RETRACTOR
A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.
1 - 38 . (canceled)
39 . A retractor comprising:
a body;
a first blade coupled to the body;
a second blade coupled to the body;
a third blade coupled to the body; and
a single attachment mechanism configured to couple the body to a fixture, wherein the first blade, second blade, and third blade are movable relative to the single attachment mechanism.
40 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism comprises a threaded portion.
41 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism comprises a serrated plate.
42 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism is located on the body.
43 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate relative to the single attachment mechanism.
44 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured to pivot relative to the single attachment mechanism.
45 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured to spread apart relative to the single attachment mechanism.
46 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured to slide toward and away from the single attachment mechanism.
47 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the third blade is configured to slide toward and away from the single attachment mechanism.
48 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the third blade is configured to pivot relative to the single attachment mechanism.
49 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade are configured to move independently.
50 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism is spaced apart from the first blade, the second blade and the third blade.
51 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism is spaced apart from lateral sides of the body.
52 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the body.
53 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the single attachment mechanism is aligned with the third blade.
54 . The retractor of claim 39 , wherein the third blade comprises a channel configured to receive an anterior probe and a posterior probe.
55 . A method comprising:
providing the retractor of claim 39 ;
coupling the body to the fixture; and
moving at least one of the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade relative to the single attachment mechanism.
56 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the single attachment mechanism maintains the position of the retractor during a procedure.
57 . The method of claim 55 , further comprising moving the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade independently.
58 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the fixture comprises a support arm within an operating arena.