Patent ID: 7291145
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical apparatus comprising: an energizable surgical device having a hand piece connectable to a source of energy, the hand piece having a surgical tool supported by the hand piece; an activation circuit in connection with the source of energy, the activation circuit being connectable with the handpiece, the activation circuit having a first state disconnecting the source of energy from the handpiece, and the activation circuit having a second state for connecting the source of energy to the handpiece; an electrical switch operable with the hand piece, the electrical switch being disposed to connect the source of energy to the surgical tool when the activation circuit is in the second state; and a sensing element responsive to a designated level of oxygen in the air environment area of the surgical tool, the sensing element being operable to change the activation circuit between the first state and the second state, or the second state to the first state according to the sensed level of oxygen.