Cannula for use with an endoscopic vessel harvesting device - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The vessel harvesting device includes a handle and a cannula assembly extending distally from the handle. The cannula assembly includes an outer tube having a flange and at least one insert extending into the outer tube. The at least one insert defines a tool path configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough, a scope path configured to receive a surgical scope therethrough, and an insufflation channel. The device further includes a cannula gasket disposed within the flange of the outer tube and defining a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings aligned with one of the tool path, the scope path, and the insufflation channel. The device further includes an air insufflation tube extending from the handle through the cannula gasket and the insufflation channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 410,930, filed September 28, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to organ harvesting devices, and more particularly to blood vessel harvesting devices with insufflation and evacuation features. [Background technology]

[0003] Description of Related Art In an endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) surgical procedure, an elongated surgical instrument is advanced along the saphenous vein into a tunnel next to it in a patient's leg, dissecting the vessel away from adjacent tissue and severing side branch vessels along the path of the vessel to be harvested. Similar techniques can also be used to harvest the radial artery or other target structures.

[0004] An example of a blood vessel harvesting device is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,402,680 to Ginnebaugh et al. As described in Ginnebaugh et al., the blood vessel harvesting device may include features for channeling and filtering smoke generated during the harvesting procedure. For example, pressurized gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) may be used to force the smoke toward a filter in the handle of the device.

[0005] The arrangement of the smoke passage in some known collection devices can be prone to clogging with bodily fluids. Additionally, smoke can be generated at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the integrated smoke passage and smoke filter, reducing visibility through the endoscope. Reduced visibility through the endoscope can also result from the accumulation of moist air due to reduced exhaust flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,402,680 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a cannula device for a vessel harvesting system that more effectively insufflates and evacuates waste gases from the vessel harvesting area.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a cannula device for a blood vessel harvesting system. The cannula device includes a handle and a cannula assembly extending distally from the handle. The cannula assembly includes an outer tube having a flange and at least one inner cannula extending within the outer tube. The at least one inner cannula defines a tool path configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough, a scope path configured to receive a surgical scope therethrough, and an insufflation channel. The cannula device further includes a cannula gasket disposed within the flange of the outer tube and defining a plurality of openings, each aligned with one of the tool path, the scope path, and the insufflation channel. The cannula device further includes an air insufflation tube extending from the handle through the cannula gasket and the insufflation channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gasket includes one or more posts that protrude distally from the distal surface of the cannula gasket and interface with the outer tube, creating a gap between the outer tube and the distal surface of the cannula gasket.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gasket has a tapered sidewall that forms a fluid-tight seal around the inner periphery of the flange of the outer pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one inner cannula further defines an exhaust channel, and the cannula gasket further defines an exhaust opening aligned with the exhaust channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cannula device further includes a filter assembly contained within the handle for filtering exhaust gases, the filter assembly including an inlet tube extending at least partially into the exhaust opening of the cannula gasket, a filter housing attached to a proximal end of the inlet tube, and a particulate filter disposed within the filter housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the filter housing comprises a shrinkable polymer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the particulate filter comprises a porous plastic that has carbon embedded in it.

[0015] In some embodiments, the filter assembly is disposed in a filter chamber in the handle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the filter chamber defines a vent opening through which the filter exhaust gas can flow to the atmosphere.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air line includes a small tube configured for connection to a gas source and a hypotube inserted partially into the distal end of the small tube.

[0018] In some embodiments, the handle includes a tool guide channel for guiding a surgical tool into the tool path of the cannula assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tool guide channel includes a rib that terminates proximally of the cannula assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rib includes a bevel having an angled surface for directing a surgical tool toward the cannula assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rib is formed from a continuous section of material that extends distally within the handle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cannula device further includes an endoscope extending into the scope channel, the scope being movable between a retracted position in which the distal end of the scope is stored within the cannula assembly and an extended position in which the distal end of the scope protrudes from the cannula assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cannula device further includes a bell extending from the proximal end of the handle, and the proximal end of the scope is positioned at least partially within the bell such that the proximal end of the scope is accessible to the operator.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one inner cannula further defines a scope irrigation channel configured to receive a scope irrigation tube therethrough, and the cannula gasket further defines a scope irrigation opening aligned with the scope irrigation channel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the handle includes at least two sections that form an interference fit with the cannula assembly.

[0026] In some embodiments, the handle includes a cannula support structure including a first surface that engages a distal face of the flange of the outer tube and a second surface that engages a proximal face of the flange of the outer tube.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one inner cannula includes a first insert and a second insert, and the tool path and the scope path are defined between the first insert and the second insert.

[0028] Further details and advantages of the various embodiments described in detail herein will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a cannula device for a vessel harvesting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 2] 2 is a side view of a handle section of the cannula device of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0031] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the cannula device of FIG.

[0032] [Figure 4] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 taken along line AA of FIG.

[0033] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with one of the handle sections removed for clarity.

[0034] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the cannula connection of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of the cannula device of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0036] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 showing the cannula gasket thereof.

[0037] [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 showing the cannula gasket thereof.

[0038] [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 taken along line BB of FIG. 3. FIG.

[0039] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with one of the handle sections removed for clarity.

[0040] [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of a cannula gasket of the cannula device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of a filter assembly of the cannula device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 14] 14 is a side view of the airway of the cannula device of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0043] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with the scope in a first position.

[0044] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial side view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with the scope in a first position.

[0045] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial side view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with the scope in a second position.

[0046] [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the cannula device of FIG. 1 with the scope in a second position.

[0047] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a surgical tool of a vessel harvesting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Figure 20] 20 is a front perspective view of a cannula gasket of the cannula device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 21] 21 is a rear perspective view of the cannula gasket of FIG. 20; FIG.

[0050] [Figure 22] 22 is a side view of a filter assembly of the cannula device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Hereinafter, for purposes of description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "transverse," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer in this disclosure to directions as oriented in the figures of the drawings.

[0052] Spatial or directional terms such as "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," and the like should not be considered limiting as the present invention may assume various alternative orientations.

[0053] All numbers used in the specification and claims should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" refer to a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.

[0054] As used herein, the term "at least one of" is synonymous with "one or more than one of." For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more than two of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more of A only, or one or more of B only, or one or more of C only, or one or more of A and one or more of B, or one or more of A and one or more of C only, or one or more of B and one or more of C, or one or more of all of A, B, and C. Similarly, as used herein, the term "at least two of" is synonymous with "two or more than two of." For example, the phrase "at least two of D, E, and F" means any combination of any two or more than two of D, E, and F. For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" includes one or more of D and one or more of E, or one or more of D and one or more of F, or one or more of E and one or more of F, or one or more of all of D, E, and F.

[0055] It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0056] The term "proximal," when used in relation to a component of a surgical instrument, refers to the portion of that component that is furthest from the surgical access site on the patient. The term "distal," when used in relation to a component of a surgical instrument, refers to the portion of that component that is closest to or inserted into the patient.

[0057] As used herein, the term "surgical tool" refers to any device or component that can be used to act on tissue (e.g., to treat, manipulate, handle, hold, cut, heat, or apply energy to tissue, etc.).

[0058] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an endoscopic vessel harvesting device (EVH). Referring to FIGS. 1-11 , a cannula device 1000 for a vessel harvesting system (hereinafter, “device 1000”) includes a handle 102, a cannula assembly 110, and a bell 120. The cannula assembly 110 may be adapted for insertion into a patient during a vessel harvesting procedure. In particular, the cannula assembly 110 may be inserted through a tunnel formed in the patient's body to allow access to the vessel to be harvested. The handle 102 may remain outside the patient's body so as to be accessible to an operator of the device 1000. As particularly shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the handle 102 may be constructed from multiple sections, such as two half-sections 102 a, 102 b. The two half-sections 102 a, 102 b may be joined to one another via mechanical fasteners, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or the like. For example, handle 102 may include a plurality of threaded holes for receiving screws 106 to secure half-sections 102a, 102b around cannula assembly 110. Half-sections 102a, 102b may form an interference fit with cannula assembly 110 to prevent rattle and / or play and ensure smooth operation of device 1000.

[0059] 1-10 , cannula assembly 110 may include a hollow outer tube 112 defining a main lumen 114 therethrough. Outer tube 112 may include a flange 116 at its proximal end for interfacing with handle 102 to prevent longitudinal movement of cannula assembly 110 relative to handle 102. Outer tube 112 and main lumen 114 defined therein may have a generally circular cross-section, although other geometries may also be used. The distal end of outer tube 112 of cannula assembly 110 may include a nozzle 119. Nozzle 119 may define an opening through which various other components described herein may extend from outer tube 112.

[0060] Cannula assembly 110 may further include at least one, at least two, at least three, or at least four inserts extending through main lumen 114 of outer tube 112. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, cannula assembly includes first insert 124 and second insert 130. First insert 124 and second insert 130 may extend parallel to one another within main lumen 114 of outer tube 112. Second insert 130 may define insufflation channel 126 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) through which an insufflation tube 178 may be inserted. Insufflation tube 178 may be used to infuse a gas, such as carbon dioxide, from handle 102 into the distal end of cannula assembly 110. In use, gas supplied through air line 178 expands the tunnel in which cannula assembly 110 is positioned, allowing for increased visibility within the tunnel and increased maneuverability of surgical tool 400 (see FIG. 19) within the tunnel. First insert 124 may define exhaust channel 132 (see FIG. 10) through which exhaust gases and fumes may flow from the distal end of cannula assembly 110 to handle 102.

[0061] Once the first insert 124 and the second insert 130 are inserted into the outer tube 112, a tool path 140 may be defined adjacent to or between the first insert 124 and the second insert 130 within the main lumen 114. A surgical tool 400 (see FIG. 19 ) for cutting and grasping the blood vessel to be removed may be inserted through the tool path 140. Examples of suitable surgical tools are described in detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application (Attorney Docket No. CS.918) entitled “Organ Harvesting Tool,” filed September 28, 2022, in the name of Maquet Cardiovascular LLC (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). As shown in FIG. 19 , the surgical tool 400 may include, for example, a pair of jaws 410 with heating elements for grasping, cutting, and cauterizing the blood vessel. Jaw 410 may be connected to a distal end of a shaft 420 that may be slid into cannula assembly 110. First insert 124 and second insert 130 may each be a single, continuous structure such that tool path 140 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted along its entire length, such that surgical tool 400, and in particular its jaw 410, does not become stuck when slid through tool path 140.

[0062] Similar to the tool path 140, a scope path 142 may be defined within, adjacent to, or between the first and / or second inserts 124, 130 within the main lumen 114. An endoscope 200 (shown in FIGS. 15-18) may be inserted through the scope channel 142.

[0063] 1-5 , device 1000 may include a vascular protection ring 118 extendable from outer tube 112. Ring 118 may be attached to the distal end of a connecting rod 144 extending through a rod channel 146 defined within, adjacent to, or between first insert 124 and / or main lumen 114. The proximal end of connecting rod 144 may be attached to a switch or slider 148 on handle 102. Switch 148 may be actuated by an operator to reciprocate connecting rod 144 within rod channel 146, thereby extending ring 118 from and retracting ring 118 into outer tube 112. Ring 118 may be C-shaped with a cutout section through which endoscope 200 and surgical tools 400 may extend.

[0064] In use, ring 118 can be retracted into outer tube 112 during insertion and positioning of cannula assembly 110 within a patient. Once cannula assembly 110 is positioned as desired, the operator can actuate switch 148 and move connecting rod 144 distally, thereby extending ring 118 from outer tube 112. Ring 118 can engage patient tissue and / or vasculature that is not intended to be cut, preventing surgical tool 400 from inadvertently damaging that tissue and / or vasculature. After the desired vessel has been harvested, the operator can actuate switch 148 and move connecting rod 144 proximally, retracting ring 118 back into outer tube 112 or nozzle 119.

[0065] 1, 6, and 11, device 1000 may include one or more scope irrigation conduits 180, through which an irrigation solution (e.g., saline) may be injected to clean endoscope 200. Scope irrigation conduit 180 may extend from handle 102 through one or more scope irrigation channels 185 in first insert 124 and / or second insert 130, similar to the manner in which air delivery conduit 178 extends through air delivery channel 126. Irrigation solution may be supplied by solution source conduit 170, through which irrigation solution is supplied to handle 102 from an external source (not shown), such as a pump or syringe.

[0066] 1 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 11 , and 12 , device 1000 may include cannula gasket 150, which creates at least a partial seal between cannula assembly 110 and handle 102. Cannula gasket 150 may be disposed within flange 116 of outer tube 112 and may form a fluid-tight seal around the inner periphery of flange 116. Cannula gasket 150 may include a drafted or tapered sidewall 151 that corresponds to the internal draft or taper of flange 116.

[0067] The cannula gasket 150 may define an insufflation opening 152 aligned with the insufflation channel 126 so that the insufflation tube 178 may extend through the cannula gasket 150 for connection to a gas source tube 183, and insufflation gas is supplied to the handle 102 from an external source (not shown) through the gas tube 183.

[0068] Cannula gasket 150 may further define an exhaust opening 154 aligned with exhaust channel 132 such that exhaust fumes may flow from cannula assembly 110 through cannula gasket 150. Exhaust opening 154 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of device 1000 and direct exhaust gases to filter chamber 190 in handle 102. Exhaust opening 154 regulates the flow of exhaust gases out of the tunnel and may be sized, in particular, to balance pressurization of the tunnel with removal of exhaust gases.

[0069] Cannula gasket 150 may further define a tool opening 156 that aligns with tool path 140 so that a surgical tool 400 may be inserted from handle 102, through cannula gasket 150, and into cannula assembly 110. Cannula gasket 150 may further define a scope opening 158 that aligns with scope path 142 so that a surgical scope may be inserted from handle 102, through cannula gasket 150, and into cannula assembly 110. Cannula gasket 150 may further define a connecting rod opening 160 associated with connecting rod 144, allowing connecting rod 144 to extend through cannula gasket 150, and a scope irrigation opening 162 associated with scope irrigation tube 180, allowing scope irrigation tube 180 to extend through cannula gasket 150.

[0070] Cannula gasket 150 may include one or more posts 164 protruding from a distal surface 166 of cannula gasket 150. One or more posts 164 interface with the proximal surfaces of first and second inserts 124, 130 and space distal surface 166 of cannula gasket 150 away from the proximal surfaces of first and second inserts 124, 130. The resulting gap between distal surface 166 of cannula gasket 150 and first and second inserts 124, 130 within outer tube 112 facilitates the flow of gas between cannula gasket 150 and cannula assembly 110.

[0071] 20 and 21, an alternative embodiment of cannula gasket 155 is shown. Cannula gasket 155 is replaceable with cannula gasket 150 shown and described herein in connection with FIG. 12. Like cannula gasket 150 of FIG. 12, cannula gasket 155 of FIGS. 20 and 21 includes a sidewall 151, an insufflation opening 152, an exhaust opening 154, a tool opening 156, a scope opening 158, a connecting rod opening 160, a scope irrigation opening 162, one or more support posts 164, and a distal face 166. These components generally correspond to and perform the same functions as similarly numbered components in cannula gasket 150 of FIG. 12. 20 and 21 has a more rounded profile than the corresponding exhaust opening 154 of cannula gasket 150 of FIG. 12, which may improve exhaust gas flow and may better accommodate tube 302 of filter assembly 300. Accordingly, cannula gasket exhaust opening 154 may take on a variety of shapes, such as, for example, a circular shape (as shown in FIG. 21), an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, etc.

[0072] 15-18 , surgical endoscope 200 can be extended and retracted within scope channel 142 by actuating proximal end 204 of endoscope 200 relative to housing 102. In the retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 15-16 , distal end 202 of endoscope 200 is stored within outer tube 112 or nozzle 119 of cannula assembly 110. In the retracted position, endoscope 200 is shielded from the tunnel wall by cannula assembly 110, but the field of view of endoscope 200 is limited due to its position within cannula assembly 110. In the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 17-18 , distal end 202 of endoscope 200 protrudes out of outer tube 112 and nozzle 119 of cannula assembly 110. In the extended position, the distal end 202 of the endoscope 200 is not obstructed by the cannula assembly 110, allowing for a wider field of view compared to the retracted position. The proximal end 204 of the scope 200 may be positioned at least partially within the bell 120 of the device 1000 such that the proximal end 204 of the scope 200 is accessible to the operator. To move the endoscope 200 from the retracted position to the extended position, the proximal end 204 of the endoscope 200 may be pushed distally into the bell 120 by the operator. Conversely, the proximal end 204 of the endoscope 200 may be pulled proximally away from the bell 120 to move the scope from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0073] Endoscope 200 and / or bell 120 may include a snap lock mechanism 122 to releasably hold endoscope 200 in the extended and retracted positions. That is, endoscope 200 is held in either the extended or retracted position until a predetermined force is applied by the operator to disengage snap lock mechanism 122 and move endoscope 200 to a different position. In use, endoscope 200 may be placed in the retracted position during insertion of cannula assembly 110 into the patient's tunnel to prevent damage or contamination to endoscope 200. Once cannula assembly 110 is positioned within the tunnel and the tunnel is insufflated, the operator may move endoscope 200 to the extended position to increase the field of view.

[0074] 13 , device 1000 may include a filter assembly 300 for removing particulates from exhaust gases generated during an organ harvesting procedure. Filter assembly 300 may be disposed within filter chamber 190 in handle 102. Filter assembly 300 may include an inlet tube 302 that extends at least partially into exhaust opening 154 of cannula gasket 150. The proximal end of inlet tube 302 may fit into filter housing 304, which contains particulate filter 306. Particulate filter 306 may be made from porous plastic incorporating activated carbon. In some embodiments, the pore size of particulate filter 306 may be in the range of approximately 45 micrometers (μm) with a tolerance of 10 μm. In some embodiments, the carbon content of particulate filter 306 may be approximately 40%. In some embodiments, particulate filter 306 may include a fragrance element to reduce the odor of smoke generated during the blood vessel harvesting procedure. The particulate filter 306 may be sized and designed to handle the amount of exhaust gas generated during the organ harvesting procedure, thereby preventing the exhaust gas from accumulating within the tunnel and obstructing the field of view of the endoscope 200. For example, in some embodiments, the particulate filter 306 may facilitate a flow rate of approximately 0.150 to 0.300 liters per minute at 0.25 psi.

[0075] The inlet tube 302 may be made from a rigid, corrosion-resistant, and hygienic material such as stainless steel. The filter housing 304 may be made from a shrinkable polymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or equivalent gamma-stable shrink tubing. The inlet tube 302 may be connected to the distal end of the filter housing 304 via an interference fit (e.g., the filter housing may be shrunk around the inlet tube 302), welding, gluing, or the like. The proximal end of the filter housing 304 may be open to allow filtered exhaust gas to flow into the filter chamber 190 of the handle 102 and ultimately be released to the atmosphere.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 22 , an alternative embodiment of filter 310 is shown. Filter 310 is replaceable with filter 300 shown and described herein in connection with FIG. 13 . Like filter 300 of FIG. 13 , filter 310 of FIG. 22 includes an inlet tube 302, a filter housing 304, and a particle filter 306, which generally correspond to and perform the same functions as similarly numbered components of filter 300 of FIG. 12 . Inlet tube 302 of filter 310 of FIG. 22 may include a curve, e.g., an S-shaped bend, to facilitate installation of filter assembly 300 within filter chamber 190. Additionally, filter 310 may include a secondary filter 308, such as a felt disk, positioned within filter housing 304 proximal to particle filter 306. Secondary filter 308 may be configured, among other things, to prevent particles from particle filter 306 from passing through the proximal end of filter housing 304.

[0077] 14 , the air delivery tube 178 may be formed in multiple sections: a small tube 182 and a hypotube 184. The small tube 182 may be connected to a gas source tube 183 at the proximal end of the device 1000, and the hypotube 184 may extend distally from the small tube 182. The outer diameter of the small tube 182 may exceed the outer diameter of the hypotube 184. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the small tube 182 may exceed or be equal to the outer diameter of the hypotube 184 such that the hypotube 184 may be inserted partially into the distal end of the small tube 182. The small tube 182 may be made from a plastic such as polycarbonate commercially available under the name Makrolon®. The hypotube 184 may be made from a rigid material such as stainless steel. A portion of the hypotube 184 may be inserted into the canaliculus 182, and the hypotube 184 may be bonded to the canaliculus 182 using an adhesive such as Dymax® 1-20270 or LOCTITE AA 3921. In other embodiments (not shown), the air line 178 may be formed from a single continuous section of tubing.

[0078] 2, 4, and 5, handle 102 may be formed from two half-sections 102a, 102b, as described above. Each half-section 102a, 102b may partially define the interior geometry and features of handle 102, including filter chamber 190, tool guide channel 210, and cannula support structure 220. Filter chamber 190 may be defined by one or more walls within handle 102 and may have an inlet opening 192 through which inlet tube 302 of filter assembly 300 may extend. Filter chamber 190 may further have a vent opening 194 through which filtered exhaust gases may flow out of handle 102 to the atmosphere.

[0079] Tool guide channel 210 may include ribs 212 extending from exterior opening 109 (see FIG. 11 ) in handle 102 toward tool opening 156 in cannula gasket 150. Ribs 212 may have a linear or curved profile. The profile of ribs 212 may be designed to smoothly guide surgical tool 400, specifically into tool opening 156 and ultimately into tool channel 140 of cannula assembly 110. Ribs 212 may be formed from a continuous section of material extending distally within handle 102. The material forming ribs 212 may be free of discontinuities that could catch on surgical tool 400 during insertion of tool 400 through handle 102. Distal ends 214 of ribs 212 terminate proximally of cannula gasket 150 and may provide sufficient clearance for endoscope 200 within handle 102. Rib 212 may include beveled portion 216 to guide surgical tool 400 the remainder of the distance between distal end 214 of rib 212 and cannula gasket 150. In particular, beveled portion 216 may include an angled surface portion 218 for directing surgical tool 400 toward cannula assembly 110, and more specifically, toward tool opening 156 of cannula gasket 150.

[0080] 2, 4, and 8, cannula support structure 220 may extend inwardly toward outer tube 112 of cannula assembly 110. Cannula support structure 220 may define a first surface 222 that engages a distal surface of flange 116 of cannula assembly 110 and a second surface 224 that engages gasket 150 and / or a proximal surface of flange 116 to prohibit movement of cannula assembly 110 relative to handle 102. Half-sections 102a, 102b of handle 102 may be sized to create an interference fit with flange 116 when half-sections 102a, 102b are assembled, thereby further prohibiting movement of cannula assembly 110 relative to handle 102.

[0081] While examples of blood vessel harvesting devices have been provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and variations to these examples without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The disclosure as set forth hereinabove is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the disclosure that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A cannula device for a vessel harvesting system, comprising: The handle and a cannula assembly extending distally from the handle, the cannula assembly comprising: an outer pipe having a flange; at least one insert extending into the outer tube, a tool path configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough; a scope channel configured to receive a surgical scope therethrough; Air delivery channel and at least one insert defining a cannula assembly comprising: a cannula gasket disposed within the flange of the outer tube and defining a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings aligned with one of the tool path, the scope path, and the air delivery channel; an air delivery tube extending from the handle through the cannula gasket and the air delivery channel; A cannula device comprising:

2. 2. The cannula device of claim 1, wherein the gasket comprises one or more posts that protrude distally from a distal surface of the cannula gasket and interface with the insert within the outer tube to create a gap between the insert within the outer tube and the distal surface of the cannula gasket.

3. The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the gasket has a tapered sidewall that forms a fluid-tight seal around an inner periphery of the flange of the outer tube.

4. the at least one insert further defines an exhaust channel; The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the cannula gasket further defines an exhaust opening aligned with the exhaust channel.

5. and a filter assembly contained within the handle for filtering exhaust gases, the filter assembly comprising: an inlet tube extending at least partially into the exhaust opening of the cannula gasket; a filter housing attached to the proximal end of the inlet tube; a particle filter disposed within the filter housing; and The cannula device of claim 4 , comprising:

6. The cannula device of claim 5 , wherein the filter housing comprises a shrinkable polymer.

7. The cannula device of claim 5 , wherein the particulate filter comprises a porous plastic having carbon embedded therein.

8. The cannula device of claim 5 , wherein the filter assembly is disposed in a filter chamber in the handle.

9. The cannula device of claim 8 , wherein the filter chamber defines a vent opening through which filter exhaust gases can flow to the atmosphere.

10. The air supply pipe is a tubule configured for connection to a gas source; a hypotube inserted partially into the distal end of the canaliculus; The cannula device of claim 1 , comprising:

11. The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a tool guide channel for guiding the surgical tool through the tool path of the cannula assembly.

12. The cannula device of claim 11 , wherein the tool guide channel includes a rib that terminates proximally of the cannula assembly.

13. The cannula device of claim 12, wherein the rib includes a beveled portion having an angled surface for directing the surgical tool toward the cannula assembly.

14. The cannula device of claim 12 , wherein the rib is formed from a continuous section of material extending distally within the handle.

15. an endoscope extending within the scope channel; The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the scope is movable between a retracted position in which the distal end of the scope is stored within the cannula assembly and an extended position in which the distal end of the scope protrudes from the cannula assembly.

16. a bell extending from the proximal end of the handle; The cannula device of claim 15, wherein the proximal end of the scope is positioned at least partially within the bell such that the proximal end of the scope is accessible to an operator.

17. the at least one insert further defines a scope irrigation channel configured to receive a scope irrigation tube therethrough; The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the cannula gasket further defines a scope irrigation opening aligned with the scope irrigation channel.

18. The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises at least two sections that form an interference fit with the cannula assembly.

19. The handle is a first surface that engages a distal surface of the flange of the outer tube; a second surface that engages the proximal surface of the flange of the outer tube; and The cannula device of claim 1 , comprising a cannula support structure comprising:

20. the at least one insert comprises a first insert and a second insert; The cannula device of claim 1 , wherein the tool path and the scope path are defined between the first insert and the second insert.

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