Patent ID: 6461353
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An orthopedic apparatus, comprising:a trocar including a trocar elongated body with a trocar longitudinal axis, a trocar distal end that is laterally deflectable relative to the trocar longitudinal axis, and a trocar proximal end; an electrode positioned at the trocar distal end, the electrode delivering substantially uniform energy across an energy delivery surface of the electrode to an area of collagen fibers adjacent to the energy delivery surface to cause a controlled amount of contraction of the collagen fibers while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers; and a handle positioned at a proximal end of the orthopedic device from which the trocar distally extends, the handle including an actuating member and a locking member positioned on opposing sides of the handle, the actuating member having a resting position and one or more activation positions that are defined by a locking ratchet in the handle which defines a plurality of discrete steps for the actuating member, the actuating member being operably attached to the trocar such that activation of the actuating member causes the trocar distal end to ratchet in a series of lateral deflection steps as controlled by the discrete steps of the locking ratchet, the locking member having resting position and a locking position that locks the deflected trocar distal end in place, the locking member being releasable from the locking position to the resting position or to an intermediate position to hold the activation position of the actuating member and change the deflection of the trocar distal end, wherein the actuating member and the locking member are configured to be each operable by a thumb and a finger of a single hand which holds the handle.