Patent · US Expired

Access device for minimally invasive surgery

US7645232B2 · kind B2 · utility

168Cited by
117References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 13, 2004
Grant dateJan 12, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 2, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2310/00359
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A retractor has a proximal portion comprising a first side portion having a first longitudinal edge and a second side portion having a second longitudinal edge. The first and second portions being movable relative to each other such that the first and second longitudinal edges can be positioned in close proximity to each other or spaced apart by a selected distance. A distal portion is coupled with the proximal portion. The distal portion has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The distal portion is capable of having a configuration when inserted within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the 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.