Patent ID: 8267859
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A retractor assembly for use in a surgical procedure, comprising: a. a retractor base having a generally cylindrical head portion and two or more downwardly extending stationary arms; and b. a spreader insert having a head portion and two or more downwardly extending blades rigidly attached to said head portion, said two or more downwardly extending blades of said spreader insert being machined of hardenable steel and formed such that distal ends of said blades tend to spring outwardly from a central axis of said head portion unless held in place, said spreader insert being received within said retractor base and configured such that said blades of said spreader insert, when in a closed position, are maintained adjacent and beneath said arms of said retractor base, and configured such that when the spreader insert is adjusted to an open position, said distal ends of said blades spring outwardly to hold body tissue in a desired location.