Tissue retractor

Abstract

An improved tissue retractor serves as a multifunctional surgical instrument particularly adapted for use during arthroscopic surgery. The instrument is preferably capable of putting tissue into tension either in a direction toward the arthroscopic portal or away from the portal. When tensioning toward the portal, the instrument acts as a tissue retractor. When tensioning away from the portal, the instrument acts as a distender or stretcher of tissue. The instrument includes a pointed obturator slidingly contained within a hollow sheath. The obturator includes a reduced cross-sectional area near the pointed end which acts as a barb when retracting tissue. In one embodiment, the hollow sheath has a bevelled, pointed end which disengages tissue from the obturator. A nozzle attached to the remote end of the hollow sheath may be attached to a syringe for introduction of fluid into the tissue. The instrument can also be used as a needle probe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.