Method for accessing an operative space

• US 7,297,141 B2
• Filed: 01/20/2004
• Issued: 11/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Patankar, Mangesh, Kathrani, Biten K., Udwadia, Tehemton E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams; Catherine S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KOHARSKI, CHRISTOPHER
• Application Number:
  US10/760,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20050159730A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,400 Days
• Field of Search: 600/201, 600/152, 604/264, 604/26, 604/541, 604/164.01, 604/21, 604/172, 607/28, 606/1, 606/205, 606/200
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0281 Abdominal wall lifters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3417 Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating syringe needles A61M5/32; dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3421 Cannulas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3462 with means for changing the diameter or the orientation of the entrance port of the cannula, e.g. for use with different-sized instruments, reduction ports, adapter seals expandable cannulas A61B17/3417
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3474 Insufflating needles, e.g. Veress needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3492 against the outside of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/40 Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0279 for introducing medical instruments into the body, e.g. endoscope, surgical tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0247 Semi-permanent or permanent transcutaneous or percutaneous access sites to the inside of the body peritoneal dialysis catheters A61M1/285; tracheostomy devices A61M16/0465; measuring pressure within the body A61B5/03; colostomy devices A61F5/445; gastrotomy feeding tubes A61J15/0015; means for fixing a feeding tube outside of the body A61J15/0053

Abstract

The invention provides, in one embodiment, a method for accessing an operative space within a patient. The method can employ a multifunctional, multi-piece medical device, such as for use with a vacuum lift shell. The method provides flow communication between the external environment and operative field inside the patient'"'"'s body during medical procedures, including diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. The invention allows entry and exit of air or gas to help create and maintain the operative field. The invention can be used to provide an open and unobstructed working path, and allows the operative space to be maintained at ambient conditions of pressure and temperature.

Claims

1. A method of performing a medical procedure comprising the steps of:

forming an incision in a patient;

inserting a cannula in the incision such that a proximal portion of the cannula is positioned outside the patient and a distal portion of the cannula is positioned inside the patient;

positioning a vacuum shell over the incision and the cannula, wherein the vacuum shell is positioned over the incision and completely covers over the cannula after the cannula has been inserted in the incision;

providing a cannula extension extending through the vacuum shell and communicating with the cannula;

attaching the cannula extension to the cannula trough the vacuum shell; and

inducing a vacuum within the vacuum shell.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of releasably attaching the cannula extension to the cannula.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of providing air from outside the patient to an internal operative space inside the patient trough the cannula.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a sleeve positionable along the cannula.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a sleeve positionable along the outside of the cannula, wherein the sleeve comprises a flange portion, and wherein the method comprises positioning the flange portion against the patient'"'"'s body to assist in supporting the cannula.

6. A method of performing a medical procedure comprising the steps of:

forming an incision in a patient;

inserting a cannula in the incision such that a proximal portion of the cannula is positioned outside the patient and a distal portion of the cannula is positioned inside the patient;

suturing the incision around the cannula;

positioning a sleeve around the cannula adjacent to the incision to support the cannula;

positioning a vacuum shall over the incision and the cannula;

piercing a portion of the vacuum shell;

providing a cannula extension extending through the vacuum shell;

attaching the cannula extension to the cannula, such that a distal portion of the cannula extension is disposed within the vacuum shell, and such that a proximal portion of the cannula extension is disposed outside the vacuum shell; and

inducing a vacuum within the vacuum shell.