Surgical portal

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a surgical device. The device can include a member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device can include an aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end. The member can have an hour-glass shape. The aperture can have a flared conical shape in which the aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and third a diameter at the proximal end. The first diameter can be less than the third diameter. The aperture can be sized and configured to receive a surgical burr.

Description

Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030SURGICAL PORTALCROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATRED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is related to and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 748,549, filed on January 23, 2025, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Some medical operations can require use of surgical burrs for cutting bone. For example, minimally invasive surgical procedures can use burrs to cut bone, whereby a stab incision is made in a patient’s skin to provide ingress of the burr. The stab incision is a relatively small incision to facilitate preservation of blood supply and better healing. However, because the incision is small, there can be a tendency to tug and pull on the skin, resulting in damage to the skin. In addition, during cutting of the bone, the burr (the shaft and / or its cutting flutes) tends to make contact with tissue and skin adjacent the cutting site, which can cause damage to this tissue and skin as the burr rotates.SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments can relate to a device to prevent or reduce the likelihood of causing damage to tissue and / or skin surrounding a surgical site when utilizing a surgical burr.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments can relate to a portal that can be inserted into an incision of the cutting site. The surgical burr can be introduced into the incision via the portal such that a tip of the surgical burr can be used to perform work on bone while the portal can prevent the sides of the burr from making contact with the tissue and / or skin adjacent the cutting site.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment can relate to a surgical device for surgeries that utilize a surgical burr. The device can include a member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device can include an aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end. The member can have an hour-glass shape. The aperture can have a flared conical shape in which the aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and a third diameter at the proximal end. The first diameter can be less than the third diameter. The aperture can be sized and configured toAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030receive the burr. The member can be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the burr.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment can relate to a device for a burr. The device can include a member having a first segment and a second segment. The first segment can have a first proximal end and a first distal end with a first aperture extending through the first segment from the first primal end to the first distal end. The second segment can have a second proximal end and a second distal end with a second aperture extending through the second segment from the second proximal end to the second distal end. When the first segment and the second segment are assembled, the first distal end can engage with the second proximal end such that the member has a proximal end formed by the first proximal end and a distal end formed by the second distal end. When assembled, the first and second apertures can co-register such that they form a contiguous aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end. When assembled, the member can have an hour-glass shape. When assembled, the contiguous aperture can have a flared conical shape in which the contiguous aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and a third diameter at the proximal end. When assembled, the first diameter can be less than the third diameter. The contiguous aperture can be sized and configured to receive the burr. The member can be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the burr.

[0007] Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possible applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from a study of the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, in combination with the Figures, and the appended claims.

[0008] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiments disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive, and features from various embodiments may be combined or interchanged with features from other embodiments, which are all within the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possible applications of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030

[0010] FIGS. 1A and IB show an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of a portal for a surgical burr, where FIG 1 A show the portal inserted into an incision and FIG. IB shows a drill being introduced into the incision through the portal.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an exemplary portal for a surgical burr.

[0012]

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a portal, illustrating an exploded view of a first segment and a second segment of the exemplary portal.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a portal.

[0015] FIG. 5A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portal, FIG. 5B shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of a portal, and FIG. 5C shows a top view of the exemplary embodiment of a portal.

[0016] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary ring that can be used with an embodiment of a portal, and FIG. 6B shows another an exemplary ring that can be used with an embodiment of a portal.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a portal.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description is of an embodiment(s) presently contemplated for carrying out embodiments disclosed herein. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles and features of the present disclosure.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1A-3D, embodiments can relate to a device 100 for a burr 102. The device 100 can serve as a portal or a guard when performing a cutting operation with the burr 102. For instance, the device 100 can be positioned over top a workpiece 104 and be configured to allow the burr 102 to be inserted therethrough such that a tip 102a of the burr 102 can make physical contact with the workpiece 104 to perform work on the workpiece 104, while the device 100 prevents a side 102b of the burr 102 from making physical contact with material 106 adjacent the workpiece 104 - e.g., the device 100 can act as a portal for the burr 102 while guarding the material 106 adjacent the workpiece 104. It is contemplated for the device 100 to be used during a medical cutting procedure, but it is understood that the device 100 can be used in any cutting procedure in which it would be beneficial to guard material 106 adjacent the workpiece 104. With a medical cutting procedure application, an exemplary implementation canAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030be during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In this exemplary implementation, the bun- 102 can be a surgical burr 102, the workpiece 104 can be bone 104 of a patient, and the adjacent material 106 can be tissue and / or skin 106 of the patient. For instance, an incision 108 can be made in a patient’s skin and tissue to grant access to underlying bone 104. The device 100 can be placed within the incision 108 or incision site 108 so as to be positioned adjacent a cutting site 112 of the bone 104. The surgical burr 102 (which can be attached, coupled, or connected to a rotary instrument 110) can be inserted through the device 100 so that the tip 102a of the surgical burr 102 makes physical contact with the bone 104 at the drill site 112. The sidewall(s) 118 of the device 100 can prevent sidewall(s) 102b of the surgical burr 102 from making physical contact with the tissue and / or skin 106 adjacent the drill site 112 (e.g., tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108). As the surgeon actuates the rotary instrument 110 to cause the surgical burr 102 to rotate, the device 100 can allow the surgical burr tip 102a to perform work on the bone 104 while preventing sidewall(s) 102b of the surgical burr 102 from cutting, scraping, abrading, etc. the adjacent tissue and / or skin 106.

[0020] Again, exemplary embodiments may be described and illustrated for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, but it is understood that the apparatuses and techniques can be similarly applicable to other types of cutting procedures.

[0021] The device 100 can include a member 120. The member 120 can be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the burr 102 - e.g., the member 120 will not bur, shave, be cut, be scraped, be ground, etc. by the burr 102 when the burr 102 is rotated and makes contact with the member 120. In this regard, the member 120 can be made of material that is harder than the material of the burr 102. Exemplary materials for the member 120 can be metal, metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel), ceramic, carbon fiber, polyurethane, plastic, polymer, etc. Exemplary plastics and polymers can include poly ether ketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenyl sulfone (PPSF or PPSU), etc. The member 120 can be made of a composite material, composed of different materials at different portions, etc. The member 120 can be a rigid structure, a deformable structure, a mesh structure, etc.

[0022] The member 120 can have a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124. The proximal end 122 can be an end that is most proximal to a surgeon when the device 100 is placed in an incision site 108. The distal end 124 can be an end that is most distal to a surgeon when the device 100 is placed in an incision site 108. It is contemplated for the member 120 to have an hour-glassAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030shape or an hour-glass profile. For instance, member 120 can have a longitudinal axis 119 extending in a direction from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124. Upon viewing the member 120 at a view normal to 119, the member 120 can have a widened formation (e.g., bulbous formation) at the proximal end 122, a narrowed formation (e.g., a waist formation) at a portion that is intermediate the proximal end 122 and the distal end 124, and a widened formation (e.g., bulbous formation) at the distal end 124. The device 100 can have an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the widened formation at the proximal end 122 can be greater than, equal to, or less than the outer diameter of the widened formation at the distal end 124. The transitions to and from the formations can be smooth, stepped, etc.

[0023] The member 120 can have an aperture 126. The aperture 126 can extend through the member 120 from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124. It is contemplated for the aperture 126 to have a flared conical shape or a flared conical profde. For instance, the aperture 126 can have a longitudinal axis 121 extending in a direction from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124. The aperture 126 can have a cross-sectional diameter. The aperture 126 can be sized and configured to receive the surgical burr 102 - e.g., the cross-sectional diameter of the aperture 126 can be greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the surgical burr 102. For instance, in use, a surgeon can insert the surgical burr 102 through the device 100 by advancing the surgical bun- 102 through the aperture 126 such that the surgical burr tip 102a spearheads the advance. With the device 100 placed in the incision site 108 before the surgical burr 102 being inserted therethrough, the surgical burr tip 102a would enter the proximal end 122 first. As it is contemplated for the surgical burr tip 102a to perform work on the bone 104, the aperture 126 is sized to allow the surgical burr 102 to extend all the way through the device 100 so as to allow the surgical burr tip 102a to protrude from the distal end 124 and make physical contact with the bone 104.

[0024] As noted herein, the member 120 can be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the surgical burr 102. It may be beneficial for only a portion of the member 120 (e.g., at and / or near the aperture 126) to be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the surgical burr 102. For instance, the member 102 can be made of material that may or may not withstand abrasion of the surgical burr 102, but the aperture 126 can be lined or coated with material that will withstand such abrasion.Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030

[0025] Embodiments in which the member 120 is made of a plastic or polymer, or where the aperture 126 is lined to coated with a plastic or polymer, can provide a means to reduce or eliminate heat damage to the tissue and / or skin 106. For instance, a plastic or polymer can be selected to both withstand abrasion from the burr 102 but also not generate heat as the burr 102 is rotated and makes contact with the member 120 (or at least not as much heat as a metal or carbon fiber member 120 would). As another example, all or some of the member 120 can be made of plastic or polymer, where a portion of the member 120 defining the aperture 126 can be made from metal. The metal can withstand the abrasion and may generate heat, but the plastic or polymer portion of the member 120 surrounding the metal can insulate the tissue and / or skin 106 from the heat that is generated. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the member 120 is plastic or polymer and a portion of the member 120 at or near the proximal end 122 includes a ring 136 of metal that partially defines the aperture 126. This metal ring 136 can resist abrasion of the burr 102 and may generate heat in the process, but the member 120 of plastic or polymer surrounding the metal ring 136 can insulate the tissue and / or skin 106. While it is contemplated for the ring 136 to be made of metal or metal alloy, other materials that can withstand abrasion may be used. The ring 136 can be molded, welded, glued, affixed via a snap or interference fit, threadingly engaged, etc. to / with the member 120. For example, an outer surface 136b of the ring 136 can be threaded and configured to engage complementary threads of an inner surface of the aperture 126. As another example, the outer surface 136b of the ring 136 can have adhesive applied thereto and the ring 136 is slid into the aperture 126 wherein the adhesive affixes the ring 136 to the member 120. As can be appreciated, some engagements are permanent and some are non-permanent. Non-permanent engagements between the ring 136 and the member 120 can allow for replacement of parts. For instance, if the ring 136 / member 120 becomes damaged, worn, etc. the ring 136 / member 120 can be detached from the member 120 / ring 136 to allow a user to discard and replace the damaged, worn, etc. ring 136 / member 120 while reusing the member 120 / ring 136.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the ring 136 can include an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a width 136e, an upper surface 136c, a lower surface 136d, an inner surface 136a, and an outer surface 136b. It is contemplated for the shape or profile of the outer surface 136b to complement the shape or profile of the inner surface of the aperture 126, but it need not to. It is also contemplated for the inner surface 136a to be circular to accommodate maneuverability of theAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030burr 102, but other shapes can be used. The inner surface 136a shape or profile can match that of the outer surface 136b shape or profile or be different. The inner surface 136a and / or the outer surface 136b can have a shape or profile that is circular, oblong, oval, triangular, hexagonal, sinusoidal, etc. The width 136e of the ring 136 can be dimensioned such that it extends from the distal end 124 to the proximal end 122, from the distal end 124 to a location intermediate of the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122, etc. It is contemplated for the ring 136 to cover or at least make contact with at least a portion of the end surface 124a of the distal end 124, but it need not to. For instance, the upper surface 136c of the ring 136 can be flush with the end surface 124a (see FIGS. 5 A, 5B, and 65), extend beyond the end surface 124a, have a lip that covers a portion of the end surface 124a, etc. The ring 136 can be tubular structure in that the inner diameter at the lower surface 136d extending to the upper surface 136c is constant, the ring 136 can have a conical shape in which the inner diameter at the lower surface 136d is less than the inner diameter at the upper surface 136c, the ring 136 can have a flared shape in which the inner diameter at only a portion or segment of the upper surface 136c is greater than the inner diameter at the lower surface 136d (e.g., the upper surface 136c has a segment that is flared outward - see FIG. 6B), etc.

[0027] The aperture 126 can have a first diameter 101 at the distal end 124, a second diameter 103 at an intermediate point between the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122, and a third diameter 105 at the proximal end 122. The diameter(s) discussed herein may be cross-sectional diameter(s). The second diameter 103 can be less than the first diameter 101 and the third diameter 105. The first diameter 101 can be less than the third diameter 105. It is contemplated for the aperture’s 126 cross-section to gradually decrease from the first diameter 101 to the second diameter 103, and gradually increases from the second diameter 103 to third diameter 105. The flared conical shape or profile of the aperture 126 can beneficially allow for greater maneuverability of the surgical burr 102 while performing work on the bone 104. For instance, the wider diameters at the first and second diameters, 101, 105 can facilitate precession movement of the surgical burr 102 while the narrower diameter at the second diameter 103 provides stability. The flared conical shape or profile of the aperture 126 can also allow a single device 100 to accommodate different gauge surgical burrs 102. If the aperture 126 were a straight through-hole, albeit a wide one to accommodate different gauge bits, there would be too much play between a small gauge bit and the aperture wall, and thus such a configuration wouldAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030limit the range of gauge sizes. With the flared conical shape or profile, however, the narrow second diameter 103 provides a fulcrum to allow a surgeon to use as a support. With a straight through-hole, the fulcrum points would be at the proximal or distal ends, which would render such manipulation unwieldy.

[0028] While the flared conical shape or profile of the aperture 126 can allow a single device 100 to accommodate different gauge surgical burrs 102, it is understood that different devices 100 may have to be used to accommodate a wider range of bit gauges. This, it may be beneficial to provide a kit that includes a first device 100, a second device 100, etc. The first device 100 can have an aperture 126 diameter that would accommodate a first range of bit gauges, the second device 100 can have an aperture 126 diameter that would accommodate a second range of bit gauges, etc. In addition, the kit can have different devices 100 to accommodate different length bits. For instance, the device 100 can have a length as measured by a distance between the proximal end 122 and the distal end 124. A first device 100 can have a first length that would accommodate a first range of bit lengths, a second device 100 can have a second length that would accommodate a second range of bit lengths, etc.

[0029] As can be appreciated from the present disclosure, the member 120 can be configured to be inserted into an incision 108 such that the distal end 124 spearheads the insertion and is positioned adjacent a cutting site 112 of the bone 104. It is contemplated for the proximal end 122 to remain outside of the incision 108; however, it is not necessary for the proximal end 122 to remain outside of the incision 108. The proximal end 122 can be configured to receive the surgical burr 102 such that the tip 102a of the surgical burr 102 spearheads the insertion. The aperture 126 can be sized and configured allow the surgical burr 102 to rotate while inserted within the member 120. The aperture 126 can allow the tip 102a of the surgical burr 102 to perform work on the bone 104 at the cutting site 112. The member 120 can prevents a side 102b of the surgical burr 102 from making physical contact with tissue and / or skin 106 adjacent the cutting site 112, or can at least reduce an amount of physical contact the side 102b of the surgical burr 102 makes with tissue and / or skin 106 adjacent the cutting site 112.

[0030] As noted herein, it is contemplated for the member 120 to have an hour-glass shape or profile. If is further contemplated for the proximal end 122 to have a toroidal formation an elliptical torus formation, an elliptical ring formation, etc. This can assist with maneuverability of the surgical burr 102. For instance, a toroidal formation would further facilitate precessionAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030movement of the surgical burr 102. In addition, any physical contact the side 102b of the surgical burr 102 makes with the proximal end 122 (whether inadvertent or intentional) as it is rotating would less likely result in a jump or jolt of the surgical burr 102 if the edge of the proximal end 122 is smooth (e.g., due to the toroidal formation) as opposed to having a sharp or angled edge. In addition, or in the alternative, the distal end 124 can have a toroidal formation an elliptical torus formation, an elliptical ring formation, etc. Benefits of having a toroidal formation for the distal end 124 are similar to those of the proximal end 122 with the addition of the absence of sharp or angled edges would also prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to the bone 104 or tissue and / or skin 106.

[0031] The proximal end 122 can have an end surface 122a, a periphery surface 122b, and an under-surface 122c. The end surface 122a can be a portion of the proximal end 122 that faces towards the surgeon when the device 100 is placed in the incision site 108. The periphery surface 122b can be the sidewall(s) of the proximal end 122. The under-surface 122c can be a portion of the proximal end 122 that faces away from the surgeon when the device is placed in the incision site 108 so as to be adjacent or make contact with the tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108 - e.g., the under-surface 122c can rest upon an upper surface of the tissue and / or skin 106. The proximal end 122 can have a profile that facilitates grasping and manipulating the device 100. For instance, periphery surface 122b can include a side surface configured to facilitate grasping with fingers. The side surface can be part of sidewall(s) of the periphery surface 122b, and can be sized to allow a surgeon to grasp and manipulate the device 100. In this regard, the device 100 can be configured such that at least a portion of the periphery surface 122b remains outside of the incision 108 when the device 100 is placed in the incision site 108 -e.g., at least a portion of the periphery surface 122b remains exposed when the device 100 is inserted into the incision to: grant access to the aperture 126 and to allow a surgeon to grasp the exposed portion with their fingers. It is contemplated for the periphery surface 122b to have a circular profile (e.g., have one continuous sidewall), but it can be a triangular profile (e.g., have three sidewalls), a square profile (e.g., have four sidewalls), a hexagonal profile (e.g., have six sidewalls), etc. Any of the sidewall(s) can be textured, have a non-slip coating applied thereto, etc.

[0032] The distal end 124 can have an end surface 124a, a periphery surface 124b, and an undersurface 124c. The end surface 124a can be a portion of the distal end 124 that faces towards theAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030bone 104 when the device 100 is placed in the incision site 108. The periphery surface 124b can be the sidewall(s) of the distal end 124. The under-surface 124c can be a portion of the distal end 124 that faces towards the surgeon when the device 100 is placed in the incision site 108 so as to be adjacent or make contact with subcutaneous tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108. The under-surface 124c may be approximately in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 121 or may be undercut thereto. The distal end 124 can have a profile configured to anchor the device 100 within the incision 108 and / or inhibit removal of the device 100 from the incision 108. For instance, the profile of the distal end 124 can be such that the end surface 124a, the periphery surface 124b, and the under-surface 124c form a letter “J” - e.g., the under-surface 124c being the surface of the cup portion at the hook of the “J”. When inserted into the incision 108, the under-surface 124c can provide a mechanical stop to anchor the device 100 and / or inhibit removal of the device 100 from the incision site 108 - e.g., the under-surface 124c can abut against the subcutaneous tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108 and require applied force and / or manipulation by the surgeon to remove the device 100 from the incision site 108. In addition, or in the alternative, the under-surface 124c and the periphery 124b, being the “J” shape, can be create a suction to anchor the device 100 and / or inhibit removal of the device 100 from the incision site 108 - e.g., the cup of the under-surface 124c can form a suction with the subcutaneous tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108 which can again require applied force and / or manipulation by the surgeon to remove the device 100 from the incision site 108. It is contemplated for the “J” shape to not have shape edges or points so as to be configured as a barb that would hook into the tissue and / or skin; however, it can be. It is understood that other shapes besides the “J” shape can be used - e.g., an “L” shape, a crescent shape, a sinusoidal shape, etc.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, in addition to, or in the alternative of, providing plural devices 100 to accommodate a wider range of bit lengths, any one or more of the devices 100 can be configured to adjust in length. For instance, the device 100 can include a member 120 having plural segments (e.g., a first segment 130, a second segment 132, etc ). The first segment 130 can have a first proximal end 107 and a first distal end 109 with a first aperture 115 extending through the first segment 130 from the first proximal end 107 to the first distal end 109. The second segment 132 can have a second proximal end 111 and a second distal end 113 with a second aperture 117 extending through the second segment from the second proximal end 111 to the second distal end 113. The first segment 130 and second segment 132 can be configured to engage andAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030disengage with each other - e.g., mechanically couple / de-couple, connect / disconnect, attach / detach, etc. to / from each other. It is contemplated to configure the device 100 such that when the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 are assembled, the first distal end 109 engages with the second proximal end 111 such that the member 120 has a proximal end 122 formed by the first proximal end 107 and a distal end 124 formed by the second distal end 113. It is further contemplated to configure the device 100 such that when the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 are assembled, the first and second apertures 115,117 co-register (e.g., align co-axially) such that they form a contiguous aperture 134 extending through the member 120 from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124.

[0034] It is contemplated for the adjustable length device 100 to be able to have the same or similar features (e.g., type of material used, size and shape of the aperture, “J” shaped distal end, etc.) as those of the non-adjustable device 100 but for additional structural elements to facilitate adjustment of the length. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, the member 120 can have an hour-glass shape. The contiguous aperture 134 can have a flared conical shape in which the contiguous aperture 134 has a first diameter 101 at the distal end 124, a second diameter 103 at an intermediate point between the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122, and a third diameter 105 at the proximal end 122. The first diameter 101 can be less than the third diameter 105. The contiguous aperture 134 can be sized and configured to receive the surgical burr 102. The member 120 can be made of material that will withstand abrasion from the surgical burr 102.

[0035] It is contemplated for the engagement between the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 to be adjustable. For instance, the member 120 can have a longitudinal axis 119 extending in a direction from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124. The member 120 can have a length 123 along the longitudinal axis 119. Adjustment of the engagement between the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 can adjust the length 123. In addition, the contiguous aperture 134 can have a longitudinal axis 121 extending in a direction from the proximal end 122 to the distal end 124. The contiguous aperture 134 can have a length 125 along the longitudinal axis 121. Adjustment of the engagement between the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 can adjust the length 125. As can be appreciated adjustment of the engagement between the first segment 130 and the second segment 132 can adjust lenghtl23 and / or length 125.Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030

[0036] An exemplary adjustment engagement can be a threaded engagement. For instance, first distal end 109 can be threaded and the second proximal end 111 can have a corresponding threading to facilitate a threadingly engagement between the first segment 130 and the second segment 132. The corresponding threading of the second proximal end 111 can be a female threading to complement a male threading of the second distal endl 13, or the corresponding threading of the second proximal end 111 can be a male threading to complement a female threading of the first distal end 109. In an exemplary embodiment, the first segment 130 can be sized and configured to insert into the second segment 132. In this regard, the first distal end 109 can have a male threading and the second proximal end 111 can have a female threading. For instance, the first segment 130 can be configured such that it’s the first proximal end 107 has a toroidal formation which leads into a post formation at its first distal end 109, wherein the first aperture 115 can extend from the first proximal end 107 to the first distal end 109, and an outer surface of the first segment 130 at or near the first distal end 109 can have male threading formed thereon. The second segment 132 can be configured such that its second distal end 113 has a toroidal formation which leads into a socket formation at its second proximal end 111, wherein the second aperture 117 can extend from the second proximal end 111 to the second distal endl 13, and an inner surface of the second segment 132 at or near second proximal end 111 can have female threading formed thereon. When assembled, the first segment’s 130 first distal end 109 can be inserted into the second segment’s 132 second proximal end 111, wherein the male threading of the first distal end 109 can engage the female threading of the second proximal end 111. When assembled, the first and second apertures 115, 117 co-register to form a contiguous aperture 134 with length 125 and the first segment 130 and second segment 132 are engaged to form a member with length 123. At the inception of the threaded engagement, length 125 and length 123 are at their longest. As the first segment 130 is further advanced via the threaded engagement, length 125 and length 123 are both decreased. Thus, a surgeon can selectively adjust length 125 and length 123 to accommodate different length surgical burrs 102.

[0037] Another embodiment can include a version in which the proximal end 122 includes features facilitating dilation of the first diameter 101. For instance, the member 120 can be a two-piece structure in which an outer piece can be turned against an inner piece which results in increasing the inner and outer diameters.Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030

[0038] Another embodiment can include features to facilitate cooling (e.g., use of coolant fluid) of the member 120 and / or the burr 102.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the distal end 124 has a shape or profile. For instance, the distal end 124 can have an inner diameter defining an inner surface 125 (which is the aperture 126) and an outer diameter defining an outer surface 127. The inner surface 125 shape or profile can match that of the outer surface 127 shape or profile or be different. The inner surface 125 and / or the outer surface 127 can have a shape or profile that is circular, oblong, oval, triangular, hexagonal, sinusoidal, etc. The embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C includes the inner surface 125 having a circular shape or profile and the outer surface 127 having an oval shape or profile. The oval shape provides for project! on(s) 129 which can facilitate or assist with grasping the device 100 with a user’s fingers. In addition, or in the alternative, the projection(s) 129 can serve as an outrigger(s) for the device 100 to prevent or impede rotation or tipping of the device 100 off-axis after the device 100 is inserted into the incision. While FIGS. 5A-5C show the outer surface 127 as being oval shaped, it is understood that other shapes can be used to generate one or more projection(s) 129.

[0040] FIGS. 5A-5C also show the periphery surface 122b of the member 120 at or near the proximal end 122 being textured. The textured surface ornamentation can facilitate or assist with keeping the device 100 within the incision site 108. FIGS. 5A-5C show the textured surface ornamentation as being threaded, but other surface ornamentations can be used (e g., toothed, popcomed, swirled, etc.). The periphery surface 122b of the member 120 at or near the proximal end 122 can be straight, tapered inward, tapered outward, etc. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the periphery surface 122b of the member 120 at or near the proximal end 122 is tapered outward 123a (the left side in FIG. 7) and also shows an embodiment in which the periphery surface 122b of the member 120 at or near the proximal end 122 is straight 123b (the right side of FIG. 7).

[0041] As can be appreciated, the device 100 can be placed within the incision 108 so as to be positioned adjacent a cutting site 112 of the bone 104. The sidewall(s) of the device 100 can prevent sidewall(s) of the surgical burr 102 from making physical contact with the tissue and / or skin 106 adjacent the cutting site 112 (e.g., tissue and / or skin 106 at the incision site 108). As the surgeon actuates the rotary instrument 110 to cause the surgical burr 102 to rotate, the device 100 can allow the surgical burr tip 102a to perform work on the bone 104 while preventingAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030sidewall(s) of the surgical burr 102 from cutting, scraping, abrading, etc. the adjacent tissue and / or skin 106.

[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of the present disclosure, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the end points.

Claims

Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical device for use with a surgical burr used for cutting bone, comprising: a member having a proximal end and a distal end; andan aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein:the member has an hour-glass shape;the aperture has a flared conical shape in which the aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and a third diameter at the proximal end; the first diameter < the third diameter.

2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein:the aperture is sized and configured to receive a surgical burr, andthe surgical burr may be configured for performing cutting bone during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

3. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the member comprises steel, ceramic, carbon fiber, polymer, plastic, or polyurethane.

4. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the aperture’s diameter gradually decreases from the first diameter to the second diameter, and gradually increases from the second diameter to the third diameter.

5. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the member is configured to be inserted into an incision such that the distal end spearheads the insertion and is positioned adjacent a cutting site, and the proximal end remains outside of the incision;the proximal end is configured to receive at least a tip of the surgical burr;Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030the aperture is sized and configured to allow the surgical burr to rotate while inserted within the member, and allow the tip of the surgical burr to perform work on bone;the member: prevents a side of the surgical burr from making physical contact with tissue and / or skin adjacent the cutting site; or reduces an amount of physical contact the side of the surgical burr makes with tissue and / or skin adjacent the cutting site.

6. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the distal end has a toroidal formation, an elliptical torus formation, or an elliptical ring formation; and / orthe proximal end has a toroidal formation, an elliptical torus formation, or an elliptical ring formation; and / ora profile of the distal end is configured to anchor the device within the incision and / or inhibit removal of the device from the incision.

7. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the distal end has an end surface, a periphery surface, and an under-surface; and the profile of the distal end may be such that the end surface, the periphery surface, and the under-surface form a letter J, andoptionally, when inserted into the incision, the under-surface provides a mechanical stop and / or the under-surface and the periphery create a suction to anchor the device and / or inhibit removal of the device.

8. The surgical device of any of the preceding claims, wherein:the proximal end has an end surface, a periphery surface, and an under-surface;a profile of the proximal end is configured to facilitate grasping and manipulating the device, andwherein the device may be configured such that at least a portion of the periphery surface remains outside of the incision, andwherein the periphery surface may include a side surface to facilitate grasping with fingers, andAttorney Docket No 0082459-000030wherein the periphery surface may be textured.

9. A surgical device, comprising:a member having a first segment and a second segment , the first segment having a first proximal end and a first distal end with a first aperture extending through the first segment from the first proximal end to the first distal end , the second segment having a second proximal end and a second distal end with a second aperture extending through the second segment from the second proximal end to the second distal end , wherein when the first segment and the second segment are assembled, the first distal end engages with the second proximal end such that the member has a proximal end formed by the first proximal end and a distal end formed by the second distal end ;when assembled:the first aperture and the second aperture co-register such that they form a contiguous aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end;the member has an hour-glass shape;the contiguous aperture has a flared conical shape in which the contiguous aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and a third diameter at the proximal end; andthe first diameter < the third diameter;the contiguous aperture is sized and configured to receive a surgical burr; and wherein the engagement between the first segment and the second segment may be adjustable.

10. The surgical device of any of clam 9, wherein:the member has a member longitudinal aperture extending in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end;the member has a member length along the member longitudinal axis;Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030adjustment of the engagement between the first segment and the second segment adjusts the length .

11. The surgical device of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein:the contiguous aperture has an aperture longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end;the contiguous aperture has an aperture length along the aperture longitudinal axis; adjustment of the engagement between the first segment and the second segment adjusts the aperture length.

12. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein:adjustment of the engagement between the first segment and the second segment adjusts the member length and the aperture length.

13. The surgical device of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein:the first distal end is threaded and the second proximal end has corresponding threading to facilitate a threadingly engagement between the first segment and the second segment.

14. The surgical device of claim 13, wherein:the corresponding threading of the second proximal end is a female threading to complement a male threading of the first distal end; orthe corresponding threading of the second proximal end is a male threading to complement a female threading of the first distal end.

15. A surgical device, comprising:a member having a proximal end and a distal end; andan aperture extending through the member from the proximal end to the distal end; a ring located within the aperture;wherein:Attorney Docket No 0082459-000030the aperture has a flared conical shape in which the aperture has a first diameter at the distal end, a second diameter at an intermediate point between the distal end and the proximal end, and third a diameter at the proximal end; the first diameter is < the third diameter;the aperture and the ring are sized and configured to receive a surgical burr, and wherein the member may comprise a first material and the ring may comprise a second material, andwherein the ring may be permanently or non-permanently attached to the member, and wherein the distal end may include a portion having an oval shape or profile, and wherein the proximal end may include a portion having a textured surface ornamentation.

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