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 an inward extending lip thereon configured for retaining the laparoscope from extending beyond said distal end and enhancing a field of view 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.
131 Citations
23 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 an inward extending lip thereon configured for retaining the laparoscope from extending beyond said distal end and enhancing a field of view 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, comprising:
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two panels substantially fused together along a seam extending around a periphery of the panels, thereby defining an inflatable space within the panels; and
an adapter nipple attached to one of the panels and communicating with the inflatable space for inflating and deflating the balloon between inflated and collapsed conditions. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for forming an inflatable balloon for creating an anatomical working space between tissue layers in a body, the method comprising:
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fusing two panels together along a seam extending around a periphery of the panels, thereby defining an inflatable space within the panels;
forming a hold in one of the panels; and
attaching an adapter nipple to one of the panels around the hold, the adapter nipple communicating with the inflatable space for inflating and deflating the balloon between the inflated and collapsed conditions. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification