Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic hernia repair and patch for use therewith
US6368337B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/0072
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for creating an anatomic spade in tissue in a body comprising 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.