Patent ID: 6416465
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A retractor instrument for maintaining a clear surgical field, the instrument comprising:a handle portion; and an elongated blade portion having a length, and having a first end connected to the handle portion, in which essentially the entire length of the blade portion extends from the first end in a direction below an axis aligned with the handle and extends generally at an angle relative to the handle portion when the instrument is in an operable configuration, the blade portion having a second end region comprising about 10% or less of the length of the blade and spaced from the handle portion, the second end region shaped as a lip that curves in a direction away from the handle portion when the blade portion is in the operable configuration, wherein the lip projects to a leading edge spaced less than about 2 cm from a plane defined by the blade portion immediately adjacent to the curvature of the lip; and wherein the lip has a has a width of at least about 1.75 cm.