Blunt tip surgical cutting device and method
Inventors
Arthur, Amy L. • Druma, Calin • Smith, Michael A.
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9820807-B2
Publication Date
2017-11-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cutting device includes an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A lower portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and includes an outer surface and an inner surface spaced apart from the outer surface which together form a blunt end configured as a stop so as to protect adjacent tissue. An upper portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and including an inner surface. The upper portion is configured so as to be disposed opposite the lower portion. A cutting element is disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion and is configured for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact tissue.
Core Innovation
A minimally invasive blunt-tip surgical tissue cutting device is described for cutting tissue of a patient. The device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis, and a lower portion extending from the distal end toward the proximal end and forming a blunt end configured to contact tissue adjacent the tissue to be cut.
The blunt end is configured to contact tissue adjacent the tissue to be cut, and the device is operated by sliding the blunt end along a lamina of the patient to prevent damage to tissue. A cutting element is disposed between an upper portion and the lower portion, and the cutting element is retractable for extension beyond the distal end to contact the tissue to be cut for cutting.
The cutting element can be configured to cut at least a portion of the tissue to be cut, thereby producing cut tissue. The elongated shaft can include a vacuum passage to suction resected tissue, and the overall approach is motivated by limitations of conventional scalpels and electrosurgical techniques, including thermal collateral damage, difficulty controlling necrosis depth, and visualization obstruction from smoke.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent method claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive features are concentrated in a blunt end sliding along a lamina to prevent damage, a retractable cutting element extending beyond a shaft cavity, and a specific upper/lower shaft geometry forming a blunt end and housing the cutting element.
Sliding blunt end along a lamina
Sliding the blunt end along a lamina of the patient to prevent damage to tissue.
Retractable cutting element for extension beyond distal end
A cutting element disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion and configured for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact the tissue to be cut.
Upper and lower shaft portions defining cavity for resiliently biased cutting element
A cavity formed between the inner surface of the lower portion and the inner surface of the upper portion, the cavity being configured to house a cutting element, wherein the cutting element is configured to be resiliently biased for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact the tissue to be cut.
Cutting to produce cut tissue
The cutting element configured to cut at least a portion of the tissue to be cut, thereby producing cut tissue.
Elongated shaft with blunt end connected by inner and outer surfaces
Wherein the outer surface of the lower portion and the inner surface of the lower portion are connected together proximal the distal end to define a blunt end, the blunt end being configured to contact tissue adjacent the tissue to be cut.
The independent claims cover a minimally invasive tissue cutting method using a blunt end configured to contact and slide along a lamina to prevent damage, combined with a retractable cutting element that extends beyond the shaft to cut tissue and then retracts, with the claim set further specifying additional structural geometry of upper/lower portions.
Stated Advantages
Prevents damage to tissue by sliding the blunt end along a lamina.
Avoids thermal collateral damage, difficulty controlling necrosis depth, and visualization obstruction from smoke.
Documented Applications
Minimally invasive resection/cutting of nerve/soft tissue in the context of spine/lumbar stenosis is referenced as motivating improved fine dissection/resection.
Interested in licensing this patent?