Expansible tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space with laparoscopic observation
US5607443A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M29/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expansible laparoscopic tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space. The apparatus provides laparoscopic observation both during tunneling operations, when the apparatus is advanced bluntly to a desired location within the body of a patient, and during subsequent tissue dissection when a balloon associated with the apparatus is inflated to create the working space. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to cooperatively form a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized to accept a conventional laparoscope, and a blunt distal end to facilitate tunneling. A trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon, forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member wherein the combination of the tunneling memb…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.