Luis Fernandez Fernandez

US Patent:

60154217, Jan 18, 2000

Filed:

May 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/857193

Inventors:

Jan M. Echeverry - San Jose CA
Luis M. Fernandez - Palo Alto CA
James E. Jervis - Atherton CA
Janine C. Robinson - Half Moon Bay CA
Shigeru Tanaka - Palo Alto CA
Laveille K. Voss - Belmont CA

Assignee:

General Surgical Innovations, Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

A61M 2900

US Classification:

606190

Abstract:

An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member. The balloon includes inverted seams and/or unfused outer edges adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal portion adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualization of landmarks within the space being developed.

US Patent:

61686085, Jan 2, 2001

Filed:

Oct 26, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/427780

Inventors:

Jan M. Echeverry - San Jose CA
Luis M. Fernandez - Palo Alto CA
James E. Jervis - Atherton CA
Janine C. Robinson - Half Moon Bay CA
Shigeru Tanaka - Palo Alto CA
Laveille K. Voss - Belmont CA

Assignee:

General Surgical Innovations, Inc. - Norwalk CT

International Classification:

A61M 2900

US Classification:

606190

Abstract:

An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member. The balloon includes inverted seams and/or unfused outer edges adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal portion adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualization of landmarks within the space being developed.