Medical cutting device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a medical / surgical cutting device, and more particularly to a retrograde parallel blade tendon cutting device that is structured and configured to facilitate minimally invasive harvesting of the quadriceps (quad) tendon.

Description

Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4MEDICAL CUTTING DEVICEBACKGROUND1. FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a medical / surgical cutting device, and more particularly to a retrograde parallel blade tendon cutting device that is structured and configured to facilitate minimally invasive harvesting of the quadriceps (quad) tendon.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] In the course of surgical procedures such as the harvest of the quad tendon for reconstruction / augmentation of other anatomy in the patient’s body, it is necessary to first expose the quad tendon and provide access to it so that surgical tools may then cut away the tendon and harvest the same. Access for a quad tendon harvest, for example, is often achieved by inserting a surgical retractor device, such as an “Army Navy” style retractor (as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure) into a surgical incision in proximity to the quad tendon, and having a surgical technician (or other member of the operating room staff) hold this retractor in place relative to the patient’s knee for the duration of the quad tendon harvesting procedure, which includes use of a conventional medical cutting device(s) to obtain and harvest a tendon graft.

[0003] Description of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed above in this Background Section or elsewhere in this Application, these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the discussed patents / publications / products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents / publications / products ma-y not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and / or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed above in this Background Section and / or throughout the application, the descriptions / disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).122219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The inventors of the present disclosure recognize that there are problems and limitations with conventional medical cutting devices and related methods / processes of use. For example, conventional devices and processes require a relatively large incision that exposes the site to allow access to most or all medical / surgical devices involved in a particular procedure including conventional cutting devices (in view, at least in part, on their respective structural configurations). This can result in a longer recovery time, a higher chance of infection, and a higher incidence of noticeable scarring. Thus, there is a need for an improved medical / surgical cutting device that is structured and configured to at least be able to perform some or all of the same or similar functions needed of conventional medical / surgical cutting devices while facilitating and improving on a minimally invasive harvesting of a soft tissue graft (e.g., quad tendon graft harvest).

[0005] It is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present disclosure to provide a medical / surgical cutting device that eliminates one or more of the problems / issues associated with conventional devices and fulfill the need(s) identified above. A particular non-limiting goal of the utilization of the embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a medical / surgical cutting device that is structured and configured to facilitate minimally invasive harvesting of the quadriceps tendon to use as a graft for ligament reconstruction, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a medical / surgical cutting device is provided that includes an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, a first blade and a second blade positioned at the distal end of the elongated body; and a blade guard moveable along the longitudinal axis from a non-cutting position to a cutting position.

[0007] The structure and configuration of the embodiments described herein provide, for example, an ability to initiate a harvest of a quad tendon graft proximally and end distally towards the patella. This allows for starting the harvest at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) while allowing confirmation that the harvest begins in tendon at a (or one of the) narrowest portion(s) of the harvest.

[0008] The components / portions of the device according to an embodiment can be integrally formed as one molded or monolithic piece, or can have portions / components that are sealed, snapped, screwed, riveted or otherwise connected together during the manufacturing process. The components / portions of the device according to an embodiment can be made from a plastic / biocompatible polymer and / or metal, as should be understood by a person of222219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4 ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure. The components / portions can have rectangular, circular or other shaped cross sections, as should be understood by a person of ordinaiy skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosed subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0010] Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view of a medicaVsurgical cutting device or a retrograde parallel blade tendon cutting device, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a close-up distal end view of the cutting device, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the medical / surgical cutting device shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side sectioned view of the medical / surgical cutting device shown in FIG.3, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5A is a top view of a cadaver’s knee.

[0016] FIG. 5B is a patella and a graft formed by use of the cutting device, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6A includes an assembled and exploded view of a modular version of the cutting device, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6B is a close-up portion view of the modular version of the cutting device, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the distal end of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9A is an exploded view of a modular version of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9B is an assembled view of the modular version of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.322219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4

[0023] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the distal end of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 A is a sectioned perspective view of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the cutting device, according to an alternative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Aspects of the present embodiments and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure embodiments in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the embodiments, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements, within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0027] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be affected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by claims that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements. If elements shown in a particular Figure discussed below are not specifically identified with respect to that Figure, the elements should be sufficiently identified with respect to at least one other Figure.

[0028] The use of terms “proximal” and “distal” are from the point of view of a medical / surgical team member based on when the assembly or parts thereof are in use on patient.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a medical / surgical cutting device or a retrograde parallel blade tendon cutting device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Device 100 is shown in a non-cutting configuration and includes a first or proximal end 111, a proximal handle 105, an elongated distal shaft 113 extending from a distal end of the main body handle 105, and a second or distal end 115. The surface of the elongated distal shaft 113 can include detailed graduations or markings (in preferred units, e.g., mm, cm or inches) that are etched,422219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4 printed, or otherwise displayed to indicate depth of the device within the incision etc. to provide a reference of graft length harvested or to be harvested.

[0030] Turning to FIG. 2, a close-up distal end view of the cutting device 100 in a cutting configuration (without a guard in a blade blocking position) according to an embodiment is shown. Two blades 101 are secured or formed on opposite sides of the distal end of the cutting device, the points of each extend distally beyond (and in some embodiments, below, (not including the blade guard 201, discussed below)) any other portion of the device. The blades can be positioned parallel or substantially parallel (within 5-10%) to each other at a predetermined distance sufficient to harvest a strip of tendon at a constant or substantially constant width (in view of a substantially parallel blades embodiment). The geometry of both blades 102 can be identical or substantially similar - having the same or similar features including - where each blade 101 come to a point 102 to allow / facilitate puncturing of the tendon from above to initiate the harvest of a soft tissue or tendon graft, where the concave, inside of the blade can be sharpened 103 to cut as the blades are pulled back towards the patella (or other location), and the offset of the blades from the undersurface of the tip 104 controls the depth of harvest, as it slides on the anterior surface of the tendon.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, a side view and a section view of the side view of the cutting device 100 in a non-cutting configuration according to an embodiment is shown, respectively. To prevent inadvertent puncturing of the tendon during insertion, a blade guard 201 can be attached to the elongated distal shaft 113, shielding 202 the blades as they are slid down the tendon to the harvest initiation site. The guard 201 can be held in position, attached to the elongated distal shaft, via a snap fit mechanism 206 or other releasably attachable mechanism (holding the guard 201 to shaft 113 with a friction and / or snap fit while allowing guard 201 to slide along the shaft 113 in some embodiments via administration of a force in a direction along the central longitudinal axis of the device; in other embodiments sliding may be too difficult via strong fit so guard may need to be pulled off and repositioned in a non-cutting or cutting position as may be appropriate). The guard 201 is designed with a finger lever 203 that is configured to allow a user to slide the lever proximally along a ramped slot 204 of the handle 105 to provide one-handed disengagement of the guard’s 201 retainer features 206 (the force applied to the releasably attachable mechanism 206 from the finger lever 203 via the ramp is sufficient to disengage the closest snap and then both snaps based on how far proximally the finger lever is pulled - the ramp length and depth shown is sufficient to move the distal portion of the guard 201 away from the blades 102 for the blades to work for their intended purpose).522219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, a top view of a cadaver’s knee is shown and a patella, a quad tendon, and a graft (G) that was removed is shown (respectively), according to an embodiment. The graft shown is the result of the use of the cutting device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0033] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a modular version of the cutting device 300 is shown as an assembled view, an exploded view, and a close-up portion view, respectively, in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Cutting device 300 can include interchangeable tips 301 and a reusable handle 302 (which can be autoclavable or otherwise be properly disinfected). The handle 302 can be designed with a quick-disconnect interface to aid a user in attaching and detaching the tips 301 (such as a snap fit (with a female and a male flange, pin or other fitting, as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure), friction or screw in fit). Regarding a screw in fit, for example, an actuator (e.g., a cylindrical knob 303) can be located on the handle to be accessible and moveable by an index finger and thumb. This knob can be attached to an inner shaft 304 that is threaded on the end 305. The mating tip 301 can have a female (or otherwise corresponding) thread 306 to allow attachment to the inner shaft 304. The outer shaft 305 can have alignment features 307 that can aid in orienting the tip 301 to the outer shaft 305 by way of coinciding slots 308. An insert thread 309 can be included to serve as an interface that mates with the inner shaft 304 to secure the tip 301 (via snap fit or via actuation of the knob 303 to mate the threading 306 with 309) to the handle 302. In some embodiments, the insert thread 309 is made of a metal material (see, e.g., FIG. 10), but other materials (e.g., biocompatible polymers) may be used.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, an alternative embodiment of the cutting device 400 is shown. The cutting device 400 functions the same or similarly to the embodiments described above unless stated otherwise.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, a close-up perspective view of the distal end of the device in a cutting configuration is shown. This embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in the method of which the blades are attached. In this embodiment, the blades can be unitary with the device, or attached to the device 300 by welding, snap-fit, adhesive, rivets, screws, or any other means. A top view of the device 300 is shown in FIG.8.

[0036] An exploded and assembled view of the device 300 in a cutting configuration is shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 6A-6B with the cylindrical knob 303 and inner shaft 304 (and connection of tip 301 to distal end of the inner shaft 305 via a screw, friction or snap fit).622219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a close-up top view of the distal end of the device 300. As shown, the distal end 300 can be transparent or substantially transparent to aid the user in visualizing the harvest site. In some embodiments, an opening 310 can be formed through the distal end to further aid in visualization and to decrease the mass of the distal end.

[0038] FIGS. 11A-11B show a cross sectioned perspective view and a perspective view of the device 300 in a non-cutting configuration, respectively.

[0039] It should be understood that any of the specific dimensions recited in this application can apply to any embodiment described above. All embodiments can be combined in any way mechanically possible.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as, “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of method or an element of a device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0041] The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure, material or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of one or more aspects of the embodiments and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects of the present embodiments for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.722219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25

Claims

Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 4CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A surgical cutting device, comprising: an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, a first blade and a second blade positioned at the distal end of the elongated body; and a blade guard moveable from a non-cutting position to a cutting position.

2. The surgical cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade guard is movable along the central longitudinal axis.

3. The surgical cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade guard further comprises a lever at a proximal end thereof.

4. The surgical cutting device of claim 1, wherein the first and second blades are positioned substantially parallel to each other.

5. The surgical cutting device of claim 1, further comprising a handle positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body.

6. The surgical cutting device of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is positioned within the handle.

7. The surgical cutting device of claim 5, wherein a distal end of the blade guard is positioned a first distance away from the handle when in the non-cutting position.

8. The surgical device of claim 7, wherein the distal end of the blade guard is positioned a second distance away from the handle when in the cutting position9. The surgical device of claim 8, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

10. The surgical device of claim 5, further comprising a slot defined within the handle configured to accept a proximal portion of the blade guard when in the cutting position.

11. The surgical device of claim 1 , wherein the blade guard further comprises one or more snap-fit mechanisms configured to releasably accept the elongated body.

12. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the snap-fit mechanisms are configured to slide along the elongated body.822219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25Atorney Docket No. Cl 118 PCT 413. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the most distal end of the first and second blades are angled and positioned below the central longitudinal axis.

14. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is substantially cylindrical.

15. A method of harvesting a graft, the steps comprising: providing a surgical cutting device, comprising: an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, a first blade and a second blade positioned at the distal end of the elongated body; and a blade guard moveable from a non-cutting position to a cutting position; and moving the blade guard from the non-cutting position to the cutting position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the blade guard of the surgical cutting device is movable along the central longitudinal axis.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the blade guard of the surgical cutting device further comprises a lever at a proximal end thereof.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second blades of the surgical cutting device are positioned substantially parallel to each other.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the surgical cutting device further comprises a handle positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body.

20. The surgical cutting device of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is positioned within the handle.922219306.V1-9 / 11 / 25

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