Patent ID: 8454644
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of dilating an incision to provide access to a surgical site, including the steps of: making an incision in the skin of a patient near a predetermined surgical site, inserting into the incision a dilator, inserting a first shoe horn in juxtaposition or in direct apposition with a first side of the dilator, inserting a second shoe horn in juxtaposition or in direct apposition with a second side of the dilator, the second side being opposite the first side, removing the dilator from the incision after the steps of inserting the first and second shoe horns, inserting a blunt dissector between the first and second shoe horns after the step of removing the dilator, removing the first and second shoe horns, inserting a retractor or a tube over the blunt dissector and into the incision such that the retractor or tube is at or adjacent the predetermined surgical site, removing the blunt dissector from the incision, and performing a surgical procedure at the predetermined surgical site through the retractor or tube.