Surgical retractor extensions

摘要

A surgical retractor apparatus having one or more independent, removable extension members adapted to be mounted at the distal end of the retractor, or between the blades of a spreadable retractor, after the retractor has been positioned in the patient, such that a significant portion of the extension member extends beyond the distal end of the retractor to preclude or minimize intrusion of tissue into the access area created by the retractor. The extension members may vary in size and shape so that the most appropriate extension member can be chosen to address the intrusion problem, and the extension members may be mounted at various fixed locations, using clips, mechanical interlocking structures or the like.

主权项

1. The combination of a retractor member and a plurality of extension members;
said retractor member comprising an elongated tubular main body and a distal end; each of said extension members comprising a main body and mounting means for removably mounting said extension member in a fixed, non-moving, position on said distal end of said retractor member after said retractor has been positioned within a patient, said mounting means comprising a clip member disposed on said extension member; whereby each of said extension members is mountable on said retractor member such that said distal end is received by said clip member and such that at least part of said main body extends beyond said retractor distal end such that said extension member minimizes or precludes tissue creep at said distal end of said retractor; wherein said mounting means comprises a slot disposed on said main body of said extension member and a U-shaped clip member positioned within said slot.