Surgical visualization tool

• US 20070198046A1
• Filed: 02/17/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Endophotonix, Inc.
• Original Assignee: MedicalCV, Inc.
• Inventors: Hlavka, Edwin, Savage, Steven, Berman, Adam, Brucker, Gregory
• Application Number:
  US11/356,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20070198046A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/192
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00165 with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics A61B1/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/3132 for laparoscopy

Abstract

The tool for enhancing visualization during surgery includes a shaft having a balloon member at a distal end. A fluid conduit through the shaft permits passing and inflation fluid into the balloon to selectively inflate the balloon. The balloon is formed of a material transparent to a wavelength of interest. A waveguide extends within the shaft into the interior of the balloon to visualize anatomical features external to the balloon.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enhancing visualization during surgery, said apparatus comprising:

a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with said proximal end having a handle for manipulation of said shaft;

a balloon member at said distal end;

a fluid conduit through said shaft for passing an inflation fluid from said proximal end into said balloon to selectively inflate said balloon;

said balloon formed of a material transparent to a wavelength of interest a waveguide extending within said shaft from said proximal end toward said distal end with a distal end of said waveguide positional within said balloon to visualize at said wavelength external to said balloon.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said wavelength includes at least a portion of a visual spectrum.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said distal end of said waveguide is axially movable within said balloon.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said distal end of said waveguide is rotationally movable within said balloon.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said balloon terminates at a blunt distal end.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said balloon terminates at a dissection member.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said balloon is bendable about a longitudinal axis extending axially away from said shaft.