US6450952B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Medical body access device
Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
•
Filing: 1999-04-22
•
Granted: 2002-09-17
•
Expires: 2019-04-22
Abstract
Abstract A medical device for retracting tissue allows access to the inside of the body by “prying open” an existing or created opening in a body. The device comprises a substantially transparent head having first and second head halves defining a substantially conical surface including a gap when the first and second head halves are joined. Angular motion of the first and second head halves enlarges the existing or created opening and provides an area of access to the inside of the body. The substantially transparent nature of the device allows it to function as a light pipe so that the operator can see the body cavity or tract opened by the device. The device has scissors-like handles to allow an operator to open or close the device with one hand.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert F. Rioux
- 👤 Raymond Rackley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32; A61B1/06; A61B1/0661; A61B1/0669; A61B1/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material defining a substantially conical surface, each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge, wherein said edge of said first head half make partial contact with said edge of said second head half when said first and second head halves are contacting one another, thus defining a gap near a base of the head between said first and second head halves when said device is in a closed position; and b) a handle comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material and coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, said gap being located along the longitudinal plane on an upper side of said head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material defining a substantially conical surface, each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge, wherein said edge of said first head half make partial contact with said edge of said second head half when said first and second head halves are contacting one another, thus defining a gap near a base of the head between said first and second head halves when said device is in a closed position; and b) a handle comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material and coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, said gap being located along the longitudinal plane on an upper side of said head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said polymeric material comprises polycarbonate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The medical device of claim 3 , wherein said first handle portion is integral with said first head half and said second handle portion is integral with said second head half.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The medical device of claim 3 , wherein said first handle portion comprises a first and second outer interconnection element, and said second handle portion comprises an inner interconnection element, said inner interconnection element being sandwiched between said first and second outer interconnection elements and being connected thereto by a coupling element at said pivot point.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 5 , wherein said coupling element comprises a bolt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medical device of claim 5 , wherein said coupling element comprises two mating plastic elements which snap together.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medical device of claim 3 , wherein at least one of said first and second handle portions includes a socket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 8 , wherein said socket includes a light source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 8 , wherein said socket receives one or more light-transmitting cables.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said handle includes a locking mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The medical device of claim 11 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises two sets of evenly spaced lugs, one set of evenly spaced lugs extending generally inwardly from each handle portion, said sets of even spaced lugs snapping together to lock the device in a fully open, partially open or closed position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
71 words
The medical device of claim 12 , wherein said locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position comprising said two handle portions generally on a plane such that said sets of evenly spaced lugs are in alignment and snapped together, and the unlocked position comprising said two handle portions twisted such that said sets of evenly spaced lugs are not in alignment and not snapped together.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
79 words
The medical device of claim 11 , wherein said locking device comprises a mating hinge element at said pivot point of said first handle portion and an engaging element on an upper half of said second handle portion, said mating hinge element comprising a plurality of projections and said engaging element capable of meshing with at least one of said projections on said mating hinge element to lock the device in a fully open, partially open or closed position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The medical device of claim 14 , wherein said locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, said locked position comprising said engaging element meshed with at least one projection on said mating hinge element, and said unlocked position comprising said engaging element separated from said mating hinge element and not meshing with any projection on said mating hinge element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said head further comprises a light source for illuminating at least said head.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 16 , wherein said head further comprises one or more sockets.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The medical device of claim 17 , wherein at least one of said sockets includes a light source.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical device of claim 17 , wherein at least one of said sockets receives one or more light-transmitting fibers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said head increases in diameter at a plurality of gradients from an apex to the base.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said head increases in diameter at an increasing rate from an apex to a base.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said first and second head halves are substantially transparent.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said handle is disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said head, the longitudinal axis extending from an apex to a center of a base of said head.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said handle is disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said head, the longitudinal axis extending from an apex to a center of a base of said head.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said handle is disposed substantially along a longitudinal axis of said head, the longitudinal axis extending from an apex to a center of a base of the head.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
125 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and at least one of said first and second handle portions including a socket for accepting a light source disposed near said substantially conical surface and offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the said first head half and second head half.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
125 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and at least one of said first and second handle portions including a socket for accepting a light source disposed near said substantially conical surface and offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the said first head half and second head half.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 26 , wherein said socket receives one or more light-transmitting cables.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
105 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and, at least one of said head halves further comprising one or more sockets, said socket receives one or more light-transmitting cables; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
105 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and, at least one of said head halves further comprising one or more sockets, said socket receives one or more light-transmitting cables; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
137 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, said handle comprising a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point by a coupling element comprising two mating plastic elements which snap together allowing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
137 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, said handle comprising a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point by a coupling element comprising two mating plastic elements which snap together allowing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
56 words
The medical device of claim 29 , wherein said first handle portion comprises a first and second outer interconnection element, and said second handle portion comprises an inner interconnection element, said inner interconnection element being sandwiched between said first and second outer interconnection elements and being connected thereto by said coupling element at said pivot point.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The medical device of claim 29 , wherein one of said handle portions comprises a female coupling element and the other one of said handle portions comprises a male coupling element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
108 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and c) a locking mechanism comprising two sets of evenly spaced lugs to lock the device in a fully open, partially open or closed position.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
108 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and c) a locking mechanism comprising two sets of evenly spaced lugs to lock the device in a fully open, partially open or closed position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
67 words
The medical device of claim 32 , wherein said locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position comprising said two handle portions such that said sets of evenly spaced lugs are in alignment and snapped together, and the unlocked position comprising said two handle portions twisted such that said sets of evenly spaced lugs are not in alignment and not snapped together.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
127 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and c). a locking mechanism comprising an arm projecting from an upper half of one of said handle portion, said arm comprising a pawl for engaging at least one of a series of teeth of a ratchet disposed on the other of said handle portion.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
127 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising: a first head half, a second head half, the first head half and the second head half defining a substantially conical surface; each said head half comprising a longitudinal receding edge defining a gap when said first and second head halves are contacting one another; b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing motion of said first head half and second head half relative to a longitudinal plane, and c). a locking mechanism comprising an arm projecting from an upper half of one of said handle portion, said arm comprising a pawl for engaging at least one of a series of teeth of a ratchet disposed on the other of said handle portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
159 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material, said head comprising: a first head half comprising a longitudinal edge and a second head half comprising a longitudinal edge, a portion of said longitudinal edge of said first head half contacting a portion of said longitudinal edge of said second head half when said head is in a closed position, said head when in said closed position defining a substantially conical surface comprising a gap defined by other portions of said longitudinal edges and disposed near a base of said head and an upper side of said head; and b) a handle coupled to said head near the base of said head and a lower side of said head, said upper side of said head being substantially opposed to said lower side of said head, wherein actuation of said handle causes the movement of said first head half and said second head half.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
159 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material, said head comprising: a first head half comprising a longitudinal edge and a second head half comprising a longitudinal edge, a portion of said longitudinal edge of said first head half contacting a portion of said longitudinal edge of said second head half when said head is in a closed position, said head when in said closed position defining a substantially conical surface comprising a gap defined by other portions of said longitudinal edges and disposed near a base of said head and an upper side of said head; and b) a handle coupled to said head near the base of said head and a lower side of said head, said upper side of said head being substantially opposed to said lower side of said head, wherein actuation of said handle causes the movement of said first head half and said second head half.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medical device of claim 35 , wherein said polymeric material comprises polycarbonate.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
54 words
The medical device of claim 35 , wherein said handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 37 , wherein said handle comprises a locking mechanism.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medical device of claim 38 , wherein said head further comprises a light source for illuminating at least said head.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 35 , wherein said handle comprises the substantially transparent polymeric material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
186 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material, said head comprising: a first head half comprising longitudinal edge and a second head half comprising a longitudinal edge, a portion of said longitudinal edge of said first head half contacting a portion of said longitudinal edge of said second head half when said head is in a closed position, said head when in said closed position defining a substantially conical surface comprising a gap defined by other portions of said longitudinal edges and disposed near a base and an upper side of said head; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing the movement of said first head half and second head half, wherein said handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point and wherein at least one of said first and second handle portions includes a socket.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
186 words
A medical device for retraction, comprising: a) a head comprising a substantially transparent polymeric material, said head comprising: a first head half comprising longitudinal edge and a second head half comprising a longitudinal edge, a portion of said longitudinal edge of said first head half contacting a portion of said longitudinal edge of said second head half when said head is in a closed position, said head when in said closed position defining a substantially conical surface comprising a gap defined by other portions of said longitudinal edges and disposed near a base and an upper side of said head; and b) a handle coupled to said head, actuation of said handle causing the movement of said first head half and second head half, wherein said handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, said first handle portion coupled to said first head half and said second handle portion coupled to said second head half, said first and second handle portions being joined at a common pivot point and wherein at least one of said first and second handle portions includes a socket.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 41 , wherein said socket receives a light source.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 41 , wherein said socket receives one or more light-transmitting cables.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US424140A
Cited
US439028A
Cited
US458708A
Cited
US471990A
Cited
US605652A
Cited
US847542A
Cited
US870021A
Cited
US1246340A
Cited
US1358473A
Cited
US2253132A
Cited
US2320709A
Cited
US2400251A
Cited
CH273809A
Cited
US2592190A
Cited
US2575253A
Cited
US2631585A
Cited
US2751903A
Cited
US2809628A
Cited
US2844144A
Cited
US2829649A
Cited
US2858826A
Cited
US3575163A
Cited
US3551987A
Cited
FR1594869A
Cited
US3750651A
Cited
US3817242A
Cited
US3709215A
Cited
US3744481A
Cited
FR2158962A5
Cited
US3762400A
Cited
US3752149A
Cited
US3789835A
Cited
US3841318A
Cited
US3796214A
Cited
GB1477227A
Cited
GB1462929A
Cited
US4085756A
Cited
USD245515S
Cited
US4263898A
Cited
US4206750A
Cited
US4156424A
Cited
US4300541A
Cited
US4254763A
Cited
BR7905185A
Cited
US4638792A
Cited
US4323057A
Cited
US4432351A
Cited
USD274356S
Cited
GB2128094A
Cited
USD275790S
Cited
US4562832A
Cited
US4766887A
Cited
USD299532S
Cited
US4813401A
Cited
FR2610507A1
Cited
US4854300A
Cited
US5179937A
Cited
US5122130A
Cited
USD319877S
Cited
US4945897A
Cited
EP0407357A1
Cited
US5231973A
Cited
US5072720A
Cited
US5308349A
Cited
US5397330A
Cited
US5026376A
Cited
US5174278A
Cited
US5165387A
Cited
US5237985A
Cited
FR2693098A3
Cited
US5377667A
Cited
WO1994012091A1
Cited
US5536251A
Cited
WO1995013009A1
Cited
US5465709A
Cited
US5618260A
Cited
WO1995031131A1
Cited
US5681265A
Cited
WO1996028083A1
Cited
WO1997001983A1
Cited
US5873820A
Cited
US5782865A
Cited
WO1997043982A1
Cited
US5785640A
Cited
US5785648A
Cited
US6258024B1
Cited
US6059723A
Cited
US5865729A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-03-18 | 2006-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-16 | 2010-03-18 | 2010-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-16 | 2014-03-18 | 2014-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |