Patent ID: 8852089

Claim:
Instrumentation for retracting tissue, comprising: a retractor member including a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis, said sidewall having a length extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected with a coupling portion comprising a first end extending entirely between and connecting opposite first and second sides of said coupling portion, said coupling portion comprising a second end opposite said first end, said second end extending entirely between and connecting said first and second sides, said first and second sides extending perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said sidewall being connected to said first end such that one of said first and second sides and an inner surface of said sidewall face a common direction and the length of the sidewall is invariable, said sidewall defining an axial passage extending into a thickness of said sidewall continuously along said length, said sidewall defining a lateral opening extending through said inner surface that is in transverse communication with said axial passage, said lateral opening extending continuously along said length, the lateral opening being sized larger adjacent the distal end of the sidewall relative to other portions of the lateral opening, said coupling portion including a first opening, said sidewall including a second opening, said first and second openings being spaced apart from said axial passage and said lateral opening, said first and second openings being connected by an enclosed passageway such that instrumentation can be passed into the first opening, through the passageway and out the second opening into a working channel defined by the retractor member; and a pin member disposed within said axial passage and including a distal end portion positionable adjacent said distal end of said retractor member with at least a portion of said pin member positioned adjacent and visible through said lateral opening adjacent said distal-most end of said sidewall.