Surgery – Instruments – Internal pressure applicator
Patent
1998-04-06
2000-02-22
Buiz, Michael
Surgery
Instruments
Internal pressure applicator
604105, A61M 2900, A61B 1700
Patent
active
060275189
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to medical instruments generally, and particularly to seizing instruments inserted into body cavities.
In certain medical procedures it is necessary to insert an instrument into a body cavity and seize the inner walls of the cavity. For example, in some gynecological procedures, it is necessary to seize the endocervix while introducing instruments and/or substances through the vagina and the cervix into the uterus. In addition, for some procedures, such as embryo implantations, it is necessary to hold the uterus fixed.
In the prior art, for example, the endocervix is typically seized with a type of sharp pincers called tenaculum.
The present invention seeks to provide a simple seizing instrument for inserting into a body cavity and seizing the inner walls of the cavity.
The present invention is described hereinbelow in detail with reference to preferred embodiments useful in seizing the inner wall of the lower uterine cavity (endocervix). Using the preferred embodiments to seize the endocervix does not require anesthesia and does not endanger the patient or cause pain, discomfort or bleeding thereto. However, it should be emphasized that this is only one example of a possible use for the present invention and is not limiting. The invention is manufacturable in a variety of sizes and shapes, and is readily adaptable for use in the rectum, urethra, esophagus, stomach or other bodily openings, as well as blood vessels.
The present invention comprises a pair of slender tubes, one disposed inside the other. The outside diameter of the pair of tubes is chosen for easy insertion into the particular body cavity, without causing pain thereto or to tissue or sphincters surrounding the opening of the cavity. The insertion end of the tubes is also smoothly tapered and shaped to facilitate insertion.
Once safely inserted, the insertion end of one of the tubes is caused to be deformed generally radially outwards inside the cavity. In one embodiment of the present invention, this is accomplished by making the inner tube from a spring-like material and forming at its insertion end a plurality of axial strips. As long as the inner tube is disposed inside the outer tube, the strips remain constrained together inside the outer tube. After insertion into the body cavity, the outer tube is slid along the inner tube in a direction opposite the insertion direction, thereby exposing the strips of the inner tube and allowing them to spring radially outwards. The instrument can then be used to seize the inner walls of the cavity with the outwardly protruding strips.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer tube is formed at one end thereof with stiff axial strips, each formed with a rearwardly facing shoulder. The strips initially touch each other at the tip of the insertion end and do not protrude radially outwards beyond the chosen diameter. This ensures safe insertion into the particular body cavity. The strips may even be weakly joined at their tips to prevent premature opening which could interfere with safe insertion.
The inner tube is slid axially along the outer tube in the insertion direction, thereby butting and pushing against the shoulders. This causes the strips to bend radially outwards. If the tips are weakly joined, the pushing force is sufficient to rupture the joint to allow the strips to bend outwards. The instrument is then used to seize the inner walls of the cavity with the outwardly protruding strips.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubes may be bent or curved towards the insertion end to facilitate insertion into certain cavities. Apertures may be provided at the bent or curved portion of the tubes to allow another path of insertion of devices and/or substances therethrough, in addition to the normal path through the insertion ends of the tubes.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubes may be tapered towards the insertion end. The tapering provides the necessary relative
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Buiz Michael
Lewis William W.
LandOfFree
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