Methods and apparatus providing suction-assisted tissue engagement through a minimally invasive incision

US7494460B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Philip J. Haarstad · Eagan, US
• Christopher P. Olig · Eden Prairie, US
• Paul Rothstein · Elk River, US
• Michael J. Hobday · Lino Lakes, US
• William J. Steinberg · Coon Rapids, US
• David Kim · Maple Grove, US
• Thomas Daigle · Hanover, US
• Ann Margaret Thomas · Plymouth, US
• Brian Ross · Maple Grove, US
• Steven C. Christian · Windom, US
• Robert H. Reetz · Rockford, US
• Douglas H. Gubbin · Brooklyn Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 2003
• Grant date: Feb 24, 2009
• Expiry date: Oct 22, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/308
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.