Surgical retractor stay apparatus

Abstract

A surgical retractor for use in performing surgery upon a patient at a surgical siting includes an annular frame conformed to fit the surface of the patient's body at the site, the frame having a plurality of notches, each having a width. A plurality of stays are provided each including an elongated elastic member having a length, a width, and proximal and distal end portions. The width of each elastic member is preferably greater than the width of the notches so that the stay forms a connection with the annular frame by engaging a selected portion of the elastic member into a notch. At least a portion of one of the elastic members includes a section of hollow elastic tubing having a bore surrounded by a tubing wall. A tissue holding member includes a handle plate forming a first plane, the plate having a thickness, a length, and a height. A wide section of the tissue holding member is much wider than the diameter of the tubing. The wide section defines a second plane that this generally perpendicular to the first plane. The wide section has left and right opposed edge portions and a plurality of curved hooks extend from the wide section and include at least a pair of hooks positioned at the opposed edge portions of the wide section.