Device and method for safely expanding minimally invasive surgical incisions

摘要

An insertion tongue of the retractor device may be pushed into the subject through the trocar incision, along one side of the organ. The tip of the insertion tongue pushes the impacted organ and its endoscopic recovery bag slightly away from the cavity wall. A scalpel is passed through the insertion guide with the tip of the scalpel blade in the retention guide on the back of the insertion tongue, and with the sharp side of the scalpel blade facing away from the organ and from the tongue of the retractor device. The scalpel is then passed down through the cavity wall, with its tip in the retention guide, while tension on the retractor device handle away from the organ, and gentle outward traction on the organ (and bag) permits removal of the organ (and bag) as soon as the opening is just large enough to allow it.