초록 ▼

An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring, including a dissection balloon having a viewing window (preferably a rigid, transparent window) at its distal end, or including an anchoring or dissection balloon having nonuniform elasticity selected to achieve desired inflated shape and

An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring, including a dissection balloon having a viewing window (preferably a rigid, transparent window) at its distal end, or including an anchoring or dissection balloon having nonuniform elasticity selected to achieve desired inflated shape and pressure characteristics, and methods for using such apparatus. The window, which can be a lens (such as a wide angle lens), is transparent and either rigid or non-rigid but sufficiently strong to retain a desired optical shape while (and after) being pushed against tissue layers by a rigid instrument deployed within the balloon. In preferred embodiments, the balloon is a long-necked dissection balloon deployed through a cannula. In other embodiments, the invention is a dissection balloon having a viewing window at its distal end, or an anchoring or dissection balloon having nonuniform elasticity selected to achieve desired inflated shape and pressure characteristics, for use in an apparatus for tissue dissection, tissue retraction, and instrument anchoring. In other embodiments, the invention is a dissection balloon assembly including a long-necked dissection balloon having a viewing window at its distal end, and a housing to which the dissection balloon's mouth is attached.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for dissection of tissue layers, including:a trocar having a distal end; anda dissection balloon assembly attached to the distal end of the trocar, the dissection balloon including a distal end and a viewing window provided at the distal end, wherein the distal e

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for dissection of tissue layers, including:a trocar having a distal end; anda dissection balloon assembly attached to the distal end of the trocar, the dissection balloon including a distal end and a viewing window provided at the distal end, wherein the distal end of the dissection balloon defines an opening, the viewing window has a grooved side wall, and the grooved side wall is glued to the dissection balloon so that the viewing window is attached to the dissection balloon over the opening.