Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic hernia repair and patch for use therewith

US5836961A · kind A · utility

263Cited by
87References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 20, 1993
Grant dateNov 17, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 20, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2002/0072
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

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