US5271385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Abdominal cavity organ retractor
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1992-02-28
•
Granted: 1993-12-21
•
Expires: 2012-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A device which can be used in a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The device is to be used in the surgical procedure as a retractor i.e. to displace and hold internal organs of a patient away from the organ which is the surgical objective. The device, which is essentially a long thin narrow tube, is partially inserted into the abdomen of a patient through a tiny incision in the abdomen wall. Retractor action is accomplished by the movement of levers, slides or buttons located on the end of the tube that remains outside of the patient. These levers, slides or buttons control the opening or closing of components, such as finger-like protuberances, that depend from the end of the tube that is within the patient. These protuberances push and hold floppy organs away from the surgical objective so that the surgical team can clearly view the organ using the laparoscope and remove the organ with tiny laparoscopic instruments. In this manner radical incisions, recovery time, and scarring are greatly reduced.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Bailey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 79
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated device body having a first length and being insertable from a first end into an abdomen; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body at said first end and having a second length less than said first length of said elongated device body; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; said control means being operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from a retracted position to at least one intermediate position, said control means being further operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from said at least one intermediate position to a fully extended position; whereby said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen at a second end of said elongated device body to control said engagement means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated device body having a first length and being insertable from a first end into an abdomen; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body at said first end and having a second length less than said first length of said elongated device body; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; said control means being operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from a retracted position to at least one intermediate position, said control means being further operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from said at least one intermediate position to a fully extended position; whereby said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen at a second end of said elongated device body to control said engagement means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The retractor recited in claim 1 further comprising an electric motor and power source, said motor being operatively associated with said control means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The retractor recited in claim 1 wherein the body is flexible.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The retractor recited in claim 1 wherein said engagement means are comprised of a plurality of finger-like protuberances being essentially cylindrically shaped having rounded outer-most ends.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
136 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially into an abdomen having engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including first and second lever arms depending from said device and biasing means, at least one said lever arm being movable through a path of movement; wherein said control means are biased to a set position and said engagement means are biased to a resting position and wherein forcible movement of said control means causes said engagement means to depart from said resting position and wherein terminating said force on said control means allows said control means to return to said set position and said engagement means to return to said resting position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially into an abdomen having engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including first and second lever arms depending from said device and biasing means, at least one said lever arm being movable through a path of movement; wherein said control means are biased to a set position and said engagement means are biased to a resting position and wherein forcible movement of said control means causes said engagement means to depart from said resting position and wherein terminating said force on said control means allows said control means to return to said set position and said engagement means to return to said resting position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The retractor as recited in claim 5 wherein at least one spring means is used for biasing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein said first and second lever arms are biased to a set position in which said levers are apart defining an angle and said engagement means are biased to a resting position in which they are closed together substantially occupying the same axial plane as the device whereby forcing said first and second lever arms against said bias moving said arms together opens said engagement means into a substantially fanned-out shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
76 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein said first and second lever arms are biased to a set position in which said levers are apart defining an angle and said engagement means are biased to a resting position of an open fan-like pattern whereby forcing said first and second lever arms against said bias moving said arms together brings said engagement means to a closed together position substantially occupying the same axial plane as the device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein moving at least one said lever arm through said path of movement controls movement of said engagement means in a substantially linear manner whereby the distance at least one said lever arm is moved substantially correlates directly to movement of said engagement means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein at least one said lever arm is pivotally connected to said device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein said lever arms depend perpendicularly from said device with at least one said lever arm slidably mounted to said device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 further comprising means to hold at least one said lever arm in at least one position along its path of movement.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The retractor recited in claim 5 wherein said first and second lever arms have at least one loop formed therein for insertion of at least one finger.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
130 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially insertable into an abdomen having engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including first and second lever arms depending from said device and biasing means, at least one said lever arm being movable through a path of movement, said control means being biased to a set position and said engagement means being biased to a resting position wherein movement of said control means from said jet position causes movement of said engagement means from said resting position and wherein movement of said control means toward said jet position causes movement of said engagement means towards said resting position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
130 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially insertable into an abdomen having engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including first and second lever arms depending from said device and biasing means, at least one said lever arm being movable through a path of movement, said control means being biased to a set position and said engagement means being biased to a resting position wherein movement of said control means from said jet position causes movement of said engagement means from said resting position and wherein movement of said control means toward said jet position causes movement of said engagement means towards said resting position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
127 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially insertable into an abdomen having an engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including a slide button slidably mounted in a slide-path on said device and biasing means; wherein said control means are biased to a set position and said engagement means are biased to a resting position and wherein forcible movement of said control means causes said engagement means to depart from said resting position and wherein terminating said force on said control means allows said control means to return to said set position and said engagement means to return to said resting position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
127 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a device being at least partially insertable into an abdomen having an engagement means for accomplishing the displacement and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means including a slide button slidably mounted in a slide-path on said device and biasing means; wherein said control means are biased to a set position and said engagement means are biased to a resting position and wherein forcible movement of said control means causes said engagement means to depart from said resting position and wherein terminating said force on said control means allows said control means to return to said set position and said engagement means to return to said resting position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The retractor recited in claim 15 wherein sliding of said button controls movement of said engagement means is a substantially linear manner whereby the distance said button is slid substantially correlates directly to movement of said engagement means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The retractor means recited in claim 15 further comprising means to hold the slidable button at at least one point along the slide path.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
148 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated hollow tube-like body defining a sheath, said sheath having front and rear ends; a rod slidably mounted within said sheath having two ends, a primary end defining a head and protruding from the rear end of said sheath and a secondary end providing engagement means normally residing within said sheath, said engagement means being biased to fan-out when slid outside of said sheath; a mechanism forcing said rod towards the rear of said sheath whereby the engagement means are forced to a closed position and held within said sheath whereby a force exerted on said head of said rod against the force of said mechanism slides the rod towards the front end of said sheath allowing said engagement means to exit from within said sheath assuming a fanned-out pattern.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
148 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated hollow tube-like body defining a sheath, said sheath having front and rear ends; a rod slidably mounted within said sheath having two ends, a primary end defining a head and protruding from the rear end of said sheath and a secondary end providing engagement means normally residing within said sheath, said engagement means being biased to fan-out when slid outside of said sheath; a mechanism forcing said rod towards the rear of said sheath whereby the engagement means are forced to a closed position and held within said sheath whereby a force exerted on said head of said rod against the force of said mechanism slides the rod towards the front end of said sheath allowing said engagement means to exit from within said sheath assuming a fanned-out pattern.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The retractor recited in claim 18 wherein the further said engagement means are slid out of the sheath the greater the diameter of the fanned-out pattern, limited by the length of the engagement means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The retractor recited in claim 18 further comprising at least one flange member fixedly attached to the sheath substantially at the rear end of said sheath.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The retractor recited in claim 20 wherein the at least one flange member forms the shape of at least a partial loop for resting of at least one finger therein.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The retractor recited in claim 18, further comprising means to fixedly secure the rod within the sheath at at least one point for holding the fan-out diameter of the engagement means in a fixed position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The retractor recited in claim 18, wherein said engagement means are comprised of a plurality of finger-like protuberances being essentially cylindrically shaped having rounded outer-most ends.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
102 words
The retractor recited in claim 18 further comprising primary lever means having a top and a bottom fixedly attached at said top to said sheath substantially at said rear end of said sheath, secondary lever means having a top and a bottom, pivotally connected to said primary lever means, the top of said secondary lever means communicating with said head of said rod whereby squeezing the primary and secondary lever means together at their bottoms causes the secondary lever means to travel in a bottom radial path and causes force to be exerted on the head of said rod against said mechanism.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor recited in claim 24 further comprising holding means to secure the secondary lever means in at least one position along its radial path.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The retractor recited in claim 24 having at least one loop formed within said lever means for insertion of at least one finger therein.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The retractor recited in claim 24 wherein the top of said secondary lever means is pivotally connected to the head of said rod.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The retractor recited in claim 24 wherein the top of said secondary lever means is slidably connected to the head of said rod.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
111 words
The retractor recited in claim 24 wherein said mechanism forces the rod towards the front of the sheath whereby the head is seated against the rear of the sheath and said engagement means normally reside outside the sheath in a fully opened fanned-out pattern and said secondary lever is fixedly attached at its top to the head of said rod and is pivotally connected to said primary lever whereby squeezing the primary and secondary lever means together at their said bottoms pulls the rod towards the rear of the sheath against the force of the mechanism, forcing the engagement means into a closed together position and withdrawing them within said sheath.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor recited in claim 29 further comprising holding means to secure the secondary lever means in at least one position along its radial path.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The retractor recited in claim 29 having at least one loop formed within said lever means for insertion of at least one finger therein.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The retractor recited in claim 18 wherein the mechanism is comprised of spring means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
11 words
The retractor recited in claim 18 wherein the device is flexible.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
162 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated hollow tube-like body defining a sheath, said sheath having front and rear ends; a primary handle depending from said sheath, located substantially at the rear of said sheath; a rod slidably mounted within said sheath having two ends, a primary end defining a head and protruding from the rear end of said sheath, and a secondary end defining engagement means normally residing within said sheath, said engagement means being biased to fan-out when slid outside of said sheath; a secondary handle depending from the head of said rod; a mechanism forcing said rod towards the rear of said sheath whereby the engagement means are forced to a closed position and held within said sheath whereby squeezing the handles together forces the rod toward the front end of said sheath allowing said engagement means to exit from within said sheath assuming a fanned-out pattern.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
162 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated hollow tube-like body defining a sheath, said sheath having front and rear ends; a primary handle depending from said sheath, located substantially at the rear of said sheath; a rod slidably mounted within said sheath having two ends, a primary end defining a head and protruding from the rear end of said sheath, and a secondary end defining engagement means normally residing within said sheath, said engagement means being biased to fan-out when slid outside of said sheath; a secondary handle depending from the head of said rod; a mechanism forcing said rod towards the rear of said sheath whereby the engagement means are forced to a closed position and held within said sheath whereby squeezing the handles together forces the rod toward the front end of said sheath allowing said engagement means to exit from within said sheath assuming a fanned-out pattern.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
The retractor as recited in claim 34 wherein the further said engagement means are slid out of the sheath the larger the diameter of the fanned out pattern, limited by the length of the engagement means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor as recited in claim 34 further comprising holding means for holding the handles in at least one set position.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The retractor as recited in claim 34 wherein said engagement means are comprised of a plurality of finger-like protuberances being essentially cylindrically shaped having rounded outer-most ends.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The retractor as recited in claim 34 wherein the mechanism is comprised of spring means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
11 words
The retractor recited in claim 34 wherein the device is flexible.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
180 words
A laparoscopic retractor device for displacing tissue and organs within an abdominal cavity, comprising: an elongated tubular body member having an opening at a first end, elongated rod means positioned coaxially within said body member, a plurality of finger members normally at least partially residing within said body member and being pivotally secured to said rod means at a first end of said rod means adjacent said first end of said body member, an activating mechanism positioned at a second end of said body member and said rod means and cooperatingly engaged with said body member and said rod means to effect movement of said finger members, wherein movement of said activating mechanism from a rest position in a first direction to a set position extends said finger members outside said body member, said finger members pivoting outwardly in a fan-like pattern, and further wherein movement of said activating mechanism from said set position in a second direction to said rest position retracts said finger members into said opening, said finger members pivoting inwardly to retract into said body member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
180 words
A laparoscopic retractor device for displacing tissue and organs within an abdominal cavity, comprising: an elongated tubular body member having an opening at a first end, elongated rod means positioned coaxially within said body member, a plurality of finger members normally at least partially residing within said body member and being pivotally secured to said rod means at a first end of said rod means adjacent said first end of said body member, an activating mechanism positioned at a second end of said body member and said rod means and cooperatingly engaged with said body member and said rod means to effect movement of said finger members, wherein movement of said activating mechanism from a rest position in a first direction to a set position extends said finger members outside said body member, said finger members pivoting outwardly in a fan-like pattern, and further wherein movement of said activating mechanism from said set position in a second direction to said rest position retracts said finger members into said opening, said finger members pivoting inwardly to retract into said body member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said finger members are rigid and cylindrically shaped, said finger members terminating in a rounded spherical end.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said rod means comprises a rod member and said activating mechanism is adapted to effect reciprocating movement of said rod member within said body member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
47 words
A retractor device according to claim 42, wherein movement of said activating mechanism in said first direction moves said rod member through said body member towards said first end, and movement of said activating mechanism in said second direction moves said rod member into said body member.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said finger members are pivotally connected to said body member, such that movement of said rod member pivots said finger members outwardly.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said rod member is biased towards said rest position by a spring.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
45 words
A retractor device according to claim 41, wherein said finger members are arranged parallel to each other and disposed along a common diametric line in said rest position, such that movement of said rod means extends said finger members in a substantially planar fan-like pattern.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
39 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said activating mechanism comprises a pair of scissor-like handle members, a first handle member being connected to said body member and a second handle member being connected to said rod member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
A retractor device according to claim 40, wherein said activating mechanism comprises a pair of finger grips attached to said body member and a push button attached to an end of said rod member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
A retractor device according to claim 48, wherein said finger grips are rotatable about said body member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
172 words
A laparoscopic retractor device for displacing tissue and organs within an abdominal cavity, comprising: an elongated tubular body member having an opening at a distal end; elongated rod means positioned coaxially within said body member; means for displacing said tissue and organs pivotably secured to said rod means at a distal end adjacent said opening of said body member and normally at least partially residing within said body member; and means for reciprocatingly moving said rod means within said body member positioned at a proximal end of said rod means and said body member; wherein movement of said moving means from a rest position in a first direction to a set position extends said displacing means outside said body member such that said displacing means pivot outwardly in a fan-like pattern, and further wherein movement of said moving means in a second direction from said set position to said rest position retracts said displacing means into said body member, such that said displacing means pivot inwardly to retract into said body member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
172 words
A laparoscopic retractor device for displacing tissue and organs within an abdominal cavity, comprising: an elongated tubular body member having an opening at a distal end; elongated rod means positioned coaxially within said body member; means for displacing said tissue and organs pivotably secured to said rod means at a distal end adjacent said opening of said body member and normally at least partially residing within said body member; and means for reciprocatingly moving said rod means within said body member positioned at a proximal end of said rod means and said body member; wherein movement of said moving means from a rest position in a first direction to a set position extends said displacing means outside said body member such that said displacing means pivot outwardly in a fan-like pattern, and further wherein movement of said moving means in a second direction from said set position to said rest position retracts said displacing means into said body member, such that said displacing means pivot inwardly to retract into said body member.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
45 words
A retractor device according to claim 50 wherein said displacing means comprises a plurality of rigid finger members arranged on a common diametric line in said rest position, such that said finger members pivot outwardly in a set position in a substantially planar fan-like pattern.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
A retractor device according to claim 51 wherein said finger members are pivotably connected to said rod member at individual pivot hinges, such that each finger member pivots outwardly at said hinge.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
A retractor device according to claim 52, wherein said finger members are constructed of a rigid material, such that said finger members resist flexing during displacement of said tissue and organs.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
A retractor device according to claim 50 wherein said rod means comprises a rod member and said moving means is adapted to effect reciprocating movement of said rod member within said body member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
47 words
A retractor device according to claim 54 wherein movement of said moving means in said first direction moves said rod member through said body member towards said first end, and movement of said moving means in said second direction moves said rod member into said body member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
30 words
A retractor device according to claim 50 wherein said finger members are pivotally connected to said body member, such that movement of said rod member pivots said finger members outwardly.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
39 words
A retractor device according to claim 50 wherein said moving means comprises a pair of scissor-like handle members, a first handle member being connected to said body member and a second handle member being connected to said rod member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
34 words
A retractor device according to claim 50 wherein said moving means comprises a pair of finger grips attached to said body member and a push button attached to an end of said rod member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
A retractor device according to claim 58 wherein said finger grips are rotatable about said body member.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
153 words
A laparoscopic retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a body portion insertable at a first end into an abdomen, said first body portion including a tubular member and a rod member reciprocatingly disposed within said tubular member; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being at least partially reciprocatingly retractable and extendable in relation to said body portion, said engagement means further being pivotably disposed in relation to said body portion at said first end; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being positioned at a second end of said body portion and being operatively connected to said rod member for reciprocatingly controlling said engagement means through said body portion to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; whereby said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen to reciprocatingly control said engagement means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
153 words
A laparoscopic retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: a body portion insertable at a first end into an abdomen, said first body portion including a tubular member and a rod member reciprocatingly disposed within said tubular member; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being at least partially reciprocatingly retractable and extendable in relation to said body portion, said engagement means further being pivotably disposed in relation to said body portion at said first end; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being positioned at a second end of said body portion and being operatively connected to said rod member for reciprocatingly controlling said engagement means through said body portion to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; whereby said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen to reciprocatingly control said engagement means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
38 words
The retractor recited in claim 60 wherein said control means comprises a pair of scissor-like handle members, a first handle member being connected to said body portion and a second handle member being connected to said rod member.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
33 words
The retractor recited in claim 60 wherein said control means comprise a pair of finger grips attached to said body portion and a push button attached to an end of said rod member.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
52 words
The retractor recited in claim 60, wherein said control means is operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from a retracted position to at least one intermediate position, said control means being further operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from said at least one intermediate position to a fully extended position.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
118 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated device body insertable from a first end into an abdomen; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body at said first end; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being linearly movable in relation to said device body and operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; wherein by said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen at a second end of said elongated device body to control said engagement means.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
118 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs within the cavity comprising: an elongated device body insertable from a first end into an abdomen; engagement means for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body at said first end; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being linearly movable in relation to said device body and operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body; wherein by said control means can be manipulated outside said abdomen at a second end of said elongated device body to control said engagement means.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
200 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs with the cavity comprising: a device body having a distal end insertable into an abdomen, said device body having a first cross-sectional surface area; engagement means including at least two members for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body so as to be movable from a first position to a second position; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body from said first position to said second position, said control means being manipulable from outside said abdomen to control said engagement means; wherein said at least two members are dimensioned so as to have a second cross-sectional surface area which is less than or equal to said first cross-sectional surface area of said device body when said engagement means is in said first position, and further having a third cross-sectional surface area which is greater than said first cross-sectional surface area of said device body when said engagement means is in said second position.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
200 words
A retractor to be inserted into an abdominal cavity for displacement of organs with the cavity comprising: a device body having a distal end insertable into an abdomen, said device body having a first cross-sectional surface area; engagement means including at least two members for displacing the organs, said engagement means being pivotably disposed in relation to said device body so as to be movable from a first position to a second position; and means for controlling said engagement means, said control means being operatively connected to said engagement means through said device body to pivot said engagement means outwardly in relation to said device body from said first position to said second position, said control means being manipulable from outside said abdomen to control said engagement means; wherein said at least two members are dimensioned so as to have a second cross-sectional surface area which is less than or equal to said first cross-sectional surface area of said device body when said engagement means is in said first position, and further having a third cross-sectional surface area which is greater than said first cross-sectional surface area of said device body when said engagement means is in said second position.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
The retractor recited in claim 65, wherein said control means comprises a pair of scissor-like handle members.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor recited in claim 65, wherein said control means comprises a pair of finger grips and a push button mechanism.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
51 words
The retractor recited in claim 65, wherein said control means is operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from said first position to at least one intermediate position, said control means being further operable to pivot said engagement means outwardly from said at least one intermediate position to said second position.
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US5081983A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-12-20 | 1997-06-21 | 1997-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-12-20 | 2001-06-21 | 2001-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-12-20 | 2005-06-21 | 2005-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |