US4312353A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of creating and enlarging an opening in the brain
Assignee: MAYFIELD EDUCATION AND RES FUND
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Filing: 1980-05-09
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Granted: 1982-01-26
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Expires: 2000-05-09
Abstract
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 After a hole, usually oblong and having a maximum dimension of about 21/2 inches, is created, the catheter is withdrawn and retractors are employed to maintain the opening until surgery is performed within the brain.
Inventors
- 👤 Set Shahbabian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M29/00; A61M29/02; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B2017/320044; A61B2017/320048
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
The method of forming an opening in the brain with minimal damage to nerve tissue, comprising the steps of, inserting into the brain a catheter formed by a stylette surrounded by a thin, inflatable sac, said catheter having a projecting end approximately 3 mm in diameter, said end being tapered, easing said catheter through the brain connective tissue and past said nerve tissue, and gradually injecting a fluid into said inflatable sac to gently expand it, thereby pushing aside nerve tissue with minimal damage to the nerve tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
88 words
The method of forming an opening in the brain with minimal damage to nerve tissue, comprising the steps of, inserting into the brain a catheter formed by a stylette surrounded by a thin, inflatable sac, said catheter having a projecting end approximately 3 mm in diameter, said end being tapered, easing said catheter through the brain connective tissue and past said nerve tissue, and gradually injecting a fluid into said inflatable sac to gently expand it, thereby pushing aside nerve tissue with minimal damage to the nerve tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method as in claim 1 in which the step of injecting fluid into said sac comprises, first injecting a small quantity of fluid, withdrawing at least a portion of said fluid, injecting a total quantity of fluid greater than said first quantity, and repeating said steps of alternately injecting and withdrawing while gradually increasing the total quantity of fluid in said sac.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as in claim 1 in which said catheter is inserted up to about 2.5 inches into the brain.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as in claim 1 in which said sac is expanded to a maximum radial dimension of about 2 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as in claim 1 in which said sac is expanded after complete penetration into said brain.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as in claim 1 comprising the further steps of removing said catheter after it has been expanded, and applying retractors to the opening created by the catheter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-01-25 | 1985-07-27 | 1986-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-25 | 1989-07-27 | 1990-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-07-27 | 1994-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |