Fluid operated retractors
First Claim
1. A method of performing carpal tunnel surgery, comprising the steps of:
- inserting a retractor to approximately the location where the carpal tunnel surgery is to be performed, the retractor including a stalk having proximal and distal end portions and an expansible bladder connected with the stalk at or near the distal end portion of the retractor stalk for expanding tissue radially outwardly;
expanding the retractor by introducing fluid under pressure to the expansible portion of the retractor to move body tissue radially outwardly at approximately the location where the carpal tunnel surgery is to be performed to facilitate performance of the carpal tunnel surgery; and
performing the carpal tunnel surgery.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion which is expandable upon the introduction of fluid under pressure. The expandable portion is made of a material strong enough, and is inflated to enough pressure, to spread adjoining tissues within the body. The retractor is especially useful in fiber optic surgery because it can be inserted percutaneously through a small opening then expanded to a much larger dimension when in the desired location, to retract tissue from within. The retractor may be used to spread a joint such as a knee joint or a shoulder joint, or may be used to separate tissue planes generally, to improve visualization and create a working space for the surgeon.
787 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of performing carpal tunnel surgery, comprising the steps of:
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inserting a retractor to approximately the location where the carpal tunnel surgery is to be performed, the retractor including a stalk having proximal and distal end portions and an expansible bladder connected with the stalk at or near the distal end portion of the retractor stalk for expanding tissue radially outwardly; expanding the retractor by introducing fluid under pressure to the expansible portion of the retractor to move body tissue radially outwardly at approximately the location where the carpal tunnel surgery is to be performed to facilitate performance of the carpal tunnel surgery; and performing the carpal tunnel surgery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification