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Publication Number
US-10433862-B2
Publication Date
2019-10-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A slotted cannula for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The slotted cannula has a tubular body having a distal end, a proximate end, an open slot extending longitudinally from the beginning of the proximate end to the proximity of the distal end, and a pair of wings integrally formed on the proximate end. The tubular body is made from a transparent material and has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate an endoscope.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an endoscopic surgical assembly that includes a single channeled tubular body having a distal end and a proximate end, a single open slot of substantially uniform width extending longitudinally along the single channeled tubular body, and a bore that allows passage of an endoscope. The tubular body allows observation of one or more anatomical structures around an insertion path of the tubular body, and the slot enables a blade/knife passage through the cannula.
The assembly further includes an outwardly extending flange and a pair of non-flexible wings on the proximate end of the tubular body. The outwardly extending flange is integrally formed with, and not reversibly detachable from, the pair of non-flexible wings on the proximate end of the single channeled tubular body, and the wings are fixed with respect to the flange so the wings are unable to rotate.
The wings and flange create abutment interfaces aligned relative to the longitudinal centerline so that the pair of non-flexible wings abuts an endoscopic surgical entry portal. The abutment interfaces provide holding points for the assembly to stop further insertion into the endoscopic surgical entry portal past the proximate end, with additional spatial limitations including no longitudinal plane through the longitudinal axis passing through both wings and abutment interfaces extending from a root to a tip of each wing.
The disclosure also describes a transparent slotted cannula configuration for uniportal endoscopic surgery, where transparency enables visualization of anatomical structures around the insertion path. The description additionally provides an instrument kit comprising a cannula guide member, an insertion member, and one or more endoscope(s), and optionally includes cutting/rasp instruments, a locking device, a depth gauge, and a stop device.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to a single channeled tubular endoscopic assembly with a longitudinal open slot enabling instrument passage and a transparent or observation-capable cannula bore, combined with integrally formed, non-flexible wings and an outwardly extending perpendicular flange that form fixed abutment and holding points at an endoscopic surgical entry portal. Across the independent claims, the inventive features are largely consistent, with additional spatial limitations in each claim.
Single channeled tubular body with longitudinal open slot and endoscope passage
A single channeled tubular body having a distal end and a proximate end, comprising a bore that allows passage of an endoscope and allows observation of one or more anatomical structures around an insertion path, and comprising a single open slot of substantially uniform width extending longitudinally along the single channeled tubular body.
Integrally formed outwardly extending flange and non-flexible wings fixed in orientation
An outwardly extending flange integrally formed with, and not reversibly detachable from, the pair of non-flexible wings on the proximate end of the single channeled tubular body, where the flange extends outward perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline and the pair of non-flexible wings protrudes outward beyond the flange and perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, and where the pair of non-flexible wings is fixed with respect to the flange so the wings are unable to rotate.
Perpendicular abutment interfaces providing holding points to stop insertion at an entry portal
Each of the pair of non-flexible wings abuts an endoscopic surgical entry portal, where an abutment interface of each wing with the entry portal is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline from a root to a tip of each wing, and where the abutment interfaces provide holding points to stop the assembly from further insertion into the endoscopic surgical entry portal past the proximate end.
Longitudinal-plane constraint separating wings
A spatial limitation where no longitudinal plane passing through the centerline or longitudinal axis passes through both wings.
Root-to-tip perpendicularity and wing axes perpendicular to tubular axis
Each non-flexible wing is defined by a corresponding axis passing through the proximate end of the tubular body and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body, the wing protrudes outward aligned with its axis from root to tip, and the wing is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along an entire length from root to tip, with abutment interfaces extending from root to tip.
The independent claims cover an endoscopic surgical assembly with a single channeled tubular body providing an endoscope-passage bore and a longitudinal open slot for endoscopic use, together with integrally formed outwardly extending flange and non-flexible wings that are oriented perpendicular to the tubular body and fixed with respect to each other. The claims further require perpendicular alignment of abutment interfaces that form holding points at an endoscopic surgical entry portal to stop insertion past the proximate end, including additional constraints such as no longitudinal plane intersecting both wings and root-to-tip perpendicular wing formation.
Stated Advantages
Enables observation of one or more anatomical structures around an insertion path of the tubular body.
Improves control by providing visualization while the endoscope is used around the insertion path.
Reduces cost via injection molding.
Documented Applications
Uniportal endoscopic surgical procedures, including carpal tunnel release and cubital tunnel release.
Uniportal endoscopic surgical procedures, including plantar fascia release, lateral release for patella realignment, trigger finger, and fascial compartment releases.
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