Patent · US Expired

Inflatable manipulator for organ positioning during surgery and method of use

US6015382A · kind A · utility

95Cited by
13References
62Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 16, 1997
Grant dateJan 18, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 16, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/064
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.

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