초록 ▼

The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in a patient's body, together with a delivery device for positioning the retractor in the patient's body. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening the

The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in a patient's body, together with a delivery device for positioning the retractor in the patient's body. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. The retractor is held by the delivery device in a collapsed orientation for placement in the patient's body. The delivery device is released from the retractor to allow the retractor to assume an expanded orientation in the patient's body. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A retractor system comprising:a retractor comprising an anchoring frame and at least one flexible tensioning member extending from the anchoring frame, the flexible tensioning member adapted to be tensioned to widen an incision in the patient's body, wherein the retractor

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A retractor system comprising:a retractor comprising an anchoring frame and at least one flexible tensioning member extending from the anchoring frame, the flexible tensioning member adapted to be tensioned to widen an incision in the patient's body, wherein the retractor can assume collapsed and expanded orientations; anda delivery device comprising a handle and a retractor engaging portion including first and second retractor engaging surfaces configured to hold the retractor in said collapsed orientation, wherein the retractor engaging portion of the delivery device is releasable from the retractor without moving the first and second retractor engaging surfaces relative to each other to allow the retractor to assume said expanded orientation in the patient's body.