Apparatus and method for dissecting tissue layers
US6540764B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1004
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expansible tunneling apparatus and assosiated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure such as a hernia repair. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated through a balloon inflation lumen to cause the balloon to dissect tissue and create an operating space. The operating space may then be insulated with gas to form a working space for repairing a hernia.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.