Reinventing surgical access

Engineered by a Spine Surgeon

Discover a better way to perform spinal surgery. The Carmela Spinal Retractor is here to provide Advanced Ergonomic Access and Retention - Lumbar

precise

safe

efficient

Designed to improved clinical outcomes

How it works

To implant the Carmela interspinous device, clamp, or interbody graft, the surgeon approaches the spine posteriorly through the skin and lumbar fascia. After separating muscular and fascial attachments and fully visualizing the posterior spine, removal of the interspinous ligament allows for placement of the Carmela Device.

This design delivers uniform longitudinal distraction of the interlaminar space and disc space, avoiding the complications common with pedicle-screw-based distractors that open unilaterally and risk loosening screws.

Once placed between the spinous processes, the diverging retractor arms provide exceptional direct and microscopic visualization of the interlaminar region—without slipping, obstructing the field, or interfering with the surgical microscope. After decompression is completed, the surgeon can proceed with interspinous device placement or TLIF interbody grafting with optimal clarity and access.

Key features of the Carmela system include:

Oval surgical window for enhanced direct and microscopic visualization

Rack-and-pinion retraction mechanism for smooth, controlled distraction

Oppositional U-shaped hooks that anchor securely at the base of the spinous process—where vertebral bone is strongest

Four arm lengths (S, M, L, XL) to accommodate all patient sizes and surgical depths

Why Surgeons Choose Carmela

This low-profile lumbar retractor is designed to provide improved surgical access and secure positioning around the spinous processes.

Streamlined Workflow and Versatility

-Significantly improves the interbody implantation during TLIF procedures.

-Simplifies and accelerates the decompression process

-Specialized for the implantation of interlaminar devices such as Coflex and Diam, and LISA, TLIF.

-Useful in microdiscectomy and related spine procedures

-Engineered as the first device specifically designed for this application

-Device patented in US and EU

Advanced Intraoperative Visualization

-Provides superior direct and microscopic visualization

-Enables precise, controlled decompression

-Supports safe and efficient removal of compressive tissues, including ligamentum flavum and osteophytes

Optimized Efficiency and Outcomes

-Likely to reduces surgical and anesthesia time

-Designed to improve clinical efficiency in the operating room

-Likely contributes to improved patient outcomes and recovery

Supported Devices

& Procedures

coflex

TLIF

microdiscectomy

diam

lisa

First Device of Its Kind

Reduce surgical time— increase efficiency

Designed to improved TLIF interbody implantation and supports interspinous devices
Improves direct and microscopic visualization
Ligamentum flavum and osteophytes removed efficiently
Constructed to improve clinical outcomes
Increased safety in decompression of compressive tissues

rESERVE YOUR ORDER ONLINE

Connect with our team to reserve and receive priority updates on availability, pricing and early order opportunities.

Reserve Order

The Carmela Device

Featured at the Seattle Science Foundation

James Carr M.D. debuted the Carmela Retractor Seattle Science Foundation Coarse

TESTIMONIALS

What other Surgeons are saying

"WOW, I am definitely going to use this for all my decompressions!"

"WOW, we can see beautifully. This is beautiful. This is the coolest thing! We can actually distract very nicely with this device. Quite cool! This is such a cool device because you can slip it in and then rotate it once your in there, with the release buttons, then open it. I am definitely going to use this for all my decompressions!"