US5902231A — Devices and methods for percutaneous surgery

Claim 1

Independent Claim 114 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof; and a fixture supporting said viewing element adjacent said working channel with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, whereby said second area is substantially equal to said first area.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 114 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof; and a fixture supporting said viewing element adjacent said working channel with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, whereby said second area is substantially equal to said first area.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second area is sized to simultaneously receive a plurality of surgical tools therethrough.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said viewing element has a proximal end adjacent said proximal end of said cannula and includes an image transmission channel extending from said lens at least to said proximal end thereof.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said viewing element includes a fiber-optic cable having illumination fibers and image transmission fibers disposed within said image transmission channel.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixture includes means for removably mounting said fixture to said cannula adjacent said proximal end of said cannula.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fixture includes means for supporting said viewing element within said working channel.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixture includes: a body having means for engaging said viewings element; and means for clamping said body onto said cannula to support said fixture on said cannula.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cannula is cylindrical and said first area is circular.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 155 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof, a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture including: a body having means for engaging said viewing element; a ring attached to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula; and means for compressing said ring about said cannula whereby said ring grips said cannula to support said fixture thereon.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 155 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof, a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture including: a body having means for engaging said viewing element; a ring attached to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula; and means for compressing said ring about said cannula whereby said ring grips said cannula to support said fixture thereon.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 61 words

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for compressing said ring includes: a pair of adjacent free ends; a pair of opposing arms extending from a corresponding one of said free ends, said arms defining a slot therebetween and extending between said free ends; and a mechanism connected to said arms and operable to compress said arms toward each other.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said means for compressing said ring further includes a slot defined in said body contiguous with said slot defined between said free ends of said ring.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 148 words

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said mechanism includes: a barrel cam disposed adjacent one of said pair of arms, said barrel cam having a cam surface with at least one inclined ramp facing away from said one of said pair of arms; means for supporting said barrel cam relative to said pair of arms to permit translation of said barrel cam toward said pair of arms; a lever arm including at least one projection facing said cam surface of barrel cam; and means for rotatably supporting said lever arm relative to said barrel cam with said at least one projection in substantially continuous contact with said cam surface of said barrel cam, whereby rotation of said lever arm relative to said barrel cam causes said projection to slide along said ramp to push said barrel cam toward said pair of arms and said pair of arms together.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 100 words

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said mechanism further includes: a threaded bore in one of said pair of arms distal from said barrel cam; bearing bores defined in the other of said pair of arms, said barrel cam and said lever arm, said bearing bores being aligned and coaxial with said threaded bore; and a shoulder screw having a threaded shank for mating with said threaded bore, a non-threaded bearing shank extending through said bearing bores, and a head larger than said bearing bores for engaging said lever arm when said threaded shank is engaged within said threaded bore.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 42 words

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: said barrel cam has a surface opposite said inclined ramp disposed adjacent said other of said arms; and said other of said arms includes a recess conforming to and receiving said surface of said barrel cam.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said cam surface of said barrel cam includes a recess at one end of said inclined ramp, said recess being sized to receive said projection of said lever arm therein.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one inclined ramp is arcuate.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said arcuate inclined ramp subtends an angle of about ninety degrees (90°), whereby said lever arm is rotated ninety degrees (90°) as the projection travels from one end of said ramp to the other.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 60 words

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said means for rotatably supporting said lever arm supports said lever arm to rotate through ninety degrees (90°) from a first position in which the lever arm is substantially parallel to said length of said cannula to a second position in which the lever arm is substantially perpendicular to said length of said cannula.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: said cam surface of said barrel cam includes two inclined ramps; and said lever arm includes two projections in contact with a corresponding one of said inclined ramps.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one projection includes a rounded tip for sliding contact with said at least one inclined ramp.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 190 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof, said viewing element including: a proximal end adjacent said proximal end of said cannula; an image transmission channel extending from said lens at least to said proximal end; an optics cannula carrying said image transmission channel and having an irrigation/aspiration channel extending therethrough; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture having a body defining an irrigation/aspiration port in communication with said irrigation/aspiration channel when said viewing element is supported by said fixture, said port being connectable to a source of irrigation fluid or aspiration vacuum.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 190 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including a lens at a distal end thereof, said viewing element including: a proximal end adjacent said proximal end of said cannula; an image transmission channel extending from said lens at least to said proximal end; an optics cannula carrying said image transmission channel and having an irrigation/aspiration channel extending therethrough; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture having a body defining an irrigation/aspiration port in communication with said irrigation/aspiration channel when said viewing element is supported by said fixture, said port being connectable to a source of irrigation fluid or aspiration vacuum.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 169 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including: a lens at a distal end thereof; an optics cannula having a proximal end fixed to said fixture and a distal end supporting said lens; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture including a ring slidably mounted for translation along and rotation about said cannula, whereby the position of said lens relative to said distal end of said cannula can be varied by movement of said ring relative to said cannula.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 169 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length and defining a first area within said cannula transverse to said length and an outer dimension sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient, said cannula further including a distal working end and an opposite proximal end, said cannula defining a working channel between said ends having a second area substantially equal to said first area and sized for receiving a surgical tool therethrough; a viewing element including: a lens at a distal end thereof; an optics cannula having a proximal end fixed to said fixture and a distal end supporting said lens; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said cannula with said lens disposed adjacent said working end of said cannula, said fixture including a ring slidably mounted for translation along and rotation about said cannula, whereby the position of said lens relative to said distal end of said cannula can be varied by movement of said ring relative to said cannula.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said optics cannula has a length greater than said length of said elongated cannula.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said optics cannula supports said lens has an optical axis oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said optics cannula.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said optics cannula is fixed to said fixture so that said optical axis is angled toward said working channel of said cannula.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 112 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient having a longitudinal axis, a distal working end and an opposite proximal end and defining a working channel between said ends, said working channel defining an inner area perpendicular to said longitudinal axis sized to receive a surgical tool therethrough; and a fixture removably mounted to said cannula defining an optics bore adjacent to said working channel for receiving a portion of the viewing element therein, said fixture including means for supporting the viewing element for movement relative to said cannula along an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 112 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient having a longitudinal axis, a distal working end and an opposite proximal end and defining a working channel between said ends, said working channel defining an inner area perpendicular to said longitudinal axis sized to receive a surgical tool therethrough; and a fixture removably mounted to said cannula defining an optics bore adjacent to said working channel for receiving a portion of the viewing element therein, said fixture including means for supporting the viewing element for movement relative to said cannula along an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said fixture includes: a body defining said optics bore; and a ring connected to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula at said proximal end thereof.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said fixture further includes means for selectively compressing said ring about said cannula whereby said ring grips said cannula to support said fixture thereon.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 130 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient having a first longitudinal axis, a distal working end and an opposite proximal end and defining a working channel between said ends, said working channel defining an inner area perpendicular to said longitudinal axis sized to receive a surgical tool therethrough; and a fixture removably mounted to said cannula adjacent to said working channel and defining an optics bore for receiving a portion of the viewing element therein, said optics bore having a second longitudinal axis, said fixture including means for supporting the viewing element for rotation relative to said cannula so that said second longitudinal axis of said optics bore rotates about said first longitudinal axis.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 130 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient having a first longitudinal axis, a distal working end and an opposite proximal end and defining a working channel between said ends, said working channel defining an inner area perpendicular to said longitudinal axis sized to receive a surgical tool therethrough; and a fixture removably mounted to said cannula adjacent to said working channel and defining an optics bore for receiving a portion of the viewing element therein, said optics bore having a second longitudinal axis, said fixture including means for supporting the viewing element for rotation relative to said cannula so that said second longitudinal axis of said optics bore rotates about said first longitudinal axis.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said fixture includes: a body defining said optics bore; and a ring connected to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula at said proximal end thereof.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said fixture further includes means for selectively compressing said ring about said cannula whereby said ring grips said cannula to support said fixture thereon.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 118 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for percutaneous surgery on the spine comprising: an elongated cannula having a length along a longitudinal axis from a distal working end to an opposite proximal end, a first portion of said length being sized for introduction into the patient adjacent the spine and having a length less than the distance from the lamina of a spinal vertebra to the skin of the patient, and a second portion of said length external to the patient and being about one-fourth (1/4) of the length of said first portion; and a fixture supporting the viewing element and having means for mounting said fixture on said cannula at said second portion of said cannula.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 118 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for percutaneous surgery on the spine comprising: an elongated cannula having a length along a longitudinal axis from a distal working end to an opposite proximal end, a first portion of said length being sized for introduction into the patient adjacent the spine and having a length less than the distance from the lamina of a spinal vertebra to the skin of the patient, and a second portion of said length external to the patient and being about one-fourth (1/4) of the length of said first portion; and a fixture supporting the viewing element and having means for mounting said fixture on said cannula at said second portion of said cannula.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 90 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated device for defining a working channel at a surgical site, said elongated device having an outer surface defining an outer dimension; a viewing element connectable to a viewing apparatus and including a lens at a distal end thereof; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said elongated device with said lens disposed adjacent said working channel defined by said elongated device, said fixture including means for removably gripping said fixture to said outer surface of said elongated device.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 90 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: an elongated device for defining a working channel at a surgical site, said elongated device having an outer surface defining an outer dimension; a viewing element connectable to a viewing apparatus and including a lens at a distal end thereof; and a fixture supporting said viewing element relative to said elongated device with said lens disposed adjacent said working channel defined by said elongated device, said fixture including means for removably gripping said fixture to said outer surface of said elongated device.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 139 words

A method for manufacturing an elongated cannula for supporting a viewing device during percutaneous surgery on the spine of a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) measuring a distance from the lamina of a spinal vertebra to the skin of the patient; (b) determining a first portion of a length of the cannula to be less than the distance measured in step (b), said first portion for introduction into the patient; (c) determining a second portion of said length to be about one-fourth (1/4) of the length of said first portion, the second portion external to the patient; (d) providing the elongated cannula having the length determined according to steps (b) and (c); and (e) providing a fixture for supporting the viewing element and means for mounting said fixture on said cannula at the second portion of the cannula.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 139 words

A method for manufacturing an elongated cannula for supporting a viewing device during percutaneous surgery on the spine of a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) measuring a distance from the lamina of a spinal vertebra to the skin of the patient; (b) determining a first portion of a length of the cannula to be less than the distance measured in step (b), said first portion for introduction into the patient; (c) determining a second portion of said length to be about one-fourth (1/4) of the length of said first portion, the second portion external to the patient; (d) providing the elongated cannula having the length determined according to steps (b) and (c); and (e) providing a fixture for supporting the viewing element and means for mounting said fixture on said cannula at the second portion of the cannula.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 124 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for percutaneous surgery on the spine, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length along a longitudinal axis from a distal working end to an opposite proximal end, a first portion of said length adjacent said distal working end being sized for introduction into the patient adjacent the spine and having a length less than the distance between a vertebra and a patient's skin, and a second portion of said length external to the patient; a fixture supporting the viewing element and having means for movably mounting said fixture on said cannula along said second portion of said cannula, said fixture including a body defining a stop edge for abutting engagement with said proximal end of said cannula.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 124 words

An apparatus for supporting a viewing element for percutaneous surgery on the spine, comprising: an elongated cannula having a length along a longitudinal axis from a distal working end to an opposite proximal end, a first portion of said length adjacent said distal working end being sized for introduction into the patient adjacent the spine and having a length less than the distance between a vertebra and a patient's skin, and a second portion of said length external to the patient; a fixture supporting the viewing element and having means for movably mounting said fixture on said cannula along said second portion of said cannula, said fixture including a body defining a stop edge for abutting engagement with said proximal end of said cannula.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said stop edge and said means for movably mounting said fixture define a travel distance permitting extension and retraction of the viewing element with respect to said distal working end.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said travel distance is about fifteen millimeters.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 100 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a cannula defining a working channel; a viewing element; a fixture for supporting said viewing element on said cannula, comprising: a body defining an optics bore for supporting a portion of said viewing element; a ring attached to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula, said ring including: a pair of adjacent free ends; a pair of opposing arms extending from a corresponding one of said free ends and defining a slot therebetween; and a mechanism connected to said arms and operable to compress said arms toward each other.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 100 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a cannula defining a working channel; a viewing element; a fixture for supporting said viewing element on said cannula, comprising: a body defining an optics bore for supporting a portion of said viewing element; a ring attached to said body, said ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula, said ring including: a pair of adjacent free ends; a pair of opposing arms extending from a corresponding one of said free ends and defining a slot therebetween; and a mechanism connected to said arms and operable to compress said arms toward each other.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said body further defines a second slot contiguous with said slot between said arms.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said ring defines a clamping surface for engaging said cannula.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 58 words

The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein: said body includes a support column extending between said body and said ring, said column configured to reside outside said cannula; and said body is configured so that said optics bore is aligned with a portion of said working channel of said cannula when said fixture is supported on said cannula.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 20 words

The fixture according to claim 41, wherein said body further defines an irrigation/aspiration port in communication with said working channel.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 20 words

The fixture according to claim 42, wherein said body further defines an illumination port in communication with said working channel.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 72 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a cannula defining a working channel therethrough; a ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula, said ring including a pair of adjacent free ends and a pair of opposing arms extending from a corresponding one of said free ends, said arms defining a slot extending between said free ends; and a mechanism connected to said arms operable to compress said arms toward each other.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 72 words

An apparatus for use in percutaneous surgery, comprising: a cannula defining a working channel therethrough; a ring sized to substantially encircle said cannula, said ring including a pair of adjacent free ends and a pair of opposing arms extending from a corresponding one of said free ends, said arms defining a slot extending between said free ends; and a mechanism connected to said arms operable to compress said arms toward each other.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 125 words

The clamp according to claim 44, wherein said mechanism includes: a barrel cam disposed adjacent one of said pair of arms, said barrel cam having a cam surface with at least one inclined ramp facing away from one of said pair of arms; and a lever arm including at least one projection facing said cam surface of said barrel cam, wherein said lever arm is rotatably supported relative to said barrel cam with said at least one projection in substantially continuous contact with said cam surface of said barrel cam, whereby rotation of said lever arm relative to said barrel cam causes said projection to slide along said ramp to push said barrel cam toward said pair of arms and said pair of arms together.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 36 words

The clamp according to claim 45, wherein: said barrel cam has a surface opposite said inclined ramp; and said one of said arms includes a recess conforming to and receiving said surface of said barrel cam.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 37 words

The clamp according to claim 45, wherein said cam surface of said barrel cam includes a recess at one end of said inclined ramp, said recess being sized to receive said projection of said lever arm therein.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 15 words

The clamp according to claim 45, wherein said at least one inclined ramp is arcuate.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 41 words

The clamp according to claim 48, wherein: said arcuate inclined ramp subtends an angle of about ninety degrees (90°), whereby said lever arm is rotated ninety degrees (90°) as the projection travels from one end of said ramp to the other.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 42 words

The fixture according to claim 49, wherein said lever arm is rotatable from a first position in which said lever arm is substantially parallel to the cannula to a second position in which said lever arm is substantially perpendicular to the cannula.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 23 words

The clamp according to claim 45, wherein said ring is engaged to a body defining an optics bore for supporting a viewing element.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 58 words

The clamp according to claim 51, wherein: said body includes a support column extending between said body and said ring, said body configured to reside outside the cannula; and said body is configured so that said optics bore is aligned with a portion of the working channel of the cannula when said clamp is engaged to the cannula.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-05-10	2002-11-09	2003-05-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-05-10	2006-11-09	2007-05-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-05-10	2010-11-09	2011-05-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Devices and methods for percutaneous surgery

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