Importance

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Abstract

A balloon apparatus adapted for sequential dissection of an anatomical space and associated methods are provided. The balloon apparatus comprises a tubular member having a lumen, a tunneling member slidably disposed in the lumen of the tubular member, a flattened substantially rectangular balloon sealed about the tubular member, a sleeve which contains the deflated balloon in generally cylindrical rolls about the tunneling member, and a retainer which prevents an inverted substantially heel-shaped portion of the balloon from everting and inflating prior to inflation of the remainder of the balloon. In a preferred method of operation, the balloon apparatus enters an anatomical space whereby the entry point into the anatomical space divides the space into a superior and inferior portions. The tunneling member is advanced into the superior portion of the space and the balloon inflated, thereby dissecting the superior portion of the anatomical space. Then the retainer is released, permitting the heel-shaped portion to be inflated, thereby dissecting the inferior portion of the anatomical space.

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First Claim