TETHERED EVERTING BALLOON RETRACTOR FOR HOLLOW BODIES AND METHOD OF USING

摘要

An apparatus for applying a manipulating force to manipulate a hollow body. The apparatus comprises a hollow shaft (701) at the distal end of which is attached an elastomeric balloon (703) that is inflatable from a collapsed state to an expanded state to engage the hollow body. A tether (711), attached to the distal tip (707) of the elastomeric balloon (703), limits distal excursion, and freely allows proximal excursion, of the distal tip (707) of the elastomeric balloon (703) in response to the manipulating force. The tether (711) may be flexible, with its distal end (727) attached to the distal tip (707) of the elastomeric balloon (703), and its proximal end (716) attached within the hollow shaft (701). Alternatively, the tether (711) may include an elongate member (714) slidably mounted within the hollow shaft, and a stop (704) that limits distal sliding of the elongate member. The distal tip (707) of the balloon (703) is attached to the distal end (727) of the elongate member.