Method and apparatus for combined dissection and retraction
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
1. An apparatus comprising:
an elongate retractor having a first end;
an inflatable balloon member having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall defining a chamber therebetween, the inflatable balloon member further including an inflation port; and
a pocket having a first open end and a second open end, the pocket incorporated onto an exterior of one of the first or second flexible walls of the inflatable balloon member wherein edges of the pocket are spaced from edges of the inflatable balloon member, the pocket configured to slidably receive the retractor and allow movement of the retractor within the pocket for repositioning the retractor in relation to the inflatable balloon, the first end of the retractor movable through the first open end and the second open end of the pocket.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable balloon member has an inflated state and a deflated state, the inflatable balloon member being tightly rolled about itself when in the deflated state.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a tunneling remember, wherein the inflatable balloon member is disposed about portion of the tunneling member.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the tunneling member includes an endoscope channel adapted to receive an endoscope.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the inflatable balloon member is disposed about the tunneling member such that a portion of the tunneling member is disposed within the chamber of the inflatable balloon member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate retractor is partially rigid.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate retractor is an inflatable member.
8. An apparatus comprising:
an elongate inflatable retractor having a first end;
an inflatable balloon member having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall defining a chamber therebetween, the inflatable balloon member further including an inflation port; and
a retractor retaining element having open first and second ends, the retractor retaining element incorporated onto an exterior of one of the first or second flexible walls of the inflatable balloon member, the retractor retaining element configured to receive the retractor and allow movement of the retractor within the retractor retaining element for repositioning the retractor in relation to the inflatable balloon while at least a portion of the retractor is retained within the retractor retaining element, the first end of the retractor being translatable through the both the first and second open ends of the retractor retaining element.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the inflatable retractor and the inflatable balloon member are independently inflatable.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the inflatable balloon member has an inflated state and a deflated state, the inflatable balloon member being tightly rolled about itself when in the deflated state.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 , further including a tunneling member, wherein the inflatable balloon member is disposed about portion of the tunneling member.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the tunneling member includes an endoscope channel adapted to receive an endoscope.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the inflatable balloon member is disposed about the tunneling member such that a portion of the tunneling member is disposed within the chamber of the inflatable balloon member.