Minimally invasive orthopaedic delivery devices and tools
AssigneeZimmer, Inc.
InventorsSkott E. Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano, Michael P. Igoe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tool for working in a cavity to which access is limited is disclosed. The tool has an elongated sheath with a bore and an open end that is positionable within the cavity. A filamentary element is slidably positioned within the bore of the sheath. A portion of the filamentary element is extendible outwardly from the sheath through the open end and into the cavity. The filamentary element may be biased into a curved or helical shape, and may be a loop or may have an awl, a cutting blade, a scoop, hook, balloon or other piece attached to its end.
Claims15
A tool for working in a cavity having limited access, said tool comprising:
- an elongated sheath having a bore therethrough and an open end positionable within said cavity;
- and
- a filamentary element slidably positioned within said sheath, a portion of said filamentary element being extendible outwardly from said sheath through said open end and into said cavity.
A tool for working in a cavity having limited access, said tool comprising:
- an elongated sheath having a bore therethrough and an open end positionable within said cavity;
- an elongated flexible tube slidably positioned within said sheath, said tube having an end portion extendible outwardly from said sheath through said open end, said tube being biased into a predetermined curved shape, said tube assuming said curved shape when extended from said sheath;
- and
- a filamentary element slidably positioned within said tube, a portion of said filamentary element being extendible outwardly from said tube and into said cavity.
A tool for working in a cavity having limited access, said tool comprising:
- an elongated sheath having a bore therethrough and an open end positionable within said cavity;
- an elongated tube slidably positioned within said sheath, one end of said tube being positionable proximate to said open end of said sheath, said tube having a bore therethrough for conducting a pressurized fluid;
- and
- a balloon attached to said one end of said tube, said balloon being in fluid communication with said bore and inflatable when said pressurized fluid is conducted through said tube into said balloon, a portion of said balloon extending from said open end of said sheath, said balloon extending outwardly from said sheath upon inflation thereby drawing said tube toward said open end of said sheath.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.