Non-rigid surgical retractor
US7955257B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0287
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a non-rigid retractor for providing access to a surgical site, such as a patient's spine, during a surgical process. When used in spinal surgery, the non-rigid retractor allows a surgeon to operate on one or more spinal levels. The non-rigid retractor includes at least one flexible strap anchored at a first end to the spine or other internal body part at the surgical site. The body of the at least one flexible strap extends from a skin incision and is anchored at a second location external to the body to retract skin and muscle from the surgical site, allowing adequate visualization of the surgical site and providing access for implants and surgical instruments to pass through the retractor and into the surgical site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.