Retractors and access systems play a very important role in surgery. This applies in particular for endoscopic procedures, such as for example the microendoscopic discectomy where the working space is severely restricted by the minimally invasive approach. Many systems used in the past for such surgical techniuques required therefore severe compromises on flexibility, stability and working space. 

The new GEISTER SpineGate™ retractor system, developed in collaboration with the department of neurosurgery at the university of Tuebingen, breaks these restrictions and opens up new possibilities and perspectives for minimally invasive spine surgery. The autoclavable system consists of a circular base plate with valves odf different depths and an optional ultra-compact 90° endoscope with high resolution. The variable valves can be fixed on different positions within the 360 ° geometry of the base plate, and thus provides a continuously adjustable working space according to the anatomical characteristics of the patient. The different lengths of the valves allow cervical, dorsal or posterolateral use. 

The system can be used for minimally invasive intervention with the endoscope, as well as for micro-surgery with a microscope, together with the common standard instrumentation. An additional holding device is available on request and can be combined with the system. The variability of the diameter of the working space is a large benefit particularly if it becomes necessary to switch techniques during the operation due to emergency. The unique 90° endoscope can be used with all standard high-quality CCD or 3-CCD endoscopy cameras, that have an universal C-mount adapter, and with all light sources with fiber optic cables attached, that have a Storz-/Wolf- or ACMI- connector on the instrument side.