US5308327A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-deployed inflatable retractor
Assignee: ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES Inc
•
Filing: 1991-11-25
•
Granted: 1994-05-03
•
Expires: 2011-11-25
Abstract
Abstract A medical device such as a retractor or isolation bag including an inflatable member which expands from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when pressurized gas or liquid is supplied thereto. The member can include a plurality of fluid channels, ribs and pre-shaped wire members. The device is inserted into a body cavity through a tube. The device can also be actuated by a honeycomb reinforcing structure with or without the use of pressurized fluid. The device can be manufactured by forming one or more air conduits in a member of expandable material or by enclosing a honeycomb reinforcing structure in a polymer material.
Inventors
- 👤 Malcolm D. Heaven
- 👤 Stephen J. Shapiro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00287; A61B2017/00526; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00557; A61B2017/0225; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/037; B; B29; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/712; B29L2031/7138; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade including a substantially flat planar section in the expanded state, the the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through a tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond an end of the tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade including a substantially flat planar section in the expanded state, the the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through a tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond an end of the tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the retractor blade includes an atraumatic surface thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the retractor blade comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of PVC, PVC copolymers, chlorinated polyethylene, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymers, butadiene styrene block copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, ionomers, polyisoprene, silicones, polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, fluoropolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride copolymers, polypropylene copolymers, nylons such as but not limited to nylon 6.6, polyurethanes and other suitable polymers, blends and mixtures thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the retractor blade comprises a woven fabric or a sewn fabric having a fluid impervious coating.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid actuating means further comprises a plurality of fluid channels communicating with the conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the retractor blade includes reinforcing means supported by the retractor blade, the reinforcing means being selected from the group consisting of ribs and pre-shaped wire members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
116 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an inner hollow tube attached to the retractor blade and an outer hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer tube, the distal end of the inner tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 7, further comprising a manually operable handle on a proximal end of the inner hollow tube, and a sliding carrier attached to the distal end of the inner hollow tube and providing a seal between an inner periphery of the inner tube and an inner periphery of the inner hollow tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
174 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through a tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond an end of the tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a first and second conduits supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the first and second conduits, the second conduit being discrete from and not in communication with the first conduit whereby the first conduit and the second conduit can each be supplied with pressurized fluid at different pressures.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
174 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through a tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond an end of the tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a first and second conduits supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the first and second conduits, the second conduit being discrete from and not in communication with the first conduit whereby the first conduit and the second conduit can each be supplied with pressurized fluid at different pressures.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
279 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to release the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade from the inner hollow tube when the retractor blade is in its second configuration beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
279 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to release the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade from the inner hollow tube when the retractor blade is in its second configuration beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
303 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to release the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade from the inner hollow tube when the retractor blade is in its second configuration beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the retractor blade including means to interdigitate the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade with another inflatable and collapsible retractor blade within a body cavity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
303 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to release the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade from the inner hollow tube when the retractor blade is in its second configuration beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the retractor blade including means to interdigitate the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade with another inflatable and collapsible retractor blade within a body cavity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
266 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to articulate the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
266 words
A medical device usable within a body cavity comprising: an outer hollow tube; an inflatable and collapsible retractor blade, the retractor blade having a first configuration in a collapsed state and a second configuration in an expanded state, the retractor blade being introducible into a body cavity by passing the retractor blade through the outer tube while the retractor blade is in the collapsed state, and the retractor blade being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration when the retractor blade is inserted into the cavity beyond a distal end of the outer tube; and fluid actuating means for expanding the retractor blade from the first configuration to the second configuration, the fluid actuating means comprising a conduit supported by the retractor blade, the retractor blade being expanded into the second configuration by supplying pressurized gas or liquid to the conduit; an inner hollow tube for delivery of the retractor blade to a body cavity, the retractor blade having a distal end and a proximal end, the inner hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractor blade being slidable within the outer hollow tube and being expandable to the second configuration at a position outwardly of the distal end of the outer hollow tube, the distal end of the inner hollow tube being attached to the proximal end of the retractor blade and the inner hollow tube having a passageway communicating with the conduit of the retractor blade for inflation thereof; and means to articulate the inflatable and collapsible retractor blade beyond the distal end of the outer hollow tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US6796A
Cited
US157343A
Cited
US318535A
Cited
US734498A
Cited
US901376A
Cited
US923303A
Cited
US1213005A
Cited
US1970802A
Cited
US2032859A
Cited
US2570921A
Cited
US2667437A
Cited
US2798523A
Cited
US2847997A
Cited
US3126307A
Cited
US2927584A
Cited
US3048514A
Cited
US3232810A
Cited
US3417745A
Cited
US3483859A
Cited
US3509883A
Cited
US3834394A
Cited
US3605747A
Cited
US3712772A
Cited
US3782370A
Cited
US3841304A
Cited
US3841317A
Cited
US3863639A
Cited
DE2514428A1
Cited
US4076872A
Cited
US4174715A
Cited
DD131620A1
Cited
US4240433A
Cited
US4172301A
Cited
US4190042A
Cited
US4198981A
Cited
US4268338A
Cited
US4311146A
Cited
US4312353A
Cited
US4393872A
Cited
US4899747A
Cited
US4428375A
Cited
US4557255A
Cited
US4611594A
Cited
US4654028A
Cited
US4739762A
Cited
US4739762B1
Cited
US4803029A
Cited
US4909789A
Cited
US4744363A
Cited
US4735603A
Cited
US4802479A
Cited
US4796629A
Cited
US4857129A
Cited
US5035232A
Cited
US5080088A
Cited
US4873978A
Cited
US4875482A
Cited
US4999074A
Cited
US4984564A
Cited
US5163949A
Cited
US5027793A
Cited
US5074867A
Cited
US5037379A
Cited
EP0490714A1
Cited
US5195507A
Cited
US5178133A
Cited
US5143082A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-02 | 1997-11-01 | 1998-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-02 | 2001-11-01 | 2002-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-02 | 2005-11-01 | 2006-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |