RETRACTOR TOOL
A retractor tool for retracting target tissue is provided for use with a medical probe. The retractor tool includes a guide piece that defines a probe channel and at least one retractor arm channel. Further, the retractor tool at least one retractor arm, each retractor arm passing through a corresponding retractor arm channel.
1 . A retractor tool for retracting target tissue, the retractor tool comprising:
a guide piece defining a probe channel and at least one retractor arm channel; and
at least one retractor arm, each retractor arm passing through a corresponding retractor arm channel.
2 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the probe channel is threaded.
3 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the probe channel has a non-circular cross-section.
4 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm channel has an axis that is not parallel to the probe channel.
5 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm channel has an axis that is substantially parallel with the axis of the probe channel.
6 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm includes a barbed tip.
7 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm has one of a curved shape and an angulated shape.
8 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm is non-circular in cross-section.
9 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm and the guide piece are made from the same material.
10 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , further comprising:
a threaded channel extending transversely across a portion of the guide piece between the side wall and the probe channel; and
a threaded screw sized to mate with the threads of the threaded channel, the screw having a length that exceeds a length of the threaded channel.
11 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , further comprising a medical probe extending through the probe channel and a locking mechanism on the guide piece configured to engage the medical probe for restricting movement of the guide piece relative to a medical probe.
12 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , in which the guide piece is comprised of multiple components that together define the probe channel.
13 . The retractor tool of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retractor arm includes a stop radially extending from a surface of the at least one retractor arm and configured to limit movement of the at least one retractor arm relative to the guide piece.
14 . A retractor tool for retracting target tissue, the retractor tool comprising:
a guide piece defining a probe channel; and
at least one retractor arm, each retractor arm being fixed to the guide piece.