Tube deploying system
Inventors
Deibel, Rudolf Andreas • Smith, Andrew N. • Goudreau, Paul M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12478508-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A tube deploying system includes a nose assembly having a distal cutting edge and a tube. The distal cutting edge is configured to be manually advanced to pierce a membrane of a patient. A handle of the system includes a pull mechanism having a slider and a pull block and an actuation member having a distal end that couples to the distal cutting edge and a proximal end that couples to the pull block. The slider is manually operated to move the pull mechanism from a non-pulled configuration to a pulled configuration. In the pulled configuration, the pull block pulls the actuation member such that the distal cutting edge is retracted to deploy the tube.
Core Innovation
The tube deploying system comprises a nose assembly with a distal cutting edge, a tube, a handle with a manually operated slider and pull block, and an actuation member. The distal cutting edge advances into an orifice to pierce a membrane of a patient, wherein movement of the slider pulls the pull block and actuation member. This retraction of the distal cutting edge deploys the tube.
The system incorporates alternative couplings between the slider and pull block, including configurations where a slider contact surface directly contacts a backlash surface to rigidly hold the pull block in a full forward position. Other configurations utilize a first direct coupling and a second coupling with a pivot arm rotating about a fixed pivot point to transfer motion. Dependent claims specify trigger features, a locking pin, and a removable clip.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify three independent claims, claims 1, 8, and 15, embodying three inventive features covering the tube deploying system, its slider and pull-block couplings, and the retraction mechanism that deploys the tube.
Slider holds and pulls the pull block
Claim 1 recites a slider having an exterior portion and an interior portion, and a separate pull block directly coupled to the actuation member. In the non-pulled configuration, the slider contact surface directly contacts the pull block backlash surface to rigidly hold the pull block in the full forward position. In the pulled configuration, the slider pulls the pull block and actuation member to retract the distal cutting edge and deploy the tube.
Different couplings between the slider and pull block
Claim 8 recites a slider and a separate pull block inside the handle housing, with the pull block directly coupled to the actuation member. In the non-pulled configuration, the slider interior portion couples to the pull block at a first direct coupling and a different second coupling. In the pulled configuration, the slider decouples at the first direct coupling, remains coupled at the second coupling, and pulls the pull block and actuation member to retract the distal cutting edge and deploy the tube.
Pivot arm transmits slider movement to the pull block
Claim 15 recites a slider with an exterior trigger portion and an interior portion, a pull block coupled to the slider at a first direct coupling and a different second coupling, and a pivot arm inside the housing. Manual operation decouples the slider at the first direct coupling and rotates the pivot arm about a fixed pivot point to pull the pull block and actuation member, retracting the distal cutting edge and deploying the tube.
The independent claims cover three related tube deploying system configurations: a slider that holds and pulls the pull block, dual couplings transmitting the pull, and a pivot-arm linkage. Dependent claims add trigger geometry, a mechanical advantage range, a locking pin, and a removable clip.
Stated Advantages
Direct contact between the slider contact surface and the pull block backlash surface reduces backlash in the pull mechanism.
A removable clip permits disassembly and component separation around the pull mechanism to reduce sharps waste and facilitate disposal or recycling.
Documented Applications
Advancing at least some of the nose assembly elongated portion, distal cutting edge, and tube into an orifice of a patient so that the distal cutting edge pierces a membrane and retracts to deploy the tube.
Disassembling the tube deploying system via a removable clip for component separation, disposal, or recycling.
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