Direct vision subcutaneous tissue retractor

摘要

A retractor includes an elongate member having an arcuate cross-section defining an elongate passage therein, and a handle molded to its proximal end. A transparent illumination member has a proximal portion connectable to a light source, and a distal portion that extends within the elongate passage along an inner surface of the elongate member, and includes a plurality of grooves for diffusing light transmitted from the proximal portion uniformly into and along the elongate passage. The device may also include a support member attachable to the proximal end of the elongate member to further facilitate visualization of and/or access into the elongate passage. The device may be inserted into an incision and advanced along a section of a tissue structure therein to hold open a working space above the tissue structure without external support A light source may be connected to the proximal portion of the illumination member, thereby transmitting light into the working space while a surgical procedure is performed therein.