Eddie Joe Reddick

US Patent:

55734960, Nov 12, 1996

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/473447

Inventors:

William E. McPherson - Tampa FL
William B. Saye - Marietta GA
Eddie J. Reddick - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

A61B 1702
A61B 175

US Classification:

600217

Abstract:

A surgical retractor and method for use thereof. The retractor is comprised of an elongate shaft having at one end a screw made of coiled, round wire which terminates at a sharp point for attachment to an organ and a connector at the other end of the shaft. Preferably, the connector comprises an enlarged portion having a polygonal cross section for engagement by a wrench. The retractor is inserted into the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a laparoscopic port and the screw is threaded into the wall of the organ to be retracted, for example, the gallbladder. The organ is resected and thereafter drawn out of the cavity using the retractor.