US6743239B1 — Devices with a bendable tip for medical procedures

Claim 1

Independent Claim 53 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft having a rigid section at a proximal end; a bendable tip comprising a plurality of articulated segments arranged at a distal end of the shaft; and an end segment extending from the bendable tip, wherein the end segment comprises a plurality of instrument deploying elements.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 53 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft having a rigid section at a proximal end; a bendable tip comprising a plurality of articulated segments arranged at a distal end of the shaft; and an end segment extending from the bendable tip, wherein the end segment comprises a plurality of instrument deploying elements.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the bendable tip has suitable dimensions for insertion into a human heart.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the bendable tip can bend in either of two opposite directions in a plane relative to a linear configuration.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the bendable tip further comprises a plurality of independent pivoting segments pivotable with respect to adjacent segments.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 4 wherein each pivoting segment of the bendable tip is connected to an adjacent segment at two coaxial hinges.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the bendable tip can be locked at a selected degree of bend.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device of claim 1 further comprising two communicating elements extending from the bendable tip to the proximal end of the shaft, the communicating elements connecting to the bendable tip such that each communicating element functions as an opposing lever arm with respect to the bending of the tip.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 53 words

The device of claim 1 further comprising a single communicating element extending from the bendable tip to the proximate end of the shaft, the communicating element being connected to the bendable tip such that tension on the communicating element tends to bend the bendable tip in one direction relative to a linear configuration.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 1 further comprising a malleable section between the rigid section and the bendable tip.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 68 words

The device of claim 1 further comprising: a handle having an elongated grip generally coaxial with the shaft and being attached to the rigid section of the shaft; the grip comprising a knob rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the handle; and a first cord connecting the bendable tip with the knob such that rotation of the knob changes the position and degree of bending of the tip.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 52 words

The device of claim 10 further comprising a second cord connecting the bendable tip with the knob wherein rotation of the knob in one direction extends the first cord while retracting the second cord and rotation of the knob in the other direction extends the second cord while retracting the first cord.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 82 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of instrument deploying elements at least include a first instrument deploying element and a second instrument deploying element, wherein the first instrument deploying element comprises a lumen centrally located in the end segment, the lumen being adapted for introducing an instrument through the end of the bendable tip, and the second instrument deploying element comprises at least two tabs extending from the end segment, the tabs being adapted to releasably secure another instrument therebetween.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device of claim 12 further comprising a gripper extendible through the lumen from the end segment of the bendable tip.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the articulated segments comprise at least one off-center channel having a cord extending through the channel to the proximal end of the shaft.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 15 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the bendable tip has an asymmetric opening extending therethrough.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 31 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the articulating elements have a central lumen with an elongated cross section with the major axis of the lumen being perpendicular to a pivot axis.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 1 wherein adjacent articulating segments have hinge elements that snap into position.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 50 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of instrument deploying elements at least includes a first instrument deploying element wherein the first instrument deploying element comprises a lumen centrally located in the end segment, the lumen being adapted for introducing an instrument through the end of the bendable tip.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 46 words

The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of instrument deploying elements at least includes a second instrument deploying element, wherein the second instrument deploying element comprises at least two tabs extending from the end segment, the tabs being adapted to releasably secure another instrument therebetween.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 96 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft having a rigid section; a malleable section extending from the rigid section of the shaft; a bendable tip comprising a plurality of articulated segments extending from the malleable section; and a control mechanism arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and being connected to the bendable tip by at least one cord, the control mechanism comprising a knob rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein adjustment of the knob controls the position and degree of bending of the bendable tip by manipulation of the cord.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 96 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft having a rigid section; a malleable section extending from the rigid section of the shaft; a bendable tip comprising a plurality of articulated segments extending from the malleable section; and a control mechanism arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and being connected to the bendable tip by at least one cord, the control mechanism comprising a knob rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein adjustment of the knob controls the position and degree of bending of the bendable tip by manipulation of the cord.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 18 wherein the malleable section comprises a spring metal.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 18 wherein the malleable section comprises a soft metal.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 18 wherein the malleable section comprises a flexible polymer.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 18 wherein a straight section connects the malleable section and the tip.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 18 wherein the bendable tip comprises an end segment comprising a plurality of instrument deploying elements.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 132 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end; a bendable tip extending from the distal end of the shaft, wherein the bendable tip can bend in either of two opposite directions in a plane relative to a linear direction; a handle having a grip generally coaxial with the shaft wherein the handle is attached to the proximal end of the shaft; the grip comprising a knob rotating around the axis of the grip; a first cord connecting the tip with the knob such that rotation of the knob in one direction retracts the cord to bend the tip; and an end segment extending from the bendable tip, wherein the end segment comprises a plurality of medical instrument deploying elements extending from the end segment.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 132 words

A device for medical procedures comprising: a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end; a bendable tip extending from the distal end of the shaft, wherein the bendable tip can bend in either of two opposite directions in a plane relative to a linear direction; a handle having a grip generally coaxial with the shaft wherein the handle is attached to the proximal end of the shaft; the grip comprising a knob rotating around the axis of the grip; a first cord connecting the tip with the knob such that rotation of the knob in one direction retracts the cord to bend the tip; and an end segment extending from the bendable tip, wherein the end segment comprises a plurality of medical instrument deploying elements extending from the end segment.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 51 words

The device of claim 24 further comprising a second cord connecting the tip with the knob wherein rotation of the knob in one direction extends the first cord while retracting the second cord and rotation of the knob in the opposite direction extends the second cord while retracting the first cord.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the cord is connected to the tip such that tension on the cord tends to bend the tip in one direction relative to its linear configuration.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 34 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises at least two tabs extending from the end segment, the tabs being adapted to releasably secure a medical instrument comprising a fastener applicator.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 38 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises a lumen centrally located in the end segment, the lumen being adapted for introducing a medical instrument comprising a gripper through the end of the bendable tip.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises a medical instrument deploying element for deploying an endoscope.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises a medical instrument deploying element for deploying an ablation element.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises a medical instrument deploying element for deploying an ultrasound probe.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the end segment further comprises a medical instrument deploying element for deploying a transducer.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 24 wherein the tip comprises a plurality of articulating segments.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 24 wherein a lumen extends from the handle through the shaft to the tip.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 34 further comprising a medical instrument extending from the tip, the medical instrument having a control element extending from the medical instrument to the handle through the lumen.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 75 words

A method of repairing a heart valve comprising: inserting a device into the heart, the device including a shaft, a bendable tip extending from the distal end of the shaft, an end segment extending from the bendable tip, the end segment being adapted to position and deploy a combination of different medical instruments, at least one medical instrument extending from the bendable tip; and performing a repair of the heart valve with the medical instrument.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 75 words

A method of repairing a heart valve comprising: inserting a device into the heart, the device including a shaft, a bendable tip extending from the distal end of the shaft, an end segment extending from the bendable tip, the end segment being adapted to position and deploy a combination of different medical instruments, at least one medical instrument extending from the bendable tip; and performing a repair of the heart valve with the medical instrument.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 37 further comprising extending a catheter within the heart and wherein inserting the device into the heart comprises introducing the device through the catheter.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 38 wherein the catheter extends into the heart through the wall of the heart.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 38 wherein the catheter extends into the heart from the precava.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 38 wherein the catheter extends through the septum separating the right atrium and the left atrium.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 37 further comprising locking the bendable tip at a desired degree of bending.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 37 wherein the bendable tip can bend in a plane in either of two opposite directions in a plane relative to a linear configuration.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 37 wherein the bendable tip comprises a plurality of articulating segments.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 44 wherein the device further comprises a malleable section between the shaft and the articulating segments.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method of claim 37 wherein the device further comprises: a handle having a grip generally coaxial with the shaft wherein the handle is attached to the proximal end of the shaft; a knob rotating around the axis of the grip; and a cord connecting the bendable tip with the knob such that rotation of the knob changes the position of the cord to control the degree of bending of the bendable tip.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 37 wherein the repair comprises fastening together the leaflets of a heart valve.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 46 wherein the instrument comprises a fastener applicator.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2007-06-01	2007-12-01	2008-06-01	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2011-06-01	2011-12-01	2012-06-01	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2015-06-01	2015-12-01	2016-06-01	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Devices with a bendable tip for medical procedures

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