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:
Jun. 19, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 09, 2000
Jonathan Adler, Upper Brookville, NY (US);
Bernd Ascher, Islip Terrace, NY (US);
Leonard Coraci, Jr., Selden, NY (US);
Flexbar Machine Corp., Islandia, NY (US);
Abstract
A laparoscopic retractor comprises a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a channel extending longitudinally from the distal end to the proximal end, and a handle connected to the proximal end of the shaft and having a longitudinal channel therethrough. There are a plurality of links pivotally connected in a linear arrangement, with one of the links connected to the distal end of the shaft. Each link has a longitudinal channel therethrough. The shaft and links form a continuous line terminating in a tip formed by an end link. There is a cable extending from the tip through the channels in the links, shaft and handle and an adjustment mechanism connected to the handle opposite the shaft and connected to the cable. There is spring mounted between the handle and adjustment mechanism to bias movement of the adjustment mechanism relative to the handle. The adjustment mechanism can be locked in a biased position wherein the cable is extended and the links rest in a straight line for insertion through a cannula, and can be released so that the cable is retracted an pulls the links into a curved arrangement for use during surgery. There is also a flush port for internal cleaning.