COLPOTOMY CUP-LIKE STRUCTURE AND INTRAUTERINE MANIPULATOR INCLUDING SAME
A cup-like structure for engaging a cervix of a patient includes a rim, and includes a base defining an aperture through which one or more tubular members of a uterine manipulator may extend into the uterus. The cup-like structure is made from one or more of a polyphthalamide (PPA) material and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. A uterine manipulator including a cup-like structure is also disclosed.
1 . An intrauterine manipulator assembly, comprising a distal portion in communication with a handle, the distal portion comprising:
a balloon for engaging the inside of a uterine wall of a patient; and
a cup-like structure for engaging a cervix of the patient, the cup-like structure including a rim, and a base defining an aperture through which one or more tubular members extend, the base located proximate the balloon, the cup-like structure consisting essentially of one of a polyphthalamide (PPA) and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
2 . The intrauterine manipulator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of about a 30 percent glass-filled polyphthalamide (PPA).
3 . The intrauterine manipulator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of about a 45 percent glass-filled polyphthalamide (PPA).
4 . The intrauterine manipulator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of polyphthalamide (PPA) having substantially no glass fill therein.
5 . The intrauterine manipulator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
6 . A cup-like structure for engaging a cervix of a patient, comprising:
a rim configured to surround at least a portion of an anterior and posterior vaginal formix of the patient; and
a base defining an aperture therein, wherein at least one of the rim and the base consists essentially of one of a polyphthalamide and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
7 . The cup-like structure of claim 6 , wherein the cup-like structure substantially does not disassociate particulate fragments when contacted with a harmonic cutting device.
8 . The cup-like structure of claim 6 , wherein the cup-like structure substantially does not melt or burn when exposed to a CO 2 laser cutting device.
9 . The cup-like structure of claim 6 , wherein the material of the at least one of the rim and the base exhibits a melting temperature at least substantially equivalent to the higher of a temperature of radiation emitted from a CO 2 laser cutting device and a temperature produced in the material of the one of the rim and the base by contact with a harmonic cutting device.
10 . The cup-like structure of claim 8 , wherein the cup-like structure substantially does not form jagged melt edges when contacted with a harmonic cutting device.
11 . The cup-like structure of claim 10 , wherein the cup-like structure substantially does not emit smoke or gas when contacted with a harmonic cutting device.
12 . The cup-like structure of claim 11 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of about a 30 percent glass-filled polyphthalamide.
13 . The cup-like structure of claim 11 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of about a 45 percent glass-filled polyphthalamide.
14 . The cup-like structure of claim 11 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of a polyphthalamide having substantially no glass fill therein.
15 . The cup-like structure of claim 11 , wherein the cup-like structure consists essentially of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).