Methods and apparatus for performing arthroscopic surgery

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing an arthroscopic cannula in place during arthroscopic surgery. The method and apparatus seal the arthroscopic incision to mitigate leakage of fluid from the joint and seepage of the fluid into surrounding tissue. Reducing leakage of fluid during surgery reduces consumption of saline to insufflate the joint, and improves safety in the operating room by reducing accumulation of fluid on the operating room floor. Reducing leakage and tamping the incision also reduces the likelihood of expulsion of the cannula under pressure from the joint. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces stiffening of the joint during surgery which can interfere with manipulation of the joint and instruments to desired positions during surgery. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces the likelihood of complications or extenuating circumstances during surgery due to migration of fluid through expulsion of the cannula by reducing expansion of surrounding soft tissue during manipulation of instruments and the cannula during surgery, and improves patient recovery.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus for arthroscopic surgery comprising:
 an arthroscopic cannula assembly having an arthroscopic cannula housing supporting a seal and an arthroscopic cannula extending therefrom;   a balloon adapter assembly having an adapter housing with an opening therethrough and an adapter cannula extending therefrom, and a balloon mounted to the outer surface of the adapter cannula, the adapter housing opening and the adapter cannula configured and dimensioned to receive the arthroscopic cannula inserted therethrough, the balloon configured and dimensioned to traverse substantially the entire wall of an incision through which the arthroscopic cannula and the adapter cannula are inserted.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter housing and the arthroscopic cannula housing are configured and dimensioned to interlock. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the adapter housing and the arthroscopic cannula housing interlock by a bayonet mount. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an inflation port connected to the balloon through which the balloon may be inflated. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the inflation port further comprises an inflation tube in communication with the interior of the balloon. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the inflation tube includes a stopcock. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the balloon is configured and dimensioned when inflated to taper from a larger diameter toward the distal end of the adapter cannula to a lesser diameter toward the adapter housing. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter housing further comprises a collet assembly for gripping the exterior of the arthroscopic cannula. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter housing further comprises a cam device for gripping the exterior surface of the arthroscopic cannula. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter cannula includes an inner wall of flexible material so that the balloon when inflated with the arthroscopic cannula inserted into the adapter cannula exerts a compression force against the flexible wall so that the adapter cannula grips the arthroscopic cannula. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the balloon completely surrounds the adapter cannula.