Patent ID: 6171236
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A method of retracting soft tissue from a bone to create an operating space between the soft tissue and bone, the method comprising the steps of:providing a retractor comprising a relatively rigid member and an inflatable bladder mounted on the relatively rigid member, the inflatable bladder being formed of a substantially inelastic material having sufficient strength to withstand inflation pressures sufficient to enable the bladder to retract the soft tissue from the bone;making an incision in a body proximate a location of the bone and soft tissue, the incision providing access to the bone and soft tissue;introducing the relatively rigid member and deflated bladder into the incision and directing the deflated bladder with the relatively rigid member to the location of the soft tissue and bone;positioning the deflated bladder between the bone and soft tissue;inflating the bladder to retract the bone from the soft tissue to create the operating space; andinserting a surgical instrument, other than said retractor, into the operating space external to the bladder and prior to removing said retractor.