Hollow T-handle screwdriver and double-latch sleeve obturator

Abstract

The present invention discloses an occluder assembly having a rotatable and hollow occluder shaft for inserting a cannula into a joint space of a human. The occluder assembly includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body having a channel extending along an inner surface of the elongated body. The occluder assembly further includes a locking mechanism connected within the elongated body. The locking mechanism is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The hollow occluder shaft is attached to the locking mechanism and is rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism. The occluder assembly has a latch assembly connected to the hollow occluder shaft, the hollow occluder shaft being rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism. The latch assembly is firmly and removably attached to the cannula.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 735,246, filed on September 24, 2018, with the title "Cannulated T - Handle Driver and Double Latch Cannula Obturator". BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to an obturator for inserting a cannula into a joint space of a human, and more particularly to an obturator assembly having a rotatable hollow shaft for inserting the cannula.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Technologies

[0006] Cannulas are commonly used in orthopedic surgery to provide a means of inserting instruments into the joint space. Manual obturators are often used to provide a means of traumatically inserting the cannula into the joint space at a specific position or depth. In a surgical environment, fluids can make it more difficult to grasp these obturators. This is especially true when dealing with saline, blood, and / or lipids. In situations where the obturator is more difficult to grasp, less torque is available to insert the cannula into a specific position or depth within the joint space. Therefore, the surgeon must spend additional time and carefully insert the cannula into the joint space to prevent tissue and cartilage damage.

[0007] Numerous attempts have been made to provide a better grip on the obturator, including changing the size of the handle. As shown in the example of Figure 26 , the handles of some conventional obturators are oversized to provide additional surface area for gripping the obturator. However, the oversized handle is fixed to the obturator shaft. As such, the obturator shaft is at a fixed angle relative to the handle. Therefore, for some surgical sites and positions, it may be difficult to manipulate the obturator shaft.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an obturator that provides additional torque at multiple angles in a variety of desired holding positions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure relates to embodiments of an occluder assembly having a rotatable and hollow occluder shaft with multiple diameters for inserting a cannula into a joint space using multiple hand positions. The occluder assembly may include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body having a channel extending along an inner surface within the elongate body. The occluder assembly may also include a locking mechanism connected within the elongate body. The locking mechanism may rotate between a first configuration and a second configuration. The hollow occluder shaft may be removably attached to or fixed to the locking mechanism and may rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism.

[0010] According to another aspect, the occluder assembly may include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The channel extends along an inner surface within the elongate body. The occluder assembly may also include a hollow hub rotatably connected to the elongate body within a recess. The hollow hub may rotate between a first configuration and a second configuration and a locking mechanism integrated therewith. The hollow occluder shaft may be removably attached to or fixed to the locking mechanism and may rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism. The occluder assembly also includes a latch assembly connected to the hollow occluder shaft.

[0011] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (if such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Specifically, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that any terms explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any incorporated by reference disclosure should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] One or more aspects of the invention are specifically pointed out and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly according to an alternative embodiment;

[0016] Figure 3 is a close-up schematic view of a hollow hub according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4A close-up schematic view of a hollow hub according to an alternative embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver shaft according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6 A perspective schematic view of various screwdriver shafts according to an alternative embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7A An exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having a relief area according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7B A close-up schematic view of mating flanges located on a first workpiece and a second workpiece of a screwdriver assembly according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 11 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

[0026] Figure 12 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having an actuator according to an alternative embodiment;

[0027] Figure 13 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment, the screwdriver assembly having a dowel pin extending therethrough;

[0028] Figure 14 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to an alternative embodiment, the screwdriver assembly having a dowel pin extending therethrough;

[0029] Figure 15 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to an embodiment, the screwdriver assembly having a dowel pin extending therethrough;

[0030] Figure 16 A perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to an alternative embodiment, the screwdriver assembly having a dowel pin extending therethrough;

[0031] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a prior art screwdriver; and

[0032] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another prior art screwdriver.

[0033] Figure 19 is an exploded schematic view of an occluder assembly according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 20 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder shaft according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 21 is an exploded schematic view of a latch assembly according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 22 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 23 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder assembly rotating between a first configuration and a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 24 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment, the occluder assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough;

[0039] Figure 25 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder assembly in a second configuration according to an embodiment, the occluder assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough;

[0040] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a prior art occluder; and

[0041] Figure 27 is a perspective schematic view of an occluder assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment, showing a cannula assembled to the occluder assembly using a latch connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Aspects of the present invention and certain of its features, advantages, and details are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-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 the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic concepts of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0043] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals always refer to like parts, Figure 1 FIG. Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly 100. In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver assembly 100 includes an elongate body 102 extending between a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The elongate body 102 of the screwdriver assembly 100 and any other component parts may be constructed of disposable or reusable materials. Additionally, the screwdriver assembly 100 may be manufactured or otherwise assembled to prevent or allow disassembly. The elongate body 102 may be ergonomically designed to improve the user's grip on the elongate body 102. In Figure 1 the depicted embodiment, the elongate body 102 includes a first workpiece 108 and a second workpiece 110, the dimensions and configurations of which are both arranged to align and connect to form an internal volume 112 of the elongate body 102.

[0044] Still referring to Figure 1 , the second workpiece 110 of the elongate body 102 includes a first passage 114 and a second passage 116 that extend partially therethrough. As shown, the first passage 114 and the second passage 116 extend along the elongate body 102 from separate exit points 118, 120 and converge at a central recess 122 of the second workpiece 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first passage 114 extends from the exit point 118 at the distal end 106 of the second workpiece 110, and the second passage 116 extends between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 106 from the exit point 120 on the first side 124 of the elongate body 102. In Figure 1 the depicted embodiment, the first passage 114 extends perpendicular to the second passage 116. However, other angular relationships between the first passage 114 and the second passage 116 may be achieved in the elongate body 102 (as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure).

[0045] As Figure 1As shown, one or more connectors 126 such as screws or dowel pins are used to connect the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 of the elongate body 102 and other components of the screwdriver assembly 100. The hollow hub 200 is sized or rather configured to fit into a recess 122 within the second workpiece 110 and is configured to rotate the screwdriver shaft 300 (as used herein, the term "screwdriver shaft" may be interchangeable with "obturator shaft" or any other similar tubular structure, depending on the intended use). The hollow hub 200 is rotatable within the recess 122 via a locking mechanism 128. The locking mechanism 128 can be used to hold the screwdriver shaft 300 in a first configuration and a second configuration with a predetermined force that can be overcome with a relatively small force (automatic spring action or manual user actuation) to allow the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate about the hollow hub 200. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 is a spring-loaded stopper; however, other similar connectors can also be used.

[0046] An alternative embodiment of the screwdriver assembly 100 is shown in Figure 2 In Figure 2 the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 can be one or more keys to be inserted into slots, a spring-loaded stopper, or other known locking devices. For example, in Figure 2 the hollow hub 200 is held in a first configuration or a second configuration by a spring assembly 130 / 132 such as a wave spring. The key bar 128 locks the hollow hub 200 in a first configuration or a second configuration.

[0047] Now turning to Figure 3 , a close-up perspective schematic view of the hollow hub 200 according to one embodiment is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the hollow hub 200 has a circular side 202 and a flat side 204. The flat side 204 includes a threaded hole 206 that at least partially extends through the hollow hub 200. The threaded hole 206 is sized or rather configured to receive the screwdriver shaft 300 ( Figure 1)。The hollow hub 200 has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210, with a circular side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. The first surface 208 includes one or more stopper features 212. In the depicted embodiment, the first surface 208 includes two stopper features 212. The stopper features 212 are located on the first surface 208 such that they correspond to threaded holes 206 aligned with the first channel 114 and the second channel 116. In other words, the position of the stopper features 212 on the first surface 208 of the hollow hub 200 depends on the desired configuration of the screwdriver shaft 300 and the positioning of the first channel 114 and the second channel 116 (e.g., the first channel 114 extends 90 degrees from the second channel 116). Both the first surface 208 and the second surface 210 of the hollow hub 200 also include one or more central features 214 extending therefrom. The central features 214 interact with the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 of the elongate body 102, respectively. The interaction between the central features 214 and the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 of the elongate body 102 allows the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate about the axis of the central features 214.

[0048] An alternative embodiment of the hollow hub 200 is shown in Figure 4 . Figure 4 The hollow hub 200 in Figure 4 also has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210, with a circular side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 / Figure 20 ), the hole 206 that at least partially extends through the flat side 204 of the hollow hub 200 is a geometric hole 206. The shape and size of the geometric hole 206 are set or otherwise configured to receive the screwdriver geometry 308 at the locking end 304 of the screwdriver shaft 300 ( Figure 4The hollow hub 200 therein also has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210, with a circular side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. As shown, the first surface has one or more slot features 216 that extend through at least a portion of the first surface 208 from the circular side 202. The slot features 216 lock the screwdriver shaft 300 in a first configuration and a second configuration. The slot features 216 extend through the first surface 208 until the central feature 214. In the depicted embodiment, there are four slot features 216. The number of slot features 216 can vary based on various factors, such as the relative positions of the first channel 114 and the second channel 116 and the desired degree of rotation of the screwdriver shaft 300. Additionally, the position of the slot features 216 on the first surface 208 of the hollow hub 200 depends on the desired configuration of the screwdriver shaft 300 and the positioning of the first channel 114 and the second channel 116 (e.g., the first channel 114 extends 90 degrees from the second channel 116).

[0049] Brief reference Figure 5 , shows a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver shaft 300 according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver shaft 300 is a hollow screwdriver shaft 300 (i.e., having a lumen 302 extending therethrough). The screwdriver shaft 300 has a threaded locking end 304 that is configured to mate with or otherwise engage a threaded hole 206( Figure 3 ) to secure the screwdriver shaft 300 within the hollow hub 200. Figure 5 The screwdriver shaft 300 therein also has an opposite drive end 306. As shown, the drive end 306 has a screwdriver geometry 308 to transmit torque. The screwdriver geometry 308 can be hex, torx, or any other geometry suitable for transmitting torque to a fastener (e.g., a screw).

[0050] In Figure 6 an alternative embodiment of the screwdriver shaft 300 shown, the screwdriver shaft 300 includes a screwdriver geometry 308 at the locking end 304 to mate with or otherwise engage a geometric hole 206 on the flat side 204 of the hollow hub 200. Similar to the embodiment described above and Figure 5 shown, Figure 6 the screwdriver shaft 300 of Figure 6In an embodiment, the screwdriver shaft 300 may include a screwdriver locking feature 310 locked into the elongate body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver locking feature 310 is a ring that extends around the screwdriver shaft 300 and abuts the locking end 304 of the screwdriver shaft 300. In each of the first configuration and the second configuration, the screwdriver shaft 300 is locked into the elongate body 102. When the hollow hub 200 rotates from the first configuration to the second configuration, the elongate body 102 allows the screwdriver shaft 300 to be interchanged.

[0051] Go to Figure 7A , another exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly 100 according to one embodiment is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the elongate body 102 includes one or more relief regions 134 for dowel pins (not shown) and the screwdriver shaft 300. When the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates between the first channel 114 and the second channel 116, the relief regions 134 provide an uninterrupted space for the dowel pins. In the depicted embodiment, the relief regions 134 (one quadrant transitioning downward from at least one other quadrant where the channels 114, 116 further transition downward) are located on the inner surface 136 of the second workpiece 110. The first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 each include flanges (or lips) 148, 150, where the flanges 148, 150 are configured to align and lock together, as Figure 7B shown, thereby overcoming the elastic force of the hollow hub 200 while fastening the screwdriver assembly 100 together during manufacturing. When the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates between the first channel 114 and the second channel 116, the mating flanges 148, 150 also prevent the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 from separating or otherwise disengaging. The flanges 148, 150 also simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of fasteners of the screwdriver assembly 100.

[0052] Now refer to Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 10 to 11 , perspective schematic views of the screwdriver assembly 100 in a fully assembled first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment are shown. As Figures 8 to 9 shown, in the first configuration, the screwdriver shaft 300 extends through the first channel 114 in the elongate body 102 and exits from the distal end 106 of the elongate body 102. Then, the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates between the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 via the hollow hub 200 through the first slot 138 (or other space) in the first side 124 of the elongate body 102 to the second channel 116 to achieve the second configuration. Figures 10 to 11 A screwdriver shaft 300 is shown that extends through the second channel 116 in the elongate body 102 and exits from the first side 124 of the elongate body 102. In Figures 8 to 11In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates 90 degrees between a first configuration ( Figures 8 to 9 ) and a second configuration ( Figures 10 to 11 ).

[0053] An alternative embodiment of the screwdriver assembly 100 in the first configuration is shown in Figure 12 . The elongated body 102 includes an actuator 140 for rotating the screwdriver shaft 300. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 140 is a button located on the outer surface 142 of the first workpiece 108 of the elongated body 102. By engaging the button 140, a spring assembly 130 / 132 (coupled to the button) that holds the hollow hub 200 in the first or second configuration is depressed to allow the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate between the first and second configurations (rotating automatically via a biasing member / spring, or rotating via manual actuation).

[0054] Turning to Figures 13 to 14 and Figures 15 to 16 , perspective schematic views of the screwdriver assembly 100 in the first and second configurations according to the embodiment are shown, with a guide pin 400 inserted through the screwdriver assembly. As Figures 13 to 14 shown, in the first configuration, the guide pin 400 is inserted through the proximal end 104 of the elongated body 102 into the lumen 302 of the hollow screwdriver shaft 300. When the screwdriver shaft 300 extends through the first channel 114 and exits the distal end 106 of the elongated body 102 in the first configuration, the guide pin 400 also extends out of the distal end 106 of the elongated body 102. Then, the screwdriver shaft 300 and the guide pin 400 are rotated via the hollow hub 200 to achieve the Figures 15 to 16 shown second configuration. When the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates through the first slot 138, the guide pin 400 rotates on the second side 146 of the elongated body 102 between the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 of the elongated body 102 through the second slot 144. Figures 15 to 16 shows the guide pin 400 that extends through the second slot 144 on the second side 146 of the elongated body 102 and exits the first side 124 of the elongated body 102 through the screwdriver shaft 300 (in the second channel 116). In the Figures 13 to 16 depicted embodiment, the screwdriver shaft 300 and the guide pin 400 rotate 90 degrees between a first configuration ( Figures 13 to 14 ) and a second configuration ( Figures 15 to 16 ).

[0055] Now referring to some additional figures, where like reference numerals always refer to like workpieces (and, references to like features / components discussed Figures 1 to 18 are the same or similar to references to the non-prior art figures below), Figure 19Shows an exploded schematic view of the occluder assembly 100 according to an alternative embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the occluder assembly 100 includes an elongate body 102 extending between a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The elongate body 102 of the occluder assembly 100 and any other components may be constructed of disposable or reusable materials (as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art). Additionally, the occluder assembly 100 may be manufactured or otherwise assembled to prevent or allow disassembly. The elongate body 102 may be ergonomically designed to improve the user's grip on the elongate body 102. In Figure 19 the depicted embodiment, the elongate body 102 includes a first workpiece 108 and a second workpiece 110, the dimensions and configurations of which are both set to align and connect to form an internal volume 112 of the elongate body 102.

[0056] Still referring to Figure 19 , the second workpiece 110 of the elongate body 102 includes a first relief region 134A and a second relief region 134B that extend partially therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, each relief region 134A, 134B is a quadrant that transitions downward from at least one other quadrant on the inner surface 136 of the second workpiece 110. When the occluder shaft 300 rotates, the first relief region 134A and the second relief region 134B provide an uninterrupted space for a guide pin (not shown). As shown, the first relief region 134A and the second relief region 134B converge at a central recess 122 in the second workpiece 110. In the depicted embodiment, the central recess 122 is a circular space that extends downward from the first relief region 134A and the second relief region 134B.

[0057] The first relief region 134A additionally includes a channel 114 extending therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the channel 114 also transitions downward from the first relief region 134A and extends into the central recess 122. The dimensions and configuration of the channel 114 are set to accommodate the occluder shaft 300, such that when the occluder shaft 300 rotates, it snaps or otherwise locks into the channel 114. The channel 114 is relatively shallow such that the occluder shaft 300 can be removed from the channel 114 under force.

[0058] As Figure 19As shown, one or more connectors 126 and attachments (such as screws, dowel pins, and O-rings) are used to connect the first workpiece 108 and the second workpiece 110 of the elongated body 102 and other components of the occluder assembly 100. The hollow hub 200 is sized or, in other words, configured to fit into the recess 122 within the second workpiece 110 and is configured to rotate the occluder shaft 300. The hollow hub 200 can rotate within the recess 122 via a locking mechanism 128. The locking mechanism 128 can be used to hold the occluder shaft 300 in a first configuration and a second configuration with a predetermined force that can be overcome with a relatively small force (either automatically spring-actuated or manually user-actuated) to allow the occluder shaft 300 to rotate about the hollow hub 200.

[0059] In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 is a spring-loaded stopper; however, other similar connectors can be used (as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure). In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 can be one or more keys to be inserted into slots, spring-loaded stoppers, or other known locking devices. For example, in Figure 19 , the hollow hub 200 is held in a first configuration or a second configuration by a spring assembly 130 / 132 such as a wave spring. The key strip 128 locks the hollow hub 200 in a first configuration or a second configuration.

[0060] Briefly referring to Figure 20 , a perspective schematic view of the occluder shaft 300 according to one embodiment is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the occluder shaft 300 is a hollow screwdriver shaft (i.e., having a lumen 302 extending therethrough). Figure 20 The occluder shaft 300 in Figure 3 has a locking end 304 sized and configured to mate with or otherwise engage the hollow hub 200 (e.g., at the geometric hole 206 on the flat side 204 shown in

[0061] Turning to Figure 21 , an exploded schematic view of a latch assembly 500 according to one embodiment is shown. As Figure 19 shown, the latch assembly 500 is connected to the occluder shaft 300 via conventional connectors and components (including, in some cases, an O-ring 501). As Figure 21As shown, the latch assembly 500 includes a latch sheath 502. The latch sheath 502 forms the body of the latch assembly 500 and is rectangular in the depicted embodiment. The latch sheath 502 includes an open end 504 for receiving the occluder shaft 300( Figure 19 ). A channel 506 extends from the open end 504 and through the latch sheath 502 such that the occluder shaft 300 can extend therethrough into the hollow hub 200.

[0062] Still referring to Figure 21 , the latch assembly 500 further includes a latch 508. The latch 508 is a movable actuator connected to the latch sheath 502. In the depicted embodiment, the latch 508 is rectangular and includes a set of ridges 510 on its proximal end 512 to optimize the user's grip. The latch 508 is connected to the latch sheath 502 via a connector such as Figure 21 the pin 514 shown. The pin 514 connects the latch 508 to the latch sheath 502 with a spring 516 therebetween. In the relaxed state, the spring 516 pushes upward against the proximal end 512 of the latch 508. This pushes the distal end 518 of the latch 508 downward toward the channel 506 (and the occluder shaft 300( Figure 19 )).

[0063] When the user applies a force to the latch 508 by pressing downward on the proximal end 512, the distal end 518 of the latch 508 rotates or moves upward, away from the channel 506 (and the occluder shaft 300( Figure 19 )). In the depicted embodiment, the distal end 518 of the latch 508 includes a flange 520, thereby forming a hook or channel 522 extending along the distal end 518 of the latch 508. The flange 520 and channel 522 are configured to grip or otherwise lock onto a component extending into the open end 504 of the latch sheath 508, as described in detail below.

[0064] Now referring to Figure 22 and Figure 23 , perspective schematic views of the occluder assembly 100 in a first fully assembled configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment are shown. As Figure 22 shown, in the first configuration, the occluder shaft 300 extends through a first relief area 134A and a second relief area 134B( Figure 19 ) in the elongated body 102. The occluder shaft 300 is then rotated through the first relief area 134A and the second relief area 134B in the second workpiece 110 of the elongated body 102 via the hollow hub 200 into the channel 114 to achieve the second configuration. As Figure 23 shown, the latch assembly 500 is attached to the occluder shaft 300 such that the locking assembly 500 rotates with the occluder shaft 300 between the first and second configurations. InFigure 22 and Figure 23 In the embodiments shown, the occluder shaft 300 (and the latch assembly 500) rotates 90 degrees between a first configuration ( Figure 22 ) and a second configuration ( Figure 23 ).

[0065] Turn to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , which respectively show perspective schematic views of the occluder assembly 100 in the first configuration and the second configuration according to an embodiment, wherein the guide pin 400 is inserted through the occluder assembly. In one embodiment, when the occluder assembly 100 is used, the guide pin 400 is already in the joint space, and the distal tapered end 306 of the hollow occluder shaft 300 is placed above the proximal tip 402 of the guide pin 400. The guide pin 400 enters the entire lumen of the occluder assembly 100 and exits the proximal end 104 of the elongated body 102 when the occluder assembly 100 enters the joint space (the guide pin 400 serves as a guide for entering the joint space). As Figure 24 and Figure 25 shown, the latch assembly 500 rotates between the first configuration and the second configuration together with the screwdriver shaft 300 and the guide pin 400.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 27 , which shows a perspective schematic view of the occluder assembly 100 in the first configuration according to an embodiment, the occluder assembly having an attached cannula 600. The occluder assembly 100 can be used to place the cannula 600 into the joint space. The latch assembly 500 is used to attach the cannula 600 to the occluder assembly 100 and remove it from the occluder assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the cannula 600 has a diameter sized and configured to fit over the occluder shaft 300. The cannula 600 has a proximal end 602 with features 604. When the spring 516 of the latch assembly 500 is in a relaxed state, the flange 520 ( Figure 19 ) of the latch 508 and the channel 522 grip or otherwise lock onto the features 604 of the cannula 600.

[0067] In Figure 27In the illustrated embodiment, feature 604 is a thread or ridge on proximal end 602 of cannula 600. To lock cannula 600 over obturator shaft 300, proximal end 512 of latch 508 is pressed. The force on proximal end 512 causes distal end 518 to rotate upwardly, allowing the user to slide proximal end 602 of cannula 600 into open end 504 of latch sheath 502. Thereafter, the user releases proximal end 512 of latch 502, allowing distal end 518 of latch 502 to rotate downwardly onto feature 604 of cannula 600. Flange 520 and channel 522 at distal end 518 of cannula 600 grip and lock cannula 600 in place around screwdriver shaft 300. Thus, cannula 600 and latch assembly 500 rotate with obturator shaft 300, as Figure 26 shown. Once cannula 600 is placed into the joint space, obturator assembly 100 is removed by pushing on proximal end 512 of latch 508 ( Figure 21 ). At this time, guide pin 400 may also be removed.

[0068] All definitions, as defined and used herein, shall be understood to prevail over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0069] Although various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the particular application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Using only routine experimentation, those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each and every separate feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Additionally, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, any combination of two or more of such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms "comprise" (and any form of "comprise", such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of "have", such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of "include", such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of "contain", such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a method or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more steps or elements. Similarly, a step of a method or an element of an apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features. In addition, an apparatus or structure constructed in a certain way is at least constructed in that way, but may also be constructed in ways not listed.

[0071] All apparatus or steps in the following claims, plus the corresponding structures, materials, operations and equivalents of the functional elements, if any, are intended to include any structure, material or operation for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of one or more aspects of the invention, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular purposes contemplated.

Claims

1. An occluder assembly, comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; a channel extending along an inner surface of the elongate body; a locking mechanism connected within the elongate body, the locking mechanism being rotatable about its central axis of rotation between a first configuration and a second configuration; a hollow occluder shaft removably attached or fixed to the locking mechanism such that the hollow occluder shaft is rotatable about the central axis of rotation of the locking mechanism between a first retention position and a second retention position different from the first retention position; and a latch assembly connected to the hollow occluder shaft to attach a cannula to and remove the cannula from the occluder assembly.

2. The occluder assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate body has a first workpiece and a second workpiece, the first workpiece being connected to the second workpiece.

3. The occluder assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner surface extends along the second workpiece.

4. The occluder assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first relief area and a second relief area on the inner surface.

5. The occluder assembly of claim 4, further comprising a recess in the inner surface within the elongate body, wherein the first relief area and the second relief area converge.

6. The occluder assembly of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is a hollow hub rotatably connected to the elongate body within the recess.

7. The occluder assembly of claim 6, wherein the hollow hub has a hole with a screwdriver geometry.

8. The occluder assembly of claim 7, wherein the hollow occluder shaft has a locking end having a screwdriver geometry configured to mate with the screwdriver geometry of the hole of the hollow hub.

9. The occluder assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow occluder shaft has a tapered distal end.

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