QUICK CONNECTOR DISPOSABLE TOOL

Abstract

Several embodiments of a disposable surgical tool for quickly and easily connecting tubing to implantable components are disclosed. A method for using the novel tool for connecting tubing to components, such as a pump, a reservoir, a connector, etc., is also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/660,442 filed Mar. 10, 2005; and of provisional patent application No. 60/660,491 filed Mar. 10, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to surgical devices and methods. More specifically, the present invention pertains to devices and methods for connecting tubing to components.

BACKGROUND

Certain surgical procedures, such as a penile implant, include the placement of a system of interconnected components within a body. Components in such systems may include a cylinder, reservoir, pump, etc. Some such components, such as a balloon, may be configured for selective inflation and/or deflation by an operator. Typically, a system may include an inflatable/deflatable component interconnected to a fluid-filled reservoir, a pump, and a valve assembly. During use, the pump may be actuated and fluid transferred from the reservoir into the component, causing the component to inflate. Later, a valve assembly may be operated deflating the component by transferring the fluid from the inflated component back into the reservoir.

An implantable system may include a multitude of tubing interconnecting several components. Typically, the tubing may be inserted into a strain relief component and the open end of the tubing connected to the component. In prior art examples, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,721 to Mikulich et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,611 to Cowan, among others, a straight bore is extended through a strain relief and into the inflatable/deflatable component.

The points of connection between the tubing and the components may be a source of complication, such as leakage, disconnect, etc., and may also pose sterilization challenges in certain environments. Additionally, portability and handling of the connection tools for effecting the connections may also pose a challenge due to the weight and size of the connection tool.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for connection tools and methods which ease such surgical procedures.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention discloses a surgical device and method for connecting tubes to components, such as a pump, a reservoir, a connector, etc.

While multiple embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed, still other embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized, the embodiment are capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art tool for connecting a tube to a component;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a method of using the tool of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different embodiments of a device of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an elongate member in detail;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a collet dispenser and magazine; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an elongate member including a collet dispenser and magazine having collets loaded therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art device 10 for connecting tubing to a component. As shown, device 10 includes two arms or handles 12 and 14, tubing connecting portion 16 including jaws 17, and stop member 18 to prevent connecting portion 16 from closing all the way or to close only up to a predetermined position.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a method for connecting two tubing segments or tubes to each other using a prior art device, such as device 10. The first step of the method is to place a collet over the tubing, such as sliding collet 22 onto tubing 20 as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B shows tubing connector 28 for connecting tubing segments 24 and 30 to each other at their respective open ends 34 and 38. Tubing connector 28 is shown having ports 36 and 40 through which tubing 24 and 30, respectively, will be connected. Tubing 24 includes collet 26 proximate open end 34, and tubing 30 includes collet 32 proximate open end 38. Next, open end 34 is slid over port 36 until open end 34 touches wall 42 in connector 28. Similarly, open end 38 of tubing 30 is pushed over port 40 until open end 38 also touches wall 42. Then collet 26 and 32 are slid over tubing 24 and 30 towards the edges of connector 28. Jaws 17 of tubing connecting portion 16 are placed around collet 26 and 32, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, and handles 12 and 14 of device 10 are squeezed together until closure stop 18 on handle 14 touches opposite handle 12. Thus tubing 24 and 30 are connected and device 10 removed.

Alternate embodiments of a device for connecting tubing to components or tubing connectors such as connector 28 are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 3A illustrates device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device 300 may include first and second elongate members 302 and 304, respectively, each having distal end 306 and proximal end 308. Each first and second elongate members 302 and 304 may include inside surface 310, a generally vertical surface, outside surface 312, also a generally vertical surface, top surface 314, a generally horizontal surface, and bottom surface 316, also a generally horizontal surface. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, first and second elongate members 302 and 304 may be hingedly connected at distal edge 307 along their inside surface 310.

Top surface 314 may include recess 318 proximate of distal end 306. Recess 318 may extend into first and second elongate members 302 and 304 to first stop position 320 and thereafter extend towards distal end 306 from first stop position 320 to second stop position 322. The width of recess 318 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing, such as tubing 20, so that the tubing may enter elongate members 302 and 304 through second stop position 322 on outside surface 312, slide through a collet housed proximate second stop position 322 within each of first and second elongate members 302 and 304, and exit first and second elongate members 302 and 304 on their inside surface 310. Also, having the width of recess 318 slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing may ease the removal of the tubing through top surface 314 after the tubing has been securely connected to a component.

Each of first and second elongate members 302 and 304 may also include opening 324 on inside surface 310. Opening 324 may be centered proximate the center of first stop position 320 and may be slightly larger than a collet so that the collet may be dispensed out of elongate members 302 and 304 through opening 324.

FIG. 3B illustrates device 350 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Device 350 may include first and second elongate members 352 and 354, respectively, each having distal end 356 and proximal end (not shown). Each first and second elongate members 352 and 354 may include inside surface 360, outside surface 362, top surface 364, and bottom surface (not shown). In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, first and second elongate members 352 and 354 may be hingedly connected at distal end 356 using third elongate member 357.

Top surface 364 may include recess 318 proximate of distal end 356. Recess 318 may extend into first and second elongate members 352 and 354 to first stop position 320 and thereafter extend towards distal end 356 from first stop position 320 to second stop position 322. The width of recess 318 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing, such as tubing 20, so that the tubing may enter elongate members 352 and 354 through second stop position 322 on outside surface 362, slide through a collet housed proximate second stop position 322 within each of first and second elongate members 352 and 354, and exit first and second elongate members 352 and 354 on their inside surface 360. Also, having the width of recess 318 slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing may ease the removal of the tubing through top surface 364 after the tubing has been securely connected to a component.

Each of first and second elongate members 352 and 354 may also include opening 324 on inside surface 360. Opening 324 may be centered proximate the center of first stop position 320 and may be slightly larger than a collet so that the collet may be dispensed out of elongate members 352 and 354 through opening 324.

FIG. 3C illustrates device 380 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Device 380 may include first and second elongate members 382 and 384, respectively, each having distal end 386 and proximal end 388. Each first and second elongate members 382 and 384 may include inside surface 390, outside surface 392, top surface 394, and bottom surface 396. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, first and second elongate members 382 and 384 may be hingedly connected at distal end 386 using thin elongate strip of material 387.

Top surface 394 may include recess 318 proximate of distal end 386. Recess 318 may extend into first and second elongate members 382 and 384 to first stop position 320 and thereafter extend towards distal end 386 from first stop position 320 to second stop position 322. The width of recess 318 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing, such as tubing 20, so that the tubing may enter elongate members 382 and 384 through second stop position 322 on outside surface 392, slide through a collet housed proximate second stop position 322 within each of first and second elongate members 382 and 384, and exit first and second elongate members 382 and 384 on their inside surface 390. Also, having the width of recess 318 slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing may ease the removal of the tubing through top surface 394 after the tubing has been securely connected to a component.

Each of first and second elongate members 382 and 384 may also including an opening (not shown) on inside surface 390. The opening may be centered proximate the center of first stop position 320 and may be slightly larger than a collet so that the collet may be dispensed out of elongate members 382 and 384 through the opening.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate some of the features of embodiments of an elongate member in detail.

Outside surface 408 of elongate member 400 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. The proximal end of elongate member 400 may be in the general direction of numeral 410 and the distal end in the general direction towards numeral 412. Top surface 404 may include recess 418 proximate of the distal end (not shown). Recess 418 may extend into elongate member 400 to first stop position 414 and thereafter extend towards the distal end from first stop position 414 to second stop position 416. The width of recess 418 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing, such as tubing 20, so that the tubing may enter elongate member 400 through second stop position 416 on outside surface 408, slide through a collet housed proximate second stop position 416 within elongate member 400, and exit elongate member 400 on inside surface 448 (see FIG. 4B). Also, having the width of recess 418 slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing may ease the removal of the tubing through top surface 404 after the tubing has been securely connected to a component.

Inside surface 448 of elongate member 400 is illustrated in FIG. 4B. The proximal end of elongate member 400 may be in the general direction of numeral 410 and the distal end in the general direction towards numeral 412. Top surface 404 may include recess 418 proximate of the distal end (not shown). Recess 418 may extend into elongate member 400 to first stop position 414 and thereafter extend towards the distal end from first stop position 414 to second stop position 416. The width of recess 418 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing, such as tubing 20, so that the tubing may enter elongate member 400 through second stop position 416 on outside surface 408 (see FIG. 4A), slide through a collet housed proximate second stop position 416 within elongate member 400, and exit elongate member 400 on inside surface 448. Also, having the width of recess 418 slightly larger than the outside diameter of a tubing may ease the removal of the tubing through top surface 404 after the tubing has been securely connected to a component.

Elongate member 400 may also including opening 471 on inside surface 448. Opening 471 may be centered proximate the center of first stop position 414 and may be slightly larger than a collet so that the collet may be dispensed out of elongate member 400 through opening 471.

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of hollow elongate member 480 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Hollow elongate member 480 may include outside surfaces 482, 486, 488 and 484, and channel 490 configured for receiving and housing at least one (one or more) collet. Channel 490 may be further configured for slideably receiving collet tool 500 of FIG. 5.

An embodiment of collet tool 500 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Collet tool 500 includes collet magazine 504 and collet dispenser 502. Collet magazine 504 may be open at one end, closed at the opposite end, and configured for housing at least one collet. Collet magazine 504 may be further configured to be slideably received by collet dispenser 502 with the open end of collet magazine 504 inside collet dispenser 502. Collet dispenser 502 may be open at one end for receiving collet magazine 504, and additionally include at least one flexible flap 506 at its other end for metering collet ejection. Furthermore, collet dispenser 502 may be configured to be slideably placed in channel 490 of elongate member 480 (see FIG. 4C). In use, at least one collet may be loaded into collet magazine 504 through its open end followed by sliding collect magazine 504 into collect dispenser 502, with the open end of collet magazine 504 inside collet dispenser 502. The open end of collet magazine 504 may be positioned proximal of at least one flexible flap 506 such that one collet may exit collet magazine 504 through its open end and rest against the inside surface of at least one flexible flap 506. Next collet magazine 504 may be pushed into collet dispenser 502 for dispensing one collet 623 (see FIG. 6) out through at least one flexible flap 506 on collet dispenser 502.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the instant invention with collet tool 500 placed within hollow elongate member 600. Collet tool 500 may be paced within the channel of hollow elongate member 600 through the opening at proximal end 610. At least one collet 622 may be placed inside collet tool 500 and dispensed one at a time into elongate member 600 by collet dispenser 502. In use, at least one flexible flap 506 of collet tool 500 may be positioned inside elongate member 600 and proximate second stop position 618. The open end of collet magazine 504 may be pushed towards at least one flexible flap 506 ejecting one collet 623 out through at least one flexible flap 506.

In use, the device of the present invention may include placing one collet 623 proximate second stop position 618 and retracting collet tool 500 past first stop position 620. Next, the open end of tubing 20 may be inserted through the outside surface of elongate member 600, into collet 623 placed at second stop position 618, and out through the inside surface of elongate member 600. The open end of tubing 20 may be pushed into or over a port of the component. The assembly may be retracted to first stop position 620 whereat the elongate members may be squeezed towards one another, forcing the collets to fixedly attaching tubing 20 to the component. The tubing of the connected assembly may be removed through the recess in elongate member 600.

Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments presented hereinabove without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. For example, while the disclosed embodiments refer to particular features, the scope of the instant invention is considered to also include embodiments having different combinations of features that do not include all of the features described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as falling within the scope and intent of the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A surgical device, the device comprising:

a first and second elongate member each comprising: a distal end and a proximal end; inside and outside side surfaces; top and bottom surfaces; an opening through the inside side surface of each of the first and the second elongate member, the opening centered proximate a center of a first stop position; a recess in the top surface wherein the: width of the recess is: larger than an outside diameter of a tubing; smaller than a diameter of at least one collet; and the recess: is at a same proximal distance from the distal end of both the first and the second elongate member; spans a width of the top surface; and extends from the top surface to the first stop position proximate a center of the inside and the outside side surfaces of each of the first and the second elongate member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening is larger than the at least one collet.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein in each of the first and second elongate members the recess further extends towards the distal end from the center of the first stop position to a second stop position.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second elongate members are hingedly connected at a distal edge along their respective inside side surfaces.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein a hinge comprising a thin elongate strip of material connects the distal end of the first elongate member to the distal end of the second elongate member.

6. The device of claim 3, further comprising a short third elongate member including a first end and a second end wherein:

the first end of the third elongate member is hingedly connected to the distal end of the first elongate member; and

the second end of the third elongate member is hingedly connected to the distal end of the second elongate member.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein both the first and second elongate members are:

hollow;

open at the proximal end and closed at the distal end; and

configured for receiving and housing the at least one collet.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein both the first and second elongate members further comprise a collet tool, the collet tool including:

a collet dispenser slideably housed therein and configured for dispensing at least one collet; and

a collet magazine slideably housed within the collet dispenser and configured for housing at least one collet therein.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the collet magazine is further configured for ejecting one collet out of the collet dispenser.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the collet dispenser further comprises at least one flexible flap to retain the at least one collet within the collet magazine.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is disposable.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the device is made from a polymer and formed from a mold.

13. A method for connecting tubing to a component, the method comprising the steps of:

placing at least one collet in a first elongate member;

placing at least one collet in a second elongate member;

inserting an open end of a first tubing through the first elongate member including through one of the at least one collet placed therein;

inserting an open end of a second tubing through the second elongate member including through one of the at least one collet placed therein;

connecting the open end of the first tubing to a first port on the component;

connecting the open end of the second tubing to a second port on the component;

forcing collet including the first tubing therethrough onto the first port for fixedly attaching the first tubing to the component;

forcing collet including the second tubing therethrough onto the second port for fixedly attaching the second tubing to the component; and

dispensing the first and second tubing comprising the component and collet from each of the first and the second elongate member.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of moving both the first and second elongate members towards one another with the component placed therebetween.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and the second elongate members are hingedly connected at their respective distal end.

16. A device for connecting tubing to a component, the device comprising:

means for positioning a collet on the tubing; and

means for fixedly attaching the tubing to at least one port of the component.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising:

means for housing two or more collet in the device; and

means for dispensing one collet into the device.