Surgical retractor system and method
First Claim
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1. A retractor comprising:
- at least four retractor blades assuming a closed configuration having a low profile to facilitate insertion through tissue along a natural tissue plane, and an expanded configuration to retract tissue and provide access to a surgical site, further comprising a cam mechanism in a distal tip of the retractor blades in the closed configuration, wherein the cam mechanism is configured so rotation of a cam of the cam mechanism forces the blades apart, wherein the cam of the cam mechanism is positioned so rotation of the cam about an axis defined along a wire extending parallel through the blades in a longitudinal direction of the blades forces the blades apart, wherein the retractor blades include an inner ledge that confines the cam from extending distally from the distal tip of the retractor blades in the closed configuration.
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Abstract
A retractor system is provided having a plurality of blade portions that collectively present a low profile tapered configuration for insertion through tissue along a natural tissue plane. Once inserted through tissue the blade portions may be independently moved apart to form an access path to a surgical site, such as by first moving the blade portions apart along the natural tissue plane followed by moving the blade portions apart transverse to the natural tissue plane. The blade portions may be attached to retractor frame members, and rack and pinion frame components may be used to control movement of the blade portions relative to one another. Pins may be used to secure the blade portions to bone.
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8 Claims
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1. A retractor comprising:
at least four retractor blades assuming a closed configuration having a low profile to facilitate insertion through tissue along a natural tissue plane, and an expanded configuration to retract tissue and provide access to a surgical site, further comprising a cam mechanism in a distal tip of the retractor blades in the closed configuration, wherein the cam mechanism is configured so rotation of a cam of the cam mechanism forces the blades apart, wherein the cam of the cam mechanism is positioned so rotation of the cam about an axis defined along a wire extending parallel through the blades in a longitudinal direction of the blades forces the blades apart, wherein the retractor blades include an inner ledge that confines the cam from extending distally from the distal tip of the retractor blades in the closed configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Specification