Patent ID: 6837851
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A surgical tool for retracting body tissue during surgery, said surgical tool comprising: a first pivoting arm, a second pivoting arm, and a translating actuation member; said first arm and said second arm being respectively provided with a first finger and a second finger attached thereto generally adjacent a respective free end portion thereof; a third finger, said third finger operatively coupled to said surgical tool; said first arm, said second arm, and said actuation member being operatively connected together for substantially simultaneous movement therebetween between a closed configuration wherein said first finger, said second finger, and said third finger are in a generally proximate relationship relative to each other, and an open configuration wherein said first finger, said second finger, and said third finger are in a generally spaced relationship relative to each other; a single actuator mechanically coupled to either one of said first arm, said second arm, or said actuation member for allowing movement of said first arm, said second arm and said actuation member between said closed and open configurations, said movement occurring substantially in a tissue rotation plane; said actuator being actuated by a rotational force applied about an axis of rotation, said axis of rotation having a fixed spatial relationship relative to said plane of tissue retraction; whereby upon said rotational force being applied to said actuator, said actuator moves either one of said fist arm, said second arm, or said actuation member and, upon movement of either one of said first arm, said second arm or said actuation member said first finger, said second finger, and said third finger move substantially simultaneously between said closed and open configurations while said axis of rotation having a fixed spatial relationship relative to said plane of tissue retraction.