Suture cutting tool

Abstract

A suture cutting tool has a housing, a plunger assembly, and a blade. The housing has an inner bore and a body having an anvil assembly positioned at a distal end of the housing defining a suture slot. The anvil assembly has a top surface and an insert pocket. The plunger assembly has a plunger rod slidably movable relative to the housing. A blade is coupled to the plunger rod and includes a cutting edge. The blade is movable with the plunger assembly between at least a first position that locates the cutting edge within the suture slot and a second position that locates the cutting edge within the blade slot of the anvil. By movement between the first position and the second position, the cutting edge is structurally configured to cut a suture traversing the blade slot.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 6,347,2595, filed June 13, 2023, entitled “Thread Cutting Tool,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a medical device, and more specifically to a suture cutting tool configured to cut sutures used in surgical procedures or other medical operations, typically in the case of internal sutures, but not limited thereto. Background Technology

[0004] Suturing is a medical technique that involves stitching tissues together, typically during surgery or another medical procedure. One type of suture is internal suture, a medical technique that involves stitching together internal tissues or organs that have been cut or damaged during surgery or another medical procedure. This medical procedure is commonly used in a variety of types of surgery, including, but not limited to, surgeries involving the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

[0005] While internal suturing effectively promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications, medical procedures are not without their challenges. Typically, sutures are cut using scissors or similar instruments when performing such procedures. A common problem associated with internal suturing is the risk of tissue damage caused by scissors coming into contact with or injuring tissue while handling the scissors, or by accidentally cutting tissue while cutting the sutures. In such cases, the injury can lead to infection, bleeding, or even organ failure. Furthermore, improper handling of scissors or other instruments can cause tissue tears, hernias, and other complications, some of which may require further medical intervention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, a suture cutting tool is disclosed, comprising a housing, a plunger assembly, and a blade. The housing has a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner bore defined through the housing. The housing also includes a body having an anvil assembly positioned at the distal end of the housing, the body and the anvil assembly being connected by a connecting bridge to define a suture groove. The anvil assembly has a top surface facing the inner bore and defines a blade groove between a first side and a second side of the top surface. The plunger assembly has a plunger rod slidably movable within the inner bore of the housing, the plunger rod having a first end extending beyond the housing and a second end extending beyond the inner bore of the housing. The blade is coupled to the distal end of the plunger rod and includes a cutting edge, the blade being movable with the plunger assembly between at least a first position and a second position, the first position placing the cutting edge within the suture groove and the second position placing the cutting edge within the blade groove of the anvil. When moving between the first and second positions, the cutting edge is structurally configured to cut sutures that traverse the blade groove within the suture groove.

[0007] In some configurations, the cutting edge is prevented from reaching the lower end of the bottom wall of the blade groove.

[0008] In some configurations, the blade groove also includes a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first and second walls being spaced apart from each other and hanging down from the top surface, wherein the blade is prevented from abutting either the first or the second wall.

[0009] In some configurations, the blade has a defined thickness, and when inserted into the blade slot, the distance between the blade and the first wall and the distance between the blade and the second wall are less than or equal to the thickness of the blade.

[0010] In some configurations, the blade thickness is 0.004 inches and the blade groove width is 0.010 inches, where the blade essentially bisects the blade groove in the middle.

[0011] In some configurations, the tool includes a return spring having a first end that engages with the housing and a second end that engages with the plunger rod. The return spring forces the blade away from the second position.

[0012] In some configurations, in the first position, the cutting edge is positioned inside the inner bore of the housing.

[0013] In some configurations, the tool further includes at least one longitudinal slot defined within the inner bore of the housing and terminating near the proximal end of the housing. Additionally, at least one outer surface protrusion on the outer surface of the plunger rod is slidably movable within the at least one longitudinal slot in the housing. The at least one longitudinal slot captures the at least one outer surface protrusion to constrain relative rotation of the plunger rod relative to the housing.

[0014] In some configurations, at least one outer surface protrusion and at least one longitudinal slot are configured to progressively restrict the relative rotation of the plunger rod relative to the housing as the blade is guided from a first position toward a second position.

[0015] In some configurations, at least one outer surface protrusion includes four outer surface protrusions, and at least one longitudinal groove includes four longitudinal grooves spaced apart on the inner bore of the housing.

[0016] In some configurations, at least one outer surface protrusion has a lower end protrusion wall that engages with a distal stop that prevents further movement in the direction of the second end.

[0017] In some configurations, the outer surface of the plunger rod also includes a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the outer surface, which engage with the inner bore to improve the alignment of the blade with respect to the blade slot as the blade is guided toward the second position.

[0018] In some configurations, as the cutting blade is guided toward a second position before entering the blade groove, at least one of the protrusions contacts the inner bore, while as the blade is guided toward a first position, at least one of the protrusions is spaced apart from the inner bore.

[0019] In some configurations, the plunger rod defines a longitudinal axis of travel within the bore, and the top surface of the anvil assembly is substantially perpendicular to this longitudinal axis.

[0020] In some configurations, the blade groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top wall.

[0021] In some configurations, the housing comprises two end-to-end connected components: a first component is the body, and a second component is the sleeve, with a plunger rod extending through the body and the sleeve.

[0022] In some configurations, the connecting bridge also includes a facing wall, with the blade groove intersecting the facing wall.

[0023] In some configurations, the blade includes a cutting edge that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod.

[0024] In another aspect of this disclosure, thereto relates to a method of using a suture cutting tool, the method comprising the steps of: providing a suture cutting tool as disclosed herein; placing the suture into a suture groove and across a blade groove; guiding a plunger rod from a first position to a second position; and cutting the suture as the blade passes over the top wall.

[0025] In some designs, the suture is held outside the blade groove during the cutting step.

[0026] In another aspect of this disclosure, a suture cutting tool is disclosed, comprising a housing, an anvil, and a plunger rod. The housing has a proximal end and a distal end, and an inner bore extending through the housing. The distal end defines a suture groove transverse to the inner bore, and the housing terminates in an anvil assembly opposite the suture groove. The anvil has a top wall extending across the anvil and a blade groove hanging from the top wall. The plunger rod is slidably positioned within the inner bore and has: a first end extending outside the proximal end; and a second end having a blade that can be inserted into the suture groove, and a cutting edge of the blade being inserted into the blade groove.

[0027] In some configurations, the blade groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are spaced apart from the cutting edge of the blade at all relative positions of the blade within the blade groove.

[0028] In another aspect of this disclosure, the disclosure relates to a method of using a suture cutting tool, the method comprising the steps of: providing a suture cutting tool having: a housing having an anvil assembly near a distal end of the housing, the anvil assembly having a top surface and a blade groove formed in the top surface, the suture groove being defined between the proximal end of the housing and the top surface of the anvil assembly; and a plunger rod slidably movable relative to the housing, a blade attached to a second end of the plunger rod near the plunger rod, the blade having a cutting edge slidably guided through a portion of the suture groove and the blade groove; placing a suture in the suture groove and across the blade groove; guiding the plunger rod from a first position to a second position; and cutting the suture as the blade passes over the top wall.

[0029] In some configurations, the cutting step occurs at the top wall while the seam remains essentially outside the blade groove.

[0030] In some configurations, the method includes the following step: after the cutting step, removing the cutting edge from the blade groove.

[0031] In some such configurations, the method includes the following steps: after removing the cutting edge from the blade groove, removing the cutting edge from the seam groove. Attached Figure Description

[0032] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: The attached image Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the construction of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein, which in particular shows the blade in a retracted configuration; The attached image Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the structure of the suture cutting tool shown; The attached image Figure 3This is a perspective view of the construction of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein, which in particular shows the blade in an extended configuration; The attached image Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the structure of the suture cutting tool shown; The attached image Figure 5 It is an exploded diagram of the structure of a suture cutting tool; The attached image Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the housing of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the housing of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of the housing of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein, with particular emphasis on its anvil assembly; The attached image Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 11 This is a partial exploded view of the plunger assembly of the suture cutting tool disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view of the plunger rod of the plunger assembly disclosed herein; The attached image Figure 13 This is a partial perspective view of the plunger rod and return spring of the plunger assembly disclosed herein; and The attached image Figure 14 This is a partial perspective view of the plunger rod and blade of the plunger assembly disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0033] While this disclosure allows for many different forms of embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood that this disclosure should be considered exemplary and not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown.

[0034] It should be understood that throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements and / or components mentioned herein may be identified by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative representations of the invention, and some components may have been modified from actual scale for clarity.

[0035] Now refer to the attached diagram, especially to... Figure 1The suture cutting tool is generally indicated by 10. While not limited to this, the suture cutting tool can be used to cut sutures within body cavities. For example, during surgical procedures, it may be necessary to suture injuries within body cavities, where the suture will be encapsulated within the patient's body. It is conceivable that the suture cutting tool may include disposable tools, or tools that can be resterilized and reused in other medical procedures. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the suture cutting tool will be used to cut sutures of various sizes, including but not limited to #1 and #2 sutures (USP), while other sizes are contemplated, for example, 11-0 to 8 (USP), with diameters ranging from 0.01 to 1.09 mm. Of course, the suture cutting tool is not limited to use with such sutures.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The suture cutting tool 10 is shown as comprising a housing 12, a sleeve 14, and a plunger assembly 16. It can be seen, and as described below, that the plunger assembly is slidably movable within the housing and sleeve, which are joined together end-to-end. Figure 1 In the design, the cutting tool is shown in its stationary state, i.e., the plunger button is not pressed. Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the suture cutting tool.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 The image shows a suture cutting tool 10, in which a plunger button 106 is pressed down to allow the plunger rod to slide through the housing and sleeve, thereby exposing the cutting blade 110. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the suture cutting tool is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing comprises an integrally molded polymer component, and the sleeve comprises an integrally molded polymer component.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 The housing 12 is shown as including a proximal end 20 and a distal end 22. The housing 12 can be formed from a single integrally molded polymer, while other materials (i.e., metals, composites) and other forming methods (i.e., additive manufacturing) are also conceivable. Anvil assembly 26 is positioned at the distal end of the housing 12. Figure 5 References to sleeve 14 and plunger assembly 16 are also provided.

[0039] Reference Figure 6The diagram shows a view of a body 24 with an elongated configuration, comprising an outer surface 30 and an inner bore 40. The outer surface 30 includes a flange 32 at its proximal end. The flange is generally an outwardly pointing configuration extending around the outer surface 30 to provide an area for gripping the body during operation. The flange includes a lower surface 34 and an upper side 36 opposite to the lower surface 34. The lower surface 34 intersects the remainder of the outer surface at a curved interface. The upper side 36 includes a circumferential channel 38 extending therearound it and another circumferential channel 39 defined within an insert surface formed by the circumferential channel 38. As will be described, these surfaces are configured for engaging a sleeve 14 to them.

[0040] The inner hole 40 of the main body 24 is in Figure 7 The interior is shown in more detail as an inner bore 40 having a wall surface 42, an upper opening 43, and a lower opening 44. Within the inner bore, the wall surface 42 is shown as including a lower shoulder 46, a longitudinal groove 48, and an upper shoulder 49. The inner bore 40 is sized to allow the plunger assembly 16 to slide therein. The upper opening 43 corresponds to the proximal end 20 of the housing 12. The inner bore 40 is generally cylindrical (while other configurations are conceived) and defines a longitudinal axis passing through it.

[0041] The proximal end of the bore 40 near the upper opening 43 has a relatively large cross-sectional area, which decreases to define an upper shoulder 49, which, in the illustrated configuration, points generally inward relative to the wall surface 42. As described below, the housing 12 is coupled to the sleeve 14, and the upper shoulder 49 provides a contact surface to help limit inward insertion of the sleeve by engaging with the distal end of the sleeve 14. A lower shoulder 46 is defined between the upper and lower openings, pointing generally inward relative to the wall surface 42, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the bore. The lower shoulder 46 provides a contact surface on which the return spring 108 can be compressed as the plunger rod 104 slides within the bore 40, preventing insertion beyond this contact surface. In some configurations, the return spring may be omitted, and the user may manually move the plunger rod between a first position and a second position (a stop or similar mechanism may be formed at the first position to hold the first position until the user wishes to change the first position).

[0042] like Figure 8As shown, a plurality of longitudinal grooves 48 are arranged at predetermined annular intervals along the wall surface 42 of the inner bore 40. The longitudinal grooves 48 extend longitudinally from the upper shoulder 49 along the wall surface 42, thereby defining the inlet region 54 and extending to the distal stop 56 spaced apart from the upper shoulder 49. Each of the plurality of longitudinal grooves 48 is defined by a first sidewall 50, a second sidewall 52, and a bottom wall 58. The bottom wall 58 is tapered at its distal end to provide an inclined surface leading to the distal stop 56. Additionally, the first sidewall 50 and the second sidewall 52 are inclined toward each other in the direction of the distal stop 56. In this configuration, the outer surface protrusion 139, while freely sliding, becomes increasingly fixed (i.e., restricted in relative rotational movement) upon reaching the distal stop 56. As will be explained further below, the longitudinal groove 48 receives the outer surface protrusion 139 of the plunger rod 104 and allows the outer surface protrusion 139 of the plunger rod 104 to slide along it, and helps to provide a more precise alignment of the plunger assembly within the bore 40 by continuous insertion of the plunger rod.

[0043] Reference Figure 9 The anvil assembly 26 is shown spaced apart from the body 24 and defines the distal end of the housing 12. A connecting bridge 28 connects the body 24 to the anvil assembly 26. As will be explained below, the anvil provides a retaining surface for the suture and, in use, further receives the cutting blade 110 as it passes through the suture.

[0044] More specifically, the anvil assembly 26 is secured to the body 24 via a connecting bridge 28. The connecting bridge 28 includes an anvil end 78 connected to the anvil assembly 26 and a body end 79 connected to the distal end of the body. As will be explained below, the anvil assembly 26, the connecting bridge 28, and the distal end 22 of the body 24 together define a suture window 59, which allows materials such as surgical sutures to be positioned across, through, and / or within the suture window 59. The connecting bridge includes a facing surface that, in the illustrated configuration, is substantially perpendicular to the top wall of the anvil and parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the blade groove intersects the facing surface to minimize the gap between the blade and the facing wall, thereby preventing the suture from wedging between the facing wall and the blade during use.

[0045] Anvil assembly 26 in Figure 9 The portion shown includes a distal surface 60 that generally defines the distal end 22 of the housing 12, and also includes a first side surface 62 and a second side surface 64, as well as a front end 68 and a rear end 69. The rear end 69 is connected to the anvil end 78 of the connecting bridge 28. The anvil assembly 26 also includes a top surface 66 that faces the upper opening 43 of the inner bore 40 and generally faces the lower opening 44 of the inner bore. The top surface generally forms the distal surface of the suture window 59.

[0046] A blade groove 70 is defined within the anvil assembly and extends away from the top surface 66 in a direction away from the lower end of the inner bore. The blade groove is defined by a first blade groove wall 72 and a second blade groove wall 74 opposite to the first blade groove wall. The blade groove walls are sufficiently spaced apart to allow slidable insertion of a cutting blade 110 into the blade groove 70. In the illustrated configuration, the blade groove 70 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the inner bore 40 of the main surface to allow slidable insertion of the blade, preferably spaced apart from the first and second blade groove walls. In the illustrated configuration, the blade groove 70 is perpendicular to the top surface 66 of the anvil assembly (and the first and second sidewalls typically intersect the top wall with minimal fillet radius, preferably such that the top wall intersects the sidewalls perpendicularly at the intersection, or at an acute angle (i.e., portions of the sidewalls are within the footprint of the top wall, and the sidewalls move away from each other in a direction away from the top wall)), and provides a relatively narrow channel that is larger than the blade but small enough to prevent the suture being cut from meaningfully bending and / or being meaningfully introduced into the blade groove 70. In the illustrated configuration, the blade 110 has a width of 0.004 inches, while the blade groove 70 has a channel width of 0.010 inches (i.e., preferably, the distance to each sidewall is less than the thickness of the blade, although other configurations are also conceived). Therefore, the blade is thicker than the space on either side of the blade (i.e., the space on either side is 0.003, while the blade is 0.004). It should also be understood that while this construction results in the suture being cut at the top wall (rather than being pushed into the blade groove), other dimensional relationships are conceivable, such as the space between the blade and the groove wall being smaller than the diameter of the suture being cut. For example, the diameter of suture #1 is in the range of 0.400 to 0.499 mm, while the diameter of suture #2 is in the range of 0.500 to 0.599 mm. Therefore, for example, the area on either side of the blade in the blade groove can be smaller than such a diameter. It should also be understood that the area on either side of the blade can be larger than the blade, while cutting the suture essentially near the top wall rather than pushing it into the blade groove. And by being essentially on the top wall, those skilled in the art will understand that this area will not be sufficient to drag the suture but rather drive it through, while the area above the groove can extend slightly into the groove without pulling more than three times the width of the suture groove (e.g., and preferably less than three times the width of the suture groove, and more preferably less than twice the width of the suture groove). This movement of the suture will not negatively affect the performance of the suture, nor will it damage the cut area.

[0047] The blade groove 70 is also defined by a bottom wall 76 spanning between the first blade groove wall and the second blade groove wall. The bottom wall 76 forms the lower limit of movement of the blade 110 within the blade groove 70. In the illustrated configuration, the blade groove 70 may extend to and pass through the front end 68 of the anvil, while terminating near the connecting bridge 28.

[0048] In the illustrated configuration, the anvil assembly 26 provides an anvil surface for placing and holding the suture, allowing the blade (described below) to pass through the top surface 66, and further provides an entrance for the blade into the blade groove 70 to allow the blade to pass through the suture and continue in the same direction when cutting the suture. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the blade groove 70 provides a tight tolerance toward the rear end 69 to facilitate cutting of the suture rather than pushing the suture into the blade groove 70. Furthermore, by having the blade groove, the blade cutting surface is not dulled due to interaction with the housing 12, but rather allows for a position after cutting the suture.

[0049] Reference Figure 10 Sleeve 14 is shown extending between a proximal end 80 and a distal end 82, defining an elongated body 84. Sleeve 14 may be formed from a single integrally molded polymer, while other materials (i.e., metals, composites) and other forming methods (i.e., additive manufacturing) are also conceived. As will be explained, sleeve 14 is coupled to the proximal end of housing 12.

[0050] The elongated body 84 includes an outer surface 92, a central bore 90, a lower end protrusion 94, and a circumferential annular protrusion 96. The central bore 90 defines an inner surface 98 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 and sized to allow the plunger rod 104 to slide within the central bore. In the illustrated configuration, the inner surface 98 defines a generally uniform cross-sectional configuration comprising a generally uniform circular cross-sectional configuration, thereby defining an overall cylindrical shape.

[0051] Near the distal end, a lower protrusion 94 extends outward around the outer surface of the elongated body near the distal end 82. The lower protrusion 94 includes an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central hole. A circumferential annular protrusion 96 extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower surface of the lower protrusion 94 and is spaced apart from the outer surface of the elongated body 84. In the illustrated configuration, since the outer surface is substantially cylindrical and the circumferential annular protrusion 96 is substantially circular, the outer surface and the circumferential annular protrusion are substantially concentric around the longitudinal axis. Of course, other configurations are also conceived.

[0052] As explained below regarding the components, the lower protrusion 94 is sized to fit within the circumferential channel 38 of the flange 32, facilitating the connection between the sleeve 14 and the housing 12. Simultaneously, the circumferential annular protrusion 96 fits within the circumferential channel 39 of the flange 32, further facilitating the connection and alignment between the sleeve 14 and the housing 12. Finally, in this connection configuration, the distal end 82 of the elongated body 84 extends into the inner bore 40 and engages the upper shoulder 49 of the body 24. Due to their relative dimensions, the distal end 82 is prevented from extending beyond the upper shoulder 49.

[0053] Reference Figure 11 The plunger assembly 16 is shown extending between a proximal end 100 and a distal end 102. The plunger assembly 16 includes a plunger rod 104, a plunger button 106, a return spring 108, and a blade 110. The plunger rod 104 and plunger button 106 may preferably be formed of a molded polymer, while the return spring 108 and blade 110 are preferably made of metal; however, other suitable construction materials are also contemplated, such as polymer- or composite-based return springs, and metal or composite plunger rods and plunger buttons.

[0054] The plunger rod 104 is shown as including a button connection groove 120, an upper shaft portion 122, a central shaft portion 124, and a lower shaft portion 126. The upper shaft portion includes a proximal end 130 and a distal end 132. The button connection groove 120 is located at the proximal end 130 of the upper shaft portion and is configured to attach to the plunger button 106. As will be explained herein, the plunger rod 104 is configured to slidably move within the inner bore of the body 24 of the housing 12 and the central bore of the elongated body of the sleeve 14.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, the central shaft portion 124 includes an upper shoulder 134, a lower shoulder 136, a longitudinal outer surface 138, and an outer surface protrusion 139. The central shaft portion 124 is sized to have a larger diameter than the upper shaft portion 122 and the lower shaft portion 126, such that the lower shoulder 136 has approximately the same circumference as the lower shoulder 46 of the inner bore 40, and the outer surface protrusion 139 can slidably engage the longitudinal groove 48 of the inner bore 40. As shown, the outer surface protrusion 139 is circumferentially spaced around the central shaft portion to correspond to the spacing of the longitudinal groove 48, and is defined by a first protrusion sidewall 142, a second protrusion sidewall 144, and a lower end protrusion wall 140. In this embodiment, the upper shaft portion 122 and the central shaft portion 124 are integrally formed; however, it is also contemplated that the two portions can be joined together by alternative means such as adhesives or threaded connections.

[0056] like Figure 13 As shown, the lower shaft portion 126 extends from the lower shoulder 136 to the distal end of the plunger rod 104 and includes a blade receiving area 156 and a blade facing surface 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade facing surface 158 defines a fastener receiving hole 159 to receive a blade fastener 112 that secures the cutting blade to the plunger rod. In this embodiment, the blade fastener 112 is a screw, wherein the blade opening 172 is threaded to receive the screw. In some embodiments, the cutting blade may be secured by an alternative means such as adhesive.

[0057] The lower shaft portion 126 is dimensioned such that the return spring 108 can slide fully on its distal end and longitudinally contact the lower shoulder 136. The outer surface 154 of the lower shaft portion 126 includes a protrusion 157 disposed near the distal end 102 but before the blade receiving region 156. The protrusion 157 extends outward from the outer surface 154 to engage with the wall surface 42 as the plunger rod 104 slides through the housing 12. When the blade reaches the top surface 66 of the anvil assembly, the contact between the protrusion 157 and the wall surface 42 ensures that the distal end of the plunger rod 104 is aligned, such that the blade generally remains spaced apart from the first blade groove wall 72 and the second blade groove wall 74, and preferably centered between them. Due to the construction of the inner bore of the housing body, the protrusion 157 can remain spaced apart from or loosely connected to the inner surface, and the interaction can increase as the blade reaches or approaches the top surface of the anvil assembly, as will be explained below. The engagement of the protrusion 157 with the wall surface 42 of the inner bore 40 further aligns the plunger rod 104 within the inner bore, which aligns the blade with the blade slot 70 of the anvil assembly.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the plunger button 106 includes a top surface 160 that generally defines the proximal end 100 of the plunger assembly and provides a surface for the user to apply pressure to push the plunger rod slidably through the sleeve 14 and the housing 12. The plunger button 106 is designed to allow longitudinal engagement with the proximal end 130 of the upper shaft portion. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger button 106 includes a coupling inlet 164 sized to allow insertion of the proximal end 130 into the coupling inlet 164, and also includes an internal coupling ridge 162 within the inlet 164. As shown, the plunger rod 104 contracts near the proximal end 130 to form a button coupling groove 120, which allows the plunger button 106 to snap onto the top of the proximal end 130 and allows the plunger rod 104 and the plunger button 106 to be coupled together via the engagement of the button coupling groove 120 and the internal coupling ridge 162. It is also contemplated that the plunger button 106 can be coupled to the plunger rod by an alternative means such as adhesive, or can be integrally formed with the plunger rod 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the plunger button 106 is sized to prevent insertion into the sleeve 14, thereby preventing further insertion of the plunger rod once the button is fully compressed.

[0059] Reference Figure 14 The blade 110 is shown covering the blade facing surface 158 to allow the blade to be fastened to the blade receiving area by the blade fastener 112. In the current embodiment, as described above, the blade fastener 112 ( Figure 4The screw is inserted through the blade opening 172 and received in the fastener receiving hole 159 of the blade receiving area. The blade 110 is sized to protrude beyond the distal end of the blade receiving area and has a width that facilitates slidable insertion of the blade into the blade groove 70 of the anvil assembly, while also having a width that generally prevents scraping against or engaging with the inner surface of the bore. The cutting edge 170 is located on the distal edge of the blade 110 and is positioned to allow insertion into the blade groove 70 without contacting any surface of the anvil assembly 26, including the bottom wall 76. In the illustrated configuration, the cutting edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod, but inclined, serrated, or V-shaped configurations are also conceivable.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the suture cutting tool 10 can be assembled by first providing a blade and a plunger rod. The blade 110 is positioned to cover the blade facing surface 158 at the distal end of the plunger rod. Next, a blade fastener 112 is guided through a blade opening 172 in the blade and into a fastener receiving hole 159 on the blade facing surface to clamp the blade between the facing surface and the fastener. Once secured, a return spring 108 slides on the lower shaft portion 126 and moves upward to approach the lower shoulder 136 of the central shaft portion.

[0061] Once assembled, the plunger rod is ready to be connected to the housing 12. Specifically, the plunger rod 104 is slidably inserted into the inner bore 40 of the housing 12 by inserting it through the upper opening 43 of the body. As insertion continues, the outer surface protrusion 139 is slidably guided into the corresponding longitudinal groove. Finally, the return spring 108 contacts the lower shoulder 46 of the body 24 to clamp the return spring between the lower shoulder 46 and the lower shoulder 136. At this point, further insertion compresses the return spring 108. Additionally, further insertion guides the outer surface protrusion 139 toward the distal stop 56 of the longitudinal groove.

[0062] It should be understood that, when the spring is not compressed, the blade preferably remains within the inner bore to limit the blade's ability to unintentionally cut or damage tissue or injure the user. Of course, as described below, when the spring is compressed, the blade will extend beyond the lower opening 44 of the body 24. This can be achieved by... Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 4 This can be seen through comparison.

[0063] After the plunger rod 104 has been inserted into the housing 12, the sleeve 14 is positioned on top of the upper shaft portion of the plunger rod by slidably inserting the proximal end 130 of the upper shaft portion into the central hole 90 of the sleeve. The housing 12 and the sleeve 14 are secured together by connecting the flange 32 to the distal end 82 of the sleeve (utilizing the associated circumferential annular protrusion 96, lower end protrusion 94, and circumferential channels 38, 39). In some embodiments, the housing 12 and the sleeve 14 are fastened using an adhesive, but other fastening structures are also contemplated, including but not limited to thermal welding, RF or ultrasonic welding, interference fit, snap-fit ​​fit, etc.

[0064] With the plunger rod 104 retained within the connected housing 12 and sleeve 14, the proximal end 100 protrudes from the central bore of the sleeve to allow the plunger button 106 to be fastened to the plunger rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger button can snap onto the top of the proximal end of the plunger rod to facilitate engagement between the button engagement groove 120 and the internal engagement ridge 162. It is conceivable that the plunger button 106 can also be fastened using other methods, such as adhesives or threaded fasteners.

[0065] With the plunger assembly 16 fully assembled and properly positioned within the connected housing 12 and sleeve 14, the suture cutting tool 10 is provided as a complete device, and as... Figure 1 As shown. As mentioned earlier, Figure 1 The diagram shows the suture cutting tool 10 before force is applied to press down the plunger button 106 and move the plunger and blade; similarly, the return spring 108 is in an extended configuration under compression. In a preferred embodiment, the blade 110 is fully retracted within the inner bore 40 before the user applies actuation force to the plunger button 106. This allows the blade to remain protected within the housing body and helps prevent accidental injury during tool operation.

[0066] To operate the suture cutting tool 10, the user typically positions their fingers on either side of the housing 12, near the lower surface of the flange 32. The user's thumb of the same hand can be positioned to allow the plunger button 106 to be pressed. Alternatively, the user can position the plunger button on the palm of their same hand and use their fingers to pull the cutting tool toward their palm, thereby causing the plunger button to be pressed down. In either case, the tool can be operated with one hand.

[0067] While holding the tool with one hand, the user positions the thread or other material to be cut within the thread window 59. The thread should be positioned laterally across the top surface of the anvil, allowing the blade 110 to be guided through the lower opening 44 of the housing body, toward and in contact with the thread, through the thread, and into the blade. For the same purpose, in preferred operation, the thread should be laterally positioned on the top surface of the anvil and in direct contact with the top surface of the anvil assembly, such that the thread is supported on the opposite side of the blade groove during cutting. The user can pull on the thread to increase tension on the top wall.

[0068] Once the suture is correctly positioned within the suture window and preferably on the top surface of the anvil assembly, the user presses the plunger button to allow the plunger rod to slide slidably through the housing and sleeve assembly from the first position toward the second position and to compress the return spring 108. As the plunger rod moves through the housing, the blade receiving area 156 protrudes beyond the lower opening 44, allowing the blade to cut through the suture and into the blade groove 70 of the anvil, extending toward and into the second position.

[0069] To ensure proper alignment, when the plunger button 106 is pressed, the blade remains away from the top surface and sidewalls of the anvil, and the plunger rod slides through the housing 12, wherein the outer surface protrusion 139 is guided to slide through a longitudinal groove 48 defined on the wall surface of the inner bore 40. As described above, the longitudinal groove narrows toward the distal stop 56, wherein the outer surface protrusion 139 is more closely aligned with the sidewall of the longitudinal groove with less relative rotational movement. More specifically, this configuration helps to limit the radial movement of the plunger rod and provides precise alignment of the blade with the blade groove as the blade approaches the groove, while allowing reduced force application to enable the slidable movement of the outer surface protrusion through the longitudinal groove during the initial movement before the blade approaches the groove.

[0070] While the engagement between the surface protrusion and the longitudinal groove provides proper radial alignment of the blade 110, the protrusion 157 slidably engages with the wall surface of the bore to provide optimal blade alignment as the blade extends through the lower opening 44 into the seam window. This facilitates the translational movement of the blade relative to the housing.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the blade groove 70 is sized such that the blade cuts through the seam and enters the blade groove without leaving space on either side to allow the seam to bend into or otherwise deform into the blade groove 70.

[0072] In some embodiments, the distance the plunger rod can slide through the housing is limited by a plunger button at the proximal end of the contact sleeve 14. In other embodiments, the slidable longitudinal movement may be limited by the maximum compression of the return spring 108 or by contact between the outer surface protrusion 139 and the distal end of the longitudinal groove 48. In a preferred embodiment, maximum longitudinal movement of the plunger rod is achieved before the blade cutting edge contacts the bottom wall 76 of the blade groove. This prevents excessive dulling of the blade during use due to partial contact between the blade and the housing.

[0073] After the suture is cut, the user releases the pressure on the plunger button. At this point, the return spring biases the plunger rod in the opposite direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction through the housing, where the blade retracts into the inner bore 40. The tool is then repositioned to cut the next suture or piece of material. In other configurations, the user can manually return the plunger rod to the first position.

[0074] It was conceivable that the tool could be designed and manufactured for single use after each surgical procedure. It was also conceivable that the tool could be designed and manufactured for reuse with interchangeable parts and replaceable blades.

[0075] The foregoing description is merely illustrative and explanatory, and the disclosure is not limited thereto unless so defined by the appended claims; modifications will be made by those skilled in the art upon which the disclosure is known without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A suture cutting tool, the suture cutting tool comprising: - A housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner bore defined through the housing, the housing further comprising a body having an anvil assembly positioned at the distal end of the housing, the body and the anvil assembly being connected by a connecting bridge to define a suture groove, the anvil assembly having a top surface facing the inner bore and defining a blade groove between a first side and a second side of the top surface; - A plunger assembly having a plunger rod slidably movable within the inner bore of the housing, the plunger rod having a first end extending beyond the housing and a second end extending beyond the inner bore of the housing; - A blade coupled to the distal end of the plunger rod and including a cutting edge, the blade being movable together with the plunger assembly between at least a first position and a second position, the first position placing the cutting edge within the suture groove, and the second position placing the cutting edge within the blade groove of the anvil; - When moving between the first position and the second position, the cutting blade is structurally configured to cut the suture that runs through the blade groove within the suture groove.

2. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting edge is prevented from reaching the lower end of the bottom wall of the blade groove.

3. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The blade groove also includes a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first wall and the second wall being spaced apart from each other and hanging down from the top surface, wherein the blade is prevented from adjoining either the first wall or the second wall.

4. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The blade has a defined thickness, and when inserted into the blade slot, the distance between the blade and the first wall and the distance between the blade and the second wall are less than or equal to the thickness of the blade.

5. The suture cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein, The blade is 0.004 inches thick and the blade groove is 0.010 inches wide, wherein the blade roughly bisects the blade groove in the middle.

6. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, further comprising a return spring having a first end engaging with the housing and a second end engaging with the plunger rod, the return spring forcing the blade away from the second position.

7. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, In the first position, the cutting edge is positioned inside the inner hole of the housing.

8. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, further comprising: - At least one longitudinal groove, the at least one longitudinal groove being defined in the inner bore of the housing and terminating at the proximal end of the housing; - At least one outer surface protrusion on the outer surface of the plunger rod, the at least one outer surface protrusion being slidably movable within at least one longitudinal groove of the housing; - The at least one longitudinal groove captures the at least one outer surface protrusion in order to constrain the relative rotation of the plunger rod relative to the housing.

9. The suture cutting tool according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one outer surface protrusion and the at least one longitudinal groove are configured to progressively restrict the relative rotation of the plunger rod relative to the housing as the blade is guided from the first position toward the second position.

10. The suture cutting tool according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one outer surface protrusion includes four outer surface protrusions, and the at least one longitudinal groove includes four longitudinal grooves spaced apart on the inner hole of the housing.

11. The suture cutting tool according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one outer surface protrusion has a lower end protrusion wall that engages with a distal stop that prevents further movement in the direction of the second end.

12. The suture cutting tool according to claim 8, wherein, The outer surface of the plunger rod also includes a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the outer surface, the plurality of protrusions engaging with the inner bore to improve the alignment of the blade relative to the blade slot as the blade is guided toward the second position.

13. The suture cutting tool according to claim 12, wherein, Before the cutting blade enters the blade groove, at least one of the plurality of protrusions contacts the inner bore as the blade is guided toward the second position, while at least one of the plurality of protrusions is spaced apart from the inner bore as the blade is guided toward the first position.

14. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The plunger rod defines a longitudinal axis of travel within the bore, and the top surface of the anvil assembly is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

15. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The blade groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top wall.

16. The suture cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein, The housing includes two components connected end-to-end: a first component is a body, and a second component is a sleeve, with the plunger rod extending through the body and the sleeve.

17. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting bridge also includes a facing wall, and the blade groove intersects with the facing wall.

18. The suture cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The blade includes a cutting edge that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod.

19. A method using a suture cutting tool, the method comprising the following steps: - Provide a suture cutting tool as claimed in claim 1; - Place the suture into the suture groove and across the blade groove; - Guide the plunger rod from the first position to the second position; and - As the blade passes over the top wall, it cuts the seam.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, During the cutting step, the suture is held outside the blade groove.

21. A suture cutting tool, the suture cutting tool comprising: - A housing having a proximal end and a distal end, having an inner bore extending through the housing, the distal end defining a suture groove transverse to the inner bore, the housing terminating at an anvil assembly opposite the suture groove; - The anvil has a top wall extending across the anvil and a blade groove hanging down from the top wall; - A plunger rod slidably positioned within the inner bore, the plunger rod having: a first end extending outside the proximal end; and a second end having a blade that can be inserted into the suture groove, and the cutting edge of the blade can be inserted into the blade groove.

22. The suture cutting tool according to claim 21, wherein, The blade groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are spaced apart from the cutting edge of the blade at all relative positions of the blade within the blade groove.

23. A method using a suture cutting tool, the method comprising the following steps: The suture cutting tool is provided, the suture cutting tool having: a housing having an anvil assembly near a distal end of the housing, the anvil assembly having a top surface and a blade groove formed in the top surface, and the suture groove being defined between the proximal end of the housing and the top surface of the anvil assembly; A plunger rod is slidably movable relative to the housing, and a blade is attached to the plunger rod at a second end near the plunger rod. The blade has a cutting edge that can be slidably guided through a portion of the seam groove and the blade groove. - Place the suture into the suture groove and across the blade groove; - Guide the plunger rod from the first position to the second position; and - As the blade passes over the top wall, it cuts the seam.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The cutting step occurs at the top wall while the seam remains substantially outside the blade groove.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the step of: - After the cutting step, the cutting edge is removed from the blade groove.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of: - After the step of removing the cutting edge from the blade groove, the cutting edge is removed from the seam groove.

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