Patent attributes
An expandable access device for providing access to a surgical site in the body. The expandable access device comprises a first blade, a second blade and a connection mechanism operable connecting the first and second blades. Each blade may have a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion between the first and second portions. The intermediate portions of each blade may be bent such that the first and second portions of each blade may be at an angle with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may have first and second elongated member, which may be in a criss-cross configuration. A first end of the first and second elongated members may be connected to the first blade and a second end of the first and second elongated members may be connected to the second blade. Such a construction may enable the first and second blades to separate and pivot with respect to each other. An actuating device may be connected to the first and second blades and/or the connecting mechanism and may be used to move the first and second blades with respect to each other.
