TOOLS AND METHODS FOR EPICARDIAL ACCESS

摘要

A retractor tool (10) has a hollow shaft (24) with a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft has an internal bore (36) sized to slidable receive an elongated tool of predetermined dimensions with a distal end of said tool exposed through a distal end of the bore. Such tool may be a visualization tool or other tool used in surgery. A first pivoting jaw (30) and a second jaw (32) are both secured to the distal end of the shaft to pivot about first and second pivot axes perpendicular to an axis of the shaft. The jaws pivot between open and closed positions. In the closed positions, opposing surfaces of the jaws define a distal end of the bore extending completely between the jaws.