Retractor with inflatable blades
US7294103B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3427
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical retractor is configured to provide surgical access in thoracic surgery, for example through an intercostal incision. The surgical retractor includes at least one inflated or inflatable member to cushion the ribs and surrounding tissue from injury or trauma. In one embodiment, the inflatable member is configured as an inflatable ring with a concave outer surface for engaging and spreading apart two adjacent ribs when the ring is inflated. In another embodiment, the inflatable ring can be combined with a substantially rigid inner ring for supporting and rigidifying the retractor. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of substantially rigid retractor blades is mounted on a spreading track or the like. One or more inflatable members or an inflatable ring are used to cushion the tissue from the rigid retractor blades.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.