Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and methods for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic hernia repair and patch for use therewith

US6695856B2 · kind B2 · utility

111Cited by
146References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 13, 2002
Grant dateFeb 24, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 13, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2002/0072
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Laparoscopic apparatus and method for insertion into a space or potential space in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is provided and is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A tunneling member is mounted on the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided which is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a balloon wrapped about said tunneling shaft. A sheath is provided which encloses the balloon on the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a slit extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed whereby the balloon can be released and inflated. A tubular member is provided which has a balloon inflation lumen thereon and is coupled to the balloon for inflating said balloon. A hernia graft is attached to the balloon for repairing a hernia.

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