Method and apparatus for combined dissection and retraction
First Claim
1. An apparatus for combined dissection and retraction comprisingan inflatable balloon dissector having an inflation port and a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall which enclose a chamber, an inflatable balloon retractor disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon dissector along one of the first and second flexible walls, the balloon retractor in its inflated state having a longitudinal centerline which is substantially arcuate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
197 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for combined dissection and retraction comprising
an inflatable balloon dissector having an inflation port and a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall which enclose a chamber, an inflatable balloon retractor disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon dissector along one of the first and second flexible walls, the balloon retractor in its inflated state having a longitudinal centerline which is substantially arcuate.
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9. A system for combined tissue dissection and retraction comprising:
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an elongate partially rigid retractor disposed on an exterior surface of a balloon dissector and having an inflated state, the retractor in its inflated state having a longitudinal centerline which is substantially arcuate;
an inflatable balloon dissector having an inflation port and a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall which enclose a chamber; and
a retractor retaining element incorporated into one of the first or second flexible walls of the balloon dissector, the retractor retaining element configured to receive and retain the retractor. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification