EP0529675A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Shape memory effect surgical needles
Assignee: Ethicon Inc
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Filing: 1992-08-31
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2012-08-31
Abstract
Abstract Surgical needles (10) are fabricated from a shape memory alloy. The alloy has a low temperature state, in which the needle (10) is formable into an elongated shape to pass through an elongated tube (14), and a high temperature state, in which the needle (10) forms an arc. The needle (10) is particularly adapted for use in endoscopic surgery. A needle (10) that has a remembered curved shape is straightened and passed to a surgical site through a cannula (14). It is then returned to its curved shape by heating it at the surgical site. After use, it is withdrawn through the cannula (14).
Inventors
- 👤 Lee P. Bendel
- 👤 William C. Mcjames
- 👤 Walter Mcgregor
- 👤 Robert J. Tannhauser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/06066; A61B17/0469; A61B17/062; A61B17/34; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B2017/06095; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0023; A61F2210/0047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A needle comprising a shape memory alloy which has a first, low temperature state and a second, high temperature state, the needle (a) in its low temperature state being formable into an elongated shape to permit passage through an elongated tube and (b) in its high temperature state (i) forming a predetermined arc and (ii) being suited for use as a surgical needle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
39 words
The needle of claim 1 in which the alloy comprises nickel and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, cobalt, and titanium, the low temperature state being martensitic and the high temperature state being austenitic.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The needle of claim 2 in which the alloy is martensitic at temperatures below about 25°C and austenitic at temperatures above about 35°C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The needle of claim 2 in which the alloy composition is about 50% nickel and about 50% titanium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The needle of claim 2 in which the alloy consists essentially of nickel, titanium and a small amount of iron.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The needle of claim 2 in which the alloy consists essentially of nickel, titanium, and cobalt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The needle of claim 2 in which the alloy composition is about 63% nickel and about 37% aluminum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The needle of claim 1 in which the alloy comprises Fe and one or more metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Mn, Si, and Co.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for introducing a curved needle to a surgical site in a patient, comprising the steps of (a) inserting a cannula into the patient to permit access from outside the patient to the surgical site, (b) providing a shape-metal-alloy needle that, having been formed into an arc shape and tempered at an elevated temperature, has been formed into an elongated shape while in a first, low-temperature state, (c) passing the elongated needle through the cannula, and (d) heating the needle to a temperature at which the alloy is converted to a second, high temperature state, thereby causing the needle to return to the arc shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 9 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with an illumination light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a laser.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 in which the needle is heated to the high-temperature state with a cautery.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising removing the needle through the cannula.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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