Inventors:
Set Shahbabian - Cincinnati OH
Assignee:
Mayfield Education and Research Fund - Cincinnati OH
International Classification:
A61M 2902
Abstract:
The method of creating and enlarging an opening in the brain with minimal damage to nerve tissue. A catheter consisting of a stylette surrounded by an inflatable sac having a rounded tip is very gently inserted into the brain. When inserted a distance up to about 21/2 inches, the sac is inflated by gradually injecting fluid into the sac to gently expand it, thereby pushing aside nerve bundles with a minimum of damage to the nerve bundles. After a hole, usually oblong and having a maximum dimension of about 21/2 inches, is created, the catheter is withdrawn and retractors are employed to maintain the opening until surgery is performed within the brain.