Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
In a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a snare wire extending within the apparatus and having proximal and distal ends, a loop formed at the distal end of the snare wire, and means for protracting the distal end of the snare wire including the loop from, and retracting the distal end of the snare wire including the loop into, the distal end of the sheath, the loop being formed with a double offset bend in a plane extending longitudinally of the cannula through the loop, such that partial retraction of the loop into the distal end of the sheath causes the loop to move parallel to the first plane and perpendicular to a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the longitudinal extent of the cannula.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
In a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a snare wire extending within the apparatus and having proximal and distal ends, a loop formed at the distal end of the snare wire, and means for protracting the distal end of the snare wire including the loop from, and retracting the distal end of the snare wire including the loop into, the distal end of the sheath, the loop being formed with a double offset bend in a plane extending longitudinally of the cannula through the loop, such that partial retraction of the loop into the distal end of the sheath causes the loop to move parallel to the first plane and perpendicular to a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the longitudinal extent of the cannula.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is somewhat W-shaped in the plane extending longitudinally of the cannula through the loop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
201 words
For use with a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a movable member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable element having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising a body shaped to provide a hand grip and a body interior, a slide slidably received in the body interior and a stem rotatably mounted on the slide for movement longitudinally with the slide, first rotary means for engaging the slide and second rotary means for engaging the stem, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the stem, the first rotary means being selectively rotatable to move the slide, and thus the movable member, longitudinally of the sheath, and the second rotary means being selectively rotatable to rotate the stem, and thus the movable member, with respect to the sheath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
201 words
For use with a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a movable member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable element having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising a body shaped to provide a hand grip and a body interior, a slide slidably received in the body interior and a stem rotatably mounted on the slide for movement longitudinally with the slide, first rotary means for engaging the slide and second rotary means for engaging the stem, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the stem, the first rotary means being selectively rotatable to move the slide, and thus the movable member, longitudinally of the sheath, and the second rotary means being selectively rotatable to rotate the stem, and thus the movable member, with respect to the sheath.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the proximal end of the stem includes means defining a terminal for attachment to a source of electrical energy and a conductor providing electrical contact between the terminal and the proximal end of the movable member, the movable member including an electrically conductive portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the body includes means defining a generally cylindrical interior and the slide includes means providing a pair of walls spaced apart longitudinally of the cylinder axis and shaped to slide in the cylinder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the walls have substantially the same shape as the body interior wall.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
233 words
An apparatus including a flexible sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a slide supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the slide including means providing a pair of walls spaced apart longitudinally of the cylinder axis and shaped to slide in the cylinder, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
233 words
An apparatus including a flexible sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a slide supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the slide including means providing a pair of walls spaced apart longitudinally of the cylinder axis and shaped to slide in the cylinder, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the stem includes a thumbwheel for manipulation to rotate the stem with respect to the first means, the thumbwheel being accessible through the body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the thumbwheel is axially slidably mounted on the stem.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus including a flexible sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus including a flexible sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the stem includes a thumbwheel for manipulation to rotate the stem with respect to the first means, the thumbwheel being accessible through the body.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the proximal end of the stem includes means defining a terminal for attachment to a source of electrical energy, the stem further including means providing electrical contact between the terminal and the proximal end of the movable member, the movable member also being conductive.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the thumb wheel is axially slidably mounted on the stem.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
117 words
For use in operating a surgical cannula including a sheath and a snare provided at its distal end with a loop adapted for withdrawal into the sheath, an operating handle comprising a stem for attaching to the proximal end of the snare, a slide for rotatably supporting the stem and a body for slidably supporting the slide, the slide being slidable longitudinally within the body, the slide including means defining a rack and the body including means providing a combination thumbwheel and pinion gear engaging the rack, the pinion gear being accessible through the body for rotation to move the rack to project the loop from, and retract the loop into, the end of the sheath, respectively.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
117 words
For use in operating a surgical cannula including a sheath and a snare provided at its distal end with a loop adapted for withdrawal into the sheath, an operating handle comprising a stem for attaching to the proximal end of the snare, a slide for rotatably supporting the stem and a body for slidably supporting the slide, the slide being slidable longitudinally within the body, the slide including means defining a rack and the body including means providing a combination thumbwheel and pinion gear engaging the rack, the pinion gear being accessible through the body for rotation to move the rack to project the loop from, and retract the loop into, the end of the sheath, respectively.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the stem includes means defining a thumbwheel freely movable longitudinally of the stem and fixed for rotation with the stem, the thumbwheel being accessible without the body, rotation of the thumbwheel causing rotation of the stem and rotation of the loop about the axis of the distal end of the snare within the sheath.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
250 words
For use with a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a movable member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising a body shaped to provide a hand grip and a body interior, a slide slidably received in the body interior and a stem rotatably mounted on the slide for movement longitudinally with the slide, first rotary means for engaging the slide and second rotary means for engaging the stem, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the stem, the first rotary means being selectively rotatable to move the slide, and thus the movable member, longitudinally of the sheath, and the second rotary means being selectively rotatable to rotate the stem, and thus the movable member, with respect to the sheath, the slide comprising a portion defining a rack and the first rotary means including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in, and accessible through, the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the slide.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
250 words
For use with a surgical apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a movable member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising a body shaped to provide a hand grip and a body interior, a slide slidably received in the body interior and a stem rotatably mounted on the slide for movement longitudinally with the slide, first rotary means for engaging the slide and second rotary means for engaging the stem, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the stem, the first rotary means being selectively rotatable to move the slide, and thus the movable member, longitudinally of the sheath, and the second rotary means being selectively rotatable to rotate the stem, and thus the movable member, with respect to the sheath, the slide comprising a portion defining a rack and the first rotary means including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in, and accessible through, the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the slide.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the second rotary means includes a second thumbwheel longitudinally slidably mounted on, and fixed for rotation with the stem for manipulation to rotate the stem with respect to the slide, the second thumbwheel being accessible through the body.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
225 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the carriage comprising a portion defining a rack, the first means further including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the carriage.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
225 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the carriage comprising a portion defining a rack, the first means further including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the carriage.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
300 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for providing a hand grip and for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a slide supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the slide including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the slide comprising a portion defining a rack, the first means further including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the slide, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem, and a second thumbwheel movably mounted on the stem for manipulation to rotate the stem with respect to the first means, the first and second thumbwheels being accessible through the body.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
300 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for providing a hand grip and for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a slide supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining a generally cylindrical interior wall and the slide including means shaped to slide in the cylinder, the slide comprising a portion defining a rack, the first means further including a first thumbwheel rotatably mounted in the body, the periphery of the first thumbwheel providing pinion gear teeth to engage the rack, manipulation of the first thumbwheel causing movement of the slide, the second means comprising a stem rotatably mounted with respect to the first means, the stem having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable member being fixedly attached to the distal end of the stem, and a second thumbwheel movably mounted on the stem for manipulation to rotate the stem with respect to the first means, the first and second thumbwheels being accessible through the body.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the proximal end of the stem includes means defining a terminal for attachment to a source of electrical energy, the stem further including means providing electrical contact between the terminal and the proximal end of the movable member, the movable member also being conductive.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining an interior and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the body interior, the carriage including a portion defining a worm follower, and the first means including a worm supported for rotation in the body and engaged by the follower.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus including a sheath having proximal and distal ends, a member disposed within the sheath and movable longitudinally therein, the movable member having proximal and distal ends, and a surgical instrument operable by movement of the distal end of the movable member with respect to the distal end of the sheath, an operating assembly comprising first means for moving the movable member longitudinally with respect to the sheath, second means for rotating the movable member within the sheath, and a body for supporting the first and second means, the body including a distal end for fixed attachment of the proximal end of the sheath thereto, the distal end of the body further defining an aperture through which the proximal end of the movable member movably extends, the proximal end of the movable member being coupled to the first and second means for movement thereby, the first means including a carriage supported in the body for movement longitudinally thereof, the body including means defining an interior and the carriage including means shaped to slide in the body interior, the carriage including a portion defining a worm follower, and the first means including a worm supported for rotation in the body and engaged by the follower.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 21 and further comprising an electric motor, the work being coupled to the motor for rotation thereby to drive the carriage longitudinally of the body.