Patent ID: 8608650
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A surgical apparatus comprising: a retractor comprising a first hollow sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal retractor end to a distal retractor end, the first hollow sleeve comprising an enclosed channel having a cross-sectional retractor shape, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, that is elliptical or oval; an introducer comprising a second hollow sleeve extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end, the second hollow sleeve comprising an oval lumen and being configured to selectively and removably install within the first hollow sleeve with an extended portion of the introducer extending beyond the distal retractor end, wherein the extended portion of the introducer is tapered to generally increase in size from the distal introducer end to a location adjacent the distal retractor end, has a cross-sectional introducer shape, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, that is elliptical or oval, and wherein at least a portion of the extended portion of the introducer has a rounded profile in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis to displace brain tissue transversely to the longitudinal axis without damage to the brain tissue; wherein the retractor is transparent at least at a first transparent region between the distal retractor end and the proximal retractor end; and wherein the introducer is transparent at least a second transparent region between the distal introducer end and the proximal introducer end; and wherein the first transparent region and the second transparent region overlap to allow direct visualization of brain tissue through both the retractor and the introducer.