US3994301A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Submammary dissector
Assignee: S AND S MEDICAL PRODUCTS CO Inc
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Filing: 1975-04-14
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Granted: 1976-11-30
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Expires: 1995-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A submammary dissector for providing a submammary pocket by insertion through an incision in a person's axilla the dissector having a curved portion at one end thereof and a handle portion at an opposite end thereof. A handle having a first grip is provided on the handle portion. The curved portion is provided with a rounded smooth tip and a dissecting notch. The upper surface of the curved portion and an intermediate portion of the dissector extending towards the handle portion are flat to provide a cleaving-like action which separates the breast at the level of the superficial fascia from the deep fascia of the underlying muscle. The undersurface of the dissecting instrument is round and smooth so that it may pass freely in the submammary space over the deep fascia of the pectoral muscle. Preferably, the curved portion is slightly tapered inwardly from the intermediate portion to the rounded tip. The handle portion is offset relative to the intermediate and curved portions for controlling movement of the curved portion. Additionally, the flat surface of the intermediate portion is provided with a scale to help determine the size and dimension of the dissected pocket, where the surgeon can easily and quickly determine distances of all portions of the dissected pocket allowing for accurate pocket formation.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Agris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B2017/320044; A61B2017/320056
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
A submammary dissector for providing a submammary pocket by insertion through an incision in a person's axilla, said dissector comprising a body member having an intermediate portion disposed between an arcuate portion at one end of said body member and a handle portion at an opposite end of said body member, said arcuate portion including dissecting means for separating breast from underlying muscle, said arcuate portion having a free end fixedly located relative to said intermediate portion, said free end being provided with a rounded smooth tip to avoid laceration of underlying muscle and fascia, said arcuate portion having a curved surface facing towards said handle portion, said dissecting means including a notch disposed in said curved surface adjacent to said tip, said dissecting means further including a flat surface on one side of said arcuate portion, said flat surface extending from said tip to at least said intermediate portion for providing a cleaving-like action for separating the breast from the underlying muscle, an opposite side of said arcuate portion being round and smooth for a length equal to said flat surface for passing freely in submammary space over the deep fascia of the underlying muscle, said intermediate and arcuate portions lying along one plane with said handle portion being off-set in a perpendicular direction away from said flat surface to a second plane parallel to said one plane for controlling movement of said arcuate portion, said intermediate and handle portions extending along a longitudinal axis with said arcuate portion extending transversely to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
A submammary dissector for providing a submammary pocket by insertion through an incision in a person's axilla, said dissector comprising a body member having an intermediate portion disposed between an arcuate portion at one end of said body member and a handle portion at an opposite end of said body member, said arcuate portion including dissecting means for separating breast from underlying muscle, said arcuate portion having a free end fixedly located relative to said intermediate portion, said free end being provided with a rounded smooth tip to avoid laceration of underlying muscle and fascia, said arcuate portion having a curved surface facing towards said handle portion, said dissecting means including a notch disposed in said curved surface adjacent to said tip, said dissecting means further including a flat surface on one side of said arcuate portion, said flat surface extending from said tip to at least said intermediate portion for providing a cleaving-like action for separating the breast from the underlying muscle, an opposite side of said arcuate portion being round and smooth for a length equal to said flat surface for passing freely in submammary space over the deep fascia of the underlying muscle, said intermediate and arcuate portions lying along one plane with said handle portion being off-set in a perpendicular direction away from said flat surface to a second plane parallel to said one plane for controlling movement of said arcuate portion, said intermediate and handle portions extending along a longitudinal axis with said arcuate portion extending transversely to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate portion is provided with scale means for determining size and dimension of the pocket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said flat surface further extends along one side of said intermediate portion, said scale means being disposed on said flat surface of said intermediate portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a handle is disposed on said handle portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 4, wherein said handle is molded on said handle portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 4, wherein said handle is provided with fist grip means for permitting a firm grasp of said dissector which provides strength, stability, balance, and a tactile sensitivity during its use.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate portion tapers from a larger cross section adjacent said intermediate portion to a smaller cross section adjacent said tip.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A submammary dissector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate portion provides a 90° curvature from said intermediate portion to said tip.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-30 | 1980-05-31 | 1980-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-30 | 1984-05-31 | 1984-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-30 | 1988-05-31 | 1988-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |