US5507772A — Cleanable, inspectable, and replaceable surgical …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 155 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include an opened trough slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; and a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 155 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include an opened trough slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; and a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 91 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a locking member for removably coupling the proximal end of the drive actuator to the handle, the locking member being movable from a first position to hold the drive actuator in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the drive actuator from the handle and to permit movement of the drive actuator away from the handle to permit cleaning, sterilization, and inspection of the support member, the drive actuator, and the operating unit after a surgical procedure.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 53 words

The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the drive actuator is inserted into a slot formed in the handle to couple the drive actuator to the handle, and wherein the locking member includes an ejector for ejecting the drive actuator from the slot upon movement of the locking member to its second position.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 46 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the support member is inserted into a slot formed in the handle to couple the support member to the handle, and further comprising a locking mechanism for removably coupling the support member to the handle.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 25 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a single use illumination, optical, or laser line located in the elongated slot of the support member.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 42 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the drive actuator includes a projection extending outwardly therefrom and the operating unit is formed to include an opening therein for receiving the projection therein to pivotably couple the drive actuator to the operating unit.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 28 words

The surgical instrument of claim 6, further comprising a side plate coupled to the operating unit to prevent the projection from disengaging the opening of the operating unit.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 40 words

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the operating unit is pivotably coupled to the support member and further comprising at least one stop formed on the support member to prevent disengagement of the operating unit from the support member.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 40 words

The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the drive actuator is pivotably coupled to the operating unit and further comprising at least one stop formed on the operating unit to prevent disengagement of the drive actuator from the operating unit.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the operating unit is coupled to the support member by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement to couple the operating unit to the support member.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 200 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include a slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; and wherein the drive actuator has a predetermined thickness and the drive actuator includes a relieved section having a reduced thickness located adjacent the curved portion of the support member to permit the drive actuator to bend as it moves through the curved portion of the support member.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 200 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include a slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; and wherein the drive actuator has a predetermined thickness and the drive actuator includes a relieved section having a reduced thickness located adjacent the curved portion of the support member to permit the drive actuator to bend as it moves through the curved portion of the support member.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 37 words

The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein relieved section includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs having substantially the predetermined thickness to position the relieved section of the drive actuator in the slot of the support member.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 239 words

A surgical instrument comprising; a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include a slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; wherein a proximal end of the support member is inserted into a slot formed in the handle to couple the support member to the handle, and further comprising a locking mechanism for removably coupling the support member to the handle; and wherein the releasable locking mechanism includes a semi-cylindrical member for engaging a notch formed in the support member to secure the support member to the handle and means coupled to the semi-cylindrical member for rotating the semi-cylindrical member to release the support member from the handle.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 239 words

A surgical instrument comprising; a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the elongated support member including a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end, the elongated support member being formed to include a slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator configured to be positioned in the slot of the support member, the drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being coupled to the operating unit and the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage the trigger so that the drive actuator moves the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; wherein a proximal end of the support member is inserted into a slot formed in the handle to couple the support member to the handle, and further comprising a locking mechanism for removably coupling the support member to the handle; and wherein the releasable locking mechanism includes a semi-cylindrical member for engaging a notch formed in the support member to secure the support member to the handle and means coupled to the semi-cylindrical member for rotating the semi-cylindrical member to release the support member from the handle.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 154 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body; an operating unit pivotably coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage a portion of the movable trigger, and the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; in addition to the pivotal connection, a first stop formed on the operating unit to prevent disengagement of the distal end of the drive actuator from the operating unit; and a second stop formed on the support member to prevent disengagement of the operating unit from the support member.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 154 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle including a movable trigger; an elongated support member having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body; an operating unit pivotably coupled to the distal end of the support member; a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the drive actuator being configured to engage a portion of the movable trigger, and the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member in response to movement of the trigger; in addition to the pivotal connection, a first stop formed on the operating unit to prevent disengagement of the distal end of the drive actuator from the operating unit; and a second stop formed on the support member to prevent disengagement of the operating unit from the support member.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 91 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, further comprising a locking member for removably coupling the proximal end of the drive actuator to the handle, the locking member being movable from a first position to hold the drive actuator in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the drive actuator from the handle and to permit movement of the drive actuator away from the handle to permit cleaning, sterilization, and inspection of the support member, the drive actuator, and the operating unit after a surgical procedure.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 46 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein a proximal end of the support member is inserted into a slot formed in the handle to couple the support member to the handle, and further comprising a locking mechanism for removably coupling the support member to the handle.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 52 words

The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the releasable locking mechanism includes a semi-cylindrical member for engaging a notch formed in the support member to secure the support member to the handle and means coupled to the semi-cylindrical member for rotating the semi-cylindrical member to release the support member from the handle.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 42 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the drive actuator includes a projection extending outwardly therefrom and the operating unit is formed to include a notch therein for receiving the projection therein to pivotably couple the drive actuator to the operating unit.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the operating unit is coupled to the support member by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement to couple the operating unit to the support member.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 39 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the support member is formed to include a trough-like slot having a generally U-shaped transverse cross section, the drive actuator is configured to be disposed at least partially within the trough-like slot.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 33 words

The surgical instrument of claim 20, wherein the trough-like slot and the drive actuator define a passage therebetween for receiving at least one of an illumination, optical, irrigation, suction, and laser line therein.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 47 words

The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the support member is formed to include a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end and a slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the support member for receiving the drive actuator therein.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 50 words

The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the drive actuator has a predetermined thickness and includes a relieved section having a reduced thickness located adjacent the curved portion of the support member to permit the drive actuator to bend as it moves through the curved portion of the support member.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical instrument of claim 23, wherein relieved section includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 209 words

A surgical instrument kit comprising: a first removable tip assembly including a straight support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the distal end of the support member being coupled to an operating unit by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement; a second removable tip assembly including a curved support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into the patient's body, the distal end of the curved support member being coupled to an operating unit by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement; and a handle having a body portion configured to receive the proximal end of a selected one of the first and second tip assemblies therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the selected tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the selected tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the selected tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the selected tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the selected tip assembly from the handle.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 209 words

A surgical instrument kit comprising: a first removable tip assembly including a straight support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, the distal end of the support member being coupled to an operating unit by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement; a second removable tip assembly including a curved support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the handle and a distal end for insertion into the patient's body, the distal end of the curved support member being coupled to an operating unit by an arcuate groove and notch arrangement; and a handle having a body portion configured to receive the proximal end of a selected one of the first and second tip assemblies therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the selected tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the selected tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the selected tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the selected tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the selected tip assembly from the handle.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 222 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the releasable locking mechanism includes a semi-cylindrical member for engaging a notch formed in the support member to secure the support member to the handle and means coupled to the semi-cylindrical member for rotating the semi-cylindrical member to release the support member from the handle.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 222 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the releasable locking mechanism includes a semi-cylindrical member for engaging a notch formed in the support member to secure the support member to the handle and means coupled to the semi-cylindrical member for rotating the semi-cylindrical member to release the support member from the handle.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 219 words

A surgical instrument comprising; a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the support member is formed to include a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end and an open trough slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the support member for receiving the drive actuator therein.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 219 words

A surgical instrument comprising; a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the support member is formed to include a curved portion located in close proximity to the distal end and an open trough slot extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the support member for receiving the drive actuator therein.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 50 words

The surgical instrument of claim 27, wherein the drive actuator has a predetermined thickness and includes a relieved section having a reduced thickness located adjacent the curved portion of the support member to permit the drive actuator to bend as it moves through the curved portion of the support member.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical instrument of claim 28, wherein relieved section includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 234 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the body portion of the handle is formed to include first and second elongated tracks in the opening for engaging first and second notched sections formed in the proximal end of the support member to align the support member relative to the body portion and to prevent rotation of the support member relative to the body portion.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 234 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body, an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member, and a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member; a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for slidably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein, a movable trigger connectable to actuate the operating unit of the tip assembly, and a locking mechanism for removably coupling the tip assembly to the handle, the locking mechanism being movable from a first position to hold the tip assembly in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the tip assembly from the handle and permit the removal of the tip assembly from the handle; and wherein the body portion of the handle is formed to include first and second elongated tracks in the opening for engaging first and second notched sections formed in the proximal end of the support member to align the support member relative to the body portion and to prevent rotation of the support member relative to the body portion.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 71 words

The surgical instrument of claim 30, wherein body portion of the handle is formed to include a slot therein for receiving the proximal end of the drive actuator, and the first and second tracks are aligned downwardly away from the slot in the body portion of the handle at a predetermined angle to prevent spreading of the body portion of the handle due to a prying force on the tip assembly.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical instrument of claim 31, wherein the predetermined angle is about 6° to about 10°.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 202 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member using an arcuate groove and follower connection wherein the groove is located on one of the operating unit and support member and the follower is located on the other of the operating unit and support member and wherein the follower rides in the groove; a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being releasably and pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member through a notch and projection connection wherein the drive actuator can be disconnected from the moveable trigger to be pivoted with respect to the operating unit to a point where the projection can be released from the notch; and a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for releasably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein and a movable trigger connectable to actuate the proximal end of the drive actuator.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 202 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a removable tip assembly including an elongated support member having a proximal end configured to be coupled to a handle and a distal end for insertion into a patient's body; an operating unit coupled to the distal end of the support member using an arcuate groove and follower connection wherein the groove is located on one of the operating unit and support member and the follower is located on the other of the operating unit and support member and wherein the follower rides in the groove; a drive actuator having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the drive actuator being releasably and pivotably coupled to the operating unit for moving the operating unit relative to the support member through a notch and projection connection wherein the drive actuator can be disconnected from the moveable trigger to be pivoted with respect to the operating unit to a point where the projection can be released from the notch; and a handle having a body portion formed to include an opening for releasably receiving the proximal end of the tip assembly therein and a movable trigger connectable to actuate the proximal end of the drive actuator.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 90 words

The surgical instrument of claim 33, further comprising a locking member for removably coupling the proximal end of the drive actuator to the handle, the locking member being movable from a first position to held the drive actuator in a locked position relative to the handle to a second position to release the drive actuator from the handle and to permit movement of the drive actuator away from the handle to permit cleaning, sterilization, and inspection of the support member, the drive actuator, and the operating unit after surgical procedure.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 36 words

The surgical instrument of claim 33, wherein the projection is located adjacent the distal end of the drive actuator and includes an elongated member for engaging the notch, which notch is formed in the operating unit.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-04-16	1999-10-16	2000-04-16	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-04-16	2003-10-16	2004-04-16	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-04-16	2007-10-16	2008-04-16	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Cleanable, inspectable, and replaceable surgical instrument

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