Patent ID: 8801699

Claim:
A method for performing prostatectomy, which comprises: inserting at least a hollow balloon of a directionally illuminating balloon catheter into a bladder, the catheter having: a multi-lumen shaft with a distal end, the shaft defining: a fluid drain lumen; and a balloon inflation lumen; and the hollow balloon with a proximal side disposed at the distal end of the multi-lumen shaft to define a shaft-balloon junction, the balloon defining an interior fluidically connected to the balloon inflation lumen and inflated through the balloon inflation lumen, the balloon comprising: an integrated light source; a light-radiating surface adjacent the shaft-balloon junction; and a substantially opaque surface disposed at a portion of the balloon other than the light-radiating surface such that the integrated light source illuminates a proximal portion of the environment outside the balloon; inflating the balloon through the balloon inflation lumen while the balloon is in the bladder; directing light from the light source out through the light-radiating surface of the balloon to illuminate at least a portion of a procedure area at a bladder-prostate junction; and with the light illuminating the portion of the procedure area, performing at least a portion of a prostatectomy at the portion of the procedure area.