Bendable cutting device

US7229440B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Manoa Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Huddee Ho · San Jose, US
• Roberta Lee · Redwood City, US
• Samuel Zuckswert · San Jose, US
• Stanley R. Conston · Redwood City, US
• Ronald Yamamoto · San Francisco, US
• Don Alden · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 20, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2007
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/144
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and methods for a minimally invasive procedure for cutting tissue are disclosed. The device generally includes a probe with a distal exit at an exit angle relative to the probe, a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, and a loop securing mechanism to secure the cutting loop in a penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into a cutting configuration. The cutting loop is generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration. In the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape at a cutting angle generally defined by the exit angle. The cutting loop securing mechanism may be, for example, a cover slidable over the probe, a slidable member extending from a distal tip of the probe, or a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit.