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:
Feb. 21, 2006
Filed:
May. 30, 2003
Maciej J. Kieturakis, San Carlos, CA (US);
Helmut Kayan, Redwood City, CA (US);
Jan M. Echeverry, San Jose, CA (US);
Thomas A. Howell, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Santa Clara, CA (US);
James E. Jervis, Atherton, CA (US);
Maciej J. Kieturakis, San Carlos, CA (US);
Helmut Kayan, Redwood City, CA (US);
Jan M. Echeverry, San Jose, CA (US);
Thomas A. Howell, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Santa Clara, CA (US);
James E. Jervis, Atherton, CA (US);
General Surgical Innovations, Inc., Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision. The anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon, forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.