Importance

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Abstract

A medical retractor apparatus that includes a housing assembly and a retractor assembly is provided. The housing assembly includes a retractor body having a proximal end. The retractor assembly includes a retractor element having a tip. The retractor element is extended/retracted relative to the proximal end. The retractor element is extended offset from the center of the proximal end. A guide member with a slot located at the proximal end prevents unacceptable turning of the retractor element. Preferably, the retractor element includes two spaced loops that can be surrounded by a cover member. The retractor element desirably positions a body vessel of at least about 1 cm in diameter during a surgical procedure. The retractor element has sufficient tensile and compressive strengths to position the great vessel, while avoiding unwanted bulging of the great vessel and visual interference during the surgical procedure.

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First Claim