Mechanically expandable arthroscopic retractors and method of using the same
First Claim
1. A method for creating or expanding a subsurface working space for the performance of a minimally invasive surgical procedure in a human body, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting a substantially rigid member having a mechanically expanding portion and an inflatable portion through an incision in the body, the inflatable portion capable of being expanded independently of the mechanically expanding portion;
(b) advancing the substantially rigid member to a desired subsurface location within the body;
(c) expanding the mechanically expanding portion of the rigid member to create or expand a subsurface working space within the body;
(d) inflating the inflatable portion to exert sufficient force to selectively move tissue to create or expand a subsurface working space within the body wherein steps (c) and (d) are carried out in any order to create or expand the working space; and
(e) performing a surgical procedure in the subsurface working space.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mechanically expandable retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has an expanding portion at its distal end for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The expanding portion includes a plurality of radially expanding arms. The radially outermost surface of each arm when expanded is longitudinally disposed approximately at the distal end of the retractor. The expanding arms can be disposed irregularly circumferentially around the retractor to expand the tissues to provide a working space between adjacent arms. The retractor is inserted through a small percutaneous opening, expanded in sub-surface tissues without significantly damaging the tissue, then collapsed after use for removal. The retractor has a projecting portion at a proximal end of the retractor for manipulating the retractor, to allow the surgeon to push or pull or lever on tissue.
The retractor can be hollow like a cannula to permit the passage of surgical instruments through the retractor, with a side portal into the passage. Alternatively, the retractor can be solid or needle-like. The retractor can include an expandable bladder which can circumscribe the expandable portion of the retractor or be placed elsewhere.
415 Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A method for creating or expanding a subsurface working space for the performance of a minimally invasive surgical procedure in a human body, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(a) inserting a substantially rigid member having a mechanically expanding portion and an inflatable portion through an incision in the body, the inflatable portion capable of being expanded independently of the mechanically expanding portion; (b) advancing the substantially rigid member to a desired subsurface location within the body; (c) expanding the mechanically expanding portion of the rigid member to create or expand a subsurface working space within the body; (d) inflating the inflatable portion to exert sufficient force to selectively move tissue to create or expand a subsurface working space within the body wherein steps (c) and (d) are carried out in any order to create or expand the working space; and (e) performing a surgical procedure in the subsurface working space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. An expansible cannula capable of passing surgical instruments into a body during fiber optic surgery, said cannula comprising:
-
a substantially rigid tubular member having a bore extending therethrough to provide an open distal end, said bore sized to receive surgical instruments; a sleeve slidably mounted on said tubular member; said sleeve including a mechanical retractor comprising one or more outwardly projectable arms, said arms having sufficient strength to move muscles, bones or tendons when expanded outwardly; and an inflatable member mounted on said sleeve, said inflatable member being in communication with an inflation lumen and capable of being expanded independently of said mechanical retractor, said inflatable member being formed from a material of sufficient strength to move muscles, bones or tendons when inflated. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. An apparatus for use in surgery comprising:
-
a support member which is substantially rigid for substantially its entire length, comprising proximal and distal end portions; a substantially rigid non-fluid actuated mechanical retractor on said distal end portion of said support member, said mechanical retractor having sufficient strength to move tissue when expanded, said mechanical retractor adapted to engage tissue when expanded, said support member extending distally completely to said mechanical retractor; and an inflatable member adapted to engage tissue mounted on said distal end portion of said support member, said inflatable member capable of being expanded independently of said substantially rigid non-fluid actuated mechanical retractor and being formed of a material having sufficient strength to move tissue when inflated. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. A retractor capable of moving muscles, bones, or tendons during minimally invasive surgery comprising:
-
a substantially rigid member having a distal end; a sleeve slidably mounted on said substantially rigid member, said sleeve including a plurality of radially outwardly expandable arms, said arms having sufficient strength to move the muscles, bones, or tendons when deployed outwardly, said arms being disposed in an irregular circumferential arrangement about said sleeve; and a stretchable membrane mounted coaxially over said sleeve, said membrane surrounding said expandable arms to prevent tissue from being trapped between said arms when said arms are deployed outwardly. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
-
Specification