US20020120257A1 - Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure - Google Patents
Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020120257A1 US20020120257A1 US10/067,630 US6763002A US2002120257A1 US 20020120257 A1 US20020120257 A1 US 20020120257A1 US 6763002 A US6763002 A US 6763002A US 2002120257 A1 US2002120257 A1 US 2002120257A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- surgical instrument
- flexible tubular
- fluid
- opening
- instrument according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3205—Excision instruments
- A61B17/3207—Atherectomy devices working by cutting or abrading; Similar devices specially adapted for non-vascular obstructions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3203—Fluid jet cutting instruments
- A61B17/32037—Fluid jet cutting instruments for removing obstructions from inner organs or blood vessels, e.g. for atherectomy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3205—Excision instruments
- A61B17/32056—Surgical snare instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61B2017/22082—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for after introduction of a substance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3205—Excision instruments
- A61B17/3207—Atherectomy devices working by cutting or abrading; Similar devices specially adapted for non-vascular obstructions
- A61B2017/320741—Atherectomy devices working by cutting or abrading; Similar devices specially adapted for non-vascular obstructions for stripping the intima or the internal plaque from a blood vessel, e.g. for endarterectomy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/08—Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/0817—Spatulas or spatula like extensions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B2090/306—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure using optical fibres
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/36—Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
- A61B90/361—Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras
- A61B2090/3614—Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras using optical fibre
Definitions
- the present invention relates, in general, to surgical instruments and procedures and, in particular, to the cleaning of arteries to remove plaque build-ups.
- the swab Upon retraction of the catheter-type unit, the swab carries residue plaque toward and out from the upper incision. Thereafter, the two incisions are closed. Because this procedure is “blind” in that the artery section being cleaned is not open and exposed, it is inherently dangerous. Also, the second incision is necessary either for an exit of plaque or to gain access to the catheter-type unit for affixing the swab.
- Gas endarterectomy also has been carried out by first surgically opening the body part, but not the artery which is to be cleaned, along the full selected length of the artery and then performing the gas endarterectomy by viewing the probing of the artery through the sufficiently transparent artery wall.
- Such a procedure also is a massive surgical invasion. As the length of the incision increases, the difficulty of the surgical procedure increases.
- bypass surgical procedures became popular. Instead of cleaning out a plaque build-up in an artery, the section of the artery having the plaque build-up is bypassed surgically. Such a bypass procedure also is a massive surgical invasion. As the length of the bypass increases, the difficulty of the surgical procedure increases.
- the present invention is new surgical instruments and a new surgical procedure for performing gas endarterectomy through only one, relatively small incision.
- An endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a spatula tip having at a first end thereof an optics opening and a plurality of fluid openings.
- This endarterectomy surgical instrument also has first flexible tubular means extending through the spatula tip from the optics opening in the spatula tip for conducting a light from a remote end of the first flexible tubular means through the optics opening to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site through the optics opening to the remote end of the first flexible tubular means.
- This endarterectomy surgical instrument also has second flexible tubular means extending through the spatula tip from the fluid openings in the spatula tip for conducting a fluid from a remote end of the second flexible tubular means through the fluid openings to the surgical site.
- This endarterectomy surgical instrument further has connector means adapted for connection to a light source, an image forming unit, and a fluid source and to which the remote end of the first flexible tubular means and the remote end of the second flexible tubular means are connected for conducting the light from the light source to the first flexible tubular means, the image of the surgical site from the first flexible tubular means to the image forming unit, and fluid from the fluid source to the second flexible tubular means.
- An endarterectomy surgical procedure for removing a plaque build-up from a selected length of an artery includes making only one incision at a first end of a selected length of an artery from which a plaque build-up is to be removed to expose the artery.
- This endarterectomy surgical procedure also includes inserting a spatula into the artery at the incision between the adventitia layer and the media layer of the artery and probing the selected length of the artery with the spatula while applying a fluid to increase the space between the adventitia layer and the media layer of the artery.
- This endarterectomy surgical procedure further includes continuously developing an image of the surgical site at the spatula as the artery is probed and viewing the image of the surgical site while probing the artery. Also included in this endarterectomy surgical procedure are terminating probing of the artery at a second end of the selected length of the artery and retracting the spatula and removing the spatula from the artery through the incision. Next, this endarterectomy surgical procedure includes removing the plaque build-up from the artery and treating the termination transition at the second end of the selected length of the artery. This endarterectomy surgical procedure is concluded by closing the incision.
- a first surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes an elongated flexible stem unit, a handle at a first end of the elongated flexible stem unit, and a cutting unit at a second end of the elongated flexible stem unit, opposite from the first end.
- the cutting unit has an inner cutting edge and a curved outer blunt edge.
- a second surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention for cutting plaque build-ups, includes an elongated tubular support unit and a cutting wire unit extending through the elongated tubular support unit and freely movable within the elongated tubular support unit.
- the free ends of the cutting wire unit project from a first end of the elongated tubular support unit and a closed loop portion of the cutting wire unit projects from a second end of the elongated tubular support unit.
- FIG. 1 is a top view, partially in cross-section, of an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an end view of the spatula tip portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the optics portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a human artery partially filled with plaque build-ups.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of a second embodiment of the spatula tip portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of a third embodiment an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups.
- FIG. 7C shows an alternative form of the cutting unit portion of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
- FIG. 8 is top view of a second embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups
- FIG. 9 is an open, side view of a third embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups.
- an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a spatula tip 10 having at a first end thereof an optics (i.e. light and image) opening 12 and a plurality of fluid openings 14 .
- optics opening 12 permits a light from a light source to be conducted to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site to be conducted to an image forming unit. In this way, the surgeon can observe the surgical procedure being conducted within the artery without the need to open the entire length of the artery which is being cleaned.
- fluid openings 14 permit the passage of a fluid, typically carbon dioxide, to the surgical site to increase the space (i.e.
- spatula tip 10 can be advanced along the length of the artery which is being cleaned.
- Spatula tip 10 preferably has a curved body which approximates the shape of an artery and is sized for the particular artery being cleaned.
- spatula tip 10 also has at the first end thereof a plurality of liquid openings 16 a and 16 b to permit the passage of a liquid to and from the surgical site to carry away plaque debris and clean optics opening 12 .
- the liquid is conducted to the surgical site through liquid opening 16 a and is conducted away from the surgical site through liquid opening 16 b .
- the liquid can be a saline solution.
- An endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes first flexible tubular means 18 extending through spatula tip 10 from optics opening 12 in the spatula tip for conducting a light from a remote end of the first flexible tubular means through the optics opening to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site through the optics opening to the remote end of the first flexible tubular means.
- first flexible tubular means 18 can include first fiber optic means through which light is conducted to the surgical site and second fiber optic means through which an image of the surgical site is conducted.
- the first fiber optic means include a plurality of fiber optic cables 20 disposed in a circular array and the second fiber optic means include a single fiber optic cable 22 disposed at the center of the circular array of the plurality of fiber optic cables 20 of the first fiber optic means.
- optics opening 12 and fiber optic cables 20 and 22 preferably are within the curved body of spatula tip 10 rather than outside the inner and outer curved surfaces of the spatula tip to facilitate the design and minimize the size of the spatula tip.
- An endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes second flexible tubular means 24 extending through 10 spatula tip from fluid openings 14 in the spatula tip for conducting a fluid from a remote end of the second flexible tubular means through the fluid openings to the surgical site.
- first flexible tubular means 18 and second flexible tubular means 24 are shown as being spaced apart, they can be arranged in a coaxial manner.
- an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with present invention, further includes third flexible tubular means 26 extending through spatula tip 10 from liquid openings 16 a and 16 b in the spatula tip for conducting liquid from a remote end of the third flexible tubular means to the surgical site through a first of the liquid openings and for conducting liquid through a second of the liquid openings from the surgical site to the remote end of the third flexible tubular means.
- An endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with present invention, also includes connector means 28 adapted for connection to a light source, an image forming unit, and a fluid source and to which the remote end of first flexible tubular means 18 and the remote end of second flexible tubular means 24 are connected.
- connector means 28 are adapted for connection to a liquid source and a liquid discharge reservoir and the remote end of third flexible tubular means 26 are connected to the connector means.
- first flexible tubular means 18 light from the light source is conducted- to first flexible tubular means 18 , an image of the surgical site is conducted from first flexible tubular means 18 to the image forming unit, fluid from the fluid source is conducted to second flexible tubular means 24 , and liquid is to delivered from the liquid source to third flexible tubular means 26 and delivered from the third flexible tubular means to the liquid discharge reservoir.
- Connector means 28 can include conventional luer lock connectors to which the fluid source and second flexible tubular means 24 are connected for the passage of fluid and to which the liquid source, liquid discharge reservoir and third flexible tubular means 26 are connected for the passage of saline solution.
- the first fiber optic means through which light is conducted to the surgical site and the second fiber optic means through which the image of the surgical site is conducted to the image forming unit are continuous, uninterrupted fiber optic cables which pass through connector means 28 but are locked by the connector means against longitudinal and rotational sliding and sealed to prevent escape of carbon dioxide gas and saline solution.
- an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a flexible sheathing 30 extending between spatula tip 10 and connector means 28 and through which first flexible tubular means 18 , second flexible tubular means 24 and third flexible tubular means 26 extend.
- Flexible sheathing 30 can be a tubular piece, as shown in FIG. 1, through which separately formed first tubular means 18 , second tubular means 24 and third flexible tubular means 26 extend or the sheathing and the tubular means can be formed as a single, flexible extruded piece with passages or channels through which the light, the image of the surgical site, the fluid and the saline solution are conducted.
- the surgical instrument just described can be used in an endarterectomy surgical procedure for removing a plaque build-up from a selected length of an artery in accordance with the present invention.
- an incision is made and the artery is dissected at a first end of a selected length of the artery from which a plaque build-up is to be removed.
- the outer wall of the artery is penetrated with a needle, typically 25 gauge, and carbon dioxide gas is introduced through the needle to start the separation of the adventitia layer and the media layer (i.e. the “separation plane”).
- the needle is removed and an incision is made into the artery wall.
- the next step in the endarterectomy surgical procedure is inserting a spatula 10 into the artery at the incision between the adventitia layer 40 and the media layer 42 of the artery.
- a fluid e.g. carbon dioxide gas
- the carbon dioxide gas also reduces the amount of blood at the surgical site.
- the carbon dioxide gas is either absorbed or flows out through the incision in the artery wall.
- Saline solution under a controlled pressure, can be delivered to the surgical site to flush away pieces of plaque which have broken away from the plaque build-up 44 and to clean the optics opening in the spatula tip. It is important to control the pressures of the carbon dioxide gas and saline solution to eliminate the potential for creating damage to the artery when there is a total blockage of the artery by the plaque build-up.
- the plaque build-up 44 along with the intima layer 46 and the media layer 42 of the artery (i.e. the “core”), are removed from the artery.
- the core can be removed by pulling the plaque build-up out through the incision with forceps if the plaque has been broken or weakened at the second end of the selected length of the artery. This can be determined by viewing the image of the surgical site as the spatula is moved along the artery.
- a surgical instrument such as the ones illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7 C and 8 , can be inserted into the artery through the incision and advanced to the second end of the selected length of the artery at which the plaque build-up is cut.
- the surgical cutting instrument is retracted and removed from the artery, the plaque build-up is pulled out through the incision by the surgical cutting instrument or with forceps.
- the termination transition at the second end of the selected length of the artery is treated and the incision is closed. If the spatula is arranged with liquid openings, liquid can be delivered to the surgical site and drawn away from the surgical site while the artery is being probed. It is important to remove plaque debris from the artery before the incision is closed.
- the termination transition can be prepared by a laser instrument which can be included in an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, spatula tip 10 can have a laser opening 32 through which a laser beam can be emitted to prepare the termination transition.
- an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention, can be arranged with a balloon and used in a surgical procedure in the same way that a balloon catheter is used.
- the flexible sheathing 34 has a balloon 36 bonded to the outside surface of the sheathing. With balloon 36 deflated, it lies flat against the outside surface of flexible sheathing 34 .
- a fluid under controlled pressure, is introduced into balloon 36 through air passage 38 , the balloon inflates as shown in FIG. 6
- a first embodiment of a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes an elongated flexible stem unit 50 , a handle 52 at a first end of the elongated flexible stem unit, and a cutting unit 54 at a second end of the elongated flexible stem unit, opposite from the first end.
- Cutting unit 54 has an inner cutting edge 56 and a curved outer blunt edge 58 .
- a wall 60 extending between the inner cutting edge 56 and the curved outer blunt edge 58 , has sufficient width to carry material which has been cut as handle 52 is pulled or turned.
- cutting edge 56 is shown as being curved, it can take other forms, such as a straight edge.
- cutting unit 54 of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A and 7B lies in a plane which is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to elongated stem unit 50 .
- cutting unit 54 is moved easily along the surface of the core which will be removed from the artery to the point at which the cutting unit is to cut the plaque build-up.
- the surgical instrument can be rotated to bypass such side branches.
- the flexibility of stem unit 50 , the angle between cutting unit 54 and the stem unit and the shape, radius and length of cutting edge 56 are dependent upon the size and condition of the artery.
- the objective of the design of any such surgical instrument is to assure that as the surgical instrument is turned to cut through the plaque build-up, the surgical instrument does not cut through the artery wall.
- the desired effect is to have cutting unit 54 encircle the plaque build-up as it cuts through the plaque build-up.
- the cutting unit 54 can remain engaged with the core material which has been cut to an extent sufficient to remove the core material through the incision as the surgical instrument is retracted and removed through the incision.
- Wall 60 extending between inner cutting edge 56 and outer blunt edge 58 , also is effective in removing the cut core material through the incision.
- the desired flexibility in stem unit 50 of the surgical instrument illustrated by FIGS. 7A and 7B is provided by a spring 62 between a first end of a first rigid member 50 a and a first end of a second rigid member 50 b .
- Handle 52 is attached to a second end of first rigid member 50 a of the elongated flexible stem unit and cutting unit 54 is attached to a second end of second rigid member 50 b of the elongated flexible stem unit.
- Spring 62 and the cant of cutting unit 54 provide a center of rotation of the cutting unit which prevents cutting the artery wall as handle 52 is turned to cut a plaque build-up.
- Spring 62 is designed to be sufficiently flexible to achieve this result, yet sufficiently rigid to cut a plaque build-up and permit carrying material which has been cut as handle 52 is pulled or retracted from the incision.
- cutting unit 54 can be formed with a housing 64 which is attached to a second end of second rigid member 50 b of the elongated stem unit and has a curved outer blunt edge 58 .
- a cutting blade 66 is positioned within housing 64 . With this form of cutting urit, there is a wall which extends between inner cutting edge 56 of cutting blade 66 and outer blunt edge 58 of housing 64 and has sufficient width to carry material which has been cut as handle 52 is pulled.
- a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7 C, can be arranged with optics and irrigation as is the endarterectomy surgical instrument described above.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show second and third embodiments of a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- Each of these surgical instruments includes an elongated tubular support unit and a cutting wire unit extending through the elongated tubular support unit and freely movable within the elongated tubular support unit.
- the free ends of the cutting wire unit project from one end of the elongated tubular support unit and a closed loop portion of cutting wire unit projects from a second end of the elongated tubular support unit.
- the elongated tubular support unit includes a first elongated tube 70 and a second elongated tube 72 .
- the cutting wire unit includes first and second lengths of wire 74 and 76 which extend through first elongated tube 70 and second elongated tube 72 , respectively.
- First and second free ends 74 a and 74 b of the first length of wire project from one end of the first elongated tube and a middle portion 74 c of the first length of wire projects from the opposite end of the first elongated tube.
- First and second free ends 76 a and 76 b of the second length of wire project from one end of the second elongated tube and a middle portion 76 c of the second length of wire projects from the opposite second end of the second elongated tube and is looped through middle portion 74 c of the first length of wire 74 .
- the surgical instrument of FIG. 8 is used in the following manner.
- the surgical instrument is introduced through the incision and is moved along the artery with middle portion 76 c of wire 76 positioned outside the core material which is to be cut to the point at which the plaque build-up is to be cut.
- the slack in middle portion 76 c of wire 76 is taken up and the core material is cut.
- the core material can be removed either by retraction of the surgical instrument or with forceps if middle portion 76 c of wire 76 moves through the core material without pulling the core material through the incision.
- the elongated tubular support unit includes an elongated tube 80 and a housing 82 attached to the elongated tube at a first end thereof.
- the cutting wire unit includes a length of wire 84 which extends through elongated tube 80 and housing 82 with first and second free ends 84 a and 84 b of the length of wire projecting from a second end of the elongated tube opposite from the first end of elongated tube.
- the middle portion 84 c of the length of wire projects from the first end of elongated tube 80 and is looped from the elongated tube through housing 82 into the elongated tube.
- the surgical instrument of FIG. 9 is used in much the same manner as the surgical instrument of FIG. 8.
- the surgical instrument is introduced through the incision and is moved along the artery with middle portion 84 c of wire 84 positioned outside the core material which is to be cut to the point at which the plaque build-up is to be cut.
- middle portion 84 c of wire 84 By pulling on the free ends 84 a and 84 b of wire 84 , the slack in middle portion 84 c of the wire is taken up and the core material is cut.
- the core material can be removed either by retraction of the surgical instrument or with forceps.
- Housing 82 functions in much the same way as the wall in the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7 C in pulling the cut core material as the surgical instrument is retracted and withdrawn through the incision.
Abstract
An endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure for removing plaque from a selected length of an artery and surgical instruments for cutting plaque build-ups. The endarterectomy surgical instrument has means for developing an image of the surgical site so that probing of the artery can be observed without requiring opening the artery along the selected length over which the plaque is removed.
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/294,566, filed Apr. 20, 1999, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/680,594, filed Jul. 12, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,713, respectively. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates, in general, to surgical instruments and procedures and, in particular, to the cleaning of arteries to remove plaque build-ups.
- It has been common practice to open the full selected length of an artery which is to be cleaned of plaque build-ups and tediously separate the inner layers (i.e. the “core”) from the outer layers to remove the plaque build-ups along the length of the artery after which the full length of the opening is sutured closed using the outer layers for the closure. Because such incisions, for example, can extend along the entire length of the leg from the groin to the foot, such a procedure is a massive surgical invasion. As the length of the incision increases, the difficulty of the surgical procedure increases.
- Another procedure, involving relatively small incisions at the ends of the artery section to be cleaned, also has been performed in the past for the removal of plaque build-ups. In this procedure, plaque build-ups are removed or loosened by forceps which are introduced at the two incisions to “core out” the artery. To remove residue plaque, a “stripper” (e.g. a catheter-type unit) is passed through the entire blocked artery from the upper incision to the lower incision and a certain, limited amount of residue plaque is pushed out through the lower incision. A swab is secured to the leading end of the catheter-type unit after it has emerged through the lower incision. Upon retraction of the catheter-type unit, the swab carries residue plaque toward and out from the upper incision. Thereafter, the two incisions are closed. Because this procedure is “blind” in that the artery section being cleaned is not open and exposed, it is inherently dangerous. Also, the second incision is necessary either for an exit of plaque or to gain access to the catheter-type unit for affixing the swab.
- In another technique for the removal of plaque build-ups, known as gas endarterectomy, a jet of carbon dioxide gas is injected into the wall of an artery to create a “separation plane.” A small opening is made in the artery and a special gas spatula, carefully designed not to injure the artery, is passed down the separation plane as carbon dioxide gas passes through the spatula further freeing up the entire length of the inner core. The inner core then is removed by transecting the distal end and pulling the entire core out of the proximal opening in the artery after which the two openings are closed. Because this procedure also is “blind” in that the artery section being cleaned is not open and exposed, it is inherently dangerous. Also, this procedure requires at least two surgical incisions to expose both ends of the artery section to be cleaned and two openings in the artery itself.
- Gas endarterectomy also has been carried out by first surgically opening the body part, but not the artery which is to be cleaned, along the full selected length of the artery and then performing the gas endarterectomy by viewing the probing of the artery through the sufficiently transparent artery wall. Such a procedure also is a massive surgical invasion. As the length of the incision increases, the difficulty of the surgical procedure increases.
- Because of the difficulties and hazards associated with the surgical procedures described above, bypass surgical procedures became popular. Instead of cleaning out a plaque build-up in an artery, the section of the artery having the plaque build-up is bypassed surgically. Such a bypass procedure also is a massive surgical invasion. As the length of the bypass increases, the difficulty of the surgical procedure increases.
- At the present time, there is a trend for reducing the degree of invasion in surgical procedures. Consequently, more and more renewed interest is being expressed in gas endarterectomy which reduces surgical invasion and the period of time the patient must remain in the hospital.
- The present invention is new surgical instruments and a new surgical procedure for performing gas endarterectomy through only one, relatively small incision.
- An endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a spatula tip having at a first end thereof an optics opening and a plurality of fluid openings. This endarterectomy surgical instrument also has first flexible tubular means extending through the spatula tip from the optics opening in the spatula tip for conducting a light from a remote end of the first flexible tubular means through the optics opening to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site through the optics opening to the remote end of the first flexible tubular means. This endarterectomy surgical instrument also has second flexible tubular means extending through the spatula tip from the fluid openings in the spatula tip for conducting a fluid from a remote end of the second flexible tubular means through the fluid openings to the surgical site. This endarterectomy surgical instrument further has connector means adapted for connection to a light source, an image forming unit, and a fluid source and to which the remote end of the first flexible tubular means and the remote end of the second flexible tubular means are connected for conducting the light from the light source to the first flexible tubular means, the image of the surgical site from the first flexible tubular means to the image forming unit, and fluid from the fluid source to the second flexible tubular means.
- An endarterectomy surgical procedure for removing a plaque build-up from a selected length of an artery, performed in accordance with the present invention, includes making only one incision at a first end of a selected length of an artery from which a plaque build-up is to be removed to expose the artery. This endarterectomy surgical procedure also includes inserting a spatula into the artery at the incision between the adventitia layer and the media layer of the artery and probing the selected length of the artery with the spatula while applying a fluid to increase the space between the adventitia layer and the media layer of the artery. This endarterectomy surgical procedure further includes continuously developing an image of the surgical site at the spatula as the artery is probed and viewing the image of the surgical site while probing the artery. Also included in this endarterectomy surgical procedure are terminating probing of the artery at a second end of the selected length of the artery and retracting the spatula and removing the spatula from the artery through the incision. Next, this endarterectomy surgical procedure includes removing the plaque build-up from the artery and treating the termination transition at the second end of the selected length of the artery. This endarterectomy surgical procedure is concluded by closing the incision.
- If it is necessary to cut the plaque build-up so that it can be removed, a first surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes an elongated flexible stem unit, a handle at a first end of the elongated flexible stem unit, and a cutting unit at a second end of the elongated flexible stem unit, opposite from the first end. The cutting unit has an inner cutting edge and a curved outer blunt edge.
- A second surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention for cutting plaque build-ups, includes an elongated tubular support unit and a cutting wire unit extending through the elongated tubular support unit and freely movable within the elongated tubular support unit. The free ends of the cutting wire unit project from a first end of the elongated tubular support unit and a closed loop portion of the cutting wire unit projects from a second end of the elongated tubular support unit.
- FIG. 1 is a top view, partially in cross-section, of an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an end view of the spatula tip portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the optics portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a human artery partially filled with plaque build-ups.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of a second embodiment of the spatula tip portion of the endarterectomy surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of a third embodiment an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups.
- FIG. 7C shows an alternative form of the cutting unit portion of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
- FIG. 8 is top view of a second embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups,
- FIG. 9 is an open, side view of a third embodiment of a surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for cutting plaque build-ups.
- Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and3, an endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a
spatula tip 10 having at a first end thereof an optics (i.e. light and image)opening 12 and a plurality offluid openings 14. As will be explained below, optics opening 12 permits a light from a light source to be conducted to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site to be conducted to an image forming unit. In this way, the surgeon can observe the surgical procedure being conducted within the artery without the need to open the entire length of the artery which is being cleaned. As will also be explained below,fluid openings 14 permit the passage of a fluid, typically carbon dioxide, to the surgical site to increase the space (i.e. the “separation plane”) between the adventitia layer and the media layer of the artery. In this way,spatula tip 10 can be advanced along the length of the artery which is being cleaned.Spatula tip 10 preferably has a curved body which approximates the shape of an artery and is sized for the particular artery being cleaned. - Preferably,
spatula tip 10 also has at the first end thereof a plurality ofliquid openings liquid opening 16 a and is conducted away from the surgical site throughliquid opening 16 b. Typically, the liquid can be a saline solution. - An endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes first flexible tubular means18 extending through
spatula tip 10 from optics opening 12 in the spatula tip for conducting a light from a remote end of the first flexible tubular means through the optics opening to a surgical site and an image of the surgical site through the optics opening to the remote end of the first flexible tubular means. Such first flexible tubular means 18 can include first fiber optic means through which light is conducted to the surgical site and second fiber optic means through which an image of the surgical site is conducted. For the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the first fiber optic means include a plurality of fiber optic cables 20 disposed in a circular array and the second fiber optic means include a singlefiber optic cable 22 disposed at the center of the circular array of the plurality of fiber optic cables 20 of the first fiber optic means. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, optics opening 12 andfiber optic cables 20 and 22 preferably are within the curved body ofspatula tip 10 rather than outside the inner and outer curved surfaces of the spatula tip to facilitate the design and minimize the size of the spatula tip. - An endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes second flexible tubular means24 extending through 10 spatula tip from
fluid openings 14 in the spatula tip for conducting a fluid from a remote end of the second flexible tubular means through the fluid openings to the surgical site. - Although first flexible tubular means18 and second flexible tubular means 24 are shown as being spaced apart, they can be arranged in a coaxial manner.
- When a liquid is to be delivered to the surgical site, an endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with present invention, further includes third flexible tubular means26 extending through
spatula tip 10 fromliquid openings - An endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with present invention, also includes connector means28 adapted for connection to a light source, an image forming unit, and a fluid source and to which the remote end of first flexible tubular means 18 and the remote end of second flexible tubular means 24 are connected. When liquid is to delivered to and drawn from the surgical site, connector means 28 are adapted for connection to a liquid source and a liquid discharge reservoir and the remote end of third flexible tubular means 26 are connected to the connector means. In this way, light from the light source is conducted- to first flexible tubular means 18, an image of the surgical site is conducted from first flexible tubular means 18 to the image forming unit, fluid from the fluid source is conducted to second flexible tubular means 24, and liquid is to delivered from the liquid source to third flexible tubular means 26 and delivered from the third flexible tubular means to the liquid discharge reservoir.
- Connector means28 can include conventional luer lock connectors to which the fluid source and second flexible tubular means 24 are connected for the passage of fluid and to which the liquid source, liquid discharge reservoir and third flexible tubular means 26 are connected for the passage of saline solution. In contrast, the first fiber optic means through which light is conducted to the surgical site and the second fiber optic means through which the image of the surgical site is conducted to the image forming unit are continuous, uninterrupted fiber optic cables which pass through connector means 28 but are locked by the connector means against longitudinal and rotational sliding and sealed to prevent escape of carbon dioxide gas and saline solution.
- Preferably, an endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a
flexible sheathing 30 extending betweenspatula tip 10 and connector means 28 and through which first flexible tubular means 18, second flexible tubular means 24 and third flexible tubular means 26 extend.Flexible sheathing 30 can be a tubular piece, as shown in FIG. 1, through which separately formed first tubular means 18, second tubular means 24 and third flexible tubular means 26 extend or the sheathing and the tubular means can be formed as a single, flexible extruded piece with passages or channels through which the light, the image of the surgical site, the fluid and the saline solution are conducted. - The surgical instrument just described can be used in an endarterectomy surgical procedure for removing a plaque build-up from a selected length of an artery in accordance with the present invention. First, an incision is made and the artery is dissected at a first end of a selected length of the artery from which a plaque build-up is to be removed. Next, the outer wall of the artery is penetrated with a needle, typically 25 gauge, and carbon dioxide gas is introduced through the needle to start the separation of the adventitia layer and the media layer (i.e. the “separation plane”). The needle is removed and an incision is made into the artery wall.
- Referring to FIG. 4, the next step in the endarterectomy surgical procedure, performed in accordance with the present invention, is inserting a
spatula 10 into the artery at the incision between theadventitia layer 40 and themedia layer 42 of the artery. Next, the selected length of the artery is probed with the spatula while applying a fluid (e.g. carbon dioxide gas) under a controlled pressure through the spatula tip to increase the space between theadventitia layer 40 and themedia layer 42 of the artery. The carbon dioxide gas also reduces the amount of blood at the surgical site. The carbon dioxide gas is either absorbed or flows out through the incision in the artery wall. Saline solution, under a controlled pressure, can be delivered to the surgical site to flush away pieces of plaque which have broken away from the plaque build-up 44 and to clean the optics opening in the spatula tip. It is important to control the pressures of the carbon dioxide gas and saline solution to eliminate the potential for creating damage to the artery when there is a total blockage of the artery by the plaque build-up. - As the artery is being probed, an image of the surgical site at the spatula is continuously developed, so that the surgeon performing the procedure can view the image of the surgical site while probing the artery. Side branches of the artery are isolated as the artery is probed. Probing of the artery is terminated at a second end of the selected length of the artery and the spatula is retracted and removed from the artery through the incision.
- Next, the plaque build-
up 44, along with theintima layer 46 and themedia layer 42 of the artery (i.e. the “core”), are removed from the artery. The core can be removed by pulling the plaque build-up out through the incision with forceps if the plaque has been broken or weakened at the second end of the selected length of the artery. This can be determined by viewing the image of the surgical site as the spatula is moved along the artery. - If necessary, after the spatula has been retracted and removed from the artery a surgical instrument, such as the ones illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B,7C and 8, can be inserted into the artery through the incision and advanced to the second end of the selected length of the artery at which the plaque build-up is cut. When the surgical cutting instrument is retracted and removed from the artery, the plaque build-up is pulled out through the incision by the surgical cutting instrument or with forceps.
- After the plaque build-up has been removed, the termination transition at the second end of the selected length of the artery is treated and the incision is closed. If the spatula is arranged with liquid openings, liquid can be delivered to the surgical site and drawn away from the surgical site while the artery is being probed. It is important to remove plaque debris from the artery before the incision is closed.
- It is important to prepare the termination transition or there can be further stripping of plaque by blood flow. There is also the potential for clotting and debris at the termination if the transition is abrupt. The termination transition can be prepared by a laser instrument which can be included in an endarterectomy surgical instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5,
spatula tip 10 can have alaser opening 32 through which a laser beam can be emitted to prepare the termination transition. - As shown in FIG. 6, an endarterectomy surgical instrument, constructed in accordance with the present invention, can be arranged with a balloon and used in a surgical procedure in the same way that a balloon catheter is used. The
flexible sheathing 34 has aballoon 36 bonded to the outside surface of the sheathing. Withballoon 36 deflated, it lies flat against the outside surface offlexible sheathing 34. When a fluid, under controlled pressure, is introduced intoballoon 36 throughair passage 38, the balloon inflates as shown in FIG. 6 - Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a first embodiment of a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes an elongated
flexible stem unit 50, ahandle 52 at a first end of the elongated flexible stem unit, and acutting unit 54 at a second end of the elongated flexible stem unit, opposite from the first end. Cuttingunit 54 has aninner cutting edge 56 and a curved outerblunt edge 58. Awall 60, extending between theinner cutting edge 56 and the curved outerblunt edge 58, has sufficient width to carry material which has been cut ashandle 52 is pulled or turned. Although cuttingedge 56 is shown as being curved, it can take other forms, such as a straight edge. - Preferably, cutting
unit 54 of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A and 7B lies in a plane which is disposed at an obtuse angle relative toelongated stem unit 50. With such an arrangement, after the surgical instrument is introduced through the incision, cuttingunit 54 is moved easily along the surface of the core which will be removed from the artery to the point at which the cutting unit is to cut the plaque build-up. As side branches of plaque build-ups are encountered, the surgical instrument can be rotated to bypass such side branches. For a particular surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups, the flexibility ofstem unit 50, the angle between cuttingunit 54 and the stem unit and the shape, radius and length of cuttingedge 56 are dependent upon the size and condition of the artery. The objective of the design of any such surgical instrument is to assure that as the surgical instrument is turned to cut through the plaque build-up, the surgical instrument does not cut through the artery wall. The desired effect is to have cuttingunit 54 encircle the plaque build-up as it cuts through the plaque build-up. When the cutting is completed, the cuttingunit 54 can remain engaged with the core material which has been cut to an extent sufficient to remove the core material through the incision as the surgical instrument is retracted and removed through the incision.Wall 60, extending betweeninner cutting edge 56 and outerblunt edge 58, also is effective in removing the cut core material through the incision. - The desired flexibility in
stem unit 50 of the surgical instrument illustrated by FIGS. 7A and 7B is provided by aspring 62 between a first end of a firstrigid member 50 a and a first end of a secondrigid member 50 b.Handle 52 is attached to a second end of firstrigid member 50 a of the elongated flexible stem unit and cuttingunit 54 is attached to a second end of secondrigid member 50 b of the elongated flexible stem unit.Spring 62 and the cant of cuttingunit 54 provide a center of rotation of the cutting unit which prevents cutting the artery wall ashandle 52 is turned to cut a plaque build-up.Spring 62 is designed to be sufficiently flexible to achieve this result, yet sufficiently rigid to cut a plaque build-up and permit carrying material which has been cut ashandle 52 is pulled or retracted from the incision. - As shown in FIG. 7C, cutting
unit 54 can be formed with ahousing 64 which is attached to a second end of secondrigid member 50 b of the elongated stem unit and has a curved outerblunt edge 58. Acutting blade 66 is positioned withinhousing 64. With this form of cutting urit, there is a wall which extends betweeninner cutting edge 56 of cuttingblade 66 and outerblunt edge 58 ofhousing 64 and has sufficient width to carry material which has been cut ashandle 52 is pulled. - It should be noted that a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and7C, can be arranged with optics and irrigation as is the endarterectomy surgical instrument described above.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show second and third embodiments of a surgical instrument for cutting plaque build-ups constructed in accordance with the present invention. Each of these surgical instruments includes an elongated tubular support unit and a cutting wire unit extending through the elongated tubular support unit and freely movable within the elongated tubular support unit. The free ends of the cutting wire unit project from one end of the elongated tubular support unit and a closed loop portion of cutting wire unit projects from a second end of the elongated tubular support unit.
- Referring to FIG. 8, the elongated tubular support unit includes a first
elongated tube 70 and a secondelongated tube 72. The cutting wire unit includes first and second lengths ofwire elongated tube 70 and secondelongated tube 72, respectively. First and second free ends 74 a and 74 b of the first length of wire project from one end of the first elongated tube and amiddle portion 74 c of the first length of wire projects from the opposite end of the first elongated tube. First and second free ends 76 a and 76 b of the second length of wire project from one end of the second elongated tube and a middle portion 76 c of the second length of wire projects from the opposite second end of the second elongated tube and is looped throughmiddle portion 74 c of the first length ofwire 74. - The surgical instrument of FIG. 8 is used in the following manner. The surgical instrument is introduced through the incision and is moved along the artery with middle portion76 c of
wire 76 positioned outside the core material which is to be cut to the point at which the plaque build-up is to be cut. By pulling on the free ends 74 a and 74 b ofwire 74 and the free ends 76 a and 76 b ofwire 76, the slack in middle portion 76 c ofwire 76 is taken up and the core material is cut. The core material can be removed either by retraction of the surgical instrument or with forceps if middle portion 76 c ofwire 76 moves through the core material without pulling the core material through the incision. - Referring to FIG. 9, the elongated tubular support unit includes an
elongated tube 80 and ahousing 82 attached to the elongated tube at a first end thereof. The cutting wire unit includes a length ofwire 84 which extends through elongatedtube 80 andhousing 82 with first and second free ends 84 a and 84 b of the length of wire projecting from a second end of the elongated tube opposite from the first end of elongated tube. Themiddle portion 84 c of the length of wire projects from the first end ofelongated tube 80 and is looped from the elongated tube throughhousing 82 into the elongated tube. - The surgical instrument of FIG. 9 is used in much the same manner as the surgical instrument of FIG. 8. The surgical instrument is introduced through the incision and is moved along the artery with
middle portion 84 c ofwire 84 positioned outside the core material which is to be cut to the point at which the plaque build-up is to be cut. By pulling on the free ends 84 a and 84 b ofwire 84, the slack inmiddle portion 84 c of the wire is taken up and the core material is cut. The core material can be removed either by retraction of the surgical instrument or with forceps.Housing 82 functions in much the same way as the wall in the surgical instrument of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C in pulling the cut core material as the surgical instrument is retracted and withdrawn through the incision. - While in the foregoing there have been described preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (17)
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
(A) a spatula tip having at a first end thereof:
(a) an optics opening, and
(b) a plurality of fluid openings;
(B) first flexible tubular means extending through said spatula tip from said optics opening, said first flexible tubular means having:
(a) a remote end opposite said spatula tip,
(b) at least one fiber optic cable arranged to conduct light from a light source to said optics opening, and
(c) at least one other fiber optic cable to conduct an image of a surgical site to an image forming unit;
(C) second flexible tubular means extending through said spatula tip from said fluid openings in said spatula tip to a remote end;
(D) connector means having an end connectable to:
(a) the light source;
(b) the image forming unit, and
(c) a fluid source and an opposite end connectable to:
(a) said remote end of said first flexible tubular means, and
(b) said remote end of said second flexible tubular means; and
(E) a cauterizing means to terminate a transition near the surgical site.
2. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 further including a flexible sheathing extending between said spatula tip and said connector means and through which said first flexible tubular means and said second flexible tubular means extend.
3. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein:
(a) said first flexible tubular means comprises a plurality of fiber optic cables disposed in a circular array arranged to conduct light from said light source to said optics opening, and
(b) said at least one other fiber optic cable is disposed at the center of said circular array.
4. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said spatula tip has a curved body and said optics opening, said at least one fiber optic cable and said at least one other fiber optic cable are within said curved body of said spatula tip.
5. A surgical instrument according to claim 2 wherein:
(a) said spatula tip also has at said first end thereof a plurality of liquid openings, and said instrument further includes:
(E) third flexible tubular means extending through said spatula tip from said liquid openings in said spatula tip for conducting liquid from a remote end of said third flexible tubular means connected to said connector means to the surgical site through a first of said liquid openings and for conducting liquid through a second of said liquid openings from the surgical site to said remote end of said third flexible tubular means.
6. A surgical instrument according to claim 5 wherein said third flexible tubular means extend through said flexible sheathing.
7. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said spatula tip also has at said first end thereof a laser opening through which a laser beam is emitted.
8. A surgical instrument according to claim 2 further including:
(a) a balloon bonded to said sheathing, and
(b) a fluid passage through which a fluid, under controlled pressure, is introduced into said balloon to inflate said balloon.
9. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein said first flexible means and said second flexible means are co-axially oriented.
10. A surgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein said first flexible tubular means comprises a plurality of fiber optic cables arranged to conduct light from said light source to said optics opening.
12. A surgical instrument comprising:
(A) an elongated body having a spatula tip disposed at a first end thereof for use at a surgical site, said spatula tip including:
(1) an optics opening, and
(2) at least one first fluid opening adapted to be used in combination with a fluid apparatus to deliver fluid to the surgical site;
(B) a fiber optics assembly coupled to said optics opening, said fiber optics assembly including:
(1) at least one fiber optic cable to conduct light from a light source to the surgical site through said optics opening; and
(2) at least one other fiber optic cable to conduct an image of the surgical site to an image forming unit through said optics opening; and
(C) a cauterizing element to terminate a transition near the surgical site.
13. A surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein said fluid opening is adapted to receive a gas and the fluid apparatus is an apparatus for delivering the gas to said opening.
14. A surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein the gas is CO2.
15. A surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein said spatula includes at least one second fluid opening adapted to be used in combination with a liquid apparatus to receive a liquid and deliver the liquid to the surgical site.
16. A surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein the spatula includes at least one third fluid opening adapted to be used in combination with a liquid apparatus to receive a liquid and carry the liquid from the surgical site.
17. A surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein the fluid is saline.
18. A surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein said fiber optics assembly includes a plurality of fiber optic cables to conduct light from said light source to the surgical site through said optics opening.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/067,630 US20020120257A1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-02-04 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/680,594 US5954713A (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1996-07-12 | Endarterectomy surgical instruments and procedure |
US09/294,566 US6358244B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-20 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
US10/067,630 US20020120257A1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-02-04 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/294,566 Continuation US6358244B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-20 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020120257A1 true US20020120257A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
Family
ID=24731720
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/680,594 Expired - Lifetime US5954713A (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1996-07-12 | Endarterectomy surgical instruments and procedure |
US09/294,566 Expired - Lifetime US6358244B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-20 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
US10/067,630 Abandoned US20020120257A1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-02-04 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/680,594 Expired - Lifetime US5954713A (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1996-07-12 | Endarterectomy surgical instruments and procedure |
US09/294,566 Expired - Lifetime US6358244B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-20 | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US5954713A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0917445B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2000515402A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20000023753A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1228687A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE260605T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU741165B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2260019A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69727938T2 (en) |
IL (1) | IL128015A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998002102A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040193204A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-09-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Percutaneous transluminal endarterectomy |
US20180070979A1 (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2018-03-15 | Thomas A. Wiita | Adjustable ring stripper for more efficiently and effectively removing plaque from arteries |
Families Citing this family (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5954713A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-09-21 | Newman; Fredric A. | Endarterectomy surgical instruments and procedure |
EP0979635A2 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2000-02-16 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Tissue dissector apparatus |
DE29814889U1 (en) * | 1998-08-19 | 1999-12-30 | Burgard Gunther | Resection instrument |
ATE317244T1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2006-02-15 | Deka Products Lp | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR INTERNAL ARTERY SKIN REMOVAL |
US20020198551A1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2002-12-26 | Grant Kevin Lee | Endoscopic tissue separator surgical device |
US6558313B1 (en) | 2000-11-17 | 2003-05-06 | Embro Corporation | Vein harvesting system and method |
US20030171741A1 (en) * | 2001-11-14 | 2003-09-11 | Latis, Inc. | Catheters for clot removal |
US7018336B2 (en) * | 2001-12-27 | 2006-03-28 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Implantable sensor flush sleeve |
US7734332B2 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2010-06-08 | Ariomedica Ltd. | Atherectomy system with imaging guidewire |
US20050267520A1 (en) * | 2004-05-12 | 2005-12-01 | Modesitt D B | Access and closure device and method |
US7678133B2 (en) * | 2004-07-10 | 2010-03-16 | Arstasis, Inc. | Biological tissue closure device and method |
AU2006247355B2 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2013-01-10 | Arstasis, Inc. | Access and closure device and method |
EP1924315B1 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-12-04 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices |
US7918870B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2011-04-05 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods |
US11020141B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-06-01 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods |
US8083727B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2011-12-27 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space |
US8025655B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2011-09-27 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods |
US9770230B2 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2017-09-26 | Maquet Cardiovascular Llc | Endoscopic vessel harvesting system components |
US10888354B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 | 2021-01-12 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space |
US11298511B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 | 2022-04-12 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space |
US9060802B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 | 2015-06-23 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space |
US20090105744A1 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2009-04-23 | Modesitt D Bruce | Methods for forming tracts in tissue |
US8632556B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2014-01-21 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Methods and devices for crossing chronic total occlusions |
US8337425B2 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2012-12-25 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Endovascular device with a tissue piercing distal probe and associated methods |
WO2009100129A2 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-13 | Chad John Kugler | Crossing occlusions in blood vessels |
EP3165184B1 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2021-12-01 | Bridgepoint Medical, Inc. | Apparatus for crossing occlusions in blood vessels |
AU2009274128A1 (en) * | 2008-07-21 | 2010-01-28 | Arstasis, Inc. | Devices and methods for forming tracts in tissue |
CN102159126A (en) * | 2008-07-21 | 2011-08-17 | 阿尔斯塔西斯公司 | Devices, methods, and kits for forming tracts in tissue |
AU2010248821A1 (en) * | 2009-05-15 | 2011-12-01 | Arstasis, Inc. | Devices, methods and kits for forming tracts in tissue |
NL2003063C2 (en) * | 2009-06-22 | 2010-12-23 | Ureca B V | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT. |
CA2774958A1 (en) * | 2009-09-22 | 2011-03-31 | Arstasis, Inc. | Devices, methods, and kits for forming tracts in tissue |
CN102695542B (en) | 2009-11-02 | 2015-08-12 | 脉冲治疗公司 | For magnetic potential stator system and the method for controlled in wireless magnet rotor |
WO2012013246A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | A system and method for submucosal tunneling of the gi tract for the diversion of bodily fluids |
WO2012097292A1 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Lemaitre Vascular, Inc. | Systems and methods for remote endarterectomy |
WO2013050880A2 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2013-04-11 | AVNERI, Ben-Ami | Devices and methods for percutaneous endarterectomy |
US20130317481A1 (en) | 2012-05-25 | 2013-11-28 | Arstasis, Inc. | Vascular access configuration |
US20130317438A1 (en) | 2012-05-25 | 2013-11-28 | Arstasis, Inc. | Vascular access configuration |
USD938095S1 (en) | 2013-04-01 | 2021-12-07 | Pathy Medical, Llc | Lighting device |
EP2981394B1 (en) | 2013-04-01 | 2021-06-02 | Vinod V. Pathy | Lighting device |
US10363065B2 (en) * | 2013-10-15 | 2019-07-30 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical devices and methods for manipulating bodily tissues |
DE102014208168A1 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2015-11-19 | Epflex Feinwerktechnik Gmbh | Fangkelinstrument with distal Fangkelchstruktur |
WO2016189394A1 (en) | 2015-05-27 | 2016-12-01 | Angioworks Medical, B.V. | Devices and methods for minimally invasive tissue removal |
AU2018346252B2 (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2022-09-08 | Research Development Foundation | Systems and methods for coronary occlusion treatment |
CN108338812A (en) * | 2018-04-17 | 2018-07-31 | 四川大学华西医院 | A kind of cold light source guiding stitching unstrument |
US11918315B2 (en) | 2018-05-03 | 2024-03-05 | Pulse Therapeutics, Inc. | Determination of structure and traversal of occlusions using magnetic particles |
Family Cites Families (158)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1246338A (en) | 1916-08-21 | 1917-11-13 | Isaac J Smit | Illuminated transparent retractor. |
US2944552A (en) * | 1958-12-29 | 1960-07-12 | Richard B Wilk | Surgical instrument |
US3368280A (en) * | 1966-03-23 | 1968-02-13 | C & B Inc | Dental tool |
US3525339A (en) * | 1968-05-20 | 1970-08-25 | Becton Dickinson Co | Flexible gas endarterectomy spatula |
US3903892A (en) * | 1973-05-17 | 1975-09-09 | Olympus Optical Co | Forceps means for removing cellular tissue from the body cavities |
US3886943A (en) * | 1973-08-10 | 1975-06-03 | Aphrodite P Skiff | Surgical instrument |
DE2612315C3 (en) * | 1976-03-23 | 1978-10-12 | Kievskij Gosudarstvennyj Institut Usoverschenstvovanija Vratschei | Device for exfoliating thrombi and arteriosclerotic sequesters |
US4372316A (en) | 1979-08-02 | 1983-02-08 | Blake Joseph W Iii | Surgical device |
US4617933A (en) | 1980-02-19 | 1986-10-21 | Hasson Harrith M | Laparoscope cannula with improved suture receiving means |
US4418688A (en) | 1981-07-06 | 1983-12-06 | Laserscope, Inc. | Microcatheter having directable laser and expandable walls |
US4759348A (en) | 1981-09-28 | 1988-07-26 | Cawood Charles David | Endoscope assembly and surgical instrument for use therewith |
US5041108A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1991-08-20 | Pillco Limited Partnership | Method for laser treatment of body lumens |
US4445509A (en) | 1982-02-04 | 1984-05-01 | Auth David C | Method and apparatus for removal of enclosed abnormal deposits |
US4448188A (en) | 1982-02-18 | 1984-05-15 | Laserscope, Inc. | Method for providing an oxygen bearing liquid to a blood vessel for the performance of a medical procedure |
JPS59172621A (en) | 1983-03-22 | 1984-09-29 | Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd | Fiberscope |
US4619247A (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1986-10-28 | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. | Catheter |
US4557255A (en) | 1983-08-22 | 1985-12-10 | Goodman Tobias M | Ureteroscope |
US4601710B1 (en) | 1983-08-24 | 1998-05-05 | United States Surgical Corp | Trocar assembly |
US4685458A (en) | 1984-03-01 | 1987-08-11 | Vaser, Inc. | Angioplasty catheter and method for use thereof |
US4627436A (en) * | 1984-03-01 | 1986-12-09 | Innoventions Biomedical Inc. | Angioplasty catheter and method for use thereof |
US4747405A (en) * | 1984-03-01 | 1988-05-31 | Vaser, Inc. | Angioplasty catheter |
US4842579B1 (en) | 1984-05-14 | 1995-10-31 | Surgical Systems & Instr Inc | Atherectomy device |
EP0177124A3 (en) | 1984-07-18 | 1987-01-21 | Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited | Catheter |
US4862886A (en) | 1985-05-08 | 1989-09-05 | Summit Technology Inc. | Laser angioplasty |
EP0214712B1 (en) * | 1985-07-31 | 1992-09-02 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Infrared laser catheter apparatus |
US4654030A (en) | 1986-02-24 | 1987-03-31 | Endotherapeutics | Trocar |
US4739760A (en) | 1986-06-06 | 1988-04-26 | Thomas J. Fogarty | Vein valve cutter apparatus |
US4782819A (en) | 1987-02-25 | 1988-11-08 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Optical catheter |
EP0311295A3 (en) * | 1987-10-07 | 1990-02-28 | University College London | Improvements in surgical apparatus |
US5053002A (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1991-10-01 | Olympus Corporation | Irrigation system for angioscope |
US4886061A (en) | 1988-02-09 | 1989-12-12 | Medinnovations, Inc. | Expandable pullback atherectomy catheter system |
US5423745A (en) | 1988-04-28 | 1995-06-13 | Research Medical, Inc. | Irregular surface balloon catheters for body passageways and methods of use |
US5116317A (en) | 1988-06-16 | 1992-05-26 | Optimed Technologies, Inc. | Angioplasty catheter with integral fiber optic assembly |
US6120437A (en) | 1988-07-22 | 2000-09-19 | Inbae Yoon | Methods for creating spaces at obstructed sites endoscopically and methods therefor |
US5556376A (en) | 1988-07-22 | 1996-09-17 | Yoon; Inbae | Multifunctional devices having loop configured portions and collection systems for endoscopic surgical procedures and methods thereof |
US6066130A (en) * | 1988-10-24 | 2000-05-23 | The General Hospital Corporation | Delivering laser energy |
US4878485A (en) | 1989-02-03 | 1989-11-07 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Rigid video endoscope with heat sterilizable sheath |
US5022399A (en) | 1989-05-10 | 1991-06-11 | Biegeleisen Ken P | Venoscope |
US4962755A (en) | 1989-07-21 | 1990-10-16 | Heart Tech Of Minnesota, Inc. | Method for performing endarterectomy |
DE69023652T2 (en) | 1989-08-18 | 1996-10-31 | Evi Corp | ATHEROTOMY CATHETER. |
US5156610A (en) | 1989-08-18 | 1992-10-20 | Evi Corporation | Catheter atherotome |
US5282484A (en) | 1989-08-18 | 1994-02-01 | Endovascular Instruments, Inc. | Method for performing a partial atherectomy |
JPH0741451Y2 (en) * | 1989-11-14 | 1995-09-27 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Venous valve opener |
US5893863A (en) | 1989-12-05 | 1999-04-13 | Yoon; Inbae | Surgical instrument with jaws and movable internal hook member for use thereof |
US5916210A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1999-06-29 | Intraluminal Therapeutics, Inc. | Catheter for laser treatment of atherosclerotic plaque and other tissue abnormalities |
US5514153A (en) | 1990-03-02 | 1996-05-07 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Method of dissecting tissue layers |
US5084054A (en) | 1990-03-05 | 1992-01-28 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Surgical gripping instrument |
US5624392A (en) | 1990-05-11 | 1997-04-29 | Saab; Mark A. | Heat transfer catheters and methods of making and using same |
US5092841A (en) | 1990-05-17 | 1992-03-03 | Wayne State University | Method for treating an arterial wall injured during angioplasty |
US5100424A (en) | 1990-05-21 | 1992-03-31 | Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc. | Intravascular catheter having combined imaging abrasion head |
US5320634A (en) | 1990-07-03 | 1994-06-14 | Interventional Technologies, Inc. | Balloon catheter with seated cutting edges |
DE69133618D1 (en) | 1990-10-09 | 2009-07-30 | Medtronic Inc | Surgical device for the manipulation of tissue |
AU8907091A (en) * | 1990-10-11 | 1992-05-20 | General Hospital Corporation, The | Coagulating scalpels |
US5190541A (en) | 1990-10-17 | 1993-03-02 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Surgical instrument and method |
US5304171A (en) * | 1990-10-18 | 1994-04-19 | Gregory Kenton W | Catheter devices and methods for delivering |
US5275594A (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1994-01-04 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Angioplasty system having means for identification of atherosclerotic plaque |
US5474539A (en) | 1991-02-07 | 1995-12-12 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Trocar with retracting tip |
EP0629379A1 (en) * | 1993-06-01 | 1994-12-21 | Antonio La Rosa | Ultrasonic apparatus for detaching sclerotic plaque |
IT1249059B (en) * | 1991-05-22 | 1995-02-11 | Rosa Antonio | ULTRASONIC DISSECTOR-DISCONNECTOR OF ATEROSCLEROTIC PLATES |
US5250070A (en) | 1991-05-28 | 1993-10-05 | Parodi Juan C | Less traumatic angioplasty balloon for arterial dilatation |
US5865728A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1999-02-02 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Method of using an endoscopic inflatable lifting apparatus to create an anatomic working space |
US5361752A (en) * | 1991-05-29 | 1994-11-08 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Retraction apparatus and methods for endoscopic surgery |
US5803901A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1998-09-08 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Inflatable devices for separating layers of tissue and methods of using |
MX9202604A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1994-05-31 | Origin Medsystems Inc | APPARATUS FOR MECHANICAL PROPERTY RETRACTION AND METHODS OF USE. |
US5836871A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1998-11-17 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Method for lifting a body wall using an inflatable lifting apparatus |
US5728119A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1998-03-17 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue |
US5632761A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1997-05-27 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Inflatable devices for separating layers of tissue, and methods of using |
US5468248A (en) * | 1991-05-29 | 1995-11-21 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Endoscopic inflatable retraction devices for separating layers of tissue |
US5562603A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1996-10-08 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Endoscopic inflatable retraction device with fluid-tight elastomeric window |
US5704372A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1998-01-06 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Endoscopic inflatable retraction devices for separating layers of tissue, and methods of using |
JP3307392B2 (en) | 1991-05-29 | 2002-07-24 | オリジン・メドシステムズ・インク | Endoscope retraction device for surgery |
US5527264A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1996-06-18 | Origin Medsystem, Inc. | Methods of using endoscopic inflatable retraction devices |
US5370134A (en) * | 1991-05-29 | 1994-12-06 | Orgin Medsystems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for body structure manipulation and dissection |
US5431173A (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1995-07-11 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for body structure manipulation and dissection |
US5879499A (en) | 1996-06-17 | 1999-03-09 | Heartport, Inc. | Method of manufacture of a multi-lumen catheter |
US5735290A (en) | 1993-02-22 | 1998-04-07 | Heartport, Inc. | Methods and systems for performing thoracoscopic coronary bypass and other procedures |
US5490819A (en) | 1991-08-05 | 1996-02-13 | United States Surgical Corporation | Articulating endoscopic surgical apparatus |
WO1993004717A1 (en) * | 1991-08-30 | 1993-03-18 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Trocar with multiple converters and detachable obturator |
US5285795A (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1994-02-15 | Surgical Dynamics, Inc. | Percutaneous discectomy system having a bendable discectomy probe and a steerable cannula |
US5374273A (en) | 1992-10-05 | 1994-12-20 | Nakao; Naomi L. | Method for retrieval of retained common bile duct stones |
US5433725A (en) | 1991-12-13 | 1995-07-18 | Unisurge, Inc. | Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith, assembly and method |
US5437660A (en) * | 1991-12-30 | 1995-08-01 | Trimedyne, Inc. | Tissue ablation and a lateral-lasing fiber optic device therefor |
JP2549822B2 (en) | 1992-01-13 | 1996-10-30 | シュナイダー・(ユーエスエイ)・インコーポレーテッド | Surgical cutting tools |
DE9290167U1 (en) | 1992-01-13 | 1994-09-15 | Schneider Usa Inc | Cutting tool for atherectomy catheters |
US5324299A (en) * | 1992-02-03 | 1994-06-28 | Ultracision, Inc. | Ultrasonic scalpel blade and methods of application |
US5267994A (en) * | 1992-02-10 | 1993-12-07 | Conmed Corporation | Electrosurgical probe |
US5246437A (en) * | 1992-04-10 | 1993-09-21 | Abela George S | Cell treatment apparatus and method |
US5395331A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1995-03-07 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Retrograde coronary sinus catheter having a ribbed balloon |
US5540711A (en) | 1992-06-02 | 1996-07-30 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic procedures with laparoscopic visualization |
US5607443A (en) | 1992-06-02 | 1997-03-04 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Expansible tunneling apparatus for creating an anatomic working space with laparoscopic observation |
US5305121A (en) | 1992-06-08 | 1994-04-19 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Stereoscopic endoscope system |
US5373840A (en) | 1992-10-02 | 1994-12-20 | Knighton; David R. | Endoscope and method for vein removal |
US5354265A (en) | 1992-12-30 | 1994-10-11 | Mackool Richard J | Fluid infusion sleeve |
US5487730A (en) | 1992-12-30 | 1996-01-30 | Medtronic, Inc. | Balloon catheter with balloon surface retention means |
US5342358A (en) * | 1993-01-12 | 1994-08-30 | S.L.T. Japan Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for operation by laser energy |
US5409483A (en) | 1993-01-22 | 1995-04-25 | Jeffrey H. Reese | Direct visualization surgical probe |
US5407433A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1995-04-18 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Gas-tight seal accommodating surgical instruments with a wide range of diameters |
US5411483A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1995-05-02 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Gas-tight seal accommodating surgical instruments with a wide range of diameters |
US5350375A (en) * | 1993-03-15 | 1994-09-27 | Yale University | Methods for laser induced fluorescence intensity feedback control during laser angioplasty |
US5366476A (en) | 1993-04-02 | 1994-11-22 | Laparomed Corporation | Handle for laparoscopic instrument |
US5344419A (en) * | 1993-04-23 | 1994-09-06 | Wayne State University | Apparatus and method for making a diffusing tip in a balloon catheter system |
US5439468A (en) | 1993-05-07 | 1995-08-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery | Surgical clip applier |
CA2118886C (en) | 1993-05-07 | 1998-12-08 | Dennis Vigil | Method and apparatus for dilatation of a stenotic vessel |
US5630822A (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1997-05-20 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc | Laparoscopic tissue removal device |
US5397335A (en) * | 1993-07-13 | 1995-03-14 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Trocar assembly with improved adapter seals |
US5501654A (en) | 1993-07-15 | 1996-03-26 | Ethicon, Inc. | Endoscopic instrument having articulating element |
US5370653A (en) | 1993-07-22 | 1994-12-06 | Micro Therapeutics, Inc. | Thrombectomy method and apparatus |
EP0746362B1 (en) | 1993-08-23 | 2002-01-16 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Improved balloon catheter |
US5364365A (en) | 1993-08-30 | 1994-11-15 | Surgin Surgical Instrumentation, Inc. | Safety device for laparoscopic instruments |
NL9301842A (en) * | 1993-10-25 | 1995-05-16 | Mekka Medical Supplies B V | Instrument for releasing and cutting an intima from a blood vessel and a method therefor. |
US5411016A (en) | 1994-02-22 | 1995-05-02 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Intravascular balloon catheter for use in combination with an angioscope |
DE4405656C2 (en) | 1994-02-22 | 1998-12-10 | Ferton Holding | Body stone removal device |
US5562658A (en) * | 1994-03-25 | 1996-10-08 | Snj Company, Inc. | Laser-powered surgical device for making incisions of selected depth |
US5569183A (en) | 1994-06-01 | 1996-10-29 | Archimedes Surgical, Inc. | Method for performing surgery around a viewing space in the interior of the body |
US5690668A (en) | 1994-06-29 | 1997-11-25 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Extraluminal balloon dissection |
US5672171A (en) | 1994-06-30 | 1997-09-30 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Apparatus and method for interstitial laser treatment |
US5458572A (en) | 1994-07-01 | 1995-10-17 | Boston Scientific Corp. | Catheter with balloon folding into predetermined configurations and method of manufacture |
WO1996001130A1 (en) | 1994-07-01 | 1996-01-18 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Everting cannula apparatus and method |
US5571172A (en) | 1994-08-15 | 1996-11-05 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for endoscopic grafting |
US5817144A (en) * | 1994-10-25 | 1998-10-06 | Latis, Inc. | Method for contemporaneous application OF laser energy and localized pharmacologic therapy |
US5569291A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1996-10-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical penetration and dissection instrument |
US5569292A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1996-10-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical penetration instrument with transparent blades and tip cover |
US5613973A (en) | 1995-03-10 | 1997-03-25 | Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. | Laraposcopic surgical grasper having an attachable strap |
US5738628A (en) | 1995-03-24 | 1998-04-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical dissector and method for its use |
US5556380A (en) | 1995-04-05 | 1996-09-17 | Duke University | Method for removing fibrin sheaths from catheters |
US5591183A (en) | 1995-04-12 | 1997-01-07 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Dissection apparatus |
US5980549A (en) | 1995-07-13 | 1999-11-09 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Tissue separation cannula with dissection probe and method |
DE19515280C2 (en) | 1995-04-26 | 1997-06-12 | Siegfried Riek | Device for removing tissue or the like from the abdominal cavity |
US5601581A (en) | 1995-05-19 | 1997-02-11 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Methods and devices for blood vessel harvesting |
US5593418A (en) | 1995-05-19 | 1997-01-14 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Methods and devices for harvesting blood vessels with balloons |
US5702417A (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1997-12-30 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Balloon loaded dissecting instruments |
US6004340A (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1999-12-21 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Balloon dissecting instruments |
US6179854B1 (en) | 1995-05-22 | 2001-01-30 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Apparatus and method for dissecting and retracting elongate structures |
US5667476A (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1997-09-16 | Vision-Sciences, Inc. | Endoscope articulation system to reduce effort during articulation of an endoscope |
US5643301A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1997-07-01 | General Surgical Innovations, Inc. | Cannula assembly with squeeze operated valve |
US5944686A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-08-31 | Hydrocision, Inc. | Instrument for creating a fluid jet |
US5658275A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-08-19 | Trimedyne, Inc. | Surgical laser instrument |
US5634935A (en) | 1995-06-16 | 1997-06-03 | Taheri; Syde A. | Balloon dissection instrument and method of dissection |
US5713863A (en) | 1996-01-11 | 1998-02-03 | Interventional Technologies Inc. | Catheter with fluid medication injectors |
US5968065A (en) | 1995-07-13 | 1999-10-19 | Origin Medsystems, Inc. | Tissue separation cannula |
US5695514A (en) | 1995-07-13 | 1997-12-09 | Guidant Corporation | Method and apparatus for harvesting blood vessels |
US5766203A (en) | 1995-07-20 | 1998-06-16 | Intelliwire, Inc. | Sheath with expandable distal extremity and balloon catheters and stents for use therewith and method |
US5681336A (en) | 1995-09-07 | 1997-10-28 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Therapeutic device for treating vien graft lesions |
US5779716A (en) | 1995-10-06 | 1998-07-14 | Metamorphic Surgical Devices, Inc. | Device for removing solid objects from body canals, cavities and organs |
US5782753A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1998-07-21 | United States Surgical Corporation | Surgical retractor |
US5667480A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1997-09-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Method and devices for endoscopic vessel harvesting |
US5792158A (en) | 1995-11-15 | 1998-08-11 | Lary; Banning Gray | University dilator with expandable incisor |
US5769871A (en) | 1995-11-17 | 1998-06-23 | Louisville Laboratories, Inc. | Embolectomy catheter |
US5772576A (en) | 1995-12-11 | 1998-06-30 | Embro Vascular L.L.C. | Apparatus and method for vein removal |
US5817013A (en) | 1996-03-19 | 1998-10-06 | Enable Medical Corporation | Method and apparatus for the minimally invasive harvesting of a saphenous vein and the like |
US6055989A (en) | 1996-03-21 | 2000-05-02 | Robert D. Rehnke | Method for surgical dissection, sizing and expansion |
US5792044A (en) | 1996-03-22 | 1998-08-11 | Danek Medical, Inc. | Devices and methods for percutaneous surgery |
US5980503A (en) | 1996-04-08 | 1999-11-09 | Guidant Corporation | Endoscopic cardioplegia infusion cannula and method of use |
EP0893970B1 (en) | 1996-04-19 | 2006-06-21 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Grasping clip applier |
US6149660A (en) | 1996-04-22 | 2000-11-21 | Vnus Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for delivery of an appliance in a vessel |
US5788710A (en) | 1996-04-30 | 1998-08-04 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Calculus removal |
US5906621A (en) | 1996-05-14 | 1999-05-25 | United States Endoscopy Group, Inc. | Endoscopic surgical device |
US5954713A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-09-21 | Newman; Fredric A. | Endarterectomy surgical instruments and procedure |
-
1996
- 1996-07-12 US US08/680,594 patent/US5954713A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-07-11 EP EP97933420A patent/EP0917445B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-07-11 AT AT97933420T patent/ATE260605T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-07-11 IL IL12801597A patent/IL128015A0/en unknown
- 1997-07-11 AU AU36610/97A patent/AU741165B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1997-07-11 JP JP10506215A patent/JP2000515402A/en active Pending
- 1997-07-11 CN CN97197604A patent/CN1228687A/en active Pending
- 1997-07-11 CA CA002260019A patent/CA2260019A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-07-11 DE DE69727938T patent/DE69727938T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-07-11 WO PCT/US1997/012174 patent/WO1998002102A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
1999
- 1999-01-12 KR KR1019990700217A patent/KR20000023753A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-04-20 US US09/294,566 patent/US6358244B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-02-04 US US10/067,630 patent/US20020120257A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-01-25 JP JP2007015568A patent/JP2007160125A/en active Pending
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040193204A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-09-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Percutaneous transluminal endarterectomy |
WO2004093694A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-11-04 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Percutaneous transluminal endarterectomy |
US8142457B2 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2012-03-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Percutaneous transluminal endarterectomy |
US20180070979A1 (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2018-03-15 | Thomas A. Wiita | Adjustable ring stripper for more efficiently and effectively removing plaque from arteries |
US11534198B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2022-12-27 | Endovascular Instruments, Inc. | Adjustable ring stripper for more efficiently and effectively removing plaque from arteries |
US11839398B2 (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2023-12-12 | Endovascular Instruments, Inc. | Adjustable ring stripper for more efficiently and effectively removing plaque from arteries |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US5954713A (en) | 1999-09-21 |
EP0917445A2 (en) | 1999-05-26 |
AU3661097A (en) | 1998-02-09 |
EP0917445B1 (en) | 2004-03-03 |
IL128015A0 (en) | 1999-11-30 |
CN1228687A (en) | 1999-09-15 |
WO1998002102A3 (en) | 1998-03-26 |
CA2260019A1 (en) | 1998-01-22 |
AU741165B2 (en) | 2001-11-22 |
KR20000023753A (en) | 2000-04-25 |
ATE260605T1 (en) | 2004-03-15 |
JP2000515402A (en) | 2000-11-21 |
DE69727938T2 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
WO1998002102A2 (en) | 1998-01-22 |
JP2007160125A (en) | 2007-06-28 |
US6358244B1 (en) | 2002-03-19 |
DE69727938D1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6358244B1 (en) | Endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure | |
AU763132B2 (en) | Kit for endovascular venous surgery | |
US6264670B1 (en) | Tissue dissection method | |
US7981133B2 (en) | Tissue dissection method | |
US5634935A (en) | Balloon dissection instrument and method of dissection | |
US5092872A (en) | Valvulotome catheter | |
US5873889A (en) | Tissue separation cannula with dissection probe and method | |
US8986335B2 (en) | Tissue dissector apparatus and method | |
US5250060A (en) | Angioplasty apparatus | |
EP0343094B1 (en) | Angioscope catheter apparatus with a deflector | |
US5968065A (en) | Tissue separation cannula | |
US5591183A (en) | Dissection apparatus | |
Dretler et al. | Semirigid ureteroscopy: a new genre | |
AU719712B2 (en) | Tissue separation cannula with dissection probe and method | |
US20080109020A1 (en) | Endoscopic Tissue Separator Surgical Device | |
EP1237489B1 (en) | Endarterectomy surgical instrument |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |