US 2012/0259177 A1 · Overlapping Retractor Blade Assemblies

Abstract

A retractor assembly for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. A working channel extends between the first and second retractor portions and provides access to a location within the patient adjacent to distal ends of the first and second retractor portions. The first and second retractor portions are movable relative to one another to adjust the size of the working channel. In addition, the first and second retractor portions are further configured to longitudinally overlap with one another such that the working channel is peripherally surrounded or enclosed by the first and second retractor portions as the working channel is adjusted across a plurality of different sizes. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A retractor assembly for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising:

a first retractor portion including a first elongate body extending between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, said first elongate body further including a first sidewall including a first pair of reduced thickness portions;
a second retractor portion including a second elongate body extending between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, said second elongate body further including a second sidewall including a second pair of reduced thickness portions;
an adjustable working channel extending between said proximal and distal ends of said first and second elongate bodies of said first and second retractor portions;
and
wherein said first pair of reduced thickness portions of said first sidewall are configured to overlap with said second pair of reduced thickness portions of said second sidewall.

2 more elements

A retractor assembly for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising:

a first retractor portion including a first elongate body extending between a proximal end and an opposite distal end and including a first sidewall, said first sidewall extending between a first pair of longitudinal edges and including a first external surface positioned between said first longitudinal edges;
a second retractor portion including a second elongate body extending between a proximal end and an opposite distal end and including a second sidewall, said second sidewall extending between a second pair of longitudinal edges and including a second external surface positioned between said second longitudinal edges;
a working channel extending between said proximal and distal ends of said first and second elongate bodies of said first and second retractor portions, said working channel being adjustable upon relative movement of said first and second retractor portions;
and
wherein said working channel includes an unexpanded configuration in which said first longitudinal edges are positioned between said second longitudinal edges and said first and second external surfaces are positioned adjacent to and flush with one another.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Overlapping Retractor Blade Assemblies

Life of this patent

Overlapping Retractor Blade Assemblies

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20