Patent ID: 8287561
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An actuator for use during surgery, comprising: a first inflation fluid conduit extending from a proximal end which, when the actuator is in an operative configuration, remains outside a patient's body, to a distal end; a first inflatable member coupled to the distal end of the first inflation fluid conduit so that, when inflation fluid is supplied to the first inflatable member via the first inflation fluid conduit, the first inflatable member is expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein, when in the collapsed configuration, the first inflatable member includes a plurality of folds extending substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof so that, when inflation fluid is supplied thereto, the first inflatable member expands substantially along the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the plurality of folds includes a peak and a valley, the valley being disposed closer to the longitudinal axis than the peak, wherein the first inflatable member includes a force application surface for applying a force of expansion to a structure, the force application surface including a closed surface; and a plurality of resilient members, separate from the first inflatable member, arranged around a periphery of the first inflatable member, each of the plurality of resilient members disposed at a respective one of the valleys, and exerting a radial force for achieving the collapsed configuration.