Patent ID: 8740786
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a retractor comprising: (b) adjusting the second blade of the first blade assembly to form a first closed blade assembly; (c) adjusting the third blade of the second blade assembly to be substantially parallel to the second blade of the first blade assembly to form a closed second blade assembly; (d) adjusting the retractor so that it is in a closed position wherein the first blade assembly is positioned relatively close to the second blade assembly along the third axis; (e) making an incision in a tissue of a body; (f) inserting said first blade assembly and said second blade assembly within the incision; (g) actuating an actuator to move the first blade assembly away from the second blade assembly along said third axis and along the length of the incision to an open position so that the incision is stretched to create an opening longer than the incision; and (h) adjusting the second blade of the first blade assembly about said first axis to an open position by activating the first adjuster, and adjusting the third blade of the second blade assembly substantially about said second axis to an open position by activating the second adjuster, thereby stretching the incision out from said third axis and creating an aperture in the tissue that is longer and wider than an aperture created by inserting the retractor in the incision before activating the first adjuster and the second adjuster.