Method of using expandable cannula
US6338730B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0095
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.