Patent Publication Number: US-2021177447-A1

Title: Tools for bodily implants

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/947,219, filed on Dec. 12, 2019, entitled “TOOLS FOR BODILY IMPLANTS”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to tools for placing bodily implants within a body of a patient and more specifically to tools that can be used to facilitate the placement of a tubing or a tubing portion of a bodily implant. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bodily implants that include tubes or tubular members are placed within the body to treat the body. For example, one treatment for male erectile dysfunction is the implantation of a penile prosthesis that mechanically erects the penis. Some such penile prostheses include tubes or tubular member. In some cases, the tubes or tubular members must be connected during the implantation process. In some procedures, a tool is used to facilitate the connection of such tubes or tubular members. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for tools that can be used to facilitate the connection of such tubes or tubular members. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a handle portion having a first portion and a second portion, a distal portion disposed opposite the handle portion, the distal portion having a first connector contacting portion and a second connector contacting portion, the first connector contacting portion being configured to move with respect to the second connector contacting portion, the distal portion being configured to be disposed in a first configuration and a second configuration, the first connector contacting portion being disposed a first distance from the second connector contacting portion when the distal portion is in the first configuration, the first connector contacting portion being disposed a second distance from the second connector contacting portion when the distal portion is in the second configuration, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and a biasing member configured to bias the distal portion into the first configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member is disposed between the first portion of the handle portion and the second portion of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the biasing member is a spring. In some embodiments, the biasing member is a spring, the spring being configured to engage the first portion of the handle portion and the second portion of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the biasing member is a living hinge. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion is configured to move with respect to the second portion of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion being configured to move towards the second portion of the handle portion to place the distal portion in the second configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion includes a stop member, the second portion of the handle portion includes a stop member, the stop member of the first handle portion being configured to contact the stop member of the second handle portion. In some embodiments, the distal portion has a first member and a second member, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a first location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a second location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first location being different than the second location. 
     In some embodiments, the distal portion has a first member and a second member, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a first location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a second location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first location being different than the second location, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the second portion of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the distal portion has a first member and a second member, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a first location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a second location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first location being different than the second location, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the second portion of the handle portion at a third location of the first portion of the handle portion, the third location being different than the first location, third location being different than the second location. In some embodiments, the distal portion has a first member and a second member, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a first location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a second location of the first portion of the handle portion, the first location being different than the second location, the first portion of the handle portion being coupled to the second portion of the handle portion at a third location of the first portion of the handle portion, the third location being disposed between the first location and the third location. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion includes a projection portion, the second portion of the handle portion includes a receiving portion configured to receive the projection portion of the first portion of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion includes a projection portion, the second portion of the handle portion includes a receiving portion configured to receive the projection portion of the first portion of the handle portion, the second portion of the handle portion includes a projection portion, the second portion of the handle portion includes a projection portion, the first portion of the handle portion includes a receiving portion configured to receive the projection portion of the second portion of the handle portion. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion of the distal portion includes a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of a connector. 
     According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a handle portion having a first member and a second member, the first member of the handle portion being coupled to the second member of the handle portion at a first location; and a distal portion having a first member and a second member, the first member of the handle portion being coupled to the first member of the distal portion at a second location, the first member of the handle portion being coupled to the second member of the distal portion at a third location, the first location being disposed between the second location and the third location, the first member of the distal portion having an engagement portion configured to engage a connector. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a biasing member, the biasing member being disposed between the first member of the handle portion and the second member of the handle portion. 
     In some embodiments, the first member of the distal portion is configured to move with respect to the second member of the distal portion from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
     According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a first elongate member having a handle portion and a distal portion, the first elongate member having a projection; a second elongate member having a handle portion and a distal portion, the second elongate member having a receiving portion, the receiving portion being configured to receive the projection; and a biasing member disposed between the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     In some embodiments, the first elongate member is configured to move with respect to the second elongate member from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an apparatus according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  in a closed configuration. 
         FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a connection member of a bodily implant. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 14  is side view of an apparatus according to an aspect in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  in an open configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, which may be embodied in various forms. 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 embodiments in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but to provide an understandable description of the present disclosure. 
     The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term “coupled” or “moveably coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and mechanically. 
     In general, the embodiments are directed to tools or devices to facilitate the implantation or placement of bodily implants. The term patient or user may hereafter be used for a person who benefits from the medical device or the methods disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the patient can be a person whose body is implanted with the medical device or the method disclosed for operating the medical device by the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a tool  100  for implanting an implant into a body of a patient. In some embodiments, that tool  100  may be used to engage connectors that may be used to connect tubular member or tubes of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the tool  100  may be used to engage connectors used to connect tubular members of a penile implant such as a penile implant or a penile prosthesis. 
     The tool  100  includes a handle portion  110  and a distal portion  150 . The handle portion  110  includes a first portion  112  and a second portion  114 . In some embodiments, the first portion  112  of the handle portion  110  is a separate member from the second portion  114  of the handle portion  110 . In other embodiments, the first portion  112  and the second portion  114  may be formed unitarily or monolithically. 
     The distal portion  150  includes a first portion  152  and a second portion  154 . In some embodiments, the distal portion  150  is configured to engage a portion of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion  150  is configured to engage connectors that are used to connect tubular members of a bodily implant. 
     The first portion  152  of the distal portion  150  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  154  of the distal portion  150 . For example, in one embodiment, the first portion  152  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  154  from a first configuration (or open configuration) to a second configuration (or closed configuration). The distance between the first portion  152  and the second portion  154  in the first configuration is greater than the distance between the first portion  152  and the second portion  154  when in the second configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  100  includes a biasing member  190 . The biasing member  190  is configured to bias the tool  100  such that the distal portion  150  is biased into one of its configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the biasing member  190  is configured to bias the distal portion  150  to an open configuration. In some embodiments, the biasing member  190  is a spring member. In other embodiments, the biasing member  190  is another type of biasing device or member. For example, in some embodiments, the biasing member  190  is a biased hinge such as a living hinge member. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion  112  of the handle portion  110  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  114  of the handle portion  110 . Movement of the first portion  112  with respect to the second portion  114  causes the first portion  152  of the distal portion  150  to move with respect to the second portion  154  of the distal portion  150 . For example, movement of the first portion  112  of the handle portion  110  with respect to the second portion  14  of the handle portion  110  may cause the distal portion  150  to move from the first configuration (open configuration) to the second configuration (closed configuration). 
     In some embodiments, the tool  100  is configured to be a single use device. In other words, in some embodiments, the tool  100  is configured to be used in a single procedure on a single patient and then discarded or disposed of. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  100  is formed of a biocompatible plastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion, the second portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the distal portion, and the second portion of the distal portion are formed or made from a biocompatible plastic material. In other embodiments, the tool  100  is formed of other materials including other biocompatible materials. 
     In use, the tool  100  may be placed within a body of a patient. The tool  100  may be placed such that the first portion  152  of the distal portion  150  engages a first portion of a connector and the second portion  154  of the distal portion  150  engages a second portion of the connector. The first portion  112  of the handle portion  110  may then be moved with respect to the second portion  114  of the handle portion  110  to move the distal portion from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The movement moves the first portion of the connector towards the second portion of the connector to connect the connector and any tubular members coupled to the connectors. The user may then release the handle portion to return the distal portion to the open configuration (because of the bias member). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an apparatus  200  according to an aspect.  FIG. 3  is a side view of a portion of the apparatus  200 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus  200 .  FIG. 5  is a side view of the apparatus  200  in an open configuration.  FIG. 6  is a side view of the apparatus  200  in a closed configuration. 
     In some embodiments, that tool  200  may be used to engage connectors that may be used to connect tubular member or tubes of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the tool  200  may be used to engage connectors used to connect tubular members of a penile implant such as a penile implant or a penile prosthesis. 
     The tool  200  includes a handle portion  210  and a distal portion  250 . The handle portion  210  includes a first portion or member  212  and a second portion or member  214 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion  212  of the handle portion  210  is a separate member from the second portion  214  of the handle portion  210 . 
     The distal portion  250  includes a first portion or member  252  and a second portion or member  254 . In some embodiments, the distal portion  250  is configured to engage a portion of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion  250  is configured to engage connectors or portions of a connector that are used to connect tubular members of a bodily implant. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion or member  252  includes a connector engagement portion  253  and the second portion or member  254  includes a connector engagement portion  255 . 
     The first portion or member  252  of the distal portion  250  is configured to move with respect to the second portion or member  254  of the distal portion  250 . For example, in one embodiment, the first portion or member  252  is configured to move with respect to the second portion or member  254  from a first configuration (or open configuration) to a second configuration (or closed configuration). The distance between the first portion or member  252  and the second portion or member  254  in the first configuration is greater than the distance between the first portion or member  252  and the second portion or member  254  when in the second configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  200  includes a biasing member  290 . The biasing member  290  is configured to bias the tool  200  such that the distal portion  250  is biased into one of its configurations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  290  is configured to bias the distal portion  250  to an open configuration. In other embodiments, the biasing member may be configured to bias the distal portion to a closed configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  290  is a spring member. In other embodiments, the biasing member is another type of biasing device or member. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion or member  252  of the distal portion  250  is operatively coupled to the second portion or member  214  of the handle portion  210 . For example, a pin or rivet type coupler  266  pivotally or rotatably couples the first portion or member  252  of the distal portion  250  to the second portion or member  214  of the distal portion  210  at a first location. The first portion or member  252  of the distal portion  250  is also coupled the first portion  212  of the handle portion  210  via a pin or a rivet type coupler  264  at a second location different than the first location. 
     Similarly, the second portion or member  254  of the distal portion  250  is operatively coupled to the first portion or member  212  of the handle portion  210 . For example, a pin or rivet type coupler  262  pivotally or rotatably couples the second portion or member  254  of the distal portion  250  to the first portion or member  212  of the handle portion  210  at a third location. The second portion or member  254  of the distal portion  250  is also coupled the second portion  214  of the handle portion  210  via a pin or a rivet type coupler  268  at a fourth location different than the third location. 
     The first portion or member  212  of the handle portion  210  is operatively coupled to the second portion or member  214  of the handle portion  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion or member  212  of the handle portion  210  is pivotally or rotatably coupled to the second portion or member  214  of the handle portion  210  via a pin or rivet type coupler  269  at a fifth location. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifth location is between the first location and the second location and is also between the third location and the fourth location. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion  212  of the handle portion  210  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  214  of the handle portion  210 . Movement of the first portion  212  with respect to the second portion  214  causes the first portion  252  of the distal portion  250  to move with respect to the second portion  254  of the distal portion  250 . For example, movement of the first portion  252  of the handle portion  250  with respect to the second portion  254  of the handle portion  250  may cause the distal portion  250  to move from the first configuration (open configuration) to the second configuration (closed configuration). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion or member  212  of the handle portion  210  includes a stop or contact portion  282 . The second portion or member  214  of the handle portion  210  includes a stop or contact portion  284 . The stop or contact portion  282  is configured to contact or engage the stop or contact portion  284  when the first portion or member  212  moves towards the second portion or member  214 . 
     In some embodiments, the tool  200  is configured to be a single use device. In other words, in some embodiments, the tool  200  is configured to be used in a single procedure on a single patient and then discarded or disposed of. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  200  is formed of a biocompatible plastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion, the second portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the distal portion, and the second portion of the distal portion are formed or made from a biocompatible plastic material. In other embodiments, the tool  200  is formed of other materials including other biocompatible materials. 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a connection member of a bodily implant and the use of the tool  200 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a first connector member FC may be placed between two tubular members TM of a bodily implant. A second connector member SC may be placed over one of the tubular members and a third connector member TC may be placed over the other of the tubular members. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the tool or apparatus  200  may be placed within a body of a patient. The tool or apparatus  200  may be placed such that the first portion  252  of the distal portion  250  engages the second connection member SC and the second portion  254  of the distal portion  250  engages the third connection member TC. The first portion  212  of the handle portion  210  may then be moved with respect to the second portion  214  of the handle portion  210  to move the distal portion from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The movement moves the second connector member SC towards the third connector member TC to couple the second connector member SC to the first connector member FC and the second connector member SC to the third connector member TC. Accordingly, the tubular members TM may be coupled together. The user may then release the handle portion to return the distal portion to the open configuration (for example, because of the bias member). 
       FIGS. 10-13  illustrate an apparatus  300  according to an aspect. 
     In some embodiments, that tool or apparatus  300  may be used to engage connectors that may be used to connect tubular member or tubes of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the tool  300  may be used to engage connectors used to connect tubular members of a penile implant such as a penile implant or a penile prosthesis. 
     The tool  300  includes a first elongate member  310  and a second elongate member  350 . The first elongate member  310  includes a handle portion  312  and a distal portion  314 . The second elongate member  350  includes a handle portion  352  and a distal portion  354 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion  314  of the first elongate member  310  and the distal portion  354  of the second elongate member  350  are configured to engage a portion or portions of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portions are configured to engage connectors or portions of a connector that are used to connect tubular members of a bodily implant. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end portion  314  and the distal end portion  354  each include a connector engagement portion. 
     The distal end portion  314  and  354  are configured to move with respect to each other. For example, in one embodiment, the distal end portions  314  and  354  are move a first configuration (or open configuration) to a second configuration (or closed configuration). The distance between the distal end portions  314  and  354  in the first configuration is greater than the distance between the distal end portions  314  and  354  when in the second configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  300  includes a biasing member  390 . The biasing member  390  is configured to bias the tool  300  such that the distal portions  314  and  354  is biased into one of the configurations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  390  is configured to bias the distal portions  314  and  354  to an open configuration. In other embodiments, the biasing member may be configured to bias the distal portion to a closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  300  includes a first and second biasing members  390 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  390  is a spring member. In other embodiments, the biasing member is another type of biasing device or member. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first elongate member  310  includes a first projection  322  and a second projection  324 . The second elongate member  350  includes a first receiving portion  356  that is configured to receive the first projection  322  of the first elongate member  310 . The second elongate member  350  also includes a second receiving portion  358  that is configured to receive the second projection  324 . 
     Similarly, the second elongate member  350  includes a first projection  322  and a second projection  324 . The second elongate member  350  includes a first receiving portion  356  that is configured to receive the first projection  322  of the first elongate member  310 . The second elongate member  350  also includes a second receiving portion  358  that is configured to receive the second projection  324 . 
     In some embodiments, the tool  300  is configured to be a single use device. In other words, in some embodiments, the tool  300  is configured to be used in a single procedure on a single patient and then discarded or disposed of. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  300  is formed of a biocompatible plastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion, the second portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the distal portion, and the second portion of the distal portion are formed or made from a biocompatible plastic material. In other embodiments, the tool  300  is formed of other materials including other biocompatible materials. 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate a tool  400  according to another aspect. The tool  400  may be used to engage connectors that may be used to connect tubular member or tubes of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the tool  400  may be used to engage connectors used to connect tubular members of a penile implant such as a penile implant or a penile prosthesis. 
     The tool  400  includes a handle portion  410  and a distal portion  450 . The handle portion  410  includes a first portion  412  and a second portion  414 . In some embodiments, the first portion  412  of the handle portion  410  is a separate member from the second portion  414  of the handle portion  410 . In other embodiments, the first portion  412  and the second portion  414  may be formed unitarily or monolithically. 
     The distal portion  450  includes a first portion  452  and a second portion  454 . In some embodiments, the distal portion  450  is configured to engage a portion of a bodily implant. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion  450  is configured to engage connectors that are used to connect tubular members of a bodily implant. 
     The first portion  452  of the distal portion  450  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  454  of the distal portion  450 . For example, in one embodiment, the first portion  452  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  454  from a first configuration (or open configuration) to a second configuration (or closed configuration). The distance between the first portion  452  and the second portion  454  in the first configuration is greater than the distance between the first portion  452  and the second portion  454  when in the second configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  400  includes a biasing member  490 . The biasing member  490  is configured to bias the tool  400  such that the distal portion  450  is biased into one of its configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the biasing member  490  is configured to bias the distal portion  450  to an open configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  490  is a biased hinge such as a living hinge member. 
     The first portion  412  of the handle portion  410  is configured to move with respect to the second portion  414  of the handle portion  410 . Movement of the first portion  412  with respect to the second portion  414  causes the first portion  452  of the distal portion  450  to move with respect to the second portion  454  of the distal portion  450 . For example, movement of the first portion  412  of the handle portion  410  with respect to the second portion  414  of the handle portion  410  may cause the distal portion  450  to move from the first configuration (open configuration) to the second configuration (closed configuration). 
     In some embodiments, the tool  400  is configured to be a single use device. In other words, in some embodiments, the tool  400  is configured to be used in a single procedure on a single patient and then discarded or disposed of. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  400  is formed of a biocompatible plastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the handle portion, the second portion of the handle portion, the first portion of the distal portion, and the second portion of the distal portion are formed or made from a biocompatible plastic material. In other embodiments, the tool  400  is formed of other materials including other biocompatible materials. 
     In use, the tool  400  may be placed within a body of a patient. The tool  400  may be placed such that the first portion  452  of the distal portion  450  engages a first portion of a connector and the second portion  454  of the distal portion  450  engages a second portion of the connector. The first portion  412  of the handle portion  410  may then be moved with respect to the second portion  414  of the handle portion  410  to move the distal portion from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The movement moves the first portion of the connector towards the second portion of the connector to connect the connector and any tubular members coupled to the connectors. The user may then release the handle portion to return the distal portion to the open configuration (because of the bias member). 
     While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the embodiments.