Tissue incision device and method

Abstract

A minimally invasive tissue incision system for creating joint capsulotomies and releasing / incising various tendon and fibrous band structures. The system contains a penetrating needle which is retractable so as to expose a cutting element, and which may be used as a penetrating needle to pierce the skin and other soft tissue structures. The cutting element provided within the penetrating needle may be used to incise subsequent tissue structures after the initial penetration. The system facilitates such procedures by providing the cutting element with the confines of the needle which provides safe introduction of the cutting element directly to the site via the needle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 883,861, titled “TISSUE INCISION APPARATUS AND METHOD” filed Sep. 27, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 96077-889592 (000110US)), and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 912,439, titled “TISSUE INCISION DEVICE” filed Dec. 5, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 96077-894996 (000120US)).BACKGROUND[0002]There is an ever-increasing demand for more minimally invasive surgical techniques. The lower morbidity seen in percutaneous, endoscopic and arthroscopic surgery makes these techniques very appealing to both patients and physicians. These technologically advanced procedures include many forms of tissue incision at all points during the procedure. Procedures such as arthroscopic rotator cuff and labral repair, hip arthroscopy, and knee and elbow arthroscopy utilize incisions at the both the skin level and deeper-lying tissue structures. Other procedures, known generally known as ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent proposes a minimally invasive tissue incision system with a cutting mechanism within a penetrating needle for creating capsulotomy and restoring fibrous tissue band function. The device avoids the need for withdrawing the needle and reduces the risk associated with bladed instrument exchanges. It also avoids the necessity of adding an additional laparoscopic port which is more invasive and costly. The device provides a safer and efficient solution for performing procedures with a needle-knife.

Problems solved by technology

An issue encountered during laparoscopic surgery is the need for an additional cutting instrument in the field without adding an additional laparoscopic port.

Adding a laparoscopic port can be costly and take more time.

More importantly however, adding an additional port is more invasive, typically requiring a skin incision of between 5 mm and 12 mm.

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