Balloon dissectors

Abstract

Abstract A balloon (1000) formed from first and second sheets of a material has one or more outwardly extending horns (1001) formed in a distal region of the balloon. The material used to fabricate the balloon is preferably substantially inelastic over the range of inflation pressures used to inflate the balloon. When the balloon is in a deflated condition, the horns may be folded inwardly, into the interior space of the balloon, to provide a balloon which may easily be rolled, folded, or otherwise gathered into a compact package. Upon inflation, the horns evert and extend outwardly beyond the distal end of the balloon. Another embodiment is an economical balloon dissection apparatus having a balloon (952) with an elongated neck (960). The neck may be inverted to provide a space in the closed neck to receive a rod (951) or other tunneling member. A tubular member (990) having a bore sized to receive a laparoscope may be inserted into the balloon neck in place of the rod if visualization is desired. A variation includes a reusable handle (954) and tunneling rod (990). The rod (990) may be inserted into the tubular member (991) disposed within the inwardly folded elongate neck and releasably latched within the tubular member.

Inventors

• 👤 Maciej J. Kieturakis
• 👤 Kenneth H. Mollenauer
• 👤 Jan M. Echeverry
• 👤 Thomas J. Howell
• 👤 James E. Jervis
• 👤 Helmut Kayan
• 👤 Janine C. Robinson

Bibliographic Details