abstract |
Bleeding is controlled on an inner surface of a body cavity, including a non-vascular body passageway, by inserting into the cavity an expandable balloon which is covered by a hemostatic shroud, expanding the balloon, and compressing the shroud against the site of bleeding. The shroud may be released from the balloon. Subsequently, the balloon may be withdrawn from the body cavity, leaving the shroud in vivo to perform its hemostatic function. Optionally, the shroud can be withdrawn at some later point by the use of an extension “tail” which is included on the shroud. An alternative method of this invention for controlling or preventing a bleeding situation within a pathological cavity is the use of filling material to plug the cavity. The invention also includes the corresponding devices and systems for such control of bleeding within a body cavity or passageway. |