Wound retraction apparatus and method
US7238154B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2025 |
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 to a desired diameter. The retractor includes first and second rings, each having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound. The first and second rings are adapted for disposition interiorly and exteriorly of the wound, respectively. A plurality of retraction elements is disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship between the first and second rings and extends through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound that is dependent on the distance separating the first and second rings. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.