Shield for endoscopic surgical blade and method of use
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10575867-B2
Publication Date
2020-03-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A shield component for an endoscopic surgical blade is disclosed. An endoscopic surgical blade assembly is disclosed. The endoscopic surgical blade assembly contains an endoscopic surgical blade having a distal end, a proximal end, a top edge, a bottom edge and one or more cutting surfaces at the distal end, and a protective shield attached to the blade above the one or more cutting surfaces and extending away from the distal end of the blade. The blade is structurally configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an endoscopic surgical blade and a protective shield assembly for preventing damage to overlying tissues during uniportal endoscopic division. The protective shield is attached to the blade top edge above one or more cutting surfaces and extends away from the distal end of the blade. The shield has a planar orientation perpendicular to the cutting surface, and the blade is sized and formed so the blade fits at a tip of an endoscope.
The assembly includes an endoscope that allows visualization of the blade upon advancement of the endoscope along a bottom mounting portion until a distal end of the endoscope reaches the endoscopic surgical blade so that the blade fits at a tip of the endoscope. The endoscopic surgical blade includes a distal end with one or more cutting surfaces, including a straight cutting edge. The blade is mounted between a bottom mounting portion and a top shield portion.
The document also describes an endoscopic knife assembly with a knife tube mounting the blade, including low-profile and geometry variations. In addition, instrument kit components include a cannula having a longitudinal open slot. The protective shield intervenes between a target and an overlying tissue while the blade divides tissue during uniportal endoscopic division.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 covers a blade and shield assembly integrated with an endoscope that visualizes and positions the blade at the endoscope tip, while the shield is fixed above the cutting surface and extends away from the distal end. The claim contains seven inventive features refined by multiple dependent claims adding geometric, dimensional, structural, and kit-related limitations.
Endoscopic visualization and blade fit at endoscope tip
The endoscope allows visualization of the blade upon advancement of the endoscope along the bottom mounting portion until a distal end of the endoscope reaches the endoscopic surgical blade so that the blade fits at a tip of the endoscope.
Shield fixedly attached above distal cutting surfaces and extending away
The shield portion is fixedly attached to the blade above the one or more cutting surfaces and extends away from the distal end of the blade.
Distal cutting surfaces with a straight cutting edge
The one or more cutting surfaces include a straight cutting edge at the distal end of the blade.
Blade mounted between bottom mounting portion and top shield portion
An endoscopic surgical blade mounted between a bottom mounting portion and a top shield portion, wherein the endoscopic surgical blade comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more cutting surfaces at the distal end.
Planar cross-section substantially perpendicular to blade top edge
The top shield portion is attached to the blade’s top edge so the shield’s planar cross-section is substantially perpendicular to that top edge.
Bottom mounting portion as a knife tube with distal mounting
The bottom mounting portion is a knife tube, and the blade is mounted at the distal end of the knife tube.
Instrument kit including cannula with longitudinal open slot
An instrument kit for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure that includes an endoscopic surgical blade assembly and a cannula having a longitudinal open slot.
Overall claim coverage centers on an endoscope-visualized endoscopic surgical blade assembly having a top shield portion fixed above distal cutting surfaces and extending away from the distal end, with a straight cutting edge. Dependent claim features specify perpendicular planar relationship of the shield cross-section, define the bottom mounting portion as a knife tube with blade mounting at its distal end, constrain shield geometry and dimensions, and extend coverage to an instrument kit by adding a cannula with a longitudinal open slot.
Stated Advantages
Prevents damage to overlying tissues during uniportal endoscopic division.
Documented Applications
Uniportal endoscopic division, including trigger finger release (A1 pulley) and carpal tunnel syndrome (transverse carpal ligament), where the shield intervenes between a target and an overlying tissue while the blade divides tissue.
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