Guide for facilitating the performance of internal surgery

Claim 2

An assembly for performing internal surgery, said assembly comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and an open distal end and defining an internal through passageway for a surgical instrument; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles; and an elongate surgical instrument for passage through the guide tube passageway to outward of the open distal end of the guide tube, wherein said holding means comprises ratchet means, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other.

Claim 3

The surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein the guide tube has a first opening/port at its proximal end and means are provided for selectively sealing and exposing the opening at the proximal end of the guide tube.

Claim 4

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding and locking the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube.

Claim 5

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding and locking the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube.

Claim 6

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube wherein the guide tube resides within the second tube and the second tube has a peripheral wall with at least one cutout therein to facilitate flexing thereof to alter the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube.

Claim 7

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube wherein the guide tube resides within the second tube and the second tube has a peripheral wall with at least one cutout therein to facilitate flexing thereof to alter the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube.

Claim 8

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube, wherein the holding means comprises a releasable ratchet mechanism.

Claim 9

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the bending means includes a second tube, each said guide and second tubes having an axis and residing one at least partially within the other, said bending means including cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for increasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a first axial direction relative to the guide tube and for decreasing the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube as the second tube is moved in a second axial direction relative to the guide tube, wherein the holding means comprises a releasable ratchet mechanism.

Claim 10

The guide structure according to claim 5 wherein the bending means includes first and second arms extending radially with respect to the axes of the guide and second tubes, said first and second arms being connected one each to the guide and second tubes, said bending means being operable by grasping the first and second arms and moving the first and second arms axially, selectively towards and away from each other.

Claim 11

The guide structure according to claim 5 wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a pivotable release tab.

Claim 12

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve.

Claim 13

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve.

Claim 14

The guide structure according to claim 8 wherein the outer sleeve includes means for facilitating securing of the outer sleeve relative to a tissue through which the guide tube is extended.

Claim 15

The guide structure according to claim 9 wherein the securing means comprises a radially extending arm on the outer sleeve with at least one notch therein for accommodating a tenaculum that can be used to connect the outer sleeve to a tissue through which the guide tube is extended.

Claim 16

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding and locking the distal guide tube end in a plurality of preselected bend angles within the range of bend angles said holding and locking means further comprising incremental adjusting means for locking said guide tube end at each of said plurality of preselected bend angles, wherein the guide tube has a first opening/port at its proximal end and means are provided for selectively sealing and exposing the opening at the proximal end of the guide tube, said guide structure further including a second opening/port at the proximal end of the guide tube in communication with the internal passageway defined by the guide tube.

Claim 17

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding and locking the distal guide tube end in a plurality of preselected bend angles within the range of bend angles said holding and locking means further comprising incremental adjusting means for locking said guide tube end at each of said plurality of preselected bend angles, wherein the guide tube has a first opening/port at its proximal end and means are provided for selectively sealing and exposing the opening at the proximal end of the guide tube, said guide structure further including a second opening/port at the proximal end of the guide tube in communication with the internal passageway defined by the guide tube.

Claim 18

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway, said guide tube in a normal relaxed state having a straight configuration; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the guide tube has a first opening/port at its proximal end and means are provided for selectively sealing and exposing the opening at the proximal end of the guide tube, said guide structure further including scale means on the guide structure for giving a visual indication of the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube at a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube.

Claim 19

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway, said guide tube in a normal relaxed state having a straight configuration; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; and means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, wherein the guide tube has a first opening/port at its proximal end and means are provided for selectively sealing and exposing the opening at the proximal end of the guide tube, said guide structure further including scale means on the guide structure for giving a visual indication of the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube at a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube.

Claim 20

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve; and scale means on the guide structure for giving a visual indication of the relative positions of the outer sleeve and guide tube.

Claim 21

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles, said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve; and scale means on the guide structure for giving a visual indication of the relative positions of the outer sleeve and guide tube.

Claim 22

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles; said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve; and cooperating means on the outer sleeve and the guide tube for releasably fixing the relative axial positions of the outer sleeve and the guide tube.

Claim 23

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube; means for releasably holding the distal guide tube end at a preselected bend angle within the range of bend angles; said guide structure further including an outer sleeve surrounding the guide tube and movable lengthwise relative to the guide tube, a sealing member with a conical surface on at least one of the guide tube and outer sleeve to be sealingly engaged within a tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide tube is extended, and means for normally biasing the sealing member away from the outer sleeve; and cooperating means on the outer sleeve and the guide tube for releasably fixing the relative axial positions of the outer sleeve and the guide tube.

Claim 24

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and means for releasably locking the distal end of the guide tube at a preselected bend angle.

Claim 25

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and means for releasably locking the distal end of the guide tube at a preselected bend angle.

Claim 26

The guide structure according to claim 15 including means for holding a plurality of preselected bend angles for the distal end of the guide tube in the range of bend angles.

Claim 27

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes on within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and means for holding a plurality of preselected bend angles for the distal end of the guide tube in the range of bend angles, wherein the means for holding a plurality of preselected bend angles comprises a ratchet mechanism.

Claim 28

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes on within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and means for holding a plurality of preselected bend angles for the distal end of the guide tube in the range of bend angles, wherein the means for holding a plurality of preselected bend angles comprises a ratchet mechanism.

Claim 29

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and graduated scale means for giving a visual indication of the relative positions of the sealing means and the guide tube.

Claim 30

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move in; and graduated scale means for giving a visual indication of the relative positions of the sealing means and the guide tube.

Claim 31

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end within an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; and means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move, wherein the bending means includes first and second arms extending transverse to the length of the guide and second tubes and means for connecting the first and second arms, one each of the guide and second tubes, to thereby facilitate bending of the distal end of the guide tube by relative movement of the guide and second tubes by movement of the first and second arms towards and away from each other.

Claim 32

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end within an opening and defining an internal through passageway; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube and cooperating means on the guide and second tubes for varying the bend angle of the distal end of the guide tube by moving the guide and second tubes one within the other lengthwise relative to each other; means on at least one of the guide and second tubes for sealing an opening through which the guide structure is extended; and means remote from the distal end of the guide tube for giving a visual indication of the direction of bending of the distal end of the guide tube to allow the user of the guide structure to ascertain the location of the opening at the distal end of the guide tube and the direction that an instrument extended through the guide tube passageway and out the guide tube opening will move, wherein the bending means includes first and second arms extending transverse to the length of the guide and second tubes and means for connecting the first and second arms, one each of the guide and second tubes, to thereby facilitate bending of the distal end of the guide tube by relative movement of the guide and second tubes by movement of the first and second arms towards and away from each other.

Claim 33

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends with an opening at the distal end thereof and defining a through passageway in communication with the distal end opening; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube surrounding the guide tube and having a plurality of cutouts therethrough and means for connecting the guide and second tubes together so that relative lengthwise movement between the guide and second tubes effects bending of the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means further including first and second arms extending transversely with respect to the length of the guide and second tubes and means for connecting the first and second arms, one each to the guide and second tubes, to allow relative lengthwise movement to be effected between the guide and second tubes by selective movement of the first and second arms towards and away from each other; an outer sleeve surrounding the guide and second tubes and slidable lengthwise relative thereto; means for fixing the position of the outer sleeve relative to at least one of the guide and second tubes; a sealing member connected to at least one of the guide tube, outer sleeve and second tube and having a conical sealing surface to be pressed against tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means for normally biasing the outer sleeve and sealing member away from each other; mean on the outer sleeve for connecting an end of a tenaculum to hold the outer sleeve relative to a tissue through which the guide tube extends; and means for setting and releasably holding the proximal end of the guide tube at a preselected bend angle.

Claim 34

A guide structure for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, said guide structure comprising: a guide tube having proximal and distal ends with an opening at the distal end thereof and defining a through passageway in communication with the distal end opening; means for bending the distal end of the guide tube within a range of bend angles from a location remote from the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means including a second tube surrounding the guide tube and having a plurality of cutouts therethrough and means for connecting the guide and second tubes together so that relative lengthwise movement between the guide and second tubes effects bending of the distal end of the guide tube, said bending means further including first and second arms extending transversely with respect to the length of the guide and second tubes and means for connecting the first and second arms, one each to the guide and second tubes, to allow relative lengthwise movement to be effected between the guide and second tubes by selective movement of the first and second arms towards and away from each other; an outer sleeve surrounding the guide and second tubes and slidable lengthwise relative thereto; means for fixing the position of the outer sleeve relative to at least one of the guide and second tubes; a sealing member connected to at least one of the guide tube, outer sleeve and second tube and having a conical sealing surface to be pressed against tissue surrounding an opening through which the guide structure is extended; means for normally biasing the outer sleeve and sealing member away from each other; mean on the outer sleeve for connecting an end of a tenaculum to hold the outer sleeve relative to a tissue through which the guide tube extends; and means for setting and releasably holding the proximal end of the guide tube at a preselected bend angle.

Claim 35

The guide structure according to claim 20 including graduated scale means for giving a visual indication of the relative position of one of the guide and second tubes and one of the outer sleeve and sealing member.

Claim 36

The guide structure according to claim 20 including graduated scale means for giving a visual indication of the relative positions of the guide and second tubes.

Claim 37

The guide structure according to claim 20 including a first port defining an entryway for an instrument at the proximal end of the guide tube and a second port, separate from the first port, defining a communication path with the guide tube passageway at the proximal end of the guide tube to externally of the guide structure.

Claim 38

The guide structure according to claim 23 including first and second means for selectively sealing and exposing the first and second ports.