Method of performing balloon dissection
First Claim
1. A method for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue along a natural tissue plane between the first and second tissue layers, comprising the steps of:
- introducing a deflated balloon to a first location between the first and second tissue layers;
dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue panel by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon, thereby creating a first dissected region between the first and second tissue layers;
deflating said balloon;
moving said balloon to a new location between the first and second tissue layers; and
dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue plane by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon again, thereby creating a second dissected region between the first and second tissue layers.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has a mechanical expanding portion for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor also has a fluid-operated expanding portion, which may be independently controllable, for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. 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 can be manipulated 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 one or more surgical devices through the retractor, with a side portal into the center of the retractor.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue along a natural tissue plane between the first and second tissue layers, comprising the steps of:
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introducing a deflated balloon to a first location between the first and second tissue layers; dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue panel by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon, thereby creating a first dissected region between the first and second tissue layers; deflating said balloon; moving said balloon to a new location between the first and second tissue layers; and dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue plane by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon again, thereby creating a second dissected region between the first and second tissue layers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue along a natural tissue plane between the first and second tissue layers, comprising the steps of:
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making an incision in a body which incision provides access to the natural tissue plane; introducing a deflated balloon into the incision and directing it to a first location between the first and second tissue layers; dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue plane by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon, thereby creating a first dissected region between the first and second tissue layers; deflating said balloon; moving said balloon to a new location between the first and second tissue layers; dissecting said first layer from said second layer along said natural tissue plane by exerting force on said layers by inflating said balloon again, thereby creating a second dissected region between the first and second tissue layers; deflating and removing said balloon; and performing a surgical procedure in said dissected regions. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification