Importance

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Abstract

A minimally invasive retractor and dissector for internal surgical use on a patient's body has a tubular support for passing into the patient's body. A proximal end on the tubular support located outside the patient's body is in position to provide access for the surgeon. A distal end on the tubular support located inside the patient's body to provide access within the patient for surgery. A control is located at the proximal end of the tabular support. One or more articulated members are movably positioned relative to the distal end of the tubular support so each of the articulated members allows swinging relative to the distal end. A rotator connects to the proximal end of the tubular support for movement relative to the control. An instrument moves independently of the tubular support when the articulated members and the distal tips cooperatively function on the tissue. The instrument passes simultaneously through a passage from the proximal end to beyond the distal end so the articulated members may position the tissue relative to the patient.

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First Claim