Devices and methods for protecting tissue at a surgical site
US8857440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/08021
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tissue protector is adapted to be positioned on the skin surrounding an incision. The tissue protector provides a load bearing surface for surgical tools and instruments to prevent blunt force and pressure trauma to the skin and soft tissues within the incision. In one embodiment, the tissue protector is a sheet of wear-resistant material having an opening corresponding to the incision and expandable as the incision is retracted. In another embodiment, a tissue protector device includes a continuous expandable arrangement of interconnected L-shaped links. In still another embodiment, a one-piece tissue protector includes a flexible panel supported on the skin and a flexible sleeve extending into the incision. Yet another embodiment of the invention resides in a track that is supported about the incision. An instrument support platform is slidably mounted to the track to support a surgical tool relative to the incision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.