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Multifunctional devices for use in endoscopic surgical procedures and method therefor

  • US 5,407,423 A
  • Filed: 08/25/1994
  • Issued: 04/18/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal, said device comprising elongate sponge means having a configuration in a compressed dry state to pass through the portal and an expanded configuration in a wet state after absorbing body fluids, and spine means disposed in said sponge means including a trunk extending longitudinally through said sponge means and a plurality of branches extending from said trunk, said branches being positioned in a substantially parallel alignment with said trunk when said sponge means is in said dry state and said branches moving outwardly from said trunk when said sponge means is in said wet state.

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