U.S. patent application number 10/743125 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-15 for fluid operated retractors.
Invention is credited to Bonutti, Peter M..
Application Number | 20040138689 10/743125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27049094 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040138689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonutti, Peter M. |
July 15, 2004 |
Fluid operated retractors
Abstract
A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has
a portion that is expandable upon the introduction of fluid under
pressure. The expandable portion is made of a material strong
enough, and is inflated to enough pressure, to spread adjoining
tissues within the body. The retractor is especially useful in
fiber optic surgery because it can be inserted percutaneously
through a small opening then expanded to a much larger dimension
when in the desired location, to retract tissue from within. The
retractor may be used to spread a joint such as a knee joint or
shoulder joint, or may be used to separate tissue planes generally,
to improve visualization and create a working space for the
surge
Inventors: |
Bonutti, Peter M.;
(Effingham, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kimberly V. Perry, Esq.
U.S. Surgical
A Division of Tyco Healthcare Group, LP
150 Glover Avenue
Norwalk
CT
06856
US
|
Family ID: |
27049094 |
Appl. No.: |
10/743125 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10743125 |
Dec 19, 2003 |
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10662923 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
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10662923 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
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09526949 |
Mar 16, 2000 |
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6620181 |
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09526949 |
Mar 16, 2000 |
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08464143 |
Jun 5, 1995 |
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6187023 |
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09526949 |
Mar 16, 2000 |
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08593299 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
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6017305 |
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08593299 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
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08419851 |
Apr 10, 1995 |
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08419851 |
Apr 10, 1995 |
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08216097 |
Mar 22, 1994 |
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08216097 |
Mar 22, 1994 |
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08054416 |
Apr 28, 1993 |
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08054416 |
Apr 28, 1993 |
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07731534 |
Jul 17, 1991 |
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5163949 |
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07731534 |
Jul 17, 1991 |
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07487645 |
Mar 2, 1990 |
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5331975 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/320725 20130101;
A61B 17/02 20130101; A61B 2017/0256 20130101; A61B 17/320036
20130101; A61B 2017/00557 20130101; A61B 17/0218 20130101; A61B
2090/062 20160201; A61B 2017/320048 20130101; A61B 2017/00535
20130101; A61B 17/025 20130101; A61M 25/1002 20130101; A61M
2025/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/192 |
International
Class: |
A61M 029/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A retractor comprising: a shaft; and an inflatable bladder which
is eccentric or eccentrically mounted on the shaft.
2. A retractor as in claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is
shaped so that it expands into an eccentric shape when inflated by
fluid pressure introduced through the shaft.
3. A retractor as in claim 2, wherein the inflatable bladder does
not stretch when fully inflated.
4. A retractor as in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inflatable
bladder operates at inflation pressures from 10 mmHg to 1000
mmHg.
5. A retractor as in claim 4, wherein the inflatable bladder
operates at inflation pressures from 100 mmHg to 1000 mmHg.
6. A retractor as in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft is
rigid.
7. A retractor as in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft is
flexible.
8. A retractor as in any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a
cannula having a passage which receives the shaft to deploy the
bladder at a target site in tissue.
9. A retractor as in any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising
additional inflatable bladders on the shaft.
10. A retractor as in claim 9, wherein the additional inflatable
bladders are separately inflatable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of copending application
Ser. No. 10/662,923, filed on Sep. 15, 2003, which is a
continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/526,949,
filed on Mar. 16, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,181, which is a
continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/464,143,
filed on Jun. 5, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,023, which is a file
wrapper continuation of Ser. No. 08/593,299, filed on Jan. 29,
1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,305, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/419,851, filed on Apr. 10, 1995, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/216,097, filed on Mar.
22, 1994, abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/054,416, filed on Apr. 28, 1993, abandoned, which is a
divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/731,534, filed on Jul.
17, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,949, which is a divisional of
U.S. application Ser. No. 07/487,645, filed on Mar. 2, 1990, now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,975. The priority of these prior applications
is expressly claimed and their disclosure is hereby incorporated by
referenced in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to tissue retractors, for use
in medicine. More particularly, the present invention relates to
fluid operated apparatus for use in moving apart abutting tissues,
during surgery, in order to creates a space between the tissues to
improve visualization and for increased working space during open
surgery and fiberoptic assisted surgery.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Current methods used for retracting tissue and improving
visualization are mechanical separation using metal retractors
during open surgery, or the direct pressure of an unconfined flow
of fluid such as water or CO.sub.2 during fiberoptic surgery. A
typical mechanical external fixator has pins driven through the
bones and mechanically distracts the elements of the joint.
Problems with the water method include fluid extravasation
including into and through the tissue itself. Increased pressure
and swelling result in the area, resulting in edematous or swollen
tissue. Excess pressure from mechanical retractors may cause
necrosis or tissue death. With these methods, it is impossible to
monitor the pressure being applied to the body tissues, and tissue
damage or necrosis can result.
[0006] While operating from within the body, i.e., fiber optic
assisted surgery as opposed to open surgery, there is no known way
to selectively move or retract tissue, either hard tissue such as
bone or soft tissue, out of the way to improve visualization. No
device in use adequately allows a surgeon to create an actual space
or expand a potential space in the body, by separating adjacent
layers of tissue. The prior art does not disclose a retractor that
is powerful enough and made of a material that is strong and
resilient enough to, for example, separate tissue planes from
within. Such a device, especially in the field of fiber optic
surgery, would allow a surgeon to visualize and operate without
using the conventional bulky and awkward mechanical retractors that
require large open incisions. Such a device would also permit
working within the body without damaging a great deal of tissue in
the path between the skin opening and the working area, by
minimizing the external orifice or skin incision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a system of retractors that a
surgeon can use to take potential spaces within the body and turn
them into existing spaces safely and easily and controllably in
order to safely visualize appropriate tissue and operate. The
retractor selectively moves appropriate tissue out of the way to
enable a surgeon to see and work better within the body, and
selectively moves body parts such as joint parts or soft tissue
planes in order to create a space between the tissues for
visualization and for working.
[0008] The retractor of the present invention includes a
fluid-operated portion such as a balloon or bladder to retract
tissue, not merely to work in or dilate an existing opening as for
example an angioscope does. The fluid-filled portion is flexible,
and thus there are no sharp edges which might injure tissue being
moved by the retractor. The soft material of the fluid-filled
portion, to an extent desired, conforms to the tissue confines, and
the exact pressure can be monitored so as not to damage tissue. The
expanding portion is less bulky and more compact, and the pressure
it applies at the tissue edges can stop bleeding of cut tissue.
These are all features not possessed by a conventional mechanical
retractor.
[0009] With a typical mechanical retractor, the opening in the skin
and thence inwardly must be larger than the surgical area being
worked upon, in order to be able to get the mechanical retractor
into position. The surgeon must damage a large amount of tissue
that may be healthy, in order to expose the tissue to be worked on.
The retractor of the present invention minimizes damage to tissue
in the way of the tissue the surgeon needs to expose, which was
previously cut in a large open exposure. With the retractor of the
present invention, the opening at the skin is smaller at the skin
where the device is inserted, and wider at the location inside the
body where the retractor is expanded. The retractor is first placed
into the body in an unexpanded condition, and then, as it is
expanded, pushes tissue out of the way in deeper layers of the body
one can see and safely operate on affected tissue. Thus, less
undesired tissue damage occurs.
[0010] The bladder is pressurized with air or with water or another
fluid. The fluid used in the bladder must be safe if it
accidentally escapes into the body. Thus, besides air, such other
fluids as dextrose water, normal saline, CO.sub.2, and N.sub.2 are
safe. The pressure in the bladder is monitored and regulated to
keep the force exerted by the retractor at a safe level for tissue
to prevent tissue necrosis. The retractor can exert a pressure on
the tissues of as high as the mean diastolic pressure of 100 mm of
mercury, or higher for shorter periods of time, while still being
safely controlled. Typical inflatable devices such as angidscopes
do not have anywhere near the strength, or the ability to hold
enough fluid pressure, or shapes to retract tissue as described
herein. As compared to prior art devices, the retractor of the
present invention operates with greater pressure within the
bladder, since it is made of stronger materials such as Kevlar or
Mylar which may be reinforced with stainless steel, nylon, or other
fiber to prevent puncturing and to provide structural shape and
support as desired. Such materials are strong enough to hold the
necessary fluid pressure of about several pounds or up to about 500
mg Hg or more and exert the needed force on the tissue to be moved.
The choice of material is well within the ability of one familiar
with such materials and accordingly will not be gone into in
further detail herein. The present retractor is thus able to exert
substantially more force on adjoining tissues than a prior art
device. The shapes of the retractors are specific for each
application, and may include separate variable chambers which are
sequentially controllable, to control the direction of tissue
retraction.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The fluid-filled portion of the retractor is preferably a
unitary portion such as a bladder. In this case, the bladder is
expanded with the introduction of fluid under pressure.
Alternatively, the fluid-filled portion of the retractor may
include a series of prongs or filaments that expand radially
outwardly upon the introduction of fluid under pressure. The prongs
themselves may be expandable, or there may be an expandable portion
located centrally of all the prongs which, when it expands, forces
the prongs outwardly.
[0012] Typically, the height of the bladder, that is, its width or
transverse dimension, is significantly greater than its length
(axial or longitudinal dimension). The bladder expands primarily in
width only, not in length, although the shape will vary with the
application. This is in accordance with the purpose of the device
which is to enable the separation of adjacent tissue layers to, for
example, allow improved visualization in front of a scope inserted
between the tissue layers.
[0013] The retractor of the present invention can be used to direct
or position the end of a scope relative to the tissue walls. The
retractor can also be used to stabilize the end of a scope. When a
camera is being used via the scope, the scope often moves or jumps
around because of the flexibility of the end of the scope. This is
prevented by inflating bladders at the tip or along the shaft of
the fiberoptic scope to control the direction of the tip of the
scope and thus stabilize the scope, leaving both hands free to work
and providing a stable image for the surgeon.
[0014] Surgeons operate along tissue planes. Once a surgeon finds a
tissue plane, he dissects along it, starting the separation process
with the knife. The retractor holds the tissue layers apart and
helps and eases in defining and further separating the tissue
layers as the surgeon operates along the tissue planes, helping to
spread and define the planes. The retractor helps to separate the
tissue layers, increasing the space for operating, and improving
the surgeon's ability to separate and visualize, leading to better
and safer surgical technique.
[0015] A preferred use for the present retractor is in the field of
fiber optic surgery, including endoscopy, arthroscopy, laparoscopy,
etc. which require looking into and operating within a limited
space with a fiber optic light and camera. The open or existing
spaces in joints are generally too small to permit easy operation
and visualization. In the Prior art, only direct (unconfined) water
or air pressure is used to expand the joint capsule or tissue in
the joint. This may actually push tissue in front of the scope,
obscuring vision. The present retractor distracts a joint directly
to make it easier to see inside (around) the joint. A sleeve which
can be a malleable or rigid sheath may optionally be provided to
protect the tissue as the bladder is slid in and out of the end of
the cannula once in the work area within the joint. The bladder
expands into an area of soft tissue--for example the bursa--and
pushes it out of the way. The bladder can be left in place during
the operation, or it can be deflated and removed, and the
arthroscope and other instruments can be put into the space
created.
[0016] An alternative preferred use for the retractor of the
present invention is to operate in a joint of the spine, and
specifically between two vertebrae. The retractor is used to spread
two vertebrae apart to enable removal of the spinal disc from
between the vertebrae.
[0017] Other uses of the retractor are as an occluding device to
stop blood flow from an anastomosis or angioscopic procedure, or to
stop backflow (retrograde flow) of stomach or colon contents. The
retractor of the present invention is also suitable for use in the
tempomandibular joint. Specifically, a dentist or oral surgeon uses
an appropriately shaped retractor to hold open the jaw of a patient
while the dentist or oral surgeon works on the mouth of the
patient. The inflatable retractor is much more comfortable to the
patient than a rigid metal or plastic device, it conforms to the
jaw structure rather than pressing unevenly against it, and lessens
fatigue. Thus it is safer for the dentist by safely maintaining the
two rows of teeth spaced apart and by increasing visibility for
working, while at the same time being easier for the patient.
[0018] The retractor can also be a useful diagnostic tool. The
strength or pressure or resistance of tissue can be measured by the
pressure required to move it.
[0019] The bladder may be a bellows type device in which the
material does not stretch but which expands when pressurized from
within and which is collapsed by the use of suction. In this case,
it would preferably be made of a polymer of the class including
Kevlar or Mylar fabric for strength and structural integrity. The
bladder may generally also be made from any very thin walled
polymer.
[0020] The bladder may also be made from a biocompatible and/or
biodegradable material, so that if it can not be removed from the
body for some reason, or if the surgeon desires to keep the bladder
in place in the body for a period of time, it will not damage the
tissue and may eventually be resorbed into the body. Such a
biodegradable bladder may be left under the skin postoperatively to
stop postoperative bleeding or to keep tissue expanded.
Alternatively, the bladder may be made of a stretchable material
which stretches when pressurized from within, and then collapses
partially of its own accord when depressurized or also with the
help of suction. The retractor may be transparent for better
visibility, but it need not be for some applications. Also, the
retractor can be disposable. The material choice is within the
skill of the art. One surface of the bladder may be made of or have
thereon a reflective surface to reflect light to see around a
corner.
[0021] The retractor can be used as a joint jack--that is, to
distract a joint from within in one area and provide ease of access
through the joint. Less damage to the joint occurs if the tissue
edges are spaced apart during a procedure. When placed between two
joint surfaces it pushes them apart from within, increasing the
space available for visualization and/or the working space. The
retractor stabilizes a joint when expanded because it forces the
tissues to remain in one place.
[0022] Another use is to look directly at a neurovascular bundle,
retract it out of the way, and then operate around it. For example,
the surgeon can go into the back of a knee, inflate the retractor,
identify the neurovascular bundle and then be able to work around
it. The task is made easier by the ability to separate tissue
layers from within. One may cup the tissue then push it out of the
way, in the nature of an umbrella opening, to protect vital tissues
to operate safely around them.
[0023] Depending on the application, the retractor can be left in
place while the work (or looking) is being done, or it can be
deflated and then taken out to allow a scope or other instrument to
be put in. Some tissues will stay in place to allow this latter
function, after the space has been created with the retractor.
[0024] A most typical construction for the retractor of the present
invention is an inflatable bladder situated on the end of a shaft,
which may be flexible or rigid, which is pushed through an extra
opening in a scope or cannula or through a separate portal, and
which expands at the end of the shaft.
[0025] The retractor can be located on a scope, either on the end
thereof or movable axially through a channel along the length of
the scope. The retractor can alternatively be mounted on a cannula.
The retractor can be mounted on a separate shaft passing through an
existing channel in a cannula; it can be inserted through a
separate hole in the cannula or the scope; or it can be inserted
through a separate opening in the body. The shaft with a retractor
on the end can be pushed or slid through the cannula, side by side
with a scope. Alternatively, the bladder can expand out of, then
recess back into, a groove on a cannula or scope. The retractor can
be used to create a space right from the end of the scope.
[0026] The bladder itself can be round, eccentric, oval, conical,
wedge-shaped, U-shaped, curved, angled, or it may be in any shape
desirable to optimize the particular application. The bladder may
be irregularly shaped when inflated, that is, it may expand to a
greater radius in the area where it is desired to look (where
greater exposure space is needed).
[0027] Vacuum can be used to deflate the bladder. The bladder may
then be removed by sliding it out the portal directly.
[0028] In one embodiment the retractor includes a spring loaded
sleeve which slides axially over a plurality of plates or prongs,
plastic or metal. A centrally located motive force is provided to
move the prongs outwardly to retract the tissue, which force may be
mechanical or a separate inflatable device. Alternatively, each
filament is a tube which expands and straightens out as air
pressure is added (as it is inflated) and thus moves radially
outwardly to retract adjoining tissue. The filaments plates or
prongs are controllable and covered by a sheath, which slides off
them proximally axially to allow them to be inflated and expand,
and then, after they have been deflated, slides distally along the
shaft over the filaments to cover them and allow the device to be
moved through the body. When the sleeve retracts the prongs or
filaments expand radially outwardly to push tissue away from the
scope to improve visualization.
[0029] The retractor can be disposed at the end of a flexible
sheath. The retractor can be directable with cables, or with
compressed air, to turn or bend in a certain direction.
[0030] The present invention also provides a new type of
self-retaining retractor which is more compact and is disposable
for use in open surgery. The retractor is used to hold tissues
laterally, pushing tissue edges apart. For such an application, the
retractor includes a U-shaped bladder which is a tube which acts
like a spring and under high pressure attempts to straighten itself
out when inflated. The deflated tube-like structure is first
properly positioned within the wound. As the retractor is inflated,
it tries to straighten out, and thus opens the wound, As it presses
on the edges of the wound, it compresses tissue edges, giving a
hemostatic effect. For example, if the retractor is put vertically
into a wound, it expands the deep tissues. The retractor can also
use the inflatable bladder to push apart metal or plastic plates to
push apart tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention
relates from reading the following specification with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a retractor in accordance with
the present invention shown in the unexpanded and expanded
conditions;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a retractor extending through
a cannula and mounted on the end of a separate shaft;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating
the use of a fiber optic scope with the retractor;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a retractor inserted
through a separate side opening in a cannula;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a few of the many and various
shapes in which the inflatable portion of the retractor may be
formed;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a retractor shown mounted on
the end of a cannula and having an opening therein for a scope to
pass through;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a fluid supply system for operating a
retractor;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the use of a retractor to
position the end of a scope;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the retraction of
soft tissue from bone;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a retractor shown in use in a
shoulder joint;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a retractor shown in use in a
knee joint;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a
retractor shown in use in a knee joint;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the simultaneous
use of two retractors to retract tissue;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the simultaneous
use of two retractors to create an open working space in a
digestive tract;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing two retractors being
used together to create an open working space in a blood vessel, or
a working space from potential space created between the two
expanded bladders;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the relatively
large size of an expanded retractor compared to the relatively
small size of the percutaneous incision;
[0048] FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a retractor used for
percutaneous bone access;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a series of schematic views illustrating another
embodiment of the fluid-expandable portion of the retractor of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a series of schematic views illustrating a
retractor of the present invention suitable for use in open
surgery;
[0051] FIG. 20 is a series of illustrating the provision of a
plurality of separately inflatable bladders on one supporting
structure;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating the use of
retractors of a certain shape to create a visualization and working
space;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating the use of
retractors of a certain shape to create a visualization and working
space;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating a retractor having
a reflective surface thereon; and
[0055] FIG. 24 is a series of views illustrating a retractor of the
present invention suitable for use in carpal tunnel surgery.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a retractor 10 in
accordance with the present invention. The retractor 10 includes a
fluid supply structure 12 and an expandable balloon or bladder 14
located at or near the end of the structure 12. The bladder is
expandable, under the force of fluid under pressure, from an
unexpanded condition as indicated in full lines at 14 to an
expanded condition as shown in broken lines at 16. In the expanded
condition, the transverse dimension 18 of the bladder 14 is
significantly greater than its transverse dimension before
expansion, the longitudinal dimension 20. Also, in the expanded
condition, the transverse dimension 18 of the bladder 14 is
significantly greater than its longitudinal dimension 20.
[0057] When the bladder of the retractor is expanded inside the
body, it retracts tissue. As seen in FIG. 2, a bladder 22 is
mounted on the end of a separate shaft 24 within a cannula or scope
26. The cannula or scope 26 has been inserted into the body through
an opening 28 in the skin (either pre-existing or made in situ)
which has a transverse dimension 30. The bladder 22 when in its
unexpanded condition as shown in broken line is smaller than the
dimension 30 of the body opening, but when expanded, it expands to
a dimension 32 which is significantly greater than the dimension
30. An actual space or working space 34 is formed which was not
present before the expansion of the bladder.
[0058] The newly-formed working space may be used, for example, for
better use of a fiber optic scope as illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG.
3, a retractor 10 is passed through an opening 36 in a cannula 38.
A fiber optic scope shown schematically at 40 is also passed
through the cannula 38. The cannula 38 is inserted into the body
through an opening in the body tissues 42 which is only as large as
the outer diameter of the cannula. 38. The retractor 10 is then
inflated, with air or another fluid being supplied through a rigid
or flexible shaft 44 to an expandable bladder 46. The bladder 46
expands transversely, retracting the tissues 42 transversely and
creating a working space 34. By axial manipulation of the shaft 44,
the bladder 46 is movable either toward the end of the scope 40 in
the direction as indicated by the arrow 48, or away from the end of
the scope 40 as indicated by the arrow 50, as desired. Such
manipulation of the retractor can selectively move and place the
adjoining body tissues where the surgeon wants them to enable
better use of the scope 40 by the surgeon.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the retractor 10 may be inserted into a
cannula 52 through a separate opening 54 therein. The opening 54 is
shown on the side of the cannula 52, although, of course, it may be
on the end of the cannula as is typical. Alternatively, the
retractor 10 may be inserted into the body through an opening in
the body tissues separate from the opening through which the fiber
optic scope is inserted. Either of these options allows for greater
flexibility in the insertion and positioning of the retractor 10
relative to the other instruments being used such as the
arthroscope.
[0060] Also as indicated in FIG. 4, the bladder 58 may be eccentric
or eccentrically located relative to the opening 60 at the junction
between the bladder 58 and the shaft 62. This is accomplished by
using known techniques to form the bladder 58 of a material
construction, and shape such that of it expands into the eccentric
shape as illustrated in FIG. 4 when inflated by fluid under
pressure through the shaft 62. In this manner, an improved
visualization and working space 34 is created which is
eccentrically located relative to the other instruments being used.
This may be preferable when the surgeon is using an angled
scope.
[0061] FIG. 4 is illustrative of the fact that the bladder of the
retractor of the present invention may be formed so as to expand
into any particular shape as desired for the particular
application. This feature is also shown schematically in FIGS. 5A
through 5E which illustrate, respectively, retractor bladders which
assume in their expanded states in round, oval, eccentric, oblong,
and conical shapes. Such shapes may generally be called
"non-uniform" shapes for purposes of the present invention, and
retractors with such a shape will expand in a "non-uniform" manner.
Such shapes may include, for example, wedge- or U-shaped filaments
that collapse at the skin, then expand at deep tissue planes for
visualization and working space. The bladder may also cup and
protect vital tissues such as nerves and arteries while working on
other tissues such as muscle.
[0062] Another typical form of construction is illustrated in FIG.
6, which shows a bladder 64 that in its expanded condition assumes
a toroidal shape. Again, the width 66 of the bladder 64 is
significantly greater than its length 68. The bladder 68 is
expanded by fluid under pressure received through a fluid channel
70 formed between a cannula or scope outer wall 72 and inner wall
73. By virtue of the toroidal shape of the bladder 68, the leading
end 74 of the scope 76 may be passed axially completely through the
retractor into the working space 34 which has been created in the
tissues 78. Such a bladder 64 may also be mounted on a separate
shaft inserted through the scope of the cannula.
[0063] In all cases, the fluid pressure within the bladder of the
retractor is monitored and controlled to keep the force exerted by
the retractor at a safe level for tissue to prevent tissue
necrosis. As indicated schematically in FIG. 7, a retractor 10 is
supplied with fluid under pressure from a fluid pressure source 80
via a fluid supply line 82. A regulator 84 controls the supply of
fluid to the retractor 10. A pressure sensor 86 is located within
the retractor 10 and senses the pressure of the fluid within the
retractor 10. The pressure sensor 86 sends a signal which is
representative of the fluid pressure within the retractor 10, via
wiring 88, to a monitor 90. The monitor 90 is connected via control
wiring 92 to the pressure regulator 84. The pressure of the fluid
within the retractor 10 may thus be monitored and controlled either
manually or automatically, by means which are well known in the art
and so need not be described further herein. The source 80 of fluid
supply may be, for example, the air pressure supply which is
commonly found in hospital operating rooms.
[0064] By virtue of this ability to monitor the pressure within the
retractor 10, the retractor 10 can also be a useful diagnostic
tool. The strength or pressure or resistance of tissue to movement
can be measured by the pressure required to move it.
[0065] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate the use of a retractor of the
present invention to stabilize a fiber optic scope. The retractor
10 (FIG. 8) includes a bladder 94 which retracts the body tissues
96 away from the scope 98. Since the bladder 94 engages and pushes
radially outwardly on body tissues 96 all around the scope 98, the
retractor becomes fixed in position when it is so expanded. If the
bladder 94 is fixed to the end of the scope 98, the retractor 10
thereby fixes the end of the scope 98 in position relative to the
body tissues 96. When a camera is being used with the scope 98, the
picture normally moves or jumps around because of the movability of
the end of the scope 98. This is prevented by so using the
retractor 10 to stabilize the scope 98, leaving the surgeon with
both hands free to work and a steady view of the work area.
[0066] FIGS. 8 and 8A also illustrate how the retractor of the
present invention can be used to control the placement of the tip
of a fiber optic scope. The retractor 10 is formed with an
eccentric bladder 94 which retracts the body tissues 96 away from
the scope 98 to a greater distance in one direction than in
another. Thus, by rotating the retractor 10, the surgeon can place
the tip of the scope 96 closer to the body tissue 100 (FIG. 8) on
one side of the working space 34, or to the body tissue 102 (FIG.
8A) on the other side of the working space 34. Such variable
placement can, of course, also be attained via use of a retractor
10 that includes a bladder that can be expanded to varying
shapes.
[0067] The retractor of the present invention has many uses in the
surgical field. FIG. 9 illustrates the use of a retractor 10 to
retract soft tissue from bone, for example within a joint. The
retractor 10 is inserted between the bone 110 and the soft tissue
112. The bladder 104 is then expanded. The soft tissue 106 is
forced away from the bone 104. The surgeon may then use a fiber
optic scope or other instrument to work within the working space 34
created by the retractor 10. The retractor of the present invention
can provide the force needed to move the soft tissue 112 away from
the bone 110 may vary between about 100 and 1000 mm Hg, and thus,
it is important to maintain the proper pressure between the two.
The retractor 10 can do this since it operates on high fluid
pressures of about 10 to 1000 mm Hg and it utilizes a high strength
material such as Kevlar, Mylar, or another durable polymer such as
Polylite.RTM., a product of Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. This simple
retraction of soft tissue from bone would otherwise be
impossible.
[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a retractor 10 to enable a
surgeon to work within a shoulder joint. The joint includes the
humeral head 114, the glenoid 116, the acromium 118, and the
acromium joint 120. The rotator cuff 122 is attached to the humeral
head 114. A scope 124 is inserted preferably from the back of the
shoulder joint. In the prior art method, the acromium 118 can be
separated from the bone from within the joint, in order to gain
access to the rotator cuff, only by introducing an unconfined
stream of water into the joint as indicated at 126. This method
leads to the presence of water everywhere, including within the
tissues themselves, and is not a desirable method. In accordance
with the present invention, a retractor 10 with an expandable
bladder is simply inserted through a small incision in the skin and
inflated to expand in the direction indicated by the arrow 130,
thus retracting the tissue space. There is no unconfined fluid
introduced into the tissue space, and the degree of separation of
the joint is easily and safely controlled by controlling the
pressure within the retractor 10.
[0069] FIGS. 11, 11A, 12, and 12A illustrate the use of a retractor
10 to enable a surgeon to better work within a knee joint. The
joint includes femur 132 and tibia 134 and between them a
neurovascular bundle 136 which the surgeon wishes to work on (or
work around). However, the normal space 138 within the tissue space
is so small as to make working within the joint very difficult or
impossible. Accordingly, a retractor that is in the form of a
wedge-shaped bladder 140 (FIGS. 11 and 11A) is inserted on one or
both sides of the knee joint and expanded. The retractor expands in
a straight or curved shape depending on its dimensions and easily
separates the joint, creating a much enlarged working space 142
(FIG. 11A), enabling the surgeon to operate via any instrument such
as the scope illustrated schematically at 144. In a similar manner,
a surgeon can easily spread adjacent vertebrae in a spine to work
on the spinal column, for example to remove a spinal disc or any
other tissue or bone. The bladder 140 may also be formed with a
curved shape or otherwise custom-fit for the particular
application.
[0070] The retractor 10 shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A operates
similarly, with the exception that the bladder 146 is formed as a
bellows-type device which expands in an accordion-like manner. The
material of which the bellows-type bladder 146 is made does not
necessarily stretch although it may somewhat, but rather the
expansion comes primarily when the various surfaces are
repositioned relative to each other. The accordion-like ridges 148
may be made of differing degrees of resistance to straightening and
flexing, in order to vary the rate and/or sequence of inflation of
various portions of the bladder 146. Alternatively, the material of
which the bladder 146 is made has areas of rigidity interleaved
with areas of more elasticity, to provide the desired expansion
effect. The ridges 140 may also be closure members that divide the
bladder 146 into a plurality of separate inflatable chambers with
valving therebetween, for sequential inflation. Such an
accordion-like or bellows construction can provide greater
stability in intermediate (partially expanded) positions, and can
have greater structural integrity.
[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates how a pair of retractors in accordance
with the present invention can be used together to create a working
space between them. In the operation illustrated schematically in
FIG. 13, the surgeon desires to retract a fat pocket or tissue 150
away from a knee 152 in order to provide a working space 34 between
them in which he can operate. A cannula 154 is inserted through a
small opening 156 in the skin 158 and through the fat pocket or
tissue 150. An inner bladder 160 is inflated inside the fat pocket
or tissue 150, while an outer bladder 164 is inflated on the
outside of the skin 158. Drawing the two bladders toward each other
pulls the fat pocket or tissue 150 toward the skin and away from
the knee 152, thus creating the enlarged working space 34. This
enables the surgeon to operate comfortably with a scope or other
instrument 166, while still performing the entire operation
percutaneously as is, of course, desired, meanwhile stabilizing the
instrument.
[0072] In a somewhat similar manner, two separate retractors can be
used to create a working space in between the two retractors. For
example, FIG. 14 illustrates the use of a pair of retractors to
create and maintain an open working space in a duodenum 170. A
first retractor 172 is inserted through the stomach 174 on a scope
or cannula 176 and is inflated at the upper end of the duodenum 170
to block it off from the stomach 174. A second retractor 178 is
inserted through the stomach 174 on the scope or cannula 176 and is
inflated lower on the duodenum 170 to block it off from the small
intestine. An open working space 34 is thus created between the
retractors 172 and 178. The working space may be maintained as long
as both retractors 172 and 178 remain inflated. Such an open
working space is advantageous to enable a surgeon to better work
on, for example, a growth 180 in the duodenum 170. The retractor
may also be used to block off an artery in a bleeding area of the
bowel by direct pressure.
[0073] Similarly, FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a pair of
retractors in accordance with the present invention to create a
working space in a blood vessel. A first retractor 182 is inserted
through a main blood vessel 184 on a cannula 186 and is inflated to
block the vessel 184 from blood flow in one direction. A second
retractor 108 is inserted through the vessel 184 on a separate
shaft 190 through the cannula 186 and is inflated farther along the
vessel 184 to block blood flow from a branch blood vessel 192. An
open working space 34, free of blood, is thus created and is
maintained as long as both retractors 182 and 188 remain inflated.
Such an open working space can advantageously be used to enable a
surgeon to better work, for example, with a scope 194 within the
main vessel 184.
[0074] As noted above, an important advantage of the retractor of
the present invention is that it can be used percutaneously to
create a large actual space within the body while making only a
small opening in the skin. This allows for percutaneous or fiber
optic surgery in locations where heretofore only open surgery with
its attendant disadvantages was possible. This feature is
illustrated in FIG. 16 which shows in solid lines a retractor 10
for insertion through a cannula 196 into an opening 198 in skin
200. The retractor 10 is, at the time of insertion, no larger in
diameter than the opening 198. However, once inserted into location
subcutaneously, the retractor 10 can be expanded to the condition
shown in broken lines to create a working space which as
illustrated by the relative size of the arrow 202 is significantly
larger than the opening 198 in the skin 200.
[0075] The retractor illustrated in FIGS. 17-17C uses a bladder
that is longer than it is wide but which is hollow. To gain access
to the surface 204 of a bone 206, a small opening 208 is formed
extending through the skin 210 and the muscle 212. The opening 208
extends down to the surface 204 of the bone 206. A retractor 214
(FIG. 17A) is then inserted, in an unexpanded condition, into the
opening 208 and down into contact with the surface of the bone. The
retractor has an inner wall 215 and an outer wall 217 with a fluid
space 219 between. The retractor 214 is then inflated, as seen in
FIG. 17B, retracting the adjoining skin 210 and muscle 212 radially
outwardly. The retractor 214 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an
opening 216 in the middle (see FIG. 17C). The opening 216 is
significantly larger than the opening 208. A surgical or other
instrument can be inserted through the opening 216 from outside the
body, into contact with the surface 204 of the bone 206, while the
opening 216 is being maintained. Thus, a large opening can be
temporarily created with only a small opening in the body
tissue.
[0076] In a variation on the retractor shown in FIG. 17C, a
retractor like the retractor 214 is shorter and has a ring shape
when expanded. The retractor is slid into the body tissue over a
small pin such as a K-wire which has been used to pinpoint the
desired area. The retractor is slid in while deflated, then
expanded when at the desired location inside the body. The inner
diameter when expanded, though slightly less than the outer
diameter, is still much larger than the size of the pin, forming a
large working and visualization space for the surgeon. The surface
of the retractor may be roughened, ribbed, or serrated for better
gripping power to keep the retractor in place while expanded.
[0077] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
18-18D, the one-piece bladder of the retractor 10 is replaced by a
series of plates or filaments that are expanded radially or
conically outwardly to retract the adjoining tissue. These plates
or filaments may, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 18a, be rigid or
semi-rigid elements 218 which are expanded radially outwardly by a
centrally located positioner 220 which may be mechanical or which
may be air-operated such as an expandable bag. This is in the
nature of a spring loaded umbrella with a sleeve which slides over
the ribs of the umbrella, which ribs open and expand outwardly when
the sleeve is pulled back. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS.
18B and 18C, the filaments 222 are hollow inflatable elements which
themselves inflate upon application of fluid under pressure to the
retractor 10, straightening out as they fill with pressurized
fluid. In either case, a sleeve 224 is preferably provided to
protect and help locate or position the radially movable elements.
The sleeve 224 slides axially. The plates or filaments are covered
by sheath 224, which slides off them proximally axially to allow
them to be expanded radially outwardly to push tissue away from the
scope to improve visualization. After deflation, the sleeve 224
slides distally along the shaft over the filaments to cover them
and allow the retractor 10 to be moved through the body. A sleeve
such as the sheath 224 can also be employed in conjunction with a
unitary bladder. In either event, the sleeve can be rigid or can be
flexible.
[0078] Retractors in accordance with the present invention can also
be used for open surgery. FIGS. 19-19C are a series of schematic
views illustrating the use of a retractor of the present invention
in open surgery. The retractor is used to hold tissues laterally,
pushing tissue edges apart. FIG. 19 shows the edges 226 and 228 on
either side of an open surgical incision or opening 230. As seen in
FIG. 19A, an open surgery retractor 232 has been inserted down into
the incision 230. The retractor 232 is in the form of a hollow
expandable tube that is bent into a V-shape or a U-shape for
insertion into the incision 230. It may have a lip or ridge on the
surface engaging the tissue to better hold it in place. The
deflated tube-like structure is first properly positioned within
the wound 230. Upon inflation, the tube under fluid pressure
attempts to straighten itself out, and thus opens the wound 230
(FIG. 19B) for easier access by the surgeon. As the retractor 232
presses on the edges 226 and 228 of the wound, it also compresses
the tissue edges, giving a hemostatic effect. The retractor may be
a bladder that pushes two metal or plastic pieces out to the sides,
rather than pushing directly on the tissue itself. If the retractor
is put vertically into a wound (see FIG. 19C) it expands the deep
tissues. The depending legs 234 and 236 push outwardly as more
fluid is admitted into the retractor, thus pushing the deep tissues
apart. This is accomplished without making a correspondingly large
opening in the skin.
[0079] As seen in FIG. 20A, a plurality of separately inflatable
radially spaced bladders 246, 248, 250, 252, etc. can be located on
one scope or cannula or rod 254. The bladders 246, 248, 250, 252
can be selectively inflated, possibly in a given sequence, to
selectively retract tissue.
[0080] Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 20B a plurality of separately
inflatable axially spaced bladders 240, 242, etc. can be located on
one scope or cannula or rod 244. The, bladders 240, 242 can be
selectively inflated to selectively retract tissue. One particular
use for such a capability is to push a tube or other device down
the stomach without it curling back and up. FIG. 20C illustrates
such a tube 260 having a plurality of bladders 262A through 262F
that are deflated. When it is desired to selectively rigidify a
portion of the tube 260, the bladders 262C through 262F are
inflated (FIG. 20D), providing support for the tube at their
corresponding axial locations and rigidifying the corresponding
portion of the tube 260 as desired.
[0081] When a plurality of separately inflatable bladders are
located on the same supporting device, suitable apparatus is
provided for their inflation. Such apparatus may be, when only a
few bladders are present, a simple mechanical valving apparatus.
When more bladders are present, or more sophisticated or complex
control thereof is desired, a microprocessor may be used to control
the inflation. In such case, the control signals may be multiplexed
down the structure via optical fiber or wire, for example.
[0082] As further illustration of the variety of shapes of
retractors which can be used, FIGS. 21 and 21A illustrate the
provision of pie-shaped retractors which create a working space
between the edges of the pie. The supporting structure carries a
pie-shaped retractor 272 which, when inflated as shown, provides a
space 274 for visualization and working. If two such retractors 272
are spaced axially as seen in FIG. 21A, an extended working and
visualization area 272 is provided for the surgeon.
[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, a bladder 280 is split
at two locations 282, 284 so that when inflated it provides working
and visualization areas between the lobes 286 and 288. Any number
of such lobes may be provided, as seen in FIG. 22A showing a
bladder 290 having four such lobes.
[0084] A surface of the retractor may be reflective, to allow the
surgeon to see within the opening created by the retractor at
different angles rather than merely straight in. The retractor 292
(FIG. 23) has a reflective surface or mirror 294 which enables
visualization at an angle a which may be varied through inflation
of the bladder 292 by various amounts. This is an especially
appropriate use for the bellows type construction of the bladder as
described above, wherein the surface of the bladder has a plurality
of ridges 296. The retractor may thus be used to reflect light or a
laser beam for visualization with a camera.
[0085] Another suitable use for the retractors of the present
invention is in carpal tunnel surgery that can be otherwise quite
difficult. The retractors are used to cup, move, and protect the
nerves during the operation. FIG. 24 illustrates schematically a
sectional view through a wrist 300 and showing the radius 302, ulna
304, median nerve 306, and tendons 308 and 310. A retractor 312 is
inflatable radially outwardly in the directions indicated by the
arrows 314, to push the tendons 310 in the direction indicated by
the arrow 316 and away from the median nerve 306. Thus, space is
created adjacent the tendons and median nerve, at a location
axially from the retractor 312, for visualization and working. A
second retractor 318 may be simultaneously used to create a longer
working and visualization space 320, as seen in FIG. 24A.
[0086] From the foregoing description of preferred embodiments of
the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements,
changes and modifications in the invention. Such improvements,
changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended
to be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *