Patent ID: 6102928
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A method for creating a working space in body tissue, the method comprising:providing a retractor comprising a substantially rigid tube having a central axis and proximal and distal ends, an inflatable bladder disposed on said tube, and a pressure member proximal of said inflatable bladder, said pressure member axially movable relative to said inflatable member, wherein said inflatable bladder is mounted eccentrically with respect to the central axis of said tube;inserting the distal end of said tube and said inflatable bladder through an incision in the skin of a body with said pressure member remaining outside the body;positioning said inflatable bladder adjacent the location of the desired working space;inflating said inflatable bladder causing said inflatable bladder to expand and move body tissue in a direction transverse to said central axis of said tube; andmoving said pressure member and said inflatable bladder toward each other, thereby compressing tissue between the pressure member and inflatable bladder.