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Method for creating a mediastinal working space

  • US 5,823,946 A
  • Filed: 06/05/1997
  • Issued: 10/20/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/22/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of elevating a rib cage having ribs and a sternum to create a working space beneath the sternum and rib cage without performing a sternotomy, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) providing a retractor device having a distal portion and a proximal portion;

    (b) forming an endoscopic incision in tissue adjacent to the rib cage;

    (c) passing the distal portion of the retractor device through the incision;

    (d) engaging the rib cage with the retractor device;

    (e) applying a lifting force to the proximal portion of the retractor device to lift the rib cage and the sternum, thus creating a mediastinal working space within the rib cage;

    (f) introducing surgical instruments between a pair of the ribs which adjoin the sternum at one side of the sternum and into the mediastinal working space; and

    (g) performing a surgical procedure with the surgical instruments within the mediastinal working space while maintaining the lifting force for the duration of the surgery.

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