Abstract:
An exemplary adhesive applier comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a tip portion. The handle portion is configured to be gripped by a user. The shaft portion is in communication with the handle portion. The tip portion is in communication with the shaft portion. The tip portion is operable to articulate relative to the shaft portion in response to user input, and is operable to dispense a liquid substance at a plurality of articulated positions. In some embodiments, the handle portion is configured to pivot relative to the shaft portion, and the tip portion is operable to pivot relative to the shaft portion in response to pivoting of the handle portion relative to the shaft portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Biosurgical adhesives have been used in a variety of ways in various medical procedures. An exemplary adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0190975, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Similarly, a variety of devices and techniques have been used to deliver adhesives at various sites. While several systems and methods have been made and used for delivering adhesives, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary adhesive applier; 
       FIG. 2  depicts a cross-sectional view of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an articulation joint of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  depicts a partial plan view of an articulation joint of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the distal end of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of the distal end of a shaft portion of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of the proximal end of the adhesive applier of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary adhesive applier ( 10 ) comprises a handle portion ( 20 ), a shaft portion ( 40 ), and a tip portion ( 60 ). A biosurgical adhesive is provided in handle portion ( 20 ). Handle portion ( 20 ) is operable to communicate adhesive to tip portion ( 60 ) via shaft portion ( 40 ). As will be described in greater detail below, handle portion ( 20 ) and tip portion ( 60 ) are each pivotally connected to shaft portion ( 40 ). In particular, applier ( 10 ) is configured such that pivoting of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) will effect pivoting of tip portion ( 60 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ). Applier ( 10 ) may thus be used to apply an adhesive at multiple angles relative to shaft portion ( 40 ). 
   In the present example, handle portion ( 20 ) comprises a barrel ( 22 ) and a plunger ( 24 ). Barrel ( 22 ) is configured to hold a liquid adhesive. By way of example only, such an adhesive may comprise a cyanoacrylate, an isocyanate, or any other suitable substance. Plunger ( 24 ) is operable to urge the adhesive through an opening ( 26 ) formed in the distal end of barrel ( 22 ). It will be appreciated that handle portion ( 20 ) is thus operable in a manner similar to a syringe. As will be described in greater detail below, a conduit ( 50 ) is disposed within opening ( 26 ), such that actuation of plunger ( 24 ) will effect communication of adhesive through conduit ( 50 ). Conduit ( 50 ) of the present example comprises a generally flexible tube. Handle portion ( 20 ) also has a socket ( 28 ), as will also be described in greater detail below. It will be appreciated that the foregoing components of handle portion ( 20 ) are merely exemplary, and that any of these components may be modified, substituted, supplemented, or omitted as desired. Suitable variations of handle portion ( 20 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, a variety of handle portion ( 20 ) types may be provided, such that a user may interchange such handle portions ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) based on any suitable considerations (e.g., geometry of handle portion ( 20 ), contemplated use, etc.). For instance, in lieu of the barrel ( 22 ) and plunger ( 24 ) configuration, handle portion ( 20 ) may comprise a squeeze bulb, a pistol grip, a port for receiving a pressurized medium, or other features. 
   Shaft portion ( 40 ) comprises a shaft ( 41 ) having a distal ball ( 42 ), a proximal ball ( 44 ), and an interior lumen ( 46 ). Within each ball ( 42 ,  44 ), lumen ( 46 ) progressively widens outwardly to provide funnel-shaped portions ( 48 ). Conduit ( 50 ) extends through lumen ( 46 ). As will be described in greater detail, a plurality of push/pull cables ( 80 ) extend along longitudinal tracks ( 82 ) provided in shaft ( 41 ). A sheath ( 52 ) extends along shaft ( 41 ), and substantially encloses push/pull cables ( 80 ), thereby substantially restricting movement of cables ( 80 ) in a radial direction relative shaft ( 41 ). Tracks ( 82 ) substantially restrict transverse movement of cables ( 80 ) relative shaft ( 41 ), but permit longitudinal movement of cables ( 80 ). It will be appreciated that the foregoing components of shaft portion ( 40 ) are merely exemplary, and that any of these components may be modified, substituted, supplemented, or omitted as desired. Suitable variations of shaft portion ( 40 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example only, shaft portion ( 40 ) may be rigid (e.g., for open or laparoscopic uses), flexible (e.g., for endoscopic uses), or have other properties. 
   Proximal ball ( 44 ) of shaft ( 41 ) is inserted within socket ( 28 ) of handle portion ( 20 ). Accordingly, the resulting ball ( 44 ) and socket ( 28 ) joint between shaft portion ( 40 ) and handle portion ( 20 ) permits pivotal movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) in a variety of directions and at a variety of angles. Funnel-shaped portion ( 48 ) of lumen ( 46 ) in shaft ( 41 ) permits conduit ( 50 ) to flex with pivoting of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ), substantially minimizing interference by shaft ( 41 ) relative to conduit ( 50 ) during such movement. In addition, cables ( 80 ) are secured to handle portion ( 20 ), such that pivotal movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) may be communicated along cables ( 80 ). In particular, and as will be described in greater detail below, pivotal movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) is communicated to tip portion ( 60 ) via cables ( 80 ) in the present example. 
   Tip portion ( 60 ) comprises a socket ( 62 ) and a distal opening ( 64 ). Distal ball ( 42 ) of shaft ( 41 ) is inserted in socket ( 62 ). Accordingly, the resulting ball ( 44 ) and socket ( 28 ) joint between shaft portion ( 40 ) and handle portion ( 20 ) permits pivotal movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) in a variety of directions and at a variety of angles. Cables ( 80 ) are secured to tip portion ( 60 ). Accordingly, as noted above, pivotal movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) is communicated to tip portion ( 60 ) via cables ( 80 ). In the present example, tip portion ( 60 ) mimics movement of handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ), though this may be limited or otherwise varied as desired. In the present example, funnel-shaped portion ( 48 ) of lumen ( 46 ) in shaft ( 41 ) permits conduit ( 50 ) to flex with pivoting of tip portion ( 60 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ), substantially minimizing interference by shaft ( 41 ) relative to conduit ( 50 ) during such movement. 
   In the present example, adhesive is dispensed via distal opening ( 64 ) of tip portion ( 60 ). As shown in  FIGS. 2-3  and  8 , a portion of conduit ( 50 ) may extend distally from distal opening ( 64 ) of tip portion ( 60 ). Alternatively, conduit ( 50 ) may terminate within tip portion ( 60 ) or elsewhere. It will be appreciated that the foregoing components of tip portion ( 60 ) are merely exemplary, and that any of these components may be modified, substituted, supplemented, or omitted as desired. Suitable variations of tip portion ( 60 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, a variety of tip portion ( 60 ) types may be provided, such that a user may interchange such tip portions ( 60 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) based on any suitable considerations (e.g., geometry of tip portion ( 60 ), contemplated use, etc.). 
   It will be appreciated that applier ( 10 ) of the present example may be subject to numerous modifications. By way of example only, additional degrees of freedom may be provided for handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) and/or for tip portion ( 60 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ). In lieu of adhesives, applier ( 10 ) may be used to apply a variety of other substances, including but not limited to sealants, drugs, sclerosing agents, necrosing agents, coagulants, ablation agents, image enhancing agents such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET, X-Ray (radiographic), or radio pharmaceuticals. Other substances will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. An applier ( 10 ) may also be provided with one or more features that is/are operable to selectively lock the position/orientation of tip portion ( 60 ) relative shaft portion ( 40 ) and/or the position/orientation of handle portion ( 20 ) relative shaft portion ( 40 ). 
   In addition, while articulation or pivoting of tip portion ( 60 ) and handle portion ( 20 ) relative to shaft portion ( 40 ) is described herein as being manual, it will also be appreciated that such articulation or pivoting may be mechanized or otherwise automated at least in part. Suitable features for providing such mechanization or automation will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be appreciated that any suitable alternative to cables ( 80 ) may be provided, including but not limited to rods. Similarly, while four cables ( 80 ) are shown, any other suitable number of cables ( 80 ) or cable ( 80 ) alternatives may be used (e.g., one, two, or three, etc.). 
   While ball ( 42 ,  44 ) and socket ( 62 ,  28 ) joints are shown, any other types of joints may be used. For instance, hinges, universal joints, or pivoting joints, etc., may be used. In another embodiment, the ball ( 44 ) and socket ( 28 ) joint between handle portion ( 20 ) and shaft portion ( 40 ) is eliminated. In this variation, articulation of tip portion ( 60 ) relative shaft portion ( 40 ) is effected by movement of a stick, slider(s), or other feature operable to effect communication of motion to tip portion ( 60 ). Other suitable joints and features operable to effect motion at one or more joints will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
   While the present example contemplates an adhesive or other substance being provided within handle portion ( 20 ), it is also contemplated that such adhesive or other substance may alternatively be provided in either or both of shaft portion ( 40 ) or tip portion ( 60 ). Similarly, different substances may be provided in different portions of applier ( 10 ). For instance, an adhesive may be provided within handle portion ( 20 ), while an adhesive activator may be provided within tip portion ( 60 ). Furthermore, while the present example contemplates user input being provided via handle portion ( 20 ), user input may alternatively or additionally be provided via other structures. 
   Embodiments of the present invention have application in conventional endoscopic and open surgical instrumentation as well as application in robotic-assisted surgery. 
   Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Embodiments may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, embodiments of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, embodiments of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
   By way of example only, embodiments described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed an sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container the sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam. 
   Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.