초록 ▼

A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion which 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

A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion which 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 improve visualization and create a working space for the surgeon.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue to create a dissected region between the first and second layers, the method comprising the steps of:making an incision in the body;introducing a surgical device comprising first and second infl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue to create a dissected region between the first and second layers, the method comprising the steps of:making an incision in the body;introducing a surgical device comprising first and second inflatable members through the incision and placing the surgical device between the first and second tissue layers at the location of said natural tissue plane;dissecting said first layer from said second layer by exerting force on said layers by inflating said first inflatable member of said surgical device, thereby creating a first portion of said dissected region between the first and second tissue layers; anddissecting said first layer from said second layer by exerting force on said layers by inflating said second inflatable member of said surgical device, thereby creating a second portion of said dissected region between the first and second tissue layers.