Soft tissue retractor and method for providing surgical access
US5810721A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/306
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in tissue, together with methods for its use and deployment. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis. Hence, it is the tension imposed on the flexible liner which effects retraction of the tissue, rather than relying on the structural integrity of an artificial lumen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.