APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEVELOPING AN ANATOMIC SPACE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES

摘要

An improved laparoscopic apparatus (10) for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space, is disclosed, including a tunelling member (20) adapted to receive a laparoscope therein, and an inflatable balloon (40) secured on the tunneling member (20). The tunneling member (20) has a passage (28) extending between its open proximal (24) and distal ends (26). A lip (30) is integrally formed on the distal end (26) to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage (28), the lip (30) having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge (34). The lip (30) defines a recessed or open center area (36) in the distal opening (32), enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon (40) is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunelling member (20). The balloon (40) includes inverted seams (56) and/or unfused outer edges (54) adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal porti on adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualisation of landmarks within the space being developed.