Delos M. Cosgrove - Hunting Valley OH Norma L. Lowe - Fullerton CA Keith Myers - Lake Forest CA Richard Rhee - Diamond Bar CA
Assignee:
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation - Irvine CA
International Classification:
A61B 1700
US Classification:
600208
Abstract:
Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for retracting tissue around an incision. The apparatus includes a member having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. An adjustable aperture is definable within the inner peripheral surface as the member is adjusted between a compressed condition in which the aperture is substantially closed and an expanded condition in which the aperture is substantially open. The apparatus is positioned within a surgical incision in the compressed condition, and is adjusted to the expanded condition in situ to define an opening within the incision through the aperture whereby a surgical field may be viewed and/or accessed.