Method and apparatus for inserting a filled prosthetic bladder into a patient

Abstract

The apparatus includes a funnel member, a coupling member and retractors. The funnel member is flexible and is frusto-conical in shape. The funnel member proximal end opening is larger than the distal end opening. The funnel member couples to a distal or coupling member that is located at the funnel member distal end portion. The distal or coupling member is rigid and has catches for removably coupling to the retractors. In use, the retractors anchor the apparatus to the patient while allowing the funnel member to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical cavity of a patient.

1 . A method for inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing an insertion member having a rigid distal end and a flexible proximal end;   b) making an incision in the patient;   c) inserting retractors and the distal end of the insertion member into the incision;   d) anchoring the distal end of the insertion member to the patient by the retractors;   e) locating a flexible bladder-type prosthesis into the insertion member;   f) manipulating a proximal end of the insertion member to force the prosthesis through an opening in the insertion member distal end and into the surgical cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting retractors into the incision further comprises the step of grasping the retractors by a respective handle and inserting a distal end of each retractor into the incision. 
     
     
         3 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 2 , wherein the insertion member has a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the step of anchoring the distal end of the insertion member to the patient by the retractors further comprises the step of rotating the distal end of the insertion member about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion member has a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the step of anchoring the distal end of the insertion member to the patient by the retractors further comprises the step of rotating the distal end of the insertion member about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         5 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 1 , wherein the step of manipulating the proximal end of the insertion member to force the prosthesis into an opening in the insertion member distal end and into the surgical cavity further comprises the step of squeezing the proximal end of the insertion member. 
     
     
         6 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of coating the prosthesis in a sterilizing medium prior to locating the prosthesis in the insertion member. 
     
     
         7 . The method of inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 6 , wherein the step of manipulating a proximal end of the insertion member to force the prosthesis through an opening in the insertion member distal end and into the surgical cavity relies only upon the sterilizing medium to ease the passage of the prosthesis through the insertion member. 
     
     
         8 . A method for inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing an insertion member having a distal end and a flexible proximal end;   b) making an incision in the patient;   c) coating a flexible bladder-type prosthesis with the sterilizing medium;   d) locating the coated prosthesis inside the insertion member and locating the distal end of the insertion member in the incision;   e) manipulating the proximal end of the insertion member to force the coated prosthesis through an opening in the insertion member distal end and into the surgical cavity and relying only upon the sterilizing medium to ease the passage of the prosthesis through the insertion member.   
     
     
         9 . The method for inserting a prosthesis into a surgical cavity in a patient of  claim 8 , wherein the step of manipulating the proximal end of the insertion member to force the prosthesis into an opening in the insertion member distal end and into the surgical cavity further comprises the step of squeezing the proximal end of the insertion member.