US6036711A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reusable cannula
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1998-02-18
•
Granted: 2000-03-14
•
Expires: 2018-02-18
Abstract
Abstract A reusable cannula for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures is fabricated from a material such as a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP), e.g., a polymer synthesized from p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid monomers. The cannula is electrically non-conductive, radiolucent, and experiences an appearance change in response to sterilization by autoclaving. The cannula is fixedly or removably attached to a cannula housing which may have a valve system and/or desufflation port.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick D. Mozdzierz
- 👤 Michael M. Ball
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B90/00; A61B90/08; A61B2090/0813
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
30 words
A cannula assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, which comprises: a reusable cannula fabricated from a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer and defining an axis of the cannula assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
30 words
A cannula assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, which comprises: a reusable cannula fabricated from a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer and defining an axis of the cannula assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 further including a cannula housing having first and second openings aligned with the axis of the cannula assembly, the cannula having a proximal end received into the first opening of the cannula housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer is prepared from p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid monomers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the cannula is radiolucent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the cannula demonstrates a perceptible appearance change in response to repeated autoclaving of the cannula.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the cannula is electrically non-conducting.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the cannula housing includes a desufflation gas port and an interior valve system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cannula assembly of claim 1 wherein the cannula is removably attached to the cannula housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
A kit containing: a) a cannula assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, which comprises: i) a reusable cannula fabricated from a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer and defining an axis of the cannula assembly, wherein the cannula demonstrates a perceptible appearance change in response to autoclaving process; and, ii) a cannula housing having first and second openings aligned with the axis of the cannula assembly, the cannula having a proximal end received into the first opening of the cannula housing; and b) a chart containing information as to cannula appearances associated with autoclave sterilization.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
A kit containing: a) a cannula assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, which comprises: i) a reusable cannula fabricated from a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer and defining an axis of the cannula assembly, wherein the cannula demonstrates a perceptible appearance change in response to autoclaving process; and, ii) a cannula housing having first and second openings aligned with the axis of the cannula assembly, the cannula having a proximal end received into the first opening of the cannula housing; and b) a chart containing information as to cannula appearances associated with autoclave sterilization.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cannula assembly of claim 9 wherein the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer is prepared from p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid monomers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The cannula assembly of claim 9 wherein the cannula is radiolucent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cannula assembly of claim 9 wherein the cannula is electrically non-conducting.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cannula assembly of claim 9 wherein the cannula housing includes a desufflation port and an interior valve system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cannula assembly of claim 9 wherein the cannula is removably attached to the cannula housing.
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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) | 2003-03-14 | 2003-09-13 | 2004-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-14 | 2007-09-13 | 2008-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-14 | 2011-09-13 | 2012-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |