EP0643980A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical instrument for expanding body tissue
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
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Filing: 1994-09-14
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2014-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument 1 for performing procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The instrument consists of an elongated member 12 having a spring or cam plate positioned therein. The spring or cam plate 24 is movable from a retracted position within the elongated member to an extended position protruding through an aperture 18 in the elongated member. Movement of the spring or cam plate to the extended position stretches a flexible membrane 16 positioned over at least a portion of the elongated member to stretch the carpal tunnel ligament.
Inventors
- 👤 Jonathan H. Tovey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M29/00; A61M29/02; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/320036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for expanding the carpal tunnel ligament during carpal tunnel surgery comprising: a) an elongate body portion having at least one aperture formed therein; b) an expansion member positioned within said body portion and movable between a first position substantially contained within said body portion and a second position protruding through said aperture to contact and stretch the body tissue; and c) means for controllably moving said expansion member between said first and second positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus of claim 1, wherein said expansion member comprises a spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus of claim 1, wherein said expansion member comprises a substantially rigid member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus of claim 3, further comprising camming means for moving said substantially rigid member, said camming means comprising a cam slot formed in said substantially rigid member.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for moving said expansion member in a first direction towards said second position and means for preventing movement of said expansion member in a direction opposite to said first direction.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
43 words
An apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein said elongate body portion is substantially circular in cross section and has a longitudinal axis dividing said body portion into first and second sections, said expansion member moving only in said first section.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
23 words
An apparatus of any of the preceding claims further comprising a plunger longitudinally movable in said body portion for moving said expansion member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus of claim 7, wherein said plunger comprises a rod member disposed within the elongate body portion and engageable with the expansion member, the rod member axially movable within the elongate body portion between a first and a second position, wherein movement of the rod member to the first position causes movement of the expansion member through the aperture of the elongate body portion.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
37 words
An apparatus of any of the preceding claims wherein the moving means comprises a stationary grip portion and a pivotable handle, wherein movement of said pivotable handle moves said expansion member between said first and second positions.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
37 words
An apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible membrane positioned over at least a position of said elongate body portion and expandable upon movement of said expansion member to said protruding position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus of claim 10, wherein the expansion member is mounted in the elongate body portion for movement between a first position substantially retracted in the elongate member and a second position wherein at least a portion of the expansion member extends through a side wall of the elongate body portion to expand the membrane in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
30 words
An apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture extends about only a portion of the perimeter of the outer wall surface of the elongate body portion.
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