Retraction apparatus and method of use

摘要

A retraction apparatus and method are disclosed that provide optimized access to a surgical site. In one form, a retraction frame has a retraction opening with two sets of blades operating therein. The blades are used to sequentially retract the tissue from about an incision. The sequential retraction of the blades generates only narrow gaps between the blades so that tissue and blood encroachment during the surgical procedure are minimized.

主权项

1. A method of enlarging an incision, the method comprising:
inserting a first pair of opposing tissue engaging members into the incision; connecting the first pair of tissue engaging members to initial stage operating mechanisms of a retractor; retracting the first pair of tissue engaging members away from each other to enlarge the incision to form an intermediate size opening; positioning mounting portions of subsequent stage operating mechanisms of the retractor above the intermediate size opening after retracting the first pair of tissue engaging members to form the intermediate size opening; inserting a second pair of opposing tissue engaging members in a downward direction into the intermediate size opening after positioning the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms above the intermediate size opening; and sliding attachment portions of the second pair of tissue engaging members in the downward direction onto the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms as the second pair of tissue engaging members are inserted into the intermediate size opening after positioning the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms above the intermediate size opening to connect the second pair of tissue engaging members to the subsequent stage operating mechanisms.