Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue

Abstract

An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.

1 . A surgical device comprising: 
 an elongate tubular member having a bore, the bore configured for receiving a surgical instrument therethrough;    a first inflatable member disposed in a distal region of the elongate tubular member, the first inflatable member having an inflated state and a deflated state;    a collar disposed on the elongate tubular member, the collar being compressible and capable of engaging body tissue between the collar and the first inflatable member when the first inflatable member is in the inflated state;    a first port fluidly coupled to the first inflatable member; and    a second port in fluid communication with the the bore.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the balloon has a toroidal configuration in the inflated state.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first port and the second port are located in a proximal region of the device.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a first housing located at a proximal end of the device.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the first port and the second port are disposed on the first housing.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the bore of the surgical instrument has an inner diameter of about 10 mm.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  further including an obturator insertable through the bore.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  further including a second inflatable member disposed at a distal end of a second housing.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the second housing includes a third port that is fluidly coupled to an interior of the second inflatable member.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the introduction of an inflation medium into the second port is communicated to the distal end of the device.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the introduction of an inflation medium is communicated to the interior of the second inflatable member through the third port and causes the second inflatable member to transition from an uninflated state towards an inflated state.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the second housing is releasably attached to a first housing, the first housing located at a proximal end of the device.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8  further including a first housing located at a proximal end of the device and the second housing being releasably attached to the first housing.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  further including an obturator that is releasably attached to the second housing.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein a distal portion of the obturator extends into the interior of the second inflatable member.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a valve disposed in the bore.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the collar includes a locking mechanism for securing a position of the collar relative to the elongate tubular member.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the collar is formed from a foam material.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the collar has a substantially planar distal face adapted for contacting tissue.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the collar is slidable with respect to the elongate tubular member.  
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a distal face of the collar conforms to a surface of body tissue located between the first inflatable member and the collar.  
     
     
         22 . A method of accessing a space comprising the steps of: 
 making an incision through body tissue;    inserting a device through the incision, the device including: 
 an elongate tubular member having a bore, the bore configured for receiving a surgical instrument therethrough,  
 a first inflatable member disposed in a distal region of the elongate tubular member, the first inflatable member having an inflated state and a deflated state,  
 a collar disposed on the elongate tubular member, the collar being compressible and capable of engaging body tissue between the collar and the first inflatable member when the first inflatable member is in the inflated state,  
 a first port fluidly coupled to the first inflatable member, and  
 a second port in fluid communication with the bore; and  
   introducing an inflation medium to the first port such that the first inflatable member transitions from an uninflated state to an inflated state.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the device further includes a valve disposed in the bore.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of: 
 inserting a surgical instrument through the bore of the device.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising the step of: 
 performing a procedure using the surgical instrument.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of: 
 insufflating the space by introducing an inflation medium through the bore of the device.    
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the collar of the device is formed from a foam material.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the collar has a substantially planar distal face adapted for contacting tissue.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the collar is slidable with respect to the elongate tubular member.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein a distal face of the collar conforms to a surface of body tissue located between the first inflatable member and the collar.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising the step of: 
 sliding the collar distally towards the first inflatable member such that at least a portion of the collar contacts skin of the patient.