Hai T Phan

US Patent:

20050033324, Feb 10, 2005

Filed:

Jul 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/890974

Inventors:

Hai Phan - Lake Forest CA, US

International Classification:

A61B017/04

US Classification:

606148000

Abstract:

A guard attachable to a forceps is provided. In one embodiment, the guard is releasably securable to one arm of the forceps. In another embodiment, the guard is permanently secured to or integral with one arm of the forceps. In another embodiment, the guard is rotatable with respect to the forceps. A barrier portion of the guard extends between the forceps' arms, or along an outside of the forceps' arms. The barrier prevents tissue from getting between the forceps' arms. A physician can thus use the barrier to displace tissue from a surgical site. The barrier also provides protection to surrounding tissue, preventing suturing needles from pricking the tissue behind the barrier or pricking the physician. The guard may be slidable along at least a portion of the length of the forceps.