Method of Using Sealants in a Gas Arthroscopy Procedure

Abstract

A method of performing a gas arthroscopy by injecting a joint capsule with sealant prior to insufflation with gas. This sealant can be any biocompatible gel or liquid with sufficient viscosity or sealing capability to prevent air embolisms while performing gas arthroscopy.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of performing dry gas arthroscopy on a joint, said joint having a joint capsule, said method comprising:
 providing a tourniquet wrap;   placing the tourniquet wrap around the joint;   inflating the tourniquet wrap;   insufflating the joint capsule with gas;   performing an arthroscopic surgical procedure;   upon completion of the arthroscopic surgical procedure, allowing the gas to escape from the joint capsule; and   deflating the tourniquet wrap.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where the joint capsule is a knee joint. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where the joint capsule is a shoulder joint. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where the arthroscopic surgical procedure is implantation of a sheet biologic. 
     
     
         5 . A method of performing a dry gas arthroscopic surgery comprising the steps of:
 constricting an area proximal to a joint with a tourniquet;   constricting an area distal to the joint with a tourniquet;   insufflating the joint with fluid; and   performing an arthroscopic surgical procedure on the joint.