Abstract:
An enclosure of a power source for medical treatment devices includes a handle portion extending from a first surface of the enclosure. The handle portion includes a standoff extending away from the first surface, and a flange extending transversely from the standoff and defining a plane that is generally parallel to the first surface. Together, the first surface, the standoff, and the flange define an open annular space. A power cable may be wound about the standoff to at least partially occupy the open annular space. One or more notches in the flange are configured to seat the power cable to secure its loose end(s). In this manner, the power cable can be safely stored to reduce the risks that the power cable may become damaged, may interfere with other devices in the treatment area, or may be misplaced.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present embodiments relate to medical treatment devices, and in particular to a cable management system for a medical treatment device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various medical procedures use a power source that includes a cable and handle that connect to a medical treatment device, such as radio frequency ablation devices and radio frequency (RF) generators that drive heating segments. For example, one endovenous treatment for venous reflux disease, as well as other diseases in a hollow anatomical structure (HAS), is to apply energy from an RF generator to a heating segment within the HAS. The heating segment uses radio frequency heating to create targeted tissue ablation to seal off damaged veins. The RF equipment typically includes an RF generator and a catheter having a heating segment located at the distal end, which is inserted into the vein(s) during treatment. The heating segment uses RF energy driven by the RF generator to heat and seal the vein. 
         [0003]    A power cable generally extends between the RF generator and the catheter. Typically, the generator remains outside the sterile field, and the power cable is long enough to reach into the sterile field. The cable must also be long enough to enable the user to easily maneuver and manipulate the device. When not in use, the power cable should be arranged and kept in an orderly fashion to, for example, prevent misuse, contamination, damage, loss, or interference with other components and/or users. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention provides a system to manage a power cable and handle or medical treatment device such that the power cable and handle are stored on the power source, yet easily accessible. The various embodiments of the present cable management system have several features. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their features now will be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the present embodiments provide the advantages described herein. 
         [0005]    In general, in one aspect, the implementation of the disclosure features a medical treatment system including a power source having an enclosure with a first surface. An enclosure handle portion including a standoff extends from the first surface of the enclosure, and a flange extends from the standoff. The flange defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface, and the standoff, the flange, and the enclosure first surface define boundaries of an open annular space. The medical treatment system also includes an elongate power cable having a proximal end configured for coupling to the power source, and a distal end. A handle is disposed at the distal end of the power cable, and the handle includes a body portion and a distal end configured for coupling to a treatment apparatus. The flange includes a depression having a size and shape configured for matingly receiving the handle. The system further includes a first magnetic portion within the depression, and a second magnetic portion within the handle. The first and second magnetic portions are configured to retain the handle within the depression via a magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic portions. 
         [0006]    One or more of the following features may be included. The flange may define an outer edge having at least one notch. The at least one notch may include an inner portion spaced from the flange outer edge and have a diameter configured for receiving the power cable. The at least one notch may further include an outer portion adjacent the flange outer edge, and have a minimum width smaller than a diameter of the power cable. 
         [0007]    The annular space is configured for receiving the power cable such that the power cable is wound around the standoff. 
         [0008]    The first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion may be selected from the group comprising a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first magnetic portion may be one of a pair of first magnets, a pair of first ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a first magnet and a first ferromagnetic material. Similarly, the second magnetic portion may be one of a pair of second magnets, a pair of second ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a second magnet and a second ferromagnetic material. The first magnetic portion may be recessed beneath an outer surface of the depression. Further, the first magnetic portion may be covered by the outer surface of the depression. The second magnetic portion may be recessed beneath an outer surface of the handle. The second magnetic portion may be covered by the outer surface of the handle. 
         [0009]    In general, in another aspect, the implementation of the disclosure features a power source for a medical treatment system. The power source includes an enclosure having a first surface, and a handle portion including a standoff extending from the first surface of the enclosure with a flange extending from the standoff. The flange defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface, and the standoff, the flange, and the enclosure first surface define boundaries of an open annular space. The flange also includes a depression with a magnetic portion within the depression. 
         [0010]    One or more of the following features may be included. The annular space may be configured to receive an elongate power cable such that the power cable is wound around the standoff. 
         [0011]    The flange defines an outer edge having at least one notch. The at least one notch includes an inner portion having a diameter spaced from the flange outer edge. The at least one notch may further include an outer portion adjacent the flange outer edge, such that the outer portion has a minimum width smaller than the diameter of the inner portion. 
         [0012]    The magnetic portion may be selected from the group comprising a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the magnetic portion may be selected from the group comprising a pair of magnets, a pair of ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic portion may be recessed beneath an outer surface of the depression. Further, the magnetic portion may be covered by the outer surface of the depression. 
         [0013]    In general, in still another aspect, the implementation of the disclosure features a medical treatment system including a power source having an enclosure. The enclosure includes a first surface, and an enclosure handle portion including a standoff extending from the first surface of the enclosure with a flange extending from the standoff. The flange defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface, such that the standoff, the flange, and the enclosure first surface define boundaries of an open annular space. The medical treatment system also includes an elongate power cable having a proximal end configured for coupling to the power source, and a distal end. A handle is disposed at the distal end of the power cable, and includes a body portion. The flange also includes a depression, and the depression has a size and shape configured for receiving the handle. 
         [0014]    One or more of the following features may be included. The flange may define an outer edge having at least one notch. The at least one notch may include an inner portion spaced from the flange outer edge and have a diameter configured for receiving the power cable. The at least one notch may further include an outer portion adjacent the flange outer edge and have a minimum width smaller than a diameter of the power cable. 
         [0015]    The annular space may be configured for receiving the power cable such that the power cable is wound around the standoff. 
         [0016]    In general, in a further aspect, the implementation of the disclosure features a method of storing an elongate power cable of a medical treatment system, in which the system includes a power source having an enclosure. The method includes winding the power cable around an enclosure handle portion including a standoff extending from a first surface of the enclosure and a flange extending from the standoff, wherein the flange defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface. The standoff, the flange, and the enclosure first surface define boundaries of an open annular space into which the cable is wound. A handle at a distal end of the power cable is seated within a depression in the flange, wherein the depression has a size and shape configured for receiving the handle. The handle is releasably retained within the depression via a magnetic attraction between a first magnetic portion within the depression and a second magnetic portion within the handle. 
         [0017]    One or more of the following features may be included. The method may also include seating the power cable within a notch defined by the flange. The power cable may be received within an inner portion of the notch, the inner portion being spaced from an outer edge of the flange. The power cable may be drawn through an outer portion of the notch, the outer portion being adjacent the flange outer edge and having a minimum width smaller than a diameter of the power cable. 
         [0018]    The first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion may be selected from the group comprising a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. Further, the first magnetic portion may be selected from a group comprising a pair of first magnets, a pair of first ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a first magnet and a first ferromagnetic material. Further still, the second magnetic portion may be selected from a group comprising a pair of second magnets, a pair of second ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a second magnet and a second ferromagnetic material. 
         [0019]    The first magnetic portion may be recessed beneath an outer surface of the depression. Also, the first magnetic portion may be covered by the outer surface of the depression. In other embodiments, the second magnetic portion may be recessed beneath an outer surface of the handle. The second magnetic portion may be covered by the outer surface of the handle. 
         [0020]    The invention may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. It is advantageous to provide for storage of power cables for medical treatment devices so that the cables are not misplaced, damaged, or contaminated, and so that the cables do not interfere with other apparatus and/or people in the vicinity of a medical treatment procedure. The present embodiments provide convenient and orderly storage for power cables by providing a storage location that is integrated into the medical device. The storage location provides an open space for receiving the cable in a wound configuration, with loose ends of the cable secured. The cable is thus less likely to be misplaced, damaged, or contaminated, or to interfere with other apparatus and/or people. Further, the magnets provide an easy and secure way to retain the handle, or a treatment device, at the distal end of the cable, thereby preventing the handle from hanging loose from the cable, or being forced into the annular space. By retaining the handle in a secure, but easily accessible location, the handle is less susceptible to damage or misuse. Also, because the magnets provide a quick and easy way to retain the handle, or the treatment device, a user is more likely to properly store the handle after each use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present embodiments now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an overview of a medical treatment system; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are side elevation views of an example procedure using the medical treatment system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a power source having a cable management system for a medical treatment device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a left-side elevation view of the power source having the cable management system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the power source having the cable management system of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a handle portion of the cable management system of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features. 
         [0029]    Directional terms used herein, such as proximal, distal, upper, lower, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc., are used with reference to the configurations shown in the figures. For example, a component that is described as rotating clockwise when viewed from the perspectives shown in the figures may be said to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the opposite perspective. Furthermore, the present embodiments may be modified by altering or reversing the positions or directions of movement of various components. Accordingly, directional terms used herein should not be interpreted as limiting. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , one example of a medical treatment system  20  may include a treatment apparatus  21  comprising a catheter shaft  22  having a distal end  24  and a proximal end  26 . A heating segment  28  is operably attached adjacent the distal end  24  of the catheter shaft  22  and a handle  30  is attached at the proximal end  26  of the catheter shaft  22 . The handle  30  may be integrally attached to the treatment apparatus  21 , or, alternatively, the handle  30  may be removably attached to the treatment apparatus  21 . A power cable  32  electrically connects the heating segment  28  to a power source  34 . The power cable  32  may be integral to the handle  30  and removably connected to the power source  34 . Alternatively, the power cable  32  may be removably connected to the handle  30 . Alternatively, the handle  30  may comprise two sections having a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion, where the first and second coupler portions are attached to and/or integral with the power cable  32  and the treatment apparatus  21 , respectively. 
         [0031]    The heating segment  28  is secured at the distal end  24  of the elongate catheter shaft  22 . The catheter shaft  22  may be used to maneuver the heating segment  28  into a desired placement within a HAS. In certain embodiments, the power source  34  comprises an alternating current (AC) source, such as an RF generator. In other embodiments, the power source  34  comprises a direct current (DC) power source, such as, for example, a battery, a capacitor, or other power source such as would be used for microwave heating. The power source  34  may also incorporate a controller that, through the use of a processor, applies power based at least upon readings from a temperature sensor or sensors (e.g., a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature device, an optical or infrared sensor, combinations of the same or the like) located in or adjacent to the heating segment  28 . For example, the controller may heat the tissue of a HAS or the heating segment  28  to a set temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the user selects a constant power output of the power source  34 . For example, the user may manually adjust the power output relative to a temperature display from a temperature sensor in the heating segment  28 . 
         [0032]    The medical treatment system  20  may be used in various medical procedures, including, for example, endovenous treatments to treat venous reflux. Specifically, referring to  FIG. 2 , a method may comprise inserting the heating segment  28  into a distal-most section of a HAS  36  to be treated. The heating segment  28  is then aligned with a first treatment location T 1  within the HAS  36 . Power is then applied to the heating segment  28  for a desired length of time to treat the first treatment location T 1 . After a desired dwell time, such as after the HAS  36  has collapsed as shown in  FIG. 3 , the power to the heating segment  28  may be reduced or shut off. With the power off (or substantially reduced), the heating segment  28  may then be moved proximally until the distal end of the heating segment  28  is adjacent to the proximal end of the first treatment location T 1 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . At this second treatment location T 2  within the HAS  36 , power is again applied to the heating segment  28  for a desired length of time to treat the HAS  36  at the second treatment location T 2 . This process of withdrawing the heating segment  28  is repeated until the treatment of the HAS  36  is complete. In some embodiments, T 1  and T 2  may overlap. 
         [0033]    The power source  34  is typically outside the sterile field, while the patient, and thus the treatment apparatus  21 , are within the sterile field. The distance between the sterile field and the placement of the power source  34  outside the sterile field may require a power cable  32  of considerable length. After the procedure, the cable  32  and handle  30  should be neatly stored with the power source  34  for easy storage and quick setup for the next procedure. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4-7  illustrate one embodiment of a cable management system  40  for use with the medical treatment system  20 . With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the system  40  comprises a power source  34  including an enclosure  44  having a first surface  46 . The power source  34  may include any internal components necessary for the power source  34  to function for its intended purpose. For example, with an RF generator, the power source  34  may include a controller, an RF circuit board, a user interface, a battery source and an AC to DC converter. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the enclosure  44  further comprises a handle portion  48  including a standoff  50  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) extending from the first surface  46  of the enclosure  44  and a flange  52  extending from the standoff  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the standoff  50  is shaped substantially as an oval in cross-section, and defines a first circumference. The flange  52  defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface  46 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flange  52  is shaped substantially as an oval in cross-section, and defines a second circumference that is greater than the first circumference. The flange  52  thus extends outward in a radial direction from the standoff  50 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , the standoff  50 , the flange  52 , and the enclosure first surface  46  define boundaries of an open annular space  54 . The open annular space  54  is configured for receiving the power cable  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and as described in further detail below. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , the cable management system  40  further comprises the elongate power cable  32 . A proximal end of the power cable  32  may include a plug  58  configured for coupling with a socket (not shown) of the power source  34  to electrically connect the power cable  32  to the power source  34 . Alternatively, the power cable  32  may be integrally coupled with the power source  34 . The power cable  32  further includes a distal end coupled to the handle  30 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , the handle  30  includes a body portion  62  and a distal end  64  configured for coupling to a treatment apparatus, such as the treatment apparatus  21  shown in  FIG. 1 , or any other type of treatment apparatus. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a central portion of the flange  52  comprises a depression  66  having a size and shape configured for matingly receiving the handle  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle body portion  62  and the depression  66  are substantially oval shaped. A circumference of the depression  66  is slightly larger than a circumference of the handle body portion  62 , and a depth of the depression  66  may be equal to about half of the thickness of the handle body portion  62 . The depression  66  is thus configured to snugly seat the handle body portion  62  with a lower half of the handle body portion  62  seated within the depression  66  and an upper half of the handle body portion  62  extending outwardly of the depression  66 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Opposite edges of the depression  66  include arcuate recesses  68  that provide space for an operator&#39;s fingers to grasp the handle  30  and pull it out of the depression  66 . 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the power source  34  further comprises a first magnetic portion  70  within the depression  66 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , the handle  30  further comprises a second magnetic portion  72  within the body portion  62 . The first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72  are configured to retain the handle  30  within the depression  66  via a magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72 . The first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72  may comprise, for example, magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials. For example, the first magnetic portion  70  may be selected from a group comprising a pair of first magnets, a pair of first ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a first magnet and a first ferromagnetic material, and the second magnetic portion  72  may be selected from a group comprising a pair of second magnets, a pair of second ferromagnetic materials, and a combination of a second magnet and a second ferromagnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72  includes two spaced magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials. In alternative embodiments, any number of magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials may be provided for either or both of the first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72 . 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the first magnetic portion  70  is recessed beneath an outer surface  74  of the depression  66 , and covered by the outer surface  74  of the depression  66 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , the second magnetic portion  72  is recessed beneath an outer surface  76  of the handle  30 , and covered by the outer surface  76  of the handle  30 . In alternative embodiments, either or both of the first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72  may be recessed beneath, but exposed from, its respective outer surface. In still further alternative embodiments, either or both of the first and second magnetic portions  70 ,  72  may be secured to its respective outer surface and not recessed beneath its respective outer surface. 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the open annular space  54  defined by the standoff  50 , the flange  52 , and the enclosure first surface  46  is configured for receiving the power cable  32  such that the power cable  32  is wound around the standoff  50 . The open annular space  54  thus advantageously provides an orderly storage location for the power cable  32 , thereby reducing the likelihood that the power cable  32  will interfere with other components and/or users, or will be misused, contaminated, damaged, lost, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug  58  is disconnected from the socket of the power source  34  when the power cable  32  is wound around the standoff  50 , and the end of the power cable  32  adjacent the plug  58  is seated within one of the notches  80 . In alternative embodiments, the plug  58  may remain connected to the socket of the power source  34  when the power cable  32  is wound around the standoff  50 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the flange  52  defines an outer edge  78  having a plurality of notches  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, one notch  80  is provided adjacent each of the four locations of the flange  52  where the arcuate end portions meet the straight side edge portions, and along the top and bottom straight side edges, but the notches  80  may be located at any other location around the outer edge  78 . Each of the notches  80  includes an inner portion  82  spaced from the flange  52  outer edge  78  and having a diameter configured for receiving the power cable  32 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each of the notches  80  further includes an outer portion  84  adjacent the flange  52  outer edge  78 . The outer portion  84  has a minimum width that is smaller than a diameter of the power cable  32 . When inserted into any of the notches  80 , the power cable  32  resiliently deforms inwardly in order to squeeze through the relatively narrow outer portion  84 . The power cable  32  then resiliently returns to its unstressed shape as it enters the inner portion  82 . The smaller diameter of the outer portion  84  retains the power cable  32  within the notch  80  until a sufficient pulling force is applied to pull the power cable  32  through the outer portion  84  and out of the notch  80 . 
         [0042]    Certain of the present embodiments comprise a method of storing an elongate power cable of a medical treatment system. The system includes a power source having an enclosure. The enclosure comprises an enclosure handle portion including a standoff extending from a first surface of the enclosure and a flange extending from the standoff. The flange defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the enclosure first surface. The standoff, the flange, and the enclosure first surface define boundaries of an open annular space. 
         [0043]    The method comprises winding the power cable around the standoff, seating a handle at a distal end of the power cable within a depression in the flange, the depression having a size and shape configured for receiving the handle, and releasably retaining the handle within the depression via a magnetic attraction between a first magnetic portion within the depression and a second magnetic portion within the handle. 
         [0044]    The method may further comprise seating the power cable within a notch defined by the flange. The power cable may be received within an inner portion of the notch, the inner portion being spaced from an outer edge of the flange. The method may further comprise drawing the power cable through an outer portion of the notch, the outer portion being adjacent the flange outer edge and having a minimum width smaller than a diameter of the power cable. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.