US4976684A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of using a bendable trocar
Assignee: Johnson and Johnson Professional Inc
•
Filing: 1990-01-24
•
Granted: 1990-12-11
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Expires: 2010-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A trocar, used to introduce wound drain catheters is disclosed. The trocar have a reduce cross sectional area that allows the trocar to be bent by the user to a desired configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Cecil H. Broadnax, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3415; A61B17/3417
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A method for draining fluids from humans comprising: attaching flexible tubing to a bendable trocar, said trocar having a rigid shaft with a solid generally uniform cross-section and a cutting edge on one end, means to attach said flexible tubing at the opposite end of said shaft, and said shaft having a portion of reduced cross-section relative to the generally uniform cross-section of said shaft to allow the shaft to be bent at the reduced cross-section by the user to an appropriate angle, up to about 90° without breaking through application of at least 10 pounds force, to allow the user to manipulate the trocar through the skin of said patient; bending said trocar to a generally convenient configuration, then passing said trocar through the skin of said patient, said trocar maintaining its bent shape while embedded in said patient's skin; passing said trocar out of the skin of said patient, while maintaining said flexible tubing within said patient's body; and draining fluid from the patient's body through said flexible tubing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
A method for draining fluids from humans comprising: attaching flexible tubing to a bendable trocar, said trocar having a rigid shaft with a solid generally uniform cross-section and a cutting edge on one end, means to attach said flexible tubing at the opposite end of said shaft, and said shaft having a portion of reduced cross-section relative to the generally uniform cross-section of said shaft to allow the shaft to be bent at the reduced cross-section by the user to an appropriate angle, up to about 90° without breaking through application of at least 10 pounds force, to allow the user to manipulate the trocar through the skin of said patient; bending said trocar to a generally convenient configuration, then passing said trocar through the skin of said patient, said trocar maintaining its bent shape while embedded in said patient's skin; passing said trocar out of the skin of said patient, while maintaining said flexible tubing within said patient's body; and draining fluid from the patient's body through said flexible tubing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 in which the cross-section of the shaft is circular.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 2 in which the generally uniform circular cross-section has a diameter of about 0.125 inches to about 0.250 inches, and said reduced cross-section has a diameter of about 0.08 inches to about 0.1 inches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 in which the reduced cross-section is at a location between the midpoint of the shaft and its cutting edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3 in which the shaft is made of stainless steel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 in which the cross-sectional area of the shaft is reduced between 8% and 20% of the unreduced cross-sectional area of the shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 in which there is a taper at each end of the reduced cross-section of the shaft.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-06-11 | 1994-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-10 | 1998-06-11 | 1998-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-10 | 2002-06-11 | 2002-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |