Device for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery

Abstract

A device and system for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery; and, especially plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery requiring Umbilicoplasty and/or umbilicus transposition is provided. The device embodies an umbilicus shield, which envelops the Umbilicus during abdominal surgery. The device includes a tubular element, having a distal end and a proximal end, containing near its proximal end, means for releasable retaining suture material from tacking stitches taken in the umbilicus to provide means for drawing the Umbilicus into the tubular element. The suture material is advantageously drawn through the tubular element by means of a suture shuttle which contains, proximate its distal end, means for releasable retaining the suture material. The device facilitates umbilicoplasty and umbilicus transposition during abdominal surgery; prevents nicks or cuts during circum umbilicus dissection; prevents nicks, cuts, or amputation of the umbilicus during defattening and/or abdominal flap dissection; reduces the possibility of Umbilical Pedicel strangulation during Rectus Abdominis Musculoaponeurotic Plication; and indicates the exact location of the Umbilicus for the new umbilical orifice during umbilical transportation.

1 . A device for protecting the umbilicus during subcutaneous abdominal surgery comprising: an umbilicus shield including an open-ended vessel having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is adapted for encapsulating the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel; and, at least a pair of retaining means, deposed proximate the proximal end, for releasably retaining tacking sutures drawn through the open-ended vessel for drawing the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel.  
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the open-ended vessel is a tubular element; and, wherein the means for releasably retaining suture material is at least a pair of notches disposed in a lip on the proximal end of the open-ended vessel.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a suture shuttle element, for slidable insertion into the open-ended vessel, having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the suture shuttle element contains, proximate its distal end, means for releasably retaining the tacking sutures.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the means for releasably retaining the tacking sutures comprises at least a pair of notches.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular element has an upstanding collar portion disposed upon the proximal end of the tubular element and the notches are disposed in the upstanding collar portion.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular element has opposing ears disposed peripherally of the proximal end of the tubular element and the notches are disposed in the opposing ears.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular element is adjustable and telescoping including a base element and a locking element which cooperate such that the tubular element can be adjusted to the patient's panniculus of fat.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the base element includes a channel containing locking notches; and, the locking element includes a locking pin on the outer surface thereof for releasably matingly engaging the locking notches.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the tubular element contains, on the proximal outer surface thereof, markings in relationship to such notched portions to orient the tubular element, relative to the notches.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the markings are black printed “UP” and “DOWN”, R (right) and L (left) wherein each is disposed in each quadrant of the tubular element, wherein UP marks the superior (upper) aspect of the midline on the patient; and, DOWN marks the inferior (bottom) aspect of the midline of the patient.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the suture shuttle element contains, atop its proximal end a plunger type circular knob; and, proximate its distal end a plate in which the means for releasably retaining the tacking sutures is disposed.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the suture shuttle element contains, atop its proximal end a plunger type circular knob; and, proximate its distal end slanted notches containing eyelets interior thereof to allow the tacking sutures to slip there through.  
   
   
       13 . A system for protecting the umbilicus during subcutaneous abdominal surgery comprising: 
 a.) an umbilicus shield including an open-ended vessel having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is adapted for encapsulating the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel during the subcutaneous abdominal surgery; and, at least a pair of retaining means deposed proximate the proximal end for releasably retaining tacking sutures drawn through the open-ended vessel for drawing the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel; and,    b.) a suture shuttle element, for slidable insertion into the open-ended vessel, having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the suture shuttle element contains, atop its proximal end a plunger type circular knob; and, proximate its distal end at least a pair of retaining notches for releasably retaining the tacking sutures.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the open-ended vessel is a tubular element, and; wherein the means for releasably retaining the suture material is at least a pair of notches disposed in a lip on the proximal end of the open-ended vessel.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the retaining notches contain eyelets interior thereof to allow suture material to slip there through.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the tubular element has an upstanding collar portion disposed upon the proximal end of the tubular element and the notches are disposed in the upstanding collar portion.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the tubular element has opposing ears disposed peripherally of the proximal end of the tubular element and the notches are disposed in the opposing ears.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the tubular element is adjustable and telescoping including a base element and a locking element which cooperate such that the tubular element can be adjusted to the patient's panniculus of fat which must be navigated during umbiliplasty.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the base element includes a channel containing locking notches; and, the locking element includes a locking pin on the outer surface thereof for releasably matingly engaging the locking notches.  
   
   
       20 . A system for protecting the umbilicus during umbiliplasty comprising: 
 a.) an umbilicus shield including an open-ended a tubular element having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is adapted for encapsulating the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel during the subcutaneous abdominal surgery; and, at least a pair of notches disposed in the proximal lip of the open-ended vessel for releasably retaining tacking sutures drawn through the open-ended vessel for drawing the umbilicus within the proximal end of the vessel; and,    b.) a suture shuttle element, for slidable insertion into the open-ended vessel, having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the suture shuttle element contains, atop its proximal end a plunger type circular knob; and, proximate its distal end at least a pair of retaining notches having eyelets interior thereof to allow suture material to slip there through.    
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the tubular element is adjustable and telescoping including a base element and a locking element which cooperate such that the tubular element can be adjusted to the patient's panniculus of fat which must be navigated during umbiliplasty.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the base element includes a channel containing locking notches; and, the locking element includes a locking pin on the outer surface thereof for releasably matingly engaging the locking notches.