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Publication Number
US-9826967-B2
Publication Date
2017-11-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A surgical instrument comprises a handling portion with a control junction and a plurality of vertical members operatively disposed within the control junction. The handling portion includes a top nut. Manipulation of the handling portion allows the vertical members to toggle between a narrowed configuration and an expanded configuration. Systems and methods are disclosed.
Core Innovation
A surgical instrument is disclosed that includes a handling portion having an inner surface defining a passageway that extends along a longitudinal axis, and an annular flange extending inwardly from the inner surface toward the passageway. A plurality of vertical members is positioned within the passageway, with proximal ends that each include a lip having a proximal surface and an opposite distal surface that engages the flange. A top nut engages the handling portion and is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration.
In the first configuration, an end surface of the top nut is spaced apart from the lips, and distal end portions of the vertical members extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the second configuration, the end surface engages the proximal surface of each of the lips, and the distal end portions extend at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. This configuration change is driven by the interaction between the annular flange and the lips as the top nut moves between the two configurations.
Another surgical instrument is disclosed using a first member with an annular flange extending inwardly from an inner surface toward a passageway, where the flange extends perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis. A second member positioned in the passageway includes a lip that engages the flange and extends at an acute angle relative to a second longitudinal axis defined by the second member, and a third member is rotatably disposed in the passageway.
The third member is movable between a first configuration with an end surface spaced apart from the lip and the second member extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and a second configuration in which the end surface engages the proximal surface and the second member extends at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal axis. A method is also provided in which the top nut is rotated so that the end surface engages the proximal surface of each of the lips, moving the vertical members from the first configuration to the second configuration.
Claims Coverage
The partial set includes three independent claims, directed to a surgical instrument, a method, and a related surgical instrument arrangement. Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on a top-nut-driven transition between parallel and acute-angle configurations.
Top nut movable between parallel and acute-angle vertical-member configurations
A handling portion defines a passageway along a longitudinal axis and includes an annular flange extending inwardly; a plurality of vertical members within the passageway has proximal lips that engage the flange; a top nut engages the handling portion and is movable between a first configuration with a spaced end surface and vertical members extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second configuration with the end surface engaging the lips and vertical members extending at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
Rotating the top nut to drive acute-angle configuration
A method provides the surgical instrument and rotates the top nut such that an end surface engages proximal surfaces of the lips to move vertical members from a first configuration where distal end portions extend parallel to the longitudinal axis to a second configuration where distal end portions extend at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
Member arrangement enabling acute-angle extension between spaced and engaged configurations
A first member defines a passageway and includes an annular flange extending inwardly toward the passageway and extending perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis; a second member positioned in the passageway includes a lip with a proximal surface and an opposite distal surface that engages the flange, the lip extending at an acute angle relative to a second longitudinal axis defined by the second member; and a third member rotatably disposed in the passageway movable between a first configuration with an end surface spaced apart from the lip and the second member extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and a second configuration with the end surface engaging the proximal surface and the second member extending at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal axis.
The independent claims cover a configuration change from parallel to acute-angle extension, achieved by engagement between a lip and an inwardly extending annular flange, with corresponding method coverage for rotating the top nut and an alternate member-based arrangement for the same angular extension change.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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