CA2300667A1 - Reconfigurable and self-retaining surgical retractor - Google Patents
Reconfigurable and self-retaining surgical retractor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2300667A1 CA2300667A1 CA002300667A CA2300667A CA2300667A1 CA 2300667 A1 CA2300667 A1 CA 2300667A1 CA 002300667 A CA002300667 A CA 002300667A CA 2300667 A CA2300667 A CA 2300667A CA 2300667 A1 CA2300667 A1 CA 2300667A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- portions
- surgical
- retractor
- connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/02—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors
- A61B17/0293—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors with ring member to support retractor elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/02—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors
- A61B2017/0287—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors with elastic retracting members connectable to a frame, e.g. hooked elastic wires
Abstract
A surgical. retractor frame that is easily reconfigurable and self-maintaining in a desired position.
The surgical retractor frame is formed from first and second rigid frame portions,that are easily adjusted to various desired configurations. The first and second portions cooperate to define a support adapted to surround a surgical field and operable to releasably receive a plurality of surgical stays for temporary retraction of tissue during a. surgical procedure. A malleable connector secures the first frame portion to the second frame portion, and permits the frame portions to be moved relative to one: another to permit adjustment and proper positioning of the frame relative to the surgical field.
The connector is a preferably a plastic coated wire that is adhesively affixed to the first and second frame portions.
The surgical retractor frame is formed from first and second rigid frame portions,that are easily adjusted to various desired configurations. The first and second portions cooperate to define a support adapted to surround a surgical field and operable to releasably receive a plurality of surgical stays for temporary retraction of tissue during a. surgical procedure. A malleable connector secures the first frame portion to the second frame portion, and permits the frame portions to be moved relative to one: another to permit adjustment and proper positioning of the frame relative to the surgical field.
The connector is a preferably a plastic coated wire that is adhesively affixed to the first and second frame portions.
Description
2 BACR;GROUND OF THE INVENTION
3 F:LELD OF THE INVENTION
4 The present invention 'is directed toward surgical retractor systsams and, more specifically, to a 6 reconfigurable,, self-retaining surgical retractor system.
8 It has proven to be desirable in many surgical 9 procedures to provide means to maintain the surgical incision in an open or exposed condition. Several tissue 11 retraction sysi~ems have been developed over the years in 12 response to thEa need for a means to maintain tissue in out 13 of the way of i~he surgeon. Typically, such systems include 14 a frame or support portion and a tissue-engaging portion.
The frame is typically a rigid, one-piece 16 construction, and often is contoured or designed to fit a 17 specific portion of the human body. As such, conventional 18 frames are not adapted for reconfiguration to different 19 shapes. Surgical frames of this type are illustrated by U.S. Patent Noa. 5,785,649; 5,769,783; 4,430,991, 21 3,070,088; and 2,701,562, the disclosures of which are 22 expressly incorporated herein in their entireties.
23 Other surgical frames have portions that are movable 24 relative to once another. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. Re. 32,02:L and 4,434,791, the disclosures of which are 26 expressly incorporated herein in their entireties. Each of 27 these frames h<~s a first portion and a second portion that 28 are in engagement with each other and pivotally secured to 29 one another by means of a pair of pivot joints.
Unfortunately, the pivotal connection is not easily 31 adjusted, and :is an inconvenient means to alter the 32 orientation of the frame portions relative to each other. .
33 Therefore,, there exists a need in the art for a 34 surgical frame that is easily reconfigurable and that will 1 retain its shape once reconfigured. There further exists a 2 need in the art. for a surgical frame that is rigid and 3 stable while being easily adjusted to the infinite 4 configurations that may be encountered in various surgical applications.
6 SUMI~iARY OF THE INVENTION
7 The present invention is directed toward a surgical 8 retractor frame that is easily reconfigurable and self-9 maintaining in a desired position. The present invention 7_0 is further directed toward a surgical frame formed from ~_1 first and second rigid frame portions that are easily 7_2 adjusted to various desired configurations.
7_3 In accordance with the present invention, a retractor J_4 frame is formed from a substantially rigid material, and J_5 has a first portion and a second portion. The first and J_6 second portions cooperate to define a support adapted to 17 surround a surgical field and operable to releasably ~_8 receive a plurality of surgical stays for temporary 7_9 retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure.
2.0 In further accordance with the present invention, 21 means are provided for permanently securing the first 2.2 portion of the frame to the second portion of the frame.
~:3 The securing means is readily deformable to permit the ~:4 first and second frame portions to be moved relative to one a:5 another to permit adjustment and proper positioning of the frame relative to they surgical field. The securing means c;7 is malleable such that deformation thereof may be reversed.
2;8 In further accordance with the present invention, the 2:9 securing means includes a connector that extends between, 30 and is connected to, the first and second frame portions.
31 The connector is a plastic coated wire that is affixed, 32 preferably by adhesives, to the first and second frame 33 portions. In accordance with an alternative construction, 34 the plastic coated wire is molded into the first and second 35 frame portions.
2 These and further features of the present invention 3 will be apparent with reference to the drawings, wherein:
4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical frame according to th.e present invention in a first configuration 6 wherein first and second portions of the frame are in 7 alignment with one another;
8 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a surgical frame in a 9 second configuration wherein the first and second frame .LO portions are at. an angle relative to one another;
:L1 FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the surgical frame shown :L2 in FIGS . 1 and 2 ;
:L3 FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the surgical frame;
:L4 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connection :L5 between the first and second frame portions as seen along .L6 line V-V of FIG. 3;
:L7 FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view of the surgical :L8 frame as seen along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; and, :l9 FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view of the surgical :?0 frame as seen along line VII-VII of FIG. 3.
:?1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
:?2 It should be noted that in the detailed description :?3 that follows, identical components have the same reference :?4 numeral, regardless of whether they are shown in different 5 embodiments of the present invention. It should also be .?6 noted that in order too clearly and concisely disclose the :?7 present invention, the drawings may not necessarily be to :?8 scale and certain features of the invention may be shown in .?9 somewhat schematic farm. It should be further noted that :30 the peripheral shape (i.e., circular and V-shaped) of the :31 illustrated frame portions is exemplary of two common frame :32 portion shapes. However, the present invention is not to :33 be limited to a surgical frame with frame portions having 34 the illustrated shapes. Rather, several frame portion 35 shapes are known in the art and are considered .c6 interchangeable with those illustrated herein.
1 With reference to the drawing figures, a surgical 2 frame 10 according to the present invention is illustrated.
3 The surgical frame includes a first portion 12 and a second 4 portion 14. The firat frame portion 12 is generally arcuate or circular, while the second frame portion 14 is 6 somewhat V-shaped, a:~ illustrated. The following 7 description of the structural features of the surgical 8 frame 10 is generic :insofar as the description is equally 9 applicable to t:he first and second frame portions.
:10 The surgical fr<~me 10 has an upper surface 16 (FIGS.
:11 1-3) and a lower surface 18 (FIG. 4). The upper surface 16 12 is substantially planar, and angles from a relatively :13 lower, inner edge 20 to a relatively higher, outer edge 22.
:14 At the outer ealge 22 a plurality of regularly spaced :15 notches 24 are formed in the surgical frame 10 to :16 facilitate attachment of surgical stays (not shown) :17 thereto. It is. noted that surgical stays are well known in :18 the art and do not form part of the present invention.
:19 Accordingly, surgica:L stays are not illustrated and will 20 not be further discussed hereinafter. If further 21 information regarding surgical stays is desired, reference 22 should be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,785,649; 5,769,783;
:~3 5,514,076; 4,61.0,243,; 4,430,991; and Re. 32,021, the 24 disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by :?5 reference.
:~
:?6 The lower surface 18 of the surg al frame 10 has an 27 inner, raised rim 26 and an outer peripheral flange 28.
28 The flange 28 slopes downwardly and outwardly away from a 29 base of the raised inner rim 26, and generally matches the 30 angle or slope of the frame upper surface 16. The notches 31 24 extend through the lower surface 18 at the outer flange :32 28, as illustrated. As such, the radially outer portion of 33 the frame 10 is angled relative to the axis of the frame :34 and has a generally constant thickness. The radially inner :35 portion of the frame 10 has a thickness that is increased :36 relative to the. outer portion or flange 28.
37 In using the surgical frame, the raised inner rim 26 1 on the lower frame surface 18 is placed in contact with a 2 body surface surrounding the surgical field. The rim 26 3 serves to maini~ain the outer flange 28 elevated relative to 4 the body surface. Spacing or maintaining the flange 28 above the surface of the body facilitates insertion and 6 retention of the surgical stays in the notches 24. The 7 shape of the surgical frame 10 also helps to resist 8 compressive fo~__°ces exerted by the surgical stays, and 9 generally provides a stable, self-retaining structure, so long as the st<~ys are inserted into diametrically opposed 11 pairs of frame notches.
12 With continuing reference to the drawing figures,. the 13 first and second frame portions 12, 14 each include first 14 and second ends 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b. The first end 30a of the first frame: portion 12 faces the first end 32a of the 16 second frame portion 14. The second end 30b of the first 17 frame portion 12 faces the second end 32b of the second 18 frame portion 7_4. Each of the ends 30a, 3.Ob; 32a, 32b 19 includes a relatively enlarged socket member 36 that :20 receives a connector 40 for securing the first and second 21 frame portions l2, 14 together.
:22 More speci.fical:Ly, the connector 40 is preferably 23 formed from a malleable material and is inserted into and :p4 adhesively secured to the first and second frame portions :?5 12, 14. Although adhesive attachment of the connector 40 :?6 to the frame portions 12, 14 is preferred due to labor, 27 cost, and manufacturing flexibility considerations, the 8 connector 40 ma.y be insert-molded into the first and second :?9 frame portions 12, 14.
:30 The connecaor 40 is preferably a solid core wire :31 material 42 having a vinyl or plastic outer coating 44.
:32 Preferably, the. each connector 40 has a first end 46 :33 adhesively secured to the first frame portion 12 and a .34 second, opposite end 48 adhesively secured to the second 35 frame portion 14. Mare preferably, and as illustrated, 36 first and second pairs of such connectors 40 are used to 37 secure the first and second frame portions 12, 14 to one 1 another. A first pair of connectors connects the first 2 ends 30a, 32a of the first and second frame portions 12, 14 3 to one another. A second pair of connectors connects the 4 second ends 30b, 32b of the first and second frame portions 12, 14 to one another.
6 Provision of a pair of connectors 40 on each side 7 resists twisting of t:he first and second frame portions.
8 Two such connecaors on each side is also preferred because 9 it permits the desired connector strength and stability :LO while permitting connectors of a desired cross-sectional 11 size. Naturally, more or less than two connectors may be :~2 used without diverging from the scope of the present 13 invention.
:L4 Reorientation of the frame portions 12, 14 relative to one another is facilitated with a surgical frame 10 .l6 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
:l7 Since the connector 40 is malleable, the first frame :L8 portion 12 is simply bent o:r~ pivoted relative to the second :l9 frame portion 14. Such bending or pivoting will reconfigure the. surgical frame 10 from a first 21 configuration (FIG. 1) to a second configuration (FIG. 2), :?2 for example.
23 In accordance with the present invention, desired 24 orientation of the frame portions 12, 14 does not require loosening, tightening, or otherwise turning or manipulating 26 connectors or mechanical fixtures that interconnect the 27 first and second frame portions 12, 14. Rather, with the a:8 present invention, the surgical frame 10 may simply be 29 placed on the body such that the surgical field is :j0 surrounded by the first and/or second frame portions 12,.
al 14, as desired. Thereafter, the first and/or second frame a2 portions 12, 14 are pushed downwardly toward the~body, 33 thereby bending the connector 40 and urging the surgical a4 frame 10 into better conformance with the contour of the a5 patient's body. As such, the surgical frame 10 is in a a6 convenient position for attachment of the surgical stays.
a7 Accordingly, th.e present invention facilitates easy and 1 rapid positioning of the surgical frame by a surgeon.
2 The preferred embodiment of the present invention is 3 described and illust:rated~herein. However, it is 4 considered apparent 'that numerous modifications, substitutions of parts, and additions may be made without 6 departing from the scope and spirit of the present 7 invention as embodied by the claims appended hereto. For 8 example, while the connector preferably extends only 9 between the first and second frame portions, it is considered apparent that the wire material may form a loop 11 that is integrally molded into the first and second 12 portions. Such a loop may be molded into the rim of the :13 frame portions. Moreover, while a plastic coated wire is 14 preferred as the connector, it is also considered apparent that numerous other connectors may be employed 16 interchangeably so long as the function of the connector 17 discussed herei.nbefore is preserved. For example, instead 18 of having individual plastic-coated wires, it is :19 contemplated that a plurality of wires may be embedded or surrounded in a flexible membrane or sheath. Further, it :Z1 is contemplated that the wires be replaced by a different 22 malleable member, including one that may preclude bending 23 in a predetermined direction. Such a different malleable :Z4 member may be as metal ribbon that is bendable in one :?5 direction but riot bendable in a second, perpendicular :?6 direction. Accordingly, the present invention is not 27 limited to the structure specifically described and :?8 illustrated hereinbefore, but rather covers and includes :?9 all that is defined by the following claims.
_7_
8 It has proven to be desirable in many surgical 9 procedures to provide means to maintain the surgical incision in an open or exposed condition. Several tissue 11 retraction sysi~ems have been developed over the years in 12 response to thEa need for a means to maintain tissue in out 13 of the way of i~he surgeon. Typically, such systems include 14 a frame or support portion and a tissue-engaging portion.
The frame is typically a rigid, one-piece 16 construction, and often is contoured or designed to fit a 17 specific portion of the human body. As such, conventional 18 frames are not adapted for reconfiguration to different 19 shapes. Surgical frames of this type are illustrated by U.S. Patent Noa. 5,785,649; 5,769,783; 4,430,991, 21 3,070,088; and 2,701,562, the disclosures of which are 22 expressly incorporated herein in their entireties.
23 Other surgical frames have portions that are movable 24 relative to once another. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. Re. 32,02:L and 4,434,791, the disclosures of which are 26 expressly incorporated herein in their entireties. Each of 27 these frames h<~s a first portion and a second portion that 28 are in engagement with each other and pivotally secured to 29 one another by means of a pair of pivot joints.
Unfortunately, the pivotal connection is not easily 31 adjusted, and :is an inconvenient means to alter the 32 orientation of the frame portions relative to each other. .
33 Therefore,, there exists a need in the art for a 34 surgical frame that is easily reconfigurable and that will 1 retain its shape once reconfigured. There further exists a 2 need in the art. for a surgical frame that is rigid and 3 stable while being easily adjusted to the infinite 4 configurations that may be encountered in various surgical applications.
6 SUMI~iARY OF THE INVENTION
7 The present invention is directed toward a surgical 8 retractor frame that is easily reconfigurable and self-9 maintaining in a desired position. The present invention 7_0 is further directed toward a surgical frame formed from ~_1 first and second rigid frame portions that are easily 7_2 adjusted to various desired configurations.
7_3 In accordance with the present invention, a retractor J_4 frame is formed from a substantially rigid material, and J_5 has a first portion and a second portion. The first and J_6 second portions cooperate to define a support adapted to 17 surround a surgical field and operable to releasably ~_8 receive a plurality of surgical stays for temporary 7_9 retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure.
2.0 In further accordance with the present invention, 21 means are provided for permanently securing the first 2.2 portion of the frame to the second portion of the frame.
~:3 The securing means is readily deformable to permit the ~:4 first and second frame portions to be moved relative to one a:5 another to permit adjustment and proper positioning of the frame relative to they surgical field. The securing means c;7 is malleable such that deformation thereof may be reversed.
2;8 In further accordance with the present invention, the 2:9 securing means includes a connector that extends between, 30 and is connected to, the first and second frame portions.
31 The connector is a plastic coated wire that is affixed, 32 preferably by adhesives, to the first and second frame 33 portions. In accordance with an alternative construction, 34 the plastic coated wire is molded into the first and second 35 frame portions.
2 These and further features of the present invention 3 will be apparent with reference to the drawings, wherein:
4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical frame according to th.e present invention in a first configuration 6 wherein first and second portions of the frame are in 7 alignment with one another;
8 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a surgical frame in a 9 second configuration wherein the first and second frame .LO portions are at. an angle relative to one another;
:L1 FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the surgical frame shown :L2 in FIGS . 1 and 2 ;
:L3 FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the surgical frame;
:L4 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connection :L5 between the first and second frame portions as seen along .L6 line V-V of FIG. 3;
:L7 FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view of the surgical :L8 frame as seen along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; and, :l9 FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view of the surgical :?0 frame as seen along line VII-VII of FIG. 3.
:?1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
:?2 It should be noted that in the detailed description :?3 that follows, identical components have the same reference :?4 numeral, regardless of whether they are shown in different 5 embodiments of the present invention. It should also be .?6 noted that in order too clearly and concisely disclose the :?7 present invention, the drawings may not necessarily be to :?8 scale and certain features of the invention may be shown in .?9 somewhat schematic farm. It should be further noted that :30 the peripheral shape (i.e., circular and V-shaped) of the :31 illustrated frame portions is exemplary of two common frame :32 portion shapes. However, the present invention is not to :33 be limited to a surgical frame with frame portions having 34 the illustrated shapes. Rather, several frame portion 35 shapes are known in the art and are considered .c6 interchangeable with those illustrated herein.
1 With reference to the drawing figures, a surgical 2 frame 10 according to the present invention is illustrated.
3 The surgical frame includes a first portion 12 and a second 4 portion 14. The firat frame portion 12 is generally arcuate or circular, while the second frame portion 14 is 6 somewhat V-shaped, a:~ illustrated. The following 7 description of the structural features of the surgical 8 frame 10 is generic :insofar as the description is equally 9 applicable to t:he first and second frame portions.
:10 The surgical fr<~me 10 has an upper surface 16 (FIGS.
:11 1-3) and a lower surface 18 (FIG. 4). The upper surface 16 12 is substantially planar, and angles from a relatively :13 lower, inner edge 20 to a relatively higher, outer edge 22.
:14 At the outer ealge 22 a plurality of regularly spaced :15 notches 24 are formed in the surgical frame 10 to :16 facilitate attachment of surgical stays (not shown) :17 thereto. It is. noted that surgical stays are well known in :18 the art and do not form part of the present invention.
:19 Accordingly, surgica:L stays are not illustrated and will 20 not be further discussed hereinafter. If further 21 information regarding surgical stays is desired, reference 22 should be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,785,649; 5,769,783;
:~3 5,514,076; 4,61.0,243,; 4,430,991; and Re. 32,021, the 24 disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by :?5 reference.
:~
:?6 The lower surface 18 of the surg al frame 10 has an 27 inner, raised rim 26 and an outer peripheral flange 28.
28 The flange 28 slopes downwardly and outwardly away from a 29 base of the raised inner rim 26, and generally matches the 30 angle or slope of the frame upper surface 16. The notches 31 24 extend through the lower surface 18 at the outer flange :32 28, as illustrated. As such, the radially outer portion of 33 the frame 10 is angled relative to the axis of the frame :34 and has a generally constant thickness. The radially inner :35 portion of the frame 10 has a thickness that is increased :36 relative to the. outer portion or flange 28.
37 In using the surgical frame, the raised inner rim 26 1 on the lower frame surface 18 is placed in contact with a 2 body surface surrounding the surgical field. The rim 26 3 serves to maini~ain the outer flange 28 elevated relative to 4 the body surface. Spacing or maintaining the flange 28 above the surface of the body facilitates insertion and 6 retention of the surgical stays in the notches 24. The 7 shape of the surgical frame 10 also helps to resist 8 compressive fo~__°ces exerted by the surgical stays, and 9 generally provides a stable, self-retaining structure, so long as the st<~ys are inserted into diametrically opposed 11 pairs of frame notches.
12 With continuing reference to the drawing figures,. the 13 first and second frame portions 12, 14 each include first 14 and second ends 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b. The first end 30a of the first frame: portion 12 faces the first end 32a of the 16 second frame portion 14. The second end 30b of the first 17 frame portion 12 faces the second end 32b of the second 18 frame portion 7_4. Each of the ends 30a, 3.Ob; 32a, 32b 19 includes a relatively enlarged socket member 36 that :20 receives a connector 40 for securing the first and second 21 frame portions l2, 14 together.
:22 More speci.fical:Ly, the connector 40 is preferably 23 formed from a malleable material and is inserted into and :p4 adhesively secured to the first and second frame portions :?5 12, 14. Although adhesive attachment of the connector 40 :?6 to the frame portions 12, 14 is preferred due to labor, 27 cost, and manufacturing flexibility considerations, the 8 connector 40 ma.y be insert-molded into the first and second :?9 frame portions 12, 14.
:30 The connecaor 40 is preferably a solid core wire :31 material 42 having a vinyl or plastic outer coating 44.
:32 Preferably, the. each connector 40 has a first end 46 :33 adhesively secured to the first frame portion 12 and a .34 second, opposite end 48 adhesively secured to the second 35 frame portion 14. Mare preferably, and as illustrated, 36 first and second pairs of such connectors 40 are used to 37 secure the first and second frame portions 12, 14 to one 1 another. A first pair of connectors connects the first 2 ends 30a, 32a of the first and second frame portions 12, 14 3 to one another. A second pair of connectors connects the 4 second ends 30b, 32b of the first and second frame portions 12, 14 to one another.
6 Provision of a pair of connectors 40 on each side 7 resists twisting of t:he first and second frame portions.
8 Two such connecaors on each side is also preferred because 9 it permits the desired connector strength and stability :LO while permitting connectors of a desired cross-sectional 11 size. Naturally, more or less than two connectors may be :~2 used without diverging from the scope of the present 13 invention.
:L4 Reorientation of the frame portions 12, 14 relative to one another is facilitated with a surgical frame 10 .l6 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
:l7 Since the connector 40 is malleable, the first frame :L8 portion 12 is simply bent o:r~ pivoted relative to the second :l9 frame portion 14. Such bending or pivoting will reconfigure the. surgical frame 10 from a first 21 configuration (FIG. 1) to a second configuration (FIG. 2), :?2 for example.
23 In accordance with the present invention, desired 24 orientation of the frame portions 12, 14 does not require loosening, tightening, or otherwise turning or manipulating 26 connectors or mechanical fixtures that interconnect the 27 first and second frame portions 12, 14. Rather, with the a:8 present invention, the surgical frame 10 may simply be 29 placed on the body such that the surgical field is :j0 surrounded by the first and/or second frame portions 12,.
al 14, as desired. Thereafter, the first and/or second frame a2 portions 12, 14 are pushed downwardly toward the~body, 33 thereby bending the connector 40 and urging the surgical a4 frame 10 into better conformance with the contour of the a5 patient's body. As such, the surgical frame 10 is in a a6 convenient position for attachment of the surgical stays.
a7 Accordingly, th.e present invention facilitates easy and 1 rapid positioning of the surgical frame by a surgeon.
2 The preferred embodiment of the present invention is 3 described and illust:rated~herein. However, it is 4 considered apparent 'that numerous modifications, substitutions of parts, and additions may be made without 6 departing from the scope and spirit of the present 7 invention as embodied by the claims appended hereto. For 8 example, while the connector preferably extends only 9 between the first and second frame portions, it is considered apparent that the wire material may form a loop 11 that is integrally molded into the first and second 12 portions. Such a loop may be molded into the rim of the :13 frame portions. Moreover, while a plastic coated wire is 14 preferred as the connector, it is also considered apparent that numerous other connectors may be employed 16 interchangeably so long as the function of the connector 17 discussed herei.nbefore is preserved. For example, instead 18 of having individual plastic-coated wires, it is :19 contemplated that a plurality of wires may be embedded or surrounded in a flexible membrane or sheath. Further, it :Z1 is contemplated that the wires be replaced by a different 22 malleable member, including one that may preclude bending 23 in a predetermined direction. Such a different malleable :Z4 member may be as metal ribbon that is bendable in one :?5 direction but riot bendable in a second, perpendicular :?6 direction. Accordingly, the present invention is not 27 limited to the structure specifically described and :?8 illustrated hereinbefore, but rather covers and includes :?9 all that is defined by the following claims.
_7_
Claims (16)
1. A retractor frame formed from a substantially rigid material, said frame comprising a first frame portion and a second frame portion which cooperate to define a support adapted to surround a surgical field and to releasably receive a plurality of surgical stays for temporary retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure, the improvement comprising:
means for permanently securing the first frame portion to the second frame portion, said securing means being deformable to permit the first and second portions to be moved relative to one another.
means for permanently securing the first frame portion to the second frame portion, said securing means being deformable to permit the first and second portions to be moved relative to one another.
2. A retractor frame according to claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a connector that extends between said first and second frame portions, said connector being permanently attached to each of said first and second portions.
3. A retractor frame according to claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a pair of connectors, each of said pair of connectors extending between said first and second frame portions and being permanently attached to each of said first and second frame portions.
4. A retractor frame according to claim 1, wherein deformation of said securing means is reversible.
5. A retractor frame according to claim 2, wherein said first and second frame portions are made from a molded material and said connector is made from a malleable material, said securing means having a first end affixed to said first frame portion and a second end affixed to said second frame portion.
6. A retractor frame according to claim 3, wherein said first and second frame portions are made from a molded material and said pair of connectors are made from a malleable material, each of said pair of connectors having a first end affixed to said first frame portion and a second end affixed to said second frame portion.
7. A retractor frame according to claim 4, wherein said securing means comprises a connector that extends between said first and second frame portions, said connector being permanently attached to each of said first and second frame portions.
8. A retractor frame according to claim 4, wherein said securing means comprises a pair of connectors, each of said pair of connectors extending between said first and second frame portions and being permanently attached to each of said first and second frame portions.
9. A retractor frame according to claim 7, wherein said first and second frame portions are made from a molded material and said connector is formed made a malleable material, said connector having a first end affixed to said first frame portion and a second end affixed to said second frame portion.
10. A retractor frame according to claim 8, wherein said first and second frame portions are made from a molded material and said pair of connectors are made from a malleable material, each of pair of connectors having a first end affixed to said first frame portion and a second end affixed to said second frame portion.
11. A retractor frame according to claim 9, wherein said connector comprises at least one wire.
12. A retractor frame according to claim 11, wherein said at least one wire is adhesively attached to said first and second frame portions.
13. A retractor frame according to claim 12, wherein said at least one wire is surrounded by a plastic sheath.
14. A retractor frame according to claim 10, wherein each of said pair of connectors comprise at least one wire.
15. A retractor frame according to claim 14, wherein said at least one wire is adhesively attached to said first and second frame portions.
16. A retractor frame according to claim 15, wherein said at least one wire is surrounded by a plastic sheath.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/275,137 US5951467A (en) | 1999-03-23 | 1999-03-23 | Reconfigurable and self-retaining surgical retractor |
| US09/275,137 | 1999-03-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2300667A1 true CA2300667A1 (en) | 2000-09-23 |
Family
ID=23051016
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002300667A Abandoned CA2300667A1 (en) | 1999-03-23 | 2000-03-14 | Reconfigurable and self-retaining surgical retractor |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5951467A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1038502B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4112152B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE365503T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2300667A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60035305T2 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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-
1999
- 1999-03-23 US US09/275,137 patent/US5951467A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-03-03 EP EP00301746A patent/EP1038502B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-03-03 DE DE60035305T patent/DE60035305T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-03-03 AT AT00301746T patent/ATE365503T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-03-14 CA CA002300667A patent/CA2300667A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-03-23 JP JP2000081101A patent/JP4112152B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5951467A (en) | 1999-09-14 |
| EP1038502A2 (en) | 2000-09-27 |
| DE60035305D1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
| EP1038502B1 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
| JP4112152B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 |
| EP1038502A3 (en) | 2001-02-07 |
| ATE365503T1 (en) | 2007-07-15 |
| JP2000279419A (en) | 2000-10-10 |
| DE60035305T2 (en) | 2008-02-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |