Patent ID: 7513869
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A retractor assembly for percutaneous surgery in a patient, comprising: a first retractor portion having a proximal end and a distal end and being positionable in an incision; a second retractor portion having a proximal end and a distal end and being positionable in the incision opposite said first retractor portion, said first and second retractor portions defining an axis extending therebetween; a separation instrument coupled between said proximal ends of said first and second retractor portions and being offset to one side of said axis, said separation instrument being operable to move said first and second retractor portions along said axis from an insertion configuration wherein said first and second retractor portions are adjacent one another to a second configuration wherein said first and second portions are separated from one another; and an intermediate retractor assembly removably mountable to said separation instrument, said intermediate retractor assembly including a linking arm extending from said separation instrument toward said first and second retractor portions to a retractor blade, said retractor blade being transversely oriented to said linking arm and being positionable in the incision between said first and second retractor portions wherein: