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. 12, 2007
Filed:
Jun. 30, 2004
Peter Douglas, New Milford, NJ (US);
Hugo Vanerman, Aaist, BE;
Peter Douglas, New Milford, NJ (US);
Hugo Vanerman, Aaist, BE;
Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ (US);
Abstract
A compact, low-profile surgical retractor () avoids the need for a bulky frame. The retractor includes retractor blade components () joined pivotally. A cable () is guided by each retractor blade component. A winding mechanism (), such as a spool, is carried by one of the retractor blade components () for winding up the cable to cause the retractor blade components to transition from a closed position to an open position. The winding mechanism may be actuated by a detachable handle (). The retractor blade components may be unitary, injection-molded pieces. The retractor blade components may be fixed pivotally, such as by pins, or pivotally joined by living hinges. A less-invasive surgical method is also provided in which the retractor is inserted into the body through an incision.