LAWRENCE R TYLER
Nursing at Imo Dr, Dayton, OH

6371910, Apr 16, 2002

Nov 10, 1999

09/438811

Hans J. Zwart - Kettering OH
Lawrence R. Tyler - Kettering OH
Thomas J. Palermo - San Jose CA
Kevin Van Bladel - San Mateo CA
Roderick A. Young - Palo Alto CA
James E. Jervis - Atherton CA

General Surgical Innovations, Inc. - Norwalk CT

A61B 132

600207

An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.

6015382, Jan 18, 2000

Oct 16, 1997

8/951799

Hans J. Zwart - Kettering OH
Lawrence R. Tyler - Kettering OH
Thomas J. Palermo - San Jose CA
Kevin Van Bladel - San Mateo CA
Roderick A. Young - Palo Alto CA
James E. Jervis - Atherton CA

General Surgical Innovations, Inc. - Cupertino CA

A61B 1700

600207

An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.