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. 27, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 23, 1996
George Sikora, Mansfield, MA (US);
Richard Beane, Hingham, MA (US);
Russell F. Stahl, Shrewsbury, MA (US);
Babs R. Soller, Northboro, MA (US);
Steven W. Ek, Bolton, MA (US);
Gary McCarthy, East Bridgewater, MA (US);
Bill Davis, Hingham, MA (US);
Javier Verdura, Marrieta, GA (US);
University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA (US);
Abstract
The present invention encompasses tools and a tool-holding retractor assembly. The retractor assembly spreads an incision and holds the incision open. At least one extension device, having a tool holder on one end, attaches to the assembly. The holder includes a selectively locking multi-axis adjustable mounting element adapted to grip a tool shaft. The mounting element acts as a universal mounting providing rotational and sliding movement of the tool shaft. The extension device adjusts to position the tool holder peripherally of the surgical field. Once the retractor is placed, the extension device provides full access to regions below the incision. The extension device allows the surgeon to chose the insertion point and insertion angle of the tool shaft.