Patent ID: 6302842
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An episiotomy retractor comprising, in combination:(A) a first scissors arm, including a manual gripping end and a support shaft end;(B) a second scissors arm, including a manual gripping end and a support shaft end, said first and second arms being coupled together intermediate their respective ends to permit movement of said first and second arms relative to one another;(C) a first blade positioned proximate said first arm support shaft end, including a mounting end mounted to said first arm support shaft end and a free insertion end; and(D) a second blade positioned proximate said second arm support shaft end, including a mounting end mounted to said second arm support shaft end and a free insertion end, said first and second blades being generally parallel, whereby said first and second blades are in generally opposed relation and whereby, as said gripping ends move relative to one another, said blades move relative to one another;each said blade defining superior and inferior longitudinal edges, and, as said support shaft ends move apart, said superior longitudinal edges of said blades becoming transversely spaced apart from each other to a greater degree than said inferior longitudinal edges of said blades;distal portions of said blades proximate said insertion ends being shaped to diverge away from one another for enhanced retraction and gripping of respective adjacent vaginal walls to stabilize the orientation of said retractor relative to a vagina of a patient;proximal portions of said blades proximate said mounting ends being shaped to diverge away from one another to retract the labia as said blades retract respective adjacent vaginal walls;facing opposed longitudinal edges of said arms proximate said support shaft ends and said proximal inferior longitudinal edges of said blades cooperatively defining, when said retractor is in use, an open work area for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of a patient.