Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic procedures
First Claim
1. A laparoscopic apparatus for creating an anatomical working space between tissue layers in a body, said apparatus comprising:
- a tunneling member comprising a substantially rigid shaft having open proximal and distal ends, and having a passage extending therethrough between said proximal and distal ends, said passage being adapted to receive a laparoscope therein, said distal end including a "U" shaped lip thereon adapted to retain the laparoscope from extending beyond said distal end, and to enhance a field of view axially through said distal end; and
a balloon having an inflatable space and being capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions, said balloon having a proximal sleeve for receiving said distal end of said tunneling member therein.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member. The balloon includes inverted seams and/or unfused outer edges adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal portion adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualization of landmarks within the space being developed.
145 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A laparoscopic apparatus for creating an anatomical working space between tissue layers in a body, said apparatus comprising:
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a tunneling member comprising a substantially rigid shaft having open proximal and distal ends, and having a passage extending therethrough between said proximal and distal ends, said passage being adapted to receive a laparoscope therein, said distal end including a "U" shaped lip thereon adapted to retain the laparoscope from extending beyond said distal end, and to enhance a field of view axially through said distal end; and a balloon having an inflatable space and being capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions, said balloon having a proximal sleeve for receiving said distal end of said tunneling member therein. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An inflatable balloon for creating an anatomical working space between tissue layers in a body, said balloon comprising:
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two panels substantially fused together along a seam extending substantially around a periphery of said panels thereby defining an inflatable space within said panels, said seam being inverted into said inflatable space, said balloon thereby having at least partially reentrant outer edges; and an inflation lumen communicating with said inflatable space for inflating and deflating said balloon between inflated and collapsed conditions. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A laparoscopic apparatus for creating an anatomical working space between tissue layers in a body, said apparatus comprising:
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a tunneling member comprising a substantially rigid shaft having proximal and distal ends, and having a passage extending from said proximal end towards said distal end for receiving a laparoscope therein; and a balloon having an inflatable spare and capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions, said balloon being secured to said distal end of said tunneling member, said balloon comprising two panels substantially fused together along a seam extending at least partially around a periphery of said panels thereby defining said inflatable space within said panels, said seam being at least partially inverted into said inflatable space, said balloon thereby having nonoverlapping, at least partially reentrant outer edges. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for assembling an apparatus for use in developing an anatomic space at a desired location within a body, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a substantially rigid tunneling member having, open proximal and distal ends providing an inflatable balloon, the balloon having anterior and posterior surfaces, and having side portions and a distal portion; rolling the distal portion of the inflatable balloon proximally along the anterior surface of the balloon; rolling the side portions of the inflatable balloon laterally in along the posterior surface of the balloon subsequent to rolling the distal portion; and securing the balloon to the distal portion of the tunneling member. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for developing an anatomic space at a desired location within a body using a substantially rigid tunneling member having, an inflatable balloon thereon, the balloon having anterior and posterior surfaces, side portions and a distal portion, the distal portion being, provided in a proximally rolled condition along, the anterior surface and the side portions being provided in a laterally rolled in condition along the posterior surface, the method comprising the steps of:
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advancing the tunneling member and rolled balloon through an incision to a desired location within the body; orienting the tunneling member such that the anterior surface of the balloon is directed towards a tissue surface; and inflating the balloon to cause tissue dissection, the distal portion of the balloon unrolling as the balloon is inflated, thereby clearing the tissue surface as it unrolls and enhancing visualization thereof. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification