Other

Bonutti 2003 Trust a

General Surgical Innovations, Inc.

James S Hawkins

Peter M Bonutti

Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.

Expandable cannula

Method of using expandable cannula

Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening.

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Urbana, IL, United States of America

James S Hawkins