Patent ID: 8425412
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for facilitating entry through a bodily opening, the apparatus comprising: a spreader having a proximal region and a plurality of arms, each of the arms having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each of the arms is joined to the proximal region of the spreader and extends distally therefrom, each of the arms being formed of a resilient material and shaped so that the distal ends tend to be spaced apart from each other when the spreader is in an open position and adjacent to each other when the spreader is in a closed position; and at least one engaging member disposed near the distal end of each arm, each engaging member adapted to grasp tissue, wherein a transformation of the spreader from the closed position to the open position is adapted to spread tissue in the vicinity of the bodily opening, wherein the spreader has a deployed state in which it remains engaged with the tissue in the open position.