Wedging system for medical cannula

Abstract

A suture cinch system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas to facilitate suture management while maintaining a sealing function. The suture cinch system includes an end cap having an aperture extending therethrough and one or more wedges extending therefrom. A cannula body extends distally from the end cap. A seal is connected between the cannula body and the end cap. The seal has a sealing slit extending therethrough and the sealing slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the end cap. In use, a suture extends through the cannula, the sealing slit, and the aperture in the end cap. The suture can be tensioned from the aperture in the end cap and secured in a suture slot between two wedges.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 909,891, filed October 3, 2019, entitled “Cleating System for a Medical Cannula,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology 1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a cannula, and more particularly to a wedge fixation system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas.

[0005] 2. BACKGROUND

[0006] Cannulas support arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery by providing an entry point to the surgical site. To address fluid management issues, cannulas can be equipped with a sealing system at the proximal end. The flexible seal restricts fluid flow through the cannulas but also allows access to the surgical site via instruments, implants, or sutures.

[0007] During arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery, multiple sutures can be delivered and manipulated via a cannula. The cannula can be designed to feature wedge-shaped characteristics to facilitate suture management. In the context of arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery, the section of suture directly accessible to the user is the portion of the suture that has been pulled out of the patient's body. When performing such procedures through a cannula, the accessible section of the suture has already passed through the flexible cannula seal.

[0008] To securely wedge the sutures, they must be pulled into the wedging feature under tension. Since the middle section of the suture still engages the flexible seal, wedging multiple sutures in the opposite direction carries the inherent risk of stretching and opening the flexible seal. This can be observed in Figure 1, which illustrates a seal on a prior art casing. When multiple sutures are wedged, the seal is pulled open. When the flexible seal in the casing is pulled open in this manner, the casing is at higher risk of fluid leakage and jetting.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a suture wedging system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas that does not pull the seal open during use.

[0010] As used herein, the term "suture" can refer to any type of filamentous material, such as biocompatible or bioabsorbable filaments, ribbons, strips, woven or nonwoven materials.

[0011] Related-Articles-Section Disclaimer Description: To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed in this Related-Articles-Section description or elsewhere in this disclosure, such discussion is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting of the scope of the disclosure. For instance, some or all of the discussed specific patents / publications / products can not be prior art to the claimed disclosure, can not be published at the time of first filing of this patent application, can not be pertinent prior art in light of SUMMARY

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a suture wedge system for use with arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas to facilitate suture management while maintaining sealing functionality. One embodiment of the suture wedge system includes an end cap including an outer surface having an aperture extending therethrough and one or more wedges extending therefrom. A seal is connected to the end cap. The seal has a sealing slit extending at least partially across its diameter. The sealing slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the end cap.

[0013] According to another aspect, a suture wedge system includes an end cap having an aperture extending therethrough and one or more wedges extending therefrom. A cannula body extends distally from the end cap. A seal is connected between the cannula body and the end cap. The seal has a sealing slit extending therethrough and the sealing slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the end cap.

[0014] In use, a suture extends through the cannula, the sealing slit, and the aperture in the end cap. The suture can be tensioned from the aperture in the end cap and secured in a suture slot between two wedges.

[0015] These and other aspects of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art, by reference to the following embodiment description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description of the invention together with references to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided solely for illustration of the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the Figures:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a prior art cannula and seal;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of a suture wedge system according to an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of an end cap of a suture wedge system according to one embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 4A is a top view of a seal of a suture wedge system according to one embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 4B is a top view of a seal of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of an end cap of a wedge system according to one embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of an end cap and a seal of a wedge system according to one embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an end cap of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a top view of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a top view of a sleeve body of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 13 is a close-up enlarged side view of a sleeve body of a suture wedge system according to one alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Aspects of the present application, certain features, advantages, and details of which are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the application in detail. It should be appreciated, however, that the detailed description and specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the application, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements, within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concepts, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0032] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like components throughout. FIG. 2 A side view of a suture cinch system 10 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. The suture cinch system 10 includes a proximal end cap 12 having a cannula body 14 extending therefrom. A seal 16 is positioned between the end cap 12 and the cannula body 14. The cannula body 14 is a tube 18 having an internal volume (not shown) extending therethrough. As FIG. 2 shown, the cannula body 14 has threads 20 extending along at least a portion of the tube 18.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 3 , a top view of the end cap 12 of the suture cinch system 10 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the end cap 12 includes an outer surface 22. As FIG. 2-3 shown, the outer surface 22 is substantially flat (i.e., planar). In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface 22 is circular to match the circular shape of the seal 16 and the proximal end 24 FIG. 2 ) of the cannula body 14. The end cap 12 has an aperture 28 extending through the outer surface 22 and one or more wedges 26 extending from the outer surface 22. In FIG. 2 the depicted embodiment, the wedges 26 are protruding pieces of material extending distally from the outer surface 22. In FIG. 3 the depicted embodiment, there are two sets of two central wedges 26A between two relatively larger wedges 26B. However, the end cap 12 can be configured such that there are any suitable number of wedges 26.

[0034] As FIG. 2 shown, the wedges 26 extend distally from the outer surface 22. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 both, the wedges 26 extend at an angle. Specifically, as FIG. 2 shown, the wedges 26 extend outwardly at an angle from a central longitudinal y-y axis extending through the suture cinch system 10. Referring back to FIG. 3The end cap 12 has one or more suture slot 34 (or any other type of opening) between any two wedges 26. The suture slot 34 extends between the wedges 26 and at least partially into the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12. FIG. 3 The suture slot 34 in the end cap 12 increases in size distally. Specifically, the suture slot 34 is thin and linear through the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12 and opens (or increases in size) distally in a triangular shape between the wedges 26.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , a top view of the seal 16 of the suture wedge system 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. The seal 16 has a seal slit 32 extending therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the seal slit 32 is substantially linear and extends substantially across the diameter of the seal 16. Specifically, the seal slit 32 extends along the axis x-x. (The axis x-x is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal Y-Y axis, as shown in FIG. 1.) The seal slit 32 is wide enough to accommodate the suture 30 extending therethrough. FIG. 4A-4B The seal 16 in is a duckbill seal or double shell seal, as it is elastic to geometric deformation when the suture 30 is tensioned at a particular angle relative to the orientation of the seal slit 32. However, any other seal design and geometry that is similarly elastic to geometric deformation under the following use can be used as the seal 16.

[0036] According to one exemplary embodiment, in use, the suture 30 is pulled through the seal 16 and perpendicular to the length of the seal slit 32, as shown in FIG. 4A This technique results in a dramatic deformation of the seal 16. FIG. 4B An alternative exemplary embodiment for passing the suture 30 through the seal 16 is shown. As shown in FIG. 4B , the suture 30 is passed through the seal slit 32 and pulled parallel to the length of the seal slit 32. This technique results in minimal deformation of the seal 16. When comparing the deformation size of the seal slit 32, the difference in deformation between the techniques in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is apparent. FIG. 4B The technique in FIG. 4A is superior to the interaction between the seal 16 and the suture 30 in because there is minimal deformation, reducing wear on the seal 16 and increasing its lifespan.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 5 , a top view of the end cap 12 of the suture wedge system 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. The end cap 12 has one or more suture openings 36. In the depicted embodiment, the end cap 12 has two suture openings 36. As shown inFIG. 5 As shown, the suture opening 36 extends from an aperture 28 in the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the suture opening 36 is substantially circular or spherical; however, any other geometry may be used for the suture opening 36.

[0038] The suture opening 36 can extend from the aperture 28 in the outer surface 22 at any location. FIG. 5 In this embodiment, suture openings 36 extend on opposite sides of the aperture 28. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the aperture 28 is hexagonal, and the suture openings 36 extend opposite each other such that the suture openings 36 are mirror images of the axis z-axis extending through the hexagonal aperture 28. FIG. 5 The configuration shown involves pulling the suture 30 through the orifice 28 and anchoring it in one of the suture openings 36. The suture 30 is then locked in one of the wedges 26 by pulling it through the suture slot 34 between any two wedges 26. Due to the suture openings 36, the approach angle of the suture 30 toward the suture wedges 26 is precisely controlled.

[0039] Now for reference FIG. 6 A top view of the end cap 12 and seal 16 of a wedge system 10 according to one embodiment is shown. FIG. 6 As shown, the sealing slit 32 in the seal 16 is aligned with the suture opening 36. Specifically, the axis xx extending along the length of the sealing slit 32 extends between the suture slots 34 (i.e., from one suture slot 34 to the other). With the sealing slit 32 aligned with the suture slot 34, the suture 30 extending through the sealing slit 32 (e.g., ...) FIG. 4B The suture 30 (as depicted) is guided into one of the suture openings 36. The suture 30 can then be pulled out through one of the adjacent suture slots 34 between the two wedges 26. Thus, the suture 30 can be pulled out through the sealing slot 32 and the suture opening 36 without causing excessive deformation of the seal 16 (if any). This allows the suture 30 to lock under tension while maintaining the function of the seal 16, which in turn prevents fluid leakage and ejection from the sleeve.

[0040] Now go to FIG. 7-13 Various views of a suture wedging system 100 according to an alternative embodiment are shown. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 Perspective views and exploded views of alternative embodiments of the suture wedging system 100 are shown, respectively. The suture wedging system 100 includes a proximal end cap 102 having a sleeve body 104 extending therefrom. A seal 106 ( FIG. 8It is positioned between the end cap 102 and the sleeve body 104. The sleeve body 104 has an internal volume 103 extending therethrough. FIG. 8 The sleeve body 104 has a thread 110 extending along at least a portion of the sleeve 108, as shown in the figure.

[0041] Now go to FIG. 9 The figure shows a perspective view of an end cap 102 of a suture wedging system 100 according to an alternative embodiment. As shown, the end cap 102 includes an aperture 112 extending therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the aperture 112 is a wide hexagonal opening. The boundary defining the aperture 112 is an inner wall 114 of the end cap 102. The end 116 of the inner wall 114 is chamfered or angled to facilitate the insertion of an object (e.g., a graft) into the cannula body 104.

[0042] The hexagonal geometry of the orifice 112 allows the end cap 102 to engage with the corresponding hexagonal geometry of the proximal occluder (not shown). During the assembly or manufacture of the suture wedging system 100, the end cap 102 is attached to the sleeve body 104 via ultrasonic welding. The end cap 102 has a recess 118 (i.e., a negative space) that allows the acoustic welding horn to reach the bottom surface 120 of the end cap 102, and thus allows near-field acoustic welding of the end cap 102 to the sleeve body 104.

[0043] Still referencing FIG. 9 There are one or more suture slots 122 extending from the orifice 112 and through the end cap 102. Specifically, the end cap 102 includes an outer surface 124, and one or more suture slots 122 extend through the outer surface 124 of the end cap 102. FIG. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 102 has four suture slots 122. The suture slots 122 are formed between any two walls 114 of the end cap 102. The walls 114 function similarly to those described above. FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 The wedge-shaped part 26 (i.e., the protrusion) in the middle. Therefore, FIG. 9 The end cap 102 has a wedge-shaped element 26. Four suture slots 122 are arranged such that two suture slots 122 converge within the end cap 102, and the other two suture slots 122 converge within the end cap 102. The two sets of two suture slots 122 are opposite each other, such that the end cap 102 is positioned along the axis z–z( FIG. 11 It has mirror symmetry. Each of the two sets of two suture slots 122 extends into a triangular recess 126, which extends into an orifice 112. The triangular recess 126 extends into the bottom surface 120 of the end cap 102.

[0044] The configuration of the suture slots 122 described above allows a user to secure the suture by pushing a suture into at least one of the suture slots 122 and through the outer surface 124 of the end cap 102, thereby fixing the suture. In prior art systems, the user must reach under the end cap to access the suture wedge, which is difficult to locate when looking directly at the end cap. Thus, the suture securing system 100 described herein provides increased visibility and control of the suture to the user.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10 , a perspective view of the seal 106 of the suture securing system 100 is shown, according to one alternative embodiment. The seal 106 in the depicted embodiment is a duckbill seal. The seal 106 has a seal slit 128 (as described and shown above in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3) that extends at least partially across the diameter of the seal 106. The seal slit 128 extends along an axis x-x FIG. 6 . FIG. 11 The seal 106 has features that interface with the end cap 102 and the sleeve body 104. For example, the seal 106 has one or more co-linear notches 130 that are used to align the seal 106 in the correct orientation relative to the end cap 102.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 11 , a top view of the suture securing system 100 is shown, according to one alternative embodiment. As shown, the seal slit 128 of the seal 106 is aligned with the aperture 112 of the end cap 102. The seal slit 128 is aligned with the aperture 112 such that the axis x-x extending along the seal slit 128 extends between the convergences of the suture slots 122 (and between the triangular recesses 126). In other words, the axis x-x is substantially aligned with the axis z-z. When a suture is extended through the seal 106 (via the seal slit 128) and is secured (i.e., placed within the suture slots 122), the triangular recesses 126 hold the suture horizontal, thereby keeping the seal 106 closed. If the suture is pulled upright, the seal 106 will be forced open and deformed.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 12 , a top view of the sleeve body 104 of the suture securing system 100 is shown, according to one alternative embodiment. The proximal end 132 of the sleeve body 104 includes alignment features for attaching to the seal 106 and the end cap 102. For example, the proximal end 132 of the sleeve body 104 has co-linear notches 134 for receiving notched features of the seal 106 and / or the end cap 102. The proximal end 132 of the sleeve body 104 can also include co-linear grooves 136 in the outer surface 138 of the sleeve body 104 for connecting to the seal 106 and / or the end cap 102.

[0048] Turning now to FIG. 13 FIG. 16B shows a close-up enlarged side view of the cannula body 104 of the suture cinch system 100, according to an alternative embodiment. The proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104 has a triangular energy director 140 extending around the top surface 142 of the proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104. In the depicted embodiment, the energy director 140 is a channel extending in a circular pattern along the top surface 142, thereby forming an inner circumference. Upon sonic welding, the energy director 140 will fill the top surface 142, thereby creating a uniform and strong bond.

[0049] It should be understood that the values used above are merely representative values, and that other values can be consistent with the spirit and intent of the present disclosure.

[0050] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of 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 inventive embodiments described herein (and within the scope of the claims). More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which a inventive embodiment is used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that other embodiments may

[0051] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0052] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0053] The use of the terms "a" and "said" and similar referents in the context of describing the application (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or fully contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if not directly mechanically attached to the extent that some intervening material and / or device is present.

[0054] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one, or more of the element in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that the

[0055] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of said method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts are recited.

[0056] Approximating language can be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about" and "substantially," can not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language can correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. This disclosure, in

[0057] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application unless otherwise claimed.

[0058] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application unless otherwise claimed.

[0059] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the application.

[0060] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. There is no intention to limit the application to the specific form set forth herein. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the application, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the intention is to cover all modification and variations of this application falling within the scope of the application, as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A suture cabling system, comprising: a cap comprising an outer surface, the cap having an aperture extending through the outer surface and one or more cabling members extending distally outward at an angle from the outer surface relative to a central axis of the cap, the cap having a suture slot between any two cabling members, the cap further having one or more suture openings extending through the outer surface, the suture openings extending from the aperture; a seal connected to the cap, the seal having a seal slit extending across its diameter; and wherein the seal slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the cap, wherein an axis extending along the length of the seal slit extends between two opposing suture slots such that the seal slit is aligned with the two opposing suture slots.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the suture slot extends at least partially through the outer surface.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more cabling members is a wall of the cap.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising two suture slots, each suture slot extending between two of the one or more cabling members, wherein the two suture slots converge within the cap.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the aperture is hexagonal, wherein two opposing triangular recesses extend therefrom, each triangular recess extending to two converging suture slots.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the seal slit is collinear with the two opposing triangular recesses.

7. A suture cabling system, comprising: a cap comprising an outer surface, the cap having an aperture extending through the outer surface and one or more cabling members extending distally outward at an angle from the outer surface relative to a central axis of the cap, the cap having a suture slot between any two cabling members, the cap further having one or more suture openings extending through the outer surface, the suture openings extending from the aperture; a cannula body extending distally from the cap; a seal connected between the cannula body and the cap, the seal having a seal slit extending across its diameter; wherein the seal slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the cap, wherein an axis extending along the length of the seal slit extends between two opposing suture slots such that the seal slit is aligned with the two opposing suture slots.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the seal slit extends partially across the diameter of the seal.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the cannula body comprises a tube having threads extending along at least a portion thereof.

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising a suture extending through the seal slit and the aperture.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the suture extends from the aperture and through a suture slot between two of the one or more cabling members.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising one or more suture openings extending from the aperture, wherein the suture extends from one of the one or more suture openings to the suture slot.

13. The system of claim 7, further comprising two suture slots, each suture slot extending between two of the one or more wedges, wherein the two suture slots converge within the end cap.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the aperture is hexagonal, wherein two opposite triangular recesses extend therefrom, each triangular recess extending to two converging suture slots.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the sealing slit is collinear with the two opposite triangular recesses.

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