US5913818A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vascular retractor
Assignee: Mallinckrodt Enterprises Holdings Inc
•
Filing: 1997-09-09
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Granted: 1999-06-22
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Expires: 2017-09-09
Abstract
Abstract A self-supporting retractor for holding open an anatomic space for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. The retractor includes a substantially rigid elongate member, having proximal and distal ends, and having an arch shape or "C" cross-section, defining a passage and longitudinal working window along the retractor. The distal end is preferably rounded or streamlined to facilitate insertion along a dissected space with minimized tissue trauma, and may include a hooded portion enclosing the passage at the distal end. The elongate member may include radially-cooperating segments or self-retaining edges to maximize the area of the space held open by the retractor. The retractor may include a handle or a pivotable finger grip on the proximal end to manipulate the retractor during use, and/or a curved handle to tent the incision providing access to the dissected space. The retractor may also include a channel member for an endoscope, integrally formed or pivotally attached to the retractor.
Inventors
- 👤 Fred H. Co
- 👤 Kevin H. Van Bladel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/00008; A61B17/0218; A61B90/00; A61B90/30; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00778; A61B17/32; A61B2017/320044; A61B90/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A retractor for holding open an anatomic space developed in a patient for performing an endoscopic procedure therein, said retractor comprising: a substantially rigid elongate member having proximal and distal ends, said elongate member being at least partially curved in its longitudinal dimension, and having a generally arcuate cross-section defining a passage therein; an endoscope channel, said channel being on an inside surface of said elongate member, and extending distally along a portion thereof; and an ergonomic handle located at said proximal end of said elongate member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A retractor for holding open an anatomic space developed in a patient for performing an endoscopic procedure therein, said retractor comprising: a substantially rigid elongate member having proximal and distal ends, said elongate member being at least partially curved in its longitudinal dimension, and having a generally arcuate cross-section defining a passage therein; an endoscope channel, said channel being on an inside surface of said elongate member, and extending distally along a portion thereof; and an ergonomic handle located at said proximal end of said elongate member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said endoscope channel is integrally formed along said inside surface of said elongate member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The retractor of claim 2 wherein said endoscope channel comprises a "C"-shaped channel defining a passage therein for slidably receiving an endoscope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said endoscope channel comprises a hollow cylindrical sleeve pivotally attached to said inside surface of said elongate member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said distal end includes a substantially rounded distal end to facilitate insertion of said retractor into a dissected space in a patient.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein a distal region of said elongate member includes a hood enclosing said passage at said distal end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The retractor of claim 6 wherein said hood is substantially transparent, thereby allowing visualization of tissues through said hood when said retractor is directed along a dissected space in a patient.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The retractor of claim 6 wherein said hood is substantially transparent, thereby allowing illumination of tissues through said hood when said retractor is directed along a dissected space in a patient.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said elongate member includes a finger grip attached to said proximal end for facilitating directing said elongate member during insertion into an anatomic space.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The retractor of claim 9 wherein said finger grip is rotationally attached to said proximal end, thereby facilitating gripping of said proximal end with either hand.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said ergonomic handle further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a scope light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said elongate member has a tapered cross-section between said proximal and distal ends.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said retractor comprises substantially transparent plastic.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The retractor of claim 1 further comprising an inflatable stand on said proximal end of said elongate member wherein inflation of said stand elevates and supports said retractor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 1 further comprising detents for detachably holding a cable from an instrument introduced into said passage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The retractor of claim 15 wherein said detents comprise a notched slot on said proximal end.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said elongate member is provided with circumferentially extended edges.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The retractor of claim 17 wherein said extended edges are in a distal region of said elongate member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor of claim 18 comprising additional extended edges in a region of said elongate member proximate to said extended edges in said distal region.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The retractor of claim 17 wherein said extended edges comprise tabs integrally formed in said elongate member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
The retractor of claim 1 further comprising: a substantially rigid arcuate segment slidably attached to said elongate member, said arcuate segment having an arcuate cross-section; wherein said arcuate segment may slide rotationally in relation to said elongate member between first and second positions, thereby decreasing or increasing a periphery of said retractor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The retractor of claim 21 wherein said elongate member and arcuate segment include a cooperating slot and tab for slidably attaching said arcuate segment to said elongate member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said elongate member has a curved proximal region, said curved proximal region extending proximally from a straight distal region and curving away from said passage, thereby facilitating insertion of instruments into an incision tented by said proximal region.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The retractor of claim 23 wherein said an endoscope channel is pivotally attached to said inside surface of said elongate member, and extending distally along a portion of said passage.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 23 wherein said distal region includes circumferentially extended edges defining an extended periphery of said retractor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 23 wherein said distal region includes a rounded hood enclosing said passage at said distal end.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor of claim 26 wherein said hood includes a recessed region on its distal tip for accommodating a tissue structure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retractor of claim 1 wherein said endoscope channel is pivotally attached to said inside surface of said elongate member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The retractor of claim 1 further comprising: an inflatable balloon attachable to the retractor; and an inflation device for inflating said balloon.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The support device of claim 29 wherein said balloon is shaped to form a plurality of legs when inflated.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-06-21 | 2002-12-21 | 2003-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-06-21 | 2006-12-21 | 2007-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-06-21 | 2010-12-21 | 2011-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |