Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for peritoneal retraction

US5520609A · kind A · utility

1,188Cited by
52References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 18, 1993
Grant dateMay 28, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 18, 2013

Classification

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

Abstract

A method and apparatus for mechanically lifting the abdominal wall away from underlying abdominal organs for laparoscopic surgery without insufflation. In the method an expansible device is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision in a collapsed state and then expanded into engagement with an extensive area of the abdominal wall. Lifting force is then applied to the device for peritoneal retraction. The device takes the form of mechanical rods or arms and/or balloons. In the balloon embodiments lifting force may be applied externally of the abdominal cavity, or internally of the cavity by balloon inflation. Certain of the balloon embodiments are of an annular or U-shaped configuration and include a membrane for draping the internal organs and/or a centrally located balloon for lateral expansion. The balloons may be provided with an internal endoscope for viewing. The method also provides for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, either to the interior or exterior of the balloons. A needle is provided to laparoscopically pierce and drain the gallbladder. The needle carries a balloon inflatable to grip the gallbladder for retraction and removal.

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