Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body includes an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 7, 1995
Date of Patent:
December 30, 1997
Assignee:
Genral Surgical Innovations, Inc.
Inventors:
Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, Helmut L. Kayan