Surgical access methods for use with delicate tissues
US8409083B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3456
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Surgical methods providing access to delicate tissue, such as brain tissue or breast tissue, through a transcutaneous incision. A method may include making an incision adjacent a region containing delicate tissue, and providing a surgical assembly having: a retractor having a hollow sleeve extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and an introducer having a proximal end installed within the hollow sleeve and a distal end extending beyond the distal retractor end. The surgical assembly is advanced into the region containing delicate tissue, and the distal introducer end gently displaces the delicate tissue as the surgical assembly is advanced to thereby avoid damage to the delicate tissue. The introducer is removed from the retractor to leave the distal retractor end at a surgical site located in the physical region containing delicate tissue. One or more surgical instruments are then used through the hollow sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.