Patent ID: 6436119
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A61B,A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An adjustable surgical dilator for dilating an opening formed in a bodily tissue structure, the dilator comprising:an outer tube including: a proximal section, a distal section extending from the proximal section and terminating in a distal end, the distal section including first and second arms each defining an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the arms combine to define a head tapering to the distal end, the head being configured to releasably contact bodily tissue and having a variable cross-sectional outer dimension defined by the outer surfaces of the arms, a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section; and an inner rod co-axially disposed within the central lumen, the inner rod including: a proximal portion, a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion forming a bearing surface for selectively engaging the inner surfaces of the first and second arms, respectively, to control the variable cross-sectional outer dimension of the head; wherein the inner rod is axially moveable relative to the outer tube for providing selective positioning of the bearing surface relative to the arms, the bearing surface being positioned to initially engage the inner surfaces proximate the distal end, and further wherein the outer tube and the inner rod are adapted such that movement of the bearing surface in a first axial direction causes continuous engagement with the inner surfaces and a corresponding continuous increase in the cross-sectional outer dimension of the head.