Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A laparoscopic retraction device comprising: a rigid rod with a bore running from a stopcock at a proximal end to multiple perforations at a distal end of the rod; an inflatable balloon covering the multiple perforations and the distal end of the rod; the balloon, when inflated, having a relatively wide anterior surface and a relatively narrow cross-section; and the balloon being fixed firmly on the rod.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is attached to at least two points on the rod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon, when deflated, is insertable through a laparoscopic cannula.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is inflatable with either air or water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon comprises a relatively stiff plastic sheath.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon comprises polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon comprises a silicon sheath.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon comprises rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon comprises urethane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is covered with a relatively soft material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the sheath is covered with a nylon mesh.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 3, further comprising: an introducer tube for inserting the balloon through the cannula; and the rod and balloon, when deflated, being slidable within the introducer tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
A medical instrument for retracting abdominal organs during laparoscopic surgery comprising: a rod with a bore for passing air or water from a proximal end to a distal end of the rod; a balloon attached to at least two points on a distal portion of the rod; and the balloon being inflatable to a shape having a relatively wide surface for retracting the abdominal organ.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medical instrument according to claim 13, further comprising multiple perforations in the distal portion of the rod, and the balloon covers the perforations.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The medical instrument according to claim 14, wherein an upper central portion of the balloon is attached and sealed against an outer circumference of the rod at a point above the multiple perforations; and the inside of a central lower portion of the balloon is attached to the distal end of the rod.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical instrument according to claim 15, wherein a middle portion of the balloon is further attached to the rod.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The medical instrument according to claim 13, further comprising an introducer tube for passing the instrument through a laparoscopic cannula; and the rod and balloon, when deflated, being slidable within the introducer tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medical instrument according to claim 13, wherein the balloon comprises a relatively stiff plastic material with a soft, atraumatic outer surface for retraction.