Surgical retractor apparatus for operating on the heart through an incision
US6331158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0243
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allow various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.