Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A multi-function diagnostic needle arthroscopic and lavage system for diagnostic examination and treatment of joint diseases permitting entry, visualization, irrigation, suction, and biopsies through a single portal comprising; a handpiece having a central passageway; irrigation and suction channels connected to said handpiece; irrigation and suction trumpet valves in said handpiece for intermittent control of irrigation fluid and suctioning; a diagnostic cannula; a coupling for attaching said diagnostic cannula to said handpiece; a sharp trocar and blunt obturator for inserting said diagnostic or biopsy cannula and attached handpiece into said joint; a fiberoptic arthroscope for insertion through said handpiece and said diagnostic cannula after removal of said sharp trocar and blunt obturator for visualization of the joint compartment, examination, and diagnosis; said handpiece constructed for manipulating said diagnostic cannula in a joint compartment while alternately irrigating and suctioning by operation of said irrigation and suction trumpet valves; whereby said joint may be efficiently and conveniently examined, diagnosed, and treated through a single entry port.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A multi-function diagnostic needle arthroscopic and lavage system for diagnostic examination and treatment of joint diseases permitting entry, visualization, irrigation, suction, and biopsies through a single portal comprising; a handpiece having a central passageway; irrigation and suction channels connected to said handpiece; irrigation and suction trumpet valves in said handpiece for intermittent control of irrigation fluid and suctioning; a diagnostic cannula; a coupling for attaching said diagnostic cannula to said handpiece; a sharp trocar and blunt obturator for inserting said diagnostic or biopsy cannula and attached handpiece into said joint; a fiberoptic arthroscope for insertion through said handpiece and said diagnostic cannula after removal of said sharp trocar and blunt obturator for visualization of the joint compartment, examination, and diagnosis; said handpiece constructed for manipulating said diagnostic cannula in a joint compartment while alternately irrigating and suctioning by operation of said irrigation and suction trumpet valves; whereby said joint may be efficiently and conveniently examined, diagnosed, and treated through a single entry port.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 1 in which said irrigation and suction valves are trumpet valves in communication with a central passageway through said handpiece.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 1 including an auxiliary valve in said coupling for administering medication or withdrawing sterile synovial fluid from said joint compartment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 1 in which said arthroscope, with integrated illumination fibers is directly connected to an optical coupler, camera head, CCD camera, and light source; said arthroscope having an outside working diameter that is approximately one-half the inside diameter of said diagnostic cannula.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system according to claim 4 in which said coupling for attaching said diagnostic cannula to said handpiece is a threaded coupling with said diagnostic cannula attached; said handpiece having a threaded socket for receiving the threads on said coupling whereby said diagnostic cannula may be quickly attached or removed from said handpiece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 5 including a biopsy cannula that can be exchanged for said diagnostic cannula.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 5 in which said biopsy cannula comprises a diagnostic channel and a smaller working channel attached alongside said diagnostic channel for introducing surgical instruments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system according to claim 1 in which said fiberoptic arthroscope comprises; a 30,000 pixel fiberoptic bundle of approximately 1.5 mm illumination fibers, dual element, distal lens, stainless steel sheath at a working end, an indicator for image orientation, a scope lock for securing said arthroscopy to said handpiece and separate image and illumination plug-ins at a proximal end for connection to a camera and light source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system according to claim 8 including irrigation channels on said handpiece; an irrigation tube connected to dual irrigation, pressurized and controlled solution storage containers; and a compressor for providing said irrigation fluid pressure through said irrigation tube to said irrigation channel for control by said irrigation trumpet valve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
The system according to claim 9 including a suctioning device connected to said handpiece; said suctioning device comprising a suction hose connected to said handpiece; a pair of collection canisters connected to a suction console; and a vacuum pump connected to said collecting canisters for drawing fluid and loose material from the joint compartment through said handpiece; said suction being controlled by said suction trumpet valve in said handpiece.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system according to claim 10 including a high resolution monitor connected to said arthroscopic camera; and a recorder for recording the arthroscopic procedure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 11 in which said recorder; is a video recorder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system according to claim 11 in which said recorder is a printer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system account to claim 11 including a self-contained mobile cart for storing and transporting said video camera and light source, said high resolution monitor, said recorder, said compressor, said vacuum pump, said collecting canisters, and said irrigation solution pumps, whereby said system may be easily transported to an operation site and positioned outside of a sterile field.