Bendable cutting device
First Claim
1. A tissue cutting device, comprising:
- a probe having a length generally defining a probe axis, the probe defining at least one cutting loop exit at an exit angle relative to the probe axis, the exit being at a distal region of the probe;
a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, the cutting loop being selectively in one of a penetrating configuration configured for the cutting device to penetrate tissue and a cutting configuration configured for the cutting loop to cut tissue, the cutting loop being generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration, and when in the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape, the cutting loop being at a cutting angle relative to the probe axis generally defined by the exit angle; and
a cutting loop securing mechanism configured to selectively secure the cutting loop in the penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into the cutting configuration, the cutting loop securing mechanism being one of slidably disposed relative to the probe and a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for a minimally invasive procedure for cutting tissue are disclosed. The device generally includes a probe with a distal exit at an exit angle relative to the probe, a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, and a loop securing mechanism to secure the cutting loop in a penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into a cutting configuration. The cutting loop is generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration. In the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape at a cutting angle generally defined by the exit angle. The cutting loop securing mechanism may be, for example, a cover slidable over the probe, a slidable member extending from a distal tip of the probe, or a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A tissue cutting device, comprising:
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a probe having a length generally defining a probe axis, the probe defining at least one cutting loop exit at an exit angle relative to the probe axis, the exit being at a distal region of the probe;
a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, the cutting loop being selectively in one of a penetrating configuration configured for the cutting device to penetrate tissue and a cutting configuration configured for the cutting loop to cut tissue, the cutting loop being generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration, and when in the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape, the cutting loop being at a cutting angle relative to the probe axis generally defined by the exit angle; and
a cutting loop securing mechanism configured to selectively secure the cutting loop in the penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into the cutting configuration, the cutting loop securing mechanism being one of slidably disposed relative to the probe and a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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13. The device of claim 13, wherein the tissue penetrator is partially insulated to selectively expose the tissue to the energy.
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23. A method for cutting targeted tissue, comprising:
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positioning a tissue cutting device adjacent to the targeted tissue, such that a distal end of a probe of the tissue cutting device is distal to the targeted tissue, the probe having a length generally defining a probe axis and the probe defining at least one cutting loop exit at an exit angle relative to the probe axis, the exit being at a distal region of the probe;
releasing a cutting loop of the tissue cutting device from being generally parallel to the probe axis in a penetrating configuration to a cutting configuration, the cutting loop having shape memory with a preconfigured shape such that upon releasing the cutting loop, the cutting loop generally returns to the preconfigured shape and generally extends at a cutting angle relative to the probe axis defined by the exit angle; and
retracting the tissue cutting device so that the cutting loop in the cutting configuration cuts the targeted tissue. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification