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Longitudinal dilator and method

  • US 6,428,556 B1
  • Filed: 07/25/2001
  • Issued: 08/06/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for performing dilation of tissue comprising:

  • an inner cannula having proximal and distal ends; and

    an expansion device disposed near the distal end, having a maximal dimension greater than a maximal dimension of the inner cannula and being split longitudinally;

    an axial compressor attached to the expansion device to expand the expansion device in response to axial compression of the axial compressor; and

    an outer sheath disposed over the inner cannula and expandable in an outward direction in response to expansion of the expansion device.

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