Internal tissue retractor

Abstract

A positionable internal retraction device is provided comprising a malleable ring member and a web-like structure. The retraction device operates to temporarily reposition tissues and organs from an operative site to provide a clear access and visual path for the surgeon. The ring member may be elongated, twisted, folded, bent or deformed to provide an appropriate insertion profile and subsequent functional shape. The retraction device may be shaped for both open and minimally invasive surgeries. The retraction device is atraumatic and may be used for retraction of delicate tissues and organs. The ring member may have different bending biases. The web-like structure may be constructed of any elastic material that can stretch and recover from the shaping and reshaping of the ring member. In another aspect of the invention, the ring member further comprises an internal lumen defining a wall, which may be of any geometric shape providing a desired bending bias. The ring member may further include a reinforcement member placed within the lumen and made of a “shape memory” material that allows the reinforcement member to return to its desired shape or condition after being bent. The reinforcement member may be placed in some sections of the ring member to keep these sections substantially straight. Each of the ring member, the reinforcement member and the internal wall may have a cross-section or profile of any geometric shape to provide a desired bending bias in a preferred plane. In yet another aspect of the invention, the ring member further comprises a second lumen and a second reinforcement member placed within the second lumen to provide a desired bending bias.

Description

[0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 442,390, filed on Jan. 24, 2003, entitled “Internal Tissue Retractor,” which is fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to surgical retractors and, in particular, to a retractor for retracting tissues and organs to facilitate access and viewing during a surgical procedure. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0005] Surgical procedures often require temporary retraction of surrounding tissues and organs from the immediate surgical site to provide an access and viewing path for the surgeon. In the prior art, clamps, towels and other makeshift methods have been used to separate and hold structures in a preferred position away from the point of surgery. Retractors have been developed to push and hold tissues and organs away from the surgical site. These devices typically incl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The web-like structure is constructed of an elastic material such as a bias-woven or knitted fabric that can stretch and recover from the shaping and reshaping of the ring member. The web-like structure operates to retain the body t

Problems solved by technology

While some of these devices have been successfully used for smaller tissues and organs, the current retractors have had difficulty in clearing the surgical field of larger and more slippery tissues and organs.

In particular, the shape, size and fragility of the tissues and organs may present problems during surgery.

For example, large, soft organs such as the intestines and / or stomach are often more difficult to retract and hold in place than from harder, less slippery tissues such as the muscles.

Another drawback of the current retraction devices is they typically need to be attached to an external device to provide support and / or manipulation.

These devices often need to be over-tightened or compressed to maintain a proper grip and position on the tissues and organs, which may cause damage to delicate tissues and organs.

As a result, the surgical site may become cluttered and encumbered by the many additional components of the retraction device.

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