US 9,072,523 B2Granted

Medical device with feature for sterile acceptance of non-sterile reusable component

AssigneeEthicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

InventorsKevin L. Houser, Foster B. Stulen, William D. Dannaher, Bret W. Smith, David N. Plescia, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Kevin D. Felder, Christopher B. Anderson, Jeffrey L. Aldridge

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Abstract

An apparatus maintains the sterility of a medical device while providing for the insertion of an insertable component into the medical device. The apparatus includes a medical device having a housing sized to contain the insertable component, an active feature, a cap, and a hinge member. A container encases the medical device within a device recess, a cap recess, and a container cover. The insertable component may be inserted into the housing while limiting potential contact with the exterior of the medical device. An alternative assembly comprises an insertion assembly having a handle and the insertable component detachably attached thereto. The medical device comprises a housing, an active feature, and a flexible member. An insertion tube is insertable within the flexible member to limit contact when the insertable component is inserted into the housing. Yet another configuration includes a resiliently hinged door assembly releasable by a release button.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An apparatus for maintaining sterility of a medical device while providing for insertion of an insertable component into the medical device, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a medical device, wherein the medical device comprises:
(i) a housing, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least part of an insertable component,
(ii) an active feature selectively activated or controlled by an insertable component contained in the housing,
(iii) a cap, wherein the cap is sized and configured to couple to and seal the housing, wherein the cap is movable from an open position to a closed position, and
(iv) a hinge member, wherein the hinge member pivotably couples the housing with the cap;
and
(b) a container, wherein the container comprises:
(i) a device recess, wherein the device recess is sized and configured to contain the housing,
(ii) a cap recess, wherein the cap recess is sized and configured to contain the cap when the cap is in the open position, and
(iii) a first container cover, wherein the first container cover is sized and configured to removably cover both the device recess and the cap recess;
wherein the first container cover is configured to cooperate with the container in a manner sufficient to maintain sterility of the medical device within the container.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/151,512Filed 2 Jun 2011 · us provisional application
Priority: 5 Nov 2010
Published: US 2012/0110810 A110 May 2012
Granted: 7 Jul 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification93 codes

A61B 17/320092
Using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic: with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
A61B 17/00234
Surgical instruments, devices or methods: for minimally invasive surgery
A61B 17/2812
Surgical forceps: with a single pivotal connection
A61B 17/320068
Surgical cutting instruments: using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic