Patent ID: 7775974
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of separating incised tissue, comprising: engaging at least one retraction member with the tissue at an incision having opposing sides to be separated; automatically separating the opposing sides of the incision by exerting a force thereon via the at least one retraction member as directed by a controller in operable communication therewith; measuring, via a measuring device in operable communication with the controller, at least one of a force magnitude, a stress magnitude, a strain magnitude, a force rate, a stress rate, and a strain rate associated with the exerted force on the tissue; and automatically effecting at least one of a force magnitude relaxation, a stress magnitude relaxation, a strain magnitude relaxation, a force rate relaxation, a stress rate relaxation, and a strain rate relaxation on the tissue in response to the measured at least one of the force magnitude, the stress magnitude, the strain magnitude, the force rate, the stress rate, and the strain rate via the at least one retraction member as directed by the controller.