Patent · US Expired

Methods and systems for reducing tissue adhesion

US5984942A · kind A · utility

62Cited by
15References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 2, 1997
Grant dateNov 16, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 2, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M29/02
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods for interfering with the adhesion formation process. In some embodiments, the present invention makes use of intermittent blunt dissection of fibrin bridging adjacent tissues prior to the formation of adhesions. Dissection is generally provided by pulsing a balloon implanted between the tissues. Optionally, the balloon will comprise an elastic structure to disrupt the formation of fibrin between the balloon and the surrounding tissues. Alternatively, the balloon may be at least partially covered by a bio-active anti-adhesion material. In some embodiments, the anti-adhesion material forms an envelope which is left between the tissues when the balloon is removed.

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