U.S. patent application number 10/037899 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for crimping and cutting device.
Invention is credited to Scirica, Paul A., Shikhman, Oleg.
Application Number | 20030078601 10/037899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21896958 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030078601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shikhman, Oleg ; et
al. |
April 24, 2003 |
Crimping and cutting device
Abstract
A method and apparatus for securing and cutting suture material
is disclosed. Suture material is preferably threaded through a
ferrule in the crimping and cutting device which includes a hammer
head slidable within a tip of the device for crimping the ferrule
and trapping the suture material therein. The tip further
preferably includes a cutting edge such that the ferrule is crimped
and the suture material is cut in one proximal movement of the
hammer head. The suture material may be threaded through the
ferrule using a suture loading assembly which includes a flexible
loop pre-threaded through the ferrule. A handle assembly having a
safety button for preventing movement of the trigger until the
safety button is depressed is also disclosed. An adjustment screw
within the handle assembly allows for a change in length of a rod
within the device during manufacture.
Inventors: |
Shikhman, Oleg; (Trumbull,
CT) ; Scirica, Paul A.; (Huntington, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
21896958 |
Appl. No.: |
10/037899 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/0488 20130101;
A61B 2017/0454 20130101; A61B 17/0485 20130101; A61B 17/0467
20130101; A61B 2017/0464 20130101; A61B 17/0057 20130101; A61B
17/0487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/148 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A crimping and cutting device comprising: a hammer head having a
first side and an opposite second side, and a ferrule engaging edge
located on the second side; a tip having a distal end and a
proximal end, the tip having a hammer head opening for receiving
the hammer head, the hammer head opening extending from the distal
end of the tip to the proximal end of the tip, the tip further
having a ferrule accepting opening near the distal end of the tip,
and a cutting edge within the hammer head opening, the cutting edge
located proximally of the ferrule accepting opening.
2. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 wherein the hammer
head further comprises a first camming surface located on the first
side of the hammer head and the tip comprises a second camming
surface near the distal end of the tip and opposite the ferrule
accepting opening.
3. The crimping and cutting device of claim 2 wherein movement of
the hammer head in a proximal direction directs the hammer head
towards the ferrule accepting opening.
4. The crimping and cutting device of claim 2 wherein the second
camming surface forms a wall of the hammer head opening and flares
outwardly towards the distal end of the tip.
5. The crimping and cutting device of claim 2 wherein the first
camming surface and the second camming surface abut flushly when
the hammer head is at the distal end of the tip.
6. The crimping and cutting device of claim 2 wherein the first
camming surface does not abut the second camming surface when the
hammer head is pulled proximally of the ferrule accepting
opening.
7. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 wherein the tip
further comprises an aperture between the distal end and the
proximal end of the tip, the cutting edge located distally of the
aperture.
8. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 wherein proximal
movement of the hammer head within the tip causes the ferrule
engaging edge of the hammer head to contact the cutting edge after
the hammer head has past the ferrule accepting opening of the
tip.
9. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 wherein the tip
comprises a distal end outer diameter and a proximal end outer
diameter, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end is greater
than the outer diameter of the proximal end.
10. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 further comprising a
handle assembly having a trigger, wherein activation of the trigger
draws the hammer head proximally within the tip.
11. The crimping and cutting device of claim 10 further comprising
a safety button, wherein the trigger cannot be activated until the
safety button is depressed.
12. The crimping and cutting device of claim 10 further comprising
an adjustment screw within the handle assembly, wherein a length of
a central rod connecting the hammer head to the handle assembly is
adjustable by the adjustment screw.
13. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 further comprising a
tubular portion extending from the proximal end of the tip, the
device further comprising a suture loading assembly mounted on the
tubular portion and slidable along the tubular portion.
14. The crimping and cutting device of claim 1 wherein the suture
loading assembly comprises a loop threadable through the ferrule
accepting opening.
15. A handle assembly for a surgical instrument, the handle
assembly comprising: a trigger member; and, a safety button,
wherein the trigger member is not movable until the safety button
is depressed.
16. The handle assembly of claim 15 further comprising a first side
and a second side, the trigger member pivotable within the first
side and the second side.
17. The handle assembly of claim 16 wherein the safety button
includes a pin having an engageable end and extending through
either side of the handle assembly.
18. The handle assembly of claim 17 wherein the safety button
includes a first pin extending through the first side and a second
pin extending through the second side.
19. The handle assembly of claim 17 further comprising a spring
surrounding the pin.
20. The handle assembly of claim 17 wherein the safety button
includes at least two ribs, a gap separating each pair of adjacent
ribs.
21. The handle assembly of claim 20 wherein the safety button
includes a first side rib, a second side rib, and a middle rib, a
first side gap located between the first side rib and the middle
rib, and a second side gap located between the second side rib and
the middle rib.
22. The handle assembly of claim 20 wherein the trigger member
includes a safety button engaging member, wherein, if the
engageable end of the pin of the safety button is not depressed,
then the safety button engaging member of the trigger will abut a
rib when an attempt is made to move the trigger, and further
wherein, if the engageable end of the pin of the safety button is
depressed, then the safety button engaging member of the trigger
will slide between a pair of adjacent ribs.
23. The handle assembly of claim 22 wherein the safety button
engaging member is hook shaped.
24. The handle assembly of claim 18 wherein the safety button
includes a first side rib adjacent the first pin, a second side rib
adjacent the second pin, and a middle rib, a first side gap located
between the first side rib and the middle rib, and a second side
gap located between the second side rib and the middle rib.
25. The handle assembly of claim 24 further comprising a first
spring surrounding the first pin and a second spring surrounding
the second pin.
26. The handle assembly of claim 25 wherein the first side and the
second side each include an opening for passing the first pin and
the second pin, respectively, each opening including a pocket for
seating the first spring and the second spring, each pocket having
a greater diameter than a diameter of each opening.
27. The handle assembly of claim 16 wherein the trigger includes a
spring receiving member, the handle assembly further comprising a
trigger spring connected between the spring receiving member of the
trigger and a protrusion within either the first side or the second
side.
28. The handle assembly of claim 16 further comprising an
adjustment screw positioned between the first side and the second
side, the adjustment screw for adjusting length of a rod extending
from a distal end of the handle assembly.
29. The handle assembly of claim 28 wherein the adjustment screw is
only adjustable prior to securing the first side to the second
side.
30. A surgical instrument comprising: a handle assembly; a rod
member extending from a distal end of the handle assembly; and, an
adjustment screw located within the handle assembly and upon a
proximal end of the rod member, wherein length of the rod member
outside of the handle assembly can be changed by the adjustment
screw.
31. The surgical instrument of claim 30 wherein a longitudinal axis
of the rod member coincides with a longitudinal axis of the
adjustment screw.
32. The surgical instrument of claim 30 wherein the adjustment
screw includes a bore through which a proximal end of the rod
member is seated.
33. The surgical instrument of claim 30 wherein the adjustment
screw is contained within the handle assembly and not accessible
after manufacture of the surgical instrument.
34. The surgical instrument of claim 30 wherein the adjustment
screw includes internal threads which engage with external threads
on the rod member.
35. A suture loading assembly for threading suture material through
a surgical instrument, the suture loading assembly comprising: a
body, an attaching member extending from the body for attaching the
body to the surgical instrument; and, a flexible loop extending
from a distal end of the body.
36. The suture loading assembly of claim 35 wherein the body
includes a bore from which the loop extends.
37. The suture loading assembly of claim 35 wherein the attaching
member includes two legs extending from the body, an inner portion
of each leg curved to accept a cylindrical member of a surgical
instrument, wherein the attaching member is slidable along the
cylindrical member of the surgical instrument.
38. The suture loading assembly of claim 37 wherein an outer
portion of each leg includes an indented area for forming a finger
grip.
39. The suture loading assembly of claim 35 further comprising a
cap surrounding a portion of the body.
40. The suture loading assembly of claim 39 wherein the cap
includes finger grips.
41. The suture loading assembly of claim 40 wherein the finger
grips are indents in sides of the cap.
42. The suture loading assembly of claim 39 wherein the cap
includes openings for receiving the body and the attaching
member.
43. The suture loading assembly of claim 35 wherein the loop is
made from wire.
44. The suture loading assembly of claim 43 further comprising a
plug inserted within a proximal end of the body for retaining the
wire within the body.
45. In combination, a suture securing instrument and a suture
loading assembly, the suture securing instrument comprising: an
elongated tubular portion having a distal end and a proximal end,
the distal end including a ferrule accepting opening, the proximal
end attached to a handle assembly; the suture loading assembly
comprising: a body, an attaching member extending from the body for
attaching the body to the elongated tubular portion of the suture
securing instrument; and, a flexible loop extending from a distal
end of the body.
46. The combination of claim 45 wherein the loop is threaded
through the ferrule accepting opening.
47. The combination of claim 45 wherein the attaching member is
slidable along the tubular portion of the suture securing
instrument.
48. The combination of claim 47 wherein the attaching member
includes two legs extending from the body, an inner portion of each
leg curved to accept the tubular portion of the suture securing
instrument.
49. The combination of claim 48 wherein an outer portion of each
leg includes an indented area for providing a finger grip.
50. The combination of claim 45 wherein the suture loading assembly
further comprises a cap surrounding the body and attaching member,
the cap extending past the tubular portion.
51. The combination of claim 50 wherein the cap includes a pair of
indents usable as finger grips.
52. The combination of claim 45 wherein the suture securing
instrument further comprises an aperture in the elongated tubular
portion, the aperture located proximally of the ferrule accepting
opening, the flexible loop threaded through the aperture prior to
threading through the ferrule accepting opening.
53. The combination of claim 52 further comprising a ferrule
positioned in the ferrule accepting opening, the flexible loop
threaded through the ferrule.
54. The combination of claim 45 wherein the loop is made from a
preformed wire bent into a diamond shape.
55. A method of securing suture material using a crimping and
cutting device, the method comprising: threading the suture
material through a ferrule in the device; moving a hammer head
proximally through a tip of the device to crimp the ferrule;
continuing to move the hammer head proximally after the ferrule has
been crimped entrapping the suture material within the ferrule;
abutting the hammer head against a cutting edge within the tip,
capturing the suture material therebetween; and, applying pressure
with the hammer head against the cutting edge until the suture
material is cut.
56. The method of claim 55 wherein moving the hammer head
proximally comprises squeezing a trigger on a handle assembly of
the crimping and cutting device.
57. The method of claim 56 wherein a safety button is depressed on
the handle assembly prior to squeezing the trigger.
58. The method of claim 55 wherein threading the suture material
through a ferrule comprises threading the suture material through a
flexible loop extending from a distal end of the ferrule and
pulling the flexible loop proximally until the suture material is
threaded through the ferrule.
59. The method of claim 55 wherein pulling the flexible loop
proximally comprises sliding a suture loading assembly, which is
mounted on a tubular portion of the cutting and crimping device and
to which the flexible loop is attached, proximally along the
tubular portion.
60. A method of threading a suture securing instrument comprising:
mounting a suture loading assembly upon a tubular portion of the
suture securing instrument; and, threading a flexible loop
extending from the suture loading assembly through a ferrule within
a distal end of the suture loading assembly.
61. The method of claim 60 further comprising inserting suture
material through the flexible loop.
62. The method of claim 61 further comprising pulling the flexible
loop proximally until the suture material is threaded through the
ferrule.
63. The method of claim 62 wherein pulling the flexible loop
proximally comprises sliding the suture loading assembly proximally
along the tubular portion of the suture securing instrument.
64. A kit for securing suture material within a body of a patient,
the kit comprising: a cutting and crimping device; a ferrule loaded
into the cutting and crimping device; and, a suture loading
assembly mounted on a tubular portion of the cutting and crimping
device, a flexible loop extending from the suture loading assembly
threaded through the ferrule.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an instrument and a method
for closing a hole or puncture in a blood vessel. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to an improved ferrule
crimping and suture cutting device.
[0002] When performing catheterization procedures, such an
angiography or angioplasty, a catheter is generally introduced into
the vascular system by first penetrating the skin, underlying
muscle tissue and blood vessel with a sharpened hollow needle.
Next, a guide wire is commonly inserted through the lumen of the
hollow needle and is caused to enter the selected blood vessel.
Subsequently, the needle is typically slid off the guide wire and a
combination of a dilator and an introducer (or an introducer alone)
are fed over the guide wire and pushed through the skin to enter
the vessel. The guide wire can then be removed and the desired
catheter to carry out the procedure is fed through the lumen of the
introducer and advanced through the vascular system until the
working end of the catheter is appropriately positioned. Following
the conclusion of the catheterization procedure, the working
catheter will be withdrawn and, subsequently, the dilator and/or
introducer will also be removed from the wound.
[0003] At this point in the procedure, the vessel leakage must be
controlled in order to stem the flow of blood through the puncture.
Because it is common practice to administer a blood thinning agent
to the patient prior to many of the catheterization procedures,
stemming the blood flow can be troublesome. A common method of
sealing the wound is to maintain external pressure over the vessel
until the puncture naturally seals. This method of puncture closure
typically takes about thirty minutes, with the length of time
usually being greater if the patient is hypertensive or
anti-coagulated. In some anti-coagulated patients, the introducer
is left in place for hours to allow the anti-coagulant to wear off.
When human hand pressure is utilized, it can be uncomfortable for
the patient and can use costly professional time on the part of the
hospital staff. Other pressure techniques, such as pressure
bandages, sandbags or clamps, have been employed, but these devices
also require the patient to remain motionless for an extended
period of time and the patient must be closely monitored to ensure
their effectiveness.
[0004] Suture securing instruments are being developed to assist in
finalizing the suturing procedure, however some of these
instruments leave behind crimped securing members with sharp edges,
or require a separate step to be performed to cut the suture
material after the securing member has been crimped.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The above discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies are
overcome or alleviated by a crimping and cutting device comprising
a hammer head having a first side and an opposite second side, and
a ferrule engaging edge located on the second side, a tip having a
distal end and a proximal end, the tip having a hammer head opening
for receiving the hammer head, the hammer head opening extending
from the distal end to the proximal end, the tip further having a
ferrule accepting opening near the distal end, and a cutting edge
within the hammer head opening of the tip, the cutting edge located
proximally of the ferrule accepting opening.
[0006] As an additional feature, a handle assembly for the device
includes a trigger member and a safety button, wherein the trigger
member is not activatable until the safety button is depressed.
[0007] As an additional feature, the handle assembly may include an
adjustment screw located within the handle assembly and upon a
proximal end of a rod member extending from a distal end of the
handle assembly, wherein length of the rod member outside of the
handle assembly can be changed by the adjustment screw.
[0008] As an additional feature, a suture loading assembly for
threading suture material through the device comprises a body, an
attaching member extending from the body for attaching the body to
the device, and a flexible loop extending from a distal end of the
body and threadable through a ferrule in the distal end of the
device.
[0009] A method of securing suture material using the device and a
method of threading the device using the suture loading assembly
also form additional features of this invention.
[0010] The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring to the FIGURES wherein like elements are numbered
alike in the several FIGURES:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the cutting and
crimping device;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side plan view of an exterior of the handle
assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows an interior plan view of a side of the handle
assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a proximal plan view of a side of the handle
assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a proximal plan view of another side of the
handle assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the side of
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the side of
FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a side plan view of the trigger of the handle
assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of the trigger of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10 shows proximal perspective view of the trigger of
FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 11 shows a distal perspective view of the trigger of
FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the safety button of the
handle assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the safety button of
FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the adjustment screw of
the handle assembly for the cutting and crimping device of FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustment screw
of FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 16 shows a side plan view of the hammer element for the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the hammer element of
FIG. 16;
[0029] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the tip for the cutting
and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 19 shows another perspective view of the tip of FIG.
18;
[0031] FIG. 20 shows a distal plan view of the tip of FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional interior view of the tip of
FIG. 18;
[0033] FIG. 22 shows a side plan view of the central rod, hammer
element, and tip of the cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 23 shows a side plan view of the central rod, hammer
element, tip, and tubular portion of the cutting and crimping
device of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a ferrule for use in the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 25 shows a side cross-sectional view of the ferrule of
FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 26 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1 in an initial stage of
securing suture material;
[0038] FIG. 27 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1 in an advanced stage of
securing suture material;
[0039] FIG. 28 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1 in a further advanced stage
of securing suture material;
[0040] FIG. 29 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the
cutting and crimping device of FIG. 1 in a final stage of securing
suture material;
[0041] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a
suture loading assembly;
[0042] FIG. 31 shows a side cross-sectional view of the suture
loading assembly of FIG. 30;
[0043] FIG. 32 shows a front plan view of the suture loading
assembly of FIG. 30;
[0044] FIG. 33 shows a side perspective view of a cap for use in
the suture loading assembly of FIG. 30;
[0045] FIG. 34 shows a side perspective view of a body for use in
the suture loading assembly of FIG. 30;
[0046] FIG. 35 shows a side perspective view of another embodiment
of a suture loading assembly;
[0047] FIG. 36 shows a top plan view of the suture loading assembly
of FIG. 35;
[0048] FIG. 37 shows a front plan view of the suture loading
assembly of FIG. 35;
[0049] FIG. 38 shows a side cross-sectional view of the suture
loading assembly of FIG. 35 taken along line 38-38 within FIG.
37;
[0050] FIG. 39 shows a side perspective view of a half of another
embodiment of a suture loading assembly; and,
[0051] FIG. 40 shows a side perspective view of another half of the
suture loading assembly of FIG. 39.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a crimping and cutting device 10 is
shown for applying a ferrule around suture material after it has
been applied to body tissue by a suturing apparatus, or by any
other suturing procedure in which suture material is used, in order
to secure the suture.
[0053] In general, device 10 preferably includes a handle assembly
12. The handle assembly may include first and second sides 14, 16
and a trigger member 18 with an associated spring 20 for the
trigger return. The handle assembly 12 further preferably includes
a safety button 22 which is centrally biased by springs 24, 26 and
which must be depressed before trigger actuation will be permitted.
Also preferably within the handle assembly 12 is an adjustment
screw 28 which facilitates ferrule loading by the manufacturer. The
adjustment screw is connected to a proximal end 32 of a central rod
30, which extends from a distal end 13 of the handle assembly 12. A
hammer element 34 is connected to the distal end 36 of the central
rod 30. Surrounding the central rod 30 is a tubular portion 38
which also extends from a distal end 13 of the handle assembly 12.
A tip 40 is secured to the proximal end of the tubular portion 38.
Positioned within the tip 40 is a ferrule 42.
[0054] An exterior 54 of side 16 of handle assembly 12 is shown in
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shows an interior 56 of side 16, similar to that
shown in FIG. 1. The handle assembly 12 includes a distal end 13
from which the central rod 30 and tubular portion 38 extend. The
side 16 includes an opening 44 through which a portion of the
safety button 22 extends, as will be further described. The side
16, as with the side 14, preferably includes a body portion 46 and
a grasping portion 48. The body portion 46 houses the safety button
22 and the adjustment screw 28 and includes the connections for the
central rod 30, tubular portion 38, and trigger 18. The grasping
portion 48, on the hand, preferably includes an ergonomically
shaped grip for an operator. The grasping portion 48 includes an
outward surface 50 and an inward surface 52. The inward surface 52
faces an inner surface of the trigger 18.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the interior 56 of side 16 is
shown to include protrusions 58 which mate with corresponding
shaped recesses (not shown) within the interior of side 14 during
manufacture. Alternatively, the protrusions 58 could be located on
side 14 with recesses within interior 56, or some of the
protrusions 58 could be located on both sides 14 and 16 with
corresponding recesses oppositely positioned on sides 14 and 16.
When assembled, an exterior 60 of the side 14 and the exterior 54
of side 16 preferably combine to form a smooth outer surface of the
handle assembly 12 for gripping by the operator.
[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cross-section of the sides
14 and 16 is shown. Specifically, a cross-section of side 16 taken
along line 7-7 within FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 7. A cross-section of
side 14 taken along the same location, that is, through the opening
44 for safety button 22, is shown in FIG. 6. The opening 44 extends
from the exterior 54 of side 16 to the exterior 60 of side 14.
Thus, the safety button, as will be further described below, is
accessible from either side 14 or 16 of the handle assembly 12.
[0057] Turning now to FIGS. 8-11, the trigger 18 is shown to
include an inner surface 62 which, when assembled within the handle
assembly 12, faces the inward surface 52 of the sides 14 and 16.
Outer surface 64 is preferably smooth for grasping by an operator.
The trigger 18 may include spring receiving member 66 for receiving
a hook 21 (as shown in FIG. 1) of the spring 20. As shown, the
spring receiving member 66 is an opening, although other shapes,
such as a hook shape would be within the scope of this invention.
With the hook 21 of the spring 20 engaged within the spring
receiving member 66 of the trigger 18 and a securing member 19
(FIG. 1) of spring 20 securing the spring 20 to a protrusion 58 on
side 16, the trigger 18 must expand the spring 20 when the inner
surface 62 of the trigger 18 is compressed towards the inward
surface 52 of the sides 14, 16. The spring 20 thus biases the
trigger 18 in an "open" or "unsqueezed" configuration. That is,
after the trigger 18 is squeezed, the spring 20 will return the
trigger 18 to its original position when pressure on the trigger 18
is removed.
[0058] The trigger 18 further preferably includes a pivot rod 68
for pivotally securing the trigger 18 within the handle assembly
12, such as within opening 70 within interior 56 of side 16, as
shown in FIG. 3. Thus, when the trigger 18 is squeezed, it will
pivot about the longitudinal axis of pivot rod 68 located within
the sides 14, 16.
[0059] The trigger 18 further preferably includes a hook-shaped
safety button engaging member 70 which includes an inner receiving
pocket 72 which either hovers above or rests upon the safety button
22 or is received within one of the grooves of the safety button
22, as will be further described with reference to FIGS. 12-13.
[0060] Turning now to FIGS. 12-13, the safety button 22 preferably
includes a pair of pins 74, 76. Each of the pins 74, 76 include an
engageable end 78, 80, respectively, which protrude through the
openings 44 of the sides 14, 16 and are accessible by the operator.
Surrounding the pins 74, 76, respectively, are the springs 24, 26.
The springs 24, 26 are seated within pockets 45 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of
the openings 44. The pockets 45 have a slightly larger diameter
than the exteriormost openings 44 such that the springs 24, 26
received therein abut against a wall 43 within the pockets 45. The
safety button 22 further preferably includes three ribs, shown
collectively as ribs 82. The ribs 82 include a first side rib 84, a
second side rib 86, and a middle rib 88. A first side gap 90 is
created between the first side rib 84 and the middle rib 88 and a
second side gap 92 is created between the second side rib 86 and
the middle rib 88.
[0061] When assembled within the handle assembly 12, the safety
button 22 is preferably centrally located, and spring biased to be
centrally located, within the handle assembly 12 such that the
safety button engaging member 70 of the trigger 18 abuts with the
middle rib 88 when an attempt to squeeze the trigger 18 is made.
However, when the engageable end 78 of the safety button 22 is
depressed by an operator, the safety button 22 moves within the
handle assembly 12 such that the safety button engaging member 70
of the trigger 18 will fall into the gap 90. Thus, the trigger 18
is now free to be squeezed by the operator. Likewise, when the
engageable end 80 of the safety button 22 is depressed by an
operator, the safety button 22 moves within the handle assembly 12
such that the safety button engaging member 70 of the trigger 18
will fall into the gap 92 freeing the trigger 18 to be moved by the
operator. While the accessibility of the safety button 22 from
either side 14 or 16 of the handle assembly 12 provides ease of use
to the operator, it is within the scope of this invention to have
the safety button accessible from only one side 14 or 16 of the
handle assembly 12, which would thus require only one gap and only
one pair of ribs in the safety button 22. Pressing the safety
button 22 will preferably allow the safety button engaging member
70 to be retained between two adjacent ribs, i.e. ribs 84 and 88 or
ribs 88 and 86, but with enough space within either gap 90 or 92 to
allow movement of the safety button engaging member 70 during a
squeeze of the trigger 18. The purpose of the safety button 22 is
to prevent unintentional accidental firing of the device 10. Thus,
preferably the safety button 22 is self-centering due to springs
24, 26. After depressing the safety button 22 and releasing the
trigger 18 for movement, and after the trigger 18 is squeezed and
released by the operator, the safety button 22 will preferably
return to its center position, re-locking the trigger 18 from
movement. Preferably, the device 10 is a one-time use instrument
such that a ferrule 42 cannot be reloaded within the device.
[0062] Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, and as additionally shown in
FIG. 1, the adjustment screw 28 is shown which facilitates ferrule
loading by the manufacturer. The adjustment screw 28 preferably
includes a distal end 94 and a proximal end 96. The distal end 94
may include a bulbous or larger diametered head 98. The proximal
end 96 may include a slotted portion 100. A shaft 102 preferably
connects the distal end 94 to the proximal end 96. Extending within
the adjust screw 28 is a longitudinal bore 104 which extends along
the longitudinal axis 106. The bore 104 may have a smaller inner
diameter 103 within the head 98 than within the shaft 102. As
demonstrated in FIG. 1, the adjustment screw 28 is connected to a
proximal end 32 of the central rod 30, which extends from a distal
end 13 of the handle assembly 12. The adjustment screw 28 is
preferably completely contained within the handle assembly 12 and
is not accessible by the operator. During assembly, the adjustment
screw 28 accepts the section 31, preferably threaded, of the
proximal end 32 of the central rod 30 so that the length of the
central rod 30 may be properly adjusted with respect to the tubular
portion 38. The smaller inner diameter 103 is also preferably
threaded such that the inner diameter 103 may be threaded to mate
with threads on section 31 of rod 30. Turning the adjustment screw
28 after loading the ferrule 42 shortens the rod 30 and allows the
distal end 108 of the hammer element 34 to retain the ferrule 42 in
the ferrule accepting opening 142 in the tip 40. That is, the
proper length of the central rod 30 with respect to the tubular
portion 38 helps ensure that the ferrule 42 is retained within the
distal end of the device 10. Also, the ability to correct the
length of the central rod 30 using the adjustment screw 28
eliminates the need to require very tight tolerances during
manufacture of the central rod 30, thus easing the manufacturing
process of the device 10.
[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 16-17, the hammer element 34 is shown.
The hammer element 34 includes a distal end 108 and a proximal end
110. The distal end 108 includes the hammer head 112. The hammer
head 112 preferably includes a first camming surface 114 which
engages with a camming surface on the tip 40 as will be further
described. The first camming surface 114 is located on a first side
126 of the hammer element 34. The first camming surface 114 and the
first side 126 form an obtuse angle as shown. Located on the second
side 128 of the hammer element 34 is a ferrule engaging edge 116.
An indent 118 may separate the ferrule engaging edge 116 and an
edge 120. Alternatively edge 120 may be removed and replaced with a
smooth continuous edge, continuous with second side 128. The hammer
element 34 includes a central portion 122 of a selected width which
is smaller in width than a proximal portion 124. The smaller width
of the central portion 122 allows movement of the hammer head 112
within the tip 40. Each of the first side 126 and second side 128
may comprise a series of planar surfaces as shown in FIG. 17, with
planar sides 130 connecting the first and second sides 126, 128.
Thus, the hammer element 34 preferably comprises a rectangular
cross-section. As shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end 110 of the
hammer element 34 is mounted to the distal end 36 of the central
rod 30.
[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 18-21, tip 40 is shown in detail. Tip
40 has a distal end 132 and a proximal end 134. The distal end 132
includes a hammer head receiving portion 136 which includes a
second camming surface 138 (shown in FIG. 21), which abuts with the
first camming surface 114 of the hammer head 34 during retraction
of the hammer element within the device 10. The second camming
surface 138 forms part of a wall of the opening 140 of the tip 40.
The opening 140 preferably extends the length of the tip 40 and has
a rectangular cross section (as shown in FIG. 18) throughout most
of the tip 40 for receiving the rectangularly shaped hammer element
34. The distal end 132 of the tip 40 further includes a ferrule
accepting opening 142 which shares open space with the opening 140.
Thus, the opening at the distal end 132, as shown in FIGS. 19 and
20 is generally key-hole shaped. Proximal the ferrule accepting
opening 142 is a cutting edge 144 formed on an inner wall of the
tip 40 for cutting the suture material as will be further described
below. Adjacent the cutting edge 144 is an aperture 146 within the
tip 40. The aperture 146 allows the suture material to be threaded
through the ferrule 42 from the distal end 132 and exit the
aperture 146. The tip 40 preferably includes a proximal portion 148
having a reduced width. A wall 150 is formed between the proximal
portion 148 and the hammer head receiving portion 136.
[0065] Turning now to FIG. 22, the distal end 36 of central rod 30
is shown welded to the proximal end 110 of the hammer element 34 at
area 152. Notch 154 is shown within the rod 30. Then, the tip 40 is
installed upon the hammer element 34. Turning to FIG. 23, the
tubular portion 38 is shown welded or otherwise secured to the tip
40 at or about area 156. The tubular portion 38 overlaps the
proximal portion 148 of the tip 40 and abuts the wall 150, so that
preferably a smooth continual surface is provided between the
tubular portion 38 and the tip 40. Notch 158 within tubular portion
38 coincides with notch 154 in the central rod 30. An anti-rotation
feature is provided using the aligned notches 154, 158 during
assembly by placing a pin, such as a square pin, into the notch
area, thus preventing the rod 30 from rotating within the tubular
portion 38. Longitudinal axis 106, which also runs through
adjustment screw 28, extends generally through the central rod 30
and tubular portion 38.
[0066] FIGS. 24 and 25 show an exemplary ferrule 42 for use within
the device 10, and more particularly for placement within the
ferrule accepting opening 142 of the tip 40. The ferrule 42
includes a bore 168 which extends the length of the ferrule 42.
Ferrule 42 preferably comprises an ovalized outer surface 164. The
inner surface 166 of the ferrule 42 will contact the suture
material upon compression, as will be described below. The ferrule
42 preferably comprises chamfered ends 160 and 162. The ends may be
angled as shown by end 160 or more preferably rounded as shown by
end 160. The ferrule 42 is preferably manufactured without burrs of
any sort. The material selected for ferrule 42 is preferably
annealed titanium, but may be formed from another deformable
biocompatible material, such as another non-bioabsorbable material.
Alternatively, the ferrule 42 may be formed from a bioabsorbable
polymer.
[0067] FIGS. 26-29 describe how the hammer element 34 and tip 40
cooperate to compress the ferrule 42, secure the suture threads
therein, and cut the suture thread ends. The ferrule 42 is shown
positioned within the ferrule accepting opening 142 and the suture
threads 170 have been threaded through the ferrule 42 and exit the
aperture 146 of the tip 40. FIG. 26 shows the hammer head 112
positioned within the tip 40 such that the first camming surface
114 abuts the second camming surface 138. In this initial position,
the ferrule engaging edge 116 may abut the ferrule 42 and provide a
slight compression of the ferrule 42 for retaining the ferrule 42
within the ferrule accepting opening 142. Turning now to FIG. 27,
as the hammer element 34 is drawn in the direction indicated by
arrow 172, the hammer head 112 draws the first camming surface 114
along the second camming surface 138. In doing so, the hammer head
112 is brought closer to the ferrule 42 such that the ferrule
engaging edge 116 begins to crimp or compress the ferrule 142.
Turning to FIG. 28, with the hammer element 34 continually drawn in
the direction indicated by arrow 172, the first camming surface 114
is no longer in contact with the second camming surface 138, but
the first side 126 abuts the inner surface of the opening 140
within tip 40 such that the ferrule engaging edge 116 continues to
crimp the ferrule 42. As shown in FIG. 29, after the hammer element
34 has been moved in the direction indicated by arrow 172 to
completely crimp the ferrule 42, the ferrule engaging edge 116
moves towards the cutting edge 144 of the tip 40 until the suture
threads 170 are trapped between the hammer head 112 and the cutting
edge 144. A small amount of pressure from the hammer head 112 upon
the cutting edge 144 will release the ends of the suture threads
170 as shown. Thus, the ferrule 42 is crimped and the suture ends
are cut in one step. Additionally, the hammer element 34 does not
contain the cutting edge, and therefore there is no risk of
providing sharp edges to the ferrule 42 which will remain in the
suture location.
[0068] FIGS. 30-34 show one embodiment of a suture loading assembly
174 for assisting an operator in threading the suture threads 170
through the ferrule 42 after a suturing operation and before a
suture securing operation. The suture loading assembly 174
preferably includes a body 176 from which extends a flexible loop
178, preferably made from suture material 186 or wire, such as
stainless steel wire, and a cap 180. The body 176, as shown in FIG.
34, includes a distal end 182 from which the loop 178 exits, and a
proximal end 184. The body 176 further preferably includes a bore
188 (FIG. 31) containing the suture material 186 from which the
loop 178 is formed. As further shown in FIG. 31, the body 176
further preferably comprises a step 190 for abutting with a
stopping surface 192 within the cap 180. Additionally, the body 176
further includes an attaching member 194, which may have a
clip-like shape as shown with a pair of legs 196, 198. The legs 196
and 198 preferably define a rounded receiving pocket 200 for
receiving the tubular portion 38.
[0069] Because of the small size of the tubular portion 38, and
thus the body 176, the suture loading assembly 174 further
preferably includes the cap 180 for easy grasping and operating by
an operator. The cap 180 includes openings 202 and 204 for
receiving the body 176 and attaching member 194. The cap 180
further preferably includes sides 206 which have indents 208 for
ease in grasping.
[0070] The suture loading assembly 174 is preferably pre-assembled
upon the device 10 by the manufacturer. During assembly, the suture
loading assembly 174 is preferably secured to the tubular portion
38 by inserting the tubular portion 38 into the opening 204 of the
cap 180 and snapping the attaching member 194 onto the tubular
portion 38. The loop 178 (which may be much longer than what is
shown) may then be pushed into the opening 146 in the tip 40 and
threaded through the ferrule 42 which is preloaded within the tip
40. Thus, a portion of the loop 178 will remain extended through
the ferrule 42 and out the distal end 132 of the tip 40.
Alternatively, the loop 178 could be threaded through the ferrule
42 in the manner described and then the suture loading assembly
could be secured to the tubular portion 38.
[0071] When a suturing operation has been completed, and it is time
to utilize the crimping and cutting device 10 for securing the
suture, the ends of the suture material 170 may be simply threaded
through the large opening provided in the loop 178. Then, the
operator may grasp the cap 180, such as at indents 208, and then
the operator may pull the suture loading assembly 174 in a proximal
direction, towards the handle assembly 12. In doing so, the loop
178, which is flexible and collapsible, will pull the suture
material 170 through the ferrule 42 and out the opening 146 in the
tip 40. Because the suture material 170 is likely to be wet and
slippery following the suture operation, the ability to thread the
suture material 170 through the ferrule 42 using the suture loading
assembly 174 eliminates any tedious operational steps.
[0072] Turning now to FIGS. 35-38, another embodiment of a suture
loading assembly is shown. The suture loading assembly 250 is
similar in use to the suture loading assembly 174, but embodies a
slightly different design. The suture loading assembly 250 includes
a wire loop 252 made of wire 253, a body 254, and a plug 256.
During assembly, ends 258 of wire loop 252 may be trimmed at
location 260 after installing plug 256 so that the wire loop 252
ends flush with a proximal end 262 of the body 254. The wire loop
252 preferably includes a tapered distal end 264, a widest portion
266, and a cross-over portion 268 where the wire 253 crosses over
itself prior to running parallel into the body 254.
[0073] The body 254 includes a tapered nose section 270 having a
distal end 272 and an opening 274. The opening 274 receives the
wire 253 of the wire loop 252. As shown in FIG. 38, the opening 274
leads to a longitudinal bore 276 having a main bore 280 with a
first inner diameter, distal tapered section 278 having a smaller
inner diameter than the first inner diameter, and a proximal bore
282 having a second inner diameter slightly larger than the first
inner diameter, such that a stopping surface 284 is provided within
the bore 276. During assembly, the plug 256 is inserted into the
proximal end 262 of the body 254 for retaining the wire loop 252
within the body 254.
[0074] The body 254 further preferably includes an integral
attaching member 286 which includes a pair of clip-like legs 288
separated by a slot 290 having a rounded end 292 for receiving the
tubular portion 38. Each leg 288 further preferably includes an
indented area 294 for ease in grasping.
[0075] As with the suture loading assembly 174, the suture loading
assembly 250 is preferably pre-assembled upon the device 10 by the
manufacturer. During assembly, the suture loading assembly 250 is
preferably secured to the tubular portion 38 by inserting the
tubular portion 38 into the slot 290 and snapping the attaching
member 286 onto the tubular portion 38 with the tubular portion 38
residing in the rounded end 292 of the slot 290. The wire loop 252,
which is sufficiently flexible, may be pushed into the opening 146
in the tip 40 and threaded through the ferrule 42 which is
preloaded within the tip 40. Thus, a portion of the wire loop 252
will remain extended through the ferrule 42 and out the distal end
132 of the tip 40. Preferably, the wire loop 252 is preformed such
that upon its exit through the ferrule 42, it will begin to open up
automatically thus creating a stable opening, as opposed to suture
material in which the opening may have to be created by separating
the thread used in the loop 178 in the suture loading assembly 174.
Alternatively, the wire loop 252 could be threaded through the
ferrule 42 in the manner described and then the suture loading
assembly 250 could be secured to the tubular portion 38. The ends
of suture material 170 may be threaded through the large opening
provided in the wire loop 252, and the operator may grasp the
indented areas 294 and pull the suture loading assembly 252 in a
proximal direction, towards the handle assembly, for pulling the
suture material 170 through the ferrule 42 as previously described
with the operation of the suture loading assembly 174.
[0076] FIGS. 39 and 40 show an alternate embodiment of a suture
loading assembly 210, where halves of the suture loading assembly
210 are depicted in FIGS. 39-40. Looking at the suture loading
assembly from a distal location, i.e. from the funnel 212, FIG. 40
shows a left half 214 and FIG. 39 depicts a right half 216. The two
halves 214, 216 preferably snap onto the distal end of the device
10 for threading of the ferrule 42. The suture material 170 may be
threaded through a funnel 212 created by a joining of the two
halves 214, 216. Then, the threads 170 would go directly into the
ferrule 42 after being pushed into the funnel 212. After the
ferrule 42 is threaded, the wings 218, 220 may be squeezed together
to release the suture loading assembly 210 from the distal end of
the device 10. Thus, with the suture material 170 threaded through
the ferrule 42, the device 10 maybe inserted near the suture
location (the area where the body was closed by the suture material
170) to secure the ferrule 42 upon the suture material 170.
[0077] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *