Fluid-expandable surgical retractor
First Claim
1. A fluidly-expandable retractor, comprising:
- a hollow, generally annular member with longitudinal forward and rearward ends, having inner and outer annular walls fluidly sealed together at their forward and rearward ends to form a bladder;
a generally inelastic fiber matrix laminated to the inner annular wall of said bladder to prevent elastic expansion of said inner annular wall but permit elastic expansion of said outer annular wall; and
means for distending said bladder fluidly connected to said bladder.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical retractor includes a generally annular bladder which is fluidly expandable so as to apply an outwardly-directed radial force against soft tissues. The inner and outer annular bladder walls are formed of a flexible resilient material with elastic properties to permit a variable amount of expansion in predetermined directions. A tube extending from the bladder connects the bladder to a three-way valve which is used to selectively inflate, by means of an attached pump, or to exhaust the bladder. A plurality of baffles within the bladder provide the retractor with a generally cylindrical shape. A woven fabric matrix is mounted to the inner annular wall to control expansion thereof. Pockets formed in the woven material permits the introduction of puncture- and incision-resistant shields to prevent accidental puncture of the bladder.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A fluidly-expandable retractor, comprising:
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a hollow, generally annular member with longitudinal forward and rearward ends, having inner and outer annular walls fluidly sealed together at their forward and rearward ends to form a bladder; a generally inelastic fiber matrix laminated to the inner annular wall of said bladder to prevent elastic expansion of said inner annular wall but permit elastic expansion of said outer annular wall; and means for distending said bladder fluidly connected to said bladder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification