METHOD OF USING A SURGICAL TISSUE RETRACTOR

摘要

A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.)

主权项

1. A system for creating an operative corridor in a human body, comprising:
a probe, wherein the probe is configured to be placed through the tissues of a patient from the surface of the tissue to a location of interest; a retractor system, wherein the retractor system comprises retractor blades having an internal space, wherein the internal space is substantially the same shape as the probe such that the internal space will slip over the probe when the probe is inserted into the tissues of the patient.