Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue

1. A device for dissecting tissue layers comprising:

an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end defining a bore therein;

an inflatable member including a neck, the inflatable member having an inflated and an uninflated state; and

means for releasably attaching the inflatable member adjacent the distal end of the elongate tubular member including a circumferential groove defined in an inner wall of the distal end of the elongate tubular member that is adapted and configured for receiving the neck of the inflatable member and a cord disposed in the elongate tubular member, wherein a first end of the cord is attached to the neck of the inflatable member and a second end of the cord extends proximally for at least the length of the tubular member.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable member in the uninflated state is configured and adapted to fit within the bore of the tubular member.

3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the inflatable member in the uninflated state is further configured and adapted to be pulled proximally through the bore.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the bore is dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument.

5. A device for dissecting tissue layers comprising:

a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a bore therein;

a first inflatable member releasably attached adjacent the distal end of the tubular member and having inflated and uninflated states, the first inflatable member having a neck and being in fluid communication with the inner tube;

a second inflatable member having inflated and uninflated states, the second inflatable member being disposed around an outer surface of the tubular member, wherein the second inflatable member is longitudinally spaced from the first inflatable member; and

means for releasably attaching the first inflatable member to the distal end of the tubular member including a circumferential groove formed on an inner wall of the tubular member adjacent the open distal end of the tubular member that is adapted and configured for receiving the neck of the first inflatable member, and wherein the first inflatable member is releasably attached to the tubular member.

6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the tubular member comprises a tube assembly having an open proximal end and an open distal end, the tube assembly further including an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube coaxially mounted inside the outer tube and defining a space, the space extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the outer tube and extending along at least a portion of the length of the outer tube.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the second inflatable member forms a chamber and further comprising a radial passage communicating with the space, the radial passage communicating with the chamber of the second inflatable member.

8. The device of claim 6 , further including a cord disposed in the inner tube, a first end of the cord being attached to the neck of balloon and a second end of the cord extends proximally for at least the length of the tube assembly.

9. The device of claim 6 , wherein the first inflatable member in the uninflated state is configured and adapted to fit within the inner tube of the tube assembly.

10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the first inflatable member in the uninflated state is further configured and adapted to be pulled proximally through the inner tube.

11. The device of claim 5 , wherein the second inflatable member in the uninflated state is substantially flush with an outer surface of the tubular member and has a predetermined shape in the inflated state.

12. The device of claim 5 further comprising a cord disposed in the tubular member where a first end of the cord is attached to the neck of the first inflatable member and a second end of the cord extends proximally for at least the length of the tubular member.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the bore of the tubular member is dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument.

14. A method of creating a working space in a patient comprising the steps of:

making an incision in tissue of the patient;

inserting a surgical device into the incision, the surgical device including

a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a bore therein, and

first and second inflatable members where the first inflatable member is attached to the tubular member adjacent the distal end and the second inflatable member is disposed adjacent a distal end of the tubular member, the first and second inflatable members each having inflated and uninflated states;

inflating the first inflatable member to separate layers of tissue within the patient to create the working space while the second inflatable member is in an uninflated state, wherein the first inflatable member is releasably attached to the tubular member; and

deflating the first inflatable member and releasing the first inflatable member from the proximal end of the tubular member.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the steps of:

advancing the surgical device into the incision; and

inflating the second inflatable member.

16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:

insufflating the working space; and

inserting a surgical instrument into the working space through the bore of the tube assembly.

17. A method of creating a working space in a patient comprising the steps of:

making an incision in tissue of the patient;

inserting a surgical device into the incision, the surgical device including:

a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a bore therein, and

first and second inflatable members where the first inflatable member is attached to the tubular member adjacent the distal end and the second inflatable member is disposed adjacent a distal end of the tubular member, the first and second inflatable members each having inflated and uninflated states;

inflating the first inflatable member to separate layers of tissue within the patient to create the working space while the second inflatable member is in an uninflated state, wherein the first inflatable member is releasably attached to the tubular member; and

removing the first inflatable member by pulling the first inflatable member through the bore of the tubular member such that the first inflatable member exits the proximal end of the tubular member.

18. A method of creating a working space in a patient comprising the steps of:

making an incision in tissue of the patient;

inserting a surgical device into the incision, the surgical device including:

a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a bore therein,

first and second inflatable members where the first inflatable member is releasably attached to the tubular member adjacent the distal end and the second inflatable member is disposed adjacent a distal end of the tubular member, the first and second inflatable members each having inflated and uninflated states, and

means for releasably attaching the first inflatable member to the tubular member, including a circumferential groove adjacent the distal end of the tubular member that is adapted and configured for receiving a neck of the first inflatable member and a cord;

inflating the first inflatable member to separate layers of tissue within the patient to create the working space while the second inflatable member is in an uninflated state; and

pulling the cord to release the first inflatable member and withdrawing the first inflatable member through the proximal end of the tubular member.