US5486186A — Ligating instrument and methods of ligating tissu…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 143 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; and a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 143 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; and a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 14 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said operating member is rotatable.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 15 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said operating member is moveable longitudinally.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 39 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 1 further including actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 4 wherein said cutter is disposed externally of said tubular member.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 4 wherein said cutter includes a plurality of cutting fingers having cutting blades for cutting said ligature material.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 23 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 6 wherein said instrument includes a longitudinal axis and said fingers are biased toward said axis.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 37 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 7 further including means on said tubular member for engaging said cutter to move said cutting fingers to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 8 wherein said engaging means includes protrusions on said tubular member.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 43 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 9 further including means for biasing said cutter to be normally disengaged from said engaging means and for permitting said cutter to be engaged by said engaging means in response to movement of said actuating means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 15 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 10 wherein said biasing means includes a spring.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 4 wherein said actuating means includes means for moving said cutter longitudinally relative to said tubular member.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 12 wherein said actuating means includes means for moving said cutter in a distal direction relative to said tubular member.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 12 wherein said actuating means includes means for moving said cutter in a proximal direction relative to said tubular member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 12 further including locking means for preventing movement of said cutter.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 38 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said handle includes relatively movable handle members for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction and further including locking means for preventing relative movement of said handle members.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 30 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 16 wherein said locking means includes a locking bar pivotably mounted on one of said handle members and selectively moveable between a locked

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 49 words

The ligating instrument as recited in claim 1 further including means disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for permitting movement of said ligature material within said tubular member in the proximal direction and preventing movement of said ligature material within said tubular member in a distal direction.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 50 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 18 wherein said movement permitting and preventing means includes a loop forming member secured to said distal end of said ligature material and having a passage therethrough for receiving said ligature material to form the loop for being positioned around the anatomical tissue.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 19 wherein said loop forming member includes a ball.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 178 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature,said cutter being disposed within said lumen; and actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 178 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature,said cutter being disposed within said lumen; and actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 220 words

A ligating instrument as recited in claim 21 wherein for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature; actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle, said actuating means including means for moving said cutter longitudinally relative to said tubular member; and locking means for preventing movement of said cutter, said locking means including a frangible locking member connected between said cutter and a non-movable portion of said instrument.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 223 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending thrugh said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature; and actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle, said actuating means including means for moving said cutter longitudinally relative to said tubular member, said handle including relatively movable handle members and said actuating means being disposed in the path of movement of one of said handle members to be moved by said one handle member to actuate said cutter.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 223 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending thrugh said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle; a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature; and actuating means coupled with said cutter for actuating said cutter to cut said ligature material in response to movement of said actuating means by the hand grasping said handle, said actuating means including means for moving said cutter longitudinally relative to said tubular member, said handle including relatively movable handle members and said actuating means being disposed in the path of movement of one of said handle members to be moved by said one handle member to actuate said cutter.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 182 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle, said handle including relatively movable handle members for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction; locking means for preventing relative movement of said handle members, said locking means including a frangible locking bar connected between said handle members; and a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 182 words

A ligating instrument for ligating anatomical tissue comprising a tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen; a length of ligature material extending through said lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end forming a loop disposed externally of said tubular member distal end for being positioned around anatomical tissue to be ligated; a handle mounting said tubular member proximal end for being grasped by a hand of a surgeon; an operating member coupled with said ligature material for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction within said tubular member to tighten said loop around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature in response to manual movement of said operating member by the hand grasping said handle, said handle including relatively movable handle members for moving said ligature material in a proximal direction; locking means for preventing relative movement of said handle members, said locking means including a frangible locking bar connected between said handle members; and a cutter mounted by said tubular member for cutting said ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 132 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a portal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material through the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 132 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a portal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material through the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 25 wherein said grasping step includes grasping a handle of the ligating instrument.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said moving step includes moving the operating member longitudinally with the hand grasping the ligating instrument.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of ligating tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said moving step includes squeezing the handle.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said ligating instrument includes a longitudinal axis and said moving step includes compressing the operating member in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said actuating step and said moving step include squeezing the handle.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said actuating step includes moving an actuating member of the cutter longitudinally with the same hand.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 26 wherein said ligating instrument includes a longitudinal axis and said actuating step includes compressing an actuating member of the ligating instrument in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 161 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body, said grasping step including grasping a handle of the ligating instrument; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a protal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material thrugh the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature, said moving step including rotating the operating member with a finger of the hand grasping the ligating instrument; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 161 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body, said grasping step including grasping a handle of the ligating instrument; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a protal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material thrugh the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature, said moving step including rotating the operating member with a finger of the hand grasping the ligating instrument; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of ligating anatomical tissue as recited in claim 33 wherein said rotating step includes rotating a wheel on the ligating instrument.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 160 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body, said grasping step including grasping a handle of the ligating instrument; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a protal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material thrugh the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature; squeezing the handle, after said moving step, to further tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 160 words

A method of ligating anatomical tissue in the body in endoscopic operative procedures comprising the steps of grasping a proximal end of a ligating instrument with one hand externally of the body, said grasping step including grasping a handle of the ligating instrument; introducing a distal end of the ligating instrument at an operative site in the body through a protal formed in tissue of the body; placing a length of ligature material carried by the ligating instrument around anatomical tissue to be ligated; moving an operating member of the ligating instrument with the same hand as that grasping the proximal end to pull the ligature material thrugh the ligating instrument to tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature; squeezing the handle, after said moving step, to further tighten the ligature material around the anatomical tissue; and actuating a cutter of the ligating instrument to cut the ligature material away from the thusly formed ligature.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-01-22	1999-07-24	2000-01-23	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-01-22	2003-07-24	2004-01-23	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-01-22	2007-07-24	2008-01-23	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Ligating instrument and methods of ligating tissue in endoscopic operative procedures

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