Gerard A Cappiello

US Patent:

7022103, Apr 4, 2006

Filed:

Jul 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/201742

Inventors:

Gerard Cappiello - Dunedin FL, US
Mimi Cappiello - Dunedin FL, US

International Classification:

A61M 29/00

US Classification:

60410201, 60410103, 604915, 606197

Abstract:

An apparatus for locating rectovaginal fistulas, including a cannula of a predetermined length, open-ended on its first end having an inflatable balloon portion on its closed second end; the first end of the cannula further comprising a cone portion along its length to seal up against the exterior wall entrance to the rectum, after the second end of the cannula has been inserted into a patient's rectum; a fluid line is positioned within the cannula space for inflating the balloon after the cannula is in place in the rectum to seal the distal end of the rectum passage; a plurality of openings are provided along the wall of the cannula between the balloon and the cone at the first end of the cannula; a colored gel or other fluid insertable into the cannula to the extent that the gel or other fluid escapes the cannula through the openings and enters the void between the cannula and the wall of the rectum, with sufficient gel or other fluid entering the void so that gel or fluid would seep into any fistulas present and would be visually identifiable in the vagina for treatment.

US Patent:

20040106943, Jun 3, 2004

Filed:

Dec 3, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/308679

Inventors:

Gerard Cappiello - Dunedin FL, US
Mimi Cappiello - Dunedin FL, US

International Classification:

A61M029/00

US Classification:

606/192000, 606/191000

Abstract:

An apparatus for manipulating the rectosigmoid during surgery, to move the rectosigmoid to a pre-determined position, which includes a cannula portin, having a rounded and flexible tip, an inflatable balloon surrounding at least a portion of the cannula; the balloon inflatable with water, gas, or dye; a cone at a first end of the cannula for sealing around the opening of the anus; a stylet insertable in the cannula opening to provide partial rigidity to the cannula; and a syringe lock for introducing the fluid into the balloon, so as to provide a soft yet somewhat rigid device for allowing gentle manipulation of the recto-sigmoid during surgical procedures. The method performed with the apparatus of the present invention would include the steps of providing a cannula of a certain length, around 20 cm-30 cm; providing an inflatable balloon around at least a portion of the cannula; providing a cone end to at least a first end of the cannula; inserting a hook stylet into the cannula opening to provide some rigidity to the cannula; inserting the second end of the cannula upon which the balloon surrounds into the rectum to a distance of around 10 to 20 cm balloon length; sealing the cone end to the outer surface of the anal opening; inserting a fluid into the balloon to inflate the balloon to around 3 cm-5 cm; moving the outer end of the stylet extending from the cannula in a first direction so that the second end of the cannula is moved in the opposite direction and manipulates the rectosigmoid in that direction.