Inventors:
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
John R. Brustad - Dana Point CA, US
Edward D. Pingleton - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Nabil Hilal - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Payam Adlparvar - Lake Forest CA, US
Scott Taylor - Mission Viejo CA, US
Gary R. Dulak - Newport Beach CA, US
Michael J. Dunn - Santa Ana CA, US
Norman L. Morales - San Jose CA, US
Charles C. Hart - Summerville SC, US
Robert R. Bowes - Aliso Viejo CA, US
Assignee:
Applied Medical Resources Corporation - Rancho Santa Margarita CA
International Classification:
A61B017/02
Abstract:
A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment elements at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force.