Abstract:
An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.
Abstract:
The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Preferably the invention provides such a device or apparatus which is of elongate form for surgical manipulation of matter within a living body, and which has the manipulator means at its distal end with the shape memory alby member(s) having pseudoelasticity at the temperature to be encountered within that body, and wherein the actuating means is operable from the proximal end of the device.
Abstract:
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated through a balloon inflation lumen to cause the balloon to dissect tissue and create an operating space. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body of a patient using a cannula with proximal and distal extremities and a bore extending therethrough to provide an open end. A balloon having an inflated space is provided. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions. A retainer is carried by the balloon for forming the balloon when in a collapsed condition into a generally cylindrical roll to aid in inserting the balloon into the tissue. An obturator shaft having a rounded distal end is sized so that it extends through the cannula and into the roll. A laparoscope can be introduced into the obturator shaft to permit viewing through the obturator shaft and the balloon. An inflation tube is provided for inflating the balloon after it is disposed in the tissue to cause the balloon to progressively expand to create separation forces in the tissue to create the anatomic space.
Abstract:
The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature. Preferably the invention provides such a device or apparatus which is of elongate form for surgical manipulation of matter within a living body, and which has the manipulator means at its distal end with the shape memory alloy member(s) having pseudoelasticity at the temperature to be encountered within that body, and wherein the actuating means is operable from the proximal end of the device.
Abstract:
A flexible, fluid-tight envelope provides access for a hand and surgical instruments through a body tissue incision while maintaining insufflation pressure or a pneumoperitoneum within the body. The envelope is transparent and has an interior volume with opposite proximal and distal ends. A first opening in the envelope at the proximal end adjoins the incision in the body tissue and is secured and sealed to the body tissue. The second opening at the envelope distal end is provided with a closure member that seals closed the second opening on itself or around the forearm of a surgeon or a surgical instrument inserted into the interior volume of the envelope.
Abstract:
A splice case for a telecommunications cable splice comprises first and second parts that are held together by springs that function also to deform surfaces of the parts to put a sealing material therein under compression. The splice case may contain a conductor organizer.
Abstract:
Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.
Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a gel which is relatively soft and yet elastic, the gel being contained within first and second containers sized such that confronting surfaces thereof come in contact so as to substantially limit further relative telescopic movement between the containers when voids within the containers are filled by the gel. A gasket is disposed on one of the confronting surfaces of the containers to further isolate a substrate being protected from environmental contaminants.
Abstract:
A splice case for encapsulating a substrate includes first and second containers each of which contain a gel having a cone penetration between 100 and 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%, the gel in each container having an exposed surface, one exposed surface having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the other exposed surface, the first and second containers being adapted for telescopic engagement. The substrate is located on one of the exposed surfaces of the gel, and the containers are arranged such that the exposed surfaces of the gel of the first and second containers contact each other and are maintained in compressive contact by a spring capable of maintaining a sufficiently large spring force to repel environmental contamination (for example, water) regardless of the engagement of the containers in response to the biasing force of the spring, substrate volume, or other external factors such as expansions and contractions caused by, for example, temperature changes.