| 摘要 |
<p>An improved rib retractor (10) adapted to contact adjacent ribs (B) in a person through a thoracotomy incision comprising a longitudinally-extending rack (56) with two support members (40), each having a longitudinal edge. The longitudinal edge of each of the support members is attached to the rack wherein at least one of the support members is movable along a portion of the length of the rack so that the support members are longitudinally movable relative to each other. A pair of blunt blades (20) is provided, each adapted to contact a selected one of the ribs in the patient. A hinge (46) rotatingly connects a portion of each of the support members to a portion of each of the blades. The blades are rotatable at least partially about an axis, such that each of the blades rotates between a first position, in which at least a section of the blade is oriented substantially parallel to the length of the rack and may be disposed above the incision of the person, and a second position, in which at least a section of the blade is disposed into the incision and the contact side of the body portion is oriented to engage a selected rib. The hinges allow the blades, when in the closed position, to contact each other, so that both of the blades simultaneously rotate from the first position to the second position as the blades are moved toward each other after engagement with each other. The present invention also includes a pawl (82) that selectively engages the rack so that the blades can freely move along the rack or be held at a desired separation distance.</p> |
