Tissue separation method

Abstract

A method for separating a soft tissue section from a body. An elongate shaft, which has a lumen that carries a tubular braid, is inserted into tissue adjacent a target tissue section. The tubular braid has a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. The tubular braid is advanced from the shaft. As the tubular braid advances beyond the distal end of the shaft, it expands to a radially expanded state. The target tissue section is then separated

1 . A method for separating a soft tissue section from a body comprising: 
 inserting an elongate shaft into tissue adjacent a target tissue section, the elongate shaft having a lumen that carries a tubular braid, wherein the tubular braid has a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state;    advancing the tubular braid from the shaft, wherein the tubular braid expands to a radially expanded state as it advances beyond a distal end of the elongate shaft; and    separating the target tissue section.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue section is accomplished by activating a cutting device associated with a distal end of the tubular braid.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue section is accomplished by inserting expandable blades into the tissue adjacent a target tissue section.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section mechanically.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section using thermal energy.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section using vibrational energy.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section using laser energy.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section using electrical energy.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable blades separate the target tissue section using radio frequency.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting device is a sharp distal end of the tubular member, and wherein the target tissue is separated by rotating the tubular member.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using electrosurgery.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using radio frequency.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using thermal energy.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using laser surgery.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using electrical energy.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using vibrational energy.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of separating the target tissue is accomplished using ultrasound energy.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of contracting the tubular braid.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of contracting the tubular braid causes further severing of the target tissue section.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of removing the target tissue section from the body.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of closing the distal end of the tubular braid.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of removing the target tissue section from the body.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the step of closing the distal end of the tubular braid causes further severing of the target tissue section.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tubular braid is closed with a snare.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tubular braid is closed with a drawstring.