Transection device

Abstract

A transection device including a hollow tubular body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of stabilizing members extend from the distal end of the tubular body and define a reduced diameter opening into a receiving chamber adjacent the distal end of the tubular body. A blade is positioned within the tubular body and moveable between an initial position within the tubular body to an extended position wherein at least a portion of the blade extends into the receiving chamber. A depressible member extends from the proximal end and is configured to move the blade between the initial position and the extended position. A compression member may be positioned between the plunger member and the blade.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transection device comprising:
 a tubular body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with an internal chamber extending between the proximal and distal ends;   a plurality of stabilizing members extending beyond the distal end of the tubular body, the stabilizing members defining a reduced diameter opening into a receiving chamber adjacent the distal end of the tubular body;   a cutting member positioned within the tubular body and moveable between an initial position within the tubular body to an extended position wherein at least a portion of the cutting member extends into the receiving chamber; and   a depressible member extending from the proximal end and configured to move the blade between the initial position and the extended position.   
     
     
         2 . The transection device according to  claim 1  further comprising a compression member positioned between the plunger member and the compression member. 
     
     
         3 . The transection device according to  claim 2  wherein the compression member is a compressible spring. 
     
     
         4 . The transection device according to  claim 2  wherein the compression member is a compressible mass. 
     
     
         5 . The transection device according to  claim 4  wherein the compressible mass is selected from a foam material, a rubber material, other elastomeric material or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein the tubular body has a curved configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The transection device according to  claim 6  wherein an axis of the proximal end is angled relative to an axis of the distal end. 
     
     
         8 . The transection device according to  claim 7  wherein the axis of the proximal end is angled relative to the axis of the distal end by about 45°. 
     
     
         9 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein opposed finger rests extend outwardly from the tubular body proximate to the proximal end. 
     
     
         10 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the stabilizing members include a flexible arm with an inwardly extending protrusion at a distal end thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The transection device according to  claim 10  wherein at least one of the stabilizing members includes a linear arm which defines a cutting support surface. 
     
     
         12 . The transection device according to  claim 1  comprising four stabilizing members evenly circumferentially spaced with respect to one another. 
     
     
         13 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein the depressible member is a plunger with a contact surface positioned outside of the tubular body and a force applying surface within the tubular body. 
     
     
         14 . The transection device according to  claim 13  wherein the force applying surface directly contacts the cutting member. 
     
     
         15 . The transection device according to  claim 13  wherein the force applying surface contacts a compression member which in turn contacts the cutting member. 
     
     
         16 . The transection device according to  claim 13  wherein an extension member extends between the force applying surface and a block connected to the cutting member. 
     
     
         17 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein the cutting member has a double-edge cutting surface. 
     
     
         18 . The transection device according to  claim 1  further comprising an interchangeable head connectable with the tubular body, the interchangeable head having a body which defines the plurality of stabilizing members. 
     
     
         19 . The transection device according to  claim 18  wherein the cutting member is moveably supported within the body of the interchangeable head. 
     
     
         20 . The transection device according to  claim 19  wherein upon attachment of the interchangeable head to the tubular body, the cutting member is aligned with the depressible member. 
     
     
         21 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein the reduced diameter opening faces distally. 
     
     
         22 . The transection device according to  claim 1  wherein the reduced diameter opening faces substantially perpendicular to an axis of the distal end of the tubular body. 
     
     
         23 . A transection device head comprising:
 a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an internal chamber;   a plurality of stabilizing members extending from the tubular body distal end, the stabilizing members defining a reduced diameter opening into a receiving chamber adjacent the distal end of the tubular body; and   a cutting member positioned within the tubular body and moveable between an initial position within the tubular body to an extended position wherein at least a portion of the cutting member extends into the receiving chamber.