Abstract: A surgical access device includes two opposed side members each of which carries a downwardly depending flange. One lateral member adjustably connects a first end of the first side member to a first end of the second side member, with at least one of these first ends being moveable along a length of the first lateral member, thereby permitting adjustment of the space between the first ends. A second lateral member adjustably connects the second end of the first side member to the second end of the second side member, with at least one of these second ends being moveable along a length of the second lateral member, thereby permitting adjustment of the space between the second ends.

Abstract: A surgical access device (10 or 10′) includes a frame defining an access port and a pair of flanges are carried on the lower surface of the frame. The flanges are pivotable between an insertion position, where their leading edges are optimally placed adjacent one another to assist in inserting the device in an incision, and a retracting position, where both flanges optimally urge upwardly against the internal surface of the patient's tissue to seat the access port. A method of the invention involves making an incision at least as long as the leading edge of such a device and inserting the leading edge of the device into the incision. The flanges are moved laterally away from one another to expand the opening in the tissue and center the access port laterally within the opening.

Abstract: A tissue compression shield can help minimize trauma to tissue during surgical retraction. One such shield has a shell having a rigid outer surface adapted to abut a surgical retractor and a concave inner surface defining an elongate tissue-receiving channel. The concave inner surface is adapted to deform under localized pressure to increase surface area in contact with tissue within the channel, thereby more widely distributing pressure across the tissue. If so desired, the shield can include a compressible inner pad that contacts the tissue. In an alternative design, a shield employs a shell including a central body and a pair of opposed legs defining therebetween an elongate tissue-receiving channel. An upper one of the legs has a notch along an outer edge thereof which defines a bone-seating recess which is smaller than the tissue-receiving channel.

Abstract: A surgical access device (10 or 10') includes a frame defining an access port and a pair of flanges are carried on the lower surface of the frame. The flanges are pivotable between an insertion position, where their leading edges are optimally placed adjacent one another to assist in inserting the device in an incision, and a retracting position, where both flanges optimally urge upwardly against the internal surface of the patient's tissue to seat the access port. A method of the invention involves making an incision at least as long as the leading edge of such a device and inserting the leading edge of the device into the incision. The flanges are moved laterally away from one another to expand the opening in the tissue and center the access port laterally within the opening.