Methods and apparatus for retracting tissue
US6162172A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/306
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for retracting tissue around an incision. The apparatus includes a member having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. An adjustable aperture is definable within the inner peripheral surface as the member is adjusted between a compressed condition in which the aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which the aperture is substantially open. The apparatus is positioned within a surgical incision in the compressed condition, and is adjusted to the expanded condition in situ to define an opening within the incision through the aperture whereby a surgical field may be viewed and/or accessed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.