초록 ▼

A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion that is expandable upon the introduction of fluid under pressure. The expandable portion is made of a material strong enough, and is inflated to enough pressure, to spread adjoining tissues within the body. The retractor is e

A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion that is expandable upon the introduction of fluid under pressure. The expandable portion is made of a material strong enough, and is inflated to enough pressure, to spread adjoining tissues within the body. The retractor is especially useful in fiber optic surgery because it can be inserted percutaneously through a small opening then expanded to a much larger dimension when in the desired location, to retract tissue from within. The retractor may be used to spread a joint such as a knee joint or a shoulder joint, or may be used to separate tissue planes generally to spread a joint such as a knee joint or a should joint or may be used to separate tissue planes generally, to improve visualization and create a working space for the surgeon.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for creating a working space in body tissue, the method comprising:providing a retractor comprising a substantially rigid tube having a central axis and proximal and distal ends, an inflatable bladder disposed on said tube, and a pressure member proximal of said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for creating a working space in body tissue, the method comprising:providing a retractor comprising a substantially rigid tube having a central axis and proximal and distal ends, an inflatable bladder disposed on said tube, and a pressure member proximal of said inflatable bladder, said pressure member axially movable relative to said inflatable member, wherein said inflatable bladder is mounted eccentrically with respect to the central axis of said tube;inserting the distal end of said tube and said inflatable bladder through an incision in the skin of a body with said pressure member remaining outside the body;positioning said inflatable bladder adjacent the location of the desired working space;inflating said inflatable bladder causing said inflatable bladder to expand and move body tissue in a direction transverse to said central axis of said tube; andmoving said pressure member and said inflatable bladder toward each other, thereby compressing tissue between the pressure member and inflatable bladder.