Apparatus and method for dissecting tissue layers
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Abstract
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. 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 The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation.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. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
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Citations
16 Claims
- 1. (canceled)
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2. A method for creating a working space in a patient'"'"'s tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing an apparatus including;
a cannula having a bore extending therethrough;
an obturator insertable through the bore of the cannula;
a balloon having an elongate neck and an interior space in communication with the neck, wherein a portion of the neck is positioned between a distal end of the obturator and the cannula; and
an inflation lumen operatively coupling the interior space with a source of fluid;
making an incision in the patient'"'"'s skin;
introducing the cannula and obturator into the incision;
advancing the cannula and the obturator to a desired location within the tissue; and
inflating the balloon such that the inflated balloon dissects the tissue and defines the working space. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6)
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8. A method for creating a working space in a patient'"'"'s tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing an apparatus including;
a cannula having a longitudinal bore therethrough;
an obturator insertable through the bore of the cannula;
a non-elastomeric balloon secured to the obturator, wherein first and second edges of the balloon are inverted towards a central longitudinal axis of the obturator and at least one edge traverses the central longitudinal axis of the obturator;
an inflation lumen operatively coupling an interior space of the balloon with a source of fluid;
making an incision in the patient'"'"'s skin;
introducing the cannula and obturator into the incision;
advancing the cannula and the obturator to a desired location within the tissue; and
inflating the balloon such that the inflated balloon dissects the tissue and defines the working space. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A balloon comprising a sheet of non-elastomeric material bonded along an outer periphery thereof, the balloon being folded such that a first edge of the balloon and a second edge of the balloon are moved laterally towards each other such that at least one of the first and second edges traverses a central longitudinal axis of the sheet, the balloon configured for dissecting tissue in an expanded state.
Specification