Patent ID: 8956285
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of enlarging an incision, the method comprising: inserting a first pair of opposing tissue engaging members into the incision; connecting the first pair of tissue engaging members to initial stage operating mechanisms of a retractor; retracting the first pair of tissue engaging members away from each other to enlarge the incision to form an intermediate size opening; positioning mounting portions of subsequent stage operating mechanisms of the retractor above the intermediate size opening after retracting the first pair of tissue engaging members to form the intermediate size opening; inserting a second pair of opposing tissue engaging members in a downward direction into the intermediate size opening after positioning the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms above the intermediate size opening; and sliding attachment portions of the second pair of tissue engaging members in the downward direction onto the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms as the second pair of tissue engaging members are inserted into the intermediate size opening after positioning the mounting portions of the subsequent stage operating mechanisms above the intermediate size opening to connect the second pair of tissue engaging members to the subsequent stage operating mechanisms.