US 2026/0272429 A1Published application

Sample retrieval tool with compliant retention member

AssigneeIntuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

InventorsJason DEARDEN, Jared BRUTON, Trent ZIMMERMAN, Clayton GRAMES, Amelia Mariah PARKINSON, Brian D. JENSEN, Spencer P. MAGLEBY, Larry L. HOWELL

Life of this patent

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Abstract

The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of sample retrieval, grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member and a retention member movably coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a cutting portion configured to cut a target sample when moved, and defines an internal volume within which at least a portion of the target sample can be received. The retention member includes an engagement portion configured to move between a first position and a second position when the retention member is actuated. The engagement portion is configured to extend within the internal volume to exert a force on the target sample within the internal volume when the engagement portion is in the second position.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

an elongated member comprising a cutting portion and a side wall, the cutting portion being configured to cut a target sample when the elongated member is moved, and the side wall defining an internal volume within which at least a portion of the target sample can be received;
and
a retention member movably coupled to the elongated member, the retention member comprising an engagement portion and an actuation member;
wherein:
the actuation member of the retention member is configured to be coupled to an actuator;
the engagement portion of the retention member moves between a first position and a second position in response to the retention member being actuated by the actuator to exert a force on the target sample within the internal volume;
the retention member and the side wall are monolithically constructed;
the side wall defines a first notch that surrounds a portion of the retention member;
and
the retention member defines a second notch that surrounds a portion of the actuation member.

7 more elements

A method, comprising:

placing a distal end portion of an elongated member into contact with a target sample, the elongated member including a side wall defining an internal volume;
moving a cutting portion of the elongated member relative to the target sample to A) cut the target sample and B) place at least a portion of the target sample within the internal volume;
actuating a retention member of the elongated member to move an engagement portion of the retention member within the internal volume to exert a force on the portion of the target sample within the internal volume,
the engagement portion of the retention member includes a flexure at a proximal end portion of the engagement portion that allows the engagement portion to move between a first position in which a distal end portion of the engagement portion is substantially aligned with the side wall of the elongated member and a second position in which the distal end portion of the engagement portion exerts the force on the target sample when the retention member is actuated;
and
withdrawing the distal end portion of the elongated member away from the target sample.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 19/682,931Filed 20 May 2026
Priority: 19 Dec 2016
Published: 17 Sep 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

A61B 10/0275
Means for severing sample: with sample notch, e.g. on the side of inner stylet
G01N 1/04
Devices for withdrawing samples: in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
G01N 1/08
In the solid state, e.g. by cutting: involving an extracting tool, e.g. core bit
A61B 2010/0208
Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy: biopsy devices with actuators, e.g. with triggered spring mechanisms

Family

Application62/436,229Us provisional application · filed 19 Dec 2016
Application16/470,921Continuation · filed 15 Dec 2017
Application18/106,723Continuation · filed 7 Feb 2023
Application19/682,931Continuation
US 11,602,336 B2Related patent
US 12,661,095 B2Related patent
US 2020/0085415 A1Published application
US 2023/0190246 A1Published application
US 2026/0272429 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.