Deep tissue blade for use with retractor systems
The present invention provides a deep tissue blade for use with a retractor system useful in a wide variety of surgical procedures. The deep tissue blade of the present invention also provides several unique structures that enhance its ability to retract and hold large tissue masses.
1 . A deep tissue blade for use with a retractor frame comprising:
an elastic tether attachment area having a proximal surface, a distal surface, a proximal end and at least one attachment structure; and
a curved section having a proximal surface and distal surface that is connected to the attachment area.
2 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 further comprising a fulcrum structure on the distal surface of the attachment area.
3 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 further comprising a fulcrum structure extending distally from an outer edge of the distal side of the attachment area.
4 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 further comprising a guide that directs an elastic tether toward the proximal end of the attachments area.
5 . The deep tissue blade of claim 4 , wherein the guide further acts as a fulcrum structure.
6 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the curved section includes at least one reflexed edge or beaded edge.
7 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is blunted.
8 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is flared toward the attachment area.
9 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is flared away from the attachment area.
10 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the distal surface of the distal end of the curved section further includes a traction enhancing feature selected from the group consisting of: ribs, spikes and hatching etches.
11 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein the curved section has a shape selected from the group consisting of: an open triangle, an open box, or an open polygon.
12 . The deep tissue blade of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the curved section is comprised of spikes or fingers.
13 . A deep tissue blade for use with a retractor frame comprising:
an elastic tether attachment area having a proximal surface, a distal surface, a proximal end and at least one attachment structure for an elastic tether;
at least one elastic tether guide on the distal surface of the attachment area that directs the elastic tether when attached toward the proximal end of the attachment area; and
a curved section having a proximal surface, distal surface, and distal end that is connected to the attachment area.
14 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 further comprising a fulcrum structure on the distal surface of the attachment area.
15 . The deep tissue blade of claim 14 wherein the fulcrum structure and the guide are the same structure.
16 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the curved section includes at least one reflexed edge or beaded edge.
17 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is blunted.
18 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is flared toward the attachment area.
19 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the curved section is flared away from the attachment area.
20 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the distal surface of the distal end of the curved section further includes a traction enhancing feature selected from the group consisting of: ribs, spikes and hatching etches.
21 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein the curved section has a shape selected from the group consisting of: an open triangle, an open box, or an open polygon.
22 . The deep tissue blade of claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the curved section is comprised of spikes or fingers.
23 . A deep tissue blade for use with a retractor frame comprising:
an elastic tether attachment area having a proximal surface, a distal surface, a proximal end and at least one attachment structure for an elastic tether;
at least one elastic tether guide on the distal surface of the attachment area that directs the elastic tether when attached toward the proximal end of the attachment area;
a curved section having a proximal surface, distal surface, and distal end that is connected to the attachment area; and
a fulcrum structure on the distal side of the attachment area.
24 . The deep tissue blade of claim 23 wherein the fulcrum structure and the guide are the same structure.
25 . The deep tissue blade of claim 23 , wherein the curved section includes at least one reflexed edge or beaded edge.
26 . The deep tissue blade of claim 23 , wherein the distal surface of the distal end of the curved section further includes a traction enhancing feature selected from the group consisting of: ribs, spikes and hatching etches.
27 . The deep tissue blade of claim 23 , wherein the curved section has a shape selected from the group consisting of: an open triangle, an open box, or an open polygon.
28 . The deep tissue blade of claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the curved section is comprised of spikes or fingers.