Extraluminal balloon dissection
The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.
1. An apparatus for creating an anatomic working space, the apparatus comprising:
first and second reservoirs; and
a balloon transitionable between inflated and deflated states, the balloon including a first portion disposed within the first reservoir in the deflated state and a second portion disposed within the second reservoir in the deflated state, wherein in the inflated state, the first portion extends in a first direction and the second portion extends in a second direction, thereby defining an elongate portion of the balloon.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate portion is substantially linear.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the balloon is formed of a non-elastomeric material.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the balloon is formed of a substantially transparent material.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising an inflation harness for introducing an inflation fluid into the balloon.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the inflation harness is coupled to at least one of the first and second portions of the balloon.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a housing having a seal disposed therein, the seal providing a substantially fluid tight seal between a lumen of the housing and a surgical instrument inserted into the lumen.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the housing is attached to a proximal end of at least one of the first and second reservoirs.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the balloon is configured to be inwardly foldable.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first and the second reservoirs are integrally formed.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the balloon is a bi-directionally expandable balloon.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the first and second reservoirs define an acute angle therebetween.