Patent US5219358A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5219358A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shape memory effect surgical needles
Assignee: Ethicon Inc
•
Filing: 1991-08-29
•
Granted: 1993-06-15
•
Expires: 2011-08-29
Abstract
Abstract Surgical needles are fabricated from a shape memory alloy. The alloy has a low temperature state, in which the needle is formable into an elongated shape to pass through an elongated tube, and a high temperature state, in which the needle forms an arc. The needle is particularly adapted for use in endoscopic surgery. A needle that has a remembered curved shape is straightened and passed to a surgical site through a cannula. It is then returned to its curved shape by heating it at the surgical site. After use, it is withdrawn through the cannula.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee P. Bendel
- 👤 William C. McJames
- 👤 Walter McGregor
- 👤 Robert J. Tannhauser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:53
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/06066; A61B17/0469; A61B17/062; A61B17/34; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B2017/06095; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0023; A61F2210/0047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for introducing a curved needle to a surgical site in a patient, comprising the steps of (a) inserting a cannula into the patient to permit access from outside the patient to the surgical site, (b) providing a shape-metal-alloy needle that, having been formed into an arc shape and tempered at an elevated temperature, has been formed into an elongated shape while in a first, low-temperature state, (c) passing the elongated needle through the cannula, and (d) heating the needle to a temperature at which the alloy is converted to a second, high temperature state, thereby causing the needle to return to the arc shape.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for introducing a curved needle to a surgical site in a patient, comprising the steps of (a) inserting a cannula into the patient to permit access from outside the patient to the surgical site, (b) providing a shape-metal-alloy needle that, having been formed into an arc shape and tempered at an elevated temperature, has been formed into an elongated shape while in a first, low-temperature state, (c) passing the elongated needle through the cannula, and (d) heating the needle to a temperature at which the alloy is converted to a second, high temperature state, thereby causing the needle to return to the arc shape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with an illumination light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a cautery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the needle through the cannula.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4170990A
Cited
US4485816A
Cited
US4425908A
Cited
US5067957A
Cited
US4926860A
Cited
US4984581A
Cited
US5069226A
Cited
US5002563A
Cited
US5037433A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-06-14 | 1996-12-14 | 1997-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-14 | 2000-12-14 | 2001-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-14 | 2004-12-14 | 2005-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |