Appeal No. 97-2550
Application 08/467,698
retractor 140 includes a sleeve 14 with an expanding
portion 60 including a plurality of expanding arms
62. The body portion [12] of the retractor 140 has
a pointed distal end 142 for easier passage through
tissues. Proximal to the threaded portion 22 of the
retractor body [12], a portion 144 of the retractor
includes a fluid supply port 146. An inflatable
bladder 150 is bonded to the retractor sleeve 14 at
two circumferential, axially spaced locations 152
and 154. Appropriate fluid passages are provided in
the retractor body and the retractor sleeve to
provide fluid communication between the fluid supply
port 146 and the bladder 150. The bladder can be
deflated with suction [column 8, lines 18 through
31].
As tacitly conceded by the examiner (see page 3 in the
answer), Bonutti does not respond to the limitations in
independent appealed claim 12 calling for the claimed cannula
to include a plurality of wires and a variable volume chamber
conduit which are enclosed by and extend along an inner side
of a sheath, with the conduit being disposed between adjacent
wires.
Lee discloses a catheter tubing 10 having one or more
stiffening "stripes" or wires 20 disposed longitudinally
therein to provide the tubing with a desired balance of
pliability and stiffness.
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