| abstract |
Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a surgeon performs surgery by thoracoscopy. Methods and devices are disclosed for protecting tissues adjacent to an intercostal incision from trauma caused by impingement of instruments into an intercostal incision. In one part, these methods and devices include devices that have controls that stick up out of the incision, permitting adjustment by the surgeon. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for smaller devices that reside entirely under this skin and require no adjustment by the surgeon. |