Abstract A safety penetrating instrument comprises an elongate, tubular needle having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end having a peripheral edge, the edge being disposed in a plane at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the needle, thereby defining a sharp tip for penetrating anatomical tissue; a safety probe movably disposed within the needle and having a proximal end and a distal end having an angled end surface, the safety probe being movable between an extended position, in which its distal end protrudes from the needle tip, and a retracted position, in which its angled end surface is substantially coplanar with the needle peripheral edge, thereby exposing the needle tip and providing a smooth tissue penetrating surface; a hub for receiving the proximal ends of the needle and the safety probe; bias means for biasing the safety probe toward its extended position and which, in response to a proximally directed force applied to the safety probe distal end, permits the safety probe distal end to move to its retracted position; an elongate, tubular portal sleeve surrounding the needle and having a distal end disposed adjacent the needle distal end and a proximal end; a housing which abutts the hub and to which the proximal end of the needle is secured.
A safety penetrating instrument (30) comprising: an elongate, tubular needle (32) having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end (51) and a distal end (42) having a peripheral edge (44), the edge being disposed in a plane at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the needle, thereby defining a sharp tip (46) for penetrating anatomical tissue; a safety probe (34) movably disposed within the needle and having a proximal end (70) and a distal end (66) having an angled end surface (68), the safety probe being movable between an extended position, in which its distal end protrudes from the needle tip, and a retracted position, in which its angled end surface is substantially coplanar with the needle peripheral edge, thereby exposing the needle tip and providing a smooth tissue penetrating surface; a hub (38) for receiving the proximal ends of the needle and the safety probe; bias means (80) for biasing the safety probe toward its extended position and which, in response to a proximally directed force applied to the safety probe distal end, permits the safety probe distal end to move to its retracted position; an elongate, tubular portal sleeve (36) surrounding the needle and having a distal end (94) disposed adjacent the needle distal end and a proximal end (100); a housing (40) which abutts the hub and to which the proximal end of the needle is secured.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
An instrument according to claim 1, wherein the angled end surface (68) of the safety probe is rounded to have a partially spherical configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distal end of the safety probe has a hole (67) therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
An instrument according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angled end surface (122) of the safety probe has an expandable rim (124) extending therefrom, the rim expanding on movement of the safety probe from its retracted position to its extended position, thereby preventing tissue being trapped between the distal ends of the needle and the safety probe.