Method of using a surgical tissue retractor
US9408596B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2837
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.)
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.