Patent attributes
A circumferential retractor apparatus including a first retractor paddle having a grasping surface and a body portion supporting the grasping surface, a second retractor paddle having a grasping surface and a body portion supporting the grasping surface and an elastic member having one end received by the first retractor paddle and an opposite end received by the second retractor paddle. Each of the paddles has a hole formed therein of a size suitable for allowing the elastic member to pass therethrough. A slot is formed in the body portion so as to open to the hole. The slot is of a tapered configuration so as to have a wide end opening to the hole and a narrow end away from the hole. The grasping surface includes a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the body portion. Each of the plurality of fingers are arranged in parallel spaced relationship to each other. The elastic member is a length of surgical tubing.