Slip resistance system for medical cannula

Abstract

To provide a suture slip resistance system for an arthroscope cannula or an endoscope cannula for facilitating suture management while holding functionality of a seal.SOLUTION: A suture slip resistance system 10 includes an end cap 12 having an opening extending through the end cap and one or more slip resistances 26 extending from the opening. A cannula body 14 extends from the end cap to a distal end. A seal 16 is connected to a part between the cannula body and the end cap. The seal has a seal slit extending through the seal. The seal slit is substantially aligned with the opening of the end cap. At the time of use, the suture extends through a cannula, the seal slit, and the opening in the end cap. When a tension is applied to the suture from the opening inside the end cap, the suture may be fixed to the inside of a suture slot between two slip resistances.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 909,891, entitled "Cleating System for a Medical Cannula," filed October 3, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cannulas, and more particularly to a non-slip system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art Cannulas may be used to support arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery by providing an access portal to a surgical site. To address fluid management issues, cannulas may be equipped with a seal system at the proximal end. The flexible seal restricts fluid flow through the cannula but also supports access to the surgical site by instruments, implants, or sutures.

[0004] During arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery, multiple sutures may be threaded and manipulated through a cannula. The cannula may be designed to offer features such as a cleat to facilitate suture management. In the context of arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery, the section of the suture directly accessible to the user is the portion of the suture that is pulled outside the patient. When performing such surgery through a cannula, the accessible section of the suture passes through a flexible cannula seal.

[0005] To securely lock the suture, the suture must be pulled under tension into the locking feature. Because the middle of the suture is still engaged with the flexible seal, locking multiple sutures in the opposite direction carries an inherent risk of stretching the flexible seal open. This can be observed in FIG. 1, which shows a seal on a prior art cannula. While locking multiple sutures, the seal is pulled open. When the flexible seal within the cannula is pulled apart in this manner, the cannula is at greater risk of fluid leakage and spraying.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for a suture anti-slip system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannulas that will not pull the seal(s) apart during use.

[0007] As used herein, the term "suture" may refer to any type of thread-like material, such as a biocompatible or bioabsorbable filament, ribbon, tape, woven, or nonwoven material.

[0008] Related Art Description Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed in this Related Art Description section above or elsewhere in this disclosure, these discussions should not be construed as an admission that the discussed patents / publications / products are prior art under patent law. For example, some or all of the discussed patents / publications / products may not be early enough, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough, and / or may not be sufficiently effective to amount to prior art under patent law. To the extent discussed above throughout the application, the descriptions / disclosures thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties into this document. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a suture anti-slip system for an arthroscopic or endoscopic cannula to facilitate suture management while maintaining seal functionality. One embodiment of the suture anti-slip system includes an end cap having an outer surface with an opening extending therethrough and one or more cleats extending therefrom. A seal is connected to the end cap. The seal has a seal slit extending at least partially across its diameter. The seal slit is substantially aligned with the opening in the end cap.

[0010] According to another aspect, a suture cleat system includes an end cap having an opening extending therethrough and one or more cleats 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 seal slit extending therethrough, the seal slit being substantially aligned with the opening in the end cap.

[0011] In use, the suture extends through the cannula, the seal slit, and the opening in the end cap, from which the suture can be tensioned and secured within the suture slot between the two cleats.

[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The accompanying drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope, since the disclosed subject matter may admit of other equally effective embodiments. Reference will now be made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a prior art cannula and seal. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a suture cleat system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of an end cap of a suture anti-slip system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top view of a seal of a suture anti-slip system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of a seal of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of an end cap of a cleat system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the end cap and seal of the anti-skid system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an end cap of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of a suture cleat system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of a cannula body of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a close-up elevated side view of a cannula body of a suture anti-slip system according to an alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Aspects of the present invention and its specific features, advantages, and details are described more fully below with reference to non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures have been omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the details of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific non-limiting examples, while illustrating aspects of the 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 underlying inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0016] Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIG. 2 is a side view of a suture anti-slip system 10, according to one embodiment. The suture anti-slip system 10 includes a proximal end cap 12 from which a cannula body 14 extends. 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 interior volume (not shown) extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2, the cannula body 14 has threads 20 extending along at least a portion of the tube 18.

[0017] Turning now to Figure 3, a top view of the end cap 12 of the suture cleat system 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. As shown, the end cap 12 includes an outer surface 22. 3, outer surface 22 is substantially flat (i.e., planar). In the illustrated embodiment, outer surface 22 is circular to match the circular shape of seal 16 and proximal end 24 (FIG. 2) of cannula body 14. End cap 12 has an opening 28 extending through outer surface 22 and one or more cleats 26 extending from outer surface 22. In FIG. 2, cleats 26 are protruding pieces of material extending distally from outer surface 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, there are two opposing sets of two central cleats 26A between two opposing larger cleats 26B. However, end cap 12 can be configured so that any suitable number of cleats 26 are present.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the cleat 26 extends distally from the outer surface 22. In both Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the cleat 26 extends at an angle. In particular, the cleat 26 extends at an angle from a central longitudinal yy axis extending through the suture cleat system 10, as shown in Figure 2. 3, the end cap 12 has one or more suture slots 34 (or any other type of opening) between any two of the cleats 26. The suture slots 34 extend between the cleats 26 and at least partially into the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12. The suture slots 34 in FIG. 3 increase in size distally. In particular, the suture slots 34 are narrow and straight through the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12 and open (or increase in size) in a triangular shape distally between the cleats 26.

[0019] 4A and 4B, a top view of the seal 16 of the suture anti-slip system 10 is shown, according to an embodiment. The seal 16 has a seal slit 32 extending therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal slit 32 is substantially linear and extends substantially across the diameter of the seal 16. Specifically, the seal slit 32 is oriented along an axis xx. (As shown in FIG. 1, axis xx is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis yy.) Seal slit 32 is wide enough to accommodate suture 30 extending therethrough. Seal 16 in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a duckbill or bivalve seal because it is resilient to geometric deformation when suture 30 is tensioned at a particular angle relative to the orientation of seal slit 32. However, Any other seal design and geometry that is similarly resilient to geometric deformation under use as described in can be used for seal 16.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, in use, the suture 30 is passed through the seal 16 and pulled perpendicular to the length of the seal slit 32, as shown in FIG. 4A. This technique results in rapid deformation of the seal 16. FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment for threading the suture 30 through the seal 16. 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. The difference in deformation between the techniques in FIGS. 4A and 4B is evident when comparing the distorted size of the seal slit 32. The technique in FIG. 4B is preferable to the interaction between the seal 16 and the suture 30 in FIG. 4A because it results in minimal deformation, reducing wear on the seal 16 and extending its lifespan.

[0021] Turning now to FIG. 5, a top view of the end cap 12 of the suture cleat system 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. The end cap 12 has one or more suture openings 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 12 has two suture openings 36. As shown in FIG. 5, the suture openings 36 extend from the openings 28 in the outer surface 22 of the end cap 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the suture openings 36 are substantially circular or rounded, although any other geometric shape for the suture openings 36 may be used.

[0022] The suture openings 36 can extend at any location from the openings 28 in the exterior surface 22. In FIG. 5, the suture openings 36 extend on opposite sides of the openings 28. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 28 are aligned along axes zz where the suture openings 36 extend through the hexagonal shaped openings 28. 5, the suture 30 is pulled through the opening 28 and docked into one of the suture openings 36. The suture 30 is then locked in one of the cleats 26 by pulling the suture 30 through the suture slot 34 between any two cleats 26. The angle of entry of the suture 30 into the suture cleats 26 is precisely controlled due to the suture opening 36.

[0023] 6, shown is a top view of the end cap 12 and seal 16 of the anti-slip system 10, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the seal slits 32 of the seal 16 are aligned with the suture openings 36. Specifically, an axis xx extending along the length of the seal slit 32 is aligned between the suture slots 34 (i.e., one of the suture slots 34). The suture 30 extends through the seal slit 32 (from one suture slot 34 to the other). By aligning the seal slit 32 with the suture slot 34, the suture 30 extending through the seal slit 32 is guided into one of the suture openings 36 (as shown in FIG. 4B). The suture 30 can then be pulled through one of the adjacent suture slots 34 between the two cleats 26. Therefore, the suture 30 can be pulled through the seal slit 32 and the suture opening 36 without much, if any, deformation of the seal 16. This allows the suture 30 to be locked under tension while maintaining the functionality of the seal 16, which in turn prevents fluid leakage and spraying from the cannula.

[0024] 7-13, an alternative embodiment of a suture anti-slip system 100 is shown. 7 and 8 show various views of the suture anti-slip system 100. 1 shows a perspective view and an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a suture anti-slip system 100. A cannula body 104 includes a proximal end cap 102 extending therefrom. A seal 106 (FIG. 8) ) is positioned between end cap 102 and cannula body 104. Cannula body 104 is a tube 108 having an interior volume 103 (FIG. 8) extending therethrough. Additionally, cannula body 104 has threads 110 extending along at least a portion of tube 108. do.

[0025] Turning now to FIG. 9, an end of a suture anti-slip system 100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. A perspective view of the end cap 102 is shown. As shown, the end cap 102 includes an aperture 112 extending therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 112 is a wide, hexagonal-shaped opening. The boundary defining the aperture 112 is an interior wall 114 of the end cap 102. An end 116 of the interior wall 114 is chamfered or angled to facilitate insertion of an object (e.g., an implant) into the cannula body 104.

[0026] The hexagonal geometry of the opening 112 allows the end cap 102 to engage with a corresponding hexagonal geometry of the proximal obturator (not shown). During assembly or manufacturing of the suture cleat system 100, the end cap 102 is attached to the cannula body 104 via sonic welding. The end cap 102 has a recess 118 (i.e., negative space) that allows a sonic welding horn to reach a bottom surface 120 of the end cap 102. ), thus enabling near-field sonic welding to join end cap 102 to cannula body 104.

[0027] Still referring to Figure 9, there are one or more suture slots 122 extending from the opening 112 through the end cap 102. Specifically, the end cap 102 has an outer surface 124 and an end cap 126. and one or more suture slots 122 extending through an outer surface 124 of the cap 102. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the end cap 102 has four suture slots 122. The suture slots 122 are created between any two walls 114 of the end cap 102. The walls 114 function like the cleats 26 (i.e., protrusions) in Figures 3 and 6 above. Therefore, the end cap 102 of Figure 9 has cleats 26. The four suture slots 122 are arranged such that two suture slots 122 converge within the end cap 102 and two other suture slots 122 converge within the end cap 102. Two sets of two suture slots 122 are opposite each other so that the end cap 102 has mirror symmetry along axis zz. Each of the two sets of two suture slots 122 extends into a triangular recess 126 that extends into the opening 112. The triangular recess 126 extends into the bottom surface 120 of the end cap 102.

[0028] The configuration of the suture slots 122 described above allows a user to secure one or more sutures on the end cap 102 by pushing the suture into at least one of the suture slots 122 and past the outer surface 124 of the end cap 102, thereby securing the suture. Prior art systems require the user to reach under the end cap to access the suture cleat, which can be difficult to find when looking straight down over the end cap. Therefore, the suture cleat system 100 described herein provides the user with improved suture visibility and control.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a suture anti-slip system 100 is shown. A perspective view of the seal 106 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal 106 is a duckbill-style seal. The seal 106 has a seal slit 128 extending at least partially across the diameter of the seal 106 (as described and shown in the embodiment of Figures 1-6 above). The seal slit 128 extends along the axis xx (FIG. 11). The seal 106 It has features that match the end cap 102 and cannula body 104. For example, a seal 106 is used to align the seal 106 in the correct orientation relative to the end cap 102. The axially extending portion 130 has one or more collinear notches 130.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 11, a top view of a suture anti-slip system 100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. As shown, the seal slit 128 of the seal 106 is aligned with the opening 112 of the end cap 102. The seal slit 128 is aligned such that an axis x extending along the seal slit 128 extends between the converging portions of the suture slot 122 (and extends between the triangular recesses 126). In other words, axis xx is substantially aligned with axis zz. When a suture is extended through the seal 106 (through the seal slit 128) and slipped (i.e., placed within the suture slot 122), the triangular recess 126 keeps the suture horizontal, and therefore the seal 106 remains closed. The rule 106 will be forced open and deformed.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of a suture anti-slip system 100 is shown. A top view of the cannula body 104 is shown. The proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104 includes alignment features for attachment to the seal 106 and end cap 102. For example, The proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104 has a collinear notch 134 for receiving a notch feature on the seal 106 and / or end cap 102. may also include a collinear groove 136 in an outer surface 138 of cannula body 104 for connecting to seal 106 and / or end cap 102 .

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the suture anti-slip system 100 is shown. 1 shows a close-up elevated side view of the cannula body 104. The proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104 has a triangular shaped energy director 140 that extends completely around the top surface 142 of the proximal end 132 of the cannula body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy director 140 is a channel that extends in a circular shape along the top surface 142, creating an internal circumference. The energy director 140 fills the top surface 142, creating a uniform and strong bond.

[0033] It should be understood that the values ​​used above are merely representative values ​​and that other values ​​may be used consistent with the spirit and intent of the present disclosure.

[0034] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein (and will understand by those skilled in the art that various changes of detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, which may be supported by the written description and drawings). More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand 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 on one or more specific applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Furthermore, when exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a particular number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be practiced utilizing either fewer than the particular number of elements or more than the particular number of elements.

[0035] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and was set forth in its entirety.

[0036] As defined and used herein, all definitions should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0037] In the context of describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the claims which follow), the use of the terms "a," "an," and "the," and similar reference words, unless otherwise indicated herein and unless clearly contradicted by context, should be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural. Unless otherwise indicated, "comprising," "having," "including," and The term "containing" should be construed as an open term (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"). The term "connected" means that something is partially or completely attached to an intervening location, even if it is not directly attached to the intervening location. or be interpreted as being wholly encompassed, attached, or connected.

[0038] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one," in connection with a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements 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 combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements, whether related or unrelated to the specifically identified elements, to be optionally present in addition to the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") means, in one embodiment, at least one, optional element in which B is not present. In another embodiment, two or more A's (and optionally elements other than B) are included, and in another embodiment, no A's are included, and at least at least one, optionally two or more B (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, at least one, optionally two or more A; and at least one, optionally two It can refer to one or more Bs (and optionally other elements).

[0039] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, it should also be understood that in any method claimed herein including more than one step or action, the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or actions are recited.

[0040] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximation may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it pertains. Thus, for example, values ​​modified by terms such as "about" and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Throughout this specification and the claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges include all subranges identified and contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0041] 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 stated herein, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually set forth herein.

[0042] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., "such as") may be used interchangeably. The use is intended merely to better clarify embodiments of the invention and does not impose limitations on the scope of the invention unless otherwise stated.

[0043] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0044] In the above specification, as well as in the claims, 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., meaning including, but not limited to). As set forth in Section 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, the transitional phrase " Only "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to one or more specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, to the extent that the modifications and variations of the present invention come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, it is intended that the present invention will cover them.

Claims

1. an end cap having an exterior surface, the exterior surface having an opening extending therethrough and one or more cleats extending therefrom; a seal connected to the end cap, the seal having a seal slit extending at least partially across a diameter thereof; The suture anti-slip system, wherein the sealing slit is substantially aligned with the opening in the end cap.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more suture openings extending through the outer surface, the suture openings extending from the openings.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more cleats extend distally from the outer surface at an angle.

4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a suture slot between two of the one or more cleats.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the suture slot extends at least partially through the outer surface.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more cleats is a wall of the end cap.

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising two suture slots, each suture slot extending between two of the one or more cleats, and the two suture slots converging within the end cap.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening is hexagonal with two opposing triangular recesses extending therefrom, each triangular recess extending into two converging suture slots.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the sealing slit is collinear with the two opposing triangular recesses.

10. an end cap having an opening extending therethrough and one or more cleats extending therefrom; a cannula body extending distally from the end cap; a seal connected between the cannula body and the end cap, the seal having a seal slit extending therethrough; The suture anti-slip system, wherein the sealing slit is substantially aligned with the opening in the end cap.

11. The system of claim 10 , further comprising one or more suture openings extending from the opening.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the seal slit extends at least partially across a diameter of the seal.

13. The cannula body comprises a tube having threads extending along at least a portion thereof. The system of claim 10.

14. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a suture slot between two of the one or more cleats.

15. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a suture extending through the sealing slit and the opening.

16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the suture extends from the opening and through a suture slot between two of the one or more cleats.

17. The system of claim 10, further comprising one or more suture openings extending from the opening, the suture extending from one of the one or more suture openings into the suture slot.

18. The system of claim 10, further comprising two suture slots, each suture slot extending between two of the one or more cleats, and the two suture slots converging within the end cap.

19. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the opening is hexagonal with two opposing triangular recesses extending therefrom, each triangular recess extending into two converging suture slots.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the sealing slit is collinear with the two opposing triangular recesses.

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