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Retraction apparatus and methods for endoscopic surgery

  • US 5,450,843 A
  • Filed: 03/14/1994
  • Issued: 09/19/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for retracting an organ inside the body to gain access to an adjacent tissue, the apparatus comprising:

  • a first inflatable means for retracting the organ by inflation of the first inflatable means to an expanded condition, the first inflatable means having a first envelope;

    means for selectively inflating the first inflatable means into an expanded condition while in place in the body;

    a non-pressurized chamber enclosed within the first inflatable means, the non-pressurized chamber having a second envelope anchored to part of the first envelope at a fixed location;

    a second inflatable means, operably associated with the non-pressurized chamber, and enclosed within the first envelope, for expanding the non-pressurized chamber into an expanded condition when the second inflatable means is inflated; and

    means for selectably inflating the second inflatable means.

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