Surgical clamp inserts with hooked traction elements
AssigneeVitalitec International, Inc.
InventorsDavid J. Danitz, George D. Hermann, Karrie L. Sturtz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Compliant inserts for surgical instruments having improved traction are provided. The clamping surface of the inserts includes a plurality of short and densely arranged traction elements. The tractive force supplied by the traction elements approaches that of steel jawed clamps.
Claims27
An insert for attachment to a surgical instrument adapted for contacting tissue, said insert comprising a compliant cushion having a tissue-engaging contact surface and having a plurality of molded, hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height.
An insert for attachment to a surgical instrument adapted for contacting tissue, said insert comprising a compliant cushion having a tissue-engaging contact surface and having a plurality of hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface at a density on said surface region of at least about 100/cm2, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height.
A surgical instrument comprising a compliant tissue engaging surface, the surface having a plurality of hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface at a density on said surface region of at least about 100/cm2, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height.
An insert for attachment to a surgical instrument adapted for contacting tissue, said insert comprising a compliant cushion having a tissue-engaging contact surface and having a plurality of hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height, and wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface.
A surgical instrument comprising a compliant tissue engaging surface, the surface having a plurality of hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height.
A method of retracting selected tissue comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a surgical instrument having a compliant tissue engaging surface adapted for retracting tissue, the surface having a plurality of molded, hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height;
- (b) contacting said surface with the selected tissue;
- and (c) actuating said instrument such that said selected tissue is retracted.
A method of stabilizing or immobilizing selected tissue or organ comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a surgical instrument having a compliant tissue engaging surface adapted for stabilizing or immobilizing the selected tissue or organ, the surface having a plurality of molded, hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height;
- (b) contacting said surface with the selected tissue or organ;
- and (c) actuating said instrument to stabilize or immobilize said tissue or organ.
A method of grasping selected tissue or organ comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a surgical instrument having a compliant tissue engaging surface adapted for grasping the selected tissue or organ, the surface having a plurality of molded, hooked traction elements on at least a region of said surface, wherein said hooked traction elements are integrally formed with said tissue engaging contact surface, and wherein said hooked traction elements are not more than 1 mm in height;
- (b) contacting said surface with the selected tissue or organ;
- and (c) actuating said instrument to grasp said tissue or organ.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.