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Method and apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism when performing a procedure in a patient's thoracic cavity

  • US 6,309,382 B1
  • Filed: 12/11/1998
  • Issued: 10/30/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of retaining a gas in a patient'"'"'s thoracic cavity for performing a surgical procedure therein, comprising:

  • providing an instrument delivery tube having a throughhole, a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet positioned to receive gas from the gas inlet, the throughhole being configured to permit a surgical instrument to pass therethrough;

    inserting the instrument delivery tube between adjacent ribs of a patient;

    coupling the gas inlet to a source of gas;

    passing gas from the source of gas to the gas inlet and out through the gas outlet, wherein the gas passing from the gas inlet to the gas outlet provides a gas shield.

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