SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFF-AXIS TISSUE MANIPULATION

• US 20130345765A1
• Filed: 06/20/2013
• Published: 12/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stryker Corporation
• Original Assignee: Stryker Corporation
• Inventors: Brockman, Christopher Scott, Harshman, Gabriel James
• Granted Patent: US 9,839,443 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/86.R
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1642 for producing a curved bore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1757 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3472 for bones, e.g. intraosseus injections
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3478 Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion biopsy needles A61B10/0233; catheters with injection needles A61M25/0067
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/68 Internal fixation devices , including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin bone staples A61B17/0642
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8811 characterised by the introducer tip, i.e. the part inserted into or onto the bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8819 characterised by the introducer proximal part, e.g. cannula handle, or by parts which are inserted inside each other, e.g. stylet and cannula A61B17/8825 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8855 inflatable, e.g. kyphoplasty balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00261 Discectomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00318 Steering mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00336 with a protective sleeve, e.g. retractable or slidable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0034 adapted to be inserted through a working channel of an endoscope

Abstract

A surgical system and method for manipulating tissue. A steerable assembly comprises a steerable instrument and a deformable conduit. The steerable instrument comprises a control element and a deflectable portion operatively connected to the control element. The steerable assembly is directed through an access cannula such that at least a portion of the steerable assembly protrudes from the distal end of the access cannula. The steerable instrument is actuated to move a deflectable portion of the steerable instrument and a distal portion of the deformable conduit away from the longitudinal axis of the access cannula so that the deformable conduit assumes a deformed position. The steerable instrument is retracted from the deformable conduit.

Claims

1. A system for manipulating tissue, the system comprising:

an access cannula for insertion in the tissue;

a steerable assembly comprising a steering instrument and a conformable nozzle, the steering instrument capable of assuming a first configuration substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula and a second configuration that is not substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula,

wherein the steering instrument comprises a deflection mechanism operably attached to distal portion of the steering instrument such that when the steering instrument is activated, the degree of curvature of the distal end of the steering instrument is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, and

wherein the conformable nozzle is capable of retaining the curvature of the steering instrument.

2. A surgical method for manipulating tissue, which utilizes an access cannula and a steerable assembly, wherein the steerable assembly comprises a steering instrument and a conformable nozzle, with the steering instrument removably disposed within the conformable nozzle, wherein the steering instrument comprises a deflection mechanism operably attached to distal portion of the steering instrument such that when the steering instrument activated, the degree of curvature of the distal end of the steering instrument is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, the method comprising:

positioning the access cannula in the tissue to be manipulated;

inserting the steerable assembly through the access cannula such that the steerable assembly protrudes from the distal end of the access cannula; and

activating the steering instrument such that the steering instrument assumes a configuration that is not substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula; and

retracting the steering instrument from the conformable nozzle.