Patent · US Expired

Retraction methods using endoscopic inflatable retraction devices

US5309896A · kind A · utility

479Cited by
33References
35Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 19, 1991
Grant dateMay 10, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 19, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M25/1006
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for retracting an organ inside the body in the course of treating adjacent tissue. An inflatable retractor is provided. The inflatable retractor includes a flexible wall which may be expanded into place within the body, and which enclosed a main chamber. The inflatable retractor also includes an envelope attached to the flexible wall. The envelope and part of the flexible wall enclose an additional chamber. The inflatable retractor is placed in a collapsed state adjacent to the organ, and is inflated to expand the flexible wall and to retract the organ. Finally, an aperture is pierced in a part of the flexible wall of the retractor remote from the additional chamber to provide access to the tissue.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.