US20170156755A1 - Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures - Google Patents
Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170156755A1 US20170156755A1 US15/385,693 US201615385693A US2017156755A1 US 20170156755 A1 US20170156755 A1 US 20170156755A1 US 201615385693 A US201615385693 A US 201615385693A US 2017156755 A1 US2017156755 A1 US 2017156755A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cannula
- trocar assembly
- obturator
- endoscopic
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
- A61B17/3421—Cannulas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
- A61B17/3421—Cannulas
- A61B17/3439—Cannulas with means for changing the inner diameter of the cannula, e.g. expandable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3474—Insufflating needles, e.g. Veress needles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3478—Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/36—Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
- A61B90/361—Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M13/00—Insufflators for therapeutic or disinfectant purposes, i.e. devices for blowing a gas, powder or vapour into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M13/00—Insufflators for therapeutic or disinfectant purposes, i.e. devices for blowing a gas, powder or vapour into the body
- A61M13/003—Blowing gases other than for carrying powders, e.g. for inflating, dilating or rinsing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/313—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes
- A61B1/3132—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes for laparoscopy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
- A61B17/3421—Cannulas
- A61B17/3439—Cannulas with means for changing the inner diameter of the cannula, e.g. expandable
- A61B2017/3441—Cannulas with means for changing the inner diameter of the cannula, e.g. expandable with distal sealing means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B2050/3006—Nested casings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
Definitions
- the invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures.
- Endoscopic surgery encompasses modern, minimally invasive surgical procedures, in which access to the surgical field is gained through relatively small incisions. Endoscopic surgery includes laparoscopic procedures, which are performed within the abdominal or pelvic cavities. Endoscopic surgery also includes thoracoscopic procedures, which are performed on the thoracic or chest cavity.
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures are desirable because they make possible reduced blood loss; reduced post-operative patient discomfort; shortened recovery and hospitalization time; and reduced exposure of internal organs to possible contaminants.
- the abdomen is inflated using CO2 gas provided by an insufflation circuit.
- the CO2e levates the abdominal wall above the internal organs like a dome to create a working and viewing space for the surgery.
- a laparoscopic trocar which, in short hand, will be called an “LT”).
- a conventional LT 10 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B.
- the LT 10 is an access device used to penetrate the wall of the abdominal cavity to provide access for the introduction of CO2 insufflation gas; the manipulation of surgical instruments; and the insertion of optics (called laparoscopes) to observe the operating field while surgery is performed.
- a conventional LT 10 is typically treated as a single use, disposable item.
- a conventional LT 10 consists of two parts (see FIG. 1A ): a cannula 12 and an obturator 14 .
- the cannula 12 is a tubular sleeve that defines an access path or lumen to the operating field.
- the cannula typically includes a self-contained “air-lock” mechanism within the lumen, which provides access for surgical instruments and optics through the cannula, while preventing the escape of CO 2 introduced into the abdominal cavity, so the cavity stays inflated.
- conventional laparoscopic surgical instruments and laparoscopes are typically sized and configured in one of three standard exterior diameters, the smallest being about 5 mm, the next larger being about 10 mm, and the largest being about 12 mm. Due to inventory and cost issues, the conventional LT's incorporate cannulas 12 accordingly sized in a range of standard interior diameters to accommodate the smooth and airtight passage of the conventional 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm instruments. This hierarchy of cannula sizes for conventional LT's imposes limitation upon the use of specialized instruments having desirable added functional benefits, but which increase the exterior diameter of the instrument.
- the obturator 14 is an elongated pointed cylinder with a sharpened, tissue-penetrating tip.
- the obturator 14 is sized and configured to fit within the lumen of a conventionally-sized cannula 12 , with the penetrating tip 16 protruding from the open end of the cannula lumen, as FIG. 1B shows.
- the protruding, penetrating tip 16 of the obturator 14 incises or separates tissue on entry so as to allow body penetration.
- the LT 10 is supplied as an assembled unit, as shown in FIG. 1B , including the cannula 12 and a dedicated obturator 14 inserted through the lumen of the cannula.
- the surgeon manipulates the cannula 12 and dedicated obturator 14 as a single assembled unit (see FIG. 1C ).
- the dedicated obturator 14 is withdrawn (see FIG. 1D ), opening the lumen of the cannula 12 for passage of instruments or optics.
- LT's typically, during a single laparoscopic procedure, several, separate LT's (each comprising a cannula 12 and its own dedicated obturator 14 ) are inserted (see FIG. 1E ).
- at least one LT 10 is inserted for the introduction of CO 2 insufflation gas (the cannula 12 includes a stopcock 18 communicating with a passage in the cannula 12 , to which an insufflation line can be coupled); one or more LT's are inserted for passage of surgical instruments; and at least one LT is inserted for the passage of a laparoscope.
- the separate LT's (each comprising a cannula 12 and its dedicated obturator 14 ) are inserted individually, one at a time, in sequence, to provide the desired number of abdominal penetrations; and, in sequence, the withdrawn obturators 14 are put aside, one at a time, for disposal.
- the number of obturators 14 that are discarded as medical waste equals the number of cannulas 12 that form the abdominal penetrations.
- One aspect of the invention provides a simplified system and method for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure.
- the system and method are particularly well suited for use, e.g., in a situation in which it is desirable to make use of a specialized endoscopic instrument, which provides one or more desirable functional benefits, but which possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that does not readily fit the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's.
- the system and method include a single or a plurality of individual endoscopic cannula units to provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field.
- Each cannula unit is supplied obturator-free.
- Each cannula unit is sized and configured to accommodate passage of a conventional trocar assembly.
- the system and method For installing every cannula unit, the system and method include a single trocar assembly sized to pass through the cannula unit.
- the trocar assembly includes a preassembled single endoscopic cannula and a single dedicated functional obturator.
- the system and method make possible the repeated use of the single trocar assembly to aid insertion of multiple cannula units into tissue, establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using a single trocar assembly as the only obturator.
- the system and method make possible significantly less environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as contribute to lowered health care costs.
- Another aspect of the invention provides another simplified system and method for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure.
- the system and method are directed head-on to the solution of the problem of excess medical waste and unnecessary medical equipment costs associated with conventional endoscopic procedures.
- the system and method provide single use cannula units sized and configured to accommodate a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm); however, none of the cannula units is mated or made available with its own obturator.
- the cannula units are each provided obturator-free and are installed in multiple arrays using but a single conventional functional obturator.
- the single functional obturator is itself supplied as part of a preassembled conventional LT of the same size, which can be provided as a kit along with one or more cannula units or separately from another source.
- the system and method make it possible to establish an array of multiple endoscopic access sites (comprising the cannula units and the cannula of the LT) using only a single functional obturator.
- the systems and methods described provide, for the first time, a plurality of stand- alone, single use endoscopic cannula units, free of their own dedicated obturators, that can be installed either by use of a preassembled single trocar preassembly or by use of a single functional obturator during a given surgical procedure.
- the result is, for a given endoscopic procedure entailing the installation of several cannula access units, the need for only one functional obturator. Cost savings and less environmental damage result.
- FIGS. 1A to 1E are views of a conventional laparoscopic trocar and its method of use.
- FIG. 2 is a view of a simplified system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure that makes possible the installation of multiple non-conventional cannula units using a single conventional functional obturator.
- FIG. 3A is an exploded view of components of the system shown in FIG. 2 , comprising a cannula unit, an endoscopic cannula, and a dedicated functional obturator for the endoscopic cannula.
- FIG. 3B is a partially assembled view of components of the system shown in FIG. 2 , comprising the cannula unit, and a trocar assembly comprising the dedicated functional obturator inserted into the endoscopic cannula.
- FIG. 3C is a fully assembled view of components of the system shown in FIG. 2 , comprising the trocar assembly inserted into the cannula unit, forming a concentric access assembly.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are fully and partially exploded views of the gas seal assembly that forms a part of the cannula unit that is a component of the system shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4C is an elevation, fully assembled view of the cannula unit that is a component of the system shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5A is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , before insertion of an endoscopic instrument.
- FIG. 5B is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , during insertion of an endoscopic instrument.
- FIG. 5C is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , during withdrawal of an endoscopic instrument.
- FIG. 5D is an enlarged section view of the first functional seal of the gas seal assembly shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C .
- FIGS. 6A to 6I are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the simplified system shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 7 is a view of another simplified system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure that makes possible the installation of multiple non-conventional cannula units using a single conventional functional obturator.
- FIGS. 8A to 8H are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the simplified system shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a view of a view optimizing assembly for use with a state of the art laparoscope.
- FIGS. 10A to 10C are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the view optimizing assembly shown in FIG. 9 is association with the system shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 11A to 11C are enlarged views showing the details of the deflector assembly that forms a part of the view optimizing assembly shown in FIG. 9 that prevents fogging of the laparoscopic lens and deflects smoke and debris away from the lens during surgery.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are alternative views of a continuous flow tubing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the view optimizing assembly shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 2 shows a simplified system 20 for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure.
- the system 20 is particularly well suited for use in a situation in which it is desirable to make use of a specialized endoscopic instrument, which provides one or more desirable functional benefits, but which possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that falls between the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's.
- a given specialized endoscopic instrument having desirable features may require a 7-8 mm access site, which is too large to fit a conventional 5 mm LT, and small enough to not require a conventional 10 mm LT.
- cannulas suitable for a 7-8 mm instrument are available but are not uniformly stocked by hospitals, and when they are, they require their own dedicated obturators.
- the system 20 solves this problem by providing a non-conventional cannula unit 22 to accommodate a marginally larger endoscopic instrument (e.g., 7 to 8 mm), which can be installed using a single smaller diameter conventional LT (e.g., 5 mm), which is then used at another puncture site once the marginally larger cannula unit 22 has been set and the smaller LT withdrawn.
- a marginally larger endoscopic instrument e.g., 7 to 8 mm
- conventional LT e.g., 5 mm
- the system's solution also makes possible the installation of multiple non-conventional cannula units 22 using a single conventional functional obturator. The result is significantly less medical waste, as well as lowered health care equipment costs.
- the system 20 includes a plurality of individual endoscopic cannula units 22 as will be described in greater detail later.
- the cannula units 22 provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field. As shown in FIG. 2 , there is no functional obturator preassembled to any cannula unit 22 to aid insertion of the cannula unit into tissue. Each cannula unit 22 is supplied obturator-free.
- the system 20 also includes a single trocar assembly 24 .
- the trocar assembly 24 includes a single endoscopic cannula 26 , which provides one additional site for endoscopic access to the operating field.
- the trocar assembly 24 also includes, for the cannula 26 , a single dedicated functional obturator 28 to aid insertion of the trocar assembly 24 as a unit into tissue.
- the single dedicated functional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly is the only functional obturator the system 20 provides.
- each endoscopic cannula unit 22 of the system is sized and configured to be marginally larger in internal diameter than the largest external diameter of the single trocar assembly 24 . This makes possible the repeated use of the single trocar assembly 24 to aid insertion of all cannula units 22 into tissue.
- the system 20 makes possible a method for establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using a single trocar assembly 24 as the only obturator, resulting in significantly less environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as contributing to lowered health care costs.
- the single endoscopic trocar assembly 24 comprises a single endoscopic cannula 26 and a single, dedicated functional obturator 28 , as shown in FIG. 3A , which are provided preassembled with the system 20 , as FIGS. 2 and 3B show.
- a trocar assembly 24 can be provided separately and later used in association with one or more cannula units 22 (also separately supplied).
- the endoscopic cannula 26 can be conventionally sized to accommodate, upon removal of the dedicated obturator 28 , conventional endoscopic tools and the attachment of an insufflations line. Both components of the single endoscopic trocar assembly 24 are intended to be used once during a given procedure, and thereafter discarded or, if desired, reprocessed.
- obturator 28 includes a pointed or conical, tissue piercing tip 30 , which is sized and configured, during passage in tissue, to incise or separate tissue.
- tissue assembly with a “dedicated functional obturator,” it is meant that the single functional obturator 28 is supplied pre-assembled with the single endoscopic cannula 26 , such that the pointed or conical, tissue piercing tip 30 of the obturator 28 is oriented to aid the insertion of the endoscopic trocar assembly 24 as a unit into tissue.
- the single functional obturator 28 is pre-assembled in a sliding fit within a lumen of the single endoscopic cannula 26 (see FIG. 3B ), to form the trocar assembly 24 .
- the pointed or conical, tissue piercing tip 30 of the obturator 28 protrudes from an open distal end of the lumen to incise or separate tissue in advance of the distal end of the endoscopic cannula 26 .
- the distal end of the endoscopic cannula 26 can itself be funnel shaped to aid the insertion of the trocar preassembly as a unit into tissue.
- the trocar assembly 24 can be a conventional, off-the-shelf LT, having a cannula diameter that is common in the practice of endoscopic procedures, e.g., 5 mm; 10 mm; or 12 mm.
- the endoscopic cannula units 22 are each individually sized and configured to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field, e.g., within an abdomen.
- cannula unit it is meant that a given cannula unit 22 is not supplied with its own dedicated functional obturator. That is, the system provides the ability to create multiple endoscopic access sites (i.e., using the multiple cannula units 22 and the single trocar assembly 24 ), but provides for use of only a single functional obturator.
- the single functional obturator for the multiple cannula units 22 is the endoscopic trocar assembly 24 itself.
- each endoscopic cannula unit 22 comprises a tubular sleeve that defines an interior lumen 32 .
- a given cannula unit 22 can be formed by molding or machining from a biocompatible plastic or metal material. When fabricated from plastic material, the cannula unit can be transparent or opaque.
- the exterior of a cannula unit can include a ribbed outer profile 34 to take purchase in tissue, and can further include loops (not shown) for the passage of sutures to secure the cannula unit 22 to tissue during use.
- the cannula units 22 are intended to be disposable, low cost items, to be used once during a given procedure, and thereafter discarded.
- the interior diameter of the lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 is purposefully sized and configured to be slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the endoscopic cannula 26 of trocar assembly 24 , to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of the entire trocar assembly 24 through the lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 .
- the interior diameter of the cannula unit 22 can be marginally larger, e.g., 7.5 to 8 mm.
- the interior lumen 32 of each cannula unit 22 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 .
- each endoscopic cannula unit 22 can be individually fitted for insertion, one at a time, concentrically over the entire pre-assembled endoscopic trocar assembly 24 , with the dedicated functional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 protruding beyond both the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 and the separate cannula unit 22 . That is, a given cannula unit 22 can be fitted over the exterior cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 , to which the dedicated functional obturator 28 is pre-assembled. The result is that the single trocar assembly 24 can itself be repeatedly reused during the span of a given procedure as the only functional obturator to install multiple cannula units 22 .
- the cannula unit 22 includes a distal working region having an interior lumen 32 (the working lumen) sized and configured to provide an access site through which the single trocar assembly 24 can pass.
- the interior diameter of the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit can be about 7.5 to 8 mm.
- the cannula unit 22 further includes a proximal region that includes a gas seal assembly 36 .
- the gas seal assembly 36 serves to prevent loss of insufflation gas from the operating cavity through the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 , either when no instrument occupies the working lumen 32 or when an instrument occupies the working lumen 32 .
- the gas seal assembly 36 can be variously sized and configured.
- a cap 38 spans the proximal region of the cannula unit 22 .
- the cap 38 includes a working passage 40 , which, when fitted to the proximal region, is axially aligned with the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 .
- the working passage 40 includes an entry orifice 42 on the proximal end of the cap 38 and an exit orifice 44 within the cap 38 .
- an instrument I can be inserted into the entry orifice 42 and through the working passage 40 to the exit orifice 44 , and thus into and through the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 .
- the gas seal assembly 36 is housed entirely within the cap 38 in-line with the working passage 40 .
- the gas seal assembly 36 desirably includes two cooperating functional seals 46 and 48 .
- a first function seal 46 is positioned near the exit orifice 44 .
- a second functional seal 48 is positioned near the entry orifice 42 .
- the first functional seal 46 is sized and configured to normally prevent gas loss when an instrument I is not inserted through the working passage 40 , i.e., when the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 is unoccupied (see FIG. 5A ).
- the first functional seal 46 is also sized and configured to yield during the insertion of an instrument I through the working passage 40 into the working lumen 32 , and desirably without obstructing the insertion (see FIG. 5B ).
- the second functional seal 48 is sized and configured to prevent gas loss as the first functional seal 48 yields to the insertion of an instrument I through the working passage 40 into the working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 (as shown in FIG. 5B ). However, upon removal of the instrument I from the working passage 40 (see FIG. 5C ), the first functional seal 46 is sized and configured to quickly return from its yielded condition to its normal condition, again preventing gas loss.
- the size and configuration of the cooperating first and second functional seals 46 and 48 can vary.
- the first functional seal 46 comprises a flap valve component located adjacent the exit orifice 44 of the working passage 40 (see FIG. 4C ).
- the flap valve component 46 is movable, in the absence of an instrument I occupying the exit orifice (as FIG. 5A shows), to a flap closed condition in response to exposure to typical insufflation pressure (e.g., 15 mmHg) in the working lumen 32 .
- typical insufflation pressure e.g. 15 mmHg
- the flap valve component 46 closes and seals the exit orifice 44 , as FIG. 5A shows. In this way, the flap valve component 46 prevents gas loss when an instrument I is not inserted through the exit orifice 44 .
- the flap valve component 46 is pushed away from the flap closed condition in response to the insertion of an instrument I through the exit orifice 44 and thus through the flap valve component 46 itself.
- the flap valve component 46 is sized and configured to flexibly yield to the passage of the instrument I, without damage to the flap valve component 46 and preferably without obstructing the instrument's passage, which is what FIG. 5B shows.
- the flap valve component 46 upon removal of the instrument I from the exit orifice 44 (and thus freeing the flap valve component 46 ), the flap valve component 46 returns to the flap closed condition in response to exposure to insufflation pressure in the now-unoccupied working lumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 .
- flap valve component 46 is selectively sized and configured relative to the diameter of the exit orifice 44 to effectively cover and seal the exit orifice 44 in response to a typical range of insufflation pressures.
- a flap valve component 46 having a diameter 0.5′′ will affect a desired seal.
- proximal region of the lumen of the cannula unit is desirably sized and configured to form a pressure directing chamber 50 immediately distal to the flap valve component 46 .
- the pressure directing channel 50 accommodates and complements the fit and function of the flap valve component 46 , as its condition is affected by insufflation pressures and the passage of instruments.
- pressure directing chamber 50 enlarges the radial dimensions of the working channel 32 in the vicinity of the flap valve component 46 , and is further elongated axially to accommodate, without interference and damage, the movement of the flap valve component 46 between its closed and yield conditions.
- the radial enlarged chamber 50 desirably terminates near the exit orifice 44 to define a sharp lip edge 52 bounding the flap valve component 46 in generally the same plane as the flap valve component 46 (see FIG. 5D ).
- the lip edge 52 directs gas in the chamber 50 uniformly upward against the flap valve component 46 , and not around the flap valve component 46 , thereby minimizing vibration of the flap valve component 46 when closed or closing.
- the uniform pressure applied upwardly by the chamber 50 maintains a closed and sealed exit orifice 44 in the absence of an instrument I.
- the upward flow of gas through the chamber 50 also aids the rapid return of the flap valve component 46 to the closed condition upon removal of an instrument I from the exit orifice, as FIG. 5C shows.
- the material type, thickness, and durometer of the flap valve component 46 can be further selected to optimize the fit and function of the flap valve component 46 in the presence of a range of typical insufflation pressures.
- the flap valve component 46 is made, e.g., of a polyurethane material having a durometer of from 85 to 90 shore A.
- the flap valve component 46 relies upon a combination of the focused application of insufflation pressure and the material properties of the flap valve component 46 itself to seal the exit orifice 44 .
- the second functional seal 48 comprises an elastomeric septum located adjacent the entrance orifice 42 of the working passage 40 .
- the elastomeric septum 48 is sized and configured to create a sliding seal along the instrument I as it passes through the entrance orifice.
- the gas seal assembly 36 comprises a low profile unitary body 54 , made possible by the unique first (gas) functional seal 46 and second (instrument) functional seal 48 combination, which is unlike the duckbill and cone seals used in most commercially available trocars.
- the unitary body 54 is formed (e.g., by molding or machining plastic or metal materials) with the working passage 40 , the entrance orifice 42 , and the exit orifice 44 integrally formed.
- the first and second functional seals 46 and 48 are attached to the unitary body 54 .
- the gas seal assembly 36 can then be inserted as a unit into the cap 38 .
- the cap 38 itself can be low-profile (e.g., in a representative embodiment, an axial height of 0.4 in).
- each cannula unit as described makes possible a unique method of establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using only a single functional obturator.
- FIGS. 6A to 6I show a representative method that makes use of these features.
- the method includes (see FIG. 6A ) (i) providing a single endoscopic trocar assembly 24 comprising a single endoscopic cannula 26 and a single, dedicated functional obturator 28 , as described above.
- the method further includes (see FIG. 6B ) (ii) providing one or more endoscopic cannula units 22 , as described above, free of (i.e., without) its own dedicated functional obturator.
- Each cannula unit 22 has a minimum interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of the endoscopic cannula 26 , which forms the exterior of the single trocar assembly 24 .
- the cannula unit 22 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 .
- the method further includes (see FIG. 6C ) (iii) selecting a single one of the cannula units 22 for inserting into tissue to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field.
- the method further includes (iv) fitting the selected cannula unit 22 over the entire single trocar assembly 24 .
- a concentric access assembly 56 for the cannula unit 22 is created.
- the concentric access assembly 56 comprises, from interior to exterior, the dedicated functional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 , the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 , and the selected cannula unit 22 .
- the concentric access assembly 56 includes, protruding beyond the distal end of the cannula unit 22 , the penetrating tip 30 of a functional obturator 28 .
- the method further includes (see FIG. 6D ) (v) manipulating the concentric access assembly 56 as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 30 of the functional obturator to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration.
- an insufflation line can be connected to a stopcock 18 conventionally provided on the trocar assembly 24 , to pressurize the operating cavity.
- the method further includes, after body penetration and insufflation have been made (see FIG. 6E ), (vi) withdrawing the trocar assembly 24 from the cannula unit 22 , leaving the cannula unit 22 in place providing access to the operating cavity.
- the gas seal assembly 36 in the cannula unit 22 prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses.
- the method optionally includes, after (vi) (see FIGS. 6F and 6G ) the repeated reuse of the single trocar assembly 24 to install any desired number of selected cannula units 22 to provide any desired number of abdominal penetrations.
- a given cannula unit 22 is fitted concentrically over the entire trocar assembly 24 to form a concentric access assembly 56 that includes the additionally selected cannula unit 22 .
- the concentric access assembly 56 is again manipulated as a single unit, allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 30 of the functional obturator 28 to again incise or separate tissue to again achieve body penetration.
- the trocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from the cannula unit 22 .
- Another selected cannula unit 22 remains to provide additional access to the operating cavity.
- the method further includes, after insertion of all desired cannula units 22 , the use of the trocar assembly 24 by itself in a traditional manner for form yet another access site.
- the method includes (vii) manipulating the trocar assembly 24 as an integrated unit into tissue, this time without a cannula unit 22 , allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 30 of the functional dedicated obturator 28 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration for the cannula 26 .
- the method further includes, after body penetration has been made (see FIG.
- FIG. 6I shows
- the dedicated functional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 can be discarded as medical waste.
- FIG. 1E prior art
- FIG. 6I graphically demonstrates the significant reduction in environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as the contribution to lowered health care costs, that the technical features of the system and method provide.
- the system 20 and method make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., the dedicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 ) for multiple endoscopic entries.
- the presence of the cannula unit 22 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site.
- FIG. 7 shows another representative embodiment of simplified system 58 for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure.
- the system 58 solves the problem of excess medical waste and unnecessary medical equipment costs associated with conventional endoscopic procedures.
- the system 58 solves this problem by providing single use cannula units 60 sized and configured to accommodate a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm), which can be installed in arrays of multiple cannula units 60 using but a single conventional functional obturator 62 that is supplied in a preassembled conventional LT 64 (as a kit with the cannula units 22 , or acquired separately and later used in association with the cannula units 22 ) having a endoscopic cannula 66 with the same interior diameter as the cannula unit 60 .
- a conventional endoscopic instrument e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm
- the system 58 includes a plurality of individual endoscopic cannula units 60 like that previously described, but possessing a diameter suited for passing a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm).
- the cannula units 60 provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field.
- Each cannula unit 60 is supplied obturator-free.
- the cannula units 60 shown in FIG. 7 desirably possess the same technical features described for the of the cannula units 22 shown in FIG. 2 (and as further shown in FIGS. 4A /B/C and 5 A/B/C/D).
- the system 58 may include a single trocar assembly 64 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the cannula units 60 may be provided separately (either alone or as a plurality), and the obturator 62 used for their passage obtained from a conventional LT obtained from another source.
- the trocar assembly 64 possesses a diameter accommodating a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm), and can itself comprise a convention LT.
- the trocar assembly 64 includes a single endoscopic cannula 66 , which provides one additional site for endoscopic access to the operating field.
- the trocar assembly 64 also includes, for the cannula, a single dedicated functional obturator 62 to aid insertion of the trocar assembly 64 as a unit into tissue.
- the single dedicated functional obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 is the only functional obturator the system 58 provides.
- each cannula unit as described makes possible a unique method of establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using only a single functional obturator.
- FIGS. 8A to 8I show a representative method that makes use of these features.
- the method includes (see FIG. 8A ) (i) providing a single endoscopic trocar assembly 64 comprising a single endoscopic cannula 66 and a single, dedicated functional obturator 62 , as described above.
- the method further includes (see FIG. 8B ) (ii) providing one or more endoscopic cannula units 60 , as described above, free of (i.e., without) its own dedicated functional obturator.
- Each cannula unit 60 has an interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of the obturator 62 when removed from the trocar assembly 64 (which can comprise a conventional LT), after that trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) has been passed through the abdominal wall and the obturator 62 removed so it can be reused.
- the cannula unit 60 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of the endoscopic cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT).
- the method further includes, prior to insertion of any of the cannula units 60 (see FIG. 8C ), (iii) the use of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) by itself in a traditional manner for form an access site.
- the method includes manipulating the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 68 of the functional dedicated obturator 62 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration for the cannula 66 .
- the method further includes, after body penetration has been made (see FIG.
- an insufflation line can be connected to a stopcock 18 conventionally provided on the trocar assembly 64 , to pressurize the operating cavity.
- the method further includes, after insertion of the cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) (see FIG. 8E ), selecting a single one of the cannula units 60 for inserting into tissue to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field, and fitting the selected cannula unit 66 over the functional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT).
- FIG. 8E shows, by fitting the cannula unit 60 over the functional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT), a concentric access assembly 70 for the cannula unit 60 is created.
- the concentric access assembly 70 comprises, from interior to exterior, the functional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) and the selected cannula unit 60 .
- the concentric access assembly 70 includes, protruding beyond the distal end of the cannula unit 60 , the penetrating tip 68 of the functional obturator 62 .
- the method further includes (v) manipulating the concentric access assembly 70 as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 68 of the functional obturator 62 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration.
- the method further includes, after body penetration of the cannula unit 60 has been made (see FIG. 8F ), (vi) withdrawing the functional obturator 62 from the cannula unit 60 , leaving the cannula unit 60 in place providing access to the operating cavity.
- a gas seal assembly 36 in the cannula unit 60 prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses.
- the method optionally includes, after (vi) (see FIGS. 8H and 8I ) the repeated reuse of the functional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) to install any desired number of selected cannula units 60 to provide any desired number of abdominal penetrations.
- a given cannula unit 60 is fitted concentrically over the functional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT), to form a concentric access assembly 70 that includes the additionally selected cannula unit 60 .
- the concentric access assembly 70 is again manipulated as a single unit, allowing the protruding, penetrating tip 68 of the functional obturator 62 to again incise or separate tissue and again achieve body penetration. Once penetration has been made (see FIG. 8I ), the functional obturator 62 is withdrawn from the cannula unit 60 . Another selected cannula unit 60 remains to provide additional access to the operating cavity.
- FIG. 8I shows the dedicated functional obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) can be discarded as medical waste.
- FIG. 1E prior art
- FIG. 8I graphically demonstrates the significant reduction in environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as the contribution to lowered health care costs, that the technical features of the system and method provide.
- the system 58 and method make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., the dedicated obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 or conventional LT) for multiple endoscopic entries.
- a single functional obturator i.e., the dedicated obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 or conventional LT
- the presence of the cannula unit 60 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site.
- FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a view optimizing assembly 110 for use in association with a state of the art laparoscope 112 (as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C ).
- the components of the view optimizing assembly 110 may be made from plastic materials (extruded and/or molded), but other suitable materials, such as metal or a composite material, or combinations thereof could be used.
- the view optimizing assembly 110 comprises a multi-lumen sheath assembly 114 .
- the sheath assembly 114 is sized and configured to mount over the shaft of a conventional laparoscope 112 , as FIGS. 10A and 10B show.
- the end of the sheath 114 is sized and configured to match the size and configuration of the end of the corresponding laparoscope 112 , which in FIG. 10A is shown to be angled.
- the assembly 110 includes a tubing set 116 and a source of flushing liquid 172 .
- the source of flushing liquid 172 comprises a syringe 174 , which contains the flushing liquid 172 .
- the flushing liquid 172 can include a surface-active agent (surfactant) to aid removal of fatty debris.
- the flushing liquid 172 can be a solution comprising (i) Docusate Sodium: 0.050-0.20% v/v; (ii) Phosphate Buffer: 0.2% v/v; and (iii) Water for Injection H 2 O: 99.600-99.75%.
- the flushing liquid 172 is packaged in a 10 ml or 20 ml syringe 174 , sterilized, and delivered to the surgical suite in a double poly pouch, as FIG. 9 shows.
- the tubing set 116 connects the sheath 114 to a carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation circuit, as well as to the syringe 174 containing the flushing liquid 172 .
- CO2 carbon dioxide
- a manifold 118 on the proximal end of the sheath 114 includes a quick exchange coupling 120 that mates with a quick exchange coupler 122 on the tubing set 116 , to quickly couple the tubing set 116 in fluid communication with the interior lumens of the sheath 114 .
- the sheath 114 includes at its distal end a deflector assembly 164 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B ).
- the deflector assembly 164 projects a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the sheath 114 , and thus also a predetermined distance beyond the lens at the distal end of the laparoscope 112 .
- the deflector assembly 164 is sized and configured to direct the CO2 gas that is conveyed along the sheath 114 through lumens in a prescribed flow path and flow velocity across the laparoscopic lens.
- a rolling vortex can be created that extends across and beyond the laparoscopic lens.
- the flow path and flow velocity of the CO2 across the laparoscopic lens prevents fogging and also desirably serves to deflect smoke and surgical debris away from the laparoscopic lens during surgery, thereby maintaining clear visualization of the surgical site without removing the laparoscope from the abdominal cavity for the purpose of cleaning or de-fogging its lens.
- the surgical team may also depress the plunger of the syringe plunger 174 to dispense aliquots of 1 ml-5 ml of the flushing liquid 172 through the deflector assembly 164 (which conveyed through other lumens in the sheath) to flush debris off the end of the lens that may eventually accumulate.
- the operator can, if desired, prompt a burst of CO 2 gas from the insufflation circuit over the lens (by squeezing the pneumatic flush bulb 180 in the tubing set 116 ), to further remove debris and/or residual droplets of the flushing liquid from the lens. Visualization is restored rapidly and without removal of the laparoscope from the abdomen.
- the sheath assembly 114 is desirably sized with an interior diameter to accommodate a selected one of these laparoscope diameters, as well as with an exterior diameter to accommodate passage through a conventional LT.
- the sheath 114 when sized and configured to provide its desirable functional benefit for the smallest diameter conventional laparoscope (5 mm), possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that falls between the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's.
- the sheath 114 with an interior diameter sized for a 5 mm laparoscope has an exterior diameter which is larger than 5 mm, e.g., 7.5 to 8 mm.
- the resulting 7-8 mm outer diameter of the sheath 14 is too large to fit a conventional 5 mm LT, and small enough to not require a conventional 10 mm LT.
- the system 20 provides a non-conventional cannula unit 22 to accommodate the marginally larger endoscopic dimensions of the sheath 14 (e.g., 7 to 8 mm), but nevertheless accommodating installation using a single smallest conventional 5 mm LT (e.g., 5 mm) (as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6I ).
- a single smallest conventional 5 mm LT e.g., 5 mm
- use of the system 20 shown in FIG. 2 leads to additional benefits, including significantly less medical waste, as well as lowered health care equipment costs.
- FIG. 10A shows the set up of the view optimizing assembly 110 with the system 20 comprising multiple access sites established by practicing the method shown in FIGS. 6A to 6I .
- the method makes use of a single 5 mm endoscopic trocar assembly 24 (see FIG. 6A ) and one or more marginally enlarged endoscopic cannula units 22 (see FIG. 6B ).
- Each cannula unit 22 has an interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of the 5 mm endoscopic cannula 26 , which forms the exterior of the single trocar assembly 24 .
- the exterior diameter of each cannula unit 22 is marginally increased.
- the method selects a single one of the cannula units for inserting into tissue.
- the method fits the selected cannula unit 22 over the entire single trocar assembly 24 ( FIG. 6C ) to form a concentric access assembly 56 , and manipulates the concentric access assembly 56 as an integrated unit into tissue ( FIG. 6D ).
- an insufflation line can be connected to the stopcock 18 provided on the trocar assembly 24 , to pressurize the operating cavity.
- the trocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from the cannula unit 22 , leaving the cannula unit 22 in place, providing access to the operating cavity.
- the gas seal assembly 36 in the cannula unit 22 prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses.
- the method optionally includes (see FIGS. 6F and 6G ) the repeated reuse of the single trocar assembly 24 to install any desired number of selected cannula units 22 , thereby providing any desired number of abdominal penetrations.
- FIG. 10A two cannula units 22 are installed. One of these cannula units 22 will ultimately accommodate passage of the sheath 114 (as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C ).
- the trocar assembly 24 is itself inserted in a traditional manner, to form yet another access site ( FIGS. 6H and 6I ).
- the dedicated functional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 , leaving the endoscopic cannula 26 of the trocar assembly 24 in place providing additional access to the operating cavity as well as a site to couple an insufflation pressure line (i.e., to stopcock 18 ).
- the entire system 20 shown in FIG. 10A has been installed using but one functional obturator, which can later be discarded as medical waste, or reprocessed (see FIG. 6I ).
- the tubing set 116 of the assembly 10 couples the insufflation circuit to the stopcock 18 of the cannula 26 .
- the laparoscope 112 is inserted into the sheath 114 , and the sheath 114 and laparoscope 112 are inserted as a unit through one of the installed cannula units 22 .
- the system 20 and method therefore make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., the dedicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 ) for multiple endoscopic entries.
- the presence of the cannula unit 22 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site. Only one trocar assembly 24 (comprising only one dedicated functional obturator 28 ) need be used for the multiple entries.
- FIG. 6I demonstrates, at the end of the procedure, there remains, as medical waste, only a single functional obturator (i.e., the dedicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24 ), which is significantly less than the number of cannulas and abdominal penetrations deployed during the procedure. Cost savings and less environmental damage result.
- CFT Continuous Flow Tubing
- the tubing set 116 can include a continuous flow tubing assembly 72 (called in shorthand, continuous flow tubing, or CFT), to store pressurized CO2 gas in a reservoir 74 , so that when the insufflation circuit stops the flow of gas to measure the pressure in the peritoneum, the flow of gas to sheath 114 is not interrupted.
- the reservoir 74 serves as a gas capacitor to store CO2 gas at a static pressure reached in the tubing set 116 .
- the reservoir 74 i.e., gas capacitor
- CFT 72 utilizes a gas reservoir 74 with an elastic diaphragm that expands during filling and maintains a static pressure.
- the illustrative system shown in FIG. 12A comprises a parallel flow circuit with two flow paths. Path 1 allows for minimal flow reduction when the insufflation circuit is supplying gas and charging the capacitor. Path 2 is operative when the gas capacitor is discharging. A directional valve closes 76 off Path 2 when the insufflations circuit is supplying gas which charges the gas capacitor. The directional valve 76 closes off Path 1 when the insufflation circuit stops supplying gas to measure peritoneum pressure.
- the static pressure residing in the gas capacitor i.e., reservoir 74
- discharges to the sheath 114 which maintains a supply of gas across the laparoscope lens.
- a one-way valve 78 before the gas reservoir allows the gas capacitor to fill when the insufflation circuit is supplying gas and it prevents the back flow of gas when the insufflation circuit is measuring pressure inside the peritoneal space.
- the directional valve 76 includes an interior ball that shifts side to side to block the flow paths. The ball is shifted by the pressure differential found between Paths 1 and 2 .
- the gas capacitor comprises an elastomeric reservoir 74 that expands to store approximately 50 cc of gas under pressure.
- the reservoir stores gas at 22 mmHg-24 mmHg.
- the diaphragm is made from a biocompatible elastomer like silicone. Durometer is less than 25 shore A.
- the one-way valve 78 can comprise a high flow, low cracking pressure, ball check valve.
- the connectors to the CFT 72 can comprise standard luer fittings.
- the illustrative CFT 72 shown in FIG. 12B comprises a series flow circuit, in which gas flow to the sheath 114 (downstream of the branch leading to the abdominal cavity) passes through a one-way backflow valve 78 and the reservoir 74 on the way to the sheath 14 .
- the one-way valve 78 closes, and static pressure in the reservoir 74 continues to be discharged into the sheath 114 .
- CFT 72 comprises the placement of an in-line reservoir (or air capacitor) in the circuit that supplies gas to the sheath 14 .
- the reservoir collects gas during operation of the source insufflator and discharges gas for a brief period while operation of the insufflator is periodically interrupted. There has never been a reason to provide a reservoir in an insufflations line, because no one has provided medical device that uses insufflation gas for anything but inflating the abdominal cavity.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Methods and systems for accessing an operating cavity when performing endoscopic surgery comprising. The systems and methods include at least one obturator-free cannula unit and a trocar assembly. The trocar assembly includes a single dedicated functional obturator independent of the cannula unit and an endoscopic cannula. The invention also provides a system and methods for providing continuous flow of carbon dioxide during a laparoscopic procedure.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/311,085, filed Dec. 5, 2011, titled “DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,522,017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/419,357, filed Dec. 3, 2010, and titled “DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES.”
- The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures.
- Endoscopic surgery (also called keyhole surgery) encompasses modern, minimally invasive surgical procedures, in which access to the surgical field is gained through relatively small incisions. Endoscopic surgery includes laparoscopic procedures, which are performed within the abdominal or pelvic cavities. Endoscopic surgery also includes thoracoscopic procedures, which are performed on the thoracic or chest cavity.
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures are desirable because they make possible reduced blood loss; reduced post-operative patient discomfort; shortened recovery and hospitalization time; and reduced exposure of internal organs to possible contaminants.
- In laparoscopic surgery, for example, operations in the abdomen are performed through relatively small incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm).
- During laparoscopic surgery, the abdomen is inflated using CO2 gas provided by an insufflation circuit. The CO2elevates the abdominal wall above the internal organs like a dome to create a working and viewing space for the surgery.
- One key element in laparoscopic surgery is an assembly called a laparoscopic trocar (which, in short hand, will be called an “LT”). A
conventional LT 10 is shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The LT 10 is an access device used to penetrate the wall of the abdominal cavity to provide access for the introduction of CO2 insufflation gas; the manipulation of surgical instruments; and the insertion of optics (called laparoscopes) to observe the operating field while surgery is performed. A conventional LT 10 is typically treated as a single use, disposable item. - A
conventional LT 10 consists of two parts (seeFIG. 1A ): acannula 12 and anobturator 14. - The
cannula 12 is a tubular sleeve that defines an access path or lumen to the operating field. The cannula typically includes a self-contained “air-lock” mechanism within the lumen, which provides access for surgical instruments and optics through the cannula, while preventing the escape of CO2 introduced into the abdominal cavity, so the cavity stays inflated. - According to existing laparoscopic surgical preference and practice, conventional laparoscopic surgical instruments and laparoscopes are typically sized and configured in one of three standard exterior diameters, the smallest being about 5 mm, the next larger being about 10 mm, and the largest being about 12 mm. Due to inventory and cost issues, the conventional LT's incorporate
cannulas 12 accordingly sized in a range of standard interior diameters to accommodate the smooth and airtight passage of the conventional 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm instruments. This hierarchy of cannula sizes for conventional LT's imposes limitation upon the use of specialized instruments having desirable added functional benefits, but which increase the exterior diameter of the instrument. - The
obturator 14 is an elongated pointed cylinder with a sharpened, tissue-penetrating tip. Theobturator 14 is sized and configured to fit within the lumen of a conventionally-sized cannula 12, with the penetratingtip 16 protruding from the open end of the cannula lumen, asFIG. 1B shows. The protruding, penetratingtip 16 of theobturator 14 incises or separates tissue on entry so as to allow body penetration. - In conventional usage, the LT 10 is supplied as an assembled unit, as shown in
FIG. 1B , including thecannula 12 and adedicated obturator 14 inserted through the lumen of the cannula. To penetrate the abdominal wall, the surgeon manipulates thecannula 12 anddedicated obturator 14 as a single assembled unit (seeFIG. 1C ). Once penetration has been made, thededicated obturator 14 is withdrawn (seeFIG. 1D ), opening the lumen of thecannula 12 for passage of instruments or optics. - Since conventional LT's are typically treated as single use items, after each
obturator 14 is withdrawn from itscompanion cannula 12 as just described, theobturator 14 is not used again during the procedure. It is discarded as medical waste. Theoretically, an obturator 14 (and companion cannula 12) could, if desired, be reprocessed for use in a subsequent procedure, but, according to conventional wisdom, many surgeons and surgical teams nevertheless resist reusing devices intended for single use that, even though reprocessed, have been inside a previous patient. - Typically, during a single laparoscopic procedure, several, separate LT's (each comprising a
cannula 12 and its own dedicated obturator 14) are inserted (seeFIG. 1E ). For example, at least oneLT 10 is inserted for the introduction of CO2 insufflation gas (thecannula 12 includes astopcock 18 communicating with a passage in thecannula 12, to which an insufflation line can be coupled); one or more LT's are inserted for passage of surgical instruments; and at least one LT is inserted for the passage of a laparoscope. The separate LT's (each comprising acannula 12 and its dedicated obturator 14) are inserted individually, one at a time, in sequence, to provide the desired number of abdominal penetrations; and, in sequence, the withdrawnobturators 14 are put aside, one at a time, for disposal. Thus, at the end of the procedure (seeFIG. 1E ), the number ofobturators 14 that are discarded as medical waste equals the number ofcannulas 12 that form the abdominal penetrations. - One aspect of the invention provides a simplified system and method for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure. The system and method are particularly well suited for use, e.g., in a situation in which it is desirable to make use of a specialized endoscopic instrument, which provides one or more desirable functional benefits, but which possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that does not readily fit the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's.
- The system and method include a single or a plurality of individual endoscopic cannula units to provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field. There is no functional obturator preassembled to any cannula unit to aid insertion of the cannula unit into tissue. Each cannula unit is supplied obturator-free. Each cannula unit is sized and configured to accommodate passage of a conventional trocar assembly.
- For installing every cannula unit, the system and method include a single trocar assembly sized to pass through the cannula unit. The trocar assembly includes a preassembled single endoscopic cannula and a single dedicated functional obturator. The system and method make possible the repeated use of the single trocar assembly to aid insertion of multiple cannula units into tissue, establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using a single trocar assembly as the only obturator. The system and method make possible significantly less environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as contribute to lowered health care costs.
- Another aspect of the invention provides another simplified system and method for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure. The system and method are directed head-on to the solution of the problem of excess medical waste and unnecessary medical equipment costs associated with conventional endoscopic procedures. The system and method provide single use cannula units sized and configured to accommodate a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm); however, none of the cannula units is mated or made available with its own obturator. The cannula units are each provided obturator-free and are installed in multiple arrays using but a single conventional functional obturator. The single functional obturator is itself supplied as part of a preassembled conventional LT of the same size, which can be provided as a kit along with one or more cannula units or separately from another source. The system and method make it possible to establish an array of multiple endoscopic access sites (comprising the cannula units and the cannula of the LT) using only a single functional obturator.
- The systems and methods described provide, for the first time, a plurality of stand- alone, single use endoscopic cannula units, free of their own dedicated obturators, that can be installed either by use of a preassembled single trocar preassembly or by use of a single functional obturator during a given surgical procedure. The result is, for a given endoscopic procedure entailing the installation of several cannula access units, the need for only one functional obturator. Cost savings and less environmental damage result.
-
FIGS. 1A to 1E are views of a conventional laparoscopic trocar and its method of use. -
FIG. 2 is a view of a simplified system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure that makes possible the installation of multiple non-conventional cannula units using a single conventional functional obturator. -
FIG. 3A is an exploded view of components of the system shown inFIG. 2 , comprising a cannula unit, an endoscopic cannula, and a dedicated functional obturator for the endoscopic cannula. -
FIG. 3B is a partially assembled view of components of the system shown inFIG. 2 , comprising the cannula unit, and a trocar assembly comprising the dedicated functional obturator inserted into the endoscopic cannula. -
FIG. 3C is a fully assembled view of components of the system shown inFIG. 2 , comprising the trocar assembly inserted into the cannula unit, forming a concentric access assembly. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are fully and partially exploded views of the gas seal assembly that forms a part of the cannula unit that is a component of the system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4C is an elevation, fully assembled view of the cannula unit that is a component of the system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5A is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , before insertion of an endoscopic instrument. -
FIG. 5B is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , during insertion of an endoscopic instrument. -
FIG. 5C is an enlarged section view of the gas seal assembly shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , during withdrawal of an endoscopic instrument. -
FIG. 5D is an enlarged section view of the first functional seal of the gas seal assembly shown inFIGS. 5A to 5C . -
FIGS. 6A to 6I are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the simplified system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a view of another simplified system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure that makes possible the installation of multiple non-conventional cannula units using a single conventional functional obturator. -
FIGS. 8A to 8H are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the simplified system shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a view of a view optimizing assembly for use with a state of the art laparoscope. -
FIGS. 10A to 10C are a sequence of views showing a representative method of using the view optimizing assembly shown inFIG. 9 is association with the system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 11A to 11C are enlarged views showing the details of the deflector assembly that forms a part of the view optimizing assembly shown inFIG. 9 that prevents fogging of the laparoscopic lens and deflects smoke and debris away from the lens during surgery. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are alternative views of a continuous flow tubing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the view optimizing assembly shown inFIG. 9 . - Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention, which may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
-
FIG. 2 shows asimplified system 20 for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure. Thesystem 20 is particularly well suited for use in a situation in which it is desirable to make use of a specialized endoscopic instrument, which provides one or more desirable functional benefits, but which possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that falls between the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's. For example, and as will be described by example in greater detail later, a given specialized endoscopic instrument having desirable features may require a 7-8 mm access site, which is too large to fit a conventional 5 mm LT, and small enough to not require a conventional 10 mm LT. In the hierarchy of cannula sizes for conventional LT's, cannulas suitable for a 7-8 mm instrument are available but are not uniformly stocked by hospitals, and when they are, they require their own dedicated obturators. Thesystem 20 solves this problem by providing anon-conventional cannula unit 22 to accommodate a marginally larger endoscopic instrument (e.g., 7 to 8 mm), which can be installed using a single smaller diameter conventional LT (e.g., 5 mm), which is then used at another puncture site once the marginallylarger cannula unit 22 has been set and the smaller LT withdrawn. The system's solution also makes possible the installation of multiplenon-conventional cannula units 22 using a single conventional functional obturator. The result is significantly less medical waste, as well as lowered health care equipment costs. - More particularly, the
system 20 includes a plurality of individualendoscopic cannula units 22 as will be described in greater detail later. Thecannula units 22 provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field. As shown inFIG. 2 , there is no functional obturator preassembled to anycannula unit 22 to aid insertion of the cannula unit into tissue. Eachcannula unit 22 is supplied obturator-free. - The
system 20 also includes asingle trocar assembly 24. Thetrocar assembly 24 includes a singleendoscopic cannula 26, which provides one additional site for endoscopic access to the operating field. Thetrocar assembly 24 also includes, for thecannula 26, a single dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 to aid insertion of thetrocar assembly 24 as a unit into tissue. The single dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of the trocar assembly is the only functional obturator thesystem 20 provides. - As will be described in greater detail later, each
endoscopic cannula unit 22 of the system is sized and configured to be marginally larger in internal diameter than the largest external diameter of thesingle trocar assembly 24. This makes possible the repeated use of thesingle trocar assembly 24 to aid insertion of allcannula units 22 into tissue. Thesystem 20 makes possible a method for establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using asingle trocar assembly 24 as the only obturator, resulting in significantly less environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as contributing to lowered health care costs. - The single
endoscopic trocar assembly 24 comprises a singleendoscopic cannula 26 and a single, dedicatedfunctional obturator 28, as shown inFIG. 3A , which are provided preassembled with thesystem 20, asFIGS. 2 and 3B show. Alternatively, atrocar assembly 24 can be provided separately and later used in association with one or more cannula units 22 (also separately supplied). - The
endoscopic cannula 26 can be conventionally sized to accommodate, upon removal of thededicated obturator 28, conventional endoscopic tools and the attachment of an insufflations line. Both components of the singleendoscopic trocar assembly 24 are intended to be used once during a given procedure, and thereafter discarded or, if desired, reprocessed. - By “functional obturator,” it is meant that
obturator 28 includes a pointed or conical,tissue piercing tip 30, which is sized and configured, during passage in tissue, to incise or separate tissue. By “trocar assembly” with a “dedicated functional obturator,” it is meant that the singlefunctional obturator 28 is supplied pre-assembled with the singleendoscopic cannula 26, such that the pointed or conical,tissue piercing tip 30 of theobturator 28 is oriented to aid the insertion of theendoscopic trocar assembly 24 as a unit into tissue. - In the illustrated embodiment, the single
functional obturator 28 is pre-assembled in a sliding fit within a lumen of the single endoscopic cannula 26 (seeFIG. 3B ), to form thetrocar assembly 24. When fitted within the lumen, the pointed or conical,tissue piercing tip 30 of theobturator 28 protrudes from an open distal end of the lumen to incise or separate tissue in advance of the distal end of theendoscopic cannula 26. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the distal end of theendoscopic cannula 26 can itself be funnel shaped to aid the insertion of the trocar preassembly as a unit into tissue. - The
trocar assembly 24 can be a conventional, off-the-shelf LT, having a cannula diameter that is common in the practice of endoscopic procedures, e.g., 5 mm; 10 mm; or 12 mm. - The
endoscopic cannula units 22 are each individually sized and configured to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field, e.g., within an abdomen. - By “cannula unit,” it is meant that a given
cannula unit 22 is not supplied with its own dedicated functional obturator. That is, the system provides the ability to create multiple endoscopic access sites (i.e., using themultiple cannula units 22 and the single trocar assembly 24), but provides for use of only a single functional obturator. The single functional obturator for themultiple cannula units 22 is theendoscopic trocar assembly 24 itself. - As
FIG. 3B shows, eachendoscopic cannula unit 22 comprises a tubular sleeve that defines aninterior lumen 32. A givencannula unit 22 can be formed by molding or machining from a biocompatible plastic or metal material. When fabricated from plastic material, the cannula unit can be transparent or opaque. The exterior of a cannula unit can include a ribbedouter profile 34 to take purchase in tissue, and can further include loops (not shown) for the passage of sutures to secure thecannula unit 22 to tissue during use. Thecannula units 22 are intended to be disposable, low cost items, to be used once during a given procedure, and thereafter discarded. - As
FIG. 3C shows, the interior diameter of thelumen 32 of thecannula unit 22 is purposefully sized and configured to be slightly larger than the exterior diameter of theendoscopic cannula 26 oftrocar assembly 24, to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of theentire trocar assembly 24 through thelumen 32 of thecannula unit 22. For example, if thetrocar assembly 24 has a 5 mm outside diameter, the interior diameter of thecannula unit 22 can be marginally larger, e.g., 7.5 to 8 mm. Theinterior lumen 32 of eachcannula unit 22 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24. - Thus, each
endoscopic cannula unit 22 can be individually fitted for insertion, one at a time, concentrically over the entire pre-assembledendoscopic trocar assembly 24, with the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of thetrocar assembly 24 protruding beyond both theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24 and theseparate cannula unit 22. That is, a givencannula unit 22 can be fitted over theexterior cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24, to which the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 is pre-assembled. The result is that thesingle trocar assembly 24 can itself be repeatedly reused during the span of a given procedure as the only functional obturator to installmultiple cannula units 22. - In a representative embodiment (see
FIGS. 3B and 3C ), thecannula unit 22 includes a distal working region having an interior lumen 32 (the working lumen) sized and configured to provide an access site through which thesingle trocar assembly 24 can pass. For example, for use in association with a 5 mm (internal diameter, but with a larger external diameter)trocar assembly 24, the interior diameter of the workinglumen 32 of the cannula unit can be about 7.5 to 8 mm. - In a representative embodiment (see
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C ), thecannula unit 22 further includes a proximal region that includes agas seal assembly 36. Thegas seal assembly 36 serves to prevent loss of insufflation gas from the operating cavity through the workinglumen 32 of thecannula unit 22, either when no instrument occupies the workinglumen 32 or when an instrument occupies the workinglumen 32. - The
gas seal assembly 36 can be variously sized and configured. - In a representative embodiment (see
FIG. 4C ), acap 38 spans the proximal region of thecannula unit 22. As shown inFIG. 4A , thecap 38 includes a workingpassage 40, which, when fitted to the proximal region, is axially aligned with the workinglumen 32 of thecannula unit 22. As best shown inFIG. 4A , the workingpassage 40 includes anentry orifice 42 on the proximal end of thecap 38 and anexit orifice 44 within thecap 38. AsFIG. 5B shows, an instrument I can be inserted into theentry orifice 42 and through the workingpassage 40 to theexit orifice 44, and thus into and through the workinglumen 32 of thecannula unit 22. - In this arrangement, the
gas seal assembly 36 is housed entirely within thecap 38 in-line with the workingpassage 40. In a representative embodiment, thegas seal assembly 36 desirably includes two cooperatingfunctional seals first function seal 46 is positioned near theexit orifice 44. A secondfunctional seal 48 is positioned near theentry orifice 42. - The first
functional seal 46 is sized and configured to normally prevent gas loss when an instrument I is not inserted through the workingpassage 40, i.e., when the workinglumen 32 of thecannula unit 22 is unoccupied (seeFIG. 5A ). The firstfunctional seal 46 is also sized and configured to yield during the insertion of an instrument I through the workingpassage 40 into the workinglumen 32, and desirably without obstructing the insertion (seeFIG. 5B ). - The second
functional seal 48 is sized and configured to prevent gas loss as the firstfunctional seal 48 yields to the insertion of an instrument I through the workingpassage 40 into the workinglumen 32 of the cannula unit 22 (as shown inFIG. 5B ). However, upon removal of the instrument I from the working passage 40 (seeFIG. 5C ), the firstfunctional seal 46 is sized and configured to quickly return from its yielded condition to its normal condition, again preventing gas loss. - As a result, there is no gas loss through the working
lumen 32 of thecannula unit 22 as thecannula unit 22 serves its purpose of providing minimally invasive access to the insufflated operating cavity. - The size and configuration of the cooperating first and second
functional seals - In a representative embodiment, the first
functional seal 46 comprises a flap valve component located adjacent theexit orifice 44 of the working passage 40 (seeFIG. 4C ). Theflap valve component 46 is movable, in the absence of an instrument I occupying the exit orifice (asFIG. 5A shows), to a flap closed condition in response to exposure to typical insufflation pressure (e.g., 15 mmHg) in the workinglumen 32. In the flap closed condition, theflap valve component 46 closes and seals theexit orifice 44, asFIG. 5A shows. In this way, theflap valve component 46 prevents gas loss when an instrument I is not inserted through theexit orifice 44. - As
FIG. 5B shows, theflap valve component 46 is pushed away from the flap closed condition in response to the insertion of an instrument I through theexit orifice 44 and thus through theflap valve component 46 itself. Theflap valve component 46 is sized and configured to flexibly yield to the passage of the instrument I, without damage to theflap valve component 46 and preferably without obstructing the instrument's passage, which is whatFIG. 5B shows. - As shown in
FIG. 5C , upon removal of the instrument I from the exit orifice 44 (and thus freeing the flap valve component 46), theflap valve component 46 returns to the flap closed condition in response to exposure to insufflation pressure in the now-unoccupied working lumen 32 of thecannula unit 22. - The diameter of
flap valve component 46 is selectively sized and configured relative to the diameter of theexit orifice 44 to effectively cover and seal theexit orifice 44 in response to a typical range of insufflation pressures. In a representative embodiment, for anexit orifice 44 having a diameter of 0.4″, aflap valve component 46 having a diameter 0.5″ will affect a desired seal. - Further, the proximal region of the lumen of the cannula unit is desirably sized and configured to form a
pressure directing chamber 50 immediately distal to theflap valve component 46. Thepressure directing channel 50 accommodates and complements the fit and function of theflap valve component 46, as its condition is affected by insufflation pressures and the passage of instruments. - In a representative embodiment (see
FIGS. 5A and 5D ),pressure directing chamber 50 enlarges the radial dimensions of the workingchannel 32 in the vicinity of theflap valve component 46, and is further elongated axially to accommodate, without interference and damage, the movement of theflap valve component 46 between its closed and yield conditions. The radialenlarged chamber 50 desirably terminates near theexit orifice 44 to define asharp lip edge 52 bounding theflap valve component 46 in generally the same plane as the flap valve component 46 (seeFIG. 5D ). AsFIG. 5A shows, thelip edge 52 directs gas in thechamber 50 uniformly upward against theflap valve component 46, and not around theflap valve component 46, thereby minimizing vibration of theflap valve component 46 when closed or closing. The uniform pressure applied upwardly by thechamber 50 maintains a closed and sealedexit orifice 44 in the absence of an instrument I. The upward flow of gas through thechamber 50 also aids the rapid return of theflap valve component 46 to the closed condition upon removal of an instrument I from the exit orifice, asFIG. 5C shows. - The material type, thickness, and durometer of the
flap valve component 46 can be further selected to optimize the fit and function of theflap valve component 46 in the presence of a range of typical insufflation pressures. In a representative embodiment, theflap valve component 46 is made, e.g., of a polyurethane material having a durometer of from 85 to 90 shore A. In this embodiment, theflap valve component 46 relies upon a combination of the focused application of insufflation pressure and the material properties of theflap valve component 46 itself to seal theexit orifice 44. - In this arrangement, the second
functional seal 48 comprises an elastomeric septum located adjacent theentrance orifice 42 of the workingpassage 40. Theelastomeric septum 48 is sized and configured to create a sliding seal along the instrument I as it passes through the entrance orifice. - In a representative embodiment (see
FIGS. 4A and 4B , thegas seal assembly 36 comprises a low profileunitary body 54, made possible by the unique first (gas)functional seal 46 and second (instrument)functional seal 48 combination, which is unlike the duckbill and cone seals used in most commercially available trocars. Theunitary body 54 is formed (e.g., by molding or machining plastic or metal materials) with the workingpassage 40, theentrance orifice 42, and theexit orifice 44 integrally formed. The first and secondfunctional seals unitary body 54. Thegas seal assembly 36 can then be inserted as a unit into thecap 38. As a result, thecap 38 itself can be low-profile (e.g., in a representative embodiment, an axial height of 0.4 in). - The unique functional features of each cannula unit as described make possible a unique method of establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using only a single functional obturator.
FIGS. 6A to 6I show a representative method that makes use of these features. - The method includes (see
FIG. 6A ) (i) providing a singleendoscopic trocar assembly 24 comprising a singleendoscopic cannula 26 and a single, dedicatedfunctional obturator 28, as described above. - The method further includes (see
FIG. 6B ) (ii) providing one or moreendoscopic cannula units 22, as described above, free of (i.e., without) its own dedicated functional obturator. Eachcannula unit 22 has a minimum interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of theendoscopic cannula 26, which forms the exterior of thesingle trocar assembly 24. Thecannula unit 22 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24. - The method further includes (see
FIG. 6C ) (iii) selecting a single one of thecannula units 22 for inserting into tissue to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field. - As
FIG. 6D further shows, the method further includes (iv) fitting the selectedcannula unit 22 over the entiresingle trocar assembly 24. - By fitting the
cannula unit 22 over theentire trocar assembly 24, aconcentric access assembly 56 for thecannula unit 22 is created. Theconcentric access assembly 56 comprises, from interior to exterior, the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of thetrocar assembly 24, theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24, and the selectedcannula unit 22. Theconcentric access assembly 56 includes, protruding beyond the distal end of thecannula unit 22, the penetratingtip 30 of afunctional obturator 28. - The method further includes (see
FIG. 6D ) (v) manipulating theconcentric access assembly 56 as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 30 of the functional obturator to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration. At this stage in the procedure, an insufflation line can be connected to a stopcock 18 conventionally provided on thetrocar assembly 24, to pressurize the operating cavity. - The method further includes, after body penetration and insufflation have been made (see
FIG. 6E ), (vi) withdrawing thetrocar assembly 24 from thecannula unit 22, leaving thecannula unit 22 in place providing access to the operating cavity. Thegas seal assembly 36 in thecannula unit 22, as above described, prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses. - The method optionally includes, after (vi) (see
FIGS. 6F and 6G ) the repeated reuse of thesingle trocar assembly 24 to install any desired number of selectedcannula units 22 to provide any desired number of abdominal penetrations. For each abdominal penetration (seeFIG. 6F ), a givencannula unit 22 is fitted concentrically over theentire trocar assembly 24 to form aconcentric access assembly 56 that includes the additionally selectedcannula unit 22. Theconcentric access assembly 56 is again manipulated as a single unit, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 30 of thefunctional obturator 28 to again incise or separate tissue to again achieve body penetration. Once penetration has been made (seeFIG. 6G ), thetrocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from thecannula unit 22. Another selectedcannula unit 22 remains to provide additional access to the operating cavity. - The method further includes, after insertion of all desired
cannula units 22, the use of thetrocar assembly 24 by itself in a traditional manner for form yet another access site. As shown inFIG. 6H , the method includes (vii) manipulating thetrocar assembly 24 as an integrated unit into tissue, this time without acannula unit 22, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 30 of the functionaldedicated obturator 28 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration for thecannula 26. The method further includes, after body penetration has been made (seeFIG. 6I ), (viii) withdrawing the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of thetrocar assembly 24 from theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24, leaving theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24 in place providing additional access to the operating cavity and/or for the couples of insufflations pressure (to the stopcock 18). - Following (viii) (as
FIG. 6I shows), the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of thetrocar assembly 24 can be discarded as medical waste. A comparison ofFIG. 1E (prior art) toFIG. 6I graphically demonstrates the significant reduction in environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as the contribution to lowered health care costs, that the technical features of the system and method provide. - The
system 20 and method make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., thededicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24) for multiple endoscopic entries. The presence of thecannula unit 22 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site. - To the extent that
several cannula units 22 are installed during a given procedure, only one trocar assembly 24 (comprising only one dedicated functional obturator 28) need be used for the multiple entries. Thus (asFIG. 6I demonstrates), at the end of the procedure, there remains, as medical waste, only a single functional obturator (i.e., thededicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24), which is significantly less than the number of cannulas and abdominal penetrations deployed during the procedure. Cost savings and less environmental damage result. -
FIG. 7 shows another representative embodiment ofsimplified system 58 for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure. Thesystem 58 solves the problem of excess medical waste and unnecessary medical equipment costs associated with conventional endoscopic procedures. Thesystem 58 solves this problem by providing singleuse cannula units 60 sized and configured to accommodate a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm), which can be installed in arrays ofmultiple cannula units 60 using but a single conventionalfunctional obturator 62 that is supplied in a preassembled conventional LT 64 (as a kit with thecannula units 22, or acquired separately and later used in association with the cannula units 22) having aendoscopic cannula 66 with the same interior diameter as thecannula unit 60. - The system 58 (see
FIG. 7 ) includes a plurality of individualendoscopic cannula units 60 like that previously described, but possessing a diameter suited for passing a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm). Thecannula units 60 provide an array of access sites for minimally invasive endoscopic access to and/or visualization of a targeted internal operating field. As shown inFIG. 7 , there is no functional obturator preassembled to anycannula unit 60 to aid insertion of thecannula unit 60 into tissue. Eachcannula unit 60 is supplied obturator-free. - Except for its interior diameter, the
cannula units 60 shown inFIG. 7 desirably possess the same technical features described for the of thecannula units 22 shown inFIG. 2 (and as further shown inFIGS. 4A /B/C and 5A/B/C/D). - The
system 58 may include a single trocar assembly 64 (seeFIG. 7 ). Alternatively, as above described, thecannula units 60 may be provided separately (either alone or as a plurality), and theobturator 62 used for their passage obtained from a conventional LT obtained from another source. Like thecannula unit 60, thetrocar assembly 64 possesses a diameter accommodating a conventional endoscopic instrument (e.g., 5 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm), and can itself comprise a convention LT. As earlier described (and as shown inFIG. 3A ), thetrocar assembly 64 includes a singleendoscopic cannula 66, which provides one additional site for endoscopic access to the operating field. Thetrocar assembly 64 also includes, for the cannula, a single dedicatedfunctional obturator 62 to aid insertion of thetrocar assembly 64 as a unit into tissue. The single dedicatedfunctional obturator 62 of thetrocar assembly 64 is the only functional obturator thesystem 58 provides. - The unique functional features of each cannula unit as described make possible a unique method of establishing an array of multiple endoscopic access sites using only a single functional obturator.
FIGS. 8A to 8I show a representative method that makes use of these features. - The method includes (see
FIG. 8A ) (i) providing a singleendoscopic trocar assembly 64 comprising a singleendoscopic cannula 66 and a single, dedicatedfunctional obturator 62, as described above. - The method further includes (see
FIG. 8B ) (ii) providing one or moreendoscopic cannula units 60, as described above, free of (i.e., without) its own dedicated functional obturator. Eachcannula unit 60 has an interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of theobturator 62 when removed from the trocar assembly 64 (which can comprise a conventional LT), after that trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) has been passed through the abdominal wall and theobturator 62 removed so it can be reused. Thecannula unit 60 has a maximum axial length that is equal to or less than the maximum axial length of theendoscopic cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT). - The method further includes, prior to insertion of any of the cannula units 60 (see
FIG. 8C ), (iii) the use of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) by itself in a traditional manner for form an access site. As shown inFIG. 8C , the method includes manipulating the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 68 of the functionaldedicated obturator 62 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration for thecannula 66. The method further includes, after body penetration has been made (seeFIG. 8D ), (iv) withdrawing the dedicatedfunctional obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) from theendoscopic cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT), leaving theendoscopic cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) in place providing access to the operating cavity. At this stage in the procedure, an insufflation line can be connected to a stopcock 18 conventionally provided on thetrocar assembly 64, to pressurize the operating cavity. - The method further includes, after insertion of the
cannula 66 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) (seeFIG. 8E ), selecting a single one of thecannula units 60 for inserting into tissue to provide a site of minimally invasive, endoscopic access to a targeted internal operating field, and fitting the selectedcannula unit 66 over thefunctional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT). - As
FIG. 8E shows, by fitting thecannula unit 60 over thefunctional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT), aconcentric access assembly 70 for thecannula unit 60 is created. Theconcentric access assembly 70 comprises, from interior to exterior, thefunctional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) and the selectedcannula unit 60. Theconcentric access assembly 70 includes, protruding beyond the distal end of thecannula unit 60, the penetratingtip 68 of thefunctional obturator 62. - As
FIG. 8E shows, the method further includes (v) manipulating theconcentric access assembly 70 as an integrated unit into tissue, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 68 of thefunctional obturator 62 to incise or separate tissue to achieve body penetration. - The method further includes, after body penetration of the
cannula unit 60 has been made (seeFIG. 8F ), (vi) withdrawing thefunctional obturator 62 from thecannula unit 60, leaving thecannula unit 60 in place providing access to the operating cavity. Agas seal assembly 36 in thecannula unit 60, as above described, prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses. - The method optionally includes, after (vi) (see
FIGS. 8H and 8I ) the repeated reuse of thefunctional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) to install any desired number of selectedcannula units 60 to provide any desired number of abdominal penetrations. For each abdominal penetration, a givencannula unit 60 is fitted concentrically over thefunctional obturator 62 withdrawn from the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT), to form aconcentric access assembly 70 that includes the additionally selectedcannula unit 60. Theconcentric access assembly 70 is again manipulated as a single unit, allowing the protruding, penetratingtip 68 of thefunctional obturator 62 to again incise or separate tissue and again achieve body penetration. Once penetration has been made (seeFIG. 8I ), thefunctional obturator 62 is withdrawn from thecannula unit 60. Another selectedcannula unit 60 remains to provide additional access to the operating cavity. - Following (vi) (as
FIG. 8I shows), the dedicatedfunctional obturator 62 of the trocar assembly 64 (or conventional LT) can be discarded as medical waste. A comparison ofFIG. 1E (prior art) toFIG. 8I graphically demonstrates the significant reduction in environmental damage due to medical waste, as well as the contribution to lowered health care costs, that the technical features of the system and method provide. - The
system 58 and method make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., thededicated obturator 62 of thetrocar assembly 64 or conventional LT) for multiple endoscopic entries. The presence of thecannula unit 60 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site. - To the extent that
several cannula units 60 are installed during a given procedure, only onetrocar assembly 64 or conventional LT (comprising only one dedicated functional obturator 62) need be used for the multiple entries. Thus (asFIG. 8I demonstrates), at the end of the procedure, there remains, as medical waste, only a single functional obturator 62 (i.e., the obturator of thetrocar assembly 64 or conventional LT), which is significantly less than the number of cannulas and abdominal penetrations deployed during the procedure. Cost savings and less environmental damage result. -
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of aview optimizing assembly 110 for use in association with a state of the art laparoscope 112 (as shown inFIGS. 10A to 10C ). The components of theview optimizing assembly 110 may be made from plastic materials (extruded and/or molded), but other suitable materials, such as metal or a composite material, or combinations thereof could be used. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theview optimizing assembly 110 comprises amulti-lumen sheath assembly 114. Thesheath assembly 114 is sized and configured to mount over the shaft of aconventional laparoscope 112, asFIGS. 10A and 10B show. The end of thesheath 114 is sized and configured to match the size and configuration of the end of thecorresponding laparoscope 112, which inFIG. 10A is shown to be angled. - As
FIG. 9 shows, theassembly 110 includes atubing set 116 and a source of flushingliquid 172. In the illustrated embodiment, the source of flushingliquid 172 comprises asyringe 174, which contains the flushingliquid 172. The flushing liquid 172 can include a surface-active agent (surfactant) to aid removal of fatty debris. For example, the flushing liquid 172 can be a solution comprising (i) Docusate Sodium: 0.050-0.20% v/v; (ii) Phosphate Buffer: 0.2% v/v; and (iii) Water for Injection H2O: 99.600-99.75%. The flushingliquid 172 is packaged in a 10 ml or 20ml syringe 174, sterilized, and delivered to the surgical suite in a double poly pouch, asFIG. 9 shows. - As
FIG. 10A shows, in use, the tubing set 116 connects thesheath 114 to a carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation circuit, as well as to thesyringe 174 containing the flushingliquid 172. AsFIG. 10A also shows, a manifold 118 on the proximal end of thesheath 114 includes aquick exchange coupling 120 that mates with aquick exchange coupler 122 on the tubing set 116, to quickly couple the tubing set 116 in fluid communication with the interior lumens of thesheath 114. - The
sheath 114 includes at its distal end a deflector assembly 164 (seeFIGS. 11A and 11B ). Thedeflector assembly 164 projects a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of thesheath 114, and thus also a predetermined distance beyond the lens at the distal end of thelaparoscope 112. - As
FIG. 11B shows, thedeflector assembly 164 is sized and configured to direct the CO2 gas that is conveyed along thesheath 114 through lumens in a prescribed flow path and flow velocity across the laparoscopic lens. AsFIG. 11C shows, a rolling vortex can be created that extends across and beyond the laparoscopic lens. The flow path and flow velocity of the CO2 across the laparoscopic lens prevents fogging and also desirably serves to deflect smoke and surgical debris away from the laparoscopic lens during surgery, thereby maintaining clear visualization of the surgical site without removing the laparoscope from the abdominal cavity for the purpose of cleaning or de-fogging its lens. - The surgical team may also depress the plunger of the
syringe plunger 174 to dispense aliquots of 1 ml-5 ml of the flushing liquid 172 through the deflector assembly 164 (which conveyed through other lumens in the sheath) to flush debris off the end of the lens that may eventually accumulate. - The operator can, if desired, prompt a burst of CO2 gas from the insufflation circuit over the lens (by squeezing the pneumatic
flush bulb 180 in the tubing set 116), to further remove debris and/or residual droplets of the flushing liquid from the lens. Visualization is restored rapidly and without removal of the laparoscope from the abdomen. - It is desirable to integrate the
assembly 110 as much as possible with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation, to not interfere with the surgical set-up, and to require minimal change in the process or practice of the surgical team. - As above explained, conventional laparoscopes, like other laparoscopic tools, typically come in three standard diameter sizes: 5 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm. To meet the above-stated desirable objective, the
sheath assembly 114 is desirably sized with an interior diameter to accommodate a selected one of these laparoscope diameters, as well as with an exterior diameter to accommodate passage through a conventional LT. - The
sheath 114, when sized and configured to provide its desirable functional benefit for the smallest diameter conventional laparoscope (5 mm), possesses a marginally increased exterior diameter that falls between the cannula sizes used by conventional LT's. For example, thesheath 114 with an interior diameter sized for a 5 mm laparoscope has an exterior diameter which is larger than 5 mm, e.g., 7.5 to 8 mm. Although having an interior lumen sized for a conventional 5 mm instrument, the resulting 7-8 mm outer diameter of thesheath 14 is too large to fit a conventional 5 mm LT, and small enough to not require a conventional 10 mm LT. - This problem is effectively overcome by use of the
system 20 shown inFIG. 2 . Thesystem 20, as previously described, provides anon-conventional cannula unit 22 to accommodate the marginally larger endoscopic dimensions of the sheath 14 (e.g., 7 to 8 mm), but nevertheless accommodating installation using a single smallest conventional 5 mm LT (e.g., 5 mm) (as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6I ). Concurrently, use of thesystem 20 shown inFIG. 2 leads to additional benefits, including significantly less medical waste, as well as lowered health care equipment costs. -
FIG. 10A shows the set up of theview optimizing assembly 110 with thesystem 20 comprising multiple access sites established by practicing the method shown inFIGS. 6A to 6I . - The method makes use of a single 5 mm endoscopic trocar assembly 24 (see
FIG. 6A ) and one or more marginally enlarged endoscopic cannula units 22 (seeFIG. 6B ). Eachcannula unit 22 has an interior diameter sized and configured to smoothly and tightly accommodate passage of the 5 mmendoscopic cannula 26, which forms the exterior of thesingle trocar assembly 24. As a consequence, the exterior diameter of eachcannula unit 22 is marginally increased. - The method selects a single one of the cannula units for inserting into tissue. The method fits the selected
cannula unit 22 over the entire single trocar assembly 24 (FIG. 6C ) to form aconcentric access assembly 56, and manipulates theconcentric access assembly 56 as an integrated unit into tissue (FIG. 6D ). At this stage in the procedure, an insufflation line can be connected to the stopcock 18 provided on thetrocar assembly 24, to pressurize the operating cavity. - After body penetration and insufflation have been accomplished (see
FIG. 6E ), thetrocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from thecannula unit 22, leaving thecannula unit 22 in place, providing access to the operating cavity. Thegas seal assembly 36 in thecannula unit 22, as above described, prevents loss of insufflation pressure as the method progresses. - The method optionally includes (see
FIGS. 6F and 6G ) the repeated reuse of thesingle trocar assembly 24 to install any desired number of selectedcannula units 22, thereby providing any desired number of abdominal penetrations. In the illustrated embodiment (shown inFIG. 10A ), twocannula units 22 are installed. One of thesecannula units 22 will ultimately accommodate passage of the sheath 114 (as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10C ). - After insertion of all desired
cannula units 22, thetrocar assembly 24 is itself inserted in a traditional manner, to form yet another access site (FIGS. 6H and 6I ). As shown inFIG. 10A , the dedicatedfunctional obturator 28 of thetrocar assembly 24 is withdrawn from theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24, leaving theendoscopic cannula 26 of thetrocar assembly 24 in place providing additional access to the operating cavity as well as a site to couple an insufflation pressure line (i.e., to stopcock 18). Theentire system 20 shown inFIG. 10A has been installed using but one functional obturator, which can later be discarded as medical waste, or reprocessed (seeFIG. 6I ). - As
FIG. 10A shows, the tubing set 116 of theassembly 10 couples the insufflation circuit to thestopcock 18 of thecannula 26. AsFIGS. 10B and 10C show, thelaparoscope 112 is inserted into thesheath 114, and thesheath 114 andlaparoscope 112 are inserted as a unit through one of the installedcannula units 22. - The
system 20 and method therefore make possible the use of a single functional obturator (i.e., thededicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24) for multiple endoscopic entries. The presence of thecannula unit 22 does not disturb either visualization during entry or significant enlarge the penetration site. Only one trocar assembly 24 (comprising only one dedicated functional obturator 28) need be used for the multiple entries. Thus (asFIG. 6I demonstrates), at the end of the procedure, there remains, as medical waste, only a single functional obturator (i.e., thededicated obturator 28 of the trocar assembly 24), which is significantly less than the number of cannulas and abdominal penetrations deployed during the procedure. Cost savings and less environmental damage result. - A conventional insufflation circuit periodically cycles off, to stop the flow of CO2 gas to measure the pressure in the peritoneum. As shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , the tubing set 116 can include a continuous flow tubing assembly 72 (called in shorthand, continuous flow tubing, or CFT), to store pressurized CO2 gas in areservoir 74, so that when the insufflation circuit stops the flow of gas to measure the pressure in the peritoneum, the flow of gas tosheath 114 is not interrupted. Thereservoir 74 serves as a gas capacitor to store CO2 gas at a static pressure reached in the tubing set 116. The reservoir 74 (i.e., gas capacitor) discharges the stored CO2 gas at a controlled rate to thesheath 114 when the flow of gas stops. - As shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B ,CFT 72 utilizes agas reservoir 74 with an elastic diaphragm that expands during filling and maintains a static pressure. The illustrative system shown inFIG. 12A comprises a parallel flow circuit with two flow paths.Path 1 allows for minimal flow reduction when the insufflation circuit is supplying gas and charging the capacitor.Path 2 is operative when the gas capacitor is discharging. A directional valve closes 76 offPath 2 when the insufflations circuit is supplying gas which charges the gas capacitor. Thedirectional valve 76 closes offPath 1 when the insufflation circuit stops supplying gas to measure peritoneum pressure. The static pressure residing in the gas capacitor (i.e., reservoir 74) then discharges to thesheath 114, which maintains a supply of gas across the laparoscope lens. A one-way valve 78 before the gas reservoir allows the gas capacitor to fill when the insufflation circuit is supplying gas and it prevents the back flow of gas when the insufflation circuit is measuring pressure inside the peritoneal space. - The
directional valve 76 includes an interior ball that shifts side to side to block the flow paths. The ball is shifted by the pressure differential found betweenPaths - The gas capacitor comprises an
elastomeric reservoir 74 that expands to store approximately 50 cc of gas under pressure. The reservoir stores gas at 22 mmHg-24 mmHg. The diaphragm is made from a biocompatible elastomer like silicone. Durometer is less than 25 shore A. - The one-
way valve 78 can comprise a high flow, low cracking pressure, ball check valve. - The connectors to the
CFT 72 can comprise standard luer fittings. - The
illustrative CFT 72 shown inFIG. 12B comprises a series flow circuit, in which gas flow to the sheath 114 (downstream of the branch leading to the abdominal cavity) passes through a one-way backflow valve 78 and thereservoir 74 on the way to thesheath 14. When the insufflators cycles off, the one-way valve 78 closes, and static pressure in thereservoir 74 continues to be discharged into thesheath 114. - The concept of
CFT 72 comprises the placement of an in-line reservoir (or air capacitor) in the circuit that supplies gas to thesheath 14. The reservoir collects gas during operation of the source insufflator and discharges gas for a brief period while operation of the insufflator is periodically interrupted. There has never been a reason to provide a reservoir in an insufflations line, because no one has provided medical device that uses insufflation gas for anything but inflating the abdominal cavity.
Claims (11)
1. A method for accessing a body cavity when performing endoscopic surgery on a patient comprising:
providing a trocar assembly comprising a single endo-scopic cannula and a single dedicated obturator;
providing one or more cannula units;
selecting one of the cannula units and fitting the selected cannula unit over the trocar assembly;
inserting the selected cannula unit into the tissue of the patient to achieve body penetration into the body cavity of the patient;
performing insufflation within the body cavity; and
removing the trocar assembly from the inserted cannula unit while maintaining insufflation pressure in the body cavity.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
selecting a second cannula and fitting the second cannula unit over the trocar assembly;
inserting the second cannula unit into the tissue of the patient at a second location to achieve body penetration into the body cavity of the patient performing insufflation within the body cavity; and
removing the trocar assembly from the inserted cannula unit while maintaining insufflation pressure in the body cavity.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
inserting the trocar assembly into another location in the body tissue.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:
removing the obturator from the trocar assembly.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of inserting the trocar assembly comprises
inserting the trocar assembly into another location after the step of inserting the selected cannula unit into the tissue of the patient.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of inserting the trocar assembly comprises
inserting the trocar assembly into another location prior to the step of inserting the selected cannula unit into the tissue of the patient.
7. A system for accessing an operating cavity when performing endoscopic surgery comprising:
at least one obturator-free cannula unit for being inserted into body tissue; and
a trocar assembly comprising:
a single dedicated functional obturator, said single dedicated functional obturator being independent of said at least one cannula unit; and
an endoscopic cannula.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising
a plurality of obturator-free cannula units,
wherein said trocar assembly is reused for insertion of each obturator-free cannula unit into body tissue.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the trocar assembly is preassembled.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the cannula units further comprises a proximal region comprising a gas seal assembly for the prevention of the loss of insufflation gas through the cannula unit from the operating cavity when the system is in use.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the gas seal assembly comprises a first functional seal and a second functional seal.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/385,693 US20170156755A1 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2016-12-20 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US41935710P | 2010-12-03 | 2010-12-03 | |
US13/311,085 US9522017B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2011-12-05 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
US15/385,693 US20170156755A1 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2016-12-20 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/311,085 Continuation US9522017B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2011-12-05 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170156755A1 true US20170156755A1 (en) | 2017-06-08 |
Family
ID=46172609
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/311,085 Active 2032-06-23 US9522017B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2011-12-05 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
US15/385,693 Abandoned US20170156755A1 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2016-12-20 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/311,085 Active 2032-06-23 US9522017B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2011-12-05 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9522017B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012075487A2 (en) |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9924979B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2018-03-27 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US9980737B2 (en) | 2014-08-04 | 2018-05-29 | Medos International Sarl | Flexible transport auger |
US10111712B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2018-10-30 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US10154780B2 (en) | 2010-08-04 | 2018-12-18 | Floshield, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US10264959B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2019-04-23 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US10299838B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2019-05-28 | Medos International Sarl | Method and instruments for interbody fusion and posterior fixation through a single incision |
WO2019245743A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-26 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery system with remote gaseous sealing module and gas sealed sleeve for accessing a surgical cavity |
WO2019245745A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-26 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery device with internal gaseous sealing module and filtered tube set therefor |
US10682130B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-06-16 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical access port stabilization |
US10786264B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2020-09-29 | Medos International Sarl | Percutaneous disc clearing device |
USRE48534E1 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2021-04-27 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Detachable dilator blade |
US11013530B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2021-05-25 | Medos International Sarl | Surface features for device retention |
US11045324B2 (en) | 2006-12-08 | 2021-06-29 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method of implanting a curable implant material |
US11051862B2 (en) | 2001-11-03 | 2021-07-06 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column |
US11129727B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2021-09-28 | Medos International Sari | Inflatable non-distracting intervertebral implants and related methods |
US11134987B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2021-10-05 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11219439B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2022-01-11 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | NIR/RED light for lateral neuroprotection |
US11241252B2 (en) | 2019-03-22 | 2022-02-08 | Medos International Sarl | Skin foundation access portal |
US11439380B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2022-09-13 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical instrument connectors and related methods |
US11559328B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-01-24 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11660082B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2023-05-30 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Dilation system |
US11672562B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-06-13 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11737743B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2023-08-29 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Dilation system and method of using the same |
US11744447B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-09-05 | Medos International | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US11771517B2 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2023-10-03 | Medos International Sarl | Camera position indication systems and methods |
US11813026B2 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2023-11-14 | Medos International Sarl | Systems, devices, and methods for providing surgical trajectory guidance |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8888689B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2014-11-18 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US9050036B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2015-06-09 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Device for maintaining visualization with surgical scopes |
US9078562B2 (en) | 2010-01-11 | 2015-07-14 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US9271752B2 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2016-03-01 | Swan Valley Medical Incorporated | Method and apparatus for placing a cannula in a bladder |
US10398292B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-09-03 | Floshield, Inc. | Fluid dispensing control systems and methods |
CN106163364B (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2018-01-30 | 柯尼卡美能达株式会社 | Laparoscope device and endoscopic system |
US10314513B2 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2019-06-11 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing measurement error using optical fiber shape sensors |
US10463399B2 (en) * | 2014-11-06 | 2019-11-05 | Asimion Inc. | Visually assisted entry of a Veress needle with a tapered videoscope for microlaparoscopy |
EP3355974B1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-03-11 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Insufflation stabilization system |
US10485582B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-11-26 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Cannulas having body wall retention features, and related systems and methods |
JPWO2018021582A1 (en) | 2017-08-31 | 2020-10-15 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Surgical system |
CN108938056B (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2024-04-09 | 四川省医学科学院·四川省人民医院 | Telescopic fixed type endoscopic puncture outfit |
USD954940S1 (en) * | 2020-05-01 | 2022-06-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Cannula |
EP4061260A4 (en) * | 2021-01-27 | 2022-11-16 | Mordehai Sholev | Surgical port |
Family Cites Families (259)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3373736A (en) | 1965-03-22 | 1968-03-19 | Smith Kline French Lab | Sigmoidoscope and illuminating means therefor |
US4207874A (en) | 1978-03-27 | 1980-06-17 | Choy Daniel S J | Laser tunnelling device |
JPS5826641Y2 (en) | 1978-06-19 | 1983-06-09 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Dew prevention device for observation window in endoscope |
US4281646A (en) | 1978-06-30 | 1981-08-04 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device for an observation window of an endoscope |
JPH0123442Y2 (en) | 1979-04-23 | 1989-07-19 | ||
JPS5745835A (en) | 1980-09-02 | 1982-03-16 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope apparatus |
AU86957S (en) | 1981-10-29 | 1983-01-21 | 3M As | Light unit for curing dental restorative materials |
USD277408S (en) | 1982-03-18 | 1985-01-29 | Olympus Optical Company, Ltd. | Light guide for endoscope |
USD277505S (en) | 1982-03-19 | 1985-02-05 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
JPS5969021A (en) | 1982-10-15 | 1984-04-19 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Washing apparatus of endoscope pipeline |
USD284028S (en) | 1983-01-10 | 1986-05-27 | Warner-Lambert Company | Sigmoidoscope |
US4598698A (en) * | 1983-01-20 | 1986-07-08 | Warner-Lambert Technologies, Inc. | Diagnostic device |
JPS59160431A (en) | 1983-03-01 | 1984-09-11 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Air and liquid feeding apparatus of endoscope |
US4617013A (en) | 1983-03-14 | 1986-10-14 | Timron Instruments, Incorporated | Method and apparatus for surgical irrigation, aspiration and illumination |
DE3460931D1 (en) | 1983-03-22 | 1986-11-20 | Olympus Optical Co | Air and liquid supplying device for endoscope |
JPS59203534A (en) | 1983-04-30 | 1984-11-17 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Connector apparatus for cleaning pipeline of endoscope |
US4773413A (en) | 1983-06-13 | 1988-09-27 | Trimedyne Laser Systems, Inc. | Localized heat applying medical device |
US4646722A (en) | 1984-12-10 | 1987-03-03 | Opielab, Inc. | Protective endoscope sheath and method of installing same |
US4941872A (en) | 1985-01-22 | 1990-07-17 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Control handle for surgical irrigation and suction device |
US4637814A (en) | 1985-04-05 | 1987-01-20 | Arnold Leiboff | Method and apparatus for intestinal irrigation |
US4616169A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1986-10-07 | Scovill Inc. | Battery-powered appliance |
JPS61168328U (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1986-10-18 | ||
US4748970A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1988-06-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope systems |
JPH0446721Y2 (en) | 1986-06-12 | 1992-11-04 | ||
US4735603A (en) | 1986-09-10 | 1988-04-05 | James H. Goodson | Laser smoke evacuation system and method |
US4794911A (en) | 1986-09-20 | 1989-01-03 | Olympus Optical Company Ltd. | Means to facilitate detachably mounting cap to distal end of endoscope |
US4741326A (en) | 1986-10-01 | 1988-05-03 | Fujinon, Inc. | Endoscope disposable sheath |
US4800869A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1989-01-31 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Endoscope |
JPH01244732A (en) | 1988-03-28 | 1989-09-29 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope with sheath |
US4877016A (en) | 1988-07-29 | 1989-10-31 | Kantor Edward A | Video endoscopic microscope |
US5027791A (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1991-07-02 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Air and water supply apparatus for endoscope |
US4973321A (en) | 1989-03-17 | 1990-11-27 | Michelson Gary K | Cannula for an arthroscope |
US5009655A (en) | 1989-05-24 | 1991-04-23 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Hot tip device with optical diagnostic capability |
US4991565A (en) | 1989-06-26 | 1991-02-12 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheath device for endoscope and fluid conduit connecting structure therefor |
US4998527A (en) | 1989-07-27 | 1991-03-12 | Percutaneous Technologies Inc. | Endoscopic abdominal, urological, and gynecological tissue removing device |
US5019054A (en) | 1989-11-06 | 1991-05-28 | Mectra Labs, Inc. | Medical device valving mechanism |
US5312400A (en) | 1992-10-09 | 1994-05-17 | Symbiosis Corporation | Cautery probes for endoscopic electrosurgical suction-irrigation instrument |
US5167220A (en) | 1990-08-09 | 1992-12-01 | Brown Cathy K | Systems and methods for maintaining a clear visual field during endoscopic procedures |
US5225001A (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1993-07-06 | Healthtek | Single channel scope cleaning method and apparatus |
US5133336A (en) | 1990-10-22 | 1992-07-28 | Endoscopy Support Services, Inc. | Disposable liquid supply system for use in an endoscope |
GB9027408D0 (en) | 1990-12-18 | 1991-02-06 | Univ Sheffield | Surgical device |
US5279549A (en) | 1991-01-04 | 1994-01-18 | Sherwood Medical Company | Closed ventilation and suction catheter system |
US5207213A (en) | 1991-02-01 | 1993-05-04 | Circon Corporation | Laparoscope having means for removing image impeding material from a distal lens |
US5147292A (en) | 1991-02-05 | 1992-09-15 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Control handle with locking means for surgical irrigation |
US5144942A (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 1992-09-08 | United States Surgical Corporation | Endoscopic instrumentation kit and package therefor |
US5359991A (en) | 1991-04-24 | 1994-11-01 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Cover device for endoscope |
US5400767A (en) | 1991-05-14 | 1995-03-28 | Murdoch; Mervyn J. | Laparoscopic telescope lens cleaner and protector |
US5201908A (en) | 1991-06-10 | 1993-04-13 | Endomedical Technologies, Inc. | Sheath for protecting endoscope from contamination |
US5386817A (en) | 1991-06-10 | 1995-02-07 | Endomedical Technologies, Inc. | Endoscope sheath and valve system |
DE4220701C2 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 2001-02-08 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope cleaning device |
FI93582C (en) | 1991-09-18 | 1995-04-25 | Janesko Oy | Device for cleaning an optical window in a process |
JPH05103756A (en) | 1991-10-16 | 1993-04-27 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5163927A (en) | 1991-10-17 | 1992-11-17 | Imagyn Medical, Inc. | Linear eversion catheter system with position indicating indicia |
US5328458A (en) | 1991-12-03 | 1994-07-12 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Insufflation apparatus |
JPH05199979A (en) | 1992-01-27 | 1993-08-10 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Hard endoscopic device |
US5320091A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1994-06-14 | Circon Corporation | Continuous flow hysteroscope |
USD346023S (en) | 1992-05-28 | 1994-04-12 | Stewart Sr Edward T | Manually actuated vacuum pump for male sexual disfunction |
US5336170A (en) | 1992-07-29 | 1994-08-09 | Research Medical, Inc. | Surgical site visualization wand |
US5322070A (en) * | 1992-08-21 | 1994-06-21 | E-Z-Em, Inc. | Barium enema insufflation system |
US5313934A (en) | 1992-09-10 | 1994-05-24 | Deumed Group Inc. | Lens cleaning means for invasive viewing medical instruments |
US5339800A (en) | 1992-09-10 | 1994-08-23 | Devmed Group Inc. | Lens cleaning means for invasive viewing medical instruments with anti-contamination means |
US5306272A (en) | 1992-11-02 | 1994-04-26 | Neuro Navigational Corporation | Advancer for surgical instrument |
US5922105A (en) | 1992-12-02 | 1999-07-13 | Ebara Research Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for the preparation of clean gases |
US5468240A (en) | 1992-12-03 | 1995-11-21 | Conmed Corporation | Manual control device for laparoscopic instrument |
US5514074A (en) | 1993-02-12 | 1996-05-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus of an endoscope cover system for preventing buckling of an endoscope cover |
US6007551A (en) | 1993-02-23 | 1999-12-28 | Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. | Endoscopic ligating apparatus |
US5575753A (en) | 1993-03-05 | 1996-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscopic apparatus using a covered type endoscope fitted in an endoscope cover |
JP2666902B2 (en) | 1993-03-10 | 1997-10-22 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Dehumidifier |
US5569157A (en) | 1993-05-07 | 1996-10-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
BR9405324A (en) | 1993-06-03 | 1999-08-31 | Xomed Treace Inc | Disposable endoscope cover |
AU7365294A (en) | 1993-07-22 | 1995-02-20 | Xomed, Inc | Disposable endoscope sheath |
JPH07275185A (en) | 1994-04-05 | 1995-10-24 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Sheath device for endoscope |
US5575756A (en) | 1993-08-16 | 1996-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
US5392766A (en) | 1993-10-06 | 1995-02-28 | Innerdyne Medical, Inc. | System and method for cleaning viewing scope lenses |
US5746695A (en) | 1993-11-18 | 1998-05-05 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Front end structure of endoscope |
EP0664101A1 (en) | 1994-01-21 | 1995-07-26 | Devmed Group Inc. | Lens cleaning apparatus |
US5448990A (en) | 1994-02-15 | 1995-09-12 | Very Inventive Physicians, Inc. | Endoscope viewing cannula and surgical techniques |
US5364407A (en) | 1994-03-21 | 1994-11-15 | Poll Wayne L | Laparoscopic suturing system |
US5464008A (en) | 1994-04-14 | 1995-11-07 | Kim; John H. | Laparoscope defogging |
US5697888A (en) * | 1994-04-21 | 1997-12-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus having valve device for supplying water and gas |
JPH07289514A (en) | 1994-04-25 | 1995-11-07 | I L:Kk | Front end lens washing pipe for endoscope |
US6017333A (en) | 1995-04-13 | 2000-01-25 | Bailey; Robert W. | Irrigating laparoscopic cannula |
US5788628A (en) | 1994-05-26 | 1998-08-04 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Endoscope |
US5518502A (en) | 1994-06-08 | 1996-05-21 | The United States Surgical Corporation | Compositions, methods and apparatus for inhibiting fogging of endoscope lenses |
JP3527561B2 (en) | 1994-06-13 | 2004-05-17 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5514084A (en) | 1994-07-26 | 1996-05-07 | Fisher; Yale | Retractable wipe for cleaning endoscopic surgical devices |
US5647840A (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1997-07-15 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope having a distally heated distal lens |
USD369862S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-05-14 | Pos-T-Vac, Inc. | Compact manual vacuum pump |
US5849005A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1998-12-15 | Heartport, Inc. | Method and apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism when performing a procedure in a patient's thoracic cavity |
US5857961A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-01-12 | Clarus Medical Systems, Inc. | Surgical instrument for use with a viewing system |
JPH0910170A (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1997-01-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Objective optical system of endoscope |
CN1104745C (en) | 1995-08-02 | 2003-04-02 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Solid-state image pickup device and its manufacture |
JPH0995817A (en) | 1995-10-02 | 1997-04-08 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo Kk | Apparatus for producing optical fiber |
US5957888A (en) * | 1995-10-10 | 1999-09-28 | United States Surgical Corporation | Surgical cannula having a variable length |
US5605532A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1997-02-25 | Vista Medical Technologies, Inc. | Fog-free endoscope |
US5634881A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1997-06-03 | United States Surgical Corporation | Laparoscope |
JPH09135804A (en) | 1995-11-17 | 1997-05-27 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US6451041B1 (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 2002-09-17 | Stephen P. Moenning | Apparatus for protecting a port site opening in the wall of a body cavity and reducing electrosurgical injuries |
US5868663A (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1999-02-09 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Front end structure of side-view type endoscope |
AU2451197A (en) | 1996-04-10 | 1997-10-29 | Endoscopic Technologies, Inc. | Surgical retractor and stabilizing device |
US6040053A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 2000-03-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Coating composition having anti-reflective and anti-fogging properties |
DE19736925A1 (en) | 1996-08-26 | 1998-03-05 | Central Glass Co Ltd | Hydrophilic film and method for producing the same on a substrate |
US5894369A (en) | 1996-11-15 | 1999-04-13 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Lens device with anti-fogging |
DE69734921T2 (en) | 1996-12-09 | 2006-09-28 | Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. | ANTI-FIELD OBJECT AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD |
US6383134B1 (en) | 1997-03-28 | 2002-05-07 | Albert N. Santilli | Surgical stabilizer having suction capability |
US5967972A (en) | 1997-03-28 | 1999-10-19 | Kapp Surgical Instrument, Inc. | Minimally invasive surgical retractor and method of operation |
US6770050B2 (en) | 1997-04-14 | 2004-08-03 | Baxter International Inc. | Multipurpose fluid applicator and method, with surgical uses |
USD420131S (en) | 1997-05-27 | 2000-02-01 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Endoscope |
US6454871B1 (en) | 1997-06-23 | 2002-09-24 | Princeton Trade & Technology, Inc. | Method of cleaning passageways using a mixed phase flow of gas and a liquid |
JP3897408B2 (en) | 1997-08-27 | 2007-03-22 | 株式会社中戸研究所 | Antifogging coating material, antifogging coating film and antifogging article |
AU9499098A (en) | 1997-09-22 | 1999-04-12 | Leonard S. Schultz | Surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgical procedures |
US5865730A (en) | 1997-10-07 | 1999-02-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue stabilization device for use during surgery having remotely actuated feet |
US6110259A (en) | 1997-11-21 | 2000-08-29 | Jlj International, Inc. | Smoke evacuation system |
US6299592B1 (en) | 1998-03-31 | 2001-10-09 | Northgate Technologies Inc. | Laparoscopic insufflator |
US7918816B2 (en) | 1998-05-19 | 2011-04-05 | Lexion Medical, Llc | Method and apparatus for delivering an agent to the abdomen |
US6176825B1 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2001-01-23 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Cannula-based irrigation system and method |
US6712479B1 (en) | 1998-07-30 | 2004-03-30 | Innovative Surgical Technology, Inc. | Method for preventing laparoscope fogging |
US6234635B1 (en) | 1998-07-30 | 2001-05-22 | Michael R. Seitzinger | Method for preventing laparoscope fogging |
US5916145A (en) | 1998-08-07 | 1999-06-29 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Device and method of using a surgical assembly with mesh sheath |
US6282442B1 (en) | 1998-09-11 | 2001-08-28 | Surgical Laser Technologies, Inc. | Multi-fit suction irrigation hand piece |
US6126592A (en) | 1998-09-12 | 2000-10-03 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscope cleaning and irrigation sheath |
US6921380B1 (en) | 1998-10-01 | 2005-07-26 | Baxter International Inc. | Component mixing catheter |
US6398726B1 (en) | 1998-11-20 | 2002-06-04 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Stabilizer for robotic beating-heart surgery |
JP2002531235A (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2002-09-24 | ポール・コーポレーション | Medical treatment filter |
JP3621843B2 (en) | 1999-02-08 | 2005-02-16 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope apparatus having a duct |
EP1150734B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2004-10-20 | Karl Storz GmbH & Co. | Device for introducing an intubation tube into the trachea |
DE19910295C2 (en) | 1999-03-09 | 2002-06-20 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Medical or technical endoscopic instrument |
JP2000279370A (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2000-10-10 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Washing device for observation window of endoscope |
US6375635B1 (en) | 1999-05-18 | 2002-04-23 | Hydrocision, Inc. | Fluid jet surgical instruments |
JP3565099B2 (en) | 1999-08-02 | 2004-09-15 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope fluid supply device |
US6656555B1 (en) | 1999-10-13 | 2003-12-02 | Malessa Partners, L.L.C. | Integrated forms and method of making such forms |
US6447446B1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2002-09-10 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Method and apparatus for cleaning an endoscope lens |
US6354992B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2002-03-12 | Daniel T. Kato | Automated laparoscopic lens cleaner |
US6808505B2 (en) | 2000-02-01 | 2004-10-26 | Kadan Jeffrey S | Diagnostic needle arthroscopy and lavage system |
JP4633274B2 (en) | 2000-02-17 | 2011-02-16 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device |
AU2001238377A1 (en) | 2000-02-18 | 2001-08-27 | University Of Massachussets | Devices and methods for warming and cleaning lenses of optical surgical instruments |
US6858005B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2005-02-22 | Neo Guide Systems, Inc. | Tendon-driven endoscope and methods of insertion |
US6610007B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2003-08-26 | Neoguide Systems, Inc. | Steerable segmented endoscope and method of insertion |
US6582357B2 (en) | 2000-05-24 | 2003-06-24 | Pentax Corporation | Treating instrument erecting device for use in endoscope |
US6752755B2 (en) | 2000-08-07 | 2004-06-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope and endoscope cap with recessed focal point |
CA2357209A1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2002-03-08 | Pall Corporation | Cannula assembly |
JP2002177198A (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2002-06-25 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
JP3600194B2 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2004-12-08 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
EP2932884B1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2020-09-09 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Endoscopic beating-heart stabilizer and vessel occlusion fastener |
JP3845296B2 (en) | 2000-11-29 | 2006-11-15 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope dirt remover |
JP2004524076A (en) | 2001-01-11 | 2004-08-12 | ギブン・イメージング・リミテツド | Apparatus and system for in vivo procedures |
US6712757B2 (en) | 2001-05-16 | 2004-03-30 | Stephen Becker | Endoscope sleeve and irrigation device |
IL143682A0 (en) | 2001-06-11 | 2002-04-21 | Shalman Michael | Endoscope with cleaning optics |
JP2003107370A (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-04-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Manufacturing method of tip optical component of endoscope |
US6695772B1 (en) | 2001-11-26 | 2004-02-24 | Visionary Biomedical, Inc. | Small diameter cannula devices, systems and methods |
US7169167B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2007-01-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscopic apparatus and method |
US6780516B2 (en) | 2002-01-31 | 2004-08-24 | General Electric Company | Anti-fog coating composition, process, and article |
US6712759B2 (en) | 2002-01-07 | 2004-03-30 | Acmi Corporation | Outflow system for an endoscope |
JP2003231827A (en) | 2002-02-12 | 2003-08-19 | Canon Inc | Fog-resistant coating material, fog-resistant coated film and fog-resistant optical member |
USD481126S1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2003-10-21 | Pentax Corporation | Remote control switch for endoscope |
USD486910S1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2004-02-17 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope |
USD484594S1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2003-12-30 | Pentax Corporation | Operating knob for endoscope |
USD498846S1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2004-11-23 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope |
TWI258356B (en) | 2002-03-28 | 2006-07-21 | Onestep Co Ltd | Cleaning member for medical tubes, porous member for cleaning treatment appliance insertion lumen of endoscope, and cleaning apparatus for cleaning treatment appliance insertion lumen of endoscope |
JP3831683B2 (en) | 2002-05-16 | 2006-10-11 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Bending prevention of flexible tube insertion part of endoscope with outer sheath |
JP2004049891A (en) | 2002-05-29 | 2004-02-19 | Olympus Corp | Endoscope apparatus |
WO2004006788A1 (en) | 2002-07-13 | 2004-01-22 | Stryker Corporation | System and method for performing irrigated nose and throat surgery |
US20040034339A1 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2004-02-19 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Device for improved visualization of operative sites during surgery |
JP4131012B2 (en) | 2002-10-10 | 2008-08-13 | Hoya株式会社 | Endoscope with sheath |
JP4324758B2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2009-09-02 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope fluid delivery device |
US6882236B2 (en) | 2002-11-05 | 2005-04-19 | Magneto-Inductive Systems Limited | Dynamically tuned amplifier for frequency shift keyed signals |
US6872178B2 (en) | 2002-11-18 | 2005-03-29 | Andrew Mark Weinberg | Colonoscope apparatus and method |
IL154101A0 (en) | 2003-01-23 | 2003-07-31 | Univ Ramot | Minimally invasive controlled surgical system with feedback |
JP2004267583A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-30 | Takeshi Ohira | Laparoscope defogging device, member for defogging laparoscope, optical transmission member for defogging laparoscope and defogging method for laparoscope |
JP4155072B2 (en) | 2003-03-26 | 2008-09-24 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope |
US20040199052A1 (en) | 2003-04-01 | 2004-10-07 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscopic imaging system |
US7854724B2 (en) * | 2003-04-08 | 2010-12-21 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Trocar assembly with pneumatic sealing |
US7182752B2 (en) | 2003-04-08 | 2007-02-27 | Surgiquest, Incorporated | Continuous gas flow trocar assembly |
US7270670B1 (en) | 2003-04-21 | 2007-09-18 | Cardica, Inc. | Minimally-invasive surgical system utilizing a stabilizer |
IL156715A0 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2004-01-04 | Medigus Ltd | Autoclavable imager assembly |
US8753262B2 (en) | 2003-07-29 | 2014-06-17 | Hoya Corporation | Internal treatment apparatus having circumferential side holes |
US7771384B2 (en) | 2003-08-20 | 2010-08-10 | Biagio Ravo | Trocar with integral irrigation and suction tube |
US7377925B2 (en) | 2003-09-16 | 2008-05-27 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Llc | Fragmentation and extraction basket |
DE202004021703U1 (en) | 2003-10-07 | 2010-05-27 | Northgate Technologies Inc., Elgin | Device for dispensing a substance into a body cavity |
JP2005110978A (en) | 2003-10-08 | 2005-04-28 | Olympus Corp | Gas feeding device |
US7150713B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2006-12-19 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscopic device |
US7635345B2 (en) | 2004-01-09 | 2009-12-22 | G. I. View Ltd. | Pressure-propelled system for body lumen |
US7445596B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2008-11-04 | Cannuflow, Inc. | Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath |
US20050171467A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-08-04 | Jaime Landman | Multiple function surgical device |
US7628787B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2009-12-08 | Covidien Ag | Self contained, gas-enhanced surgical instrument |
US7803109B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2010-09-28 | Ricardo Alexander Gomez | Method and apparatus for protecting the distal lens of endoscopes |
US7080641B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2006-07-25 | Ricardo Alexander Gomez | Method and apparatus for heating sterile solutions during medical procedures |
US7311660B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2007-12-25 | Ricardo Alexander Gomez | Method and apparatus for heating and applying warm antifog solution to endoscopes as well as a distal lens protector |
US8517921B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2013-08-27 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Endoscopic instrument having reduced diameter flexible shaft |
GB0409474D0 (en) | 2004-04-28 | 2004-06-02 | Ucl Biomedica Plc | Colonoscope and a colon cleaning method for use therewith |
IL162251A0 (en) | 2004-05-31 | 2005-11-20 | Medigus Ltd | A reusable laparoscopic or endoscopic camera head |
US7811228B2 (en) | 2004-07-26 | 2010-10-12 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Disposable endoscope sheath having adjustable length |
WO2006014814A1 (en) | 2004-07-26 | 2006-02-09 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Disposable endoscope sheath having adjustable length |
US20060041186A1 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2006-02-23 | Vancaillie Thierry G | Continuous flow single sheath for endoscope |
US7335159B2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2008-02-26 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscope having auto-insufflation and exsufflation |
US8062214B2 (en) | 2004-08-27 | 2011-11-22 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Tissue resecting system |
US7479106B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2009-01-20 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Automated control of irrigation and aspiration in a single-use endoscope |
WO2006063491A1 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Kerang Jiang | Endoscope system with a disposable sheath and method of use thereof |
USD534655S1 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2007-01-02 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Light source for medical purposes |
US20060252993A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-11-09 | Freed David I | Medical devices and systems |
AU2006239222B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2009-05-14 | St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. | Peelable atraumatic tip and body for a catheter or sheath |
US8083664B2 (en) | 2005-05-25 | 2011-12-27 | Maquet Cardiovascular Llc | Surgical stabilizers and methods for use in reduced-access surgical sites |
USD535743S1 (en) | 2005-08-15 | 2007-01-23 | Arthur Myles Williams | Vein stabilizer device |
WO2007074442A2 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2007-07-05 | Stryker Gi Ltd. | Endoscopic apparatus provided with pressure relief arrangement |
EP1971272A2 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2008-09-24 | VANCE PRODUCTS INCORPORATED d/b/a COOK UROLOGICAL INCORPORATED | Deflectable tip access sheath |
US8021293B2 (en) | 2006-01-13 | 2011-09-20 | Olympus Medical Systems Corp. | Medical treatment endoscope |
JP5266065B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2013-08-21 | ニュー ウェーブ サージカル コープ. | A device that performs white balance on a medical video endoscope and applies an anti-fogging agent to the medical video endoscope before a medical procedure. |
FR2899087B1 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2008-06-20 | V I M S Video Interventionnell | PROTECTION FOR ENDOSCOPE AND CORRESPONDING ENDOSCOPE |
US7927271B2 (en) | 2006-05-17 | 2011-04-19 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Endoscope tool coupling |
US8047215B1 (en) | 2006-06-06 | 2011-11-01 | Larry Sasaki | Laparoscopic lens cleaner |
US8001984B2 (en) | 2006-06-06 | 2011-08-23 | Sasaki Larry S | Laparoscopic lens cleaner |
US7819957B2 (en) | 2006-06-14 | 2010-10-26 | Keith Roberts | Operating room filter systems |
US20070299310A1 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2007-12-27 | Phillips Edward H | Device for shielding the lens of a flexible or rigid surgical endoscope |
US7815566B2 (en) | 2006-07-20 | 2010-10-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Methods for stabilizing and positioning an endoscope and surgical procedures |
US7806870B2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2010-10-05 | Surgiquest, Incorporated | Elastically deformable surgical access device having telescoping guide tube |
ATE498364T1 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2011-03-15 | Surgiquest Inc | TROCALER ARRANGEMENT WITH PNEUMATIC CLOSURE |
US20080081948A1 (en) | 2006-10-03 | 2008-04-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for cleaning a distal scope end of a medical viewing scope |
WO2008045690A2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2008-04-17 | Veveo, Inc. | Linear character selection display interface for ambiguous text input |
WO2010042913A2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2010-04-15 | Surgiquest, Incorporated | Devices for and methods of performing minimally-invasive surgical procedures through a single incision |
US8075481B2 (en) | 2006-10-10 | 2011-12-13 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Internal retraction systems and devices |
EP1911474B1 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2012-07-11 | Alka Kumar | Efficient continuous flow irrigation system |
JP4981403B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2012-07-18 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope cleaning sheath and endoscope apparatus including the same |
US20080108871A1 (en) | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-08 | Mohr Catherine J | Vacuum stabilized overtube for endoscopic surgery |
EP2101662B1 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2018-07-11 | SurgiQuest, Incorporated | System for surgical insufflation and gas recirculation |
US20130317295A1 (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2013-11-28 | GE Inspection Technologies | Light assembly for remote visual inspection apparatus |
US8535220B2 (en) | 2007-02-16 | 2013-09-17 | Robert MONDSCHEIN | Laparoscope cleaning system |
USD573711S1 (en) | 2007-03-01 | 2008-07-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Iris valve ring |
US8414480B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2013-04-09 | Maquet Cardiovascular Llc | Methods and devices for reducing reflection-illuminated artifacts |
EP2134238B1 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2016-08-03 | SurgiQuest, Incorporated | Endoluminal and transluminal surgical devices |
US9050036B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2015-06-09 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Device for maintaining visualization with surgical scopes |
US9211059B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2015-12-15 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US8888689B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2014-11-18 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US8128592B2 (en) | 2007-07-11 | 2012-03-06 | Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. | Methods and systems for performing submucosal medical procedures |
US8096944B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2012-01-17 | Harrel Stephen K | Air shield for videoscope imagers |
US8185997B2 (en) | 2007-11-05 | 2012-05-29 | New Wave Surgical Corporation | Method and apparatus for cleaning the interior cannula of laparoscopic and endoscopic access devices |
WO2009073577A2 (en) | 2007-11-29 | 2009-06-11 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Surgical instruments with improved dexterity for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures |
US20090215018A1 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2009-08-27 | Therenow, Inc. | Remote Observation System and Method of Use |
US20090234193A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 | 2009-09-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for keeping clean a distal scope end of a medical viewing scope |
JP5053904B2 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2012-10-24 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope, endoscope with tip cap, and cleaning sheath for endoscope |
JP5108595B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2012-12-26 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope, endoscope with tip cap, and cleaning sheath for endoscope |
USD600807S1 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2009-09-22 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Aiming device |
JP5161681B2 (en) | 2008-07-22 | 2013-03-13 | 和也 赤星 | Endoscopic treatment tool |
JP5745413B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2015-07-08 | サージクェスト,インコーポレーテッド | Low profile surgical access device with anchor mechanism |
USD613403S1 (en) | 2008-12-10 | 2010-04-06 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Llc | Sheath tip for maintaining surgical scope visualization |
US20100331856A1 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2010-12-30 | Hansen Medical Inc. | Multiple flexible and steerable elongate instruments for minimally invasive operations |
US7803144B1 (en) | 2009-06-08 | 2010-09-28 | Victor J. Vollrath | Device for supporting an ex-dwelling catheter |
JP5671542B2 (en) | 2009-09-29 | 2015-02-18 | サージクェスト,インコーポレーテッド | Multimode surgical gas supply system for laparoscopic surgical procedures |
EP2485664B1 (en) | 2009-10-10 | 2019-02-27 | SurgiQuest, Incorporated | Low-profile surgical access devices |
GB2474309B (en) | 2009-10-12 | 2011-09-07 | Endoguard Ltd | Flow guide for an endoscope |
US9078562B2 (en) | 2010-01-11 | 2015-07-14 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US20120022331A1 (en) | 2010-01-11 | 2012-01-26 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Llc | Systems and Methods for Optimizing and Maintaining Visualization of a Surgical Field During the Use of Surgical Scopes |
WO2011130399A1 (en) | 2010-04-13 | 2011-10-20 | Surgiquest, Incorporated | Visualization trocar |
ES2773940T3 (en) | 2010-05-24 | 2020-07-15 | Surgiquest Incorporated | Devices for automated surgery |
US20120184897A1 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2012-07-19 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Llc | Integrated systems and methods for maintenance and management of an intra-abdominal gas environment during laparoscopic surgery |
WO2012044410A2 (en) | 2010-09-20 | 2012-04-05 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Multi-flow filtration system |
US8690764B2 (en) | 2010-10-20 | 2014-04-08 | Covidien Lp | Endoscope cleaner |
WO2012122263A2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2012-09-13 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Trocar assembly with pneumatic sealing |
GB2489487B (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2013-02-13 | Endoguard Ltd | Applicator for an endoscope |
US10398292B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-09-03 | Floshield, Inc. | Fluid dispensing control systems and methods |
-
2011
- 2011-12-05 US US13/311,085 patent/US9522017B2/en active Active
- 2011-12-05 WO PCT/US2011/063277 patent/WO2012075487A2/en active Application Filing
-
2016
- 2016-12-20 US US15/385,693 patent/US20170156755A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (57)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11051862B2 (en) | 2001-11-03 | 2021-07-06 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column |
US11045324B2 (en) | 2006-12-08 | 2021-06-29 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method of implanting a curable implant material |
US11737743B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2023-08-29 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Dilation system and method of using the same |
US11696679B2 (en) | 2010-08-04 | 2023-07-11 | Floshield, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US10154780B2 (en) | 2010-08-04 | 2018-12-18 | Floshield, Inc. | Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes |
US11241255B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-02-08 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11278323B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-03-22 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11234736B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2022-02-01 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11134987B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2021-10-05 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11911017B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2024-02-27 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11937797B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2024-03-26 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique |
US11660082B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2023-05-30 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Dilation system |
USRE48534E1 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2021-04-27 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Detachable dilator blade |
US11559295B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2023-01-24 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | NIR/red light for lateral neuroprotection |
US11219439B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2022-01-11 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | NIR/RED light for lateral neuroprotection |
US11712252B2 (en) | 2014-08-04 | 2023-08-01 | Medos International Sarl | Flexible transport auger |
US9980737B2 (en) | 2014-08-04 | 2018-05-29 | Medos International Sarl | Flexible transport auger |
US10863994B2 (en) | 2014-08-04 | 2020-12-15 | Medos International Sàrl | Flexible transport auger |
US10786330B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2020-09-29 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US10111712B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2018-10-30 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US10264959B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2019-04-23 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US9924979B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2018-03-27 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US11213196B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2022-01-04 | Medos International Sarl | Proximal-end securement of a minimally invasive working channel |
US11464523B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2022-10-11 | Medos International Sarl | Percutaneous disc clearing device |
US10786264B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2020-09-29 | Medos International Sarl | Percutaneous disc clearing device |
US11439380B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2022-09-13 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical instrument connectors and related methods |
US11744447B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-09-05 | Medos International | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US11950766B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2024-04-09 | Medos International Sàrl | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US10869659B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-12-22 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical instrument connectors and related methods |
US10779810B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-09-22 | Medos International Sarl | Devices and methods for surgical retraction |
US10874425B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-12-29 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US10758220B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-09-01 | Medos International Sarl | Devices and methods for providing surgical access |
US10987129B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2021-04-27 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US10682130B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2020-06-16 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical access port stabilization |
US11331090B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2022-05-17 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US11344190B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2022-05-31 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US11883064B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2024-01-30 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11806043B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-11-07 | Medos International Sarl | Devices and methods for providing surgical access |
US11801070B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-10-31 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical access port stabilization |
US11559328B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-01-24 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11793546B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-10-24 | Medos International Sarl | Surgical visualization systems and related methods |
US11672562B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-06-13 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11000312B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2021-05-11 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US11712264B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-08-01 | Medos International Sarl | Multi-shield spinal access system |
US10299838B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2019-05-28 | Medos International Sarl | Method and instruments for interbody fusion and posterior fixation through a single incision |
US11020153B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2021-06-01 | Medos International Sarl | Method and instruments for interbody fusion and posterior fixation through a single incision |
WO2019245745A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-26 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery device with internal gaseous sealing module and filtered tube set therefor |
US11197968B2 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2021-12-14 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery device with internal gaseous sealing module and filtered tube set therefor |
WO2019245743A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-26 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery system with remote gaseous sealing module and gas sealed sleeve for accessing a surgical cavity |
KR102570258B1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2023-08-24 | 콘메드 코포레이션 | Surgical gas delivery system having a remote gas seal module and gas seal sleeve for access to the surgical cavity |
KR20210013291A (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2021-02-03 | 콘메드 코포레이션 | Surgical gas delivery system with remote gas sealing module and gas sealing sleeve to access surgical cavity |
US11273270B2 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2022-03-15 | Conmed Corporation | Surgical gas delivery system with remote gaseous sealing module and gas sealed sleeve for accessing a surgical cavity |
US11013530B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2021-05-25 | Medos International Sarl | Surface features for device retention |
US11241252B2 (en) | 2019-03-22 | 2022-02-08 | Medos International Sarl | Skin foundation access portal |
US11129727B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2021-09-28 | Medos International Sari | Inflatable non-distracting intervertebral implants and related methods |
US11813026B2 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2023-11-14 | Medos International Sarl | Systems, devices, and methods for providing surgical trajectory guidance |
US11771517B2 (en) | 2021-03-12 | 2023-10-03 | Medos International Sarl | Camera position indication systems and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20120310147A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
WO2012075487A3 (en) | 2012-09-20 |
US9522017B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 |
WO2012075487A2 (en) | 2012-06-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20170156755A1 (en) | Devices, systems, and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures | |
EP2098180B1 (en) | Radially expandable access system including trocar seal | |
US8033995B2 (en) | Inflatable retractor with insufflation and method | |
EP3824830B1 (en) | Systems for conducting smoke evacuation during laparoscopic surgical procedures | |
KR101037644B1 (en) | Retractor system for laparoscopic surgery | |
US11864792B2 (en) | Cannula assembly | |
US7329233B2 (en) | Surgical system for laparoscopic surgery | |
US20190307973A1 (en) | Trocar Sleeve | |
US20100100045A1 (en) | Trocar cannula with atramatic tip | |
US9220532B2 (en) | Translumenal peritoneal access and catheter therefor | |
JP2010518901A (en) | Flexible cannula with seal | |
CN113288019B (en) | Access component for cleaning endoscope lens in real time and application method thereof | |
US20230050359A1 (en) | Assistive apparatus for single port surgical robot | |
EP3632293A2 (en) | Multi lumen access device | |
US20220104848A1 (en) | Surgical access device with differential pressure induced fluid evacuation | |
JP2008515482A (en) | Surgical system for laparoscopic surgery |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FLOSHIELD, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MINIMALLY INVASIVE DEVICES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:043864/0814 Effective date: 20170917 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |