US5709697A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for removing tissue
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1995-11-22
•
Granted: 1998-01-20
•
Expires: 2015-11-22
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which includes a housing, a cutting element movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing, a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting element, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. A method for surgically removing tissue is also provided and includes the steps of inserting an instrument into an incision formed at the operative site, deploying a blade guide at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the instrument, deploying a cutting element from a retracted position to an exposed position such that the cutting element is guided by the blade guide, moving the cutting element through a predetermined path such that a section of tissue is separated from the surrounding tissue, and removing the cut tissue from the surrounding tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Keith Ratcliff
- 👤 Salvatore Castro
- 👤 Dragomir C. Marinkovich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0233; A61B10/0266; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/22; A61B17/221; A61B2017/2215; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2932; A61B2017/2933; A61B2017/2937; A61B2017/32004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a cutting blade having a variable configuration movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting blade, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a cutting blade having a variable configuration movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting blade, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the cutting element is arcuately shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the cutting element is a composite of a plurality of individual elements joined together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the cutting element is a blade having a cutting surface formed on at least one edge of the blade.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, which further comprises a tissue retaining member positioned adjacent the guide member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein the tissue retaining member is helically shaped such that upon rotation the tissue retaining element spirals through tissue which it contacts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein the tissue retaining member is fixedly mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, which further comprises an actuator operatively connected to the guide member and movable from a first position to a second position to selectively effect movement of the guide member from the first orientation to the second orientation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the actuator is rotatably mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 1, which further comprises an actuator operatively connected to the cutting element and movable from a first position to a second position to selectively effect movement of the cutting element from the retracted position to the deployed position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is slidably mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
125 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a plurality of cutting elements movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and a plurality of guide members configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the plurality of cutting elements, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the plurality of guide members being movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of at least one of the plurality of guide members is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing, to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
125 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a plurality of cutting elements movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and a plurality of guide members configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the plurality of cutting elements, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the plurality of guide members being movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of at least one of the plurality of guide members is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing, to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of guide members are pivotably deployable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
157 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a handle portion; a cutting blade having a variable configuration and being operatively associated with the handle portion and movable between a retracted position wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration and a deployed position wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting blade, operatively associated with the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first position wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a tissue retaining member positioned adjacent the guide member and adapted to engage tissue such that the tissue is retained adjacent the guide member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
157 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a handle portion; a cutting blade having a variable configuration and being operatively associated with the handle portion and movable between a retracted position wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration and a deployed position wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting blade, operatively associated with the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first position wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a tissue retaining member positioned adjacent the guide member and adapted to engage tissue such that the tissue is retained adjacent the guide member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the cutting element is arcuately shaped.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the cutting element is a composite of a plurality of individual elements joined together.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the cutting element is a blade having a cutting surface formed on at least one edge of the blade.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the tissue retaining member is helically shaped such that upon rotation the tissue retaining element spirals through tissue which it contacts.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 18, wherein the tissue retaining member is fixedly mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, which further comprises an actuator operatively connected to the guide member and movable from a first position to a second position to selectively effect movement of the guide member from the first orientation to the second orientation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 20, wherein the actuator is rotatably mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 14, which further comprises an actuator operatively connected to the cutting element and movable from a first position to a second position to selectively effect movement of the cutting element from the retracted position to the deployed position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 22, wherein the actuator is slidably mounted relative to the housing.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
147 words
A surgical instrument which comprises: a handle portion; a plurality of cutting elements operatively associated with the handle portion and movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; a plurality of guide members configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the plurality of cutting elements, operatively associated with the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, at least one of the plurality of guide members movable from a first position wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a tissue retaining member positioned adjacent the plurality of guide members and adapted to engage tissue such that the tissue is retained adjacent the guide member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
147 words
A surgical instrument which comprises: a handle portion; a plurality of cutting elements operatively associated with the handle portion and movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; a plurality of guide members configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the plurality of cutting elements, operatively associated with the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, at least one of the plurality of guide members movable from a first position wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a tissue retaining member positioned adjacent the plurality of guide members and adapted to engage tissue such that the tissue is retained adjacent the guide member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
A surgical instrument according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of guide members are pivotably deployable.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for surgically removing tissue comprising the steps of: inserting an instrument into an incision formed at the operative site; deploying a blade guide at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the instrument; deploying a cutting blade from a retracted position wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration to an exposed position such that the cutting blade is guided by the blade guide and assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; moving the cutting blade through a predetermined path such that a section of tissue is separated from the surrounding tissue; and removing the cut tissue from the surrounding tissue.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for surgically removing tissue comprising the steps of: inserting an instrument into an incision formed at the operative site; deploying a blade guide at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the instrument; deploying a cutting blade from a retracted position wherein the cutting blade assumes a first configuration to an exposed position such that the cutting blade is guided by the blade guide and assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration; moving the cutting blade through a predetermined path such that a section of tissue is separated from the surrounding tissue; and removing the cut tissue from the surrounding tissue.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
116 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a cutting element movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and a guide member defining a passageway therethrough to direct orientation of the cutting element through the passageway, the guide member being operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member being movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
116 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a cutting element movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and a guide member defining a passageway therethrough to direct orientation of the cutting element through the passageway, the guide member being operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member being movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
126 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a flexible cutting blade movable between a retracted position wherein the flexible cutting blade assumes a first configuration disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position wherein the flexible cutting blade assumes a second configuration extending outwardly from the housing; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting edge, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
126 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a flexible cutting blade movable between a retracted position wherein the flexible cutting blade assumes a first configuration disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position wherein the flexible cutting blade assumes a second configuration extending outwardly from the housing; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting edge, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
151 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a flexible cutting blade movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing along an arcuate path wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing, the cutting blade defining a cutting edge formed along at least one side thereof and being rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting element, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
151 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a flexible cutting blade movable between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing along an arcuate path wherein the cutting blade assumes a second configuration different from the first configuration and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing, the cutting blade defining a cutting edge formed along at least one side thereof and being rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument; and a guide member configured and dimensioned to direct orientation of the cutting element, operatively connected to the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
136 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a guide member fixedly connected to a distal end of the housing and defining a passageway therethrough and having a longitudinal axis, a portion of the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; an elongated cutting blade slidable through the passageway of the guide member between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and wherein the housing includes an actuator actuable to move the elongated cutting blade between the retracted and deployed positions.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
136 words
A surgical instrument for cutting tissue, which comprises: a housing; a guide member fixedly connected to a distal end of the housing and defining a passageway therethrough and having a longitudinal axis, a portion of the guide member movable from a first orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing to a second orientation wherein the longitudinal axis of the guide member is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing; an elongated cutting blade slidable through the passageway of the guide member between a retracted position disposed substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending outwardly from the housing; and wherein the housing includes an actuator actuable to move the elongated cutting blade between the retracted and deployed positions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-01-19 | 2001-07-21 | 2002-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-01-19 | 2005-07-21 | 2006-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-01-19 | 2009-07-21 | 2010-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |