# US 12,108,949 B2 · Cutting guard with ground connection > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,108,949 B2 - Document ID: US12108949B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/496,445 - Filed: 2021-10-07 - Published: 2022-01-27 - Granted: 2024-10-08 - Earliest claimed: 2020-06-12 - Assignees: Covidien LP - Applicants: Covidien LP - Inventors: Justin J. Thomas; Saumya Banerjee; Jacob C. Baril; Matthew A. Dinino; Roy J. Pilletere - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12108949B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/0293: {with ring member to support retractor elements} - A61B 17/3423: {Access ports, e.g. toroid shape introducers for instruments or hands (access sites for liquids A61M39/0247)} - A61B 17/3462: {with means for changing the diameter or the orientation of the entrance port of the cannula, e.g. for use with different-sized instruments, reduction ports, adapter seals (expandable cannulas A61B17/3417)} - A61B 18/16: Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding - A61B 18/1482: {having a long rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously in minimal invasive surgery, e.g. laparoscopy} - A61B 2017/0287: {with elastic retracting members connectable to a frame, e.g. hooked elastic wires} - A61B 2017/3464: {with means acting on inner surface of valve or seal for expanding or protecting, e.g. inner pivoting fingers} - A61B 2217/002: Auxiliary appliance - A61B 2218/008: for smoke evacuation - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract A tissue guard for use with a surgical access device includes a proximal ring having proximal and distal ends, the distal end configured to operably couple to a ground ring that ultimately electrically connects to an electrical ground. One or more mechanical interfaces extend about the proximal ring and are configured to mechanically engage a rim of an access device to secure the tissue guard thereon. A retention body is configured to operably couple to a distal end of the ground ring, the retention body including a distal end configured to operably engage the access device to secure the tissue guard therein. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tissue guard configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, comprising: a body configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, the body defining an open proximal end portion, an open distal end portion, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal and distal end portions, the body including an inner peripheral surface surrounding the lumen; an electrically conductive ground ring disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the body between the proximal and distal end portions thereof; and a ground wire electrically coupled to the electrically conductive ground ring and configured for ultimate connection to an electrical ground. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tissue guard according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a proximal ring disposed at the proximal end portion thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The tissue guard according to claim 2, wherein the proximal ring includes at least one mechanical interface configured to mechanically engage a rim of an access device to secure the body thereon. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The tissue guard according to claim 2, wherein proximal ring includes a connection port disposed thereon and adapted to connect to a smoke evacuation system. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The tissue guard according to claim 4, wherein the proximal ring defines an annular channel disposed in fluid communication with the connection port. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The tissue guard according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a retention body disposed at the distal end portion thereof. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The tissue guard according to claim 6, wherein the retention body includes a plurality of spaced-apart tabs configured to facilitate retention of the body within an access device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The tissue guard according to claim 1, wherein the body and the electrically conductive ground ring are monolithically formed as a single component. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The tissue guard according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end portion of the body, the distal end portion of the body, and the electrically conductive ground ring are separate components assembled to one another. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The tissue guard according to claim 1, wherein at least the proximal end portion of the body is resilient to facilitate mechanical engagement with an access device. ### Claim 11 A tissue guard configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, comprising: an outer shell configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, a portion of the outer shell including a conductive material disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; an inner shell disposed within the outer shell, the inner shell defining a lumen configured to provide access to an internal surgical site and including an inner peripheral surface surrounding the lumen, the inner shell including a plurality of connectors disposed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the plurality of connectors configured to electrically connect to the conductive material; and a ground wire electrically connected to the plurality of connectors and configured to ultimately connect to an electrical ground. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The tissue guard according to claim 11, wherein a distal portion of the outer shell includes the conductive material disposed thereon. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The tissue guard according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of connectors are printed onto the inner shell. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The tissue guard according to claim 11, wherein the conductive material is coated on the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The tissue guard according to claim 11, wherein the outer and inner shells cooperate to define a body, the body including a connection port disposed thereon and adapted to connect to a smoke evacuation system. ### Claim 16 A tissue guard configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, comprising: a body configured for positioning within an opening in tissue, the body defining an open proximal end portion, an open distal end portion, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal and distal end portions, the body including an inner peripheral surface surrounding the lumen; and a ground clip including a proximal mechanical interface configured to engage the proximal end portion of the body to attach the ground clip thereto and an electrically conductive section configure to extend distally at least partially along the inner peripheral surface of the body, the electrically conductive section configured for ultimate connection to an electrical ground. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The tissue guard according to claim 16, wherein the proximal mechanical interface is configured to releasably engage the proximal end portion of the body. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The tissue guard according to claim 16, wherein the proximal mechanical interface defines an annular configuration for annular engagement about the proximal end portion of the body. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The tissue guard according to claim 16, wherein the ground clip further includes a sheath extending from the proximal mechanical interface, the electrically conductive section extending distally from the sheath. ### Claim 20 (depends on 16) The tissue guard according to claim 16, wherein the ground clip further includes a flange configured for positioning between the body and an access device when the body is engaged within an access device.