Patent ID: 7179225
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A retractor suitable for insertion into a patient through an incision to a spinal location, comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween such that the proximal end can be positioned outside the patient and the distal end can be positioned inside the patient through the incision adjacent the spinal location; said elongate body having an outer surface, an inner surface partially defining a passage, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge, said elongate body capable of having a contracted configuration for insertion into the patient and an enlarged configuration when inserted within the patient wherein in the enlarged configuration the first longitudinal edge is spaced apart from the second longitudinal edge; and an expandable shroud configured to extend from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge when the first and second edges are spaced apart, the shroud partially defining the passage, wherein the shroud when the elongate body is in its contracted configuration does not encroach into the passage, and wherein the passage is open at the distal end of the elongate body.