Abstract:
A device which illuminates internal tissue and organs of a patient is described. The illumination member includes an array of light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The arrangement of the array depends on the configuration of the device and the procedure for which the device is being used. In all cases, the illumination member is used to illuminate relevant organs or structures in the body in order to increase visibility during surgical procedures. The LED array reduces the potential for inadvertent injury to internal structures for procedures located throughout the body. These procedures include those involving the reproductive organs of males and females, gastric and bariatrics, and other structures in the abdomen.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/295,550, filed Jun. 4, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,955, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/830,696, filed Jun. 4, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of devices fabricated for intracorporeal treatment of the human body. More specifically, the invention comprises a device which can illuminate certain tissue within a patient&#39;s body primarily by passing light through those tissues. The invention assists surgical operations in many ways, including clearly defining a location for an incision. The device, which can take many forms, uses embedded LED lights in order to illuminate the relevant tissue, organ or other structures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The human body consists of a series of internal organs. Like the rest of the human body, internal organs are affected by disease, the inability to function properly, as well as other complications. In these instances, it may become important to investigate, or in the most extreme case, remove the problematic organ(s) or portions thereof. A doctor can investigate the state of a person&#39;s organs or tissue using endoscopy or laparoscopy. The term “endoscope” refers generally to a visualization tool—now typically a small digital camera—that may be inserted into a patient&#39;s body through an existing orifice or a small incision. Similar visualization devices have differing names depending upon their region of intended use. For example, a “laparoscope” is a visualization device that is intended for use in the patient&#39;s abdomen. Using an appropriate “scope” tissue that needs to be removed can be identified and excised using other surgical tools passed into the same area. Laparoscopy continues to become more popular as advancements are made in this field. If laparoscopy is an option for a patient&#39;s surgical procedure, then the benefits can be enormous compared to laparotomy. These advantages include reducing post-operative pain, shortening hospital stays, and reducing recovery times. Although laparoscopy is not always an option for surgery, these advantages have led to more surgical procedures that use laparoscopy or computer-aided laparoscopy. 
         [0004]    In the case of laparoscopy and laparotomy, it is extremely important for the surgeon to have the clearest view possible. Of course, in the case of laparotomy this is less of a problem since the patient has a large incision that allows the surgeon to see into the patient&#39;s body using ambient light from the operating room and fixed lights shining onto the operation region. However, laparoscopic surgery is accomplished using only a few small incisions in the patient&#39;s body with all the structures having to be viewed through the small “scope.” 
         [0005]    Although laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than laparotomy, one commonly cited drawback is a lack of visibility of the operating area as it relates to visualizing hidden critical structures and the limited tactile feedback or the lack thereof altogether in robotic surgery applications. In laparoscopic surgery, this lack of visibility and tactile feedback can potentially lead to injury of vital structures including the ureters, bladder, major vessels, nerves as well as any other structures or organs in the relevant region of surgery (this depends on location of surgery). It would appear, then, that increased visibility would reduce the risk of injury during laparoscopic surgery. 
         [0006]    One of many procedures that benefit from the use of laparoscopic surgery is a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the procedure in which a patient&#39;s uterus is surgically removed. There are several types of hysterectomies that can be performed. For example, a radical hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus, cervix, upper vagina, and parametrium. This type of hysterectomy is commonly used for the treatment of cancer. A total hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus and cervix, with or without oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, leaving the cervix in situ. 
         [0007]    A common device used in laparoscopic hysterectomy is a uterine manipulator. A uterine manipulator is used to delineate the proper plane of dissection for colpotomy at the cervicovaginal junction (which is equipped with a colpotomy cup). In the event of a radical hysterectomy or a procedure involving a patient having cancer, a sponge stick is the preferred tool due to the absence of a stem entering the uterus. While an intrauterine stem is helpful for retraction of the uterus, the risk of inadvertent uterine perforation transabdominally is increased, which can cause upstaging of the cancer due to cancer cells spilling into the abdomen. This must be avoided at all costs. 
         [0008]    A hysterectomy is a procedure which is commonly performed using a laparoscopic or robotically assisted laparoscopic technique. Therefore, what is needed in this particular example is a device that increases the visibility of the location at which to cut and/or cauterize the tissue in order to remove the patient&#39;s uterus more safely and effectively. However, more generally, what is needed is a device that increases the visibility of the location within the body at which the surgical procedure is taking place. Oftentimes the objective is to cut or cauterize tissue, but the objective can include any number of procedures—such as drawing fluid, locating a structure, stapling tissue, or simply maneuvering an organ or other structure. The present invention achieves this objective, as well as others that are explained in the following description. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention comprises a device which illuminates internal tissue and organs of a patient. The device is available in many forms. The form of the device is dependent on the procedure for which the device is used. Each device includes an array of light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The arrangement of the array also depends on the configuration of the device and the procedure for which the device is being used. In the case of the example given in the preceding text, a hysterectomy, the LED array is positioned in the form of a ring embedded within a colpotomy cup. This allows the LED array to transilluminate the tissue surrounding the cervix (illuminate the critical area by actually passing light through a portion of the tissue). When performing a laparoscopic hysterectomy a surgeon inserts a laparoscope and a cutting or cauterization device through ports in a patient&#39;s abdomen. At the same time, a uterine manipulator is often passed through the vagina and into the uterus (often with a “cup” encircling the cervix). Thus, the tissue of the patient is being physically manipulated from one side of an enclosed volume (inside the vagina/uterus) while the actual incision is being performed on the opposite side of this volume (inside the abdomen but outside the uterus. 
         [0010]    In the present invention, an array of powerful LED lights is provided on the end of a specially shaped distal end of an elongate member. As an example, in the case of a hysterectomy, the distal end may assume the form of a colpotomy ring with the LED array being disposed about the circumference of the ring. When the LED lights are illuminated the surgeon is able to easily and efficiently locate the colpotomy ring behind the relevant tissue by way of transillumination. The LED array is located inside the vagina/cervix and the surgeon can see the light from the LED&#39;s passing through the wall of the cervix. Thus, the LED array device allows the surgeon to make an incision at the proper location to best remove the uterus safely and effectively. 
         [0011]    Although the example provided is that of a hysterectomy with an LED array in the shape of a ring, the LED array of the present invention may be applied to many procedures and devices. The LED array reduces the potential for inadvertent injury to internal structures for procedures located throughout the body. These procedures include those involving the reproductive organs of males and females, gastric and bariatrics, and other structures in the abdomen. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention for a generic surgical procedure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing a prior art uterine manipulator. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view, showing a prior art device in use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 4  in use during a hysterectomy procedure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, showing another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in use. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, showing another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in use. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a schematic view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 11  in use. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0025]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 illumination member 
                 12 
                 member handle 
               
               
                 13 
                 LED mounting surface 
                 14 
                 elongate member 
               
               
                 16 
                 distal end 
                 18 
                 LED array 
               
               
                 20 
                 uterine manipulator 
                 22 
                 colpotomy ring 
               
               
                 24 
                 intrauterine balloon 
                 26 
                 control handle 
               
               
                 28 
                 elongate member 
                 30 
                 positioning member 
               
               
                 32 
                 cutting device 
                 34 
                 vaginal canal 
               
               
                 36 
                 cervix 
                 38 
                 body of patient 
               
               
                 40 
                 tissue 
                 42 
                 LED 
               
               
                 44 
                 LED power cord 
                 46 
                 balloon 
               
               
                 48 
                 LED adjustment knob 
                 50 
                 uterus 
               
               
                 52 
                 suction port 
                 53 
                 irrigation port 
               
               
                 54 
                 esophagus 
                 56 
                 stomach 
               
               
                 58 
                 antrum 
                 59 
                 suction port 
               
               
                 60 
                 bladder 
                 62 
                 penis 
               
               
                 64 
                 urethra 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The present invention provides a device which illuminates a region of interest within a patient&#39;s body during surgery or other medical procedures.  FIG. 1  shows a relatively simple embodiment that includes the preferred features. Illumination member  10  varies with each application for various procedures. Here, illumination member  10  includes member handle  12 , LED mounting surface  13 , elongate member  14 , distal end  16 , and light emitting diode (“LED”) array  18 . 
         [0027]    In general, distal end  16  is inserted into the patient&#39;s body. Elongate member  14  creates distance between the operator and the cavity in which illumination member  10  is inserted. Although elongate member  14  is shown as a cylinder with a linear axis in space, it may have a curved axis in space. It may also include features allowing it to be bent in various ways to conform to the relevant anatomy. In addition, LED array  18  is shown as two linear arrays, but LED array  18  can take many forms such as a curved array, a circular array, or any other planar shape including a singular LED. Most of these embodiments will be demonstrated in the following examples of alternate embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0028]    One of the primary applications for illumination member  10  is that of a hysterectomy, or the removal of a uterus and/or other reproductive organs. In order to aid the reader&#39;s understanding, it is helpful to consider some prior art instruments used in this procedure.  FIG. 2  illustrates a prior art uterine manipulator  20  in conjunction with a colpotomy ring  22  and an intrauterine balloon  24 . This type of prior art device is typically used in a laparoscopic hysterectomy. As illustrated, uterine manipulator  20  includes a control handle  26  and elongate member  28 , which attaches to colpotomy ring  22 , positioning member  30  and pneumo-occluder balloon  24 . In use, the colpotomy ring  22  is inserted into the vaginal canal of the patient until the colpotomy ring  22  reaches the vaginal fornices and cervix. The intra-uterine balloon  24  is directed into the uterus of the patient and is expanded inside of the uterus in order to secure the device. A series of ports are inserted through the abdomen of the patient which allows accommodation of the laparoscope and other suture or specialized laparoscopic instruments such as cutting/cauterizing devices, specimen retrieval bag, Endo Stitch suture-assist device or a tissue morcellator. 
         [0029]    The reader will appreciate that a variety of laparoscope instruments can be used to perform a hysterectomy. Thus, the application should not be limited by the use of any specific instruments. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the cutting device  32  enters the patient&#39;s body such that the relevant tissue to be cut or cauterized is between the cutting device  32  and the colpotomy ring  22 . The viewing device is typically inserted next to cutting device  32 . Thus, the viewing device cannot directly see the location of the colpotomy ring other than by noting the bulge it creates in the cervical tissue. The surgeon may therefore have a difficult time identifying the exact location at which the tissue should be cut or cauterized. 
         [0030]    As illustrated, uterine manipulator  20  is fully inserted into the vaginal canal  34 . Intrauterine balloon  24  is inflated in order to keep uterine manipulator  20  in position. Colpotomy ring  22  is positioned within the vaginal fornices at the opening of the cervix  36 . During the operation a cutting device  32  enters the patient&#39;s body  38  through a port (not shown). The surgeon must position cutting device  32  such that as the cut through the tissue  40  is made, the cuff of the colpotomy ring  22  is on the opposing side. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the present invention used for this same hysterectomy procedure. Illumination member  10  replaces uterine manipulator  20  and its associated colpotomy ring. In a preferred embodiment, illumination member  10  includes member handle  12 , elongate member  14 , distal end  16 , and LED array  18  (as discussed in the preceding text). In addition to the primary elements, this embodiment of illumination member  10  includes colpotomy ring  22 , intrauterine balloon  24 , and positioning member  30 . The reader will note that an important difference between prior art uterine manipulator  20  and this embodiment of illumination member  10  is the addition of LED array  18 . Also, illumination member  10  preferably includes LED power cord  44  (which may run internally within elongate member  14 ). Preferably, LED power cord  44  leads to a power switch device (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the switch has multiple functions, including the capability of switching the LEDs ON/OFF, dimming and brightening, flashing, etc. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 4  being used in a laparoscopic surgery. As illustrated, illumination member  10  is fully inserted into the vaginal canal  34 . Colpotomy ring  22  is positioned within the vaginal fornices at the opening of the cervix  36 . LED array  18  is located at the upper cuff of the colpotomy ring  22 . During the operation a cutting device  32  enters the patient&#39;s body  38  through a port (not shown). The surgeon must position cutting device  32  such that as the cut through the tissue  40  is made, the cuff of the colpotomy ring  22  is on the opposing side. 
         [0033]    The present illumination member  10  allows the surgeon to effectively see through the tissue to identify the exact location of colpotomy ring  22 . When the LED&#39;s are switched on, they shine through the tissue wall defining the cervix. The surgeon, who is looking through the laparoscope on the opposite side of the tissue wall, can actually see the LED&#39;s and thereby precisely visualize the location of the colpotomy ring. As discussed above, LED lights  42  can be brightened if tissue  40  is thick and difficult to see through or can be selectively dimmed as the tissue is cut so that the light is not too bright. 
         [0034]    This procedure illustrates a general case of the invention&#39;s use. It is most effective in illuminating a tissue wall that separates a first volume within a patient&#39;s body from a second volume. In the case of laparoscopic surgery of  FIG. 5 , the first volume is contained within the vagina/cervix/uterus. Access to this volume is obtained through a first opening in the patient&#39;s body (the vagina). Illumination member  10  is inserted through the vagina and thereby gains access to this first volume. 
         [0035]    The second volume in this scenario is the volume within the abdominal cavity that lies outside the vagina/cervix/uterus. Access to this second volume is obtained via an incision. The LED array is then placed against the tissue wall and the LED&#39;s are illuminated. The light from the LED&#39;s shines through the tissue wall and becomes visible in the second volume. 
         [0036]    Illumination of the relevant tissue in the first volume of the patient allows the surgeon to identify the location of that tissue via laparoscope inserted into the second volume of the patient. In the case of a hysterectomy, that tissue is to be cut in order to remove the patient&#39;s uterus. However, other surgical action can be taken. Surgical action can take many forms—some examples include cutting, grasping, cauterizing, scraping, stitching, puncturing, securing, strengthening, viewing, reshaping, stapling, or removing. The reader will note that this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all the surgical actions that can be accomplished, but rather some examples given to demonstrate the large number of surgical actions. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to any single surgical action. 
         [0037]    The reader will also note that tissue  40  creates a wall of tissue between the first and second volumes as described in the preceding text. In the case of the hysterectomy, that wall of tissue is the region where surgical action is required. Transillumination of the wall of tissue indicates to the surgeon which region to cut. In general, a wall of tissue may separate the first volume and the second volume. It should be noted, however, that surgical action does not necessarily occur at the wall of tissue. In fact, the wall of tissue may simply provide the barrier between the two volumes. 
         [0038]    Oftentimes, especially in the case of cancer, it is dangerous to insert positioning member  30  and intra-uterine balloon  46  into the uterus. In the case of accidental perforation of the uterus, cancerous cells could spill into the abdomen. Typically, a doctor will use ring forceps grasping a sponge instead of uterine manipulator  20  in order to avoid entering the uterus. This technique allows for very limited manipulation of the tissue while limiting the risk of uterine perforation by entering the uterus.  FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of illumination member  10  that is intended to deal with this situation. The reader will notice that the embodiment illustrated is similar to uterine manipulator  20 . Illumination member  10  includes member handle  12  and colpotomy ring  22  located on distal end  16 . This particular embodiment of illumination member  10  allows the surgeon to transilluminate the relevant tissue surrounding the cervix (as discussed in the preceding text) without any pieces entering the uterus. Thus, even in the case of cancer in the uterus or other complications, LED array  18  can be utilized in order to more readily and effectively perform a hysterectomy. 
         [0039]    Still another embodiment of the illumination member  10  is shown in  FIG. 7 . The reader will note that the distal end  16  of illumination member  10  is enlarged compared to the previous embodiment. As illustrated, LED array  18  can take the form of a ring or LEDs  42  can span distal end  16  axially. The organization of LEDs  42  on distal end  16  is dependent on the application of illumination member  10 . Thus, the reader should not limit the scope of the present invention based on the form or placement of LED array  18 . 
         [0040]    The embodiment of illumination member  10  in  FIG. 7  is used as a vaginal plane delineation device. The device is used as a transvaginal retraction and positioning device for vaginal vault dissection during a sacrocolpopexy surgical procedure.  FIG. 8  shows the device in use. LED array  18  allows for transillumination of the vaginal vault in order to better delineate the vesicovaginal plane and the rectovaginal plane. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows yet another alternate embodiment of illumination member  10 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the application of this particular embodiment. Preferably, the embodiment of illumination member  10  in  FIG. 9  is used in gastric and bariatric surgical procedures in order to provide visible and tactile delineation of the antrum of the stomach. Illumination of this region using LED array  18  allows a surgeon to easily identify the placement of the distal end  16  of the device  10 . In addition, illumination member  10  preferably includes components similar to those of a gastric calibration tube such as suction port  52 . In addition, illumination member preferably includes irrigation port  53 . Suction port  52  and irrigation port  53  allow the surgeon to add and remove liquid during a procedure in the gastric channel. 
         [0042]    This particular embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the patient&#39;s esophagus  54 , through stomach  56  and into antrum  58 . The reader will note that this particular embodiment is preferably made flexible in order to navigate the gastric channel. It may also include guiding wires that a surgeon can employ to manipulate the curvature and deflection direction of the device. In a preferred embodiment, elongate member  14  is fabricated from a soft, hollow conduit such as silicone. LED array  18  is preferably located at the very tip of distal end  16 . Preferably, member handle  12  includes a check valve mated with a syringe (not shown) which is used to fill balloon  46 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate the application of illumination member  10  as a Foley catheter. This embodiment includes the all of the components of a typical prior art Foley catheter with the addition of LED array  18 . In addition to the management of urination, a catheter is also used to identify the bladder during surgical procedures. Preferably, elongate member  14  is fabricated from a flexible, hollow material. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes two hollow conduits—one is used for the drainage of urine and the other is to inflate balloon  46 . LED array is preferably embedded into balloon  46 , but can also be attached at the tip of distal end  16  as illustrated. 
         [0044]    As illustrated, illumination member  10  is inserted into the urethra  64 , spanning the length of penis  62  and into bladder  60 . By illuminating LED array  18  within bladder  60 , surgeons working in the abdominal cavity proximate the bladder can positively identify the location of the bladder, thereby avoiding accidental injury to the bladder and surrounding structures. 
         [0045]    A circular stapler spike is used to perform anastomoses in a patient. The spike portion is coupled with an anvil in the alimentary canal for the creation of end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses.  FIG. 13  shows illumination member  10  in the form of the spike used for anastomoses. LED array  18  allows illumination of the region of interest inside the patient during a surgical procedure. Preferably, illumination member  10  is a disposable spike which replaces the original spike on a circular stapler device. However, illumination member  10  can also take the form of a sheath that fits over the original spike on the stapler device. In either form, the spike increase visibility for the surgeon in order to perform anastomoses. 
         [0046]    Returning to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , some preferred features of the invention will be discussed in more detail. The reader will note that the distal end of the illumination member assumes the form of a shaped surface (in this case a cylinder with a smoothly filleted leading edge). It is preferable to contour this surface so that it rests smoothly against the anatomy it is intended to contact. The portion of this surface that contains the LED array is known as an “array mounting surface.” This surface is shown generally in  FIG. 1 , but it is preferably included with each embodiment. This surface is preferably shaped to place the LED&#39;s in position against the relevant tissue wall. Of course, in some cases a simple shape will suffice. 
         [0047]    Each embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a power source and controller for the LED array. Preferably, the power source is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. However, in the case where the illumination member is disposable, along with the circuitry, a less expensive power supply can be used such as AA batteries. The controller for the LED array can be as simple as a power ON/OFF switch. In the preferred embodiment of illumination member, the LED controller has dimming functionality. In some embodiments, the LED power source and controller are integral to the member handle. This is the preferred configuration, but may not be possible in all embodiments. 
         [0048]    LED lights are particularly beneficial when applied to devices that enter the body or contact the tissue of a patient and in use during a laparoscopic surgery because of the natural properties of a LED light, namely, that LED lights are small in area and can achieve high brightness while remaining cool to the touch. Further, LED lights are powerful, have lower energy consumption and have a longer lifetime. Thus, it is important that the present ring device include light-emitting diodes lights. 
         [0049]    The preceding description contains significant detail regarding novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by examples given.