US5728047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical instrument positioning system
Assignee: SURG-MED DEVICES AND CONSULTANTS LLC
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Filing: 1996-02-27
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Granted: 1998-03-17
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Expires: 2016-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument positioning system includes a belt assembly positionable adjacent and across the body of the patient and a surgical instrument, such as a retractor, provided with an attachment portion for attachment to one or more of a plurality of adjustment positions provided on the belt assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 John K. Edoga
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:03
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B50/00; A61B50/20; A61B90/00; A61B90/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A positioning system for use during laparoscopic surgical procedures in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient comprising: (a) a belt assembly positionable adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions, and (b) a laparoscopic surgical instrument having a distal end insertable into said opening to engage an internal organ and comprising attachment means for adjustable attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly to allow said distal end of said instrument to be inserted into said opening and maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A positioning system for use during laparoscopic surgical procedures in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient comprising: (a) a belt assembly positionable adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions, and (b) a laparoscopic surgical instrument having a distal end insertable into said opening to engage an internal organ and comprising attachment means for adjustable attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly to allow said distal end of said instrument to be inserted into said opening and maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of raised ridge members defining a plurality of slots therebetween, said slots being adapted to removably retain said attachment portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of loop members defining a plurality of orifices therebetween, said loop members and orifices being adapted to removably retain said attachment portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of strings being adapted to removably retain said attachment portion of said surgical instrument to said belt assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said surgical instrument comprises one or more annual slots for receiving at least portions of said strings used to retain said surgical instrument, said annual slots being disposed at the location of said attachment portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises abutment means for providing an abutment surface transverse to the bodily surface of the patient for retaining said attachment portion of said surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said belt assembly comprises a central portion and said abutment means comprises an abutment wall disposed on said central portion of said belt assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said abutment wall is provided with a plurality of raised ridges defining a plurality of abutment surfaces therebetween for retaining said attachment portion of said surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said abutment wall is provided with a plurality of sockets for retaining said attachment portion of said surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said abutment wall is displaceable along said central portion of said belt assembly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises hook and loop fastener provided on both said belt assembly and on said attachment portion of said surgical instrument to removably retain said surgical instrument.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of instrument slots formed in said belt assembly to removably retain a scissors-like handle portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises one or more post members positioned in said belt assembly to removably retain a scissors-like handle portion of said surgical instrument disposed around said post member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means is removably attachable to said belt assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means are selected from a set of two or more different positioning means which are interchangeable with one another on said belt assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said belt assembly further comprises securement means for securing said belt assembly across the patient and to an operating table beneath the patient.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said belt assembly comprises a central portion having an elongate opening therein, said positioning means comprises a plurality of post members disposed across said opening, and said attachment means comprises an instrument hook for removable attachment to at least one of said post members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said post members form a ladder-like arrangement.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said central portion is provided with a hollow area to allow inflation of said central portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said instrument hook is removably attachable from said surgical instrument.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said instrument hook is provided on a ting member having a diameter approximately corresponding to a diameter of a portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said ring member comprises self-locking attachment means for removable attachment to said surgical instrument.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said instrument hook is integrally formed with said surgical instrument.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
53 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said elongate opening is surrounded by opposed upper and lower edges and by a pair of opposed side edges, said upper and lower edges extending substantially concentric to one another along concentric curved line segments when said central portion is in a flat condition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said elongate body is formed from a flexible material capable of substantially conforming to the contour of the bodily surface of the patient.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surgical instrument comprises a retractor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said belt assembly is constructed and arranged to be positioned across the abdomen of the patient.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said belt assembly further comprises auxiliary fastening means for removably retaining cord-like objects during surgery.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a trocar port located at the laparoscopic opening whereby said distal end of said surgical instrument is insertable into the patient through said trocar port.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
53 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said belt assembly comprises a central portion having an elongate opening therein, said positioning means comprises a plurality of post members disposed across said opening, and said attachment means comprises an instrument hook for removable attachment to at least one of said post members.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said post members form a ladder-like arrangement.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said instrument hook is removably attachable from said surgical instrument.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
A positioning system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said instrument hook is integrally formed with said surgical instrument.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
106 words
A belt assembly for use in a laparoscopic surgical instrument positioning system used during laparoscopic surgical procedures in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, said belt assembly comprising: (a) an elongate body portion positionable adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, and (b) positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions for attachment of an attachment portion of a laparoscopic surgical instrument having a distal end adapted engaging an internal organ to allow said distal end of said instrument inserted into said opening and to be maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
106 words
A belt assembly for use in a laparoscopic surgical instrument positioning system used during laparoscopic surgical procedures in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, said belt assembly comprising: (a) an elongate body portion positionable adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, and (b) positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions for attachment of an attachment portion of a laparoscopic surgical instrument having a distal end adapted engaging an internal organ to allow said distal end of said instrument inserted into said opening and to be maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
39 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of raised ridge members defining a plurality of slots therebetween, said slots being adapted to removably retain the attachment portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of loop members defining a plurality of orifices therebetween, said loop members and orifices being adapted to removably retain the attachment portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of strings being adapted to removably retain the attachment portion of the surgical instrument to said belt assembly.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
40 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises abutment means for providing an abutment surface transverse to the surface of the patient for retaining the attachment portion of the surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
33 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein said belt assembly comprises a central portion and said abutment means comprises an abutment wall disposed on said central portion of said belt assembly.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein said abutment wall is provided with a plurality of raised ridges defining a plurality of abutment surfaces therebetween for retaining the attachment portion of the surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein said abutment wall is provided with a plurality of sockets for retaining the attachment portion of the surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein said abutment wall is displaceable along said central portion of said belt assembly.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises hook and loop fastener provided on both said belt assembly and on the attachment portion of the surgical instrument to removably retain the surgical instrument.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of instrument slots formed in said belt assembly to removably retain a scissors-like handle portion of said surgical instrument.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
39 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means comprises one or more post members positioned in said belt assembly to removably retain a scissors-like handle portion of said surgical instrument disposed around said post member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means is removably attachable to said belt assembly.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said positioning means are selected from a set of two or more different positioning means which are interchangeable with one another on said belt assembly.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein said elongate body includes an elongate opening therein, and wherein said positioning means comprises a plurality of post members disposed across said opening.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein said post members form a ladder-like arrangement.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein said central portion is provided with a hollow area to allow inflation of said central portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein said elongate body is formed from a flexible material capable of substantially conforming to the contour of the bodily surface of the patient.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A belt assembly as claimed in claim 34, further comprising auxiliary fastening means for removably retaining cord-like objects used during surgery.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of positioning a laparoscopic surgical instrument during a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions; (b) inserting a distal end of said laparoscopic surgical instrument into said opening; (c) positioning said distal end of said laparoscopic surgical instrument in a desired position engaging an internal organ, said surgical instrument including an attachment portion for adjustable attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly; and (d) attaching said attachment portion of said surgical instrument to said positioning means of said belt assembly so that said laparoscopic surgical instrument is maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during the surgical procedure.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of positioning a laparoscopic surgical instrument during a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions; (b) inserting a distal end of said laparoscopic surgical instrument into said opening; (c) positioning said distal end of said laparoscopic surgical instrument in a desired position engaging an internal organ, said surgical instrument including an attachment portion for adjustable attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly; and (d) attaching said attachment portion of said surgical instrument to said positioning means of said belt assembly so that said laparoscopic surgical instrument is maintained in a desired position engaging an internal organ during the surgical procedure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as claimed in claim 53, wherein said positioning means comprises abutment means for providing an abutment surface and said step of attaching comprises the step of placing said attachment portion of said surgical instrument into abutment with said abutment surface for retaining said attachment portion of said surgical instrument in a fixed position.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 53, further comprising the step providing said positioning means as separate positioning means removably attachable to said belt assembly and attaching said separate positioning means to said belt assembly.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 53, futher comprising the step providing said positioning means as interchangeable positioning means which are interchangeable on said belt assembly with other said positioning means, and interchanging one said positioning means with another said positioning means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 53, wherein said surgical instrument comprises a retractor.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 57, wherein said belt assembly is secured about the abdomen of the patient.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as claimed in claim 57, wherein said belt assembly comprises a plurality of post members forming a ladder-like arrangement and said attachment means comprises an instrument hook, and said step of attaching includes locking said instrument hook around at least one of said post members.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein said belt assembly includes a central portion having a hollow area therein to allow inflation of said central portion, and said method further comprises the step of inflating said central portion so that said belt assembly fits securely across the bodily surface of the patient.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as claimed in claim 53, further comprising the step of providing a trocar port at the location of the laparoscopic opening and said step of inserting comprises inserting said distal end of said surgical instrument into the patient through said trocar port.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method a claimed in claim 53, wherein said attachment means comprises an removably attachable instrument hook, and said method further comprises the step of attaching said instrument hook to said surgical instrument.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of retracting an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across the abdomen of a patient and to an operating table beneath the patient, said belt assembly having positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions; (b) inserting a retractor into the body of the patient through said opening therein, said retractor comprising attachment means for attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly; (c) pivoting said retractor about said opening to move said retractor so as to retract said organ to a desired position; and (d) attaching said attachment means of said retractor to said positioning means of said belt assembly so that said retractor is maintained in a desired position retracting said internal organ during the surgical procedure.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of retracting an internal organ during a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a laparoscopic opening is formed in a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across the abdomen of a patient and to an operating table beneath the patient, said belt assembly having positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions; (b) inserting a retractor into the body of the patient through said opening therein, said retractor comprising attachment means for attachment to said adjustment positions provided by said positioning means of said belt assembly; (c) pivoting said retractor about said opening to move said retractor so as to retract said organ to a desired position; and (d) attaching said attachment means of said retractor to said positioning means of said belt assembly so that said retractor is maintained in a desired position retracting said internal organ during the surgical procedure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as claimed in claim 63, further comprising the step of providing a trocar port at the location of the laparoscopic opening and wherein said step of inserting comprises inserting said retractor into the body of a patient through said trocar port and said step of pivoting comprises pivoting said retractor about said trocar port.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of positioning a retractor during a laproscopic surgical procedure comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions, said positioning means comprising a plurality of post members forming a ladder-like arrangement; (b) providing a retractor having a hook for engagement with said post members of said belt assembly; and (c) hooking said hook of said retractor to at least one of said post members to position said retractor in a desired position for the laproscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of positioning a retractor during a laproscopic surgical procedure comprising the steps of: (a) securing a belt assembly adjacent and across a bodily surface of a patient, said belt assembly comprising positioning means for providing a plurality of adjustment positions, said positioning means comprising a plurality of post members forming a ladder-like arrangement; (b) providing a retractor having a hook for engagement with said post members of said belt assembly; and (c) hooking said hook of said retractor to at least one of said post members to position said retractor in a desired position for the laproscopic surgical procedure.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said hook is integrally formed with said retractor.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said hook is removably attachable to said retractor, and said method further comprises the step of attaching said hook to said retractor.
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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) | 2001-03-16 | 2001-09-15 | 2002-03-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-16 | 2005-09-15 | 2006-03-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-16 | 2009-09-15 | 2010-03-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |