The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 28, 1996
Filed:
May. 18, 1993
Frederic H Moll, San Francisco, CA (US);
Albert K Chin, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Diane E Caramore, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Frank T Watkins, III, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Origin Medsystems, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for mechanically lifting the abdominal wall away from underlying abdominal organs for laparoscopic surgery without insufflation. In the method an expansible device is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision in a collapsed state and then expanded into engagement with an extensive area of the abdominal wall. Lifting force is then applied to the device for peritoneal retraction. The device takes the form of mechanical rods or arms and/or balloons. In the balloon embodiments lifting force may be applied externally of the abdominal cavity, or internally of the cavity by balloon inflation. Certain of the balloon embodiments are of an annular or U-shaped configuration and include a membrane for draping the internal organs and/or a centrally located balloon for lateral expansion. The balloons may be provided with an internal endoscope for viewing. The method also provides for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, either to the interior or exterior of the balloons. A needle is provided to laparoscopically pierce and drain the gallbladder. The needle carries a balloon inflatable to grip the gallbladder for retraction and removal.