Wound retractor device

Abstract

A wound protector and retractor devicecomprises a sleeve, a distal member provided by a distal ringof resilient material and a proximal member provided by a proximal ring. The sleeveis led around the ringand is free to move axially relative to the distal ringsomewhat in the manner of a pulley. The proximal ringis fixed to the sleeve, in this case at the proximal inner end thereof. The sleeveterminates in a handle or gripping portion which is reinforced by a gripping ring. The sleeve extends from the proximal ringand the distal ringis contained between inner and outer layersof the sleeve. The resilient distal ringis scrunched up and inserted through the incision. The sleeveis then pulled upwardly. On pulling of the sleeveupwardly the outer layeris pulled up while the inner layeris drawn around the proximal ring. This results in shortening the axial extent between the proximal ringand the distal ring, tensioning the sleeve and applying a retraction force to the margins of the incision. As the incision is being retracted the margins are also protected by the sleeve. On retraction, an access port is provided, for example for a surgeon to insert his hand and/or an instrument to perform a procedure. The device may be used as a retractor in open surgery or as a base for a valve/seal to allow it to be used in hand assisted laparoscopic surgery or for instrument access or hand access generally.