments, the proximal section of the at least one blade includes at least one bayonet configured to abut against the front surface of the corresponding lip holder such that when the at least one bayonet abuts the front surface of the corresponding lip holder the at least one blade is prevented from being translated distally. In some embodiments, the connecting member is generally U-shaped and is coupled to the front surface of each lip holder.

[0007] In some embodiments, the lip engaging portion of each lip holder is positioned between the front surface and back surface and has a generally convex shape. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion extends outwardly from a sidewall of the channel such that the locking protrusion is disposed within the channel. In some embodiments, the distal section of the at least one blade is comprised of a pliable material configured to allow the distal section to be plastically deformed. In some embodiments, the distal section of the at least one blade includes two prongs spaced apart from one another and defining an opening. In some embodiments, the proximal section of the at least one blade extends along a first axis and a portion of the distal section of the at least one blade is curved towards the first axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the portion of the distal section that is curved towards the first axis defines an opening. In some embodiments, the distal section of the at least one blade has a width that is greater than a width of the proximal section. In some embodiments, the cheek retractor further includes an accessory coupled to the distal section of the blade. In some embodiments, the accessory is at least one of a camera, an ultraviolet light source, a visible light source, an infrared light source, a light emitting diode, a CMOS sensor, a mirror, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, and a heart rate sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one blade includes a suction channel extending from the distal section, through the middle section and to the proximal section, the suction channel including a inlet positioned on the distal section and an outlet extending outwardly from the proximal section, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication with one another.

[0009] In another embodiment, there is a cheek retractor including a pair of lip holders coupled to one another by a generally U-shaped connecting member, each lip holder having a front surface, a back surface, a lip engaging portion having a generally convex surface positioned between the front surface and back surface, and a channel extending from the front surface to the back surface, the channel including a locking protrusion extending outwardly from a sidewall of the channel such that the locking protrusion is disposed within the channel. The cheek retractor further includes two blades each including a proximal section, a distal section opposite the proximal section, and a middle section disposed between the proximal section and distal section and extending at an oblique angle relative to the proximal section and coupling the proximal section to the distal section, the proximal section and distal section being generally parallel with one another, the proximal section including a flexible portion and a ratcheted surface coupled to the flexible portion. The proximal section of each of the two blades is positioned within the channel and slidable relative the channel. The ratcheted surface of each of the two blades is releasably engaged with the locking protrusion of the channel such that each of the two blades is releasably locked relative to the channel and the flexible portion, when flexed, causes the ratcheted surface to disengage from the locking protrusion of the channel to allow the proximal section to be translated along the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the cheek retraction device, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0011] In the drawings:

[0012] Fig. l is a perspective view of a cheek retraction device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a top elevational view of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a partially exploded view of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a rear elevational view of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 with the blades removed;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of the lip holders of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 6;

[0019] Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of a blade of the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a bottom elevational view of a blade shown in Fig. 8, the top elevational view being a mirror image thereof;

[0021] Fig. 10 is a close-up, side perspective view of a proximal section of a blade shown in Fig. 8;

[0022] Fig. 11 A is a top cross-sectional illustration of the blade of Fig. 1 in a first configuration; [0023] Fig. 1 IB is a top cross-sectional illustration of the blade of Fig. 1 in a second configuration;

[0024] Fig. 12A is a side perspective illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 12B is a top elevational cross-sectional illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 12C is a top elevational cross-sectional illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 12D is a top elevational cross-sectional illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 12E is a side perspective illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 12F is a side perspective illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 12G is a top-elevational cross-sectional illustration of a blade for use with the cheek retraction device shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a cheek retraction device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 14A is a bottom elevational view of the cheek retraction device of Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 14B is a right-side elevational view of the cheek retraction device of Fig. 1, the leftside elevational view being a mirror image thereof.

[0034] Fig. 15A is a right-side elevational view of the blade of Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 15B is a left-side elevational view of the blade of Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 15C is a front elevational view of the blade of Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 15D is a rear elevational view of the blade of Fig. 1;

[0038] Fig. 16A is a front perspective view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 16B is a front elevational view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig. 1;

[0040] Fig. 16C is a top elevational view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig. 1;

[0041] Fig. 16D is a bottom elevational view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig. 1;

[0042] Fig. 16E is a right-side elevational view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig.

1; and

[0043] Fig. 16DF is left-side elevational view of the lip holder and connecting member of Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] During surgical procedures in oral cavities, cheek retractors are conventionally used to keep soft tissue (e.g., the lips and cheek of the patient) away from the patient’s teeth to allow for easy viewing of the oral cavity. Conventional cheek retractors often require a surgeon, or other practitioner performing the surgical procedure, to hold, in their hand, individual retractor pieces and/or blades, which significantly affects the ability of a surgeon to perform surgery in a safe and expeditious manner. Additionally, visibility to critical structures is impaired by a lack of light or inadequate retraction. Furthermore, collection of excess saliva is often inadequate and can prolong a surgical procedure or create patient discomfort. Also, conventional cheek retractors often inhibit the ability to use tools such as a screwdriver or a robotic end effector.

[0045] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-10 and 14A-14B a cheek retraction device, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1-2, the cheek retraction device 100 may include a pair of lip holders 102a- 102b each configured to receive a corresponding blade 104a- 104b. The lip holders 102a and 102b may be configured to be coupled to a patient’s mouth such that the lip holders 102a and 102b spread the patient’s lips open and keep the patient’s lips away from their teeth. The blades 104a- 104b may be coupled to a corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b and configured to press against the inside of a patient’s cheeks when the lip holders 102a- 102b are positioned in the patient’s mouth. In this manner the blades 104a- 104b may move the soft tissue of the user’s cheeks away from the user’s teeth during dental or surgical procedures. The blades 104a- 104b may alternatively be referred to as cheek holders. The cheek retraction device 100 may be coupled to a patient’s mouth such that the lip holders 102a- 102b retract the patient’s lips and the blades 104a- 104b retract the patient’s cheeks without requiring a user (e.g., a surgeon, a person performing the surgical procedure, robotic device performing the surgical procedure) to physically hold the lip holders 102a- 102b and/or the blades 104a-104b in place. The blades 104a-104b may fixedly and further displace the inner surface of the patient’s cheek from the patient’s teeth to allow a user additional space to view and/or safely operate within the user’s mouth

[0047] In some embodiments, the lip holders 102a and 102b each include a front surface 106a- 106b and a back surface 108a- 108b positioned opposite the front surface. The front surface 106a- 106b of each lip holder 102a and 102b may be exterior to the patient’s mouth and the back surface 108a- 108b may be positioned within the patient’s mouth when the cheek retraction device 100 is coupled to the patient’s mouth. In this manner, the front surface 106a- 106b and back surface 108a- 108b may prevent the lip holders 102a and 102b from being dislodged from the patient’s mouth during surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the lip holders 102a and 102b are coupled to one another by a connecting member 110 that extends between the two lip holders 102a and 102b. In some embodiments, the connecting member 110 may have be generally U-shaped and may extend downwardly from a bottom surface of each of the lip holders 102a and 102b. The connecting member 110 may be coupled to the front surface 106a- 106b of each of the lip holders 102a and 102b such that, when the cheek retraction device 100 is coupled to the patient’s mouth, the connecting member 110 is external to the patient’s mouth and does not extend across the opening of the patient’s mouth. In some embodiments, the connecting member 110 is comprised of at least one of a thermoplastic polymer, shape memory polymer, and/or nitinol. In some embodiments, the connecting member 110 is integrally formed with the lip holders 102a-102b. In other embodiments, the connecting member 110 is detachable from the lip holders 102a-102b.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, each lip holder 102a and 102b includes a lip engaging portion 112a-l 12b configured to engage the lips of the patient when the cheek retraction device 100 is coupled to the patient’s mouth. The lip engaging portions 112a-l 12b may be positioned between the front surface 106a- 106b and back surface 108a- 108b of the respective lip holder 102a- 102b. The lip engaging portions 112a-l 12b may have a generally convex shape that extends from an upper surface of the corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b to the lower surface. The front surface 106a-106b may define a first inner surface 105a-105b and back surface 108a-108b may define a second inner surface 107a-107b. The lip engaging portion 112a-l 12b may be positioned between the first inner surface 105a-105b and second inner surface 107a-107b. In some embodiments, the first inner surface 105a-105b and second inner surface 107a-107b extend outwardly from the lip engaging portion 112a-l 12b. As such, the generally convex shaped surface of the lip engaging portions 112a-l 12b may be recessed with respect to the outer periphery of the first inner surface 105a-105b and second inner surface 107a-107b.

[0049] In this manner, the patient’s lips, when coupled to the lip holders 102a-102b, at least partially abuts the lip engaging portions 112a-l 12b and is retained between the front surface 106a- 106b and back surface 108a- 108b to prevent accidental decoupling of the patient’s mouth and the lip holders 102a-102b. Put another way, the first inner surface 105a-105b and second inner surface 107a- 107b may at least partially abut the patient’s lips and/or mouth to prevent unintended decoupling of the lip holders 102a- 102b during use. In some embodiments, each lip holder 102a and 102b may include an inner side surface 114a-l 14b positioned between the front surface 106a- 106b and back surface 108a- 108b. The inner side surface 114a-l 14b may be positioned opposite the lip engaging portions 112a-l 12b and may have a generally concave shape (see Fig. 4). In some embodiments, the front surface 106a-106b, back surface 108a-108b, lip engaging portions 112a- 112b, and inner side surface 114a-l 14b of each lip holder 102a- 102b are integrally formed.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 5-6, each lip holder 102a-102b may define a slot or channel 116a-l 16b configured to slidably couple the blades 104a-104b to the respective lip holder 102a-102b. The channels 116a-l 16b may extend through the respective lip holder 102a-102b from the front surface 106a-106b to the back surface 108a-108b. The blades 104a-104b may be inserted into the respective channel 116a- 116b such that a portion of the blades 104a- 104b extend from the back surface 108a- 108b, through the channel 116a- 116b, to the front surface 106a- 106b. In some embodiments, the channels 116a-l 16b are sized and positioned such that the channel 116a-l 16b are not exposed on the lip engaging portion 112a-l 12b and/or the inner side surface 114a-l 14b of the lip holders 102a- 102b. In this manner, the portion of the blades 104a-104b that extend through the channel 116a- 116b may be prevented from contacting the patient’s lips and/or portions of their mouth that are disposed between the front surface 106a-106b and back surface 108a-108b of the lip holders 102a- 102b.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 6-7, the channels 116a- 116b may include a locking protrusion 11 Sal l 8b configured to engage with a corresponding feature of the blades 104a- 104b such that the position of the blades 104a- 104b is releasably fixed relative to the lip holders 102a- 102b, as discussed in more detail with reference to Fig. 8. The locking protrusion 118a-l 18b may extend outwardly from a sidewall 120a- 120b of the respective channel 116a- 116b such that the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b is disposed within the channel 116a-l 16b. The locking protrusion 118a-l 18b may extend at least partially through a width W_a, Wb of the channel 116a- 116b. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b does not extend through the entire width W_a, Wb of the respective channels 116a- 116b to allow the blades 104a- 104b to pass through the channels 116a- 116b. The channels 116a-l 16b may have generally the same width W_a, Wb. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion 118a- 118b may be shaped to engage a corresponding feature of the blades 104a-104b. For example, the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape when viewed from the top. However, it will be understood that the locking protrusion 11 Sal l 8b may have any shape which enables the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b to engage with the locking feature of the blades 104a- 104b.

[0052] Referring to Figs. 8-9, a blade 104 is shown in a perspective view (Fig. 8) and a bottom elevational view (Fig. 9). It will be understood that the following description of the blade 104 applies to blades 104a and 104b shown in the figures presented herein. Blade 104 may include a proximal section 120, a middle section 122, and a distal section 124. The middle section 122 may be positioned between the proximal section 120 and distal section 124 and may couple the proximal section 120 to the distal section 124. In some embodiments, the proximal section 120 extends generally along a first axis A, the middle section extends generally along a second axis B, and the distal section extends generally along a third axis C. In some embodiments, the first axis A and third axis C are generally parallel to one another such that the proximal section 120 and distal section 124 are generally parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the first axis A and third axis C are spaced from one another. The second axis B may be at an angle 0 relative to the first axis A and/or second axis B such that the middle section 122 is disposed at the angle 9 relative to the proximal section 120 and/or middle section 124. For example, the angle 9 may be about 100 degrees, 105 degrees, 110 degrees, 115 degrees, or about 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 9 is between about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 9 is an oblique angle. In other embodiments, the angle 9 is about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the proximal section 120, middle section 122, and distal section 124 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the blade is comprised of at least one of a thermoplastic polymer, shape memory polymer, or nitinol. [0053] The proximal section 120 may be configured to couple the blade 104 to a corresponding lip holder 102a-102b. For example, the proximal section 120 may be at least partially received within the channel 116a- 116b of a corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b such that the blade 104 is coupled to the lip holder 102a-102b. The distal section 124 may be configured to engage an inner surface of a patient’s cheek when the cheek retraction device 100 is coupled to the patient’s mouth. In this manner, the distal section 124 may abut a portion of the inner surface of the patient’s cheek to fixedly and further displace the inner surface of the patient’s cheek from the patient’s teeth to allow a user (e.g., a surgeon, person performing the surgical procedure, robotic device performing the surgical procedure) additional space to view and or safely operate within the user’s mouth. In some embodiments, the blade 104 being coupled to the lip holder 102a- 102b via the proximal section 120 and displacing the patient’s cheek may allow the user to operate within the patient’s mouth without requiring that the user physically hold the blade 104 in place. As such, the user may be able to operate within the patient’s mouth while both hands are free to use other surgical tools, thereby increasing the accuracy of the user and increasing the safety of the surgical procedure.

[0054] In some embodiments, the position of the blade 104 relative to the lip holder 102 may be adjustable to accommodate for the needs of different surgical procedures and/or different patient’s having differently sized mouths. Referring to Figs. 8 and 10, in some embodiments, the proximal section 120 includes a ratcheted surface 126 configured to engage the locking protrusion 118a- 118b of the corresponding channel 116a-l 16b (see Figs. 6-7). The ratcheted surface 126 may define one or more predetermined positions of the blade 104, where the predetermined positions refer to the position of the blade 104 relative a corresponding lip holder 102a-102b. For example, the ratcheted surface 126 may define one or more recessed grooves 128, best shown in Fig. 10, extending along the ratcheted surface. The recessed grooves 128 may each be configured to engage the locking protrusion 118a- 118b of a corresponding channel 116a- 116b such that when the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b is received within the recessed groove 128 the position of the blade 104 is locked relative to the corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b. As such, the one or more recessed grooves 128 define the one or more predetermined positions of the blade 104. In some embodiments, the ratcheted surface 126 of the blade 104 may be releasably engaged with the locking protrusion 118a- 118b such that the position of the blade 104 is releasably fixed relative to the lip holder 102a-102b.

[0055] In some embodiments, the ratcheted surface 126 is coupled to a flexible portion 130 that extends along the proximal section 120 of the blade 104. The flexible portion 130 may be generally flexible such that a user may bend or deflect the flexible portion 130 from an undeflected position to a deflected position. The undeflected position may be characterized by the flexible portion 130 being generally aligned with the first axis A and the deflected position may be characterized by the flexible portion 130 being deflected away from the first axis A. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 130 may bend or deflect proximate where the middle section 122 is coupled to the proximal section 120. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 130 is configured to elastically deform in response to a user applying a force to the flexible portion 130 such that when the force is no longer applied, the flexible portion 130 returns to the un-deflected position. In some embodiments, there is a handle 132 fixedly coupled to the flexible portion 130 such that a user may apply a force to the handle 132 to bend the flexible portion 130.

[0056] The ratcheted surface 126 may be fixedly coupled to the flexible portion 130 such that when the flexible portion 130 is bent or deflected, the ratcheted surface 126 is also bent or deflected away from the first axis A. In this manner, a user may disengage the ratcheted surface 126 from a corresponding locking protrusion 118a- 118b to allow the user to selectively adjust the position of the blade 104 relative to the corresponding lip holder 102a-102b. For example, a user may apply a force to the handle 132 to bend or deflect the flexible portion 130 away from axis A such that a recessed groove of the ratcheted surface 126 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b. The user may slide the blade 104 along the corresponding channel 116a-l 16b from a first position to a second position that is different from the first position. The user may cease applying the force to the handle 132 such that the flexible portion 130 returns to the undeflected position, thereby causing a different recessed groove, separate and distinct from the recessed groove corresponding to the first position, of the ratcheted surface 126 to engage the locking protrusion 118a-l 18b. In this manner, a user may selectively adjust the position of the blade 104 relative to the corresponding lip holder 102a-102b. This may provide the benefit of allowing the user to selectively lock the position of the distal section 124 of the blade at a preferred position for the surgical procedure. Put another way, the user may selectively and adjustably position the distal section 124 within the user’s mouth at an optimal or near optimal position based on the procedure that the user is performing.

[0057] In some embodiments, the proximal section 120 of the blade 104 may include one or more bayonets 134 configured to prevent the blade 104 from being accidentally decoupled from a corresponding lip holder 102a-102b. For example, the bayonets 134 may abut the front surface 106a- 106b of the corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b to prevent the blade 104 from translating towards the back surface 108a-108b. In this manner, the bayonets 134 may prevent the blades 104 from being accidentally decoupled from a corresponding channel 116a- 116b when the cheek retractor device 100 is coupled to a patient’s mouth, which may increase the safety of the cheek retractor device 100. In some embodiments, the blade 104 includes two bayonets 134 positioned on opposite sides of the flexible section 130. In some embodiments, the bayonets 134 are flexible such that a user may selectively couple and decouple the blades to/from a corresponding lip holder 102a- 102b. For example, when decoupled from the lip holder 102a-102b, as shown in Fig. 5, a user may insert the blade 104 into a channel 116a- 116b, proximate the back surface 108a- 108b, and the bayonets 134 may elastically deflect towards the flexible portion 130 to allow the proximal section 120 of the blade 104 to slide along the channel 116a- 116b. Similarly, when coupled to a lip holder 102a- 102b, as shown in Fig. 1, a user may depress the bayonets 134 such that they are deflected toward the flexible portion 130 to allow a user to translate the blade 104 through channel 116a- 116b to decouple the blade 104 from the lip holder 102a- 102b.

[0058] In some embodiments, the distal section 124 of the blade 104 is configured to be reshaped or molded to allow a user to selectively shape or mold the distal section 124 to meet a particular patient anatomy or need of the surgical procedure being performed. For example, referring to Figs. 11 A-l IB, a cross-sectional view of blade 104 is shown in a first configuration (Fig. 11 A) and a second configuration (Fig. 1 IB). For the sake of brevity and so as not to obscure aspects of the present disclosure, the blade 104 is shown as a schematic view which excludes some of the specific features (e.g., the ratcheted surface 126, flexible portion 130, handle 132, bayonets 134) of the blade 104. However, it will be understood that the blade 104 shown in Figs. 11 A-l IB still includes those features as described above and as shown in Figs. 1-10. The first configuration shown in Fig. 11 A may be generally the same as the configuration shown in Figs. 8-9, where the distal section 124 has not been deformed. In Fig. 1 IB, the distal section 124 has been plastically deformed such that a portion of the distal section 124 has been curved towards the first axis A. In some embodiments, the distal section 124 is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such that the user may heat the distal section 124 until the distal section 124 becomes pliable and/or moldable to achieve the shape shown in Fig. 11B.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 12A-12G, there are shown embodiments of the blade 104 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The blades shown in Figs. 12A-12D are generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section of the blades shown in Figs. 12A-12D are shaped different than the distal section 124 of blade 104. The blades shown in Figs. 12A-12D are schematic representations of embodiments of blades similar to blade 104 having distal sections which are shaped differently than distal section 124 shown in Figs. 1-10. For sake of brevity and so as not to obscure pertinent aspects of the present disclosure, some features (e.g., the ratcheted surface 126, flexible portion 130, handle 132, bayonets 134) of blade 104 are not shown in Figs. 12A-12D, however it will be understood that the blades shown in Figs. 12A-12D may include those features. [0060] In Fig. 12A a side perspective view of a blade 204 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 204 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section 224 of blade 204 is different from the distal section 124 of blade 104. The distal section 224 of blade 204 has a generally U-shape or horse-shoe shape including two prongs 240 spaced from one another and generally parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the prongs 240 may abut the inside of a patient’s cheek to facilitate retraction of the patient’s tissue while providing an opening (e.g., the space between the prongs 240) to provide for the stabilization of a specific surgical or robotic surgical tool (e.g., a right-angle screwdriver). For example, the opening defined by the space between the prongs 240 may allow a user to use a right-angle screwdriver needed to place a screw or bone anchor into a mandible of the patient.

[0061] In Fig. 12B a top elevational cross-sectional view of a blade 304 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 304 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section 324 of blade 304 is different from the distal section 124 of blade 104. The distal section 324 of blade 304 may be shaped to aid in sialoendoscopy procedures or any other procedure in which retraction of the patient’s tongue or uvula is desired. For example, a portion of the distal section 324 of blade 304 is curved toward the first axis A and includes an opening 350 that is offset from the third axis C. By curving the distal section 324 towards and across the first axis A, the distal section 324 may aid in pushing the patient’s tongue up towards the roof of the patient’s mouth and back towards their throat.

[0062] In Fig. 12C, a top elevational cross-sectional view of a blade 404 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 404 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section 424 of blade 404 is different from the distal section 124 of blade 104. The distal section 424 of blade 404 may be shaped to aid in sialoendoscopy procedures or any other procedure in which retraction of the patient’s tongue or uvula is desired. The blade 404 may be similar to the blade 304 shown in Fig. 12B as well, except that the distal section 424 is more narrow than distal section 324 and does not include opening 350. As such, the distal section 424 of blade 404 may be used to retract a patient’s tongue or uvula as desired by the user.

[0063] In Fig. 12D, a top elevational cross-sectional view of a blade 504 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 504 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the middle section 522 of blade 504 is different from the middle section 122 of blade 104. The middle section 524 of the blade 504 may be shorter than the middle section 122 of blade 104 such that the proximal section 520 and distal section 524 are separated by a shorter distance than the proximal and distal sections 120 and 124 of blade 104. The blade 504 may be used for transoral spinal posterior pharyngeal surgical procedures.

[0064] In Fig. 12E, a side perspective view of a blade 604 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 604 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section 624 of blade 604 is different than the distal section 124 of the blade 104. For example, in some embodiments, the distal section 624 of blade 604 may be configured to protect the buccal mucosa during a robotic surgery. The distal section 624 of blade 604 may have a width Wd that is greater than a width W_p of the proximal section 620.

[0065] In Fig. 12F, there is shown a side perspective view of a blade 704 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 704 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that the distal section 724 of blade 704 is different than the distal section 124 of the blade 104. For example, the distal section 724 of blade 704 is configured to couple an accessory 760 to the blade 704. The accessory 760 may be any accessory that facilitates patient safety and various surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 may be mounted to the distal section 724 of blade 704 via adhesives, or mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, clamps). In other embodiments, the distal section 724 may define a recessed area (not shown) configured to couple the accessory 760 to the blade 704. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 may be an optical module including a camera and light source. In other embodiments, the accessory 760 includes a light source configured to emit ultraviolet light, visible light, and/or infrared light. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 includes a light emitting diode. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 includes a CMOS sensor. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 includes a mirror. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 includes a sensor configured to measure pH, temperature, and/or heart rate. In some embodiments, the accessory 760 may be configured to receive and/or transmit signals wirelessly such that the accessory 760 may be wirelessly controlled.

[0066] In Fig. 12G, there is shown a side perspective cross-sectional view of a blade 804 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blade 804 may be generally the same as blade 104 except that it may include a suction channel 880 extending at least partially through the blade 804 to aid a user in the removal of excess saliva or other fluids from inside the patient’s mouth during a surgical procedure. For example, the suction channel 880 may extend from the proximal section 820, through the middle section 822 and at least partially through the distal section 824. In some embodiments, the suction channel 880 may be in fluid communication with a negative pressure source such that fluid (e.g., saliva or other fluids) may be drawn into the inlet 882, through the suction channel 880 and out the outlet 884. As such, the inlet 882 and outlet 884 may be in fluid communication with one another. The inlet 882 may be positioned on the distal section 822 and the outlet may extend outwardly from the proximal section 820. In this manner, the suction channel 880 may remove fluid from within a patient’s mouth without hindering the surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the negative pressure source may be remotely controlled or monitored by an external computing device.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 13 there is shown a cheek retraction device, generally designated 900, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cheek retraction device 900 may be generally the same as the cheek retraction device 100 except that the blades 904a-904b may have different proximal section 920a-920b than the proximal section 120 of blades 104. For example, blades 904a-904b are generally the same as blades 104a- 104b except that the blades 904a- 904b include a lip 990 that functions similarly to the handle 132 and/or bayonets 134 of the blades 104 shown in Figs. 8 and 10. The lip 990 may function as the handle and the bayonet similar to the handle 132 and bayonet 134 described with reference to Figs. 8 and 10. In some embodiments, the blades 904a-904b may be modified as discussed above with reference to Figs. 11 A-l IB and/or 12A- 12G.

[0068] Referring to Figs. 14A-14B there is shown additional views of the cheek retraction device 100. In Fig. 14A the cheek retraction device 100 is shown from a bottom perspective view and in Fig. 14B the cheek retraction device 100 is shown from a right-side elevational view. The left-side of the cheek retraction device 100 may be a mirror image of what is shown in Fig. 14B. [0069] Referring to Figs. 15A-15D there is shown additional views of the blade 104. In Fig. 15A the blade 104 is shown from a right-side elevational view. In Fig. 15B, the blade 104 is shown from a left-side elevational view. In Fig. 15C the blade 104 is shown from a front elevational view. In Fig. 15D the blade 104 is shown from a rear elevational view.

[0070] Referring to Figs. 16A-16F there is shown additional views of the lip holders 102a-102b and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16A there is shown a front perspective view of the lip holders 102a- 102b and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16B there is shown a front elevational view of the lip holders 102a- 102b and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16C there is shown a top elevational view of the lip holders 102a-102b and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16D there is shown a bottom elevational view of the lip holders 102a- 102b and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16E there is shown a right-side elevational view of the lip holder 102a and connecting member 110. In Fig. 16F there is shown a left-side elevational view of the lip holder 102b and connecting member 110.

[0071] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the cheek retraction device. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.

[0072] It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

[0073] Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A cheek retractor comprising: a pair of lip holders coupled to one another by a connecting member, each lip holder having a lip engaging portion, front surface, a back surface, and a channel extending from the front surface to the back surface, the channel including a locking protrusion; and at least one blade including a proximal section, a distal section opposite the proximal section, and a middle section disposed between the proximal section and distal section, the proximal section including a ratcheted surface, wherein the proximal section of the at least one blade is positioned within the channel and slidable relative the channel, and wherein the ratcheted surface of the of the at least one blade is releasably engaged with the locking protrusion of the channel such that the at least one blade is releasably locked relative to the channel.

2. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal section of the at least one blade is configured to couple one or more accessories to the at least one blade.

3. The cheek retractor of claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory includes one of a mirror, light source, sensor, and camera.

4. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the proximal section of the at least one blade extends along a first axis and a portion of the distal section of the at least one blade is curved towards the first axis.

5. The cheek retractor of claim 4, wherein the portion of the distal section that is curved towards the first axis defines an opening.

6. The cheek retractor of claim 1 further comprising: an accessory coupled to the distal section of the blade.

7. The cheek retractor of claim 6, wherein the accessory is at least one of a camera, an ultraviolet light source, a visible light source, an infrared light source, a light emitting diode, a CMOS sensor, a mirror, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, and a heart rate sensor.

8. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the ratcheted surface is coupled to a flexible portion having a handle, the flexible portion being flexible such that, when flexed, the ratcheted surface disengages the locking protrusion of the channel to allow the proximal section to be translated along to the channel.

9. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the middle section of the at least one blade extends at an oblique angle relative to the proximal section and couples the proximal section to the distal section, the proximal and distal sections being generally parallel with one another.

10. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade includes a blade channel extending at least through the proximal section, middle section, and distal section.

11. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the proximal section of the at least one blade includes at least one bayonet configured to abut against the front surface of the corresponding lip holder such that when the at least one bayonet abuts the front surface of the corresponding lip holder the at least one blade is prevented from being translated distally.

12. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is generally U-shaped and is coupled to the front surface of each lip holder.

13. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the lip engaging portion of each lip holder is positioned between the front surface and back surface and has a generally convex shape.

14. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the locking protrusion extends outwardly from a sidewall of the channel such that the locking protrusion is disposed within the channel.

15. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal section of the at least one blade is comprised of a pliable material configured to allow the distal section to be plastically deformed.

16. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal section of the at least one blade includes two prongs spaced apart from one another and defining an opening.

17. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal section of the at least one blade has a width that is greater than a width of the proximal section.

18. The cheek retractor of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade includes a suction channel extending from the distal section, through the middle section and to the proximal section, the suction channel including a inlet positioned on the distal section and an outlet extending outwardly from the proximal section, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication with one another.

19. A cheek retractor compri sing : a pair of lip holders coupled to one another by a generally U-shaped connecting member, each lip holder having a front surface, a back surface, a lip engaging portion having a generally convex surface positioned between the front surface and back surface, and a channel extending from the front surface to the back surface, the channel including a locking protrusion extending outwardly from a sidewall of the channel such that the locking protrusion is disposed within the channel; and two blades each including a proximal section, a distal section opposite the proximal section, and a middle section disposed between the proximal section and distal section and extending at an oblique angle relative to the proximal section and coupling the proximal section to the distal section,

18 the proximal section and distal section being generally parallel with one another, the proximal section including a flexible portion and a ratcheted surface coupled to the flexible portion, wherein the proximal section of each of the two blades is positioned within the channel and slidable relative the channel, wherein the ratcheted surface of each of the two blades is releasably engaged with the locking protrusion of the channel such that each of the two blades is releasably locked relative to the channel, and wherein the flexible portion, when flexed, causes the ratcheted surface to disengage from the locking protrusion of the channel to allow the proximal section to be translated along the channel.

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