Methods and devices for tissue retraction

摘要

Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.

主权项

1. A surgical device, comprising:
a base; a plurality of retractor blades having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal portion extending distally from the base, the blades being configured to move radially relative one another between a collapsed position and an expanded position in which the blades define a working channel for receiving an instrument therethrough and in which a diameter of the working channel is greater than the diameter of the working channel when the blades are in the collapsed position; and an actuator coupled to the base, the actuator being configured to rotate relative to the base to cause the blades to move between the collapsed and expanded positions and to cause the proximal ends of each of the blades to slide laterally relative to the base.