Patent ID: 6511494
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from the body of a human or animal comprising:providing a device having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a non-planar shape and the second portion being substantially planar, the first and second portions defining a working space there between, the second portion being movable with respect to the first portion; exposing a proximal end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; inserting the device through the incision such that the second portion is positioned between the first portion and the tissue structure; moving the second portion with respect to the first portion to expose the working space between the first portion and the tissue structure; inserting at least one tool through the incision into the working space; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue with the at least one tool; cutting a proximal end of the tissue structure section; cutting a distal end of the tissue structure section; and removing the tissue structure section through the incision.