Method and apparatus for dissecting tissue layers
First Claim
1. A device for creating a working space inside the body by moving body tissue comprising:
- a supporting member having a distal end and a proximal end, and first and second tubular members, a plurality of mechanical expanding portions located at the distal end of said support member, a plurality of fluid-operated expanding bladders located at the distal end of said support member, wherein each fluid-operated expanding bladder is located circumferentially between mechanical expanding portions, a fluid supply port located at the proximal end of said support member and in fluid communication with said fluid-operated expanding bladders, and a mechanical located at the proximal end of said support member, said mechanism being moveably mounted on said first tubular member and adapted to actuate said mechanical expanding portions by advancing said mechanism distally along said first tubular member.
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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
14 Claims
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1. A device for creating a working space inside the body by moving body tissue comprising:
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a supporting member having a distal end and a proximal end, and first and second tubular members, a plurality of mechanical expanding portions located at the distal end of said support member, a plurality of fluid-operated expanding bladders located at the distal end of said support member, wherein each fluid-operated expanding bladder is located circumferentially between mechanical expanding portions, a fluid supply port located at the proximal end of said support member and in fluid communication with said fluid-operated expanding bladders, and a mechanical located at the proximal end of said support member, said mechanism being moveably mounted on said first tubular member and adapted to actuate said mechanical expanding portions by advancing said mechanism distally along said first tubular member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A device for creating a working space inside the body by moving body tissue comprising:
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a support member having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tubular body slidably disposed within a tubular sheath, a plurality of mechanical expanding portions located at the distal portion of said support member, a fluid-operated expanding portion located at the distal portion of said support member, and disposed between two mechanical expanding portions, a fluid supply port located at the proximal portion of said support member and in fluid communication with said fluid-operated expanding portion, and a mechanism operably coupled to said sheath and adjustably mounted on said body and adapted to actuate said mechanical expanding portions. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A device for creating a working space inside the body by moving body tissue comprising:
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a support member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first and a second mechanical expanding portion, the mechanical expanding portions located opposite each other on the distal end of said support member, a first and a second fluid-operated expanding bladder, the fluid-operated expanding bladders located opposite each other on the distal end of said support member, wherein each fluid-operated expanding bladder is disposed between the first and second mechanical expanding portions, and a mechanism located at the proximal end of said support member, said mechanism being adapted to expand said mechanical expanding portions, wherein said mechanical expanding portions are expandable independent of said fluid-operated expanding portions, and said fluid operated expanding portions are expandable independent of said mechanical expanding portions. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification