Lighting devices for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument

A cordless, battery powered lighting device is disclosed which is configured to be removably installed on a distal end portion of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, and once the lighting device is installed on the distal end portion of the instrument, light automatically projects from the lighting device along the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention is directed to surgical instrumentation, and more particularly, to battery powered lighting devices for attachment to handheld electrosurgical instruments.

2. Description of Related Art

Lighting devices are typically used to allow an operator to illuminate, and thus more precisely control and enhance, a space or area with a lighted field of view. In many situations, a lighting device can be used to illuminate a closed or confined space that would not regularly receive an adequate amount of light, if at all.

Existing lighting devices are connectable to a variety of tools, including, for example, medical devices and hand tools such as screwdrivers, to illuminate the area in which the device or tool is to be used. Such lighting devices and light sources include attachments that have an electrical cord extending therefrom that in turn is connectable to a power source, attachments that are battery powered, and light sources integrally formed within a tool to direct light on a specific field of view.

In medical practice, lighting devices are used to direct light at a specific area being operated on or examined. For example, lighting devices can be used in conjunction with electrosurgical handheld devices, such as an electrosurgical pencil like a BOVIE® pencil used to incise through tissues, and a variety of other operative instruments, such as retractors and forceps. Lighted retractors are commonly used during surgeries to help illuminate the surgical field.

The inventor has discerned a number of disadvantages of previously known lighting devices. For example, known lighting devices that include a light source integrally formed therein are generally expensive, bulky, and can cause injury. Known cordless and corded lighting devices add significant bulk to a tool preventing a user from manipulating the tool with the precision required in many situations and being able to extend the tool into tight spaces.

Additionally, many lighting devices, especially corded lighting devices and overhead lights, require constant repositioning, are cumbersome, are assistant-dependent to hold or re-position, and can be disruptive to a surgical field. Further, corded lighting devices as well as light sources integrally formed within a tool can become hot, burn the user and/or the patient, and possibly even cause a fire.

Headlights can be used as an alternative to a lighting device during a surgical procedure. However, similar to lighting devices, headlights are bulky, commonly require cables to connect to a power source, require constant readjustment, and can pose a potential safety hazard. In addition, headlamps are not sterile. Moreover, being worn on the head of the surgeon, they are at a distance from the surgical field, decreasing their effectiveness, and can be cumbersome to the user, and cause fatigue if worn for an extended period of time.

It is known that when handheld lighting devices, lighted retractors, overhead lights, and/or headlamps are employed during a surgical procedure, the hands/tools of the surgeon can block the light and cast a shadow on the surgical site, which is undesirable. Even the anatomy of the surgical cavity can block the light and cause shadows. Those shadows often require the user to reposition the lighting sources regularly, and can even require the surgeon to move their head to try to angle the headlamp towards the surgical site differently.

A particularly useful lighting device designed for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical device, and in particular, for use with a BOVIE® pen, is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,060, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The subject invention provides improvement to the lighting device disclosed therein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject invention is directed to new and useful lighting devices for installation on a handheld surgical instrument, and preferably, for releasable attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument.

Throughout the summary and detailed description of the invention that follows, reference is made to light emitting sources. These components may be comprised of light-emitting diodes, such as blue LEDs, white LEDs, yellow LEDs, etc. LEDs are advantageous because they consume less energy, have a longer lifetime, are available in smaller sizes, and provide faster switching than other types of lights. Nevertheless, other types of lights may also be used. For example, the light emitting sources could be adapted and configured to produce UV light, including UV-C light to treat or prophylax against infectious organisms.

In one embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting device includes a first outer body portion having a first interior body portion defining a first recess portion for accommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The first outer body portion has a first set of arcuately spaced apart light emitting source at a distal end thereof. The lighting device further includes a second outer body portion having a second interior body portion defining a second recess portion for accommodating the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The second outer body portion has a second set of arcuately spaced apart light emitting source at a distal end thereof.

The first and second body portions of the lighting device are hingedly connected to one another and configured for movement between an open position for receiving the distal end portion of the surgical instrument and a closed positon for engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. Preferably, the first and second outer body portions each have a generally hemi-cylindrical configuration, and the first and second recess portions each have a generally hemi-frusto-conical configuration. It is envisioned that the internal walls of the first and second recess portions could be formed from a flexible or resilient material so that the lighting device could accommodate a variety of surgical instruments of different size and/or geometry.

The first and second outer body portions each define a respective interior cavity housing a battery for powering the lighting sources associated therewith. The light emitting sources of each outer body portion are operatively associated with respective PCB's. A semi-annular lens is associated with the arcuately spaced apart light emitting sources at a distal end of each body portion.

A flexible latch is operatively associated with the first outer body portion for engaging a tab on the second outer body portion when the first and second body portion are moved into a closed position. Alternatively, magnetic or adhesive strips are operatively associated with the first and second outer body portions for maintaining the device in the closed positon. A switch is operatively associated with the recess portion in each outer body portion for activating the lighting sources associated therewith when the first and second body portion are moved into a closed position. It is envisioned that the lighting device would be automatically activated when an instrument is inserted into the device and the latch is closed around it, and it would be deactivating by removing the latch and/or the instrument.

Alternatively, a switch could be operatively associated with only one of the two outer body portions of the lighting device, and the other outer body portion could be connected thereto by a wire or sensor. It is also envisioned that a button could be provide on one of the two outer body portions, instead of a switch, so that when the lighting device is closed around an instrument, the light emitting sources would be activated. This could also be accomplished with an internal switch associated with the flexible latch, in which case the lighting device could detect when the body portions are latched shut and then automatically turn on.

In another embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting device includes a generally hemi-cylindrical outer body defining an interior cavity, an interior body enclosing the interior cavity of the outer body and defining a generally hemi-frusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument, and a set of arcuately spaced apart light emitting source arranged at a distal end of the interior cavity of the outer body. A semi-annular lens is associated with the arcuately spaced apart light emitting sources at a distal end of the body portion.

There are a number of advantages to this embodiment of the invention. First, it can remove the bulk of the body of the lighting device from the line of sight of the surgeon when they look down the face of the electrosurgical instrument (typically they hold it and look down the face with the buttons). The second advantage to this embodiment is its open side, which can readily accommodate different geometries of instruments. For example, some instruments are sold with an integral smoke evacuation line, and this configuration of the lighting device could readily accommodate such a feature.

Preferably, radially outwardly projecting elastomeric wedges are mounted within the hemi-frusto-conical recess for frictionally, resiliently or in spring-loaded manner engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. A battery is housed within the interior cavity for powering the light sources associated therewith when the device is activated. The light emitting source is operatively associated with a PCB. A switch is operatively associated with the recess portion for activating the light emitting sources associated therewith. It is envisioned that the elastomeric wedges could be spring loaded and designed to function both as a way to keep the instrument locked in place within the lighting device and as a way to activate the light if there is a switch or button underneath the wedges. It is also envisioned that the lighting device would be automatically activated when an instrument is inserted into the device, and it would be deactivating by removing the instrument therefrom.

In another embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting device includes a a generally cylindrical outer body portion including an interior body portion defining a generally frusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The outer body portion has a set of circumferentially spaced apart light emitting sources at a distal end thereof.

The lighting device further includes a manually actuated engagement assembly for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument upon reception within the generally frusto-conical recess. The manually actuated engagement assembly includes a pair of spring-loaded and radially inwardly biased diametrically opposed annular engagement bands each having a plurality of engagement teeth for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. Each of the opposed annular engagement bands has a compressible tab associated therewith for releasing the distal end portion of the surgical instrument when they are compressed radially inwardly.

Alternatively, the diametrically opposed annular engagement bands each have an engagement member for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The engagement member could be made from an elastomeric, plastic or metal material. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the conformable nature of the engagement assembly of this embodiment will facilitate the use of the lighting device with instruments of varying size and/or geometry. It is envisioned that the lighting device would be automatically activated when an instrument is received within the engagement assembly and/or deactivating by removing the instrument therefrom.

It is also envisioned that a light source and/or a surgical instrument could be provided with one or more adhesive stickers for adhering the light source to the instrument.

The subject invention is also directed to a kit that includes a handheld surgical instrument; a battery powered lighting device for attachment to the handheld surgical instrument; and a packaging enclosure containing the surgical instrument and the lighting device. Preferably, the handheld surgical instrument is an electrosurgical pencil.

These and other features of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject invention appertains from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following brief description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements of the various embodiments of the subject invention, there is illustrated inFIGS. 1-21, a cordless, battery powered lighting device, indicated generally by the reference numeral20, that is removably installed on a distal end portion of an elongated handheld electrosurgical instrument10, such as a BOVIE® pencil, which is manufactured and sold by Bovie Medical Corporation. In use, once the lighting device20is installed on the distal end portion of the electrosurgical instrument10, an annulus of light automatically and simultaneously projects from the distal end of the lighting device20, having an illumination axis centered along the longitudinal axis of the instrument10.

As best seen inFIGS. 3-5, an elongated electrode blade4having a medially located flange6is operatively associated with an axial opening in the distal end portion2of the instrument10. The electrode blade4can be attached to the instrument10before the lighting device20is installed on the distal end portion of the instrument10or after the lighting device20has been installed on the distal end portion of the instrument10. Once installed, the electrode blade4will be located on the focal axis of the lighting device20.

Referring toFIGS. 3-16, in the first embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting device20has two hingedly connected outer body portions8′ and8″. The first outer body portion8′ has a first interior body portion32′ defining a first recess portion for accommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument10. In addition, the first outer body portion8′ has a first set of arcuately spaced apart LED light sources36operatively associated with a distal end thereof. The second outer body portion8″ has a second interior body portion32″ defining a second recess portion for accommodating the distal end portion of the surgical instrument10. In addition, the second outer body portion8″ has a second set of arcuately spaced apart LED light sources36operatively associated with a distal end thereof. The LED light sources36are surface mounted or otherwise operatively associated with a PCB16, as best seen inFIG. 14. These components may be blue LEDs, white LEDs, yellow LEDs, etc.

The first and second body portions8′ and8″ of the lighting device20are hingedly connected to one another and configured for movement between an open position shown inFIG. 1for receiving the distal end portion2of the surgical instrument10and a closed positon shown inFIG. 2for engaging the distal end portion2of the surgical instrument10. More particularly, as best seen inFIGS. 12 and 16, the first and second outer body portions8′ and8″ have respective axially spaced apart hinge structures26′ and26″ for accommodating a pair of hinge pins24. Preferably, the first and second outer body portions8′ and8″ each have a generally hemi-cylindrical configuration, and the first and second inner body portions32′ and32″ each have respective recess portions that have a generally hemi-frusto-conical configuration.

The first and second outer body portions8′ and8″ each define a respective interior cavity that houses a battery12′ and12″ for powering the LED lighting sources36associated therewith, as best seen inFIGS. 12-14. It is envisioned that the batteries12′ and12″ could be rechargeable or replaceable. As noted above, the LED lighting sources36of each outer body portion8′ and8″ are operatively associated with respective PCB's16′ and16″. The PCBs16′ and16″ can be rigid or flexible. A semi-annular lens14′ and14″ is associated with the arcuately spaced apart LED light sources36at the distal end of each body portion8′ and8″, which is best seen inFIGS. 12 and 15.

It is envisioned that the LED light sources36could be adapted and configured to produce visible light or UV light, including UV-C light. The use of UV-C light sources is intended to treat or prophylax against infectious organisms without requiring the surgeon to pause and specifically treat the tissues in such a manner. Rather, the surgeon may continue to utilize a device such as the electrocautery device10while the cordless, removably attached UV-C lighting device is actively irradiating the same tissues. UV-C radiation has been shown to be more lethal against susceptible organisms with increasing exposure, though increasing distance from the site decreases the effectiveness. With the fixed distance of the light within this device as well as the benefit of concomitant treatment while the surgeon is working, the UV-C light device proves to be a novel method of treatment. In addition, it is envisioned that the device may be configured to deliver concomitant visible lighting to improve illumination alongside UV-C light within the same device.

It is also envisioned that a camera could be operatively associated with one of the PCBs16′ and16″, and that camera could be a NIR camera for illuminating contrast dye or detecting tissue contrast. Associated control circuitry would be provided on the PCB or elsewhere within the lighting device.

A mechanical switch28′ and28″ is operatively associated with the recess portion in each outer body portion8′ and8″ for activating the lighting sources36associated therewith when the first and second body portion8′ and8″ are moved into a closed position around the distal end portion of the instrument10, as shown for example inFIG. 12. Other types of mechanical switching mechanism and/or sensors could be employed, on one or both of the body portions of the lighting device.

As best seen inFIGS. 6-11, a flexible latch18is operatively associated with the first outer body portion8′ for engaging a rigid tab or tooth22on the second outer body portion8″ when the first and second outer body portions8′ and8″ are moved into the closed position ofFIG. 2. This will lock the two body portions together in a closed position. Alternatively, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 17-21, elongated magnetic strips34′ and34″ are operatively associated with the first and second outer body portions8′ and8″, respectively, for maintaining the lighting device20in a closed positon.

Referring now toFIGS. 22-39, there is illustrated another embodiment of the cordless, battery powered lighting device of the subject invention, which is designated generally by reference numeral40. The lighting device40includes a generally hemi-cylindrical or U-shaped outer body42that defines an interior cavity (seeFIGS. 28 and 32), an interior body44enclosing the interior cavity of the outer body42and defining a generally hemi-frusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument10, as shown inFIGS. 24-28.

As best seen inFIG. 35, a set of arcuately spaced apart LED light source62are arranged at a distal end of the interior cavity of the outer body42. A semi-annular lens58, best seen inFIGS. 33 and 36, is associated with the arcuately spaced apart LED light sources62at a distal end of the body portion. Preferably, as best seen inFIGS. 28-32, a pair of radially outwardly projecting elastomeric wedges48(seeFIGS. 38 and 39) are mounted within the hemi-frusto-conical recess of the inner body portion44for frictionally, resiliently or otherwise engaging in a spring-loaded manner the distal end portion of the surgical instrument10.

Referring toFIGS. 29 and 34-35, a battery54is housed within the interior cavity of the outer body42for powering the LED light sources62associated therewith, and the LED light sources62are operatively associated with a PCB52. A mechanical switch56is operatively associated with the recess portion of the inner body portion44for activating the light sources62associated therewith when the distal end portion of the instrument10is engaged therein.

Referring now toFIGS. 40-58, there is illustrated another embodiment of the cordless, battery powered lighting device of the subject invention, which is designated generally by reference numeral50. The lighting device50includes a generally cylindrical outer body portion (72′ and72″) that includes an interior body portion78defining a generally frusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion2of the surgical instrument10, as best seen inFIG. 44. The outer body portion (72′ and72″) has a set of circumferentially spaced apart LED light sources mounted on a PCB board86at a distal end thereof. An annular lens92is associated with the circumferentially spaced apart LED light sources at a distal end of the body portion72, as best seen inFIGS. 26 and 36. A spacer88is disposed between the light sources on the PCB86and the lens92.

A plurality of batteries82are housed within the interior cavity of the outer body portion72for powering the LED light sources associated therewith, and the LED light sources are operatively associated with a PCB86. A switch84is mounted on the PCB86and operatively associated with the recess portion of the inner body portion78for activating the light sources associated therewith.

The lighting device50further includes a manually actuated engagement assembly for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument2upon reception in the generally frusto-conical recess of the inner body portion78. The manually actuated engagement assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed compressible metal tabs74′ and74″ which have respective lower tab spring structures102′ and102″ and semi-annular sets of spaced apart engagement teeth98for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument10. Each metal tab74′,74″ includes a respective integral hinge structure104for interacting with hinge structures96′ and96″ on the outer body portions (72′ and72″) by way of hinge pins94′ and94″. A proximal end cap76encloses the engagement teeth98of metal tabs74′ and74″ within the outer body portion72′,72″.

In use, the diametrically opposed metal tabs74′ and74″ are moved from an engaged, radially inwardly disposed position shown inFIGS. 50 and 52, to a disengaged, radially outwardly disposed position shown inFIGS. 51 and 53, by applying an inwardly directed force on tabs74′ and74″.

In an alternative embodiment of the subject invention illustrated inFIG. 58, the manually actuated engagement assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed metal or plastic tabs112each having a lower tab structure102, a tab hinge structure104and an semi-annular upper tab structure116each having an over-molded elastomeric engagement member118for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument10. This feature will allow the lighting device to be employed with surgical instruments of different size and/or geometry.

It is also envisioned and well within the scope of the subject disclosure that the lighting device could be provided with a mechanism that generates an audible or visible signal to that would indicate that the lighting device is properly engaged on the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. It is envisioned that the lighting device could also include an accelerometer or similar sensor that would turn on the LED light sources when the surgical device is moved from a horizontal to a vertical orientation and turn off the LED light sources when the surgical instrument is moved from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

It is also envisioned that the lighting device could be operatively associated with an inductive coupling that would be attached to the power cord of the surgical instrument so that when the surgical instrument is activated and current flows through the power cord, the LED light sources in the lighting device are activated, and when current is not flowing through the power cord, the light sources are not illuminated.

The subject invention is also directed to a kit that includes a handheld surgical instrument; a battery powered lighting device for attachment to the handheld surgical instrument; and a packaging enclosure containing the surgical instrument and the lighting device. Preferably, the handheld surgical instrument is an electrosurgical pencil. The lighting device contained in the packing enclosure could be either one of the lighting devices disclosed herein, or it could be the lighting device disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,060, the disclosure of which has been previously incorporated by reference.

While the subject disclosure has been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject disclosure.