Electrosurgery smoke suction apparatus

An electrosurgical apparatus comprises: a main body formed with a suction passage therein; an extension member including a length adjusting tube coupled to a side of the main body and formed therein with an induction passage communicating with the suction passage, and a sliding part configured to slide while being guided by the length adjusting tube; and a blade configured such that a first end thereof protrudes outside through the sliding part, and a second end thereof extends to be electrically connected to the main body and receives high frequencies from the main body, wherein an entire length of the extension member is adjusted according to a position of the sliding part sliding along the length adjusting tube.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to an electrosurgical apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrosurgical apparatus, in which the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with a blade is easily collected toward a main body.

In general, an electrosurgical unit (ESU) is a typical medical device that is used to cut a part of human tissue or coagulate tissues and blood using electricity instead of surgical knife, mainly in a surgical operation. The ESU, which utilizes the principle of generating short sparks or heat without causing electric shock or stimulation to the muscles when a high frequency current flows through the human body, is used to cut the desired tissue with a high frequency energy of about 100° C. or coagulate the same with a high frequency energy of about 60° C.

Meanwhile, the ESU cuts or coagulates using the principle of high frequency current, and in this process, due to the high temperature of the electrode, moisture in the tissue is evaporated and smoke is generated. There are substances in the smoke that can adversely affect the health of a doctor who performs the operation. If the operation is carried out for a long time, the doctor and the nurse may inhale a large amount of smoke, which can seriously harm physical health. Thus, it is important that a doctor does not inhale such smoke during the surgical procedure. Further, smoke may blur the doctor's vision.

FIG. 1is a view showing a conventional electrosurgical apparatus with suction ability.

Referring toFIG. 1, a conventional electrosurgical apparatus10with suction ability is configured such that a suction passage part14is mounted to a lower portion of a main body12. Further, a blade16is mounted to an end of the main body12to receive high frequencies from the main body12.

In the conventional electrosurgical apparatus10, when a practitioner cuts or coagulates the body tissue using the blade16while gripping the main body12, smoke is generated in the body tissue in contact with the blade16. Generally, since the smoke heated by combustion is hotter than the ambient air, the density thereof is low and it rises vertically.

However, when gripping the main body12, the practitioner grips the main body12at a slant angle of about 45 degrees, just as he or she would hold a normal pen, so the smoke generated around the blade16is not guided to the suction passage part14but rises vertically as described above since the distance between main body12and the blade16is too far, and accordingly the smoke is not properly sucked in through the suction passage part14.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present invention is intended to propose an electrosurgical apparatus, in which the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with a blade is easily collected toward a main body.

In order to achieve the above object, according to some aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrosurgical apparatus including: a main body formed with a suction passage therein; an extension member including a length adjusting tube coupled to a side of the main body and formed therein with an induction passage communicating with the suction passage, and a sliding part configured to slide while being guided by the length adjusting tube; and a blade configured such that a first end thereof protrudes outside through the sliding part, and a second end thereof extends to be electrically connected to the main body and receives high frequencies from the main body, wherein an entire length of the extension member is adjusted according to a position of the sliding part sliding along the length adjusting tube.

Further, the length adjusting tube may include a length adjusting part formed in a tubular shape and formed with the induction passage therein, a coupling part protruding from a rear end of the length adjusting part facing the main body so as to be coupled with the main body, and a length adjusting-locking step protruding from an outer circumferential surface of a front end of the length adjusting part disposed opposite to the main body; and the sliding part may be formed in a tubular shape having an inner circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the length adjusting-locking step, wherein the sliding part includes a stopper having elasticity protruding inwardly from a rear end thereof facing the main body, and in a process of inserting the front end of the length adjusting part into the rear end of the sliding part, the stopper is elastically deformed by pressure of the length adjusting-locking step when the length adjusting-locking step passes by the stopper.

Further, the length adjusting part may be provided with a guide groove concavely formed from the front end towards the rear end thereof; and after the front end of the length adjusting part may be inserted into the rear end of the sliding part, when the sliding part is moved along the length adjusting part, the stopper slides along the guide groove.

Further, the sliding part may be provided with at least one through-hole at the rear end thereof, and the stopper may include: a ring-shaped fitting part fitted over an outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the sliding part; and a stop protrusion protruding from the fitting part toward inside the sliding part via the through-hole.

Further, the stop protrusion may be provided with a pair of latching portions protruding from opposite sides of a front end portion thereof, and when the front end portion of the stop protrusion is inserted into the through-hole, the pair of latching portions may be elastically deformed and engaged with an inner side of the sliding part.

Further, the length adjusting-locking step may be provided with a fitting groove to allow an O-ring to be fitted over the outer circumferential surface thereof, and an outer circumferential surface of the O-ring may be brought in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sliding part.

Further, in a state where the rear end of the sliding part being moved along the length adjusting part is positioned to be in contact with the coupling part, the sliding part may be integrally provided at a front end thereof with an induction extension part protruding forwardly more than the front end of the length adjusting part; the induction extension part may be configured to have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the sliding part; and the blade may protrude outside the induction extension part via the sliding part.

Further, the main body may include: an outer body extending in a longitudinal direction, and being formed therein with a space along the longitudinal direction; and an inner body configured to be slidable along the space, and provided therein with the suction passage along the longitudinal direction, wherein the length adjusting tube is coupled to the inner body.

According to some aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an electrosurgical apparatus including: a main body formed with a suction passage therein; an extension member including an extension tube coupled to a side of the main body and formed therein with an induction passage communicating with the suction passage, and a sliding tube configured to slide along the extension tube while being inserted in the extension tube; and a blade configured such that a first side thereof protrudes outside through the sliding tube and a second side thereof is electrically connected to the main body to receive high frequencies from the main body, wherein an entire length of the extension member is adjusted according to a position of the sliding tube sliding along the extension tube, and an open front end of the sliding tube is configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body from a bottom to a top thereof.

Further, the extension tube may include: a sliding guide part formed in a tubular shape; an insertion guide part formed integrally protruding from a rear end of the sliding guide part facing the main body to be coupled to the main body; the induction passage formed through the sliding tube and the insertion guide part; and a coupling part configured to allow the blade to be coupled to the sliding guide part or the insertion guide part, and the sliding tube may include: an insertion part configured to slide while being inserted into the sliding guide part; and a grip part integrally provided at a front end of the insertion part, wherein an open front end of the grip part is provided with a suction guider configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body from a bottom to a top thereof.

Further, an upper portion of the suction guider may be formed to be inclined downward to be close to the blade.

Further, the grip part may be formed to have an outer circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the insertion part.

Further, the sliding guide part may be provided an inner circumferential surface thereof with a guide rail concavely formed along a longitudinal direction of the sliding guide part, with the guide rail provided with a through-coupling portion at an end thereof disposed opposite to the main body to be exposed to an outside, the insertion part may be provided an outer circumferential surface thereof with a guide protrusion to slide along the guide rail, and when the insertion part is inserted into the sliding guide part, the guide protrusion may be inserted into the guide rail through the through-coupling portion.

Further, a stopper may be detachably coupled to the through-coupling portion, with a blocking protrusion formed protruding from an inner side of the stopper; when the stopper is detached from the through-coupling portion, the end of the guide rail may be exposed to the outside, such that the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide rail; and when the stopper is coupled to the through-coupling portion in a state where the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide rail, the end of the guide rail may be blocked from the outside by the blocking protrusion, such that the guide protrusion being moved along the guide rail is stopped by the blocking protrusion.

Further, the blocking protrusion may protrude from a middle portion of the stopper.

Further, the insertion part may be provided with a flat portion at a position of the outer circumferential surface thereof facing the guide rail; and when the insertion part is moved along the sliding guide part, the flat portion may slide in contact with the blocking protrusion.

Further, the stopper may be provided with elastic engaging hooks on opposite sides thereof, and the through-coupling portion may be provided with engaging grooves on opposite sides thereof to be engaged with the engaging hooks when the stopper is coupled through the through-coupling portion.

Further, the insertion part may be provided with hook guide channels formed to be concave at positions of opposite sides thereof brought in contact with the engaging hooks such that the engaging hooks slide while being guided thereby.

Further, the main body may include: an outer body formed with a space therein; and an inner body configured to be slidable along the space, and provided with the suction passage therein, wherein the extension tube is coupled to the inner body.

Further, the extension tube may be provided with a support protrusion at a lower side portion thereof to support a lower portion of the sliding tube.

Further, a friction part may be provided between the extension tube and the sliding tube; and a first side of the friction part may be brought into close contact with the sliding tube, and a second side of the friction part may be brought into close contact with the extension tube.

Further, the sliding tube may be provided with a friction guide groove formed to be concave to guide the friction part.

According to some aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an electrosurgical apparatus including: a main body formed with a suction passage therein; an extension member including an extension guide tube coupled to a side of the main body and formed therein with an induction passage communicating with the suction passage, a sliding part configured to slide along the extension guide tube, and a suction guider coupled to a front end of the sliding part that does not face the main body; and a blade locked to an inside of the extension guide tube, and configured such that a first side thereof protrudes outside through the suction guider and a second side thereof is connected to the main body to receive high frequencies from the main body, wherein an open rear end of the suction guider is coupled to the front end of the sliding part, and an open front end of the suction guider is configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body from a bottom to a top thereof.

Further, the extension guide tube may include an extension part formed in a tubular shape with the induction passage formed therein, a coupling part protruding from a rear end of the extension part facing the main body so as to be coupled with the main body, and an extension-locking step protruding from an outer circumferential surface of a front end of the extension part disposed opposite to the main body; the sliding part may be formed in a tubular shape having an inner circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the extension-locking step, and may include a sliding-locking step protruding toward an outer circumferential surface of the extension part along an inner circumferential surface of a rear end of the sliding part disposed at a position facing the main body; and an open front end of the sliding part may be disposed at the extension part via the coupling part, wherein when the front end of the sliding part is disposed to protrude forwardly more than the extension part, the suction guider is coupled to the front end of the sliding part.

Further, the suction guider may be configured to have an inner circumference smaller than an outer circumference of the extension-locking step; when the rear end of the sliding part is disposed at the extension-locking step while the sliding part is slidably moved forwardly along the extension part, the sliding-locking step is engaged with the extension-locking step to limit forward movement of the sliding part; and when the suction guider coupled to the front end of the sliding part is disposed at the extension-locking step while the sliding part is slidably moved backwardly along the extension part, the suction guider is engaged with the extension-locking step to limit backward movement of the sliding part.

Further, the extension part may be protrudingly provided with at least one guide rail on an outer side thereof along a longitudinal direction, the sliding-locking step may be concavely provided with a guide groove to allow the guide rail to be inserted thereinto, and the guide groove may be moved along the guide rail when the sliding part slides.

Further, the guide groove and the guide rail may be brought in contact with each other, and the guide groove may be moved along the guide rail by external pressure.

Further, the suction guider may include an inlet coupling part coupled to the front end of the sliding part, and a suction induction part integrally protruding from a front side of the inlet coupling part to be away from the main body; and the suction induction part may be configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body from a lower portion to an upper portion thereof, wherein the upper portion of the suction induction part protrudes to be inclined so as to be close to the blade.

Further, the suction guider may include an inlet coupling part coupled to the front end of the sliding part, and a suction induction part integrally protruding from a front side of the inlet coupling part to be away from the main body; and the suction induction part may be configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body from a lower portion to an upper portion thereof, wherein the suction induction part is provided at a lower end thereof with an inclined portion to be inclined.

Further, the main body may include: an outer body extending in a longitudinal direction, and being formed therein with a space along the longitudinal direction; and an inner body configured to be slidable along the space, and provided therein with the suction passage along the longitudinal direction, wherein the extension guide tube is coupled to the inner body.

According to the present invention, it is advantageous in that since the sliding part is configured to be moved along the length adjusting part, when the sliding part is moved forward, a small portion of the blade is exposed outside the induction extension part, so the end of the blade700and the induction extension part are positioned to be close to each other, and accordingly, the smoke generated in the body in contact with the blade is easily collected to the inside of the induction extension part.

It is further advantageous in that since the stopper is mounted to the sliding part, the forward movement of the sliding part being moved along the length adjusting part is limited, whereby the sliding part is not undesirably separated from the length adjusting part.

It is further advantageous in that when the sliding part is moved along the length adjusting part, the stop protrusion of the stopper slides along the guide groove, whereby the sliding part cannot be undesirably rotated, and thus, when a user arbitrarily moves the sliding part while gripping the sliding part, it is possible to stably move the sliding part.

It is further advantageous in that since the O-ring is fitted over the length adjusting-locking step, and the outer circumferential surface of the O-ring is brought in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding part, it is possible to prevent the sliding part inserted in the length adjusting part from being undesirably moved.

It is further advantageous in that since the upper portion of the suction guider is formed to protrude more toward the end of the blade than the lower portion of the suction guider, the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with the end of the blade is easily collected to the upper portion of the suction guider.

It is further advantageous in that since the sliding tube slides along the extension tube, it is possible to easily adjust the entire length of the extension member. Further, when the sliding tube slides to be away from the main body, the distance between the suction guider and the front end of the blade becomes shorter, whereby a large amount of smoke generated in the blade is easily collected into the suction guider.

It is further advantageous in that since the guide protrusion of the insertion part slides along the guide rail, the upper portion and the lower portion of the suction guider are not undesirably inverted, whereby the upper portion of the suction guider always protrudes more toward the end of the blade.

It is further advantageous in that when the stopper is coupled to the through-coupling portion in the state where the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide rail, the guide protrusion being moved along the guide rail is stopped by the blocking protrusion, whereby with a simple structure, the insertion part inserted into the sliding guide part cannot be undesirably separated from sliding guide part.

It is further advantageous in that since a frictional force is generated between the flat portion and the blocking protrusion, the insertion part cannot be moved undesirably, whereby when the practitioner forcibly moves the insertion part forward or backward while gripping the grip part, the insertion part is maintained at the moved position.

It is further advantageous in that since the blocking protrusion is formed to have a large area, even though the practitioner moves the sliding tube forward with more force than necessary, the guide protrusion cannot pass over the blocking protrusion, and thus, the blocking protrusion firmly supports the sliding tube being inserted into the extension tube.

It is further advantageous in that since the support protrusion firmly supports the lower portion of the sliding tube, even if the sliding tube is moved forward, the sliding tube is not shaken up and down undesirably.

It is further advantageous in that since the friction part is provided between the sliding tube and the extension tube, the sliding tube cannot be undesirably moved but can slide only when there is pressure by a user.

It is further advantageous in that since the suction guider is provided at the lower front end thereof with the inclined portion, the suction guider is easily moved along skin with the inclined portion being stably brought in contact with the skin.

It is further advantageous in that since the sliding part of the extension member is configured to slide along the extension guide tube, when the sliding part is slidably moved forward, the suction guider is moved to be close to the end of the blade, and thus, the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with the blade is easily collected to the inside of the suction guider.

It is further advantageous in that since the sliding part is slidably moved along the guide rail, the sliding part is not undesirably rotated within the extension part, whereby the upper portion and the lower portion of the suction guider connected with the sliding part are not undesirably inverted.

It is further advantageous in that since the sliding-locking step is configured to be engaged with the extension-locking step when the sliding part is slidably moved forward along the extension part, and thus, the sliding part being moved forward is not undesirably separated from the extension part.

It is further advantageous in that when the practitioner forcibly moves the sliding part forward or backward while holding the sliding part, the sliding part is maintained at a position moved by the practitioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinbelow, an electrosurgical apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2is a schematic view showing an electrosurgical apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 3is a schematic sectional view taken along line A-A′ of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, an electrosurgical apparatus1000according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is used by a practitioner such as a physician to cut or coagulate a part of a patient's body tissue, and includes a main body100, an extension member200, and a blade300.

The main body100includes an outer body110, and an inner body120. The outer body110is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction so that the practitioner can grasp the same by hand, and a space (not shown) is formed therein along the longitudinal direction. Further, an operation button112is provided on the upper portion of the outer body110, and a substrate (not shown) connected to the operation button112is provided inside the upper portion of the outer body110. The substrate is configured to control the amount of high frequency energy transmitted from the outside by the operation of the operation button112, and then transmit the adjusted amount to the blade300. The current and voltage of high frequency may be varied depending on the patient's affected area and the surgical situation.

The inner body120is inserted into the lower portion of the outer body110, and is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction, with a suction passage120aformed therein along the longitudinal direction. The front of the suction passage120ais coupled with the extension member200, and the back thereof is connected with a separate suction means (not shown) provided outside to suck air, such that when the practitioner uses the blade300to cut or coagulate a part of the patient's body tissue, smoke spreading around the blade300is sucked in through the extension member200and the suction passage120a. Further, an insertion guide protruding part122is formed protruding from the longitudinal front portion of the inner body120to allow the extension member200to be inserted therein. Meanwhile, although the main body100includes the outer body110and the inner body120, this is only an embodiment of the present invention. In some cases, the outer body110and the inner body120may be integrally formed.

The extension member200allows the entire length to be increased or decreased, thereby guiding a suction guider225(shown inFIG. 4), which will be described later, to be close to or away from the front end of the blade300.

The blade300is used to cut or coagulate a part of the patient's body tissue using high frequencies during the surgical procedure, and is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction and is fastened to the extension member200. Further, the blade300is disposed inside the extension member200, with the front end thereof protruding outside through the suction guider225, and the rear end thereof extending in the direction of the inner body120. Here, the inner body120is provided therein with a contact guide (not shown) for connecting the substrate and the blade300to each other such that the blade300receives high frequencies from the main body100.

Hereinafter, unless noted otherwise, the front, front side, or front end refers to the direction away from the main body100, and the rear, rear side, or rear end refers to the direction close to the main body100.

FIG. 4is an exploded view showing an extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 5is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 6is a schematic cross sectional view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 6, the extension member200includes an extension tube210, a sliding tube220, and a stopper230. The extension tube210includes: a sliding guide part212formed in a tubular shape like a cylinder; and an insertion guide part214formed integrally protruding from a rear end of the sliding guide part212facing the main body100to be inserted into the insertion guide protruding part122of the main body100. Further, a hollow induction passage216is formed through the sliding tube220and the insertion guide part214. When the insertion guide part214is inserted into the insertion guide protruding part122, the induction passage216and the suction passage120acommunicate with each other. Further, the sliding guide part212is provided an inner circumferential surface thereof with a guide rail212aconcavely formed along a longitudinal direction of the sliding guide part212, wherein a through-coupling portion212bis formed through an end of the guide rail212adisposed opposite to the main body100to be exposed to the outside. The through-coupling portion212bis formed to have an open front end such that a guide protrusion223ato be described later is guided thereby. Further, a coupling part is provided such that the blade300is coupled to the sliding guide part212or the insertion guide part214. The coupling part is, for example, formed protruding rearward from the upper portion of the rear end of the insertion guide part214, wherein the coupling part is inserted into the insertion guide protruding part, and the rear end of the blade300is inserted into and coupled to the coupling part.

The sliding tube220includes: an insertion part222configured to slide while being inserted into the sliding guide part212; and a grip part224integrally provided at a front end of the insertion part222. The insertion part222is formed in a cylindrical shape having a length longer than the sliding guide part212. The insertion part222is formed to have an outer circumferential diameter smaller than an inner circumferential diameter of the sliding guide part212to be inserted into the sliding guide part212. Further, the outer circumferential diameter of the insertion part222is formed to be larger than the inner circumferential diameter of the insertion guide part214, such that the insertion part222inserted into the sliding guide part212is stopped by the insertion guide part214, whereby the rearward movement of the insertion part222is limited. Further, the insertion part222is provided with the guide protrusion223aat the rear portion of the outer circumferential surface thereof to slide along the guide rail212awhile being inserted into the guide rail212a. Herein, when the insertion part222is inserted into the sliding guide part212, the guide protrusion223ais inserted into the guide rail212athrough the open front end of the through-coupling portion212b.

The grip part224is formed to have an outer circumferential diameter larger than the outer circumferential diameter of the insertion part222. Thus, when the practitioner moves the grip part224back and forth while gripping the grip part224, the grip part224can be easily moved with the nail or the finger of the practitioner hooked to the rear end of the grip part224connected with the insertion part222. Further, an open front end of the grip part224is provided with the suction guider225configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body100from a bottom to a top thereof. The upper portion of the suction guider225is formed to be inclined downward to be close to the blade300. Accordingly, with the practitioner gripping the main body100at an angle of 45 degrees, the upper portion of the suction guider225protrudes more toward the end of the blade300than the lower portion of the suction guider225. Thus, the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with the end of the blade300is easily collected to the upper portion of the suction guider225. Meanwhile, as the guide protrusion223aof the insertion part222slides along the guide rail212a, the insertion part222cannot be rotated undesirably when being moved along the longitudinal direction of the sliding guide part212, and accordingly, the suction guider225connected with the sliding guide part212cannot be rotated, whereby the upper portion and the lower portion of the suction guider225are not undesirably inverted so that the upper portion of the suction guider225always protrudes more toward the end of the blade300.

The stopper230is configured to cover the through-coupling portion212b, and is detachably coupled to the through-coupling portion212b. To achieve this, a pair of elastic engaging hooks234are formed protruding on opposite sides of the stopper230, and a pair of engaging grooves212care formed in opposite sides of the through-coupling portion212bto be engaged with the engaging hooks234. Further, when the stopper230is coupled to the through-coupling portion212b, the pair of engaging hooks234are elastically deformed and detachably engaged with the engaging grooves212c. Further, a blocking protrusion232is formed protruding from an inner side of the stopper230, so as to limit the forward movement of the guide protrusion223abeing moved along the guide rail212a. In other words, when the stopper230is detached from the through-coupling portion212b, the end of the guide rail212ais exposed to the outside by the through-coupling portion212b, and in this state, the insertion part222is inserted into the sliding guide part212. Here, the guide protrusion223ais inserted into the guide rail212avia the through-coupling portion212b. Further, when the stopper230is coupled to the through-coupling portion212bin the state where the guide protrusion223ais inserted into the guide rail212a, the end of the guide rail212ais blocked from the outside by the blocking protrusion232, such that the guide protrusion223abeing moved along the guide rail212ais stopped by the blocking protrusion232, and accordingly, the insertion part222inserted into the sliding guide part212cannot be undesirably separated from sliding guide part212.

Meanwhile, at a position of the outer circumferential surface thereof facing the guide rail212a, the insertion part222is provided with a flat portion223formed to be flat along the longitudinal direction of the insertion part222. Further, when the insertion part222is moved along the sliding guide part212, the flat portion223slides in contact with the blocking protrusion232. As such, the blocking protrusion232is guided while being in surface contact with the flat portion223, so that the insertion part222can stably slide along the blocking protrusion232. Further, since a frictional force is generated between the flat portion223and the blocking protrusion232, the insertion part222cannot be moved undesirably, and thus, when the practitioner forcibly moves the insertion part forward or backward while gripping the grip part224, the insertion part222is maintained at the moved position.

Further, hook guide channels223bare concavely formed in opposite sides of the flat portion223brought in contact with the engaging hooks234along the longitudinal direction, such that the engaging hooks234slide while being guided thereby. In other words, the hook guide channels223bserve to provide a space to which the end portions of the engaging hooks234are accommodated.

FIG. 7is a view showing a state where smoke is collected through a suction guider of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, with the practitioner gripping the main body100at an angle of 45 degrees, the upper portion of the suction guider225protrudes more toward the end of the blade300than the lower portion of the suction guider225. Thus, the smoke generated in the body tissue S in contact with the end of the blade300is easily collected to the upper portion of the suction guider225.

FIGS. 8 and 9are schematic views showing length differences of an extension member depending on a position of a sliding tube of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, referring toFIG. 8, the practitioner moves the grip part224backward while gripping the grip part224. Then, the insertion part222is moved backward, and the length of the sliding tube220exposed outside of the extension tube210is a first length d1. In this state, the distance between the suction guider225and the front end of the blade300becomes longer, and in some cases, if the smoke generated in the blade300is too much, the suction guider225may not perform a suction operation properly.

Next, referring toFIG. 9, the practitioner moves the grip part224forward while gripping the grip part224. Then, the insertion part222is moved forward, and the length of the sliding tube220exposed outside of the extension tube210is a second length d2longer than the first length d1. In this state, the distance between the suction guider225and the front end of the blade300becomes shorter, and thus, a large amount of smoke generated in the blade300is easily collected into the suction guider225.

FIG. 10is an exploded view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 11is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 12is a schematic cross sectional view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10 to 12, the electrosurgical apparatus according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured similar to the first embodiment except that the shape of a stopper235is different from the first embodiment. The extension member200includes the extension tube210, the sliding tube220, and the stopper235. The extension tube210and the sliding tube220are similar to the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The stopper235is detachably coupled to the through-coupling portion212b, and to achieve this, a pair of elastic engaging hooks238are formed protruding from the middle portions of the opposite sides of the stopper235, and a pair of engaging grooves212dare formed in the opposite sides of the through-coupling portion212bto be detachably engaged with the engaging hooks238. Further, a blocking protrusion236is formed protruding from the center of the inner side of the stopper235facing the sliding tube220. Herein, the blocking protrusion236is in surface contact with the flat portion223, such that the guide protrusion223abeing moved forward along the guide rail212ais stopped by the blocking protrusion236. Here, since the blocking protrusion236is formed to have a large area, even though the practitioner moves the sliding tube220forward with more force than necessary, the guide protrusion223acannot pass over the blocking protrusion236, and thus, the blocking protrusion236firmly supports the sliding tube220being inserted into the extension tube210.

FIG. 13is a view showing an extension tube provided in the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 14is a view showing a state where a sliding tube of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is moved forward.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, according to the electrosurgical apparatus1000according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 13, the extension member200is further provided with a support protrusion218, and a friction part240(shown inFIG. 15). The support protrusion218is formed protruding from the front lower portion of the extension tube210to support the lower portion of the sliding tube220. The support protrusion218has a cross section formed in an arc shape, so as to support the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion part222of the sliding tube220formed in a cylindrical shape. Thereby, the sliding tube220slides forward while being guided by the support protrusion218.

Meanwhile, when the insertion part222of the sliding tube220inserted into the sliding guide part212of the extension tube210is moved forward, the insertion part222may be moved downward undesirably by gravity or may be shaken up and down. Thus, since the present invention is configured such that the support protrusion218firmly supports the lower portion of the sliding tube220, even if the sliding tube220is moved forward, the sliding tube220is not shaken up and down undesirably.

FIG. 15is a view showing a friction part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, the friction part240of rubber material is provided between the sliding guide part212of the extension tube210and the insertion part222of the sliding tube220. Here, the insertion part222of the sliding tube220is provided at the rear portion thereof with a friction guide groove222aformed to be concave, such that the friction part240of rubber material or the like is disposed in the friction guide groove222a.

The upper portion of the friction part240is brought in close contact with the friction guide groove222a, and the lower portion of the friction part240is brought in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding guide part212. Thereby, when the insertion part222is about to undesirably slide in the sliding guide part212, the movement of the insertion part222in the advancing direction is obstructed by the friction part240, so that the insertion part222cannot be undesirably moved but can slide only when there is pressure by a user.

FIG. 16is a schematic view showing an electrosurgical apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 17is a view showing a state where an extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is separated from a main body.

Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, an electrosurgical apparatus2000according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is used by a practitioner such as a physician to cut or coagulate a part of a patient's body tissue, and includes a main body500, an extension member600, and a blade700.

The main body500includes an outer body510, and an inner body520. The outer body510is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction so that the practitioner can grasp the same by hand, and a space (not shown) is formed therein along the longitudinal direction. Further, an operation button512is provided on the upper portion of the outer body510, and a substrate (not shown) connected to the operation button512is provided inside the upper portion of the outer body510. The substrate is configured to control the amount of high frequency energy transmitted from the outside by the operation of the operation button512, and then transmit the adjusted amount to the blade700. The current and voltage of high frequency may be varied depending on the patient's affected area and the surgical situation.

The inner body520is inserted into the lower portion of the outer body510, and is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction, with a suction passage520aformed therein along the longitudinal direction. The front of the suction passage520ais coupled with the extension member600, and the back thereof is connected with a separate suction means (not shown) provided outside to suck air, such that when the practitioner uses the blade700to cut or coagulate a part of the patient's body tissue, smoke spreading around the blade700is sucked in through the extension member600and the suction passage520a. Meanwhile, although the main body500includes the outer body510and the inner body520, this is only an embodiment of the present invention. In some cases, the inner body520may be omitted. In this case, the extension member600is coupled to the outer body510.

The extension member600allows the entire length to be increased or decreased, thereby guiding a suction guider630(shown inFIG. 18), which will be described later, to be close to or away from the front end of the blade700.

The blade700is used to cut or coagulate a part of the patient's body tissue using high frequencies during the surgical procedure, and is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction and is fastened to the extension member600. Further, the blade700is disposed inside the extension member600, with the front end thereof protruding outside through the suction guider630, and the rear end thereof extending in the direction of the inner body520. Here, the inner body520is provided therein with a contact guide (not shown) for connecting the substrate and the blade700to each other such that the blade700receives high frequencies from the main body500.

Hereinafter, unless noted otherwise, the front, front side, or front end refers to the direction away from the main body500, and the rear, rear side, or rear end refers to the direction close to the main body500.

FIG. 18is a view showing the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 19is a schematic view showing a coupling process of an extension guide tube and a sliding part provided in the extension member of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 20is a schematic sectional view ofFIG. 19.

Referring toFIGS. 18 to 20, the extension member600includes an extension guide tube610, a sliding part620, and the suction guider630. As for the coupling process of the extension member600, firstly, the sliding part620is coupled to the extension guide tube610, and then the suction guider630is coupled to the sliding part620. Hereinafter, a process of coupling the sliding part620to the extension guide tube610will be described.

The extension guide tube610includes: an extension part612formed in a tubular shape like a cylinder with an induction passage612aformed therein; and an coupling part614protruding from a rear end of the extension part612facing the inner body520so as to be coupled with the inner body520. Further, an outer circumferential surface of a front end of the extension part612disposed opposite to the main body500is protrudingly provided with a ring-shaped extension-locking step613a, and the extension part612is protrudingly provided with at least one guide rail613bon an outer side thereof along a longitudinal direction. The guide rail613bmay be provided with a pair of extension parts612at opposite sides thereof. Further, when the coupling part614is coupled to the inner body520, the induction passage612aof the extension part612and the suction passage520aof the inner body520communicate with each other. The coupling part614is provided at a rear upper portion thereof with a fitting part615into which the blade700is inserted.

The sliding part620is formed in a tubular shape having an inner circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the extension-locking step613a, and may be formed of a transparent material so as to easily secure a visual field. The extension part612is inserted in the sliding part620. Here, in the state where an open front end of the sliding part620is disposed at the outer circumferential surface of the extension part612via the coupling part614, the sliding part is slidably moved forward or backward along the extension part612. Here, along an inner circumferential surface of a rear end of the sliding part620disposed at a position facing the main body500, a sliding-locking step622is formed protruding toward an outer circumferential surface of the extension part612. Further, when the rear end of the sliding part620is disposed at the extension-locking step613awhile the sliding part620is slidably moved forwardly along the extension part612, the sliding-locking step622is engaged with the extension-locking step613ato limit forward movement of the sliding part620. As such, since the sliding-locking step622is configured to be engaged with the extension-locking step613a, the forwardly moving sliding part620is not undesirably separated from the extension part612.

Further, the sliding-locking step622is concavely provided with a guide groove622ato allow the guide rail613bto be inserted thereinto, so that the guide groove622ais moved along the guide rail613bwhen the sliding part620slides. As such, since the sliding part620is slidably moved along the guide rail613b, the sliding part620is not undesirably rotated within the extension part612. This ensures that the upper portion and the lower portion of the suction guider630, which will be described later, are not undesirably inverted, so that the upper portion of the suction guider630is protruded to be always away from the main body500.

Further, since the guide groove622aand the guide rail613bare brought in contact with each other, a frictional force is generated between the guide groove622aand the guide rail613b. Thus, the sliding part620cannot be undesirably moved by the frictional force, so when the practitioner forcibly moves the sliding part620forward or backward while holding the sliding part, the sliding part620is maintained at a position moved by the practitioner.

FIG. 21is a schematic view showing a coupling process of a suction guider to the sliding part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 22is a sectional view showing an inclined portion provided in the suction guider of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 21 and 22, the suction guider630may be formed of a transparent material so as to easily secure a visual field, and includes: an inlet coupling part632coupled to the front end of the sliding part620; and a suction induction part634integrally protruding from a front side of the inlet coupling part632to be away from the main body500.

The inlet coupling part632is formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, an open front end of the sliding part620is disposed at the extension part612via the coupling part614. Further, when the front end of the sliding part620is disposed to protrude forwardly more than the extension part612, the inlet coupling part632is inserted in the front end of the sliding part620. Here, the inlet coupling part632is formed with male threads632aon the outer circumferential surface thereof, and the sliding part620is formed with female threads624on the inner circumferential surface of the front end thereof, and thus, the male threads632aare engaged with the female threads624. Further, the inner circumference of the inlet coupling part632is formed to be smaller than the outer circumference of the extension-locking step613a, such that when the suction guider630coupled to the front end of the sliding part620is disposed at the extension-locking step613awhile the sliding part620is slidably moved backwardly along the extension part612, the inlet coupling part632is engaged with the extension-locking step613ato limit backward movement of the sliding part620.

The suction induction part634is integrally protruding from a front side of the inlet coupling part632. Here, the suction induction part634is configured to protrude to be gradually away from the main body500from a lower portion to an upper portion thereof, wherein the upper portion of the suction induction part634protrudes to be inclined downwardly so as to be close to the blade700. Accordingly, with the practitioner gripping the outer body510at an angle of 45 degrees, the upper portion of the suction induction part634protrudes more toward the end of the blade700than the lower portion of the suction induction part634. Thus, the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with the end of the blade700is easily collected to the upper portion of the suction induction part634.

Meanwhile, depending on the circumstances, the outer body510may be moved with the blade700deeply inserted into the skin. Here, a lower front end of the suction induction part634is moved along the skin while being brought in contact with the skin, wherein the suction induction part634is provided at the lower front end thereof with an inclined portion635, so that the suction induction part is easily moved along the skin with the inclined portion635being stably brought in contact with the skin.

FIG. 23is a view showing a state where the sliding part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is moved backward; andFIG. 24is a view showing a state where the sliding part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is moved forward.

Firstly, referring toFIG. 23, the sliding part620is in the state of being moved backward along the extension part612, and here, a length d3between the rear end of the extension part612and the front end of the suction induction part634is relatively short, and thus a large portion of the blade700is exposed outside the suction induction part.

Next, referring toFIG. 24, the sliding part620is in the state of being moved forward along the extension part612, and here, a length d4between the rear end of the extension part612and the front end of the suction induction part634is relatively long compared toFIG. 23. Here, a small portion of the blade700is exposed outside the suction induction part634, so the end of the blade700and the suction induction part634are close to each other. Accordingly, when the sliding part620is moved forward as needed, the smoke generated in the body tissue in contact with the end of the blade700is easily collected to the inside of the suction induction part634.

FIG. 25is an exploded view showing an electrosurgical apparatus according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 25, an electrosurgical apparatus3000according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is used by a practitioner such as a physician to cut or coagulate a part of a patient's body tissue, and includes a main body800, an extension member900, and a blade950.

The main body800includes: an outer body810extending in a longitudinal direction, and being formed therein with a space (not shown) along the longitudinal direction; and an inner body820configured to be slidable along the space, and provided therein with the suction passage820aalong the longitudinal direction. The main body800is similar to the main body500shown inFIG. 16, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The extension member900allows the entire length to be increased or decreased, thereby guiding an induction extension part924, which will be described later, to be close to or away from the front end of the blade950.

The blade950is used to cut or coagulate a part of the patient's body tissue using high frequencies during the surgical procedure, is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction, and is configured such that a first end thereof is fixed to the inner body820and a second end thereof is exposed outside via the extension member900. The inner body820is provided therein with a power connection part822(shown inFIG. 26) to be electrically connected to the blade950, so the blade950receives high frequencies from the main body800.

Hereinafter, unless noted otherwise, the front, front side, or front end refers to the direction away from the main body800, and the rear, rear side, or rear end refers to the direction close to the main body800.

FIG. 26is a longitudinal sectional view showing the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 27is a cross sectional view showing the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 25 to 27, the extension member900includes a length adjusting tube910coupled to the main body800, a sliding part920into which the length adjusting tube910is inserted, and a stopper930.

The length adjusting tube910includes: a length adjusting part912formed in a cylindrical tubular shape, and formed with an induction passage912atherein to communicate with the suction passage820a; a coupling part916protruding from a rear end of the length adjusting part912facing the inner body820so as to be coupled with the main body800; and a length adjusting-locking step913protruding from an outer circumferential surface of a front end of the length adjusting part912disposed opposite to the main body800. The outer circumferential surface of the length adjusting-locking step913is formed with a fitting groove913ato allow an O-ring918to be fitted thereover. The O-ring918is made of an elastic material such as rubber having a large frictional force, and the outer circumferential surface of the O-ring918is brought in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding part920, thereby preventing the sliding part920from being undesirably moved.

The sliding part920is formed in a tubular shape having an inner circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the length adjusting-locking step913. After the length adjusting part912is inserted in the sliding part920, the sliding part920slides while being guided by the length adjusting part912. Further, the sliding part920is formed to have a length similar to a length of the length adjusting part912, such that in the state where the rear end of the sliding part920being moved along the length adjusting part912is positioned to be in contact with the coupling part916, the front end of the sliding part920does not protrude more than the front end of the length adjusting part912. Here, the front end of the sliding part920is integrally provided with the induction extension part924protruding forwardly more than the front end of the length adjusting part912. The induction extension part924is configured to have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the sliding part920. Further, the blade950protrudes outside the induction extension part924via the sliding part920. The sliding part920and the induction extension part924may be formed of a transparent material so as to easily secure a visual field.

The stopper930is disposed at the rear end of the sliding part920facing the main body800, and to achieve this, the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the sliding part920is concavely formed with an insertion guide groove922, and through-holes922aare formed through the insertion guide groove922at opposite sides thereof. Further, the stopper930includes: a ring-shaped fitting part932fitted over the insertion guide groove922; and a stop protrusion934protruding from the fitting part932toward inside the sliding part920via the through-hole922a. Further, the stop protrusion934is provided with a pair of latching portions934aprotruding from opposite sides of a front end portion thereof. The stopper930is made of elastic material such as rubber or silicone, so that when the front end portion of the stop protrusion934is inserted into the through-hole922a, the pair of latching portions934aare elastically deformed and then are engaged with an inner side of the sliding part920. Further, in the process of inserting the front end of the length adjusting part912into the rear end of the sliding part920to which the stopper930is coupled, when the length adjusting-locking step913forcibly passes by the stop protrusion934of the stopper930, the stop protrusion934is elastically deformed by pressure of the length adjusting-locking step913.

Further, when the sliding part920and the length adjusting part912are coupled to each other as the length adjusting-locking step913forcibly passes by the stop protrusion934of the stopper930, the sliding part920slides forward and backward along the length adjusting part912, wherein when the rear end of the sliding part920is moved toward the front end of the length adjusting part912, the stop protrusion934is engaged with the length adjusting-locking step913, and thus, the sliding part920is not undesirably separated from the length adjusting part912.

Meanwhile, the length adjusting part912is provided with a guide groove914concavely formed from the front end towards the rear end thereof, and after the front end of the length adjusting part912is inserted into the rear end of the sliding part920, when the sliding part920is moved along the length adjusting part912, the stop protrusion934of the stopper930slides along the guide groove914, whereby the sliding part920cannot be undesirably rotated, and thus, when a user arbitrarily moves the sliding part920while gripping the sliding part920, it is possible to stably move the sliding part920.

FIG. 28is a view showing a state where a sliding part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is moved backward;FIG. 29is a view showing a state where the sliding part of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is moved forward; andFIG. 30is a sectional view ofFIG. 29.

Firstly, referring toFIG. 28, the sliding part920is in the state of being moved backward along the length adjusting part912, and here, a length d5between the rear end of the length adjusting part912and the front end of the induction extension part924is relatively short, and thus a large portion of the blade950is exposed outside the induction extension part924.

Next, referring toFIGS. 29 and 30, the sliding part920is in the state of being moved forward along the length adjusting part912, and here, a length d6between the rear end of the length adjusting part912and the front end of the induction extension part924is relatively long compared toFIG. 28. Here, a small portion of the blade950is exposed outside the induction extension part924, so the end of the blade950and the induction extension part924are close to each other. Accordingly, when the sliding part920is moved forward as needed, the smoke generated in the body S in contact with the end of the blade950is easily collected to the inside of the induction extension part924.