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:
Oct. 19, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 17, 1998
Michael A Cowan, Augusta, GA (US);
Mark R Lee, Augusta, GA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A system and method for balloon-assisted retraction technique for the purposes of retraction of tissues and insertion of instruments in connection with advanced surgeries such as microscopic or endoscopic surgeries. A balloon assembly comprising an introducer, a balloon, and a sheath is inserted either manually or with the aid of stereotactic techniques. An endoscope may be used to ensure the proper docking of the introducer assembly. The balloon is then inflated slowly to retract the tissues, in order to create a corridor with minimal invasion. The corridor is expanded and retained using a series of dilators and retractor. The retractor comprises ports through which endoscope and other surgical instruments may pass. Surgical operation is performed through the corridor. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of conventional retraction systems by providing better visualization and enhanced manual dexterity, as well as providing minimal invasion to allow a shorter recovery period.