Arthroscopic devices and methods
阅读说明:本技术 关节镜装置和方法 (Arthroscopic devices and methods ) 是由 杰弗里·诺顿 埃文·内西姆 亚伦·杰曼 于 2018-09-25 设计创作,主要内容包括:一种关节镜装置与手持件一起使用,该手持件具有带有旋转驱动轴杆的马达驱动器。细长探头沿着纵轴延伸,并且在近端包括近侧轮毂。所述近侧轮毂可拆卸地耦合至所述手持件,并且可打开-可闭合的颚式结构被安设在所述细长探头的远端。由所述轮毂承载的转换机构将所述马达驱动轴杆的旋转运动转换为致动器构件的纵向运动。所述致动器构件在颚打开位置和颚闭合位置之间驱动所述颚式结构,以切除骨骼和其他硬组织。(An arthroscopic device is used with a handpiece having a motor drive with a rotating drive shaft. The elongate probe extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal hub at a proximal end. The proximal hub is removably coupled to the handpiece, and an openable-closable jaw structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongate probe. A conversion mechanism carried by the hub converts rotational movement of the motor drive shaft into longitudinal movement of an actuator member. The actuator member drives the jaw structure between a jaw open position and a jaw closed position to resect bone and other hard tissue.)
1. An arthroscopic device for use with a handpiece having a motor drive with a rotating shaft, the arthroscopic device comprising:
an elongated probe extending along a longitudinal axis;
a proximal hub on a proximal end of the elongate probe, wherein the proximal hub is configured to detachably couple to the handpiece;
an openable-closable jaw structure on a distal end of the elongate probe; and
a conversion mechanism carried by the hub for converting rotational movement of the motor drive shaft into longitudinal movement of an actuator member, wherein the actuator member is configured for driving the jaw structure between jaw open and jaw closed positions, wherein the conversion mechanism comprises at least a first drive element having an external helical thread engaging an internal helical thread in the hub, wherein rotation of the first drive element axially translates the first drive element relative to the hub.
2. The arthroscopic device according to claim 1 and wherein the conversion mechanism further comprises at least a second drive element having external helical threads engaging internal helical threads in the first drive element, wherein rotation of the first drive element axially translates the second drive element in a direction opposite to the first drive element.
3. The arthroscopic device according to claim 2 wherein the second drive element is nested within a central cavity of the first drive element such that the external helical thread on the second drive element concentrically engages the internal helical thread disposed on an inner wall of the central cavity of the first drive element.
4. The arthroscopic device according to claim 3, further comprising a rotatable drive coupling configured to be engaged and driven by the rotation shaft of the motor driver and coupled to and rotate the first drive element.
5. The arthroscopic device according to claim 4 wherein the rotatable drive coupling is inhibited from axial translation, the first drive element is free to rotate and axially translate, and the second drive element is inhibited from rotating and free to axially translate.
6. The arthroscopic device according to claim 5 wherein the actuator member is coupled to a pivoting mechanism for opening and closing the jaw structure.
7. The arthroscopic device according to claim 6 and wherein longitudinal portions of the internal and external threads of the first drive element overlap one another.
8. The arthroscopic device according to claim 7 and wherein the internal and external threads of the first drive element have different pitches.
9. The arthroscopic device according to claim 8 wherein the different thread pitches are configured to amplify torque when moving the jaw structure from the jaw open position towards the jaw closed position.
10. The arthroscopic device according to claim 9, wherein the conversion mechanism is configured to move the actuator member longitudinally within a stroke of 0.5mm to 5mm to actuate the jaw structure from a jaw open position to a jaw closed position.
11. The arthroscopic device according to claim 10 and wherein the conversion mechanism is configured to convert the drive coupling from 1 rotation to 20 rotations to provide the stroke.
12. The arthroscopic device according to claim 11 and wherein the conversion mechanism is configured to convert the drive coupling from 2 rotations to 10 rotations to provide the stroke.
13. The arthroscopic device according to any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a controller for controlling the motor shaft, wherein the controller actuates the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft in a first rotational direction to move the jaw structure towards the jaw closed position and the controller actuates the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft in a second rotational direction to move the jaw structure towards the jaw open position.
14. The arthroscopic device according to claim 13 wherein the controller is configured to move the jaw structure from the jaw open position to the jaw closed position and back to the jaw open position at a rate of once per second to 20 times per second.
15. The arthroscopic device according to claim 14 and wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one of the following actions: (1) moving the jaw structure to a default jaw open position when the operator stops use; (2) when the operator stops using, moving the jaw structure to a default jaw closed position, and (3) allowing a single closing and opening actuation of the jaw structure.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an arthroscopic tissue cutting and removal device by which anatomical tissue may be cut and removed from a joint or other site. More particularly, the present invention relates to an instrument having a motor-driven openable-closable jaw to cut tissue.
Background
In several surgical procedures including discectomy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction involving incisional plasty (notchplasty), and arthroscopic resection of the acromioclavicular joint, bone and soft tissue cutting and removal are required. Currently, in such procedures, surgeons use arthroscopic shavers (arthroscopic shakers) and burrs (burr) with rotating cutting surfaces to remove hard tissue.
Patent application No. 15/483,940 describes a particular arthroscopic cutter that includes a handpiece with a motor drive. The shaft assembly includes an openable-closable jaw structure at a working end and a hub at the other end of the shaft. The hub is configured to be removably coupled to the handpiece, and the motor drive is configured to axially reciprocate the actuator member to drive the jaw structure when the hub is coupled to the handpiece. The motor drive has a rotating shaft and this rotation is converted to an axial reciprocating motion by an epicyclic gear mechanism in which the inclined cam surfaces are reciprocated by a stud travelling in a circular pattern to engage the cam surfaces. Although this design is effective and provides a quick actuation of the jaw structure, the closing force transmitted to the jaw structure may be constrained. This limited force can be a disadvantage when cutting bone and other hard tissues.
For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved arthroscopes and other surgical cutters having reciprocating driver elements that are capable of transmitting large closing forces to the jaw structure and other mechanical end effectors for more effective removal of bone and other hard tissue. It would be further desirable if such an improved surgical cutter could also quickly remove soft tissue. At least some of these objectives will be achieved by the following description of the invention and the claims.
Disclosure of Invention
In a first aspect, the present invention provides an arthroscopic device that may be used with a handpiece for performing laparoscopic and other surgical procedures. The handpiece has a motor drive with a rotating shaft, and the arthroscopic device is typically removably or removably connected to the handpiece so that the device can be disposable and the handpiece can be reused. The apparatus includes an elongate probe extending along a longitudinal axis. A proximal hub on a proximal end of the elongate probe is configured to detachably couple to the handpiece, and an openable-closable jaw structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongate probe. A conversion mechanism is carried by the hub and is configured to convert rotational motion provided by the drive shaft of the motor drive into longitudinal motion of the actuator member. The actuator member is further configured to drive the jaw structure between a jaw open position and a jaw closed position.
In certain embodiments, the conversion mechanism of the arthroscopic device of the present invention may include at least a first drive element having an external helical thread configured to engage an internal helical thread formed in the hub, the internal helical thread being generally above the inner surface in the proximal cavity of the hub. The helical thread on the first drive element has a pitch and spacing that matches an internal helical thread formed in the hub cavity such that rotation of the first drive element axially translates the first drive element relative to the hub. The direction of the axial translation will depend on the direction of rotation of the motor drive shaft, and the pitch and spacing of the helical threads will be selected to provide the desired proportion of rotation per millimeter of translation, as discussed in detail below.
The conversion mechanism typically also includes at least a second drive element having an external helical thread that engages the internal helical thread formed in the first drive element. The external helical thread on the second drive element has a pitch and spacing matching the internal helical thread formed in the first drive element such that rotation of the first drive element simultaneously axially translates the second drive element relative to the first drive element in addition to axially translating the first drive element relative to the hub.
In particular, the pitch and spacing of the mating helical thread between the first and second drive elements will be selected to axially translate the second drive element in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first drive element is driven. By moving the first and second drive elements in opposite directions relative to the hub, the number of rotations required by the drive shaft to translate the second drive element over a fixed distance may be maximized, thereby maximizing the mechanical advantage obtained in driving the jaw structure. Of course, the pitch of the inner and outer helical threads on the first drive element must be different so that there is a net difference in the travel of the second drive element relative to the hub so that the actuator member can be advanced and retracted. In a particular embodiment, the second drive element is nested within the central cavity of the first drive element such that the external threads on the second drive element concentrically engage the internal threads disposed on the inner wall of the central cavity of the first drive element.
In a further embodiment, the arthroscopic device may further comprise a rotatable drive coupling configured to be engaged and driven by the motor-driven rotation shaft and coupled to and rotate the first drive element. Typically, the rotatable drive coupling is inhibited from axial translation relative to the hub, while the first drive element is free to rotate and axially translate relative to the hub. Conversely, the second drive element is inhibited from rotating, but is free to translate axially relative to the hub. In this manner, rotation of the motor drive shaft in a first direction will cause the first drive element to translate axially in a distal direction within the lumen of the hub while translating the second drive element proximally relative to the hub. The first drive element may be translated distally at a greater or lesser rate than the second drive element is translated proximally, resulting in a net advancement or retraction of the second drive element coupled to the jaw structure. Such an arrangement is advantageous as it increases the total number of rotations applied by the motor drive unit to move the second drive element (and thus drive the movable jaw) over a given distance. Further, such a greater number of revolutions provides a mechanical advantage in that the force applied to the movable jaw is increased relative to the torque applied by the drive motor. This increased force will be further advantageous when hard tissue, such as bone, is to be resected.
In further particular embodiments, the actuator member may be further coupled to a pivoting mechanism for opening and closing the jaw structure. The pivoting mechanism may be further configured to provide a lever element to increase the closing force applied to the jaw structure. In other particular aspects, the longitudinal portions of the internal and external threads of the first drive element may overlap each other, thereby reducing the length and volume required to accommodate a conversion mechanism. The internal and external threads of the first drive element will have different pitches, wherein the particular ratio of the pitches will be selected to control the advance and "gear ratio" of the conversion mechanism. In this way, different pitch lengths may be selected to amplify the torque at which the jaw structure is moved from the jaw open position to the jaw closed position.
In an exemplary embodiment, the conversion mechanism is configured to move the actuator member longitudinally within a stroke of 0.5mm to 5mm to actuate the jaw structure from a jaw open position to a jaw closed position. In a further particular embodiment, the conversion mechanism is configured to convert the drive coupling from 1 revolution to 20 revolutions to provide the travel of the jaw mechanism. Preferably, the conversion mechanism may be configured to convert the drive coupling from 2 rotations to 10 rotations to provide the stroke.
Optionally, the arthroscopic device of the invention may further comprise a controller for controlling the motor shaft, the controller may then actuate the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft in a first rotational direction to separate the jaws of the jaw structure towards the jaw open position and to rotate the motor shaft in an opposite rotational direction to move the jaw structure towards the jaw closed position. The controller may be configured to open and close the jaws with a single stroke, or to open and close the jaws at a rate of typically once per second to 20 closures per second. The controller may be further configured to move the jaw structure to a default position of jaw open or a default position of jaw closed when the motor drive is deactivated.
In a second aspect of the invention, an arthroscopic device includes a handpiece having a motor drive with a rotating shaft. An elongated probe extends along the longitudinal channel for the proximal hub to a distal openable-closable jaw structure. The hub is configured for detachable coupling to the handpiece, and a drive coupling is disposed on the hub for engagement with the motor shaft. A screw mechanism in the hub converts rotational motion of the drive coupling into longitudinal motion of an actuator member configured for actuating the jaw structure between the jaw open and closed positions. A controller is provided to operate the motor to move the jaw structure from the jaw open position to the jaw closed position and back to the jaw open position at a rate of once per second to 20 times per second.
In a third aspect of the invention, a method for resecting tissue includes providing a handpiece having a motor drive and a probe, wherein the probe has a proximal hub and a distal jaw structure. The rotating slide shaft of the motor drive is coupled to the proximal hub on the probe and the handpiece. The distal jaw structure engages against a target tissue and rotational torque from the motor driver is provided to a conversion mechanism in the proximal hub. The translation mechanism axially translates the actuator member to drive the jaw structure between the jaw open position and the jaw closed position. A conversion mechanism is configured to convert the drive shaft from one revolution to 20 revolutions to provide a single opening or a single closing stroke of the jaw structure.
In certain embodiments of the method, engaging may include advancing the distal jaw structure into a joint to engage the jaw structure against bone. The motor may then be actuated to open and close the jaw structure to reposition the bone tissue. Typically, the motor will be driven by a controller in any of the various control schemes described above, including individual opening and closing strokes, continuous opening and closing patterns, default stop points for jaw opening and jaw closing, and so forth. When continuously driven, the motor drive is typically controlled to open and close the jaws at a rate of at least one revolution per second (CPS), typically 1CPS to 100 CPS.
The method may further include activating a source of negative pressure and communicating with the interior of the probe to aspirate resected tissue from the jaw structure.
The specific construction and use of the conversion mechanism in the method of the invention is generally the same as described above in relation to the apparatus of the invention.
In other exemplary embodiments, the motor drive is configured to open and close the jaw structure at a rate of at least 1CPS (revolutions per second), typically at a rate of between 1CPS and 100CPS, often at a rate of between 1CPS and 10CPS, and so forth.
Other exemplary arthroscopic cutters of the present invention may include a channel extending through the shaft assembly to the working end of the shaft. The channel is typically configured for connection to a source of negative pressure that can provide continuous or periodic suction or aspiration of excised tissue from the surgical site.
In further exemplary embodiments, the arthroscopic cutter of the present disclosure may further include a processor configured to control the motor drive, for example, to stop and/or start movement of a first jaw of the jaw structure relative to a second jaw of the jaw structure. Typically, the movement may be stopped at various positions, such as one or more default positions. For example, the default position may be the jaw open position. In other cases, the default position may be the jaw closed position or any other relative position between open and closed. Typically, a sensor in the handpiece will be connected to the controller and configured to sense jaw position, for example using a magnet coupled to the jaw structure (in one case carried by a separate moving member coupled to the jaw structure) to indicate a default position and a non-default position so that movement can be stopped at a desired position.
In further exemplary embodiments, the arthroscopic cutter of the present invention may include an actuator for actuating the motor drive to open and close the jaw structure, for example, at a rate of at least 1 CPS. Such an actuator may also be configured to move the jaw structure to the jaw open position, the jaw closed position, and for other purposes, such as for actuating a source of negative pressure, for actuating both a motor drive and a source of negative pressure, for modulating the source of negative pressure in response to a drive in the motor drive, and so forth. In other cases, the processor may be configured to adjust the negative pressure source relative to a fully open position, a partially open position, or a closed position of the jaw structure.
In other embodiments, the arthroscopic cutter of the present invention may include a Radio Frequency (RF) electrode blade portion configured for cutting or ablating tissue. Alternatively, the jaw structure may have first and second jaws comprising honed or other scissor-like blade portions for shearing tissue. In other embodiments, the jaw structure may have at least one cup-shaped jaw adapted to cut and capture tissue. In other embodiments, the jaws of the jaw structure may have metal cutting edges, ceramic cutting edges, or may simply comprise a ceramic material.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of performing a meniscectomy. Such a method includes providing a motor drive for the handpiece. The probe is coupled to the handpiece, wherein the probe has a working end with an openable-closable jaw configured to resect tissue. The motor drive is configured to open and close the jaws when coupling the handpiece to the probe. The working end may then be advanced into the joint of the patient to engage the jaws against the meniscus tissue. Meniscal tissue may then be excised by actuating the motor drive to open and close the jaws.
In certain embodiments, the method for performing a meniscectomy may further comprise controlling the motor drive with a controller to actuate the jaws to resect the meniscal tissue in a single or multiple bites. For example, the motor drive may be controlled to open and close the jaws at a rate of at least 1CPS, typically at a rate of 1CPS to 100 CPS. In the actuating step, there may also be included activating a source of negative pressure in communication with the internal channel of the probe to aspirate the excised meniscal tissue from the working end.
Drawings
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the figures. It is appreciated that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable arthroscopic cutter or probe having a working end including a jaw-like structure having a cutting edge.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handpiece with a motor drive to which the cutter of FIG. 1 can be coupled, wherein the handpiece body includes an LCD screen for displaying operating parameters of the device during use, and a joystick and mode control actuator on the handpiece.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the working end of a probe constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Fig. 4A is an enlarged side view of the working end of the probe of fig. 1 in the jaw open position.
Fig. 4B is a side view of the working end of fig. 4A in a jaw closed position.
Fig. 5A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the working end of fig. 4A in a jaw open position, showing a portion of the jaw actuation mechanism.
Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the working end of fig. 4B in a jaw closed position.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub of the probe of FIG. 1, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1, showing the gear mechanism and the mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion to actuate the jaw structure at a selected CPS (revolutions per second) rate.
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the planetary or epicyclic gear mechanism and the rotary-to-linear motion mechanism of the probe hub of the figure.
Figure 7B is an exploded view of the epicyclic gear assembly of figure 7A.
Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a method of using the probe of fig. 1-6 in a meniscectomy procedure.
Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the working end of a probe having an electrosurgical jaw structure with the jaws in an open position.
Fig. 9B is a view of the working end of the electrosurgical jaw structure of fig. 9A with the jaws in a closed position.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another variation of a probe for cutting a meniscus.
Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the hub of the probe of fig. 10, showing a drive mechanism for converting rotary motion to linear motion using a differential screw assembly for increasing the motor output torque to provide sufficient jaw closing force, and the drive mechanism in a first position corresponding to a jaw open position.
FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 11A showing the drive mechanism in a second position corresponding to a jaw closed position.
Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the components of the drive mechanism of fig. 11A-11B separated from the hub.
Detailed Description
The present invention relates to tissue cutting and removal devices and related methods of use. Variations of the invention will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the form, function, and method of use of the devices disclosed herein. In general, the present invention provides an arthroscopic cutter or broach for cutting tissue that is disposable and configured to be removably coupled to a non-disposable handpiece and motor drive assembly. This description of the general principles of the present invention is not intended to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein.
Fig. 1-5B illustrate a
Fig. 1 shows a
Referring to fig. 1, it can be seen that cutting
In fig. 2, it can be seen that
As can be seen in fig. 1, 3 and 4A-5B, the second jaw or
Referring to fig. 3, 4A-4B and 5A-5B, it can be seen that the
Turning now to fig. 6 and 7A-7B, a mechanism that converts rotation of the
In one aspect of the invention, the
In one aspect of the invention, the epicyclic gear mechanism of fig. 6 to 7B is configured for amplifying the output torque of the motor drive to increase the closing force of the jaw structure. In one variation, the gear mechanism increases the motor output torque by at least 10 times or at least 20 times. In some variations, the gear mechanism increases the motor output torque by at least 40 times and typically at least 60 times. In another aspect, the gear mechanism increases the motor output torque to at least 10 inches
Pounds, at least 40 inch-pounds, at least 60 inch-pounds, or at least 80 inch-pounds.
In another aspect of the present invention, the processor 150 is adapted to operate the
In use, the actuator buttons (156a to 156d) may be used to close and open the
In another aspect of the present invention, processor 150 may be configured to regulate negative pressure source 160 in response to actuation of
Referring now to fig. 1, 2 and 8, a method of using the
Turning to fig. 8, a cross-sectional view of the patient's knee shows meniscus 290 with a "bucket handle" tear indicated at 292. The physician introduces the sleeve 295 into the joint space and then passes the endoscope 298 through the sleeve to view the treatment site. A fluid source 300 is coupled to the cannula 255 to introduce a distending fluid, such as saline, into the treatment site. The physician then introduces the shaft 122 and working end of the
Fig. 9A-9B illustrate another working
The electrosurgical probe as shown in fig. 9A-9B can connect RF current from an RF source 285 through the handpiece 104 (fig. 2) to the probe hub and
In the variation of fig. 9A-9B, the
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative variation of a meniscal cutting device 500, the meniscal cutting device 500 again comprising a proximal hub 505 coupled to an
The embodiment of fig. 10 differs from the previous embodiments in that it uses a screw-based conversion mechanism to convert the rotational motion of the motor shaft into linear motion, rather than the planetary or epicyclic gear mechanism described previously. Screw-based conversion mechanisms include a helically threaded drive assembly to convert rotational motion from a motor drive shaft in the handpiece to pivotal reciprocation of the jaw or other end effector. In particular, the use of a helically threaded drive member may significantly amplify the torque force applied by the motor drive shaft to increase the closing force applied to the jaws.
Referring now to the cross-sectional views of fig. 11A-11B and the exploded view of fig. 12, an exemplary screw-based conversion mechanism includes a drive structure or
Referring to fig. 11A, a
The distal extension 548 of the
More specifically, referring to fig. 11A-12, the distal extension 548 of the drive coupling 522 has an elongated tubular shape with first and second longitudinal key portions 550a, 550b, the first and second longitudinal key portions 550a, 550b being received in slot portions 552a, 552b of the central channel of the
The
As can also be seen in fig. 11A, the external
As can also be seen in fig. 11A and 12,
In this manner, rotation of the
As will be appreciated from the foregoing description of embodiments, the controller and software algorithm are configured to control the operation of the motor to rotate the drive coupling 525a predetermined number of revolutions and then move the
In one particular variation, the jaw structure 512 may be actuated from the jaw open position to the jaw closed position with the actuator member 522 moving approximately 1.65 mm. The
The
In the variation shown in fig. 11A-12, the screw drive structure amplifies the output torque of the motor drive by at least a factor of 10 to increase the closing force of the jaw structure. In a similar variation, the drive configuration described above may increase the motor output by at least 20 or at least 60 times. In other words, the drive configuration may increase the motor output torque to at least 10 inch-pounds, 40 inch-pounds, 60 inch-pounds, or 80 inch-pounds.
In another variation, a probe having a jaw opening and closing mechanism similar to that described above may operate with a working end that includes a mechanical knife or scissors for cutting tissue.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, it will be understood that this description is for illustrative purposes only and that the above description of the invention is not exhaustive. Some of the specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as any feature may be combined with another feature in accordance with the invention. Many variations and alternatives will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such alternatives and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. The specific features presented in the dependent claims may be combined and fall within the scope of the invention. The invention also comprises embodiments where the dependent claims are optionally written in the form of a number of dependent claims referring to other independent claims.
Other variations are within the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" should be interpreted as being partially or fully contained, attached, or joined together, even if some intervention exists. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
- 上一篇:一种医用注射器针头装配设备
- 下一篇:内窥镜圈套器