Flexible inflow/outflow cannula
First Claim
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1. A cannula for directing a liquid to or from a site during arthroscopic surgery comprised of an elongated hollow tube, the elongated hollow tube comprising:
- a distal end;
a rigid segment that does not include the distal end;
a flexible segment that abuts the rigid segment and includes the distal end, the flexible segment laving a length "f" and an outer diameter "d" and being tapered along the length "f" such that the outer diameter "d" continuously decreases in the direction of the distal end, the flexible segment being sufficiently flexible to bend through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then return to an approximately straight position while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being, the rigid segment being substantially unbendable relative to the flexible segment;
the flexible segment having a first wall thickness measured at a location on the flexible segment that is proximal to the distal end,and a second wall thickness, measured at the distal end, with the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness; and
a lumen beginning at the distal end and extending longitudinally completely through the flexible segment and the rigid segment for providing a passageway for the flow of a liquid through the elongated hollow tube, the lumen remaining, open to the flow of the liquid when the flexible segment is bent through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then returned to an approximately straight position, while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible plastic cannula for use in directing liquid to or from the suprapatellar pouch during arthroscopic knee surgery. The cannula is comprised of a flexible elongated stem, a valve housing and an attachment means, all molded in a single piece of high density polyethylene. The stem is tapered along its length so that the end nearest the valve housing is relatively rigid, while the distal end is narrower and more flexible. The flexibility of the cannula stem is sufficient to allow it to bend with the knee during the arthroscopic surgery.
158 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A cannula for directing a liquid to or from a site during arthroscopic surgery comprised of an elongated hollow tube, the elongated hollow tube comprising:
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a distal end; a rigid segment that does not include the distal end; a flexible segment that abuts the rigid segment and includes the distal end, the flexible segment laving a length "f" and an outer diameter "d" and being tapered along the length "f" such that the outer diameter "d" continuously decreases in the direction of the distal end, the flexible segment being sufficiently flexible to bend through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then return to an approximately straight position while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being, the rigid segment being substantially unbendable relative to the flexible segment; the flexible segment having a first wall thickness measured at a location on the flexible segment that is proximal to the distal end,and a second wall thickness, measured at the distal end, with the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness; and a lumen beginning at the distal end and extending longitudinally completely through the flexible segment and the rigid segment for providing a passageway for the flow of a liquid through the elongated hollow tube, the lumen remaining, open to the flow of the liquid when the flexible segment is bent through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then returned to an approximately straight position, while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A cannula for directing a liquid to or from a site during arthroscopic surgery comprised of an elongated hollow tube, the elongated hollow tube comprising:
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a distal end; a rigid segment that does not include the distal end; a flexible segment that abuts the rigid segment and includes the distal end, the flexible segment having a length "f", an outer diameter "d", a first wall thickness measured at a location on the flexible segment that is proximal to the distal end and a second wall thickness measured at the distal end, the flexible segment being tapered along the length "f" such that the outer diameter "d" continuously decreases in the direction of the distal end and wherein the first wall thickness is greater than the second wall thickness, the flexible segment being sufficiently flexible to bend through an angle of approximately ninety degrees when the rigid segment is held fixed and an external force is applied to the distal end, the flexible segment returning to an approximately straight position when the external force is removed from the distal end; and a lumen beginning at the distal end and extending longitudinally completely through the flexible segment and the rigid segment for providing a passageway for the flow of a liquid through the elongated hollow tube, the lumen remaining open to the flow of the liquid when the flexible segment is bent through the angle of approximately ninety degrees and then returned to the approximately straight position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification