Patent ID: 8636654

Claim:
A tissue retraction device for surgery in a patient, comprising: a retractor comprising an elongated blade portion extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said distal end is positionable in the patient, said blade portion including a radiolucent portion extending between said distal and proximal ends and between opposite sides of said blade portion, said blade portion further including a radio-opaque longitudinal member extending on at least one of said opposite sides thereof in a direction between said distal and proximal ends to define at least a portion of an outer perimeter edge of said blade portion and provide an indication of a location and extent of said blade portion in the patient, said blade portion further including a passage configured for receiving a surgical instrument, said passage extending between a first opening extending through the proximal end and a second opening extending through one of said opposite sides, said first opening being positioned equidistant between said opposite sides.