Abstract:
An improved electrosurgical scalpel, with light emission, for generating electrical signals intended for applications to the body of a patient via an electrosurgical electrode is provided. An electrosurgical scalpel includes a handle with a receptacle portion of a conductive member for mounting and retaining an electrode blade, a light source with a power source encapsulated within the handle and a means to direct the light emitted outwardly towards the electrode tip. Operation of a switch on the handle to an on position serves to complete a circuit, activating the light source and, thereby directing light through an opening or upper portion and out from the first end of the handle towards the distal end of the electrode blade.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/315,973 filed on Dec. 9, 2008 and entitled LIGHT EMITTING ELECTROSURGICAL SCALPEL, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to diathermic instruments and, more particularly, to a disposable or reusable electrosurgical switch handle and a removable electrode blade that is capable of supplying a high frequency current to a patient. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various forms of diathermic surgical electrosurgical scalpels have been suggested and utilized in the medical field for a considerable period of time. These instruments have been utilized, for example, to burn or cut tissue. Generally, these instruments have utilized three different signals which are characteristically referred to as cutting signals, coagulation or hemostasis signals and a blend of signals or fulgurating signals which combine both the cutting and coagulation signals. These high frequency or radio frequency signals are generally applied to a patient by an electrode and conducted through the patient&#39;s body via a ground path provided by an electrode plate or indifferent plate that is maintained in contact with the patient&#39;s body. The application of the signals to the patient is through an electrosurgical electrode which applies the high frequency energy to a concisely concentrated point on the patient&#39;s body. The relatively large ground electrode plate provides an area for removing the applied energy without affecting the patient. 
     As is known, the actual cutting is accomplished by the concentrated application of high frequency electrical energy which effectively destroys the body cells directly beneath the electrosurgical electrode. The hemostasis or coagulation energy signals produce coagulation by the dehydrating or shrinking of the blood vessel walls around a contained clot of coagulated blood. This fusion or uniform coagulation of the blood vessel and its contents effectively seals of the flow of blood. Typically, such coagulation signals or pulses of energy have a dampened sinusoidal wave form. 
     Activation of the of electrical signals to perform the cutting, coagulation of hermostasis is generally either by activation of a finger operated push contact button, finger operated push contact rocker switch or by foot controlled push contact button switches. The choice of the particular mode of operation of the electrosurgical instrument must frequently be accomplished with a minimum of diversion of the doctor from the site of surgery. In addition, the doctor must be able to maintain his hands on the switching handle that contains the electrosurgical electrode and be able to clearly see the site where the application of the electrode is applied. Finally, it is particularly desirable that the electrosurgical instrument be economically produced, so that it can be disposed after use, thus, insuring a new sterile instrument for each procedure. 
     It is the intention of the subject invention to provide a highly dependable electrosurgical switching handle, that is compatible with existing signal generators, with the addition of a light emitting source thereby directing light through a portion and out from the first end of the handle towards the distal end of the electrode to provide improved illumination to the concentrated application area around the electrode on the patient&#39;s body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a conventional electrosurgical scalpel. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an electrosurgical scalpel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an electrosurgical scalpel, including a cutout view of the area accommodating the power source according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view, with exemplary dimensions in mm, of an electrosurgical scalpel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with alternative positioning of switches. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical scalpel according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with alternative positioning of switches. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an electrosurgical scalpel, with optical lens arrangement illustrating light emission outwardly towards the electrode tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an electrosurgical scalpel, with optical lens arrangement including light guiding sleeve with illustration of light emission outwardly towards the electrode tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an electrosurgical scalpel, including a connection port to an external light power source according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an electrosurgical switching handle that is compatible with electrosurgical generator units for providing cutting and coagulation in the medical field and a method of manufacturing the same. The handle can be molded from plastic and includes a holding member for appropriate connection of electrical leads to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation; a holding member for appropriate connection of electrode for the application of electrical signals for cutting and coagulation; a light source, which could take the form of one or more light bulbs, or one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and is electrically connected with a power source also encased within the handle such that neither the light bulb nor light power source are able to move relative to the handle; a switch externally accessible on the handle opens and closes the circuit between the light power source and light source to effectively energize and de-energize the light source as desired. 
     Upon activation of the light by closing the circuit between the light power source and light source, light is directed out from the first end of the handle towards the distal end of the electrode. 
     In a first preferred embodiment the light power source is one or more batteries, with associated circuit, entirely encapsulated within the handle and isolated and independent from the high frequency electrical signal power supply. Accordingly, when the battery loses the charge, the light source no longer illuminates, however, the electrosurgical switching handle is still used the same as a conventional electrosurgical scalpel. In another preferred embodiment, an alternative, isolated light power source of indefinite life may be connected with the provision of a recharging port which is electrically connected with the light power source. The recharging port is specifically structured for electrical connection with a conventionally available battery recharging device for supplying an electrical recharging current to the light power source. Obviously, in this particular embodiment the light power source would be of a rechargeable type. In another preferred embodiment, the light power source is provided by tapping off available power from the high frequency electrical signal power supply within the handle and is electrically modified to be compatible with the light source and connected to the light source. In another preferred embodiment, an alternative external light power source of indefinite life may be connected with the provision of a connection port which is electrically connected with the light source. The connection port is specifically structured for electrical connection with a conventionally available external power supply device for supplying electrical current to the light source. 
     With the foregoing in mind it is primary object of the present invention to provide a light emitting electrosurgical scalpel, which is extremely durable yet inexpensive to manufacture. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a light emitting electrosurgical scalpel which is specifically designed to protectively encapsulate a light source, light power supply and electrical, conductors within the handle, thereby protecting the contents within the handle from damage due to shock, and maintaining an appropriately ergonomically designed and sized profile for ease of use by the doctors. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light emitting electrosurgical scalpel having a handle with a light source and rechargeable battery therein, the handle being provided with a recharging port for recharging the battery. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a light emitting electrosurgical scalpel having a light guiding shaft extending from a first end thereof and terminating at a distal end, wherein the electrosurgical scalpel is specifically designed to direct light through a solid light conducting medium from within the handle towards the distal end of the electrode. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light emitting electrosurgical scalpel having handle with a light source with electrical connection to an external light power source, the handle being provided with a connection port. 
     The present invention both to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art of designing diathermic instruments to make and use the invention and sets forth the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the operation of the present invention has been described herein to provide an easily manufactured sterile electrosurgical switching handle instrument having component part of an economical nature, so that the instrument is disposable after a single operation on a patient. Thus, the present invention has been optimized to insure the availability of a sterile electrosurgical instrument for every operation. 
     The electrosurgical switching handle apparatus of the present invention can removably mount an electrode for applying a high frequency electrical signal to biological tissue. The electrode can be powered from a high frequency generator capable of varying the power amplitude of the electrical signals. The doctor can select the desired frequency signal to provide either a cutting or coagulation operative mode. Various forms of high frequency current generators can be utilized along with various forms of electrode blades. With the electrosurgical instrument, a high frequency current will be applied to the tissue by way of an electrode having a relatively small cross section, so as to obtain a high current density at the operation site. Generally, an indifferent electrode which can take the form of a stainless steel plate is operatively connected to the patient and a conductive fluid can be applied to the patient to increase the contact area. It is highly desirable to provide for use with an electrosurgical unit, a disposable sterile switching handle assembly to minimize the possibility of infection. 
     An example of an electrosurgical switching handle apparatus is depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , electrical leads  11 , terminating in a 3-pin plug  12 , to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation, a light emitting device  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a push button switch  23  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , electrical leads  11 , terminating in a 3-pin plug  12 , to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation, a light emitting device  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a push button switch  23  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. Rechargeable batteries  35  are mounted within the handle and a recharging port  36  is provisioned within the handle to provide electrical connection with a conventionally available battery recharging device for supplying an electrical recharging current to the battery. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , a light emitting device  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a slide switch  24  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the from end of the handle. A molded recess  15  is provided for application of advertising logo and dimensions in mm provided for scaling indication. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according; to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , a light emitting device  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating, signals  21  and a slide switch  24  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. Internal ribs  13  of suitable size and position provide the necessary internal support and guide paths for holding circuit board  32 , batteries  31 , electrode  14 , and internal wire connections securely in position. 
     The electrosurgical switching handle assembly includes housing  10  which can have any desired configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the housing  10  is of a tubular shape and is opened at both ends. One end of the housing has a reduced neck portion for mounting a removable electrode blade  14 . Preferably, the housing  10  is formed from an injection moldable plastic. Located in the top of the housing are switch buttons  22 ,  21 , which are individually selected to supply high intensity (cut) or lower intensity (coagulation) signals to the electrode. Adjacent the top portion of the housing  10  is area for appropriate indicia, such as CUT and COAG which can be printed or molded on the exterior of the housing  10  adjacent the protruding button members  22  and  21 . Buttons  22 ,  21  protrude freely down onto the circuit board  32  and the electrode  14 , is mounted such that electrical connection is established between the electrode  14  and the circuit board  32 . 
     An additional switch  24 , is provisioned within the top of the housing  10 , which is a single pole slide switch in this example. Electrical connections are provided by means of wire connections established between the positive side of the batteries  31  to one side of the switch  24 , and the other side of the switch  24  to the positive terminal of the light source  30  (in this case an LED), with the return wire connection from the negative terminal of the light source  30  to the negative side of the batteries  31 . Adjacent the top portion of the housing  10  is area for appropriate indicia, such as ON and OFF which can be printed or molded on the exterior of the housing  10  adjacent the protruding switch member  24 . Switch member  24  protrudes freely down into the housing allowing suitable electrical connection of the wire connections. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , electrical leads  11 , terminating in a 3-pin plug  12 , to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation, a light emitting source comprising two light emitting elements  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a push button switch  23  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. A lens  33  is made of transparent material so that light emitted by the light emitting devices  30  can pass through the front end portion thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , electrical leads  11 , terminating in a 3-pin plug  12 , to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation, a light emitting source comprising two light emitting elements  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a push button switch  23  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. A lens  33  is made of transparent material so that light emitted by the light emitting devices  30  can pass through the front end portion thereof. The light guiding sleeve  34  is made of transparent plastic material and is a hollow tube of a proper length. The light guiding sleeve  34  has a through hole  35  therein corresponding to the shape of the electrode  14 . The electrode  14  is sleeved in the through hole  35  of the light guiding sleeve  34 . The rear end of the light guiding sleeve  34  abuts tightly against the front end of the lens  33 , and the front end thereof extends to be near the tip of the electrode. Thereby, an electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the present invention is formed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a electrosurgical scalpel having a light emitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle  10 , electrical leads  11 , terminating in a 3-pin plug  12 , to a power supply capable of generating the desired radio frequency or high frequency electrical signals for cutting and coagulation, a light emitting device  30 , a push button switch to activate cutting signals  22 , a push button switch to activate coagulating signals  21  and a push button switch  23  to activate the light source. The handle  10  is made of durable plastic material with the light source projecting light through the front end of the handle. A connection port  37  is provisioned within the handle to provide electrical connection with a conventionally available external power supply for supplying an electric current to the light source, there being no light power source included within the main body of the electrosurgical scalpel device. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the foregoing description, and others will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.