Soft threaded casing and casing sealing assemblies

Abstract

A cannula seal assembly having a compatible flexible cannula. The cannula includes a rigid cannula body having a proximal body end and a distal body end. The cannula body is composed of a material having a first thickness. A flexible thread extends along at least a portion of the cannula body from the distal body end toward the proximal body end. The thread is composed of a material having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. The cannula is attachable to the cannula seal assembly. The assembly includes a housing having a primary seal and a secondary seal therein. The assembly has a spacer connected between the primary seal and the secondary seal and a reservoir located between the primary seal and the secondary seal.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 785,331, filed on December 27, 2018, and entitled “Cannula Seal Mechanism,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 786,085, filed on December 28, 2018, and entitled “Soft-Thread Cannula,” the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to surgical devices and assemblies, and more particularly, to a cannula seal assembly having a compatible flexible cannula.

[0005] 2. Related technologies

[0006] Cannulas are used to support arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery by providing access to the surgical site. Due to fluid management issues, cannulas are often equipped with a seal at the proximal end. The seal restricts fluid flow through the cannula, but can also help build fluid pressure. Breaking the seal by passing an instrument or device through the cannula may result in spontaneous and uncontrolled projected fluid leakage.

[0007] In addition, conventional cannulas typically have a rigid body with rigid threads. The rigid body maintains a tubular structure for passing instruments and devices, while the rigid threads grab tissue and provide fixation of the cannula at the surgical site. However, the rigid threads on the cannula body may cause additional trauma and risk of injury at the surgical site when the cannula is inserted.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a cannula having flexible features for reducing trauma and a sealing assembly for controlling the flow of fluids away from a surgical site while delivering instruments to the surgical site.

[0009] Related Art Section Disclaimer Description: With respect to specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Related Art Section Description or elsewhere in this disclosure, such discussion should not be considered an admission that the discussed patents / publications / products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents / publications / products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter that was developed early enough in time, and / or may not be sufficient to achieve prior art equivalents for patent law purposes. With respect to specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Related Art Section Description and / or throughout the application, their descriptions / disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. Summary of the invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cannula seal assembly having a compatible flexible cannula. According to one aspect, the present invention is a cannula comprising a rigid cannula body having a proximal body end and a distal body end. The cannula body is comprised of a material having a first thickness. A flexible thread extends along at least a portion of the cannula body from the distal body end toward the proximal body end. The thread is comprised of a material having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

[0011] According to another aspect, the sleeve comprises a rigid sleeve body having a proximal body end and a distal body end. A flexible sleeve extends along at least a portion of the sleeve body from the distal body end toward the proximal body end. The sleeve also comprises a flexible thread extending along at least a portion of the sleeve.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention is a casing seal assembly. The assembly includes a housing having a primary seal and a secondary seal therein. The assembly has a spacer connected between the primary seal and the secondary seal and a reservoir located between the primary seal and the secondary seal.

[0013] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the disclosed subject matter may admit of other equally effective embodiments. Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sleeve according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 is a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of a thread according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 is a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of threads in a compressed position according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 is a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of threads in an expanded position according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 is a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of a thread according to an alternative embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 is a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of a thread according to another alternative embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of a sleeve according to an alternative embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram of a casing;

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A partial internal view of the distal end of the cannula;

[0024] Fig.10 is a schematic partial internal side view of a casing seal assembly according to one embodiment;

[0025] Fig.11 is a partial internal perspective schematic diagram of a primary seal and a secondary seal according to one embodiment;

[0026] Fig.12 is a top schematic view of a casing seal assembly according to one embodiment;

[0027] Fig.13 is a perspective schematic diagram of a sleeve seal assembly according to one embodiment; and

[0028] Fig.14 is another perspective schematic illustration of a sleeve seal assembly according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages and details thereof are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific non-limiting examples, although indicating aspects of the present invention, are given only in an illustrative manner, rather than in a limiting manner. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic concepts of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figure 1A partially cutaway schematic view of a cannula 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The cannula 10 has a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. The distal end 14 is configured for insertion into an inlet at a surgical site. A cannula body 16 extends from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 14 along a central longitudinal yy axis. The cannula 10 further includes a port 18 extending from its proximal end 12. The port 18 provides an outlet for fluid to flow out of the cannula 10. The port 18 includes a control valve (not shown) for allowing or prohibiting fluid flow through the port 18. (As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the control valve will extend through the control valve hole 20).

[0031] The cannula body 16 is elongated and tubular, having an open proximal body end 22 and an open distal body end 24, with an interior volume 26 extending therebetween. The interior volume 26 is sized and configured to accommodate surgical instruments and devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal body end 24 of the cannula body 16 is threaded so that threads 28 extend proximally from the distal body end 24 of the cannula body 16 along at least a portion of the outer surface 30 of the cannula body, as shown. The threads 28 serve as a fixing feature for anchoring the cannula 10 at the surgical site.

[0032] Now go to Figure 2 , a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the thread 28 according to one embodiment is shown. As shown, the thread 28 extends at a certain angle relative to the central longitudinal yy axis. Specifically, the thread 28 extends proximally (i.e., toward the proximal end 12 of the sleeve 10). The profile of the thread 28 is angled away from the insertion direction in the proximal direction. In an alternative embodiment, the profile of the thread 28 can be angled toward the insertion direction in the distal direction.

[0033] Reference now Figure 3 , a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the thread 28 in a compressed position according to one embodiment is shown. As shown, the thread 28 is made of a flexible material so that the thread 28 is generated under a predetermined compression force. In other words, the tip 32 of the thread 28 is bent in the proximal direction toward the outer surface 30 of the sleeve body 16 (toward the central longitudinal yy axis) to a compressed position. When the sleeve 10 is compressed during insertion (i.e., when a force is applied in the proximal direction by the tissue), this bending in the proximal direction reduces the overall profile of the sleeve. Therefore, during insertion, the smaller profile of the thread 28 minimizes interference.

[0034] Now go to Figure 4 , shows a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the threads 28 in an expanded position according to one embodiment. Although the threads 28 are flexible, the threads 28 must be able to provide fixation at the surgical site. Figure 4As shown, the threads 28 expand under tensile load (i.e., force in the distal direction) to maximize the overall profile of the cannula 10 during use. Thus, the larger profile of the threads 28 increases the fixation strength of the cannula 10 in the tissue at the surgical site during use. Figure 3 In the compressed position in FIG. 1 , the tip 32 of the thread 28 bends slightly in the distal direction back to the expanded position.

[0035] Reference now Figure 5 and Figure 6 , shows a close-up side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the threads 28 according to an alternative embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the geometry of the threads 28 allows for compression in the proximal direction and resistance to compression in the distal direction. Figure 5 , the threads 28 have different radii at the base 34 of the threads 28. Specifically, the threads 28 have a first radius R1 on the distal side 36 of the base 34, and a second radius R2 on the proximal side 38 of the base 34. In the depicted embodiment, the second radius R2 is smaller than the first radius R1. With the smaller second radius R2 on the proximal side 38, the threads 28 are more susceptible to compression in the proximal direction D1. Similarly, with the larger first radius R1 on the distal side 36, the base 34 is more resistant to compression in the distal direction D2.

[0036] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the threads 28 have a reinforced base 34 that resists compression in the distal direction D2. In the depicted embodiment, the threads 28 have a support feature 40, such as a secondary thread, adjacent to the distal side 36 of the base 34 (or threads 28). Figure 6 , the support feature 40 has a triangular cross-section. Specifically, the support feature 40 is angled so that it is larger (or wider) and closer to the threads 28. The angle of the support feature 40 allows the tip 32 of the threads 28 to be compressed in the proximal direction D1 (i.e., the angle does not interfere with the force applied in the distal direction D1) and supports the base 34 of the threads 28 when a force is applied to the threads 28 in the proximal direction D1. In addition, the support feature 40 is small enough so that when the threads 28 are in a compressed position, the support feature does not extend beyond the threads 28.

[0037] The combination of rigid and flexible features in the sleeve 10 may be achieved using a single material or a combination of materials. Figure 1 The sleeve 10 in the embodiment is composed of a single material. The combination of rigid and flexible features of the sleeve 10 can be achieved by optimizing the material properties of the substrate and the geometric shape of the sleeve 10. Figure 1In the embodiment of the sleeve 10 shown, the sleeve body 16 has a tube thickness t. The thickness t is large enough so that the use of a flexible material can still produce a rigid sleeve body 16. Similarly, by changing the thickness of the material, the same material can be used for the flexible threads 28. Figure 1 As shown, the threads 28 have a thickness t' that is small enough to make the threads 28 flexible. In the depicted embodiment, the thickness t' of the threads 28 is less than the thickness t of the sleeve body 16.

[0038] Reference now Figure 7 and Figure 8 , shows a partially exploded and perspective schematic view of a bushing 10 according to an alternative embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a combination of materials. In other words, some features of the sleeve 10 are composed of flexible materials, while other features of the sleeve 10 are composed of rigid materials. Figure 7 As shown, the cannula body 16 is made or otherwise constructed from a rigid material that provides structural strength to the cannula 10 .

[0039] In another aspect, the threads 28 are made of or otherwise comprised of a flexible material that provides the flexibility needed to reduce interference during insertion. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the threads 28 are formed on a sleeve 42 made of a flexible material. The sleeve 42 is hollow so that the sleeve 42 can be pulled through the sleeve body 16 (i.e., the sleeve body 16 extends through the sleeve 42, such as Figure 8 This allows a combination of materials to be used to achieve Figure 1 The same function as the middle sleeve 10.

[0040] Briefly go to Fig. 9 , showing Figure 7 and Figure 8 10. When the rigid cannula body 16 extends through the flexible sleeve 42, the sleeve 42 extends distally beyond the distal body end 24 of the cannula body 16. This additional length of the sleeve 42 is a compliant tip 44, such as Fig. 9 The compliant tip 44 protects the surgical site from inadvertent injury.

[0041] Reference now Fig.10 , shows a schematic partial internal side view of a cannula seal assembly 100 according to one embodiment. The assembly 100 is sized and configured for attachment to the proximal end 12 of a cannula 10 (such as Figure 1 and Figure 7-Figure 9). The assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having two seals positioned therein. The two seals include: one or more distal primary seals 104 and a proximal secondary seal 106. Fig.10 As shown, the reservoir 108 separates the primary seal 104 from the secondary seal 106 .

[0042] The primary seal 104 is the main seal within the assembly 100. Fluid flows through the cannula 10 from the distal body end 24 of the cannula body 16 toward the primary seal 104. When the primary seal 104 is not disturbed, it provides a barrier that restricts fluid flow through the cannula 10. When the primary seal 104 is disturbed (e.g., by a surgical instrument), the fluid passes through the primary seal 104 and enters the reservoir 108. Fig.10 As shown, the reservoir 108 is the space between the primary seal 104 and the secondary seal 106. Any projected leak that bypasses the primary seal 104 is captured by the secondary seal 106. The secondary seal 106 greatly reduces the amount of "splash" experienced by the user. In particular, the secondary seal 106 acts as a splash shield because it is not subject to fluid pressure, but captures projected leaks.

[0043] Now go to Fig.11 , shows a partial perspective schematic diagram of the interior of the primary seal 104 and the secondary seal 106 according to one embodiment. As shown, the separation of the primary seal 104 from the secondary seal 106 is maintained by the spacer 110. The spacer 110 is composed of a disk 112A, 112B with a central hole 114 to avoid interference with the reservoir 108. Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 110 includes a first disk 112A and a second disk 112B with one or more connectors 116 extending therebetween. The connector 116 may be any rigid piece or portion of material that holds the first disk 112A at a distance from the second disk 112B, thereby creating at least one transverse spacer slot 118 therebetween. The purpose of the spacer slot 118 is to allow fluid to flow out of the reservoir 108.

[0044] During use, the reservoir 108 between the primary seal 104 and the secondary seal 106 is filled with fluid. The presence of low pressure fluid in the reservoir 108 provides additional protection against projectile leaks. Any excess fluid will leak from the reservoir 108 and through one or more transverse external slots 120 ( Fig.10), thereby preventing fluid from accumulating between the primary seal 104 and the secondary seal 106. The spacer slot 118 and the external slot 120 are transverse to the central longitudinal yy axis extending through the sleeve 10. Specifically, the slots 118, 120 extend in a direction along the xx axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal yy axis and substantially parallel to the port 18 ( Fig.10 )'s extension direction.

[0045] Reference now Figure 12-14 , various schematic diagrams of a cannula seal assembly 100 are shown according to one embodiment. To ensure that the reservoir 108 is always filled with fluid to aid in leak protection, the assembly 100 includes one or more chambers 124 extending around the reservoir 108. Fig.12 As shown, chamber 124 is concentric and extends at least partially around reservoir 108. In the depicted embodiment, chamber 124 is created between secondary seal 106 and housing 102. (Note that for clarity, the chamber 124 has been Figure 12-14 As fluid enters through primary seal 104, the level between primary seal 104 and secondary seal 106 increases. Eventually, the fluid exceeds the volume of reservoir 108 and flows out through chamber 124.

[0046] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the assembly 100 also includes one or more channels 126 extending around the reservoir 108. In the depicted embodiment, the seals 104, 106 are concentrically surrounded by an inner wall 128. The inner wall 128 has one or more edges 130 extending along the inner wall such that the edges 130 are located between the inner wall 128 and the housing 102. The edges 130 form the channel 126 extending around the reservoir 108. In the depicted embodiment, the edges 130 and the resulting channel 126 only partially extend around the reservoir 108. In addition, Fig.13 and Fig.14 The passage 126 is shown offset from the chamber 124 to ensure that the level of the effluent always exceeds the height of the spacer 110 .

[0047] Specifically, Fig.12 The fluid path p out of the chamber 124 is shown. Fig.13 The fluid path p is shown out of chamber 124 and into channel 126. The fluid level must exceed a peak value before flowing out of assembly 100. Fig.14 The offset configuration of the chambers 124 and channels 126 in the reservoir 108 ensures that a robust layer of fluid is retained in the reservoir 108 through the primary seal 104. Finally, the configuration of the septum 110 and seals 104, 106 allows the reservoir 108 to be primed with fluid during use.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims supported by the written description and the accompanying drawings. In addition, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be practiced with less than or greater than the certain number of elements.

Claims

1. A sleeve, comprising: an elongated rigid cannula body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal body end and a distal body end; wherein the sleeve body is formed of a material having a first thickness; a flexible thread extending along at least a portion of the cannula body from the distal body end toward the proximal body end; and wherein the thread is formed of a material having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness, Wherein the thread includes a base including a proximal side, a distal side, and a support feature adjacent to the distal side and extending from the cannula body.

2. The cannula of claim 1, wherein the thread comprises a base comprising a distal side having a first radius and a proximal side having a second radius, and the second radius is smaller than the first radius.

3. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the support feature has a triangular cross-section.

4. The cannula of claim 1, wherein said support features are angled with a dimension increasing toward said distal side of said threads.

5. A sleeve comprising: an elongated rigid cannula body having a proximal body end and a distal body end; a flexible sleeve extending along at least a portion of the cannula body from the distal body end toward the proximal body end; as well as a flexible thread extending along at least a portion of the sleeve, Wherein the thread includes a base including a proximal side, a distal side, and a support feature adjacent to the distal side and extending from the cannula body.

6. The cannula of claim 5, wherein the cannula body is comprised of a material having a first thickness and the sleeve is comprised of a material having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

7. The cannula of claim 5, further comprising a compliant tip on the flexible sleeve, the compliant tip extending at least partially beyond the cannula body.

8. The cannula of claim 5, wherein the threads include a base including a distal side having a first radius and a proximal side having a second radius, and the second radius is smaller than the first radius.

9. The cannula of claim 5, wherein said support features are angled with a dimension increasing toward said distal side of said threads.

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