PERCUTANEOUSLY INSERTABLE, NEEDLE-SIZED TISSUE RETRACTOR AND SYSTEM

摘要

A percutaneously insertable, needle-sized retractor and system for grasping and retracting tissue in a cavity of a patient. The system comprises a needle-sized trocar sheath having an outside diameter in a range from 10 to 22 gauge, a pointed distal end stylet insertable into the trocar sheath, and a tissue-grasping retractor also insertable through the trocar sheath. The stylet is inserted through the trocar sheath with the pointed distal end extending therefrom. The trocar sheath and stylet are then inserted through a patient's skin and subtending tissue and organs into a desired cavity. When the trocar sheath is inserted, the stylet is removed and the tissue grasping retractor inserted through the sheath and into the cavity. A retaining cap at the proximal end of the sheath fixedly positions the retractor with respect to the trocar sheath while a retention flange positioned around the outside surface of the sheath fixedly positions the sheath with respect to the patient. Thus, the tissue grasping retractor and system grasps and retracts tissue during a minimally invasive procedure with minimal trauma to the patient.