U.S. patent application number 13/347791 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for port fixation with interlocking structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Healthcare Group LP. Invention is credited to Michael Bettuchi, Matthew D. Cohen, Gregory Fischvogt, Eric Taylor.
Application Number | 20120109064 13/347791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41128174 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120109064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischvogt; Gregory ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
PORT FIXATION WITH INTERLOCKING STRUCTURE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a surgical access system that
includes a cannula assembly adapted for removable positioning
within a percutaneous tissue tract, and an obturator assembly
removably positionable within the cannula assembly. The cannula
assembly includes a cannula housing, a cannula sleeve, and first
engagement structure, and the obturator assembly includes an
obturator housing, an obturator sleeve, and second engagement
structure. The first engagement structure and the second engagement
structure are correspondingly dimensioned such that rotation of the
obturator assembly in a first direction effectuates corresponding
rotation of the cannula assembly to facilitate advancement of the
cannula assembly through tissue.
Inventors: |
Fischvogt; Gregory; (Hamden,
CT) ; Bettuchi; Michael; (Middletown, CT) ;
Cohen; Matthew D.; (Berlin, CT) ; Taylor; Eric;
(Hampton, CT) |
Assignee: |
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
|
Family ID: |
41128174 |
Appl. No.: |
13/347791 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12487071 |
Jun 18, 2009 |
8114053 |
|
|
13347791 |
|
|
|
|
61081466 |
Jul 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/170.02 ;
604/164.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00477
20130101; A61B 17/3417 20130101; A61B 2017/349 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/170.02 ;
604/164.01 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/34 20060101
A61B017/34 |
Claims
1: A surgical access system comprising: a cannula assembly
including an opening extending therethrough, and being adapted for
removable positioning within a percutaneous tissue tract; and an
obturator assembly removably positionable within the opening
extending through the cannula assembly, at least a portion of the
obturator assembly including a configuration corresponding to that
of the opening such that relative rotation between the obturator
assembly and the cannula assembly is substantially inhibited,
whereby rotation of the obturator assembly effectuates
corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly to facilitate
advancement of the cannula assembly through tissue.
2: The surgical access system of claim 1, wherein the opening is
non-circular in configuration, and at least a portion of the
obturator assembly positionable within the opening has a
non-circular configuration.
3: The surgical access system of claim 2, wherein the opening is
polygonal in configuration, and at least a portion of the obturator
assembly positionable within the opening has a polygonal
configuration.
4: The surgical access system of claim 1, wherein the cannula
assembly includes a cannula housing, and a cannula sleeve extending
distally from the cannula housing.
5: The surgical access system of claim 4, wherein the cannula
sleeve includes a threaded portion configured and dimensioned to
engage the tissue as the cannula assembly is rotated to thereby
facilitate advancement of the cannula assembly through the
tissue.
6: The surgical access system of claim 1, wherein the obturator
assembly includes an obturator housing, and an obturator sleeve
extending distally from the obturator housing.
7: The surgical access system of claim 6, wherein the obturator
housing includes a handle configured and dimensioned for manual
engagement to facilitate rotation of the obturator assembly.
8: The surgical access system of claim 6, wherein the obturator
sleeve includes a distal end configured and dimensioned to
penetrate tissue.
9: The surgical access system of claim 8, wherein the distal end of
the obturator sleeve has a blunt configuration.
10: A surgical access system comprising: a cannula assembly
comprising: a cannula housing including an opening extending
therethrough having a non-circular cross-sectional configuration;
and a cannula sleeve extending distally from the cannula housing;
and an obturator assembly engagable with the cannula assembly, the
obturator assembly including: an obturator sleeve configured and
dimensioned for insertion into the opening extending through the
cannula housing, at least a portion of the obturator sleeve having
a non-circular cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that
of the opening extending through the cannula housing such that
relative rotation between the obturator assembly and the cannula
assembly is substantially inhibited, whereby rotation of the
obturator assembly effectuates corresponding rotation of the
cannula assembly to facilitate advancement of the cannula assembly
through tissue.
11: The surgical access system of claim 10, wherein the opening
extending through the cannula housing is polygonal in
configuration, and at least a portion of the obturator sleeve has a
polygonal configuration.
12: The surgical access system of claim 11, wherein the opening
extending through the cannula housing is substantially square in
configuration, and at least a portion of the obturator sleeve has a
substantially square configuration.
13: The surgical access system of claim 10, wherein the cannula
sleeve includes a threaded portion configured and dimensioned to
engage the tissue as the cannula assembly is rotated to thereby
facilitate advancement of the cannula assembly through the
tissue.
14: The surgical access system of claim 10, wherein the obturator
assembly further includes an obturator housing secured to a
proximal end of the obturator sleeve.
15: The surgical access system of claim 14, wherein the obturator
housing includes a handle configured and dimensioned for manual
engagement to facilitate rotation of the obturator assembly.
16: The surgical access system of claim 10, wherein the obturator
sleeve includes a distal end configured and dimensioned to
penetrate tissue.
17: The surgical access system of claim 16, wherein the distal end
of the obturator sleeve has a blunt configuration.
18: A method of establishing percutaneous access to a surgical
worksite comprising the steps of: positioning a cannula assembly
within a tissue tract; positioning an obturator assembly within an
opening in the cannula assembly to cause engagement between an
external surface of the obturator assembly and an internal surface
of the opening in the cannula assembly such that relative rotation
between the obturator assembly and the cannula assembly is
substantially inhibited; rotating the obturator assembly to
effectuate corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly, and
facilitate advancement of the cannula assembly through tissue; and
advancing the obturator assembly and the cannula assembly distally
through the tissue tract.
19: The method of claim 18 further including the step of
withdrawing the obturator assembly from the cannula assembly,
whereby the cannula assembly remains positioned within the tissue
tract.
20: The method of claim 19 further including the step of inserting
a surgical instrument into the surgical worksite through the
cannula assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/487,071, filed Jun. 18, 2009, which claims
the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/081,466, filed Jul. 17, 2008, now expired,
the entire contents of each application being incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to surgical devices. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to surgical access
systems and methods of using the same during minimally invasive
surgical procedures.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Minimally invasive surgical procedures, which include both
endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, permit surgery to be
performed on target tissue, such as organs, vessels, or the like,
at a surgical worksite removed from an opening in the patient's
tissue. Such procedures are typically performed through a surgical
access system including, among other things, a cannula assembly and
an obturator assembly positionable therein.
[0006] Generally, in laparoscopic procedures, the surgical worksite
is first insufflated to provide increased access to the target
tissues. Subsequently, the obturator assembly, which typically
includes a distal end adapted to penetrate the patient's tissue, is
inserted into the cannula assembly and is used to create a
temporary tissue tract. The cannula assembly is subsequently
advanced through the tissue tract, thereafter remaining in place,
and the obturator assembly is removed such that additional
instrumentation can be inserted through the cannula assembly to
carry out the remainder of the procedure.
[0007] Known surgical access systems are usually pushed through the
tissue tract by applying an axial, distally directed force to the
surgical access system. Advancing the surgical access system in
this manner, however, may unnecessarily stress, stretch, or deform
the patient's tissue. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide
a surgical access system that can be advanced through a patient's
tissue in a less traumatic manner.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical access
system is disclosed that includes a cannula assembly adapted for
removable positioning within a percutaneous tissue tract, and an
obturator assembly removably positionable within the cannula
assembly. The cannula assembly includes a cannula housing, a
cannula sleeve, and first engagement structure, and the obturator
assembly includes an obturator housing, an obturator sleeve, and
second engagement structure. The first engagement structure and the
second engagement structure are correspondingly dimensioned such
that rotation of the obturator assembly in a first direction
effectuates corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly to
facilitate advancement of the cannula assembly through tissue. It
is envisioned that the first engagement structure may depend
proximally from the cannula housing and that the second engagement
structure may depend distally from the obturator housing.
[0009] In one embodiment of the surgical access system, the first
engagement structure includes a first plurality of teeth and the
second engagement structure includes a second plurality of teeth.
The first plurality of teeth is configured and dimensioned for
engagement with the second plurality of teeth in an interlocking
arrangement. Specifically, each tooth in the first plurality of
teeth includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and
each tooth in the second plurality of teeth includes a second inner
surface and a second outer surface, wherein the first outer surface
is configured and dimensioned to engage the second inner surface,
and the first inner surface is configured and dimensioned to engage
the second outer surface. The first outer surface and the second
inner surface are each substantially planar such that rotation of
the obturator assembly relative to the cannula assembly is
substantially restricted in the first direction, and the first
inner surface and the second outer surface are correspondingly
chamfered such that the obturator assembly is permitted to rotate
relative to the cannula assembly in a second direction that is
opposite to the first direction.
[0010] The cannula sleeve may include a threaded portion that is
configured and dimensioned to engage the tissue as the cannula
assembly is rotated in the first direction to thereby facilitate
advancement of the cannula assembly through the tissue.
Additionally, or alternatively, the obturator assembly may include
a handle that is configured and dimensioned for manual engagement
to facilitate rotation of the obturator assembly.
[0011] In one embodiment of the surgical access system, the first
engagement structure is defined by an internal configuration of a
non-circular opening extending through the cannula housing, and the
second engagement structure is defined by an outer configuration of
the obturator sleeve. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the
obturator sleeve defines a cross-sectional configuration
corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the opening
in the cannula housing such that relative rotation between the
obturator assembly and the cannula assembly is substantially
restricted.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the surgical access system,
the first engagement structure is defined by an internal
configuration of the cannula sleeve and the second engagement
structure is defined by an outer configuration of the obturator
sleeve. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the obturator
sleeve defines an outer cross-sectional configuration that
corresponds to an internal cross-sectional configuration of the
cannula sleeve, wherein the outer cross-sectional configuration of
the obturator sleeve and the internal cross-sectional configuration
of the cannula sleeve are non-circular such that relative rotation
between the obturator assembly and the cannula assembly is
substantially restricted.
[0013] In another embodiment of the surgical access system, the
first engagement structure includes a rack and the second
engagement structure includes a pawl. The pawl is configured and
dimensioned for engagement with the rack to permit ratcheting
movement of the obturator assembly relative to the cannula
assembly. The rack and the pawl may be positioned in any suitable
location. For example, the rack may be positioned on an inner wall
of the cannula housing, depending inwardly therefrom, and the pawl
may be positioned in mechanical cooperation with the obturator
sleeve.
[0014] The rack includes a plurality of teeth each having a first
planar surface and a first chamfered surface, and the pawl includes
a second planar surface and a second chamfered surface. The first
planar surface of the rack is configured and dimensioned to engage
the second planar surface of the pawl such that rotation of the
obturator assembly relative to the cannula assembly is
substantially restricted in a first direction, and the first
chamfered surface of the rack is configured and dimensioned to
engage the second chamfered surface of the pawl such that the
obturator assembly is permitted to rotate relative to the cannula
assembly in a second direction that is opposite to the first
direction. The obturator assembly may further include a biasing
mechanism connected to the pawl to facilitate reciprocal movement
of the pawl in the first and second directions.
[0015] In an alternate aspect of the present disclosure, a method
of establishing percutaneous access to a surgical worksite is
disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a cannula
assembly adapted for removable positioning within a tissue tract,
providing an obturator assembly removably positionable within the
cannula assembly, positioning the obturator assembly within the
cannula assembly, and rotating the obturator assembly in a first
direction. The cannula assembly includes first engagement structure
and the obturator assembly includes second engagement structure.
The first engagement structure corresponds in configuration to the
second engagement structure such that rotation of the obturator
assembly in the first direction effectuates corresponding rotation
of the cannula assembly to facilitate advancement of the cannula
assembly through tissue.
[0016] These and other features of the surgical access system
disclosed herein, and methods of using the same, will become more
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described
herein below with references to the drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical access system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure shown in a
disassembled condition and including an obturator assembly
removably positionable within a cannula assembly;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side view of the surgical access
system of FIG. 1 shown in an assembled condition and illustrating a
plurality of teeth formed on each of the obturator and cannula
assemblies;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, side view of the surgical access
system of FIG. 1 shown in an assembled condition with the plurality
of teeth formed on the obturator and cannula assemblies interlocked
such that the obturator and cannula assemblies are in secure
engagement;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the obturator assembly seen in
FIG. 1 taken through line 4-4;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the cannula assembly seen in FIG. 1
taken through line 5-5;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view of the surgical access system of FIG.
1 in an assembled condition and inserted within tissue;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
surgical access system of FIG.1 including a handle connected to the
obturator assembly;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the surgical
access system of FIG. 1 shown in a disassembled condition;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the obturator assembly seen in
FIG. 8 taken through line 9-9;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cannula assembly seen in FIG. 8
taken through line 10-10;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
surgical access system in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure shown in a disassembled condition and including
a ratcheting mechanism including a rack associated with the
obturator assembly that is engagable with a pawl associated with
the obturator assembly; and
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top, cross-sectional view taken through the
ratcheting mechanism upon assembly of the surgical access system
seen in FIG. 11 illustrating the engagement of the rack and the
pawl.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] In the drawings and in the description which follows, in
which like reference numerals identify substantially similar or
identical elements, the term "proximal" will refer to the end of
the presently disclosed surgical access system which is closest to
the clinician during use, while the term "distal" will refer to the
end which is furthest from the clinician, as is traditional and
known in the art.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical
access system 1000 in general accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure. Surgical access system 1000 includes an
obturator assembly 100 positionable within a cannula assembly
200.
[0032] Obturator assembly 100 includes an obturator housing 102 and
an elongate obturator sleeve 104. The obturator housing 102 may
include a gripping portion 106 to facilitate manual manipulation of
the obturator housing 102 by a clinician. Referring now to FIGS.
2-3 as well, the obturator housing 102 further includes a plurality
of teeth 108 depending downwardly (distally) from a distal wall
110. Each of the plurality of teeth 108 includes an inner surface
112 and a chamfered outer surface 114 connected by a substantially
planar distal surface 116. The respective inner and outer surfaces
112, 114 of the teeth 108 are each connected to the distal wall 110
of the obturator housing 102, and in the particular embodiment seen
in FIGS. 2-3, the inner surface 112 extends from the distal wall
110 in substantially orthogonal relation while the outer surface
114 extends from the distal wall 110 such that an acute angle .PHI.
is defined therewith.
[0033] The obturator sleeve 104 is coupled to, and extends distally
from the obturator housing 102 along a longitudinal axis "A". In
one embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the obturator sleeve 104
defines a substantially circular cross-section along its entire
length. However, in alternate embodiments, the obturator sleeve 104
may define a cross-section having other geometrical configurations,
as discussed in further detail below.
[0034] The obturator sleeve 104 includes a distal end 118 that is
adapted to penetrate tissue. In the embodiment of the surgical
access system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1, the distal end 118 of the
obturator sleeve 104 defines a substantially blunt, conical
configuration such that the obturator assembly 100 is employable to
enlarge a pre-existing tissue tract 10 formed in a patient's tissue
"T", such as incision created through the use of a scalpel. In
alternate embodiments, however, the distal end 118 of the obturator
sleeve 104 may be substantially incisive such that the obturator
assembly 100 may be used to create the tissue tract 10.
[0035] The obturator housing 102 and/or the obturator sleeve 104
may be fabricated from any suitable biocompatible material
including metals or polymers, and in alternate embodiments, may be
wholly or partially formed of materials that are transparent to
permit the visualization of the tissue "T" therethrough during
insertion.
[0036] Referring still to FIG. 1, the cannula assembly 200 will be
discussed. The cannula assembly 200 includes a cannula housing 202
and an elongate cannula sleeve 204. As seen in FIG. 5, the cannula
housing 202 defines an opening 206 therethrough that is configured
and dimensioned to permit the passage of one or more surgical
instruments, including but not limited to the obturator assembly
100, an endoscope, and/or a surgical fastener applying apparatus.
In the embodiment seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the opening 206 defines a
substantially circular configuration, e.g., to accommodate the
substantially circular cross-sectional configuration of the
obturator sleeve 104. However, in alternate embodiments, the
opening 206 may define other geometrical configurations, as
discussed in further detail below.
[0037] To prevent the passage of insufflation gas through the
cannula assembly 200, e.g., through the opening 206 in the cannula
housing 202, the cannula housing 202 may include a seal assembly
208 with an internal seal or valve (not shown) that is adapted to
close in the absence of a surgical instrument and to form a
substantially fluid-tight seal therewith upon insertion, such as a
duck-bill or other zero closure valve, to substantially prevent the
escape of insufflation gases through the cannula assembly 200. An
example of one such internal seal or valve is disclosed in commonly
assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,600 to Carlson, et al., which issued
Oct. 13, 1998, the entire contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein. The present disclosure contemplates that the seal
assembly 208 may be either releasably of fixedly connected to the
cannula housing 202. Means for releasably connecting the seal
assembly 208 to the cannula housing 202 may include a bayonet
coupling, threaded connection, latch, friction fit, tongue and
groove arrangements, snap-fit, etc.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the cannula housing 202 further
includes a plurality of teeth 210 that are configured and
dimensioned to engage the teeth 108 of the obturator assembly 100
such that the obturator assembly 100 is selectively engagable with,
and disengageable from, the cannula assembly 200.
[0039] Each tooth 210 depends upwardly (proximally) from a proximal
wall 212 of the cannula housing 202 and includes an outer surface
214 and a chamfered inner surface 216 connected by a substantially
planar proximal surface 218. The respective outer and inner
surfaces 214, 216 of the teeth 210 are each connected to the
proximal wall 212 of the cannula housing 202, and in the particular
embodiment seen in FIGS. 2-3, the outer surface 214 extends from
the proximal wall 212 in substantially orthogonal relation while
the inner surface 216 extends from the proximal wall 212 to define
the acute angle .PHI. therewith, i.e., the same acute angle .PHI.
defined between the outer surface 114 of each tooth 108 formed on
the obturator housing 102 and the distal wall 110 thereof.
[0040] The cannula sleeve 204 of the cannula assembly 200 extends
distally from the cannula housing 202 and defines an internal
longitudinal lumen 220 that corresponds in configuration to the
obturator sleeve 104 of the obturator assembly 100. Accordingly, in
the embodiment of the surgical access system seen in FIG. 1, the
cannula sleeve 204, and thus the lumen 220, also defines a circular
cross-sectional configuration. The lumen 220 is dimensioned such
that the obturator assembly 100, as well as additional surgical
instruments including but not being limited to endoscopes and/or
surgical fastener applying apparatus, may be positioned therein. In
general, the lumen 220 will define an internal dimension
substantially within the range of about 4.5 mm to about 15 mm,
although a cannula sleeve 204 having a substantially larger or
smaller internal dimension is also within the scope of the present
disclosure. The cannula sleeve 204 terminates in an open distal end
222 to permit the obturator assembly 100 and/or the additional
surgical instruments to pass through the cannula assembly 200.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one embodiment, the
cannula sleeve 204 includes an outer wall 224 with a threaded
portion 226. The threaded portion 226 includes a plurality of
threads 228 arranged to define a pitch "P" that facilitates
engagement of the threaded portion 226 and the patient's tissue
"T". Engagement of the threaded portion 226 with the tissue "T"
facilitates advancement of the cannula assembly 200 through the
tissue tract 10 in the manner discussed in further detail below. An
embodiment of the cannula assembly 200 having a cannula sleeve 204
with a substantially smooth outer wall 224, e.g., an outer wall 224
that is devoid of the threaded portion 226 seen in FIGS. 1 and 5,
however, is not beyond the scope of the present disclosure,
however.
[0042] The cannula housing 202 and/or the cannula sleeve 204 may be
fabricated from any suitable biocompatible material including
metals or polymers, and in alternate embodiments, may be wholly or
partially formed of materials that are transparent to permit the
visualization of the tissue "T" therethrough during insertion.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, a method of using the
surgical access system 1000 to provide percutaneous access to a
surgical worksite "W" through a patient's tissue "T" will be
discussed. Initially, the surgical access system 1000 is assembled
by inserting the obturator assembly 100 into the cannula assembly
200. As seen in FIG. 6, the obturator assembly 100 is dimensioned
such that the distal end 118 thereof extends beyond the distal end
222 of the cannula sleeve 204 upon insertion.
[0044] The obturator assembly 100 is then rotated in the direction
of arrow 1 to ensure that the respective teeth 108, 210 formed on
the obturator and cannula assemblies 100, 200 are interlocked such
that the obturator assembly 100 and the cannula assembly 200 are
securely engaged. Interlocking of the teeth 108, 210 can be seen in
transition between FIGS. 2 and 3. When the teeth 108, 210 are
interlocked, the inner and outer surfaces 112, 114 of each tooth
108 formed on the obturator housing 102 respectively engage the
outer and inner surfaces 214, 216 of adjacent teeth 210 formed on
the cannula housing 202.
[0045] The distal end 118 of the obturator sleeve 104 of the
obturator assembly 100 is then positioned within the tissue tract
10 to enlarge the opening defined thereby and thus facilitate
insertion of the assembled surgical access system 1000 into the
tissue "T".
[0046] The engagement between the inner surfaces 112 of the teeth
108 and the outer surfaces 214 of the teeth 210 prohibits relative
rotation between the obturator assembly 100 and the cannula
assembly 200 in the direction of arrow 1. However, the engagement
between the chamfered outer surfaces 114 of the teeth 108 and the
chamfered inner surfaces 216 of the teeth 210 creates a camming
effect by which the outer surfaces 114 of the teeth 108 traverse
the inner surfaces 216 of the teeth 210, thereby permitting
relative rotation between the obturator assembly 100 and the
cannula assembly 200 in the direction of arrow 2. Consequently,
rotation of the obturator assembly 100 in the direction of arrow 1
effectuates corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly 200. In
contrast, however, as the obturator assembly 100 in rotated in the
direction of arrow 2, the position of the cannula assembly 200
remains substantially constant. This facilitates manipulation of
the assembled surgical access system 1000 in a ratcheting manner in
which rotation of the obturator assembly 100, and consequently,
rotation of the cannula assembly 200, is alternated between the
directions indicated by arrows 1 and 2.
[0047] As the cannula assembly 200 rotates in the direction of
arrow 1, the threaded portion 226 of the cannula sleeve 204 engages
the adjacent tissue portions T.sub.1, T.sub.2 (FIG. 6) defining the
tissue tract 10 formed in the tissue "T", thereby advancing the
surgical access system 1000 into the tissue "T". Accordingly, the
surgical access system 1000 is advanced into and through the tissue
"T" solely through the rotation of the obturator housing 100,
thereby obviating the need to apply what would be an otherwise
requisite axial force in the distal direction and substantially
minimizing any unnecessary stressing, stretching, or deformation of
the tissue "T".
[0048] While a clinician may choose to manipulate the surgical
access system 1000 in the ratcheting manner described above,
alternating rotation of the obturator assembly 100 between the
directions indicated by arrows 1 and 2, in an another method of
use, the clinician may choose to simply rotate the obturator
assembly 100, and thus the cannula assembly 200, continuously in
the direction of arrow 1.
[0049] After the cannula assembly 200 has passed through the tissue
tract 10 and been securely positioned within the tissue "T", the
obturator assembly 100 is withdrawn therefrom such that additional
surgical instrumentation can be subsequently inserted through the
cannula assembly 200 and into the surgical worksite "W" (FIG. 6) to
carry out the remainder of the minimally invasive surgical
procedure.
[0050] It should be appreciated that, while the above-described
methods relate to the insertion of an obturator assembly 100 having
a substantially blunt distal end 118 into a pre-existing tissue
tract 10 formed in the tissue "T", alternate methods of using the
surgical access system 1000 are also contemplated in which the
obturator assembly 100 includes a substantially incisive distal end
118 that is employable to create the tissue tract 10.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the surgical
access system, referred to generally by reference number 2000 will
be described. The surgical access system 2000 is substantially
similar to the surgical access system 1000 discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, will only be discussed with
respect to its differences therefrom.
[0052] As seen in FIG. 7, the obturator assembly 300 includes a
handle 320 connected to the obturator housing 302 to facilitate
rotation thereof. The handle 320 may be integrally formed with the
obturator housing 302, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or alternatively,
the handle 320 may be releasably connectable with the obturator
housing 302 through the employ of corresponding attachment and
receipt structure.
[0053] After positioning the distal end 318 of the obturator
assembly 300 within the tissue tract 10 formed in the tissue "T",
the clinician uses the handle 320 to rotate the obturator assembly
300, either alternating between the directions indicated by arrows
1 and 2, or continuously in the direction of arrow 1, as described
above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, another embodiment of the
surgical access system, referred to generally by reference number
3000 will be described. The surgical access system 3000 is
substantially similar to the surgical access system 1000 discussed
above with respect to FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, will only be
discussed with respect to its differences therefrom.
[0055] In contrast to the obturator assembly 100 seen in FIGS. 1
and 4, for example, in which the obturator sleeve 104 defines a
substantially circular cross-sectional configuration along its
entire length, at least a portion of the obturator sleeve 404 of
the obturator assembly 400 defines a non-circular, e.g., polygonal,
cross-sectional configuration. In the particular embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the obturator sleeve 404 defines a
square cross-sectional configuration along its entire length.
However, in alternate embodiments, only a portion of the obturator
sleeve 404, e.g., a proximal portion thereof, may define the
non-circular cross-sectional configuration. Additionally, in
alternate embodiments, various other non-circular geometric
configurations are contemplated for the sleeve 404, including but
not limited to hexagonal and triangular configurations.
[0056] As seen in FIG. 10, the opening 506 extending through the
cannula housing 502 of the cannula assembly 500 also defines a
non-circular, e.g., polygonal, configuration that corresponds to
the cross-sectional configuration defined by the obturator sleeve
404. As such, in the embodiment seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, the opening
506 extending thorough the cannula housing 502 defines a square
configuration. Optionally, the lumen 520 extending through the
cannula sleeve 504 may also define a non-circular, e.g., polygonal,
configuration corresponding to that of the obturator sleeve 404.
Upon insertion of the obturator assembly 400 into the cannula
assembly 500, the corresponding configurations of the obturator
sleeve 404 and the opening 506 substantially prevent rotation of
the obturator assembly 400 relative to the cannula assembly 500.
Accordingly, rotation of the obturator assembly 400 effectuates
corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly 500, thereby
obviating the need for the teeth 108, 210 respectively formed on
the obturator and cannula assemblies 100, 200 of the surgical
access system 1000 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 11-12, still another embodiment of
the surgical access system, referred to generally by reference
number 4000 will be described. The surgical access system 4000 is
substantially similar to the surgical access system 1000 discussed
above with respect to FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, the surgical
access system 4000 will only be discussed with respect to its
differences therefrom.
[0058] The surgical access system 4000 incorporates a ratcheting
mechanism 600 including a rack 602 associated with the cannula
assembly 700 and a pawl 604 associated with the obturator assembly
800. The rack 602 and the pawl 604 are engagable in the manner
described below to facilitate selective engagement and
disengagement of the obturator assembly 800 and the cannula
assembly 700 comprising the surgical access system 4000.
[0059] In the embodiment of the ratcheting mechanism 600 discussed
below with respect to FIGS. 11-12, the rack 602 is formed on an
inner wall 606 of the cannula housing 702 and the pawl 604 is
illustrated in mechanical cooperation with the obturator sleeve
804. However, it should be appreciated that the rack 602 and the
pawl 604 may be positioned in any manner suitable to permit the
engagement thereof. As an illustrative example, the present
disclosure contemplates that the pawl 604 may alternatively be
positioned on the distal wall 810 of the obturator housing 802.
[0060] The rack 602 includes a plurality of teeth 608 depending
radially inward from the cannula housing 702, i.e., away from the
inner wall 606 towards the opening (not shown) extending through
the cannula housing 702. In the particular embodiment of the
ratcheting mechanism 600 seen in FIGS. 11-12, each tooth 608
includes a first surface 610 and a second, chamfered surface 612
connected by an end surface 614. However, alternate configurations
for the teeth 608 are also within the scope of the present
disclosure. The first surface 610 extends radially inward from the
inner wall 606 while the second surface 612 extends from the inner
wall 606 such that an acute angle a is defined therewith.
[0061] The pawl 604 defines a radial portion 616 that includes a
first surface 618 and a second, chamfered surface 620 connected by
an end surface 622, each of which corresponds in configuration and
dimensions to the respective first, second, and end surfaces 610,
612, 614 of the teeth 608 comprising the rack 602. The pawl 604 is
in mechanical cooperation with a biasing member 624 to facilitate
reciprocal displacement of the pawl 604 relative to the obturator
sleeve 804 in the directions indicated by arrows 1 and 2. While the
biasing member 624 is illustrated as a spring 626 disposed about
the obturator sleeve 804, in alternate embodiments, the biasing
mechanism 624 may constitute any mechanism suitable for the
intended purpose of biasing the pawl 604 towards a normal position
thereof, which can be seen in FIG. 12, positionable in any suitable
location.
[0062] In the normal position, the first and second surfaces 618,
620 of the pawl 604 respectively engage the first and second
surfaces 610, 612 of adjacent teeth 608. Due to this engagement,
rotating the obturator assembly 800, and thus, the pawl 604 in one
direction endeavors to displace the pawl 604 in the opposite
direction. Specifically, rotating the obturator assembly 800 in the
direction of arrow 1 endeavors to displace the pawl 604 in the
direction of arrow 2, and rotating the obturator assembly 800, and
thus, the pawl 604 in the direction of arrow 2 endeavors to
displace the pawl 604 in the direction of arrow 1. However,
displacement of the pawl 604 from the normal position in the
direction of arrow 2 is substantially proscribed such that movement
of the pawl 604 in the direction of arrow 2 is limited to movement
facilitated by the influence of the biasing member 624 as the pawl
604 is returned to the normal position following displacement of
the pawl 604 in the direction of arrow 1, as described in further
detail below.
[0063] Prohibiting displacement of the pawl 604 from the normal
position in the direction of arrow 2 prohibits relative rotation
between the obturator assembly 800 and the cannula assembly 700 in
the direction of arrow 1. Accordingly, rotating the obturator
assembly 800, and thus, the pawl 604 in the direction of arrow 1
effectuates corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly 700
through the engagement of the pawl 604 with the teeth 608 of the
rack 602. By contrast, displacement the pawl 604 in the direction
of arrow 1 is unrestricted such that rotation of the obturator
assembly 800 relative to the cannula assembly 700 in the direction
of arrow 2 is permitted. As the obturator assembly 800, and thus,
the pawl 604 is rotated in the direction of arrow 2, the second
surface 612 of each tooth 608 traverses the second surface 620 of
the pawl 604. This causes displacement of the pawl 604 in the
direction of arrow 1 and allows the clinician to rotate the
obturator assembly 800 in the direction of arrow 2 without causing
corresponding rotation of the cannula assembly 700. Subsequently,
the pawl 604 is urged back towards the normal position by the
biasing member 624, thereby facilitating manipulation of the
surgical access system 4000 in a ratcheting manner in which
rotation of the obturator assembly 800 can be alternated between
the directions indicated between arrows 1 and 2.
[0064] As the cannula assembly 700 is rotated in the direction of
arrow 1, the threaded portion 726 of the cannula sleeve 704 engages
the patient's tissue "T", causing advancement of the surgical
access system 4000 therethrough, as discussed above with respect to
FIGS. 1-6.
[0065] While the clinician may choose to manipulate the surgical
access system 4000 in the ratcheting manner described above,
alternating rotation of the obturator assembly 800 between the
directions indicated by arrows 1 and 2, alternatively, the
clinician may choose to simply rotate the obturator assembly 800,
and thus, the cannula assembly 700 continuously in the direction of
arrow 1.
[0066] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the systems
and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings are intended to be construed as non-limiting,
exemplary embodiments, and that the features illustrated or
described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be
combined with the features of other embodiments. Additionally, one
skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages
of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. As
such, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been
particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the
appended claims.
* * * * *