Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery
US7179225B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2217/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A retractor has an elongate body and an expandable shroud. The elongate body has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The elongate body also has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The elongate body is capable of having an enlarged configuration when inserted within the patient. In the enlarged configuration the first longitudinal edge is spaced apart from the second longitudinal edge. The expandable shroud is configured to extend from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge when the first and second edges are spaced apart. The shroud partially defines the passage. The cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of the passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.