BALLOON DISSECTING INSTRUMENTS

摘要

Balloon loaded dissection devices with elongate balloons (16), ans a pushing member (20) are described for creating a tunnel alongside an elongate vessel in the body. The devices may utilize an elongate balloon (16) of any suitable length which may be formed of an elastic or non-elastic material. The balloon (16) may be of double walled construction (18, 19), and may be provided with a central lumen (17) which may receive a guide rod, scope or other surgical instrument. The device may have a support tube (22) secured to the inner wall of the balloon (16) to provide columnar support. The support tube (22) may have a transparent shroud (91) attached to its distal end. There is an open space between the distal end of the support tube, and the end of the shroud (91) allowing access to adjacent tissue. The shroud may perform blunt dissection, and/or retraction to clear an open space for viewing or for performing surgical procedures. The support tube (22) receives a scope or other surgical instrument. By using the guide rod or scope as a pushing member (20) the apparatus may be advanced alongside the vessel targeted for dissection from attached tissue. A balloon cover (27) which may be elastic or resilient surrounds the balloon (16), and facilitates compression of the balloon (16) after it is deflated.