초록 ▼

A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therei

A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layers to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creation of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdraw through the incision. If needed, 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 anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. 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 to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for creating an anatomic working space between tissue layers in a body comprising:a cannula having a bore extending therethrough and a distal end;a hollow obturator having a bore extending therethrough, said obturator insertable through said cannula;a ballo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for creating an anatomic working space between tissue layers in a body comprising:a cannula having a bore extending therethrough and a distal end;a hollow obturator having a bore extending therethrough, said obturator insertable through said cannula;a balloon having a neck and an interior space in communication with said neck, said obturator extending through said cannula, said neck secured to said distal end of said cannula;a retainer for releasably securing said balloon to said obturator; andmeans for inflating said balloon after it is disposed between the tissue layers to cause said balloon to progressively expand to create the anatomic working space; andan opaque baffle disposed in said obturator bore for preventing unwanted reflections from entering a viewing element of a laparoscope when disposed therein.