Patent US2987055A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5772576A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for vein removal
Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
•
Filing: 1995-12-11
•
Granted: 1998-06-30
•
Expires: 2015-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure such as a blood vessel from the body of a human or animal. The device includes a body portion having distal and proximal ends with at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the body portion. The lumen is sized to accommodate the vessel and at least one tool used in removing the vessel. The lumen is provided for isolating the vessel from the tools used in the removal procedure.
Inventors
- 👤 David R. Knighton
- 👤 Vance D. Fiegel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 105
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body, comprising: an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; and a generally cylindrical tissue structure dissection element sized to fit within the at least one lumen, the dissection element having a lumen sized to accommodate the tissue structure and to isolate the tissue structure from the at least one tool along a substantial portion of the at least one lumen of the body portion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body, comprising: an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; and a generally cylindrical tissue structure dissection element sized to fit within the at least one lumen, the dissection element having a lumen sized to accommodate the tissue structure and to isolate the tissue structure from the at least one tool along a substantial portion of the at least one lumen of the body portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising means for viewing an area adjacent the distal end of the body portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 further including a tissue attachment member adapted for detachable connection to the tissue structure, the attachment member being sized to fit within the lumen of the dissection element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 3 further comprising a tension element having a distal end connected to the attachment member for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the attachment member is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the body portion, dissection element and tension element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 further including a housing through which the elongated body portion is advanced or retracted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 6 further including a body portion advancement member operably connected to the body portion for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 7 wherein the body portion advancement member is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion in discreet increments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the housing, body portion, dissection element and body portion advancement member are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a dissection element advancement member operably connected to the dissection element for advancing or retracting the dissection element through the at least one lumen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the dissection advancement member is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the dissection element in discreet increments.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 10 further comprising a clutch element to prevent advancement of the dissection element if a predetermined amount of resistance is encountered.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 10 further comprising a body portion advancement member operably connected to the body portion for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 13 wherein both the body portion advancement member and dissection element advancement member are configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion and the dissection element in discreet increments.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 14 further comprising a control handle operably connected to allow one hand control of both the body portion advancement member and the dissection element advancement member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the body portion, dissection element and dissection element advancement member are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one lumen of the body portion further comprises a first lumen and a second lumen and wherein the first lumen is sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the dissection element and the second lumen is sized to accommodate the at least one tool.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 17 wherein the body portion and dissection element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the body portion and dissection element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
81 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; and means for isolating the tissue structure from the at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
81 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; and means for isolating the tissue structure from the at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 20 further comprising means for viewing an area adjacent the distal end of the body portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the at least one lumen includes first and second lumens, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate the at least one tool.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 20 further including means adapted for detachable connection to the tubular tissue structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 23 further comprising tension means for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the connection means is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 24 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, connection means and tension means are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 20 further including a housing through which the elongated body portion is advanced or retracted.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 26 further including body portion advancement means for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 27 wherein the body portion advancement means is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion in discreet increments.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 27 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, housing and body portion advancement means are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 20 further comprising means for dissecting the tissue structure from surrounding tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 30 further comprising means for advancing or retracting the dissection means through the at least one lumen.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 31 wherein the dissection advancement means is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the dissection means in discreet increments.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 32 further comprising clutch means for preventing the advancement of the dissection element if a predetermined amount of resistance is encountered.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 31 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, means for dissecting the tissue structure and means for advancing or retracting the dissection means are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 30 further comprising means adapted for detachable connection to the tissue structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 35 further comprising means operably affixed to the connection means for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the connection means is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 36 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, means for dissecting the tissue structure, connection means and means for maintaining tension are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 36 further comprising a housing through which the elongated body portion is advanced or retracted.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 38 further comprising means for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 39 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, means for dissecting the tissue structure, connection means, means for maintaining tension and means for advancing or retracting the body portion are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 39 further comprising means for advancing or retracting the dissection means through the at least one lumen.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 41 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure, means for dissecting the tissue structure, connection means, means for maintaining tension and means for advancing or retracting the dissection means are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 41 wherein both the body portion advancement means and dissection element advancement means are configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion and the dissection means in discreet increments.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 43 further comprising means for controlling with one hand both the body portion advancement means and the dissection advancement means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 30 wherein the body portion, means for isolating the tissue structure and means for dissecting the tissue structure are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the body portion and the means for isolating the tissue structure are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
96 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure the first and second lumens being substantially separate so that the tissue structure is isolated from the at least one tool through a substantial portion of the body portion.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
96 words
A device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising an elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the body portion having first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure the first and second lumens being substantially separate so that the tissue structure is isolated from the at least one tool through a substantial portion of the body portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 47 further comprising means for viewing an area adjacent the distal end of the body portion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 47 wherein the elongated body portion includes a third lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the third lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 47 further including a tissue attachment member adapted for detachable connection to the tissue structure, the attachment member being sized to fit within the first lumen.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 50 further comprising a tension element having a distal end connected to the attachment member for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the attachment member is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 51 wherein the body portion, tissue attachment member and tension element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 47 further including a housing through which the elongated body portion is advanced or retracted.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 53 further including a body portion advancement member operably connected to the body portion for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 54 wherein the body portion advancement member is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion in discreet increments.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 54 wherein the body portion, housing and body portion advancement member are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device of claim 47 further comprising a dissection element having a distal tip including an annular portion, the annular portion being located distally of the distal end of the body portion and being operative to dissect the tissue structure from surrounding tissue as the annular portion is advanced along the exterior of the tissue structure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 57 wherein the body portion and dissection element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 57 wherein the dissection element is accommodated within the first lumen of the body portion.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 59 further comprising a dissection element advancement member operably connected to the dissection element for advancing or retracting the dissection element through the first lumen.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 60 further comprising a clutch element to prevent advancement of the dissection element if a predetermined amount of resistance is encountered.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 60 wherein the dissection advancement member is configured to allow advancement or retraction of the dissection element in discreet increments.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 60 wherein the body portion, dissection element and dissection element advancement member are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 59 further comprising an attachment member adapted for detachable connection to the tissue structure, the attachment member being sized to fit within the lumen.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 64 further comprising a tension element having a distal end connected to the attachment member for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the attachment member is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 65 wherein the body portion, dissection element, attachment member and tension element are configured so that the tissue structure can be removed by a single operator.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 65 further comprising an attachment member adapted for detachable connection to the tissue structure, the attachment member being sized to fit within the first lumen.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 67 further comprising a tension element having distal end connected to the attachment member for maintaining tension on the tissue structure in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion when the attachment member is connected to the tissue structure.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 68 further comprising a housing through which the elongated body portion is advanced or retracted.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 69 further comprising a body portion advancement member operably connected to the body portion for advancing or retracting the body portion through the housing.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 70 further comprising a dissection element advancement member operably connected to the dissection element for advancing or retracting the dissection element through the first lumen.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 71 further comprising a clutch element to prevent advancement of the dissection element if a predetermined amount of resistance is encountered.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 71 wherein both the body portion advancement member and dissection element member are configured to allow advancement or retraction of the body portion and the dissection element in discreet increments.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 73 further comprising a control handle operably connected to allow one hand control of both the body portion advancement member and the dissection element advancement member.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from the body of a human or an animal comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end of the tissue structure with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the first lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the first lumen; and ligating and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from the body of a human or an animal comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end of the tissue structure with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the first lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the first lumen; and ligating and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 75 further comprising: advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 76 further comprising: applying a ligation member to the branch and cutting the branch between the tissue structure and the ligation member with a ligating-cutting tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 75 further comprising: controlling bleeding as necessary with a bleeding control tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 75 further including: providing a viewing element to enable viewing of the tissue structure dissection in progress.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 75 further comprising: maintaining tension on the gripping tool in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion such that tension on the tissue structure is maintained during dissection.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the first lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered; and applying a ligation member to the branch and cutting the branch between the tissue structure and the ligation member with a ligating-cutting tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the first lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered; and applying a ligation member to the branch and cutting the branch between the tissue structure and the ligation member with a ligating-cutting tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 81 further comprising: ligating and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure with a transecting tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of removing a section of generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; isolating the tissue structure from the at least one tool except at the distal end of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end of the tissue structure with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the at least one lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the at least one lumen; and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of removing a section of generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; isolating the tissue structure from the at least one tool except at the distal end of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end of the tissue structure with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the at least one lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the at least one lumen; and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 83 further comprising: advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 84 further comprising: cutting the side branch with a cutting tool inserted through the at least one lumen.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 83 further comprising: controlling bleeding as necessary with a bleeding control tool inserted through the at least one lumen.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 83 further including: providing a viewing element to enable viewing of the tissue structure dissection in progress.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 83 further comprising: maintaining tension on the gripping tool in the direction of the proximal end of the body portion such that tension on the tissue structure is maintained during dissection.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; providing a generally cylindrical tissue dissection element sized to fit within the at least one lumen, the dissection element having a lumen sized to accommodate the tissue structure and to isolate the tissue structure from the at least one tool along a substantial portion of the at least one lumen of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the at least one lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the patient's body with the dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered; and cutting the branch with a cutting tool inserted through the at least one lumen.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the at least one lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure; providing a generally cylindrical tissue dissection element sized to fit within the at least one lumen, the dissection element having a lumen sized to accommodate the tissue structure and to isolate the tissue structure from the at least one tool along a substantial portion of the at least one lumen of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; gripping the first end with a gripping tool that has been inserted through the at least one lumen; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the patient's body with the dissecting element; advancing the body portion and the dissecting element along the tissue structure until a side branch of the tissue structure is encountered; and cutting the branch with a cutting tool inserted through the at least one lumen.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 89 further comprising: cutting the distal end of the tissue structure with a transecting tool inserted through the at least one lumen.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having a housing and a dissection element for dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body, the dissection element being movable with respect to the housing; securing the housing at a fixed location on the human or animal body; exposing a first proximal end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; inserting the dissection element into the incision; advancing the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure has been dissected from surrounding tissue; and cutting the proximal end of the tissue structure and a distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from a human or animal body comprising: providing a device having a housing and a dissection element for dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body, the dissection element being movable with respect to the housing; securing the housing at a fixed location on the human or animal body; exposing a first proximal end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; inserting the dissection element into the incision; advancing the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure has been dissected from surrounding tissue; and cutting the proximal end of the tissue structure and a distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from the body of a human or an animal comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure, the first and second lumens being substantially separate so that the tissue structure is isolated from the at least one tool through a substantial portion of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; maintaining tension on the first end of the tissue structure; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissection element; advancing the body portion and the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the first lumen; and ligating and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of removing a section of a generally cylindrical tissue structure from the body of a human or an animal comprising: providing a device having an elongated body portion, the body portion having a distal end, a proximal end and first and second lumens extending longitudinally therethrough, the first lumen being sized to accommodate the tissue structure and the second lumen being sized to accommodate at least one tool used in removing the tissue structure, the first and second lumens being substantially separate so that the tissue structure is isolated from the at least one tool through a substantial portion of the body portion; exposing a first end of the tissue structure section to be harvested through an incision in the body; maintaining tension on the first end of the tissue structure; dissecting the tissue structure away from surrounding tissue of the body with a dissection element; advancing the body portion and the dissection element along the tissue structure until a desired length of the tissue structure is reached such that the dissected portion of the tissue structure extends into the first lumen; and ligating and cutting the distal end of the tissue structure.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 92 further comprising: advancing the body portion and the dissection element along the tissue structure until a branch of the tissue structure is encountered.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 93 further comprising: ligating and cutting the branch.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 92 further comprising: controlling bleeding as necessary with a bleeding control tool inserted through the second lumen.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 92 further including: providing a viewing element to enable viewing of the tissue structure dissection in progress.
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US5549637A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-29 | 2001-12-29 | 2002-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-12-29 | 2006-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-29 | 2009-12-29 | 2010-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |