The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 04, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 12, 1995
Joshua Makower, Nanuet, NY (US);
Lois A Fitton, New York, NY (US);
Aaron D Sodickson, Waban, MA (US);
William A Gorman, Essex, MA (US);
Valleylab Inc, Boulder, CO (US);
Abstract
A minimally invasive retractor and dissector for internal surgical use on a patent's body has a tubular support for passing into the patient's body. A proximal end on the tubular support located outside the patient's body is in position to provide assess for the surgeon. A distal end on the tubular support located inside the patient's body to provide access within the patient for surgery. A control is located at the proximal end of the tubular support. One or more articulated members are movably positioned relative to the distal end of the tubular support so each of the articulated members allows movement relative to the distal end. A rotator connects to the proximal end of the tubular support for movement relative to the control. An instrument moves independently of the tubular support when the articulated members and the distal tips cooperatively function on the tissue. The instrument passes simultaneously through a passage from the proximal end to beyond the distal end so the articulated members may position the tissue relative to the patient.