Patent ID: 6264670
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for dissecting an elongated cavity in tissue along a selected course in the body of a patient using a cannula having a rigid transparent tissue-dissecting tip and a balloon attached to an exterior wall of the cannula near a distal end thereof and including an endoscope disposed within the cannula for visualization through the rigid tip, the method comprising the steps of:forming an initial incision and bluntly dissecting an initial cavity at a location in the body of the patient;inserting and advancing the cannula for separating tissue in contact with the rigid tip as visualized through the endoscope and the rigid tip;selectively inflating the balloon to enlarge the cavity in tissue separated by the rigid tip;selectively deflating the balloon and advancing the cannula to separate tissue in contact with the rigid tip to extend the cavity; andselectively displacing the rigid tip relative to the cannula to expose the endoscope therein.