Retractor with inflatable blades

Abstract: A surgical retractor is configured to provide surgical access in thoracic surgery, for example through an intercostal incision. The surgical retractor includes at least one inflated or inflatable member to cushion the ribs and surrounding tissue from injury or trauma. In one embodiment, the inflatable member is configured as an inflatable ring with a concave outer surface for engaging and spreading apart two adjacent ribs when the ring is inflated. In another embodiment, the inflatable ring can be combined with a substantially rigid inner ring for supporting and rigidifying the retractor. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of substantially rigid retractor blades is mounted on a spreading track or the like. One or more inflatable members or an inflatable ring are used to cushion the tissue from the rigid retractor blades. (end of abstract)