CA2093880C - Cannula assembly having conductive cannula - Google Patents
Cannula assembly having conductive cannulaInfo
- Publication number
- CA2093880C CA2093880C CA002093880A CA2093880A CA2093880C CA 2093880 C CA2093880 C CA 2093880C CA 002093880 A CA002093880 A CA 002093880A CA 2093880 A CA2093880 A CA 2093880A CA 2093880 C CA2093880 C CA 2093880C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cannula
- conductivity value
- tissue
- cannula assembly
- sleeve
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
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
-
- 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
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
- A61B18/1485—Probes or electrodes therefor having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/0046—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
- A61B2017/00473—Distal part, e.g. tip or head
-
- 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
- A61B2017/348—Means for supporting the trocar against the body or retaining the trocar inside the body
- A61B2017/3482—Means for supporting the trocar against the body or retaining the trocar inside the body inside
- A61B2017/3484—Anchoring means, e.g. spreading-out umbrella-like structure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00053—Mechanical features of the instrument of device
- A61B2018/00059—Material properties
- A61B2018/00071—Electrical conductivity
- A61B2018/00077—Electrical conductivity high, i.e. electrically conducting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S128/00—Surgery
- Y10S128/908—Patient protection from electric shock
Abstract
A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.
Description
: 2Q93~80 (1306) - 1 CANNULA ASSEMBLY HAVING CON~UCTIVE CANNUT~
....
BAC~K~Nv OF THE IN~ lON
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cAnnl~la AC5~ ~ly and cannula ~ccessory Acs- ~lies for ~n~oscopic and laparoscopic surgical pLoced~Les having a portion of the assembly formed of an electrically con~uctive material.
Descri~tion of the Related Art Endoscopic surgical pLocedu-es~ that is, surgical p~oced~les performed through tubular sleeves or c~nn~las, have been utilized for many years. Initially, ~n~oscopic surgical procedules were primarily A ~ agnostic in nature.
More recently as endoscopic technology has advanced, surgeons are performing increasingly complex and innovative Dn~oscopic surgical procedures. In endoscopic procedures, surgery is performed in any hollow viscus of the body through narrow endoscopic tubes (or cannulas) inserted through small entrance wounds in the skin. In laparoscopic procedures surgery is performed in the interior of the abdomen through a small incision.
Laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures generally require that any instrumentation inserted into the body be sealed, i.e., provisions must be made to ensure that gases do not enter or exit the body through the laparoscopic or endoscopic incision as, for example, in surgical procedures in which the surgical region is insufflated. Moreover, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures often require the surgeon to act on organs, tissues and vessels far removed -, , .
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....
BAC~K~Nv OF THE IN~ lON
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cAnnl~la AC5~ ~ly and cannula ~ccessory Acs- ~lies for ~n~oscopic and laparoscopic surgical pLoced~Les having a portion of the assembly formed of an electrically con~uctive material.
Descri~tion of the Related Art Endoscopic surgical pLocedu-es~ that is, surgical p~oced~les performed through tubular sleeves or c~nn~las, have been utilized for many years. Initially, ~n~oscopic surgical procedules were primarily A ~ agnostic in nature.
More recently as endoscopic technology has advanced, surgeons are performing increasingly complex and innovative Dn~oscopic surgical procedures. In endoscopic procedures, surgery is performed in any hollow viscus of the body through narrow endoscopic tubes (or cannulas) inserted through small entrance wounds in the skin. In laparoscopic procedures surgery is performed in the interior of the abdomen through a small incision.
Laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures generally require that any instrumentation inserted into the body be sealed, i.e., provisions must be made to ensure that gases do not enter or exit the body through the laparoscopic or endoscopic incision as, for example, in surgical procedures in which the surgical region is insufflated. Moreover, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures often require the surgeon to act on organs, tissues and vessels far removed -, , .
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2a~3~80 1 from the incision, thereby requiring that any instruments to be used in such procedures be both long and narrow.
Generally, cannulas are currently fabricated from stainless steel. However, radiolucent cannulas are utilized in situations where high quality imaging is required. For example, during an endoscopic cholecystectomy, it is ~ ~n to perform a cholangiogram by in~Lo~cing a catheter into the cystic duct. Therefore, ~ulyeon~ typically employ radiolucent materials, such as plastic or fiberglass, when placing cannulas and cannula accessories in the region of the cholangiogram in order to obtain high quality images of the region.
comparing stainless steel and fiberglass to a highly conductive material, such as silver, stainless steel has a conductivity value which is twelve percent the conductivity value for silver. Fiberglass has a con~uctivity value which is less than one percent the conductivity value for silver and is generally considered to be a dielectric. For the purposes of the present ;~
disclosure, silver is assumed to be about one hundred percent conductive.
With the recent sophistication and popularity of such endoscopic surgical p~oced~res, a wide array of endoscopic instruments are being utilized in connection therewith. For example, an assortment of instruments include electrocautery capability which may be used to achieve hemostasis. The principle of electrocautery is based upon the resistance to the flow of electrical current through tissue. Such resistance results in heat generation as current attempts to pass therethrough. The degree of resistance to electrical current flow for tissue depends . .
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~a93~8a 1 primarily on its vascularity and water content, with bone and fat having a higher resistance to current flow than s~in and muscle.
Electrocautery equipment is typically either unipolar or bipolar. In unipolar applications, electrical energy is supplied from a generator to the end of an electrical conductor, e.g., cauterization wire, which is pressed against or placed ad~acent the desired surgical site. A ~L vunding plate is typically located below the patient so that the electrical ~UL~ delivered by the cauterization wirè passes through the patient to the plate, thereby completing the electrocautery circuit. In contrast thereto, in bipolar electrocautery equipment, a grounding wire is part of the instrumentation placed against the surgical site and the electrical current pAsses directly from the cauterization wire, throuqh the tissue at the surgical site, and to the grounding wire thereby completing the electrical circuit.
Recently, concerns have been raised based upon speculation that the introduction and activation of an electrocautery instrument within a stainless steel and/or fiberglass cannula assembly may cause an electrical charge to build on the cannula. Such charge, if not sufficiently dissipated, is thought to potentially cause interference with the electrocautery device, or interference with the patient. During a recent meeting of the FDA's Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel on April 29, l99l, these concerns were discussed. However, no definitive position was taken by the FDA on whether these concerns were legitimate and whether current FDA guidelines on devices and methods associated with electrosurgery should be modi~ied.
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20~38~a 1 In view of these concerns, it is believed desirable to develop technology which would effectively dissipate such charges in the remote possibility that a buildup should occur. For example, c --ly assigned U.s.
Patent Application No. 07/683,253, filed April lo, 1991, relates to a device and method for dissipating electrical energy during such surg~cal procedures by incorporation of energy dissipation means communicating with electrical cond~ctive means. This application is incorporated herein by reference, The present invention relates to c~n~lla Acs~ ~lies and accessories therefor which are fabricated at least in part from highly electrically conductive material which would dissipate such buildup in the event such remote lS concerns prove founded.
SUMMA~Y OF T~ lNv~ION r The present invention relates to a cannula assembly for receiving endoscopic instruments, which comprises a cannula formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Preferably, the cannula is formed at least in part from aluminum and comprises an elongated tubular structure.
Preferably, cannula housing means is provided having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic inat~ nts. Valve means is associated with the c~nn~ housing means, and adapted to provide a gas tight seal with an en~oscopic instrument inserted therethrough. Cannula means is provided for receiving the :;:
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1 en~oscopic instruments, the cannula means having a proximal end engaged with the first op~ning of the cannula houslng means and being formed at least in part o~ a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty 5 percent the con~uctivity value of silver. Pxeferably, the cAnn~lA means comprises an elongated tubular structure and is formed at least in part from aluminum.
In an alternative ~ ~aiment~ the CAnntll a ACS~ ~ly comprises cannula housing means having a first op~n;nq 10 formed at a distal end thereof and 8econ~ op~nin~ formed at a proximal end thereof for receiving e~oscopic instruments, cannula means for receiving the ~n~oscopic instrument, the cAnn~la means having a proximal end engaged with the first opening of the cannula housing means. The cAnn~la means is 15 formed at least in part of a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least fifty percent the con~uctivity value of silver, and tissue gripping means is r associated with the cannula means for securing the cannula assembly within the body tissue. The tissue gripping means 20 is formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Preferably, the tissue gripping means is formed at least in part of aluminum and provides means for maintaining the tissue gripping means 25 in a deployed position. The tissue gripping means is also adapted to be releasably attached to the cannula means.
The maint~A;ning means preferably includes at least one latching receptor positioned at a prox~ -1 end of the tubular sleeve, and at least one latching member 30 cooperatively positioned at a proximal end of the cAnm~lA
means for cooperation with the latching member to latch the ,, .. ,,. . . :
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20~388~
1 tissue gripping means in either a deployed or a non-deployed position.
According to a preferred embodiment, a tubular sleeve is provided for coaxially engaging the ca~n-~1a means, and is formed of a material having an electrical cQnductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver, and a flexible member is provided having a tubular - '-r positioned radially about a distal end of the tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm ~ ~-rs pOsitioned ad~acent the tubular member. The tissue gripping means further includes means for securing the tubular member to the tubular sleeve. In one ~ ment the securing means comprises protrusions positioned about an interior circumference of the tubular member which engage correspondinq openings formed in the distal end of the tubular sleeve. In another embo~i ?nt, the securing means comprises a circumferential ring positioned about an interior circumferential surface of the tubular member and a co~ es~onding circumferential channel extending about the exterior circumferential surface of the distal end of the tubular sleeve, such that the tubular member is rotatably secured to the tubular sleeve.
The tissue gripping means is releasably secured to the cannula by positioning at least one resilient tab at a distal end of the flexible member and positioning at least one loc~ing receptor at a distal end of the c~nnu1a means, such that the tab cooperatively engages the locking receptor. The articulating arm members preferably include a distal arm portion and a proxi -1 arm portion ~oined by a hinge, the distal portion preferably has a greater length than said proximal portion. Also, the proximal arm portion , ~ . . ~ .
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, 2093~80 - 1 is substantially perpendicular to the tubular sleeve when the articulating arm members are in the deployed position.
It is also preferred that the tubular sleeve includes a gripping flange positioned at a proximal end thereof. The flexible member may also be fabricated of a plastic material.
In one embodiment, the tissue gripping system comprises a tubular sleeve for coAYi~lly engagably receiving the cAnn~lla means, includes op~nings formed along the longitl~dj nAl axis thereof to permit body tissue to exude therethrough so as to contact outer surface portions of the cannula means, such that the body tissue and the cannula means are at substantially the same electrical potential, i.e., ~Lound, and a flexible member positioned at a distal end of the tubular sleeve, and has a plurality of articulating arm members positioned thereon. The articulating arm - ~ers are adapted to be manipulated between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.
A method is also disclosed for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue, comprising providing a cannula ~ss ~ly having cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments. Cannula means is provided for receiving the endoscopic instrument, the cannula means having a proximal end engaged with the first opening of the cannula housing means and formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Tissue gripping means is associated with the cannu1a means for securing the , . . . . .
2~93~8~
1 cannula assembly within the body tissue. In one ~ 'i ~nt, the tissue gripping means is formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The method further comprises insertlng the cannula ~-~8 t '- ly into an opening in the body tissue such that the tissue gripping means contacts the body tissue, and grounding the body tissue to a predetermined ~und level.
1o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred ~ ~o~ ts of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cannula assembly of the present invention, illustrating a conductive cannula secured to the cannula housing;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the c~nnUla assembly of Fig. 1 with parts separated, illustrating a cannula housing, a conductive cannula and a valve system;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tissue gripping system of the present invention, illustrating a conductive tubular sleeve secured to a flexible member;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tissue gripping system, illustrating elongated openings positioned along the tubular sleeve;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue gripping system taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view, with parts separated for convenience of illustration, of a c~n~nla assembly including a tissue gripping system having articulating arm members;
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1 Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view with parts separated of the tissue gripping system of Fig. 3, illustrating a tubular sleeve having openings for securing the sleeve to the flexible member;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view oS the tissue gripping system taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7, illustrating the flexible member secured to the tubular sleeve by protrusions on the flexible - ~?r engaging the tubular sleeve openi ngs;
Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view with parts separated of the tissue gripping system of Fig. 3, illustrating a tubular sleeve having an annular chAnn~l for securinq the sleeve to the flexible member;
Fig. io is a cross-sectional view of the tissue gripping system taken along line 10-lO of Fig. 9, illustrating the flexible member secured to the tubular sleeve by an annular ring on the flexible --~r engaging the tubular sleeve ChAnllel; ' Fig. ll is a perspective view of the cannula assembly of Fig. 6, illustrating the tissue gripping system in the normal position for insertion into the skin opening;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cAn~la assembly shown in Fig. 6, illustrating the tissue gripping system in the deployed position for positioning the cannula within the skin opening;
Fig. 13 is a top view in partial cross-section of a trocar assembly of the present invention, having a cannula ASs~l ~ly and an obturator assembly, illustrating an obLuLator ACse ~ly having a stylet with a piercing tip;
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1 Fig. 14 is a top view in partial cross-section of the trocar assembly of Fig. 12, illustrating an obtura~or assembly having a stylet with a blunt tip;
Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the c~nn~-la ~ss ~ly of Fig. 1, illustrating ~ cAnn~ inserted through body tissue; and Fig. 16 is a partial side view in partial cross-section of the cannula Acs. ~ly of Fiq. 6, illustrating the c~nn-~l a assembly inserted through body tissue and the tissue gripping system in a deployed position.
DETAILED DESCRIP~ION OF THE PR~K~u EMBODlll~nlS
Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2, the cannula assembly of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 10, includes cannula housing 12, cA~nl~la 36 fabricated from an electrically conductive material, and valve system 20 for maintA~ni ng a sealed relation between the housing 12 and any instrument which is inserted into the cAnn~la assembly for endoscopic surgical purposes. The cannula 36 is a tubular member of specific shape and dimensions intended to receive such endoscopic surgical instruments as clip appliers, fiber optic cables for video data transmission, graspers, electrocautery devices, or the like. As noted, the conductive cannula is fabricated of a substantially electrically conductive material which, if properly grounded, actually prevents accumulation of electrical charge beyond predete ined ;n; levels, by facilitating relatively instantaneous dissipation of such charge.
A preferred ~ '~'; ~nt of the CAttnlll a assembly is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The cAnntlla assembly includes --ll--~93880 1 cannula housing 12, valve system 20 and conductive cannula 36. Desufflation lever 30 is provided on cannula housing 12 for manually actuating valve arm 26, via post 26b, for gas desufflation through the cannula assembly. Stopcoc~ type valve 32 is mounted to cannula housing 12 to permit selective insufflation or desufflation of the body cavity prior to performing the surgical p.oce~res. C~nnl~la housing 12 may further include a stabilizer plate 18 positioned within or adjacent to the secon~ opening 15 of housing 12.
Generally, cannula housing 12 includes a top half section 12a and a bottom half section 12b suitably attached by ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or the like. However, the housing 12 may also be of monolithic construction. The lS housing 12 has an open interior for mounting the valve system 20. As noted, preferably cannula housing 12 has at least two openings, a first opening 13, defined by flange 14, formed at the distal end of the housing 12 and a second opening 15, defined by flange 16, formed at the proximal end Of the housing 12. The first opening 13 permits rigid se~r -nt of the proximal end of electrically conductive c~nn~la 36, and the second opening 15 is positioned in aligned communication relative with first opening 15.
The valve system 20 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Valve system 20 includes valve seat 22, valve plug 24, valve arm 26 and biasing spring 28. The valve seat 22 is mounted in flange 16 located within the second op~n; ng lS in cannula housing 12. The valve seat 22 defines an aperture 23 ext~ndin~ therethrough which c~ nicates with the first and second openings, 13 and 15 respectively, and is positioned in alignment therewith.
2~938~
.
1 Valve plug 24 secured to valve arm 26 provides a sealed engagement with valve seat aperture 23 in valve seat 22.
The valve arm 26 includes valve plate 26a and post 26b. The valve arm 26 is pivotally mounted within c~nn-lla housing 12 via post 26b, and biasing spring 28 is positioned on post 26b and within the interior wall of housing 12 to bias valve plug 24 toward a position of engagement with valve seat 22 to effect a gas tight seal.
A more detailed description of the valve system described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S.
Patent No. 4,943,280 to Lander, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The cannula 36 of the present invention is generally an elongated tubular structure having a diameter ranging from approximately 3mm to approximately 18mm.
However, other configurations and diameters of the cannula may be utilized to perform endoscopic surgical procedures.
Preferably, the cannula according to the invention is fabricated from a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. In the preferred - ho~ -nt the c~nnt~la is fabricated from a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least about sixty percent the conductivity value of silver. For example, the cannula may be fabricated from aluminum or tantalum, as well as alloys having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. A
cannula fabricated from this material provides a highly conductive medium to allow any surface charges that may develop on the cannllla to rapidly dissipate through body tiss~e which is in contact with the c~nnl~l a, such as the .. ~ . : - , :
2~38~0 1 ~hdo: in~l wall. The conductivity value for the cannula may be in the range of between approximately fifty percent and one hundred percent of the conductivity of silver. For puL~oses of the present disclosure, silver is assumed to be about one hundred percent conductive. An additional advantage to the use of aluminum cannulas is that they are sufficiently radiolucent to allow for high quality imaging, such as x-rays, in the body region where the cAnnl~las are deployed. Another advantage to the use of aluminum cannulas is that the thic~nes5 of the cannula wall is re~uc~
thereby reducing the size of the incision reguired to perform the ~ndoscopic or laparoscopic p~ooed~re. As an example, the typical thickness of conventional cannula walls are approximately 0.01 of an inch for stainless steel and lS 0.014 of an inch for fiberglass, whereas, the typical thickn~ss of an aluminum cannula is 0.0075 of an inch.
Referring to Figs. 3 through 12, there is shown a tissue gripping system which may be utilized with cannula assemblies of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The purpose ~f the tissue gripping system is to secure the cannula ass~ ~ly within the body tissue of the patient. Prior tissue gripping systems have been constructed entirely of resilient plastic material to facilitate the gripping action as described hereinbelow. Such plastic materials are generally non-conductive and may not adequately dissipate any electrical charge that may accumulate. Therefore, an additional embodiment to the conductive c~nnl~la assembly will be described, which illustrates an electrically conductive cannula assembly in conjunction with an electrically conductive tissue gripping system.
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2~93~8D
1 Referring to Fig. 3, conductive tissue gripping system 40 may be coaxially positioned about the c~nnnla 36 to more positively position the cannula assembly within body tissue. In a preferred ~ 'o'; -nt tissue gripping system 40 includes a sleeve 42 secured to flexible - ~r 44 which is typically, fixedly secured at its distal end to the cannula.
Preferably, the tissue gripping system 40 is fabricated at least in part ~rom a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least about fifty percent the cc~ Livity value of silver. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 42 is fabricated from a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least about sixty percent the conductivity value of silver. For example, the sleeve 42 may be fabricated from all ;-- or tantalum, as well as alloys having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
Alternately, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, sleeve 42 may be of monolithic construction having elongated op~n~ngs 46 along its longitu~in~l axis. Elongated open~ngs 46 allow body tissue to exude therethrough and contact the outer surface of the conductive cannula therewithin, thereby completing the electrical circuit between the body tissue and the cannula. In this configuration, tissue gripping system 40 may be constructed entirely of a non cor~.lctive material, such as polypropylene.
Referring now to Fig. 6, the sleeve 42 is generally configured to allow co~xi~l reciprocal motion of the sleeve 42 along the outer surface of the cannula 36. In a preferred embodiment, sleeve 42 is a tubular member having a proximal portion with a first outer diameter 48 and a distal portion with a second outer diameter 50. As can be . , ., ~ ,.. .. . . . .. .
209388~
~ 1 seen in Fig. 6, the first outer diameter 48 is greater than the secon~ outer diameter 50.
The sleeve 42 may further include a gripping flange 52 positioned at or adjacent to the proY~ -1 end of 5 sleeve 42, as shown in Fig. 6. The gripping flange 52 may, for example, be a ringed or y~ shApe~ - '-r of varying thic~ness. The gripping flange 52 may be fabricated from a dielectric material, i.e., a material which does not permit the transfer of electrical current at a rate and to a degree which will effectively dissipate an electrical charge.
Alternately, the gripping flange 52 may be fabricated from a material having an electrical con~nctivity value which is at least fifty percent the con~uctivity value of silver, such as al~ ; . As an illustration, if the gripping flange 52 is fabricated from al. ~-- and contacts body tissue, the surface area of electrically co~uctive material contacting body tissue will increase, thereby creating a more efficient means to dissipate any electrical charge that may develop.
The flexible member 44 of the tissue gripping system 40 includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms 54, shown in Fig. 6, each arm 54 having a hinge 56 positioned thereon which allows the arms to articulate from a normal position to a deployed position. Preferably, each hinge 56 is positioned on arm 54 at a location which is offset from the midpoint of arm 54. Therefore, the proximal portion 58 of each arm 54 will be smaller in length than the distal portion 60 of each arm 54. Positioned ad;acent to arms 54 is a tubular member 62 configured to be coAYii~lly aligned with the SeCQn~ outer diameter 50 of the tubular sleeve 42 and secured thereto, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.
Preferably, tubular member 62 is configured to have an 2~9388~
1 Outsiae dia~eter which is substantially equal to the first outer diameter 48 of tubular sleeve 42.
- In the preferred ~ shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a portion of the inner circumference of the proximal end of t~h~ r member 62 is configured to be positioned about secon~ outer diameter 50 of tubular sleeve 42 and includes thereon p.oL.~sions 64 which engage co~es~Qn~ng op~nin~s 66 formed in seconA outer diameter 50 of tubular sleeve 42.
As shown in Fig. 8, y~ sions 64 en~a~e openi~s 66 so as to secure flexible member 44 to t~ lAr sleeve 42.
In an alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and lo, a portion of the inner circumference of the proY; -1 end of tubular - 'er 62 is also configured to be positioned about secon~ outsr ~ A -~er 50 of tubular sleeve 42.
However, an Ann~lAr protrusion or ring 68 is positioned within the inner circumference of tubular member 62 and is configured to engage a coL,espollding çhAnnel 70 formed within secon~ outer diameter 50 of t~h~lAr sleeve 42. As shown in Fig. 10, ring 68 engages ~han~el 70 thereby securing flexible member 44 to tubular sleeve 42. In addition to securing flexible ~er 44 to tubular sleeve 42, the combination of ring 68 and çh~nnel 70 allows rotational mov~ -nt of flexible member 44 with respect to the tubular sleeve 42. Rotational movement of flexible member 44 may facilitate firm securement of the tissue gripping system within the body tissue.
In another - ho~ (not shown), tubular - ~er 62 may be secured to sleeve 42, by ultrasonic weld, or any form of adhesive, such as epoxy or glue. In still another embodiment, tubular member 62 may be provided with a tab (not shown) positioned on the inner wall of the tubular 2~388~1 1 me~ber which engages a slot (not shown) located in the second outer diameter 50 of sleeve 42. Similarly, the tab may engage a ch~nnel traversed longitudinally in the second outer diameter 50 of sleeve 42 such that the tab would frictionally engaqe the ch~nnel~ thus securing the flex~ble - -r to the sleeve. The above mentioned methods to secure the flexible me~ber to the sleeve are only exemplary, ot~er technigues within the knowledge of those skilled in the art may be utilized.
Turning to Figs. 11 and 12, prefer~bly, the flexible member 44 is fabricated at least partially from a resilient flexible material such as, a polypropylene material or shapc -l-ry alloy. The resilient flexible material allows the arms 54 to articulate when deployed 80 that the proximal portion 58 of each arm 54 assumes a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longit~d;nAl axis of the cannula 36.
Referring again to Fig. 6, a locking system may be provided to secure flexible -~~?r 44 to c~nnul a 36.
~ocking receptors or slots 37 are positioned at or ad~acent to the distal end of cannula 36 to engage corresponding resilient locking tabs 72 positioned at or ad~acent to the distal end of flexible - ~er 44. This configuration allows flexible member 44 to remain fixed to c~nnl~la 36 when sliding sleeve 42 from a normal or non-deployed position to a deployed position.
A latching system, in which the tissue gripping system cooperates with the cannula, may also be provided to latch the tissue gripping system in a deployed position or a normal position. Generally, the latching system may include protrusions or indentations on the cannula with :
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1 co~e~pond;n~ indentations or protrusions, respectively, on the tissue gripping system. As an example and referring to Fig. 6, tubular sleeve 42 includes latching ~èce~tors or slots 74 and 76 positioned at or adjacent to the proximal s end of the sleeve 42. The latching receptors are provided to cooperatively engage coL,ea~onding latching ~ors 38 positioned at or adjacent to the proY~ -l end of cAnnllla 36.
In a preferred emho~ , the slots 74 and 76 are configured to engage hem~-~ph~ric surface 38 of cAnn~la 36, such that the distal-most slot 74 cooperates with hemisph~ric surface 38 when tissue gripping system 40 is in a normal position, as shown in Fig. 11, and the proximal-most slot 76 cooperates with hemtspheric surface 38 when tisSuê gripping system 40 is in a deployed position, as shown in Fig. 12.
A detailed description of a tissue gripping system similar to the system described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S. Application No. 07/781,063 to Green, filed October 1~, l991, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In operation, the cannula assembly 10 is generally inserted into body tissue in con~unction with a trocar assembly 80, which includes an obturator subassembly 82 and the conductive cannula subassemLhly 10, as shown in Fig. 13.
The obturator s~lhAcst ~ly is received by the cannula snhAssembly so that obturator housing 84 and spring biased safety shield 86 are slidably received in cannula sub-ass~ 'ly 10 with the distal ends of the stylet and safety shield ext~n~;ng beyond the distal end of cAnn~la 36. To insert the trocar A~csr '-ly 80 into a body cavity, the trocar A~~~ ~ly is placed against the skin and pressure is exerted ': 2~g38~0 l on the trocar assembly against the skin. ~he pressure causes spring biased safety shield 86 to be pushed in a proYi -~ direction, thereby exposing tip 88 positioned at the distal end of stylet 90. Preferably, stylet tip 88 is a piercing tip, shown in Fig. 13. Continued force on the trocar assembly causes stylet tip 88 to enter the skin and underlying tissue. Once the tip penetrates the tissue and has entered the body cavity, the force ~g~;~ct spring biased safety shield 86 ce~s-s and the shield automatically Le~uL.Is to its extended position con~e~ling the tip, as shown in Fig. 13. A more detailed description of the trocar assembly described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S.
Patent No. 4,601,710 to Moll, which is incorporated herein by reference.
lS In an alternative A ~o~ t, the conductive cAnnl-la assembly 10 may be inserted into body tissue in conjunction with an obturator subassembly 82 having a blunt tip stylet 90, as shown in Fig. 14. When ready to insert the trocar assembly, the surgeon effects a small incision through the body wall (or tissue) and inserts the blunt tip stylet in the incision. Pressure is then exerted on the trocar assembly against the body tissue until blunt tip 88 of stylet 90 dilates the body tissue and enters the body cavity.
After the trocar assembly is inserted into the body, the obturator subassembly is ~e,..oved and the cannula subassembly remains within the body and engages the body wall 92, as shown in Fig. 15. If the tissue gripping system is utilized, the surgeon then grasps gripping flange 52 and slides sleeve 42 distally relative to the stationary c~nn~la 36. As noted, distal movement of sleeve 42 causes the .. . ...
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1 tissue gripping system 40 to proceed from a no7~al position, shown in Fig. 11, to a deployed position, shown in Fig. 12.
The articulating arms 54 move outwardly and proximal arm portions 58 assume a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to sleeve 42, as shown in ~ig. 16. As can be seen in Fig. 16, the cAnnula asse~bly is now firmly secured to the body tissue.
Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, once cAnn-lla assembly 10 is secured within the body wall, endoscopic instruments may then be inserted into the body cavity through the cannula Sl~hACS6 'ly. When an endoscopic instrument, e.g., an electrocautery device, is inserted into valve seat aperture 23 of cannula assembly 10 and impressed against valve plug 24, valve arm 26 will pivot sufficiently to allow the endoscopic ins~ nt to pass through housing 12 and into cAnnllla 36. The gas tight seal is maintained by the com~ination of valve seat 22 and the en~.70scopic instrument (not shown). Withdrawal of the endoscopic instrument allows valve arm 26 to automatically pivot toward valve seat 22 so that valve plug 24 will sufficiently engage valve seat aperture 23 and effect a gas tight seal.
With the conductive tissue gripping system and the conductive cannula in contact with the body wall, any electrical charge that may develop on the cAnn-71a will rapidly dissipate through the body wall to ground.
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embo~7; ?nts of the present invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, various sizes of the cAnnl~la ~Cs~ 7~1y are contemplated, as well as various types of cons~ction materials. Also, various modification may be made in the ~ , : ., , ,, :;~... , ~ ' . .
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20~3~80 - 1 configuration of the parts. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the invention but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and ~pirit of the present invention as defined by the clAi - appen~ed hereto.
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Generally, cannulas are currently fabricated from stainless steel. However, radiolucent cannulas are utilized in situations where high quality imaging is required. For example, during an endoscopic cholecystectomy, it is ~ ~n to perform a cholangiogram by in~Lo~cing a catheter into the cystic duct. Therefore, ~ulyeon~ typically employ radiolucent materials, such as plastic or fiberglass, when placing cannulas and cannula accessories in the region of the cholangiogram in order to obtain high quality images of the region.
comparing stainless steel and fiberglass to a highly conductive material, such as silver, stainless steel has a conductivity value which is twelve percent the conductivity value for silver. Fiberglass has a con~uctivity value which is less than one percent the conductivity value for silver and is generally considered to be a dielectric. For the purposes of the present ;~
disclosure, silver is assumed to be about one hundred percent conductive.
With the recent sophistication and popularity of such endoscopic surgical p~oced~res, a wide array of endoscopic instruments are being utilized in connection therewith. For example, an assortment of instruments include electrocautery capability which may be used to achieve hemostasis. The principle of electrocautery is based upon the resistance to the flow of electrical current through tissue. Such resistance results in heat generation as current attempts to pass therethrough. The degree of resistance to electrical current flow for tissue depends . .
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~a93~8a 1 primarily on its vascularity and water content, with bone and fat having a higher resistance to current flow than s~in and muscle.
Electrocautery equipment is typically either unipolar or bipolar. In unipolar applications, electrical energy is supplied from a generator to the end of an electrical conductor, e.g., cauterization wire, which is pressed against or placed ad~acent the desired surgical site. A ~L vunding plate is typically located below the patient so that the electrical ~UL~ delivered by the cauterization wirè passes through the patient to the plate, thereby completing the electrocautery circuit. In contrast thereto, in bipolar electrocautery equipment, a grounding wire is part of the instrumentation placed against the surgical site and the electrical current pAsses directly from the cauterization wire, throuqh the tissue at the surgical site, and to the grounding wire thereby completing the electrical circuit.
Recently, concerns have been raised based upon speculation that the introduction and activation of an electrocautery instrument within a stainless steel and/or fiberglass cannula assembly may cause an electrical charge to build on the cannula. Such charge, if not sufficiently dissipated, is thought to potentially cause interference with the electrocautery device, or interference with the patient. During a recent meeting of the FDA's Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel on April 29, l99l, these concerns were discussed. However, no definitive position was taken by the FDA on whether these concerns were legitimate and whether current FDA guidelines on devices and methods associated with electrosurgery should be modi~ied.
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20~38~a 1 In view of these concerns, it is believed desirable to develop technology which would effectively dissipate such charges in the remote possibility that a buildup should occur. For example, c --ly assigned U.s.
Patent Application No. 07/683,253, filed April lo, 1991, relates to a device and method for dissipating electrical energy during such surg~cal procedures by incorporation of energy dissipation means communicating with electrical cond~ctive means. This application is incorporated herein by reference, The present invention relates to c~n~lla Acs~ ~lies and accessories therefor which are fabricated at least in part from highly electrically conductive material which would dissipate such buildup in the event such remote lS concerns prove founded.
SUMMA~Y OF T~ lNv~ION r The present invention relates to a cannula assembly for receiving endoscopic instruments, which comprises a cannula formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Preferably, the cannula is formed at least in part from aluminum and comprises an elongated tubular structure.
Preferably, cannula housing means is provided having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic inat~ nts. Valve means is associated with the c~nn~ housing means, and adapted to provide a gas tight seal with an en~oscopic instrument inserted therethrough. Cannula means is provided for receiving the :;:
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1 en~oscopic instruments, the cannula means having a proximal end engaged with the first op~ning of the cannula houslng means and being formed at least in part o~ a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty 5 percent the con~uctivity value of silver. Pxeferably, the cAnn~lA means comprises an elongated tubular structure and is formed at least in part from aluminum.
In an alternative ~ ~aiment~ the CAnntll a ACS~ ~ly comprises cannula housing means having a first op~n;nq 10 formed at a distal end thereof and 8econ~ op~nin~ formed at a proximal end thereof for receiving e~oscopic instruments, cannula means for receiving the ~n~oscopic instrument, the cAnn~la means having a proximal end engaged with the first opening of the cannula housing means. The cAnn~la means is 15 formed at least in part of a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least fifty percent the con~uctivity value of silver, and tissue gripping means is r associated with the cannula means for securing the cannula assembly within the body tissue. The tissue gripping means 20 is formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Preferably, the tissue gripping means is formed at least in part of aluminum and provides means for maintaining the tissue gripping means 25 in a deployed position. The tissue gripping means is also adapted to be releasably attached to the cannula means.
The maint~A;ning means preferably includes at least one latching receptor positioned at a prox~ -1 end of the tubular sleeve, and at least one latching member 30 cooperatively positioned at a proximal end of the cAnm~lA
means for cooperation with the latching member to latch the ,, .. ,,. . . :
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1 tissue gripping means in either a deployed or a non-deployed position.
According to a preferred embodiment, a tubular sleeve is provided for coaxially engaging the ca~n-~1a means, and is formed of a material having an electrical cQnductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver, and a flexible member is provided having a tubular - '-r positioned radially about a distal end of the tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm ~ ~-rs pOsitioned ad~acent the tubular member. The tissue gripping means further includes means for securing the tubular member to the tubular sleeve. In one ~ ment the securing means comprises protrusions positioned about an interior circumference of the tubular member which engage correspondinq openings formed in the distal end of the tubular sleeve. In another embo~i ?nt, the securing means comprises a circumferential ring positioned about an interior circumferential surface of the tubular member and a co~ es~onding circumferential channel extending about the exterior circumferential surface of the distal end of the tubular sleeve, such that the tubular member is rotatably secured to the tubular sleeve.
The tissue gripping means is releasably secured to the cannula by positioning at least one resilient tab at a distal end of the flexible member and positioning at least one loc~ing receptor at a distal end of the c~nnu1a means, such that the tab cooperatively engages the locking receptor. The articulating arm members preferably include a distal arm portion and a proxi -1 arm portion ~oined by a hinge, the distal portion preferably has a greater length than said proximal portion. Also, the proximal arm portion , ~ . . ~ .
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, 2093~80 - 1 is substantially perpendicular to the tubular sleeve when the articulating arm members are in the deployed position.
It is also preferred that the tubular sleeve includes a gripping flange positioned at a proximal end thereof. The flexible member may also be fabricated of a plastic material.
In one embodiment, the tissue gripping system comprises a tubular sleeve for coAYi~lly engagably receiving the cAnn~lla means, includes op~nings formed along the longitl~dj nAl axis thereof to permit body tissue to exude therethrough so as to contact outer surface portions of the cannula means, such that the body tissue and the cannula means are at substantially the same electrical potential, i.e., ~Lound, and a flexible member positioned at a distal end of the tubular sleeve, and has a plurality of articulating arm members positioned thereon. The articulating arm - ~ers are adapted to be manipulated between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.
A method is also disclosed for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue, comprising providing a cannula ~ss ~ly having cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments. Cannula means is provided for receiving the endoscopic instrument, the cannula means having a proximal end engaged with the first opening of the cannula housing means and formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. Tissue gripping means is associated with the cannu1a means for securing the , . . . . .
2~93~8~
1 cannula assembly within the body tissue. In one ~ 'i ~nt, the tissue gripping means is formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The method further comprises insertlng the cannula ~-~8 t '- ly into an opening in the body tissue such that the tissue gripping means contacts the body tissue, and grounding the body tissue to a predetermined ~und level.
1o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred ~ ~o~ ts of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cannula assembly of the present invention, illustrating a conductive cannula secured to the cannula housing;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the c~nnUla assembly of Fig. 1 with parts separated, illustrating a cannula housing, a conductive cannula and a valve system;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tissue gripping system of the present invention, illustrating a conductive tubular sleeve secured to a flexible member;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tissue gripping system, illustrating elongated openings positioned along the tubular sleeve;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue gripping system taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view, with parts separated for convenience of illustration, of a c~n~nla assembly including a tissue gripping system having articulating arm members;
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1 Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view with parts separated of the tissue gripping system of Fig. 3, illustrating a tubular sleeve having openings for securing the sleeve to the flexible member;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view oS the tissue gripping system taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7, illustrating the flexible member secured to the tubular sleeve by protrusions on the flexible - ~?r engaging the tubular sleeve openi ngs;
Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view with parts separated of the tissue gripping system of Fig. 3, illustrating a tubular sleeve having an annular chAnn~l for securinq the sleeve to the flexible member;
Fig. io is a cross-sectional view of the tissue gripping system taken along line 10-lO of Fig. 9, illustrating the flexible member secured to the tubular sleeve by an annular ring on the flexible --~r engaging the tubular sleeve ChAnllel; ' Fig. ll is a perspective view of the cannula assembly of Fig. 6, illustrating the tissue gripping system in the normal position for insertion into the skin opening;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cAn~la assembly shown in Fig. 6, illustrating the tissue gripping system in the deployed position for positioning the cannula within the skin opening;
Fig. 13 is a top view in partial cross-section of a trocar assembly of the present invention, having a cannula ASs~l ~ly and an obturator assembly, illustrating an obLuLator ACse ~ly having a stylet with a piercing tip;
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1 Fig. 14 is a top view in partial cross-section of the trocar assembly of Fig. 12, illustrating an obtura~or assembly having a stylet with a blunt tip;
Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the c~nn~-la ~ss ~ly of Fig. 1, illustrating ~ cAnn~ inserted through body tissue; and Fig. 16 is a partial side view in partial cross-section of the cannula Acs. ~ly of Fiq. 6, illustrating the c~nn-~l a assembly inserted through body tissue and the tissue gripping system in a deployed position.
DETAILED DESCRIP~ION OF THE PR~K~u EMBODlll~nlS
Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2, the cannula assembly of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 10, includes cannula housing 12, cA~nl~la 36 fabricated from an electrically conductive material, and valve system 20 for maintA~ni ng a sealed relation between the housing 12 and any instrument which is inserted into the cAnn~la assembly for endoscopic surgical purposes. The cannula 36 is a tubular member of specific shape and dimensions intended to receive such endoscopic surgical instruments as clip appliers, fiber optic cables for video data transmission, graspers, electrocautery devices, or the like. As noted, the conductive cannula is fabricated of a substantially electrically conductive material which, if properly grounded, actually prevents accumulation of electrical charge beyond predete ined ;n; levels, by facilitating relatively instantaneous dissipation of such charge.
A preferred ~ '~'; ~nt of the CAttnlll a assembly is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The cAnntlla assembly includes --ll--~93880 1 cannula housing 12, valve system 20 and conductive cannula 36. Desufflation lever 30 is provided on cannula housing 12 for manually actuating valve arm 26, via post 26b, for gas desufflation through the cannula assembly. Stopcoc~ type valve 32 is mounted to cannula housing 12 to permit selective insufflation or desufflation of the body cavity prior to performing the surgical p.oce~res. C~nnl~la housing 12 may further include a stabilizer plate 18 positioned within or adjacent to the secon~ opening 15 of housing 12.
Generally, cannula housing 12 includes a top half section 12a and a bottom half section 12b suitably attached by ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or the like. However, the housing 12 may also be of monolithic construction. The lS housing 12 has an open interior for mounting the valve system 20. As noted, preferably cannula housing 12 has at least two openings, a first opening 13, defined by flange 14, formed at the distal end of the housing 12 and a second opening 15, defined by flange 16, formed at the proximal end Of the housing 12. The first opening 13 permits rigid se~r -nt of the proximal end of electrically conductive c~nn~la 36, and the second opening 15 is positioned in aligned communication relative with first opening 15.
The valve system 20 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Valve system 20 includes valve seat 22, valve plug 24, valve arm 26 and biasing spring 28. The valve seat 22 is mounted in flange 16 located within the second op~n; ng lS in cannula housing 12. The valve seat 22 defines an aperture 23 ext~ndin~ therethrough which c~ nicates with the first and second openings, 13 and 15 respectively, and is positioned in alignment therewith.
2~938~
.
1 Valve plug 24 secured to valve arm 26 provides a sealed engagement with valve seat aperture 23 in valve seat 22.
The valve arm 26 includes valve plate 26a and post 26b. The valve arm 26 is pivotally mounted within c~nn-lla housing 12 via post 26b, and biasing spring 28 is positioned on post 26b and within the interior wall of housing 12 to bias valve plug 24 toward a position of engagement with valve seat 22 to effect a gas tight seal.
A more detailed description of the valve system described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S.
Patent No. 4,943,280 to Lander, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The cannula 36 of the present invention is generally an elongated tubular structure having a diameter ranging from approximately 3mm to approximately 18mm.
However, other configurations and diameters of the cannula may be utilized to perform endoscopic surgical procedures.
Preferably, the cannula according to the invention is fabricated from a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. In the preferred - ho~ -nt the c~nnt~la is fabricated from a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least about sixty percent the conductivity value of silver. For example, the cannula may be fabricated from aluminum or tantalum, as well as alloys having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. A
cannula fabricated from this material provides a highly conductive medium to allow any surface charges that may develop on the cannllla to rapidly dissipate through body tiss~e which is in contact with the c~nnl~l a, such as the .. ~ . : - , :
2~38~0 1 ~hdo: in~l wall. The conductivity value for the cannula may be in the range of between approximately fifty percent and one hundred percent of the conductivity of silver. For puL~oses of the present disclosure, silver is assumed to be about one hundred percent conductive. An additional advantage to the use of aluminum cannulas is that they are sufficiently radiolucent to allow for high quality imaging, such as x-rays, in the body region where the cAnnl~las are deployed. Another advantage to the use of aluminum cannulas is that the thic~nes5 of the cannula wall is re~uc~
thereby reducing the size of the incision reguired to perform the ~ndoscopic or laparoscopic p~ooed~re. As an example, the typical thickness of conventional cannula walls are approximately 0.01 of an inch for stainless steel and lS 0.014 of an inch for fiberglass, whereas, the typical thickn~ss of an aluminum cannula is 0.0075 of an inch.
Referring to Figs. 3 through 12, there is shown a tissue gripping system which may be utilized with cannula assemblies of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The purpose ~f the tissue gripping system is to secure the cannula ass~ ~ly within the body tissue of the patient. Prior tissue gripping systems have been constructed entirely of resilient plastic material to facilitate the gripping action as described hereinbelow. Such plastic materials are generally non-conductive and may not adequately dissipate any electrical charge that may accumulate. Therefore, an additional embodiment to the conductive c~nnl~la assembly will be described, which illustrates an electrically conductive cannula assembly in conjunction with an electrically conductive tissue gripping system.
: .
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2~93~8D
1 Referring to Fig. 3, conductive tissue gripping system 40 may be coaxially positioned about the c~nnnla 36 to more positively position the cannula assembly within body tissue. In a preferred ~ 'o'; -nt tissue gripping system 40 includes a sleeve 42 secured to flexible - ~r 44 which is typically, fixedly secured at its distal end to the cannula.
Preferably, the tissue gripping system 40 is fabricated at least in part ~rom a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least about fifty percent the cc~ Livity value of silver. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 42 is fabricated from a material having an electrical con~uctivity value which is at least about sixty percent the conductivity value of silver. For example, the sleeve 42 may be fabricated from all ;-- or tantalum, as well as alloys having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
Alternately, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, sleeve 42 may be of monolithic construction having elongated op~n~ngs 46 along its longitu~in~l axis. Elongated open~ngs 46 allow body tissue to exude therethrough and contact the outer surface of the conductive cannula therewithin, thereby completing the electrical circuit between the body tissue and the cannula. In this configuration, tissue gripping system 40 may be constructed entirely of a non cor~.lctive material, such as polypropylene.
Referring now to Fig. 6, the sleeve 42 is generally configured to allow co~xi~l reciprocal motion of the sleeve 42 along the outer surface of the cannula 36. In a preferred embodiment, sleeve 42 is a tubular member having a proximal portion with a first outer diameter 48 and a distal portion with a second outer diameter 50. As can be . , ., ~ ,.. .. . . . .. .
209388~
~ 1 seen in Fig. 6, the first outer diameter 48 is greater than the secon~ outer diameter 50.
The sleeve 42 may further include a gripping flange 52 positioned at or adjacent to the proY~ -1 end of 5 sleeve 42, as shown in Fig. 6. The gripping flange 52 may, for example, be a ringed or y~ shApe~ - '-r of varying thic~ness. The gripping flange 52 may be fabricated from a dielectric material, i.e., a material which does not permit the transfer of electrical current at a rate and to a degree which will effectively dissipate an electrical charge.
Alternately, the gripping flange 52 may be fabricated from a material having an electrical con~nctivity value which is at least fifty percent the con~uctivity value of silver, such as al~ ; . As an illustration, if the gripping flange 52 is fabricated from al. ~-- and contacts body tissue, the surface area of electrically co~uctive material contacting body tissue will increase, thereby creating a more efficient means to dissipate any electrical charge that may develop.
The flexible member 44 of the tissue gripping system 40 includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms 54, shown in Fig. 6, each arm 54 having a hinge 56 positioned thereon which allows the arms to articulate from a normal position to a deployed position. Preferably, each hinge 56 is positioned on arm 54 at a location which is offset from the midpoint of arm 54. Therefore, the proximal portion 58 of each arm 54 will be smaller in length than the distal portion 60 of each arm 54. Positioned ad;acent to arms 54 is a tubular member 62 configured to be coAYii~lly aligned with the SeCQn~ outer diameter 50 of the tubular sleeve 42 and secured thereto, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.
Preferably, tubular member 62 is configured to have an 2~9388~
1 Outsiae dia~eter which is substantially equal to the first outer diameter 48 of tubular sleeve 42.
- In the preferred ~ shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a portion of the inner circumference of the proximal end of t~h~ r member 62 is configured to be positioned about secon~ outer diameter 50 of tubular sleeve 42 and includes thereon p.oL.~sions 64 which engage co~es~Qn~ng op~nin~s 66 formed in seconA outer diameter 50 of tubular sleeve 42.
As shown in Fig. 8, y~ sions 64 en~a~e openi~s 66 so as to secure flexible member 44 to t~ lAr sleeve 42.
In an alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and lo, a portion of the inner circumference of the proY; -1 end of tubular - 'er 62 is also configured to be positioned about secon~ outsr ~ A -~er 50 of tubular sleeve 42.
However, an Ann~lAr protrusion or ring 68 is positioned within the inner circumference of tubular member 62 and is configured to engage a coL,espollding çhAnnel 70 formed within secon~ outer diameter 50 of t~h~lAr sleeve 42. As shown in Fig. 10, ring 68 engages ~han~el 70 thereby securing flexible member 44 to tubular sleeve 42. In addition to securing flexible ~er 44 to tubular sleeve 42, the combination of ring 68 and çh~nnel 70 allows rotational mov~ -nt of flexible member 44 with respect to the tubular sleeve 42. Rotational movement of flexible member 44 may facilitate firm securement of the tissue gripping system within the body tissue.
In another - ho~ (not shown), tubular - ~er 62 may be secured to sleeve 42, by ultrasonic weld, or any form of adhesive, such as epoxy or glue. In still another embodiment, tubular member 62 may be provided with a tab (not shown) positioned on the inner wall of the tubular 2~388~1 1 me~ber which engages a slot (not shown) located in the second outer diameter 50 of sleeve 42. Similarly, the tab may engage a ch~nnel traversed longitudinally in the second outer diameter 50 of sleeve 42 such that the tab would frictionally engaqe the ch~nnel~ thus securing the flex~ble - -r to the sleeve. The above mentioned methods to secure the flexible me~ber to the sleeve are only exemplary, ot~er technigues within the knowledge of those skilled in the art may be utilized.
Turning to Figs. 11 and 12, prefer~bly, the flexible member 44 is fabricated at least partially from a resilient flexible material such as, a polypropylene material or shapc -l-ry alloy. The resilient flexible material allows the arms 54 to articulate when deployed 80 that the proximal portion 58 of each arm 54 assumes a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longit~d;nAl axis of the cannula 36.
Referring again to Fig. 6, a locking system may be provided to secure flexible -~~?r 44 to c~nnul a 36.
~ocking receptors or slots 37 are positioned at or ad~acent to the distal end of cannula 36 to engage corresponding resilient locking tabs 72 positioned at or ad~acent to the distal end of flexible - ~er 44. This configuration allows flexible member 44 to remain fixed to c~nnl~la 36 when sliding sleeve 42 from a normal or non-deployed position to a deployed position.
A latching system, in which the tissue gripping system cooperates with the cannula, may also be provided to latch the tissue gripping system in a deployed position or a normal position. Generally, the latching system may include protrusions or indentations on the cannula with :
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,: . , l: 209388~
1 co~e~pond;n~ indentations or protrusions, respectively, on the tissue gripping system. As an example and referring to Fig. 6, tubular sleeve 42 includes latching ~èce~tors or slots 74 and 76 positioned at or adjacent to the proximal s end of the sleeve 42. The latching receptors are provided to cooperatively engage coL,ea~onding latching ~ors 38 positioned at or adjacent to the proY~ -l end of cAnnllla 36.
In a preferred emho~ , the slots 74 and 76 are configured to engage hem~-~ph~ric surface 38 of cAnn~la 36, such that the distal-most slot 74 cooperates with hemisph~ric surface 38 when tissue gripping system 40 is in a normal position, as shown in Fig. 11, and the proximal-most slot 76 cooperates with hemtspheric surface 38 when tisSuê gripping system 40 is in a deployed position, as shown in Fig. 12.
A detailed description of a tissue gripping system similar to the system described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S. Application No. 07/781,063 to Green, filed October 1~, l991, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In operation, the cannula assembly 10 is generally inserted into body tissue in con~unction with a trocar assembly 80, which includes an obturator subassembly 82 and the conductive cannula subassemLhly 10, as shown in Fig. 13.
The obturator s~lhAcst ~ly is received by the cannula snhAssembly so that obturator housing 84 and spring biased safety shield 86 are slidably received in cannula sub-ass~ 'ly 10 with the distal ends of the stylet and safety shield ext~n~;ng beyond the distal end of cAnn~la 36. To insert the trocar A~csr '-ly 80 into a body cavity, the trocar A~~~ ~ly is placed against the skin and pressure is exerted ': 2~g38~0 l on the trocar assembly against the skin. ~he pressure causes spring biased safety shield 86 to be pushed in a proYi -~ direction, thereby exposing tip 88 positioned at the distal end of stylet 90. Preferably, stylet tip 88 is a piercing tip, shown in Fig. 13. Continued force on the trocar assembly causes stylet tip 88 to enter the skin and underlying tissue. Once the tip penetrates the tissue and has entered the body cavity, the force ~g~;~ct spring biased safety shield 86 ce~s-s and the shield automatically Le~uL.Is to its extended position con~e~ling the tip, as shown in Fig. 13. A more detailed description of the trocar assembly described herein, and its operation, is provided in U.S.
Patent No. 4,601,710 to Moll, which is incorporated herein by reference.
lS In an alternative A ~o~ t, the conductive cAnnl-la assembly 10 may be inserted into body tissue in conjunction with an obturator subassembly 82 having a blunt tip stylet 90, as shown in Fig. 14. When ready to insert the trocar assembly, the surgeon effects a small incision through the body wall (or tissue) and inserts the blunt tip stylet in the incision. Pressure is then exerted on the trocar assembly against the body tissue until blunt tip 88 of stylet 90 dilates the body tissue and enters the body cavity.
After the trocar assembly is inserted into the body, the obturator subassembly is ~e,..oved and the cannula subassembly remains within the body and engages the body wall 92, as shown in Fig. 15. If the tissue gripping system is utilized, the surgeon then grasps gripping flange 52 and slides sleeve 42 distally relative to the stationary c~nn~la 36. As noted, distal movement of sleeve 42 causes the .. . ...
. .
-~ 2~93~8~
1 tissue gripping system 40 to proceed from a no7~al position, shown in Fig. 11, to a deployed position, shown in Fig. 12.
The articulating arms 54 move outwardly and proximal arm portions 58 assume a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to sleeve 42, as shown in ~ig. 16. As can be seen in Fig. 16, the cAnnula asse~bly is now firmly secured to the body tissue.
Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, once cAnn-lla assembly 10 is secured within the body wall, endoscopic instruments may then be inserted into the body cavity through the cannula Sl~hACS6 'ly. When an endoscopic instrument, e.g., an electrocautery device, is inserted into valve seat aperture 23 of cannula assembly 10 and impressed against valve plug 24, valve arm 26 will pivot sufficiently to allow the endoscopic ins~ nt to pass through housing 12 and into cAnnllla 36. The gas tight seal is maintained by the com~ination of valve seat 22 and the en~.70scopic instrument (not shown). Withdrawal of the endoscopic instrument allows valve arm 26 to automatically pivot toward valve seat 22 so that valve plug 24 will sufficiently engage valve seat aperture 23 and effect a gas tight seal.
With the conductive tissue gripping system and the conductive cannula in contact with the body wall, any electrical charge that may develop on the cAnn-71a will rapidly dissipate through the body wall to ground.
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embo~7; ?nts of the present invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, various sizes of the cAnnl~la ~Cs~ 7~1y are contemplated, as well as various types of cons~ction materials. Also, various modification may be made in the ~ , : ., , ,, :;~... , ~ ' . .
.. .
20~3~80 - 1 configuration of the parts. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the invention but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and ~pirit of the present invention as defined by the clAi - appen~ed hereto.
- ~ . , .: : ::- .- .. :.~ ; -., . : . ,~:: .:, . ,, . . :. , ~ , , : . :. . . , ; .
:, :: ~ :: : ;~ -,: " :.. ,; , : : . ., :, : :: . . ,. ~ .:
Claims (37)
1. A cannula assembly for receiving endoscopic instruments, which comprises:
cannula formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
cannula formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
2. The cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cannula is formed at least in part of aluminum.
3. The cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cannula comprises an elongated tubular structure.
4. A cannula assembly, which comprises:
a) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments:
b) valve means associated with said cannula housing means, said valve means adapted to provide a gas tight seal with an endoscopic instrument inserted therethrough; and c) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instruments, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means and being formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
a) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments:
b) valve means associated with said cannula housing means, said valve means adapted to provide a gas tight seal with an endoscopic instrument inserted therethrough; and c) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instruments, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means and being formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
5. The cannula assembly according to claim 4, wherein said cannula means comprises an elongated tubular structure.
6. The cannula assembly according to claim 4, wherein said cannula means is formed at least in part of aluminum.
7. A cannula assembly, which comprises:
a) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments;
b) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instrument, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means, said cannula means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and c) tissue gripping means associated with said cannula means for securing said cannula assembly within body tissue, said tissue gripping means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
a) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments;
b) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instrument, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means, said cannula means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and c) tissue gripping means associated with said cannula means for securing said cannula assembly within body tissue, said tissue gripping means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
8. The cannula assembly according to claim 7, wherein said tissue gripping means is formed at least in part of aluminum.
9. The cannula assembly according to claim 7, further comprising means for latching said tissue gripping means in a deployed position.
10. The cannula assembly according to claim 7, wherein said tissue gripping means is releasably attached to said cannula means.
11. The cannula assembly according to claim 9, wherein said latching means includes at least one latching receptor positioned at a proximal end of said tubular sleeve, and at least one latching member cooperatively positioned at a proximal end of said cannula means for cooperation with said at least one latching member to latch said tissue gripping means in either a deployed or a non-deployed position.
12. The cannula assembly according to claim 7, wherein said tissue gripping means comprises:
a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engaging said cannula means, and formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver: and b) a flexible member having a tubular member positioned radially about a distal end of said tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned adjacent said tubular member.
a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engaging said cannula means, and formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver: and b) a flexible member having a tubular member positioned radially about a distal end of said tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned adjacent said tubular member.
13. The cannula assembly according to claim 12, wherein said tissue gripping means further includes means for securing said tubular member to said tubular sleeve.
14. The cannula assembly according to claim 13, wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of protrusions positioned about an interior circumferential surface portion of said tubular member which engage corresponding openings formed in said distal end of said tubular sleeve.
15. The cannula assembly according to claim 13, wherein said securing means comprises a circumferential ring positioned about an interior circumference of said tubular member and a corresponding circumferential channel extending about an exterior circumferential surface portion of said distal end of said tubular sleeve, such that said tubular member is rotatably secured to said tubular sleeve.
16. The cannula assembly according to claim 12, wherein said tissue gripping means is releasably secured to said cannula by positioning at least one resilient tab at a distal end of said flexible member and positioning at least one locking receptor at a distal end of said cannula means, such that said at least one tab cooperatively engages said at least one locking receptor.
17. The cannula assembly according to claim 12, wherein said articulating arm members include a distal arm portion and a proximal arm portion joined by said at least one hinge, said distal portion having a greater length than said proximal portion.
18. The cannula assembly according to claim 17, wherein said proximal arm portion is substantially perpendicular to said tubular sleeve when said articulating arm members are in said deployed position.
19. The cannula assembly according to claim 12, wherein said tubular sleeve includes a gripping flange positioned at a proximal end thereof.
20. The cannula assembly according to claim 12, wherein said flexible member is fabricated of a plastic material.
21. Apparatus for securing cannula assemblies to body tissue, which comprises:
a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engaging cannula means, and formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and b) a flexible member having a tubular member positioned radially about said tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned adjacent said tubular member.
a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engaging cannula means, and formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and b) a flexible member having a tubular member positioned radially about said tubular sleeve, and having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned adjacent said tubular member.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said tubular sleeve is formed at least in part of aluminum.
23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said tubular sleeve further comprises a gripping means positioned at a proximal end thereof.
24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said gripping means is formed from a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver.
25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said gripping means is formed of aluminum.
26. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said tubular sleeve includes latching means positioned at a proximal end thereof and configured to cooperate with a proximal end of said cannula means.
27. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said flexible member includes locking means positioned at a distal end thereof and configured to engage a distal end of said cannula means.
28. Apparatus for securing cannula assemblies to body tissue, which comprises:
(a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engagably receiving cannula means, said tubular sleeve having openings formed along the longitudinal axis thereof to permit body tissue to exude therethrough so as to contact outer body surface portions of said cannula means, such that the body tissue and said cannula means are at substantially the same electrical potential; and (b) a flexible member positioned at a distal end of said tubular sleeve, having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned thereon.
(a) a tubular sleeve for coaxially engagably receiving cannula means, said tubular sleeve having openings formed along the longitudinal axis thereof to permit body tissue to exude therethrough so as to contact outer body surface portions of said cannula means, such that the body tissue and said cannula means are at substantially the same electrical potential; and (b) a flexible member positioned at a distal end of said tubular sleeve, having a plurality of articulating arm members positioned thereon.
29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said articulating arm members are adapted to be manipulated between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.
30. A tissue gripping apparatus, which comprises:
(a) a sleeve having openings formed along the longitudinal axis thereof;
(b) a plurality of articulating arm members connected to said sleeve; and (c) at least one hinge positioned proximal a midpoint of each said articulating arm member.
(a) a sleeve having openings formed along the longitudinal axis thereof;
(b) a plurality of articulating arm members connected to said sleeve; and (c) at least one hinge positioned proximal a midpoint of each said articulating arm member.
31. The tissue gripping apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said articulating arm members are adapted to be manipulated between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.
32. A tissue gripping apparatus, which comprises:
(a) a first sleeve formed at least in part of a material having electrical conductivity value at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver;
(b) a second sleeve connected to said first sleeve formed of a non-conductive material;
(c) a plurality of articulate arm members connected to said second sleeve; and (d) at least one hinge positioned proximal a midpoint of each said articulating arm member.
(a) a first sleeve formed at least in part of a material having electrical conductivity value at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver;
(b) a second sleeve connected to said first sleeve formed of a non-conductive material;
(c) a plurality of articulate arm members connected to said second sleeve; and (d) at least one hinge positioned proximal a midpoint of each said articulating arm member.
33. The tissue gripping apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said articulating arm members are adapted to be manipulated between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.
34. A tissue gripping apparatus comprising:
(a) a housing having an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive cannula means, said housing formed at least in part of a material having electrical conductivity value at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and (b) engagement means associated with said housing for securing said cannula means within body tissue.
(a) a housing having an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive cannula means, said housing formed at least in part of a material having electrical conductivity value at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and (b) engagement means associated with said housing for securing said cannula means within body tissue.
35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said engagement means comprises a plurality of articulating arms.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said articulating arms are formed of polypropylene.
37. A method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue, comprising:
(a) providing a cannula assembly having:
i) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments;
ii) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instrument, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means, said cannula means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and iii) tissue gripping means associated with said cannula means for securing said cannula assembly within body tissue, said tissue gripping means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver:
and (b) inserting said cannula assembly into an opening in the body tissue such that said tissue gripping means contacts the body tissue, said body tissue acting as a ground for electrical energy contained on said tissue gripping means.
(a) providing a cannula assembly having:
i) cannula housing means having a first opening formed at a distal end thereof and a second opening formed at a proximal end thereof, for receiving endoscopic instruments;
ii) cannula means for receiving the endoscopic instrument, said cannula means having a proximal end engaged with said first opening of said cannula housing means, said cannula means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver; and iii) tissue gripping means associated with said cannula means for securing said cannula assembly within body tissue, said tissue gripping means formed at least in part of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver:
and (b) inserting said cannula assembly into an opening in the body tissue such that said tissue gripping means contacts the body tissue, said body tissue acting as a ground for electrical energy contained on said tissue gripping means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/885,467 | 1992-05-19 | ||
| US07/885,467 US5387196A (en) | 1992-05-19 | 1992-05-19 | Cannula assembly having conductive cannula |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2093880A1 CA2093880A1 (en) | 1993-11-20 |
| CA2093880C true CA2093880C (en) | 1997-11-18 |
Family
ID=25386963
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002093880A Expired - Lifetime CA2093880C (en) | 1992-05-19 | 1993-04-13 | Cannula assembly having conductive cannula |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5387196A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0570802A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2093880C (en) |
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| US5242412A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-09-07 | Blake Joseph W Iii | Trocar tube subassembly having sealing ring and duckbill sealing tube having planar, truncate, diverging sealing bills |
| US5387196A (en) * | 1992-05-19 | 1995-02-07 | United States Surgical Corporation | Cannula assembly having conductive cannula |
-
1992
- 1992-05-19 US US07/885,467 patent/US5387196A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1993
- 1993-04-13 CA CA002093880A patent/CA2093880C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-05-10 EP EP93107578A patent/EP0570802A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1994
- 1994-11-10 US US08/337,679 patent/US5618309A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2093880A1 (en) | 1993-11-20 |
| US5387196A (en) | 1995-02-07 |
| EP0570802A1 (en) | 1993-11-24 |
| US5618309A (en) | 1997-04-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20130413 |