Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue

Abstract

An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 725,016, filed Mar. 16, 2007, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 392,465, filed Mar. 19, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 023,134, filed Feb. 12, 1998, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 583,563, filed Jan. 5, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,728 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 542,666, filed Oct. 13, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,119 of inventors Jeffrey A. Smith, Daniel T. Wallace, Edwin J. Hlavka, Charles Gresl, John P. Lunsford, and Albert K. Chin, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 405,284, filed Mar. 16, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,761 of inventors Jeffrey A. Smith, Albert K. Chin, and Frederic H. Moll, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]Another embodiment of the invention is a technique for packing a balloon in a manner which provides a tunnel through the packaged balloon for insertion of a laparoscope or other instrument, and which eliminates the need for packaging the balloon with an obturator positioned within it.

Problems solved by technology

The mesh patch has a rough surface that can irritate the bowel and cause adhesions.

This is a difficult process which involves the risk of puncturing the peritoneum.

Moreover, strands of properitoneal fat interconnecting the peritoneum and the properitoneal fascia make it difficult to see the site of the hernia.

In this procedure, it is difficult to dissect the peritoneum cleanly since patchy layers of properitoneal fat tend to adhere to the peritoneum.

These instruments can cause inadvertent puncture of the peritoneum wall after the initial dissection.

Also, it is difficult to dissect the peritoneum cleanly since patchy layers of properitoneal fat tend to adhere to the peritoneum.

Clearing difficult adhesions can sometimes result in a breach of the peritoneum itself.

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