초록 ▼

An expansible laparoscopic tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space. The apparatus provides laparoscopic observation both during tunneling operations, when the apparatus is advanced bluntly to a desired location within the body of a patient, and during subsequent tissue dissection

An expansible laparoscopic tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space. The apparatus provides laparoscopic observation both during tunneling operations, when the apparatus is advanced bluntly to a desired location within the body of a patient, and during subsequent tissue dissection when a balloon associated with the apparatus is inflated to create the working space. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to cooperatively form a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized to accept a conventional laparoscope, and a blunt distal end to facilitate tunneling. A trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon, forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member wherein the combination of the tunneling member and rolled balloon forms a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator. A horseshoe shaped balloon for dissecting around obstructions within the body is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

An expansible tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space comprising: a substantially rigid tunneling member having an internal bore sized to receive a laparoscope and a blunt distal end, said tunneling member being formed of a substantially transparent material to facilitate observat

An expansible tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space comprising: a substantially rigid tunneling member having an internal bore sized to receive a laparoscope and a blunt distal end, said tunneling member being formed of a substantially transparent material to facilitate observation with the laparoscope during blunt tunneling; a balloon having an interior space mounted on said distal end of said tunneling member, said balloon being disposed in a generally cylindrical roll about said tunneling member when in a deflated condition to form, in cooperation with said tunneling member, a blunt tipped obturator for tunneling through tissue; an integral balloon cover comprising two portions extending longitudinally along said balloon, said portions surrounding said balloon to retain said balloon into said cylindrical roll and; means for connecting to an inflation source to inflate said balloon after a desired location within a body has been reached to cause said balloon to expand and dissect tissue to create the anatomic working space.