ARTICULATING CANNULA ACCESS DEVICE
First Claim
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1. An articulating telescopic medical access device comprising:
- an outer cannula having a rigid proximal portion and a distal portion having a flexible section and a distal tip;
a first control member coupled to the outer cannula and extending from the proximal end of the outer cannula to at least the flexible section, the first control member adapted to articulate and maintain the distal portion at an angle relative to the rigid proximal portion by bending the outer cannula at the flexible section; and
a flexible inner cannula comprising at least one lumen and having a straight configuration when un-flexed and having a sufficient column strength to permit axial advancement through the outer cannula when the distal portion of the outer cannula is straight or bent, where advancement of the flexible inner cannula through the outer cannula results in a telescopic movement of the flexible inner cannula in a straight line from the distal tip of the outer cannula.
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Abstract
Devices and methods are disclosed for less invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit improved access within a body cavity when performing a minimally invasive procedure, typically through a small opening, a surgical port, or during an open surgical procedure.
144 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An articulating telescopic medical access device comprising:
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an outer cannula having a rigid proximal portion and a distal portion having a flexible section and a distal tip; a first control member coupled to the outer cannula and extending from the proximal end of the outer cannula to at least the flexible section, the first control member adapted to articulate and maintain the distal portion at an angle relative to the rigid proximal portion by bending the outer cannula at the flexible section; and a flexible inner cannula comprising at least one lumen and having a straight configuration when un-flexed and having a sufficient column strength to permit axial advancement through the outer cannula when the distal portion of the outer cannula is straight or bent, where advancement of the flexible inner cannula through the outer cannula results in a telescopic movement of the flexible inner cannula in a straight line from the distal tip of the outer cannula. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of accessing tissue surfaces within a body of a patient where the tissue surface is obscured by a tissue structure, the method comprising:
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advancing an outer cannula through a first opening in the body of the patient, where the outer cannula has a rigid portion and a distal portion, where the distal portion includes a flexible section; manipulating tissue with the rigid portion of the cannula to place the distal portion adjacent to the tissue structure; articulating the distal portion by bending of the flexible section to position a distal opening around the tissue structure; positioning a working lumen of a flexible inner cannula at the tissue surface by telescopically advancing the flexible inner cannula through the articulated outer cannula, where the flexible inner cannula bends within the flexible section but remains straight upon advancement from the distal opening. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification