US6007486A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tissue stabilization device for use during surgery having a segmented shaft
Assignee: Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc
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Filing: 1997-10-07
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Granted: 1999-12-28
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Expires: 2017-10-07
Abstract
Abstract In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissue. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube has a flexible hose extending through the lumen of the tube between its distal and proximal ends. The hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from its distal end to its proximal end. The tube is made up of a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another. The device further includes at least one foot connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 John V. Hunt
- 👤 Craig B. Berky
- 👤 William D. Fox
- 👤 Gary W. Knight
- 👤 David L. Hamann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B90/00; A61B90/50; A61B90/57; A61B17/0293; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/0243; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A device for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said device comprising: a) a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, said lumen having an inside diameter, said tube having a flexible hose extending through said lumen between said distal and proximal ends said flexible hose having an outside diameter which is smaller than said inside diameter of said lumen of said tube, said hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through said tube from said distal end to said proximal end, said tube comprising a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another and moveable proximal to said distal end of said shaft, whereby said segments no longer obstruct any moving tissue; and b) at least one foot connected to said distal end of said tube, each foot extending laterally from said tube, each foot having a proximal surface, and a distal surface for placement adjacent to said tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
165 words
A device for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said device comprising: a) a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, said lumen having an inside diameter, said tube having a flexible hose extending through said lumen between said distal and proximal ends said flexible hose having an outside diameter which is smaller than said inside diameter of said lumen of said tube, said hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through said tube from said distal end to said proximal end, said tube comprising a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another and moveable proximal to said distal end of said shaft, whereby said segments no longer obstruct any moving tissue; and b) at least one foot connected to said distal end of said tube, each foot extending laterally from said tube, each foot having a proximal surface, and a distal surface for placement adjacent to said tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said segments are attached to each other by a threaded connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said segments are connected to each other by frictional push in connectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 1 further including a filter on said distal surface of each foot whereby particulate material is substantially prevented from entering said lumen of said tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 4 wherein said filter comprises a mesh member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, said apertures being smaller than an opening into said tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said distal surface of each foot comprises a plurality of spaced apart pegs extending distally from said proximal surface of said feet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said distal surface of each foot has an outer perimeter having a substantially spherical profile.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 1 further including a means for attaching the device to a stationary object.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device according to claim 8 wherein said tube is attached to said means for attaching the device to a stationary object by a ball and socket connector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 9 wherein said tube is readily and manually detachable from said means for attaching the device to a stationary object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein each foot is attached to said tube by a ball and socket connector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device according to claim 11, wherein said ball can be released from engagement with said socket by an actuator, said actuator being proximal to said ball and socket.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
165 words
A device for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said device comprising: a) a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, said lumen having an inside diameter, said tube having a flexible hose extending through said lumen between said distal and proximal ends said flexible hose having an outside diameter which is smaller than said inside diameter of said lumen of said tube, said hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through said tube from said distal end to said proximal end, said tube comprising a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another and moveable proximal to said distal end of said shaft whereby said segments no longer obstruct any moving tissue; and b) a pair of feet connected to said distal end of said tube, each foot extending laterally from said tube, each foot having a proximal surface, and a distal surface for placement adjacent to said tissue.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
165 words
A device for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said device comprising: a) a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, said lumen having an inside diameter, said tube having a flexible hose extending through said lumen between said distal and proximal ends said flexible hose having an outside diameter which is smaller than said inside diameter of said lumen of said tube, said hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through said tube from said distal end to said proximal end, said tube comprising a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another and moveable proximal to said distal end of said shaft whereby said segments no longer obstruct any moving tissue; and b) a pair of feet connected to said distal end of said tube, each foot extending laterally from said tube, each foot having a proximal surface, and a distal surface for placement adjacent to said tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein said segments are attached to each other by a threaded connector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein said segments are connected to each other by frictional push in connectors.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 13 further including a filter on said distal surface of each foot whereby particulate material is substantially prevented from entering said lumen of said tube.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 16 wherein said filter comprises a mesh member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, said apertures being smaller than an opening into said tube.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein said distal surface of each foot comprises a plurality of spaced apart pegs extending distally from said proximal surface of said feet.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein said distal surface of each foot has an outer perimeter having a substantially spherical profile.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 13 further including a means for attaching the device to a stationary object.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device according to claim 20 wherein said tube is attached to said means for attaching the device to a stationary object by a ball and socket connector.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 21 wherein said tube is readily and manually detachable from said means for attaching the device to a stationary object.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein each foot is attached to said tube by a ball and socket connector.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device according to claim 13, wherein said ball can be released from engagement with said socket by an actuator, said actuator being proximal to said ball and socket.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-27 | 2003-06-28 | 2003-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-27 | 2007-06-28 | 2007-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-27 | 2011-06-28 | 2011-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |