Method of using a transanal inserter

• US 5,404,870 A
• Filed: 06/09/1994
• Issued: 04/11/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Olson, Todd J., Brinkerhoff, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thaler, Michael H.
• Application Number:
  US08/257,464
• Time in Patent Office: 306 Days
• Field of Search: 604/15, 604/106-109, 604/279, 604/170, 604/272, 604/264, 128/3, 606/197, 606/191, 606/198, 607/138, 227/175, 227/179
• US Class Current: 600/184
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets A61B18/00 takes precedence; contraceptive devices, pessaries, or applicators therefor A61F6/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/115 Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3417 Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating syringe needles A61M5/32; dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 of the patient or his organs

Abstract

A transanal inserter is disclosed which facilitates the atraumatic insertion of intra-anal surgical devices through the anus. The inserter has a tubular portion, a prolate distal end and a proximal end having a flange associated therewith. The prolate end is formed from a plurality of petal-shaped segments which deflect outward as an intra-anal surgical device is urged therethrough, into the colon or intestine. The flange formed at the proximal end of the inserter retains the inserter in place and prevents over insertion of the inserter beyond the anus. The inserter can be fabricated in varying lengths to accommodate surgical requirements. The inserter is fabricated from a plastic material with sufficient pliability to provide for deflection of the segments, while maintaining sufficient rigidity to prevent collapse of the inserter during insertion and use.

Claims

1. A method for inserting the distal end portion of an intra-anal surgical stapling device through an anus comprising the steps of:

a. positioning the distal end portion of an intra-anal surgical stapling device within a transanal inserter device, said transanal inserter device including a tubular member defining an open distal end portion and an open proximal end portion for slidably accommodating an intra-anal surgical stapling device therethrough, said distal end portion having a prolate distal end formed of a plurality of petal-shaped segments, said proximal end portion having a flange extending outward from said proximal end portion;

b. inserting the inserter device and the intra-anal surgical stapling device into the anus until the flange of the inserter device rests against the perineal tissue surrounding the anus arresting further insertion of the inserter device into the anus; and

c. urging the distal end portion of the intra-anal surgical stapling device against the segments while the inserter device is maintained in its arrested position causing said segments to move outward thereby permitting said intra-anal device to extend therethrough.

2. A method for inserting the distal end portion of an intra-anal surgical stapling device through an anus comprising the steps of:

a. inserting a transanal inserter device through an anus, said transanal inserter device including a tubular member defining an open distal end portion and an open proximal end portion for slidably accommodating an intra-anal surgical stapling device therethrough, said distal end portion having a prolate distal end formed of a plurality of petal-shaped segments, said proximal end portion having a flange extending outward from said proximal end;

b. arresting insertion of the transanal inserter device into the anus when the flange of the inserter device rests against the perineal tissue surrounding the anus;

c. positioning an intra-anal surgical stapling device at the open proximal end portion of the transanal inserter device;

d. sliding the intra-anal surgical stapling device through the transanal inserter device until the intra-anal surgical stapling device contacts the segments thereof; and

e. urging the distal end portion of the intra-anal surgical stapling device against the segments while the inserter device is maintained in its arrested position causing the segments to move outward thereby permitting the intra-anal device to extend therethrough.