Weighted surgical retractor systems

Abstract

This document provides surgical retractor devices and systems. For example, this document provides a weighted surgical retractor system. In one example embodiment, this document provides a weighted Deaver retractor system that includes a selectable amount of weight that can be releasably coupled to a shaft of the retractor. The surgical retractors provided herein can be used during a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical procedures performed on the abdomen, thoracic regions, limbs, and so on. In some embodiments, the surgical retractors provided herein are well-suited for retraction of the vaginal canal for hysterectomy surgery, and for other procedures for which vaginal retraction is necessary.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 949,521, filed Mar. 7, 2014. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]This document relates to surgical retractor devices and systems. For example, this document relates to a weighted surgical retractor system.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Surgical retractors are used for grasping, retaining, or holding back tissue during surgery procedures so that body parts that would otherwise be blocked by the tissue may be accessed. Retractors play an important role during surgery, as they ensure that there is a clear view of the surgical site, and also help keep the tissues being retracted from being damaged. Some retractors are stainless steel tools possessing a curved, hooked, or angled blade fitted with a handle such that the ret...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The performance of some surgical procedures can be enhanced using the weighted surgical retractors provided herein. In some cases, use of the weighted retractors provided herein can reduce fatigue and discomfort of clinicians that would otherwise be required to provide manual force while using a handheld retractor. In some embodiments, the amount of weight used with the weighted retractors provided herein is selectable by the clinician users, so as to suit the needs of a variety of patients, procedure types, and clinician's preferences. In some embodiments, a combination of downward and lateral retraction is provided by the surgical retractor devices provided herein. In particular embodiments, the surgical retractors provided herein are modular such that a variety of different types of working ends can be installed on a retractor shaft so as to suit a particular circumstance or user preference.

Problems solved by technology

While handheld surgical retractors may provide convenience of use in some situations, users of handheld surgical retractors may experience fatigue and discomfort when using the retractor for required periods of time.

In addition, handheld surgical retractors inconveniently require utilization of the hand of a user that could otherwise be put to other more beneficial uses during a surgery.

Images