US6162172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for retracting tissue
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
•
Filing: 1998-01-30
•
Granted: 2000-12-19
•
Expires: 2018-01-30
Abstract
Abstract Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for retracting tissue around an incision. The apparatus includes a member having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. An adjustable aperture is definable within the inner peripheral surface as the member is adjusted between a compressed condition in which the aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which the aperture is substantially open. The apparatus is positioned within a surgical incision in the compressed condition, and is adjusted to the expanded condition in situ to define an opening within the incision through the aperture whereby a surgical field may be viewed and/or accessed.
Inventors
- 👤 Delos M. Cosgrove
- 👤 Norma L. Lowe
- 👤 Keith Myers
- 👤 Richard Rhee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 05:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0293; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B90/00; A61B90/30; A61B2090/306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 101
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting animal tissue, said apparatus comprising: a resilient, deformable member having a loop shape defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, and being deformable about a region of said member having less resiliency than other regions of said member between a compressed insertion position wherein opposing regions of said interior surface contact each other when said member is fully compressed and an expanded tissue-supporting position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting animal tissue, said apparatus comprising: a resilient, deformable member having a loop shape defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, and being deformable about a region of said member having less resiliency than other regions of said member between a compressed insertion position wherein opposing regions of said interior surface contact each other when said member is fully compressed and an expanded tissue-supporting position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure disposed about said exterior surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a light source disposed on said member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising diametrically-opposed flex portions having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member to facilitate folding and compression of said member at said flex portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting animal tissue, said apparatus comprising: a resilient, deformable member having a loon shape defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, said member being provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member and being deformable about said at least one flex portion between a compressed insertion position wherein opposing portions of said interior surface contact each other when said member is fully compressed and an expanded tissue-supporting position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting animal tissue, said apparatus comprising: a resilient, deformable member having a loon shape defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, said member being provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member and being deformable about said at least one flex portion between a compressed insertion position wherein opposing portions of said interior surface contact each other when said member is fully compressed and an expanded tissue-supporting position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting heart tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and an aperture definable within said inner periphery; said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open and has sufficient strength to keen said heart tissue in a substantially atraumatic retracted position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting heart tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and an aperture definable within said inner periphery; said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open and has sufficient strength to keen said heart tissue in a substantially atraumatic retracted position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 6 wherein said member is resiliently biased to said expanded condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 7 wherein said member is provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 8 wherein said flex portion is a slot.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 8 wherein said member is substantially circular and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flex portions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 6 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure on said outer periphery.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 11 wherein said tissue-engaging structure includes an annular ridge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a light source disposed on said member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 13 wherein said light source includes a light-emitting element coupled to an external power source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 13 wherein said light source is chemiluminescent.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 15 wherein said chemiluminescent light source comprises: a housing having a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber and a translucent wall defining at least a portion of said inner periphery of said member; and a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution respectively received within said first chamber and said second chamber, said chemical solutions being chemiluminescent when mixed together.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 16 wherein said divider is breakable when said member is in said compressed condition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
A The surgical apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
83 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 18 wherein: said member is an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster portion is disposed on said second end of said member and includes: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; and a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a retaining structure disposed on said member for retaining an additional surgical apparatus.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for retracting tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision in the tissue; compressing the surgical apparatus of claim 6 and positioning said surgical apparatus in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to open said aperture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning the surgical apparatus of claim 6 in said incision; expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising the additional step of: compressing said surgical apparatus prior to said positioning step.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for retracting heart tissue comprising: a body member having a closed-loop shape; said body member being deformable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition; said body member having sufficient resilience to substantially atraumatically retract heart tissue when said body member is positioned within a surgical field; said body member having sufficient flexibility to enable opposite inside interior surfaces of said body member to come into contact with each other when said body member is fully compressed by a human hand.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for retracting heart tissue comprising: a body member having a closed-loop shape; said body member being deformable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition; said body member having sufficient resilience to substantially atraumatically retract heart tissue when said body member is positioned within a surgical field; said body member having sufficient flexibility to enable opposite inside interior surfaces of said body member to come into contact with each other when said body member is fully compressed by a human hand.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure disposed about said exterior surface.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising a light source disposed on said member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 24 further comprising diametrically-opposed flex portions having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member to facilitate folding and compression of said member at said flex portions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
86 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, said member being resiliently biased to an expanded condition and provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; and said member being adjustable about said at least one flex portion between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and said expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
86 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, said member being resiliently biased to an expanded condition and provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; and said member being adjustable about said at least one flex portion between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and said expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 wherein said flex portion is a slot.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 wherein said member is substantially circular and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flex portions.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure on said outer periphery.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 31 wherein said tissue-engaging structure includes an annular ridge.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a light source disposed on said member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 33 wherein said light source includes a light-emitting element coupled to an external power source.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
12 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 33 wherein said light source is chemiluminescent.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 35 wherein said chemiluminescent light source comprises: a housing having a first chamber, a divider a second chamber and a translucent wall defining at least a portion of said inner periphery of said member; and a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution respectively received within said first chamber and said second chamber, said chemical solutions being chemiluminescent when mixed together.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 36 wherein said divider is breakable when said member is in said compressed condition.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
82 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 38 wherein: said member is an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster is disposed on said second end of said member and includes: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; and a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a retaining structure disposed on said member for retaining an additional surgical apparatus.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said apparatus includes diametrically-opposed flex portions having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member to facilitate folding and compression of said member at said flex portions.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of; forming an incision in the tissue; compressing the surgical apparatus of claim 28, and positioning said surgical apparatus in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning the surgical apparatus of claim 28 in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the additional step of: compressing said surgical apparatus prior to said positioning step.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
65 words
A surgical apparatus for retracing tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; a light source disposed on said member, said light source being chemiluminescent; and said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
65 words
A surgical apparatus for retracing tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; a light source disposed on said member, said light source being chemiluminescent; and said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 wherein said member is resiliently biased to an expanded condition.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 46 wherein said member is provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 47 wherein said flex portion is a slot.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 47 wherein said member is substantially circular and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flex portions.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure on said outer periphery.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 50 wherein said tissue-engaging structure includes an annular ridge.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 wherein said light source includes a translucent wall.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 wherein said chemiluminescent light source comprises: a housing having a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber and a translucent wall defining at least a portion of said inner periphery of said member; and a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution respectively received within said first chamber and said second chamber, said chemical solutions being chemiluminescent when mixed together.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 53 wherein said divider is breakable when said member is in said compressed condition.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
82 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 55 wherein: said member is an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster is disposed on said second end of said member and includes: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; and a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a retaining structure disposed on said member for retaining an additional surgical apparatus.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision in the tissue; compressing the surgical apparatus of claim 45, and positioning said surgical apparatus in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to- form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning the surgical apparatus of claim 45 in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 59 further comprising the additional step of: compressing said surgical apparatus prior to said positioning step .
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
151 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition, said member being an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster being disposed on said second end of said member and including: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches; and said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open and applies an outward radial force to said tissue.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
151 words
A surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising: a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; an aperture definable within said inner periphery; a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition, said member being an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster being disposed on said second end of said member and including: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches; and said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open and applies an outward radial force to said tissue.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 61 wherein said member is resiliently biased to an expanded condition.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 62 wherein said member is provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 63 wherein said flex portion is a slot.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 63 wherein said member is substantially circular and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flex portions.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 61 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure on said outer periphery.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 66 wherein said tissue-engaging structure includes an annular ridge.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a light source disposed on said member.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 68 wherein said light source includes a light-emitting element coupled to an external power source.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
12 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 68 wherein said light source is chemiluminescent.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 70 wherein said chemiluminescent light source comprises a housing having a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber and a translucent wall defining at least a portion of said inner periphery of said member; and a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution respectively received within said first chamber and said second chamber, said chemical solutions being chemiluminescent when mixed together.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 71 wherein said divider is breakable when said member is in said compressed condition.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a retaining structure disposed on said member for retaining an additional surgical apparatus.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision in the tissue; compressing the surgical apparatus of claim 61, and positioning said surgical apparatus in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning the surgical apparatus of claim 61 in said incision, and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 75 further comprising the additional step of: compressing said surgical apparatus prior to said positioning step.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for retracting tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision in the tissue; compressing the surgical apparatus of claim 61, and positioning said surgical apparatus in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning a surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and an aperture definable within said inner periphery, said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open, in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for retracting heart tissue, said method comprising the steps of: forming an incision through said heart tissue; positioning a surgical apparatus for retracting tissue, said apparatus comprising a member having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and an aperture definable within said inner periphery, said member being adjustable between a compressed condition in which said aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which said aperture is substantially open, in said incision; and expanding said surgical apparatus within said incision to form an opening in said heart tissue.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 78 wherein said member is resiliently biased to an expanded condition.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 79 wherein said member is provided with at least one flex portion having less resiliency than remaining portions of said member.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said flex portion is a slot.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said member is substantially circular and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flex portions.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 78 wherein said member is provided with a tissue-engaging structure on said outer periphery.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 83 wherein said tissue-engaging structure includes an annular ridge.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 78 further comprising a li-ht source disposed on said member.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said light source includes a light-emitting element coupled to an external power source.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said light source is chemiluminescent.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 87 wherein said chemiluminescent light source comprises: a housing having a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber and a translucent wall defining at least a portion of said inner periphery of said member; and a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution respectively received within said first chamber and said second chamber, said chemical solutions being chemiluminescent when mixed together.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 88 wherein said divider is breakable when said member is in said compressed condition.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 78 further comprising a mechanical adjuster for moving said member between said compressed condition and said expanded condition.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 90 wherein; said member is an open loop having a first and second opposing ends, and a plurality of notches formed along a first length of said member adjacent to said first end; and said mechanical adjuster is disposed on said second end of said member and includes: a slot for slidably receiving said first end and said first length of said member thereby defining said aperture; and a toothed drive for engaging said plurality of notches.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 74 further comprising a retaining structure disposed on said member for retaining an additional surgical apparatus.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 78 further comprising the additional step of: compressing said surgical apparatus prior to said positioning step.
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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) | 2003-12-19 | 2004-06-19 | 2004-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | 2008-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-19 | 2012-06-19 | 2012-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |