Expandable cannula

Details Expandable cannula Expandable cannula

1999-12-21

2001-11-06

Schaetzle, Kennedy (Department: 3762)

Surgery

Instruments

Internal pressure applicator

C623S001100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06312443

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to surgical cannulae.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an expandable surgical cannula which can be inserted into a patient in an initially folded up state and then subsequently unfolded to assume a larger diameter to provide an enlarged access portal for the insertion of surgical instruments therethrough subsequent to cannula insertion into a patient's body. In a preferred aspect, the diameter of the cannula is increased in size by an obturator passing therethrough.
In a preferred aspect, the present expandable cannula comprises a plurality of generally planar longitudinally extending wall sections which are pivotally joined together along their lengths to enclose a cannulated passageway, with at least some of the wall sections being foldable one over another such that the cannula has a first cross sectional area when the wall sections are folded one over another and such that the cannula has a second cross sectional area when the wall sections are unfolded, wherein the first cross sectional area is smaller than the second cross sectional area.
In optional preferred aspects, systems are provided for locking the cannula into an open unfolded state such that the large diameter passageway therethrough is kept open during surgery.
In alternate preferred aspects, the present expandable cannula comprises a plurality of separate overlapping generally planar, (or slightly curved), longitudinally extending wall sections which are disposed within an elastic sheath, wherein the generally planar longitudinally extending wall sections are initially deployed overlapping one another, with at least some of the wall sections disposed on top of adjacent wall sections at one side, and beneath an opposite wall section, at on opposite side when the cannula is unexpanded; and wherein at least some of the wall sections are positioned with their longitudinally extending sides buttressing against one another around the circumference of the cannula after the cannula has been expanded.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4141364 (1979-02-01), Schultze
patent: 4601713 (1986-07-01), Fuqua
patent: 5158545 (1992-10-01), Trudell et al.
patent: 5176659 (1993-01-01), Mancini
patent: 5395349 (1995-03-01), Quiachon et al.
patent: 5718693 (1998-02-01), Gupta
patent: 5762604 (1998-06-01), Kieturakis
patent: 5797951 (1998-08-01), Mueller

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