Tethered everting balloon retractor for hollow bodies and method of using
US5383889A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/1006
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for applying a manipulating force to manipulate a hollow body. The apparatus comprises a hollow shaft at the distal end of which is attached an elastomeric balloon that is inflatable from a collapsed state to an expanded state to engage the hollow body. A tether, attached to the distal tip of the elastomeric balloon, limits distal excursion, and freely allows proximal excursion, of the distal tip of the elastomeric balloon in response to the manipulating force. The tether may be flexible, with its distal end attached to the distal tip of the elastomeric balloon, and its proximal end attached within the hollow shaft. Alternatively, the tether may include an elongate member slidably mounted within the hollow shaft, and a stop that limits distal sliding of the elongate member. The distal tip of the balloon is attached to the distal end of the elongate member. In a method according to the invention for manipulating a hollow body, the apparatus just described is provided. The elastomeric balloon of the apparatus is introduced in a collapsed state into an interior volume of the hollow body. The elastomeric balloon is expanded to its expanded state to occupy at least a major …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.