Patent · US Expired

Multiple-blade retractor

US7481766B2 · kind B2 · utility

267Cited by
93References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 13, 2004
Grant dateJan 27, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 13, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B17/2833
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A retractor with multiple blades for use in surgery. The retractor may comprise first and second elongated portions which are pivotally connected to each other. A first blade may be connected to the first elongated portion and a second blade may be connected to the second elongated portion. The retractor may also comprise a sliding bar having a third blade. The sliding bar may be associated with the first and second elongated portions such that movement of the elongated portions relative to each other may result in movement of the sliding bar and, consequently, movement of the third blade relative to the first and second blades. In one embodiment, the retractor may comprise a tension limiting device so that the third blade may remain relatively stationary as the first and second blades are moved. The retractor may also comprise a fourth blade operatively connected to the first and second elongated portions. The fourth blade may be moved independently of the other blades or may move with the other blades. Also disclosed is a method of retracting tissue.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.