Variable geometry retractor and disposable retractor stay clips and method of use
AssigneeLone Star Medical Products, Inc.
InventorJames M. Fowler, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved surgical retractor stay system has a variable geometry retractor frame and disposable retractor stay clips. The retractor stay clips are adapted to snap onto the variable geometry retractor frame and are slidably movable thereon. The retractor frames are custom made having variable geometry and are prepared from extruded metals. The surgical retractor stay system uses the snap-on retractor stay clips in conjunction with the variable geometry retractor frame.
Claims32
A surgical retractor stay system comprising:
- a) a frame adapted to engage at least one snap-on clip, the frame comprising a plurality of frame members each having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of couplers having a first end opening and a second end opening, each opening receiving the first end or second end of the frame members;
- and
- b) a snap-on clip having a recess to receive the frame and having a notch for securing an elastic member having a width.
A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a frame conformed to fit a surface of the patient's body;
- (b) snapping a snap-on clip having a notch onto the frame;
- (c) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elastic member with a width, a distal end and a proximal end having a tissue holding member, by inserting the distal end of the elastic member into the notch on the snap-on clip and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member;
- (d) removing the stay, frame and snap-on clip after completing the surgical procedure;
- (e) disposing of the snap-on clip;
- and
- (f) sterilizing the frame for reuse.
A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a frame conformed to fit a surface of the patient's body;
- (b) snapping a snap-on clip having a notch onto the frame;
- (c) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elastic member with a width, a distal end and a proximal end having a tissue holding member, by inserting the distal end of the elastic member into the notch on the snap-on clip and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member;
- and
- (d) removing the stay, frame and snap-on clip after completing the surgical procedure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.