Patent ID: 6361543
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of separating tissue layers, comprising the steps of:(a) providing an inflatable balloon having an interior surface which defines an opening for receiving fluid for inflating the balloon, said balloon having a deflated state and an inflated state; (b) when the balloon is in the deflated state with the interior surface substantially surrounding a first volume, displacing a first portion of the balloon inwardly; (c) after step (b) but before inflating the balloon, inserting the balloon into a patient; (d) after step (c), inflating the balloon to separate adjacent tissue layers in the patient, the first portion of the balloon being everted during inflation of the balloon; (e) after step (b), but before step (c), inserting a rolling device into the first volume; (f) after step (e), but before step (c), grasping the first portion of the balloon with the rolling device; and (g) after step (f), but before step (c), rotating the rolling device so that the first portion of the balloon is rolled into a first roll.