Patents Assigned to University of Massachuetts, a Massachusetts corporation
  • Publication number: 20020183594
    Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against he edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: University of Massachuetts, a Massachusetts corporation
    Inventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison C. Niemann, Maureen E. Carroll, Randall J. Hasslinger, Edward I. Stamm, Javier Verdura