Anatomic Access LLIF Retractor Instrument Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering all 24 instruments, specifications, part numbers, and surgical applications from the Anatomic Access LLIF Retractor Surgical Technique Guide.

Anatomic Access LLIF Retractor

A three-blade retractor that slides over the dilators to open and hold the direct lateral corridor to the disc, with blades resting on the vertebral bodies. Blade length is selected from depth read off the dilator etch marks. Features 11 blade sizes from 9–19 cm in 10 mm steps (90, 100 … 190 mm), blade ID 16 mm, OD 16.7 mm at tip and 25 mm at skin, posterior blade opening of 16–50 mm (1.5 mm per click), 90 mm cephalad/caudal travel (1 turn = 5.5 mm), toe up to 9° per arm (¼ turn = 2°), and up to 15 mm posterior fine adjust. Part # 81800090 – 81800190.

Dilator 1 (initial dilator)

The smallest of three sequential dilators, made of radiopaque stainless steel. Rotated through the psoas under triggered EMG (with dilator clip ML-0445 attached) and seated into the disc; position confirmed on fluoroscopy and/or navigation. The Blunt Guidewire goes down through it. Part # 81800004 (Step 2 also lists MDT-0466).

Dilator 2

A 10 mm radiolucent aluminum second sequential dilator. Slid over Dilator 1 and rotated through the psoas under triggered EMG. Etch marks indicate access depth in cm. Part # 81800005 (Step 2 also lists MDT-0467).

Dilator 3 with Flat

A 16 mm radiolucent aluminum final dilator. Its flat edge aligns with the flat in the center (posterior) retractor blade during retractor placement. Etch marks indicate depth in cm to determine retractor blade length. Also serves as a template to reset the retractor to fully closed after the case. Part # 81800006 (Step 2 also lists MDT-0468).

Shim Tamp

Instrument used to drive shims down the retractor blade and into the disc space. The star on the shim must point toward the dilator. Can tamp a shim into place between Dilator 3 and the center blade before the dilators are removed. Part # 81800001.

Blunt Guidewire

A sterile, single-use wire measuring Ø1.60 mm x 340 mm. Placed down Dilator 1 to maintain trajectory during dilation with Dilators 2 and 3, then removed together with the dilators once the retractor is seated. Part # 81800004.

Driver, Short

A short-shaft T-handle hexalobe driver used to operate every adjustment point on the retractor: center blue screw (AP/anterior), outer blue screws (cephalad/caudal), silver screws (toe), and gold knob (posterior fine adjust). Part # 81800008.

Driver, Long

A long-shaft T-handle hexalobe driver that performs the same function as the Short Driver with extended reach: turns the retractor's blue, silver, and gold adjustment points. Part # 81800009.

Intradiscal Shim

A sterile, optional shim with a depth range of 0–28 mm maximum. Inserted into the center (posterior) blade using the Conventional Shim Inserter after dilator removal, and can be driven into the disc space with the Shim Tamp (star pointing toward the dilator). Part # 81800000.

Anterior Shim

A sterile, optional shim with a depth range of 0–28 mm maximum. Loaded on the Shim Inserter (lining up the dots), slid into a retractor blade groove, and released with the trigger to provide additional stabilization as needed. Part # 81800012.

Crossbar, Short

A short crossbar paired in the retraction table with 8–14 mm implant heights. Locks the Handheld Retractor in place by sitting across it and securing into anchor points on the retractor's left and right arms. Part # 81800014.

Crossbar, Long

A long crossbar designed for wider openings that secures the Handheld Retractor in place across the anchor points on the retractor's left and right arms. Part # 81800015.

Handheld Retractor, Narrow Long

An optional extra blade measuring 167 mm long (for 16–19 cm blades) and 6 mm wide. Used to increase anterior access and locked into position with a Crossbar. Part # 81800016.

Handheld Retractor, Wide Long

An optional extra blade measuring 167 mm long (for 16–19 cm blades) and 12 mm wide. Used to expand anterior access and secured with a Crossbar. Part # 81800017.

Handheld Retractor, Narrow Short

An optional extra blade measuring 114 mm long (for 9–16 cm blades) and 6 mm wide. Increases anterior access when secured in place with a Crossbar. Part # 81800018.

Handheld Retractor, Wide Short

An optional extra blade measuring 114 mm long (for 9–16 cm blades) and 12 mm wide. Used to expand anterior access and locked with a Crossbar. Part # 81800019.

Conventional Shim Inserter

Instrument that loads a shim by aligning the dots, slides it down the retractor blade groove, and releases it upon pressing the trigger. For removal, the slider connects to the blade, snaps onto the shim without pressing the trigger, and pulls the entire assembly out. Part # 81800002.

Retractor Handle

An optional textured handle used for manually adjusting the retractor position. Attaches to the quick-connect post located opposite the table arm mount. Part # 81800020.

Articulating Arm with Adaptor (Anatomic Access Arm)

An arm that mounts to the OR table accessory rail, is covered with Sterile Drape 81800031, and holds the retractor via the Quick Connect Adaptor. Squeezing the blue lever releases joint tension for fine positioning; releasing locks it rigid. Part # 81800020 (in parts table) / 81800030 (in Step 1).

Table/Bedrail Clamp

A clamp that attaches securely to the OR table/bed rail to mount the articulating arm. Removed along with the retractor arms at the conclusion of the procedure. Part # 81800023.

Posterior Clip

A yellow clip included in the instrument set whose specific procedural application is not detailed in the surgical guide (consult trainer for clinical usage). Part # 81800035.

Driver, Bent

An L-shaped (bent) hexalobe driver in the set. Part of the driver family used to turn retractor adjustment points, though not assigned a specific isolated step in the guide. Part # 81800034.

Quick Connect Adaptor

Adaptor that attaches to the Anatomic Access Arm over the sterile drape by tightening its threaded knob. Receives and clicks into the retractor post, and features a release button to detach the retractor at the end of surgery. Part # 81800033.

Impactable Navigation Tracker

Navigation tracker used in navigated procedures (StealthStation, 'Anatomic Access Dilator' tool card). Locked over the end of Dilator 1 by pressing its locking button until bottomed out; used to track and advance the dilator into the disc, then detached using its release button. Part # NAV81410000.