Devices and methods for surgical retraction

Abstract

Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g., from a proximal end of the access device or a location disposed outside of the patient. The blade can be manipulated in various ways, such as by rotating the blade relative to the outer tube, translating the blade longitudinally relative to the outer tube, sliding an expander along the blade, driving a wedge between the blade and the outer tube, actuating a cam mechanism of the access device, and/or pivoting the blade relative to the outer tube.