Access assembly with retention mechanism

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11717321
  • Patent Number
    11,717,321
  • Date Filed
    Friday, April 24, 2020
    4 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 8, 2023
    9 months ago
Abstract
A retention mechanism for a surgical access assembly is provided. The retention mechanism includes a planar base having first and second extensions each with a free end, a first locking member disposed on the free end of the first extension, and a second locking member disposed on the free end of the second extension. The first locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth. The second locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth configured engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in a locked condition. The first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth are configured to be spaced apart from each other when the retention mechanism is in an unlocked condition.
Description
FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical access assembly having an anchor mechanism to securely engage tissue to prevent withdrawal of the surgical access assembly from the tissue, e.g., the abdominal wall, and, in particular, relates to an access assembly further including a retention mechanism for preventing over-insertion of the surgical access assembly into the body cavity.


BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgical procedures including both endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures permit surgery to be performed on organs, tissues and vessels far removed from an opening within the tissue. In laparoscopic procedures, the abdominal cavity is insufflated with an insufflation gas, e.g., CO2, to create a pneumoperitoneum thereby providing access to the underlying organs. A laparoscopic instrument is introduced through a cannula accessing the abdominal cavity to perform one or more surgical tasks. The cannula may incorporate a seal to establish a substantially fluid tight seal about the instrument to preserve the integrity of the pneumoperitoneum.


While minimally invasive surgical procedures have proven to be quite effective in surgery, limitations remain. For example, the cannula which is subjected to the pressurized environment, i.e., the pneumoperitoneum, may have a tendency to back out of the incision in the abdominal wall particularly during multiple manipulations of the instrument within the cannula. Conversely, during insertion and/or manipulation of instruments through the cannula, the cannula may become over-inserted, risking damage to the internal organs.


SUMMARY

A retention mechanism for a surgical access assembly is provided. The retention mechanism includes a planar base having first and second extensions each with a free end, a first locking member disposed on the free end of the first extension, and a second locking member disposed on the free end of the second extension. The first locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth. The second locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth configured engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in a locked condition. The first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth are configured to be spaced apart from each other when the retention mechanism is in an unlocked condition.


In certain aspects of the disclosure, the first locking member includes a snap member disposed adjacent the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess for receiving the snap member of the first locking member. Receipt of the snap member through the recess of the locking portion may secure the first and second locking members relative to each other. The first locking member may include a second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member may include a second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth releasably engageable with the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth of the first locking member.


In some aspects of the disclosure, the first locking member includes a snap member disposed between each of the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth, and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess disposed between each of the first and second sets of opposed, outwardly facing teeth of the second locking member. The snap members may be configured to be received within the recess of the locking portions to secure the first locking member relative to the second locking member. Receipt of the snap members within the recess of the locking portions may secure the first and second locking members relative to each other.


In aspects of the disclosure, the second locking member includes button members for facilitating movement of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth relative to the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth. Each of the first and second extensions may include a narrow portion to permit folding of the respective first and second extensions relative to the planar base. The first and second extensions may be configured to receive sutures.


A surgical access assembly including a cannula having a distal portion and a length, an anchor mechanism disposed on the distal portion of the cannula, and a retention mechanism receivable about the length of the cannula. The retention mechanism includes a first locking member including a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth, and a second locking member including a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth configured to engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in a locked condition and to be spaced apart from the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in an unlocked condition.


In some aspects of the disclosure, the first locking member includes a snap member disposed adjacent the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess for receiving the snap member of the first locking member. Receipt of the snap member through the recess of the locking portion may secure the first and second locking members relative to each other. The first locking member may include a second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member may include a second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth releasably engageable with the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth of the first locking member.


In certain aspects of the disclosure, the first locking member includes a snap member disposed between each of the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth, and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess disposed between each of the first and second sets of opposed, outwardly facing teeth of the second locking member. The snap members may be configured to be received within the recess of the locking portions to secure the first locking member relative to the second locking member. Receipt of the snap members within the recess of the locking portions may secure the first and second locking members relative to each other.


In aspects of the disclosure, the second locking member includes button members for facilitating movement of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth relative to the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth. The anchor mechanism may include an inflatable balloon. The surgical access assembly may further include a foam block positionable about the cannula between the anchor mechanism and the retention mechanism.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure including a retention mechanism;



FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail in FIG. 1;



FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the retention mechanism shown in FIG. 1, in an unfolded condition;



FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the retention mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the unfolded condition;



FIG. 5 is a side view of the retention mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the unfolded condition;



FIG. 6 is a side view of the retention mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-5, in a partially folded condition;



FIG. 7 is a side view of the retention mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-6, in a folded condition and with first and second locking members of the retention mechanism spaced apart;



FIG. 8 is a top view of the retention mechanism as shown in FIG. 7;



FIG. 9 is a top, cross-sectional view of the retention mechanism taken along section line 9-9 in FIG. 7;



FIG. 10 is the top, cross-sectional view of the retention mechanism shown in FIG. 9, with the first and second locking members in a partially engaged condition;



FIG. 11 is a top view of the retention mechanism as shown in FIG. 10;



FIG. 12 is a side view of the retention mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-11, in a locked condition;



FIG. 13 is a top view of the retention mechanism as shown in FIG. 12;



FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view of the retention mechanism taken along section line 14-14 in FIG. 12;



FIG. 15 is a side view of the access assembly shown in FIG. 1, operably engaged with tissue “T” and with the first and second locking members of the retention mechanism in the locked condition;



FIG. 16 is a top cross-sectional view of the access assembly taken along section line 16-16 of FIG. 15;



FIG. 17 is the top cross-sectional view of the access assembly shown in FIG. 16, with the first and second locking members of the retention mechanism in an unlocked condition;



FIG. 18 is the top cross-sectional view of the access assembly shown in FIG. 16, with the first and second locking members of the retention mechanism in a partially locked condition;



FIG. 19 is a side view of the access assembly shown in FIG. 16, with the first and second locking members of the retention mechanism in the locked condition; and



FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional top view of the access assembly shown in FIG. 19 taken along section line 20-20 in FIG. 19 with the retention mechanism is the partially locked condition.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular access assemblies in accordance with the disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed access assemblies are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.


As used herein, the term “distal” refers to that portion of the instrument, or component thereof which is farther from the user while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the instrument or component thereof which is closer to the user.


Access assemblies with obturators are employed during minimally invasive surgery, e.g., laparoscopic surgery, and provide for the sealed access of surgical instruments into an insufflated body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity. The access assemblies typically include an instrument valve housing mounted on a cannula tube, and include an obturator (not shown) inserted through the valve housing and cannula. The obturator can have a blunt distal end, or a bladed or non-bladed penetrating distal end and can be used to incise the abdominal wall so that the access assembly can be introduced into the abdomen. The handle of the obturator can engage or selectively lock into the instrument valve housing of the access assembly.


Trocar assemblies are employed to tunnel through an anatomical structure, e.g., the abdominal wall, either by making a new passage through the anatomical structure or by passing through an existing opening through the anatomical structure. Once the trocar assembly with the obturator has tunneled through the anatomical structure, the obturator is removed, leaving the access assembly in place. The instrument valve housing of the access assembly includes valves that prevent the escape of insufflation gases from the body cavity, while also allowing surgical instruments to be inserted into the cavity.


Many access assemblies include an anchor mechanism for preventing withdrawal of the access assembly. These anchor mechanisms may be in the form of an inflatable balloon. Alternatively, the access assemblies may be maintained in position with an expandable flange or other structure capable of being collapsed to facilitate insertion of the access assembly through the tissue and selectively expanded to prevent withdrawal of the access assembly from the tissue.



FIG. 1 illustrates an access assembly 100 suitable for use with a retention mechanism according to exemplary aspects of the disclosure. The access assembly 100 includes a cannula 102 and an instrument valve housing 110 supported to a proximal portion 102a of the cannula 102. Although shown including the instrument valve housing 110, it is envisioned that retention mechanisms in accordance with the disclosure may be incorporated into access assemblies without an instrument valve housing 110.


The access assembly 100 includes an anchor mechanism 120 supported on a distal portion 102b of the cannula 102. As shown, the anchor mechanism 120 includes a balloon anchor 122. The balloon anchor 122 includes an uninflated or collapsed condition (FIG. 1) and an inflated or expanded condition (FIG. 15). The balloon anchor 122 is inflatable through a port 124 supported on the proximal portion 102a of the cannula 102. The anchor mechanism 120 will only be described herein to the extent necessary to disclose the features of the retention mechanisms of the present disclosure. For detailed descriptions of the structure and function of exemplary anchor assemblies suitable for use with the access assemblies the present disclosure, please refer to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,946, 7,691,089, and 10,327,809, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0138702. Although features of the retention mechanisms of the present disclosure will be shown and described with reference to a balloon anchor, it is envisioned that the retention mechanisms of the disclosure may be used with access assemblies having various anchor mechanism, including, for example, a collapsible flange.


The access assembly 100 also includes a retention mechanism 200. The retention mechanism 200 operates in combination with the anchor mechanism 120 to support the access assembly 100 within tissue “T” (FIG. 15).



FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the retention mechanism 200 in detail. The retention mechanism 200 is configured to frictionally engage the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100 to prevent over-insertion of the access assembly 100 through the tissue during receipt and or manipulation of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the access assembly 100. As will be described in further detail below, the retention mechanism 200 is configured to permit adjustment of the position of the retention mechanism 200 along the length of the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the retention mechanism 200 is formed from a flexible and/or resilient plastic material.


The retention mechanism 200 includes a planar base 202 having first and second extensions 204, 206. The planar base 202 defines a circular opening 203 and includes an annular flange 208 formed about the circular opening 203. The circular opening 203 is sized to receive the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100. A first locking member 210 is disposed on a free end 204a of the first extension 204 and a second locking member 230 is disposed on a free end 206a of the second extension 206. Each of the first and second extensions 204, 206 includes a narrow portion 204b, 206b, respectively, for facilitating folding of the respective first and second extensions 204, 206 to permit engagement of the first locking member 210 with the second locking member 230.


The first locking member 210 of the retention mechanism 200 includes a substantially U-shaped base 212. Free ends of the U-shaped base 212 include first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 214 (FIG. 3), 216 (FIG. 4), and a snap lock 218 disposed between each of the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 214, 216. The snap locks 218 include a locking tab 220 on a free end of each of the snap locks 218. The first locking member 210 further includes an engagement member 222 extending outwardly from the U-shaped base 212 configured for engagement by a user.


The second locking member 230 of the retention mechanism 200 includes a substantially U-shaped base 232. Free ends of the U-shaped base 232 include first and second sets of opposed, outwardly facing teeth 234 (FIG. 3), 236 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 214, 216 of the first locking member 210, and a locking portion 238 disposed between each of the first and second opposed, outwardly facing teeth 234, 236. Each of the locking portions 238 defines a recess 239 for receiving the snap locks 218 of the first locking member 210. A button member 240 is disposed on each of the locking portions 238 of the second locking member 230. As will be described in further detail below, the button members 240 on each of the locking portions 238 permit flexing of the first and second sets of opposed, outwardly facing teeth 234, 236 away from the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 214, 216 of the first locking member 210 to allow movement of the first locking member 210 relative to the second locking member 230. The second locking member 230 further includes an engagement member 242 extending outwardly from the U-shaped base 232. The engagement member 222 of the first locking member 210 and the engagement member 242 of the second locking member 230 are configured to be engaged by a user and facilitate movement of the first and second locking members 210, 230 relative to each other.


The assembly and operation of the retention mechanism 200 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-14.



FIG. 6 illustrates folding of the first and second locking members 210, 230 of the retention mechanism 200 relative to the planar body 202 of the retention mechanism 200, as indicated by arrows “A” and “B”, respectively, along the narrow portions 204b, 206b of the respective first and second extensions 204, 206 of the retention mechanism 200.



FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the retention mechanism 200 with the first locking member 210 in alignment with the second locking member 230. More particularly, the first and second sets of opposed inwardly facing teeth 214, 216 of the first locking member 210 align with the opposed outwardly facing teeth 234, 236 of the second locking member 230 and the locking snaps 218 of the first locking member 210 align with the recess 239 of the support portion 238 of the second locking member 230.



FIG. 10 illustrates the retention mechanism 200 as the first and second locking members 210, 230 are moved relative to each other, as indicated by arrows “C” and “D”, to cause the snap locks 218 of the first locking member 210 to be received within the recesses 239 of the locking portions 238 of the second locking member 230. The first and second locking members 210, 230 are approximated relative to each other until the locking tabs 220 of the snap locks 218 are received entirely through the recesses 239 in the locking portion 238 of the second locking member 230. In this manner, the locking tabs 220 of the snap locks 218 of the first locking member 210 engage the locking portion 238 of the second locking member 210 to secure the first and second locking members 210, 230 relative to each other.



FIG. 11 illustrates the engagement of the second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 216 of the first locking member 210 with the second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth 236 of the second locking member 230 as the locking tabs 220 of the snap locks 218 of the first locking member 210 are received through the recesses 239 in the support portion 238 of the second locking member 230. The first and second sets of opposed, inwardly and outwardly facing teeth 214, 216, 234, 236, of the first and second locking members 210, 230, respectively, are configured to ratchet against each other as the first and second locking members 210, 230 are approximated relative to each other to permit one way movement between the first and second locking members 210, 230.



FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the retention mechanism 200 in a locked condition. In the locked condition, the first and second sets of opposed inwardly and outwardly facing teeth 214, 216, 234, 236 are fully engaged with one another.



FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the retention mechanism 200 disposed about the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100 and in the locked condition. The distal end 102a of the cannula 102 is received within an incision “I” in tissue “T” of a patient with the anchor mechanism 120 of the access assembly 100 disposed within a body cavity “C” of the patient. A foam block 300 is received about the cannula 102 and is disposed between the retention mechanism 200 and the tissue “T” of the patient. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the foam block is permanently glued to or otherwise affixed to the retention mechanism 200.


When the retention mechanism 200 is secured to the access assembly 100 in the locked condition, the retention mechanism 200 is longitudinally fixed relative to the cannula 102. To permit longitudinal movement of the retention mechanism 200 relative to the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100 to secure the access assembly 100 to the tissue “T”, the second locking member 230 is moved relative to the first locking member 210 to move the first and second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth 234, 236 of the second locking member 230 out of engagement with the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 214, 216 of the first locking member 210, as indicated by arrows “E” and “F” in FIG. 17, to an unlocked condition (FIG. 17).



FIG. 17 illustrates the first and second locking members 210, 230 of the retention mechanism 200 in the unlocked condition. In the unlocked condition, the first and second locking member 210, 230 are configured to move away from each other, as indicated by arrows “G” and “H” in FIG. 18, to a partially locked condition (FIG. 18). The button members 240 on the locking portions 238 of the second locking member 230 facilitates engagement of the second locking member 230 by a user (not shown) and movement of the first and second sets of opposed, inwardly facing teeth 234, 236 of the second locking member 230 away from the first and second sets of opposed outwardly facing teeth 214, 216 of the first locking member 210.



FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the first and second locking members 210, 230 of the retention mechanism 200 in the partially locked condition. In the partially locked condition, the retention mechanism 200 is movable along the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100. In this manner, the retention mechanism 200 is movable toward the anchor mechanism 120, as indicated arrow “J” in FIG. 20, to compress the foam block 300 (FIG. 20) and sandwich the tissue “T” of the patient between the foam block 300 and the anchor mechanism 120 to secure the access assembly 100 relative to the tissue “T”.



FIG. 20 illustrates the retention mechanism 200 in the locked condition securing the access assembly 100 to the tissue “T”. Following inflation of the balloon anchor 122 of the anchor mechanism 120, the retention mechanism 200 is slid distally along the cannula 102 to squeeze or sandwich the tissue “T” between the anchor mechanism 120 and the foam block 300. In this manner, the access assembly 100 is secured to the tissue “T” and the access assembly 100 is inhibited from longitudinal movement relative to the tissue “T” throughout insertion, withdrawal, and/or manipulation of a surgical instrument “I” through the access assembly 100.


As described above, the retention mechanism 200 is moved to the locked condition by approximating the first locking member 210 and the second locking members 230 relative to each other, as indicated by arrows “K” and “L”, to frictionally engaged the retention mechanism 200 with the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100. The engagement members 222, 242 of the respective first and second locking members 210, 230 facilitate approximation of the first and second locking members 210, 230.


When the retention mechanism 200 is in the folded condition, the first and second extensions 204, 206 of the planar base 202 may be used as suture stays to receive sutures (not shown) to further secure the access assembly 100 during a surgical procedure.


Following a surgical procedure, the balloon anchor 122 of the anchor mechanism 120 may be deflated to permit withdrawal of the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100 from the tissue “T”, with the retention mechanism 200 remaining secured to the cannula 102 of the access assembly 100. Prior to deflating the balloon anchor 122 of the anchor mechanism 120, the retention mechanism 200 may be moved to the partially locked condition (FIG. 18), as described above, to permit longitudinal movement of the retention mechanism 200 away from the anchor mechanism 120 and to permit expansion and/or movement of the foam block 300.


Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary devices. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with the exemplary devices may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described devices. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims
  • 1. A retention mechanism for a surgical access assembly, the retention mechanism comprising: a planar base having a first extension extending from a first side of the planar base and a second extension extending from a second side of the planar base, the planar base defining an opening, the first extension and the second extension each including a free end, the first extension, the second extension, and the planar base being substantially coplanar in an unlocked condition;a first locking member disposed on the free end of the first extension, the first locking member including a U-shaped body having a first free end and a second free end and a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth on each of the first free end and the second free end; anda second locking member disposed on the free end of the second extension, the second locking member including a U-shaped body having a third free end and a fourth free end and a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth on each of the third free end and the fourth free end configured to engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in a locked condition, wherein the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth are configured to be spaced apart from each other when the retention mechanism is in the unlocked condition.
  • 2. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first locking member includes a snap member disposed adjacent the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess for receiving the snap member of the first locking member.
  • 3. The retention mechanism according to claim 2, wherein receipt of the snap member through the recess of the locking portion secures the first locking member and the second locking member relative to each other.
  • 4. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first locking member includes a second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth releasably engageable with the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth of the first locking member.
  • 5. The retention mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the first locking member includes a snap member disposed between each of the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth, and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess disposed between each of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth and the second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth of the second locking member.
  • 6. The retention mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the snap members are configured to be received within the recess of the locking portions to secure the first locking member relative to the second locking member.
  • 7. The retention mechanism according to claim 6, wherein receipt of the snap members within the recess of the locking portions secures the first locking member and the second locking member relative to each other.
  • 8. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second locking member includes button members for facilitating movement of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth relative to the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth.
  • 9. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each of the first extension and the second extension includes a narrow portion to permit folding of the respective first extension and second extension relative to the planar base.
  • 10. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first extension and the second extension are configured to receive sutures.
  • 11. A surgical access assembly comprising: a cannula having a distal portion and a length;an anchor mechanism disposed on the distal portion of the cannula; anda retention mechanism receivable about the length of the cannula, the retention mechanism including: a planar base having a first extension and a second extension and defining an opening, each of the first extension and the second extension including a free end, the first extension being substantially coplanar with the second extension in a locked condition, the first extension and the second extension being laterally spaced from the planar base in the locked condition;a first locking member disposed on the free end of the first extension, the first locking member including a U-shaped body having a first free end and a second free end and a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth on each of the first free end and the second free end; anda second locking member disposed on the free end of the second extension, the second locking member including a U-shaped body having a third free end and a fourth free end and a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth on each of the third free end and fourth free end configured to engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in the locked condition and to be spaced apart from the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in an unlocked condition.
  • 12. The surgical access assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first locking member includes a snap member disposed adjacent the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess for receiving the snap member of the first locking member.
  • 13. The surgical access assembly according to claim 12, wherein receipt of the snap member through the recess of the locking portion secures the first locking member and the second locking member relative to each other.
  • 14. The surgical access assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first locking member includes a second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second locking member includes a second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth releasably engageable with the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth of the first locking member.
  • 15. The surgical access assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first locking member includes a snap member disposed between each of the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the second set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth, and the second locking member includes a locking portion defining a recess disposed between each of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth and the second set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth of the second locking member.
  • 16. The surgical access assembly according to claim 15, wherein the snap members are configured to be received within the recess of the locking portions to secure the first locking member relative to the second locking member.
  • 17. The surgical access assembly according to claim 16, wherein receipt of the snap members within the recess of the locking portions secures the first locking member and the second locking member relative to each other.
  • 18. The surgical access assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second locking member includes button members for facilitating movement of the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth relative to the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth.
  • 19. The surgical access assembly according to claim 11, wherein the anchor mechanism includes an inflatable balloon.
  • 20. The surgical access assembly according to claim 11, further including a foam block positionable about the cannula between the anchor mechanism and the retention mechanism.
US Referenced Citations (619)
Number Name Date Kind
3402710 Paleschuck Sep 1968 A
3495586 Regenbogen Feb 1970 A
3760811 Andrew Sep 1973 A
4016884 Kwan-Gett Apr 1977 A
4112932 Chiulli Sep 1978 A
4183357 Bentley et al. Jan 1980 A
4356826 Kubota Nov 1982 A
4402683 Kopman Sep 1983 A
4619643 Bai Oct 1986 A
4653476 Bonnet Mar 1987 A
4737148 Blake Apr 1988 A
4863430 Klyce et al. Sep 1989 A
4863438 Gauderer et al. Sep 1989 A
4984564 Yuen Jan 1991 A
5002557 Hasson Mar 1991 A
5073169 Raiken Dec 1991 A
5082005 Kaldany Jan 1992 A
5122122 Allgood Jun 1992 A
5159921 Hoover Nov 1992 A
5176697 Hasson et al. Jan 1993 A
5183471 Wilk Feb 1993 A
5192301 Kamiya et al. Mar 1993 A
5209741 Spaeth May 1993 A
5209754 Ahluwalia May 1993 A
5217466 Hasson Jun 1993 A
5242409 Buelna Sep 1993 A
5242415 Kantrowitz et al. Sep 1993 A
5257973 Villasuso Nov 1993 A
5257975 Foshee Nov 1993 A
5269772 Wilk Dec 1993 A
5271380 Riek et al. Dec 1993 A
5290245 Dennis Mar 1994 A
5290249 Foster et al. Mar 1994 A
5308336 Hart et al. May 1994 A
5312391 Wilk May 1994 A
5312417 Wilk May 1994 A
5314417 Stephens et al. May 1994 A
5318516 Cosmescu Jun 1994 A
5330486 Wilk Jul 1994 A
5334143 Carroll Aug 1994 A
5334150 Kaali Aug 1994 A
5336169 Divilio et al. Aug 1994 A
5336203 Goldhardt et al. Aug 1994 A
5337937 Remiszewski et al. Aug 1994 A
5345927 Bonutti Sep 1994 A
5346459 Allen Sep 1994 A
5360417 Gravener et al. Nov 1994 A
5366478 Brinkerhoff et al. Nov 1994 A
5375588 Yoon Dec 1994 A
5378588 Tsuchiya Jan 1995 A
5380291 Kaali Jan 1995 A
5385552 Haber et al. Jan 1995 A
5385553 Hart et al. Jan 1995 A
5391156 Hildwein et al. Feb 1995 A
5394863 Sanford et al. Mar 1995 A
5395367 Wilk Mar 1995 A
5407433 Loomas Apr 1995 A
5431151 Riek et al. Jul 1995 A
5437683 Neumann et al. Aug 1995 A
5445615 Yoon Aug 1995 A
5451222 De Maagd et al. Sep 1995 A
5460170 Hammerslag Oct 1995 A
5464409 Mohajer Nov 1995 A
5480410 Cuschieri et al. Jan 1996 A
5490843 Hildwein et al. Feb 1996 A
5507758 Thomason et al. Apr 1996 A
5511564 Wilk Apr 1996 A
5514133 Golub et al. May 1996 A
5514153 Bonutti May 1996 A
5520610 Giglio et al. May 1996 A
5520698 Koh May 1996 A
5522791 Leyva Jun 1996 A
5524501 Patterson et al. Jun 1996 A
5524644 Crook Jun 1996 A
5538509 Dunlap et al. Jul 1996 A
5540648 Yoon Jul 1996 A
5545150 Danks et al. Aug 1996 A
5545179 Williamson, IV Aug 1996 A
5549565 Ryan et al. Aug 1996 A
5551947 Kaali Sep 1996 A
5556385 Andersen Sep 1996 A
5569159 Anderson et al. Oct 1996 A
5569205 Hart et al. Oct 1996 A
5569291 Privitera et al. Oct 1996 A
5569292 Scwemberger et al. Oct 1996 A
5577993 Zhu et al. Nov 1996 A
5591192 Privitera et al. Jan 1997 A
5601581 Fogarty et al. Feb 1997 A
5609562 Kaali Mar 1997 A
5624399 Ackerman Apr 1997 A
5634911 Hermann et al. Jun 1997 A
5634937 Mollenauer et al. Jun 1997 A
5643285 Rowden et al. Jul 1997 A
5649550 Crook Jul 1997 A
5651771 Tangherlini et al. Jul 1997 A
5653705 de la Torre et al. Aug 1997 A
5656013 Yoon Aug 1997 A
5672168 de la Torre et al. Sep 1997 A
5683378 Christy Nov 1997 A
5685820 Riek et al. Nov 1997 A
5685857 Negus et al. Nov 1997 A
5685862 Mahurkar Nov 1997 A
5697946 Hopper et al. Dec 1997 A
5709671 Stephens et al. Jan 1998 A
5709675 Williams Jan 1998 A
5713858 Heruth et al. Feb 1998 A
5713869 Morejon Feb 1998 A
5720730 Blake, III Feb 1998 A
5720761 Kaali Feb 1998 A
5722962 Garcia Mar 1998 A
5728103 Picha et al. Mar 1998 A
5730748 Fogarty et al. Mar 1998 A
5735791 Alexander, Jr. et al. Apr 1998 A
5741298 MacLeod Apr 1998 A
5752970 Yoon May 1998 A
5776112 Stephens et al. Jul 1998 A
5782817 Franzel et al. Jul 1998 A
5792113 Kramer et al. Aug 1998 A
5795290 Bridges Aug 1998 A
5800451 Buess et al. Sep 1998 A
5803921 Bonadio Sep 1998 A
5810712 Dunn Sep 1998 A
5813409 Leahy et al. Sep 1998 A
5830191 Hildwein et al. Nov 1998 A
5836871 Wallace et al. Nov 1998 A
5836913 Orth et al. Nov 1998 A
5840077 Rowden et al. Nov 1998 A
5842971 Yoon Dec 1998 A
5848992 Hart et al. Dec 1998 A
5853417 Fogarty et al. Dec 1998 A
5857461 Levitsky et al. Jan 1999 A
5865817 Moenning et al. Feb 1999 A
5871471 Ryan et al. Feb 1999 A
5871474 Hermann et al. Feb 1999 A
5876413 Fogarty et al. Mar 1999 A
5893875 O'Connor et al. Apr 1999 A
5894843 Benetti et al. Apr 1999 A
5895377 Smith et al. Apr 1999 A
5899208 Bonadio May 1999 A
5899913 Fogarty et al. May 1999 A
5904703 Gilson May 1999 A
5906577 Beane et al. May 1999 A
5914415 Tago Jun 1999 A
5916198 Dillow Jun 1999 A
5941898 Moenning et al. Aug 1999 A
5951588 Moenning Sep 1999 A
5957913 de la Torre et al. Sep 1999 A
5964781 Mollenauer et al. Oct 1999 A
5976174 Ruiz Nov 1999 A
5997515 de la Torre et al. Dec 1999 A
6007481 Riek et al. Dec 1999 A
6017355 Hessel et al. Jan 2000 A
6018094 Fox Jan 2000 A
6024736 de la Torre et al. Feb 2000 A
6030402 Thompson et al. Feb 2000 A
6033426 Kaji Mar 2000 A
6033428 Sardella Mar 2000 A
6042573 Lucey Mar 2000 A
6048309 Flom et al. Apr 2000 A
6059816 Moenning May 2000 A
6068639 Fogarty et al. May 2000 A
6077288 Shimomura et al. Jun 2000 A
6086603 Termin et al. Jul 2000 A
6093176 Dennis Jul 2000 A
6099505 Ryan et al. Aug 2000 A
6099506 Macoviak et al. Aug 2000 A
6110154 Shimomura et al. Aug 2000 A
6142936 Beane et al. Nov 2000 A
6156006 Brosens et al. Dec 2000 A
6162196 Hart et al. Dec 2000 A
6171282 Ragsdale Jan 2001 B1
6197002 Peterson Mar 2001 B1
6213957 Milliman et al. Apr 2001 B1
6217555 Hart et al. Apr 2001 B1
6228063 Aboul-Hosn May 2001 B1
6234958 Snoke et al. May 2001 B1
6238373 de la Torre et al. May 2001 B1
6241768 Agarwal et al. Jun 2001 B1
6251119 Addis Jun 2001 B1
6254534 Butler et al. Jul 2001 B1
6264604 Kieturakis et al. Jul 2001 B1
6276661 Laird Aug 2001 B1
6293952 Brosens et al. Sep 2001 B1
6315770 de la Torre et al. Nov 2001 B1
6319246 de la Torre et al. Nov 2001 B1
6328720 McNally et al. Dec 2001 B1
6329637 Hembree et al. Dec 2001 B1
6355028 Castaneda et al. Mar 2002 B2
6371968 Kogasaka et al. Apr 2002 B1
6382211 Crook May 2002 B1
6423036 Van Huizen Jul 2002 B1
6440061 Wenner et al. Aug 2002 B1
6440063 Beane et al. Aug 2002 B1
6443957 Addis Sep 2002 B1
6447489 Peterson Sep 2002 B1
6450983 Rambo Sep 2002 B1
6454783 Piskun Sep 2002 B1
6464686 O'Hara et al. Oct 2002 B1
6468292 Mollenauer et al. Oct 2002 B1
6478806 McFarlane Nov 2002 B2
6485410 Loy Nov 2002 B1
6485467 Crook et al. Nov 2002 B1
6487806 Murello et al. Dec 2002 B2
6488620 Segermark et al. Dec 2002 B1
6488692 Spence et al. Dec 2002 B1
6524283 Hopper et al. Feb 2003 B1
6527787 Fogarty et al. Mar 2003 B1
6544210 Trudel et al. Apr 2003 B1
6551270 Bimbo et al. Apr 2003 B1
6551282 Exline et al. Apr 2003 B1
6558371 Dorn May 2003 B2
6562022 Hoste et al. May 2003 B2
6569120 Green et al. May 2003 B1
6572631 McCartney Jun 2003 B1
6578577 Bonadio et al. Jun 2003 B2
6582364 Butler et al. Jun 2003 B2
6589167 Shimomura et al. Jul 2003 B1
6589316 Schultz et al. Jul 2003 B1
6592543 Wortrich et al. Jul 2003 B1
6613038 Bonutti et al. Sep 2003 B2
6613952 Rambo Sep 2003 B2
6623426 Bonadio et al. Sep 2003 B2
6669674 Macoviak et al. Dec 2003 B1
6676639 Ternstrom Jan 2004 B1
6684405 Lezdey Feb 2004 B2
6702787 Racenet et al. Mar 2004 B2
6706050 Giannadakis Mar 2004 B1
6716201 Blanco Apr 2004 B2
6723044 Pulford et al. Apr 2004 B2
6723088 Gaskill, III et al. Apr 2004 B2
6725080 Melkent et al. Apr 2004 B2
6736797 Larsen et al. May 2004 B1
6740064 Sorrentino et al. May 2004 B1
6800084 Davison et al. Oct 2004 B2
6811546 Callas et al. Nov 2004 B1
6814078 Crook Nov 2004 B2
6830578 O'Heeron et al. Dec 2004 B2
6835201 O'Heeron et al. Dec 2004 B2
6837893 Miller Jan 2005 B2
6840946 Fogarty et al. Jan 2005 B2
6840951 de la Torre et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846287 Bonadio et al. Jan 2005 B2
6855128 Swenson Feb 2005 B2
6863674 Kasahara et al. Mar 2005 B2
6878110 Yang et al. Apr 2005 B2
6884253 McFarlane Apr 2005 B1
6890295 Michels et al. May 2005 B2
6913609 Yencho et al. Jul 2005 B2
6916310 Sommerich Jul 2005 B2
6916331 Mollenauer et al. Jul 2005 B2
6929637 Gonzalez et al. Aug 2005 B2
6939296 Ewers et al. Sep 2005 B2
6942633 Odland Sep 2005 B2
6942671 Smith Sep 2005 B1
6945932 Caldwell et al. Sep 2005 B1
6958037 Ewers et al. Oct 2005 B2
6960164 O'Heeron Nov 2005 B2
6972026 Caldwell et al. Dec 2005 B1
6986752 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Jan 2006 B2
6991602 Nakazawa et al. Jan 2006 B2
6997909 Goldberg Feb 2006 B2
7001397 Davison et al. Feb 2006 B2
7008377 Beane et al. Mar 2006 B2
7011645 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Mar 2006 B2
7014628 Bousquet Mar 2006 B2
7033319 Pulford et al. Apr 2006 B2
7052454 Taylor May 2006 B2
7056321 Pagliuca et al. Jun 2006 B2
7077852 Fogarty et al. Jul 2006 B2
7081089 Bonadio et al. Jul 2006 B2
7083626 Hart et al. Aug 2006 B2
7100614 Stevens et al. Sep 2006 B2
7101353 Lui et al. Sep 2006 B2
7104981 Elkins et al. Sep 2006 B2
7153261 Wenchell Dec 2006 B2
7160309 Voss Jan 2007 B2
7163510 Kahle et al. Jan 2007 B2
7192436 Sing et al. Mar 2007 B2
7195590 Butler et al. Mar 2007 B2
7201725 Cragg et al. Apr 2007 B1
7214185 Rosney et al. May 2007 B1
7217277 Parihar et al. May 2007 B2
7223257 Shubayev et al. May 2007 B2
7223278 Davison et al. May 2007 B2
7235064 Hopper et al. Jun 2007 B2
7235084 Skakoon et al. Jun 2007 B2
7238154 Ewers et al. Jul 2007 B2
7258712 Schultz et al. Aug 2007 B2
7276075 Callas et al. Oct 2007 B1
7294103 Bertolero et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300399 Bonadio et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300448 Criscuolo et al. Nov 2007 B2
7316699 McFarlane Jan 2008 B2
7320694 O'Heeron Jan 2008 B2
7331940 Sommerich Feb 2008 B2
7344547 Piskun Mar 2008 B2
7370694 Shimizu et al. May 2008 B2
7377898 Ewers et al. May 2008 B2
7390322 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Jun 2008 B2
7393322 Wenchell Jul 2008 B2
7412977 Fields et al. Aug 2008 B2
7440661 Kobayashi Oct 2008 B2
7445597 Butler et al. Nov 2008 B2
7452363 Ortiz Nov 2008 B2
7473221 Ewers et al. Jan 2009 B2
7481765 Ewers et al. Jan 2009 B2
7493703 Kim et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494481 Moberg et al. Feb 2009 B2
7513361 Mills, Jr. Apr 2009 B1
7513461 Reutenauer et al. Apr 2009 B2
7520876 Ressemann et al. Apr 2009 B2
7537564 Bonadio et al. May 2009 B2
7540839 Butler et al. Jun 2009 B2
7559893 Bonadio et al. Jul 2009 B2
7608082 Cuevas et al. Oct 2009 B2
7625361 Suzuki et al. Dec 2009 B2
7645232 Shluzas Jan 2010 B2
7650887 Nguyen et al. Jan 2010 B2
7678046 White et al. Mar 2010 B2
7686823 Pingleton et al. Mar 2010 B2
7704207 Albrecht et al. Apr 2010 B2
7708713 Albrecht et al. May 2010 B2
7717846 Zirps et al. May 2010 B2
7717847 Smith May 2010 B2
7721742 Kalloo et al. May 2010 B2
7727146 Albrecht et al. Jun 2010 B2
7730629 Kim Jun 2010 B2
7736306 Brustad et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744569 Smith Jun 2010 B2
7753901 Piskun et al. Jul 2010 B2
7758500 Boyd et al. Jul 2010 B2
7758603 Taylor et al. Jul 2010 B2
7762995 Eversull et al. Jul 2010 B2
7766824 Jensen et al. Aug 2010 B2
7787963 Geistert et al. Aug 2010 B2
7794644 Taylor et al. Sep 2010 B2
7798998 Thompson et al. Sep 2010 B2
7811251 Wenchell et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815567 Albrecht et al. Oct 2010 B2
7837612 Gill et al. Nov 2010 B2
7846123 Vassiliades et al. Dec 2010 B2
7850600 Piskun Dec 2010 B1
7850655 Pasqualucci Dec 2010 B2
7850667 Gresham Dec 2010 B2
7867164 Butler et al. Jan 2011 B2
7896889 Mazzocchi et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905829 Nishimura et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909760 Albrecht et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913697 Nguyen et al. Mar 2011 B2
7918827 Smith Apr 2011 B2
7947058 Kahle et al. May 2011 B2
7951076 Hart et al. May 2011 B2
7955257 Frasier et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955313 Boismier Jun 2011 B2
7985232 Potter et al. Jul 2011 B2
3002750 Smith Aug 2011 A1
3002786 Beckman et al. Aug 2011 A1
7998068 Bonadio et al. Aug 2011 B2
3012128 Franer et al. Sep 2011 A1
3021296 Bonadio et al. Sep 2011 A1
8025670 Sharp et al. Sep 2011 B2
8029475 Franer et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038652 Morrison et al. Oct 2011 B2
8052653 Gratwohl et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066673 Hart et al. Nov 2011 B2
8079986 Taylor et al. Dec 2011 B2
8092430 Richard et al. Jan 2012 B2
8092431 Lunn et al. Jan 2012 B2
8105234 Ewers et al. Jan 2012 B2
8109873 Albrecht et al. Feb 2012 B2
8118735 Voegele Feb 2012 B2
8128590 Albrecht et al. Mar 2012 B2
8137318 Schweitzer et al. Mar 2012 B2
8147453 Albrecht et al. Apr 2012 B2
8152828 Taylor et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157786 Miller et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157817 Bonadio et al. Apr 2012 B2
8187177 Kahle et al. May 2012 B2
8187178 Bonadio et al. May 2012 B2
8206411 Thompson et al. Jun 2012 B2
8241209 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2012 B2
8262568 Albrecht et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267952 Kahle et al. Sep 2012 B2
8323184 Spiegal et al. Dec 2012 B2
8335783 Milby Dec 2012 B2
8343047 Albrecht et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353824 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 B2
8398666 McFarlane Mar 2013 B2
8403889 Richard Mar 2013 B2
8480683 Fowler et al. Jul 2013 B2
8574153 Richard Nov 2013 B2
8585632 Okoniewski Nov 2013 B2
8597180 Copeland et al. Dec 2013 B2
8961406 Ortiz et al. Feb 2015 B2
10022149 Holsten et al. Jul 2018 B2
20010037053 Bonadio et al. Nov 2001 A1
20020055714 Rothschild May 2002 A1
20020091410 Ben-David et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020173748 McConnell et al. Nov 2002 A1
20030014076 Mollenauer et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030093104 Bonner et al. May 2003 A1
20030109853 Harding et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030153926 Schmieding et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030187376 Rambo Oct 2003 A1
20030187397 Vitali Oct 2003 A1
20030233115 Eversull et al. Dec 2003 A1
20030236549 Bonadio et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040006356 Smith Jan 2004 A1
20040054353 Taylor Mar 2004 A1
20040059297 Racenet et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040073090 Butler et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040092795 Bonadio et al. May 2004 A1
20040102804 Chin May 2004 A1
20040111061 Curran Jun 2004 A1
20040138529 Wiltshire et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040186434 Harding et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040204682 Smith Oct 2004 A1
20040204734 Wagner et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040215209 Almond et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040267096 Caldwell et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040267204 Brustowicz Dec 2004 A1
20050010238 Potter et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050020884 Hart et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050033342 Hart et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050070850 Albrecht Mar 2005 A1
20050070851 Thompson et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050070935 Ortiz Mar 2005 A1
20050070946 Franer et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050070947 Franer et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050096695 Olich May 2005 A1
20050119525 Takemoto Jun 2005 A1
20050137459 Chin et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050148823 Vaugh et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050192483 Bonadio et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050192594 Skakoon et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050203346 Bonadio et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050209608 O'Heeron Sep 2005 A1
20050212221 Smith et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050222582 Wenchell Oct 2005 A1
20050245876 Khosravi et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050251092 Howell et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050251190 McFarlane Nov 2005 A1
20050277946 Greenhalgh Dec 2005 A1
20060020281 Smith Jan 2006 A1
20060071432 Staudner Apr 2006 A1
20060129165 Edoga et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060149137 Pingleton et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060149306 Hart et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060161049 Beane et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060161050 Butler et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060211992 Prosek Sep 2006 A1
20060212063 Wilk Sep 2006 A1
20060217665 Prosek Sep 2006 A1
20060224161 Bhattacharyya Oct 2006 A1
20060241651 Wilk Oct 2006 A1
20060247498 Bonadio et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247499 Butler et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247500 Voegele et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247516 Hess et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247586 Voegele et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247673 Voegele et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060247678 Weisenburgh et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060270911 Voegele et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060276751 Haberland et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070088277 McGinley et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070093695 Bonadio et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070118175 Butler et al. May 2007 A1
20070151566 Kahle et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070185453 Michael et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070203398 Bonadio et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070208312 Norton et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070225650 Hart et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070239108 Albrecht et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070255218 Franer Nov 2007 A1
20070270654 Pignato et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270882 Hjelle et al. Nov 2007 A1
20080009826 Miller et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080021360 Fihe et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080027476 Piskun Jan 2008 A1
20080048011 Weller Feb 2008 A1
20080051739 McFarlane Feb 2008 A1
20080058723 Lipchitz et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080091143 Taylor et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080097162 Bonadio et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080097332 Greenhalgh et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080119868 Sharp et al. May 2008 A1
20080146884 Beckman et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080161758 Insignares Jul 2008 A1
20080161826 Guiraudon Jul 2008 A1
20080177265 Lechot Jul 2008 A1
20080188868 Weitzner et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080194973 Imam Aug 2008 A1
20080200767 Ewers et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080202529 Flory Aug 2008 A1
20080208222 Beckman et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080249475 Albrecht et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080255519 Piskun et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080319261 Lucini et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090012477 Norton et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090036738 Cuschieri et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090036745 Bonadio et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090093752 Richard et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090093835 Heinrich et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090093850 Richard Apr 2009 A1
20090105635 Bettuchi et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090131751 Spivey et al. May 2009 A1
20090137879 Ewers et al. May 2009 A1
20090182279 Wenchell et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090182282 Okihisa et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090182288 Spenciner Jul 2009 A1
20090187079 Albrecht et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090204067 Abu-Halawa Aug 2009 A1
20090221968 Morrison et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090227843 Smith et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090234293 Albrecht et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090275880 Pasqualucci Nov 2009 A1
20090326330 Bonadio et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090326332 Carter Dec 2009 A1
20100010449 Leibowitz Jan 2010 A1
20100016800 Rockrohr Jan 2010 A1
20100030155 Gyrn et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100049138 Smith et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100063450 Smith et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100063452 Edelman et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100100043 Racenet Apr 2010 A1
20100113886 Piskun et al. May 2010 A1
20100222801 Pingleton et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100228090 Weisenburgh, II Sep 2010 A1
20100228094 Ortiz et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100228096 Weisenburgh, II et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100240960 Richard Sep 2010 A1
20100249516 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249523 Spiegal et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249524 Ransden et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100261975 Huey et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100262080 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100280326 Hess et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100286484 Stellon et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100286506 Ransden et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100286706 Judson Nov 2010 A1
20100298646 Stellon et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100312063 Hess et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110009704 Marczyk et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110021877 Fortier et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110028891 Okoniewski Feb 2011 A1
20110034778 Kleyman Feb 2011 A1
20110054257 Stopek Mar 2011 A1
20110054258 O'Keefe et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110054260 Albrecht et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110082341 Kleyman et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110082343 Okoniewski Apr 2011 A1
20110082346 Stopek Apr 2011 A1
20110087159 Parihar et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110087168 Parihar et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110087169 Parihar et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110118553 Stopek May 2011 A1
20110118833 Reichenbach et al. May 2011 A1
20110124968 Kleyman May 2011 A1
20110124969 Stopek May 2011 A1
20110124970 Kleyman May 2011 A1
20110125186 Fowler et al. May 2011 A1
20110166423 Farascioni et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110190592 Kahle et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110201891 Smith et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110251463 Kleyman Oct 2011 A1
20110251464 Kleyman Oct 2011 A1
20110251465 Kleyman Oct 2011 A1
20110251466 Kleyman et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110251559 Tal et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110251560 Albrecht et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110251633 Smith Oct 2011 A1
20110276002 Bierman Nov 2011 A1
20110313250 Kleyman Dec 2011 A1
20120010569 Parihar Jan 2012 A1
20120041371 Tal et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120059640 Roy et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120065590 Bierman et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120109064 Fischvogt et al. May 2012 A1
20120130177 Davis May 2012 A1
20120130181 Davis May 2012 A1
20120130182 Rodrigues, Jr. et al. May 2012 A1
20120130183 Barnes May 2012 A1
20120130184 Richard May 2012 A1
20120130185 Pribanic May 2012 A1
20120130186 Stopek et al. May 2012 A1
20120130187 Okoniewski May 2012 A1
20120130188 Okoniewski May 2012 A1
20120130190 Kasvikis May 2012 A1
20120130191 Pribanic May 2012 A1
20120149987 Richard et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120157777 Okoniewski Jun 2012 A1
20120157779 Fischvogt Jun 2012 A1
20120157780 Okoniewski et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120157781 Kleyman Jun 2012 A1
20120157782 Alfieri Jun 2012 A1
20120157783 Okoniewski et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120157784 Kleyman et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120157785 Kleyman Jun 2012 A1
20120157786 Pribanic Jun 2012 A1
20120190931 Stopek Jul 2012 A1
20120190932 Okoniewski Jul 2012 A1
20120190933 Kleyman Jul 2012 A1
20120209077 Racenet Aug 2012 A1
20120209078 Pribanic et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120245427 Kleyman Sep 2012 A1
20120245429 Smith Sep 2012 A1
20120245430 Kleyman et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120283520 Kleyman Nov 2012 A1
20120316596 Taylor et al. Dec 2012 A1
20130225930 Smith Aug 2013 A1
20130225931 Cruz et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130245373 Okoniewski Sep 2013 A1
20130274559 Fowler et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130310651 Alfieri Nov 2013 A1
20140018632 Kleyman Jan 2014 A1
20140371537 Marczyk et al. Dec 2014 A1
20150025477 Evans Jan 2015 A1
20150065808 Van Wyk et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150223833 Coffeen et al. Aug 2015 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (91)
Number Date Country
2702419 Nov 2010 CA
202313634 Jul 2012 CN
202008009527 Oct 2008 DE
0226026 Jun 1987 EP
0538060 Apr 1993 EP
0577400 Jan 1994 EP
0630660 Dec 1994 EP
0807416 Nov 1997 EP
0950376 Oct 1999 EP
1188415 Mar 2002 EP
1312318 May 2003 EP
1774918 Apr 2007 EP
1932485 Jun 2008 EP
1994896 Nov 2008 EP
2044889 Apr 2009 EP
2044897 Apr 2009 EP
2080494 Jul 2009 EP
2095781 Sep 2009 EP
2098182 Sep 2009 EP
2138117 Dec 2009 EP
2138118 Dec 2009 EP
2145593 Jan 2010 EP
2181657 May 2010 EP
2226025 Sep 2010 EP
2229900 Sep 2010 EP
2238924 Oct 2010 EP
2238925 Oct 2010 EP
2238926 Oct 2010 EP
2238933 Oct 2010 EP
2248478 Nov 2010 EP
2248482 Nov 2010 EP
2253283 Nov 2010 EP
2272450 Jan 2011 EP
2277464 Jan 2011 EP
2289438 Mar 2011 EP
2292165 Mar 2011 EP
2343019 Jul 2011 EP
2469083 Apr 2009 GB
2001525693 Dec 2001 JP
2004532660 Oct 2004 JP
2006187603 Jul 2006 JP
2008289889 Dec 2008 JP
2009534124 Sep 2009 JP
2011515128 May 2011 JP
8401512 Apr 1984 WO
9314801 Aug 1993 WO
9404067 Mar 1994 WO
9610963 Apr 1996 WO
9636283 Nov 1996 WO
9733520 Sep 1997 WO
9742889 Nov 1997 WO
9850093 Nov 1998 WO
9916368 Apr 1999 WO
9922804 May 1999 WO
9929250 Jun 1999 WO
0032116 Jun 2000 WO
0032120 Jun 2000 WO
0054675 Sep 2000 WO
0108581 Feb 2001 WO
0149363 Jul 2001 WO
0207611 Jan 2002 WO
03034908 May 2003 WO
03071926 Sep 2003 WO
03077726 Sep 2003 WO
2004043275 May 2004 WO
2004054456 Jul 2004 WO
2004075741 Sep 2004 WO
2004075930 Sep 2004 WO
2005058409 Jun 2005 WO
2006019723 Feb 2006 WO
2006100658 Sep 2006 WO
2006110733 Oct 2006 WO
2006118650 Nov 2006 WO
2007018458 Feb 2007 WO
2007095703 Aug 2007 WO
2007143200 Dec 2007 WO
2008015566 Feb 2008 WO
2008042005 Apr 2008 WO
2008077080 Jun 2008 WO
2008093313 Aug 2008 WO
2008103151 Aug 2008 WO
2008121294 Oct 2008 WO
2008147644 Dec 2008 WO
2009036343 Mar 2009 WO
2010000047 Jan 2010 WO
2010141409 Dec 2010 WO
2010141673 Dec 2010 WO
2014116889 Jul 2014 WO
2016094653 Jun 2016 WO
2016186905 Nov 2016 WO
2018024101 Feb 2018 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (2)
Entry
European Search Report dated Sep. 24, 2021, corresponding to counterpart European Application No. 21170137.0; 8 pages.
European Office Action dated Feb. 8, 2023, issued in corresponding EP Application No. 21 270 137, 5 pages.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20210330352 A1 Oct 2021 US