Slotted canulla for arthroscopic surgery
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12310619-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Expiration Date
2038-12-03
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Abstract
A slotted cannula for surgical procedures is disclosed. The slotted cannula has an elongated semi-circular body comprising a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the semi-circular body, the cavity having an open distal end and an open proximate end and an integrally formed outward bend extending curvilinear from the cavity on the proximate end and at least one fold line across the width of the cannula, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cannula can be bent or broken along the at least one fold line to adjust the operable length of the cannula during a surgical procedure.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a slotted cannula designed for use in arthroscopic and other endoscopic surgical procedures. The cannula features an elongated semi-circular body with a cavity running along its longitudinal axis, having both an open distal end and an open proximate end. A key aspect of this design is the integrally formed outward bend at the proximate end, along with at least one fold line positioned across the width of the cannula, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
The fold lines allow the cannula to be bent or broken at predetermined locations, enabling adjustment of the operable length during surgery. The cannula is preferably fabricated from a polymer material, providing disposability and reduced manufacturing costs. An additional slot runs longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end, improving flexibility and expandability compared to traditional metal cannulas.
The problem addressed by this invention is the damage to cannulas that occurs when surgical instruments with large or sharp distal tips are inserted or extracted, which can subsequently compromise the cannula's suitability for further use in the same procedure. The slotted cannula aims to minimize these issues, providing a more robust and adaptable conduit for various surgical instruments of different sizes and configurations during endoscopic procedures.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims outlining three main inventive features.
Method using a plunger-attached, foldable, outward-bent cannula in a surgical procedure
A method for surgical procedures which includes making an incision to form an entry portal, attaching a plunger to a cannula that has an elongated semi-circular body, a cavity along its axis with open distal and proximate ends, an integrally formed curvilinear outward bend on the proximate end, and at least one fold line perpendicular to the axis for adjustability. The cannula is made of polymer material and can be bent or broken at the fold line to vary its length during surgery. The method further includes inserting and advancing the cannula/plunger assembly into the entry portal, withdrawing the plunger while the cannula remains in place, inserting an endoscope for visualization, withdrawing the endoscope, and then introducing and withdrawing a cutting instrument via the cannula before final removal of the cannula.
Cannula with semi-circular body, longitudinal slot, fixed cavity width, and tunnel for guide loop passage
A cannula comprising an elongated semi-circular body with a proximal end, distal end, and a longitudinal axis, where the body includes an integrally formed outward bend at the proximal end. The cannula's cavity extends the entire length, maintaining a fixed width between the distal terminus and the proximal terminus of the outward bend. It features a longitudinal slot from the proximal outward bend to the distal end, the slot having a constant width the full length. At least one tunnel extends longitudinally from the distal end and is configured for passage of a guide loop.
The inventive features cover a method utilizing a polymer, fold-adjustable, outward-bent cannula for arthroscopic procedures and a cannula with a semi-circular body, consistent cavity and slot widths, and a tunnel for guide loop use.
Stated Advantages
Provides a cannula design that allows adjustment of operable length during surgery by bending or breaking along fold lines.
Offers improved flexibility and expandability compared to metal cannulas due to the longitudinal slot.
Reduces costs by enabling manufacture from inexpensive, disposable polymer materials.
Documented Applications
Arthroscopic surgical procedures, including carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, plantar fascia release, lateral release for patella realignment, release of radial tunnel, release of pronatar teres, release of trigger finger, release of lacertous fibrosis, release of the extensor tendons for lateral epicondylitis, release of medial epicondylitis, release of the posterior and other compartments of the leg, forearm fascia release for fascial compartment syndrome, and release of fascial compartments in upper and lower extremity.
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