Abstract:
Presented are a method and apparatus for surgical procedures. An exemplary apparatus includes a body having a longitudinal axis and a connection opening at a first end of the longitudinal axis, the connection opening including an electrical connection to an electrical circuit maintained within the body and an air path extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The apparatus further includes a tube assembly having a distal end and a mating end along a tube longitudinal axis, the tube assembly having a vacuum inlet circumscribing an electrode extending from the distal end, the vacuum inlet operable for receiving surgical smoke, the vacuum inlet fluidly connected to an air tube extending through the tube longitudinal axis, the mating end operable to be removably affixed to the connection opening thereby connecting the electrode with the electrical connection and the air path with the air tube, and a first button.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to smoke evacuation, and, more specifically, to an electrosurgical device with smoke evacuation during medical procedures. 
       Description of Related Art 
       [0002]    Surgical smoke and aerosol, or plume, is created in connection with surgery. For example, when laser or electrosurgical energy is delivered to a cell, heat is created. This heat vaporizes the intracellular fluid, which increases the pressure inside the cell and eventually causes the cell membrane to burst. In this example, a plume of smoke containing water vapor is released into the atmosphere of the operating room or doctor&#39;s office. At the same time, the heat created may char the protein and other organic matter within the cell, and may cause thermal necrosis in adjacent cells. The charring of cells may also release other harmful contaminants, such as carbonized cell fragments and gaseous hydrocarbons. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for surgical procedures. 
         [0004]    A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a body having a longitudinal axis and a connection opening at a first end of the longitudinal axis, the connection opening including an electrical connection to an electrical circuit maintained within the body and an air path extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The apparatus further includes a tube assembly having a distal end and a mating end along a tube longitudinal axis, the tube assembly having a vacuum inlet circumscribing an electrode extending from the distal end, the vacuum inlet operable for receiving surgical smoke, the vacuum inlet fluidly connected to an air tube extending through the tube longitudinal axis, the mating end operable to be removably affixed to the connection opening thereby connecting the electrode with the electrical connection and the air path with the air tube. The apparatus still further includes a first button arranged on an external surface of the body operable for controlling a current flow to the electrode at a first level. 
         [0005]    A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and an electrical rod at a first end of the longitudinal axis, the electrical rod operably coupled to an electrical circuit maintained within the body, the body comprises an air path extending through the longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical device further includes a tube assembly having a distal end and a mating end along a tube longitudinal axis, the tube assembly having a vacuum inlet circumscribing an electrode extending from the distal end, the vacuum inlet operable for receiving surgical smoke, the vacuum inlet fluidly connected to an air tube extending through the tube longitudinal axis, the mating end comprising a socket operable to be removably connected to the electrical rod thereby connecting the air path with the air tube. The electrosurgical device still further includes a first button arranged on an external surface of the body operable for controlling a current flow to the electrode at a first level. 
         [0006]    A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method. The method includes providing a body having a longitudinal axis and a connection opening at a first end of the longitudinal axis, the connection opening including an electrical connection to an electrical circuit maintained within the body and an air path extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The method further includes providing a tube assembly having a distal end and a mating end along a tube longitudinal axis, the tube assembly having a vacuum inlet circumscribing an electrode extending from the distal end, the vacuum inlet operable for receiving surgical smoke, the vacuum inlet fluidly connected to an air tube extending through the tube longitudinal axis, the mating end operable to be removably affixed to the connection opening thereby connecting the electrode with the electrical connection and the air path with the air tube. The method still further includes providing a first button arranged on an external surface of the body operable for controlling a current flow to the electrode at a first level. 
         [0007]    The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the disclosure are possible without departing from the basic principle. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electrosurgical device of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the electrosurgical device of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electrosurgical device of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrosurgical device of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a vacuum tube extension. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrosurgical device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electrosurgical device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a front cross-sectional view of the cam locking mechanism of the device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 7  shown in the locked position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 7  shown in the unlocked position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrosurgical device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 12  shown in the locked position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 12  shown in the unlocked position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, debris, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or of rotation, as appropriate. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof, this invention provides an electrosurgical pen  20  having a body  23 . The body  23  may be ergonomically shaped to be received by a user&#39;s hand. The body  23  may be pencil shaped and may have a longitudinal axis  24 . At the left hand side of the body  23 , a threaded opening  25  may receive interchangeable tube assemblies  27  and  28 . In  FIG. 1 , the shorter tube assembly  27  is attached to the body  23 . The longer tube assembly  28  is shown separated from the body  23 . The tube assemblies  27 ,  28  have different lengths which may be suitable depending on the surgical site or the preference of the user. The interchangeable tube assemblies change the overall reach of the electrode  26  and the air suction. Various length extensions may be available for each electrosurgical device  20  and each tube assembly may have a built in electrode  26  or the ability to swap the electrode  26 , based on the preference of the user. The tube assemblies  27 ,  28  may surround an electrode  26 . The electrode  26  may have a uninsulated end portion  30  ( FIG. 2 ), insulated portion  31  ( FIG. 2 ), and a mounting portion  32  ( FIG. 2 ). At the end of the tube  28 , a threaded portion  33  provides a mating surface for engaging with the threaded opening  25  on the body  23 . In this manner the tube assemblies  27 ,  28  may be interchanged. The distal ends  35 ,  36  of the vacuum tube assemblies  27 ,  28  comprise inlets  38 ,  39  for receiving surgical smoke when using the pen  20 . 
         [0025]    The device  20  may be provided with a first button  41  arranged on the external surface  44  of the body  23 . The first button  41  may control the current flow to the device at a first level. The device  20  may have a second button  4   7  for controlling a current flow at a second level to the electrode  26 . The current may be provided at different levels depending on the application. For cutting, a higher current level is required, whereas, coagulation requires less current. 
         [0026]    Additional buttons may be added for controlling the vacuum source, a light source or the like. 
         [0027]    There may be many different lengths for the tubing. Also, the tube may be connected in other ways such as by a mechanical lock or an interference fit. 
         [0028]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , the tube assembly  28  may be removably attached to the body  23  by means of the threaded connection  33 . An electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the electrode  26  may be made via a metal rod  56  or strip. The metal rod  56  is electrically connected to the electrode  26  and makes electrical contact with the printed circuit board when the tube assembly  28  is inserted into the end of the body  23 . The tube assembly  28  is attached to the body  23  by rotating the tube assembly  28  to engage the threaded connection  33  with the threaded opening  25  at the end of the body  23 . As shown, there is an electrode holder  50  that is electrically connected to the printed circuit board to provide power to the electrode  26 . The electrode  26  may be received by a metal sleeve connector  53  that is connected to a conductive rod  56 . The conductive rod  56  goes into the electrode holder  50  to make the electrical contact with the printed circuit board. The electrode  26  may have an uninsulated end portion  30 , an insulated portion  31  and a mounting portion  32  that engages with the metal sleeve connector. The insulated portion  31  may be provided in applications where the user may have a need to remove the electrode  26  and replace it with a different electrode  26 . 
         [0029]    The tube assembly  28  has a passageway around the electrode  26  for air to pass into the body  23  where it is in fluid communication with an air channel  60  disposed inside the body  23 . The body  23  may be provided with a swivel connection  63 . The swivel connection  63  may lead to the vacuum source. 
         [0030]    In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , an electrosurgical device  120  may utilize a metal contact in order to secure a tube assembly  127  to the body  123  of the electrosurgical device  120 . A connecting metal rod  156  ( FIG. 4 ) or strip may span from the electrode  126  in the tube assembly  127  to a blade socket  160  disposed inside the body of the pen  120 . The connection between the tube assembly  127  and the body  123  is made by inserting the metal rod  156  into the socket  160 . The interface between the electrode  126  and the metal rod  156  may include a metal sleeve connector  162  and a metal rod guide  164 . The end  130  of the tube assembly  127  is provided with mating surfaces and one or more alignment guides  163  to provides for correct orientation of the tube assembly  127  with the opening in the body  123 . The electrical connection between the electrode  126  and the printed circuit board is made by insertion of the metal rod  156  (which is electrically connected to the electrode  126 ) into the socket  160  which is electrically connected to the printed circuit board inside the body  123 . A long tube  128  containing an electrode  126  is shown separated from the body  123 . The mating surfaces and alignment guides  163  are shown on the right hand side of the tube assembly  128 . The tube  28  has a passageway for air that is disposed in fluid communication with an air channel  166  disposed in the body  123  of the electrosurgical device  120 . The electrosurgical device  123  may also be provided with a swivel connector  169 . 
         [0031]    In another alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , an electrosurgical device  220  has a body  223  with an opening  225  on the left hand side. The opening  225  has a locking pin engagement slot  229  formed therein for receiving a locking pin  233  on the end of a tube assembly  228 . The tube assembly  228  receives an electrode  226  and engagement of the tube assembly  228  with the body  223  of the electrosurgical device  220  brings the electrode  226  into electrical contact with the printed circuit board inside the body  223  to connect the electrode  226  to the electrical circuit so that it can be activated by cut and coagulate buttons  241  and  247 . 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 6 , in yet another embodiment of the invention, a tube assembly  327  may be provided with a removable air tube extension  330 . The extension  330  may be connected to the end of the tube assembly  327  by means of an interference fit. The extension  330  may also be connected to the tube assembly  327  by means of a mechanical lock. The extension may slide back and forth on the tube  327  to reveal or to hide the electrode  326 . The tube assembly  327  is connected to the body  323  of the electrosurgical device  320 . 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 7 , another alternate embodiment is shown. As an alternative to the interchangeable tube assemblies, an electrosurgical device  420  includes a telescoping air tube assembly  427  that surrounds an electrode  426 . The electrode  426  is mounted on the tube assembly  427  such that movement of the tube assembly also moves the electrode  426  as described below. The tube  427  is received inside the body  423  of the electrosurgical device  420  and may be locked into position by a cam as shown in  FIG. 8 . The cam may be activated by a twist lock grip  440  disposed at the front of the body  423 . The twist lock grip  440  may have ribs  445  disposed thereon to provide for a gripping area for the user. 
         [0034]    The electrosurgical device  420  may include buttons  441  and  447  for cutting and coagulating. And the body  423  may include a swivel connector  463  that leads to a vacuum source. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , the tube  427  extends into a channel  450  inside the body  423  and provides an air pathway disposed in fluid communication with an opening inside the swivel  463  that leads to the vacuum source. The electrode  426  may be disposed inside a blade holder  455 . The blade holder  455  is electrically conductive and engages with the end of the electrode  426 . The blade holder  455  is electrically connected to the printed circuit board inside the body  423  such that the electrode  426  may be energized by the cut and coagulate buttons when the electrode  426  is disposed in the blade holder  455 . Rotation of the twist lock grip  440  actuates a cam locking mechanism  460  ( FIG. 9 ) which provides a frictional engagement between the tube  427  and a cam  469  to prevent the tube  427  from sliding relative to the body  423 . 
         [0036]    In  FIG. 9 , the workings of the cam locking mechanism  460  are shown in detail. The cam  469  has an eccentric shape that pivots around a cam lock pivot point  472 . Rotation of the cam  469  counterclockwise unlocks the tube  427  ( FIG. 11 ) so that it can be moved relative to the body  423 . Rotation of the cam  469  clockwise into the position shown in  FIG. 10  causes the cam  469  to engage with the tube  427  to lock it in position. The twist lock grip  440  has a guide pin  470  projecting from an inner surface. The guide pin  470  engages with a slot  473  in the top of the cam  469  such that movement of the twist lock grip  440  from side to side causes rotation of the cam  469  about its pivot point  472 . The cam mechanism may be mirrored in the vertical or horizontal direction to provide similar locking properties with actuation in different directions or the cam being on the bottom of the device. 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment for the telescoping tube arrangement of  FIGS. 9-10  is shown. Electrosurgical device  520  includes a lever lock  530  that provides for locking and unlocking the tube assembly  527 . The lever lock  530  is pivotally attached to the end of the body  523  and pivots about a hinge  524  ( FIG. 13 ). The body  523  may be provided with a swivel  563  at the opposite end that may be connected to the vacuum source. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the tube  527  is disposed inside a cavity  550  in the body  523  and slides into and out of the cavity  550  to vary the length of the tube  527  extending from the body  523 . The electrode  526  may be disposed in the center of the tube  527  in a blade holder  560 . The blade holder  560  receives the end of the electrode  526  and makes an electrical connection. The blade holder  560  is constructed of a conductive material and is disposed in electrical communication with the printed circuit board such that insertion of the electrode  526  into the blade holder  560  provides for energizing of the electrode  526  by means of the cut and coagulation buttons  541  and  547 . The lever lock  530  pivots about hinge  524 . When the lever  530  is pushed downward relative to the body  523 , the portion of the lever  530  below the hinge  524  creates interference and engages with the surface of the tube  527  such that the tube  527  is disposed in an unlocked position ( FIG. 15 ). When the lever  530  is raised upward away from the body  523 , the portion of the lever  530  below the hinge  524  rotates away from interference with the surface of the tube  527  and the tube  527  may be moved relative to the body  523 . The lever mechanism may be present on either side of the device  520  or on the bottom of the device  520 . Also, the lever mechanism may be disposed toward the back of the device instead of the front. 
         [0038]    Each of the above embodiments may be provided with the following additional features. The electrode may be disposed in the center of the air channel pathway inside the vacuum tube. The electrode may be disposed in the top or bottom of the air channel pathway inside the vacuum tube. The electrode may be disposed in the wall of the air channel pathway. This arrangement may split the air channel so that half of the electrode is located within the air channel while the other half of the electrode is outside of the air channel. The vacuum tube may have vanous “cut” angles on its distal end in order to improve performance. The inlet of the vacuum tube may be angled such that inlet is parallel to the line of sight of the user when the device is in use. Also, overmold or rubberized features may be added to the body of the electrosurgical devices to improve grip and comfort. The buttons may have various configurations including different shapes, a rocker switch, different colors or an overmold. The body of the device may be illuminated to help the user see the buttons or other features of the pen. This may be accomplished via an exposed light source or through a clear air tube which would act as a light tube. The light source may be electrically powered or made possible with photoluminescent paint. In addition, the device may include a caddy for extra electrodes or tubes. This holder may attach to the pen, the hose, or may be detached to affix onto somewhere in the surgical theater. 
         [0039]    The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the electrosurgical device has been shown and described, and several modifications and alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims.