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:
Mar. 06, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1998
Jeffrey Rydin, Winnetka, IL (US);
Thomas J. Palermo, San Jose, CA (US);
Kenneth A Peartree, San Jose, CA (US);
General Surgical Innovations, Inc., Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
A retractor includes an elongate member having an arcuate cross-section defining an elongate passage therein, and a handle molded to its proximal end. A transparent illumination member has a proximal portion connectable to a light source, and a distal portion that extends within the elongate passage along an inner surface of the elongate member, and includes a plurality of grooves for diffusing light transmitted from the proximal portion uniformly into and along the elongate passage. The device may also include a support member attachable to the proximal end of the elongate member to further facilitate visualization of and/or access into the elongate passage. The device may be inserted into an incision and advanced along a section of a tissue structure therein to hold open a working space above the tissue structure without external support A light source may be connected to the proximal portion of the illumination member, thereby transmitting light into the working space while a surgical procedure is performed therein.