Wound retraction apparatus and method
US6958037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3484
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment elements at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force. An associated method includes the step of rolling the second ring circumferentially of the third ring to form the circumferenti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.