Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20060235377?dq=7,433,694
Timestamp: 2015-03-31 07:38:50
Document Index: 201129525

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 166', 'art 166', 'art 171', 'art 171', 'art 171', 'art 166']

Patent US20060235377 - Electrosurgical tool - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsAn electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating targeted tissue, which tool includes a conductive outer shaft which defines a return or reference electrode, and a conductive inner tube disposed within the outer shaft. The inner tube defines both a suction pathway for removing fluid and/or surgical...http://www.google.com/patents/US20060235377?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20060235377 - Electrosurgical toolAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20060235377 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/105,329Publication dateOct 19, 2006Filing dateApr 13, 2005Priority dateApr 13, 2005Also published asUS8267934Publication number105329, 11105329, US 2006/0235377 A1, US 2006/235377 A1, US 20060235377 A1, US 20060235377A1, US 2006235377 A1, US 2006235377A1, US-A1-20060235377, US-A1-2006235377, US2006/0235377A1, US2006/235377A1, US20060235377 A1, US20060235377A1, US2006235377 A1, US2006235377A1InventorsChristopher Earley, Andrew HamelOriginal AssigneeChristopher Earley, Andrew HamelExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (17), Classifications (7), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetElectrosurgical tool
US 20060235377 A1Abstract
An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating targeted tissue, which tool includes a conductive outer shaft which defines a return or reference electrode, and a conductive inner tube disposed within the outer shaft. The inner tube defines both a suction pathway for removing fluid and/or surgical debris from the surgical site through the distal end of the tool, and a pathway for delivering electrical energy to an active electrode secured to the distal end of the suction tube. Images(13) Claims(31)
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words �upwardly�, �downwardly�, �rightwardly� and �leftwardly� will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words �inwardly� and �outwardly� will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. The words �forwardly� and �distally� will refer to the direction toward the end of the arrangement which is closest to the patient, and the words �rearwardly� and �proximally� will refer to the direction away from the end of the arrangement which is furthest from the patient. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the electrosurgical tool 10 according to the present invention. The tool 10 includes an elongated housing 11 which serves as the handle for the tool 10. Housing 11 is defined by a generally nose-shaped, forwardly-oriented member 12 and a rear hub 13 which seats within an open proximal end of member 12. A lumen assembly 14 projects forwardly or distally from the distal end of the nose-shaped member 12. Lumen assembly 14 includes an outer tubular shaft 15 formed from conductive material, such as stainless steel, which outer shaft 15 is covered along a majority of the length thereof by an insulating material, such as a heat-shrink tube 16. The distal end of the lumen assembly 14 incorporates an electrode 18. An exposed distal end 19 of outer shaft 15 defines a return or reference electrode, while electrode 18 defines an active, energy-delivering electrode. The current for energizing tool 10 is supplied by a control console (not shown), wherein current flows from the console to the tool 10 through a cable 24 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1). Cable 24 is attached to the proximal end of tool 10 by a connector 25 (also shown in dotted lines), which in the illustrated embodiment detachably and electrically connects cable 24 to tool 10. Depending upon the surgeon's commands, the control console applies either a lower power coagulating-causing signal to electrode 18, or a high power ablation-causing signal to electrode 18. The on/off actuation of the tool 10 is controlled by two normally-open switches 26 and 27 provided on member 12 of housing 11. When it is desirable to operate the tool 10 in the ablation or cutting mode, switch 26 is depressed. Switch 27 is depressed to operate the tool 10 in the coagulation mode. It will be appreciated that the tool 10 may alternatively be controlled with a foot switch, which typically includes a set of switches which are depressed to perform the same functions as the control console. Rear hub 13 of tool 10 is similar to the tool hub disclosed in the instant Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Hub 13 is accordingly only briefly described herein. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, rear hub 13, which in the illustrated embodiment is constructed of rigid plastic such as PVC or ABS, includes a distally projecting inner shell 29 which is sized so as to seat inside the open proximal end of nose-shaped housing member 12. An outer shell 30 is disposed about the rear end of inner shell 29, and defines the exposed portion of the hub 13. Outer shell 30 is fixed to inner shell 29 by a plurality of ribs 31 which extend between inner and outer shells 29 and 30. Hub 13 further includes a generally cylindrical core 32 which extends from the terminal distal face of inner shell 29 and rearwardly therethrough. Core 32 is secured within inner shell 29 by a plurality of supports 33 extending between the outer surface of core 32 and the inner surface of shell 29. Respective adjacent pairs of supports 30 are spaced from one another so as to define hollow spaces 34 within inner shell 29. Hollow spaces 34 extend from the terminal distal face of inner shell 29 rearwardly a short distance beyond a terminal peripheral distal edge 35 of outer shell 30. Core 32 defines therein a plurality of through bores 36 extending through core 32 along respective axes which are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool 10. Further, a central post 37 is integrally formed with core 32 and extends rearwardly therefrom. Pin-shaped socket crimps 38 are seated within respective bores 36 of core 32. These socket crimps 38 are of a conventional construction, and one suitable such crimp is manufactured by AMP, Inc. of Harrisburg, Pa. Each socket crimp 38 has a generally sleeve-shaped distal end 39 (FIG. 2) which seats in a bore 36 of core 32, and a generally sleeve-shaped and slitted proximal end 40 which projects from core 32 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, outer shell 30 of hub 13 defines therein an opening 44 which opens into one of the hollow spaces 34 defined between core 32 and inner shell 29. One end of a suction tube 45 extends through this opening 44, into hollow space 34, and forwardly from inner shell 29, as best shown in FIG. 4. The opposite end of tube 45 mounts thereon an adapter 46 (FIG. 1) which is fitted to a-suction source (not shown). With reference to FIG. 3, nose-shaped member 12 is generally similar to nose-shaped member or nose cone disclosed in the '003 patent, and will also be only briefly described herein. Member 12 in the illustrated embodiment is constructed of rigid plastic, such as PVC or ABS. Member 12 is generally elongated in shape and includes a front end 50 having a tapered configuration, and a generally hollow rear end 51 which is joined to and projects rearwardly from front end 50. Rear end 51 is defined by a generally annular wall 52 which in turn defines a bore 53. Bore 53 opens rearwardly through a terminal distal edge 54 of rear end 51. Inner shell 29 of hub 13 is seated within the rearmost portion of bore 53 and engages edge 54. Front end 50 defines therein an elongate front bore 55 which opens through the distalmost end of front end 50 and extends rearwardly through front end 50 for communication with rear bore 53. Front bore 55 receives therein the proximal end of lumen assembly 14. Member 12 additionally defines therein a wiring space 57 located in the upper portion of member 12, and which communicates with a forward portion of bore 53. A printed circuit board 58 is disposed in space 57, and wires 59 associated therewith extend downwardly into bore 53 for connection to respective socket crimps 38 disposed in hub 13, as discussed further below. Member 12 includes a generally upright flange 60 which is generally rectangularly-shaped for supporting circuit board 58. A pair of spaced-apart posts 61 are disposed within flange 60 to which the circuit board 58 is snap-fitted. A boss 62 is also provided within flange 60, and defines therein a conduit 63 which communicates with front bore 55. Conduit 63 may be utilized to inject adhesive into front bore 55 for securing lumen assembly 14 therein. A web 64 is provided to cover the wiring space 57 and circuit board 58. Web 64 is includes two flexible buttons which define the moving components of switches 26 and 27 and are positioned over respective contact pads defined by circuit board 58. Circuit board 58 and web 64 are described in detail in the '003 patent, and are accordingly only briefly described above. Turning now to lumen assembly 14, and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, assembly 14 is a four-tube structure which includes outer shaft 15 and insulating tube 16 (which is disposed over shaft 15), an elongate suction tube 73 formed from conductive material such as stainless steel, and a further insulating tube 74 disposed over suction tube 73. Similarly to insulating tube 16, insulating tube 74 in the illustrated embodiment is a heat-shrink tube. Outermost insulating tube 16 terminates distally of the terminal proximal end of outer shaft 15, and inner insulating tube 74 terminates distally of the terminal proximal end of suction tube 73. Electrode 18 is provided at the distal end of outer shaft 15, and will be described herein with reference to FIGS. 7-9. Electrode 18 is constructed of conductive metal, such as a tungsten alloy, and in one embodiment may be formed by metal injection molding. Electrode 18 is generally tubular in shape and is defined by an annular wall which is separated into front and rear tubular and elongate wall portions 77 and 78 by a ring-shaped stop element 79 which projects transversely therefrom. A bore 84 of a constant diameter extends through portions 77 and 78. Stop element 79 defines therein a recess 80 which opens distally. The distal end of front wall portion 77 is closed off by an annular plate-like member 81 which is oriented at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of electrode 18. In one embodiment, the angle defined by plate-like member 81 and the electrode axis is approximately 60 degrees. Of course, this angular value is not intended to be limiting, and thus other angles would be within the scope of the invention. Plate-like member 81 defines therein a central opening 82 which is located inwardly of the annular periphery of member 81 and communicates with bore 84 of electrode 18. A plurality of projections 83 are cantilevered outwardly from the periphery of member 81. In the illustrated embodiment, projections 83 are uniformly disposed about the circumference of member 81 and are spaced radially outwardly from opening 82. Projections 83 define the tissue-working portions of electrode 18, and in this embodiment have generally rounded tips. Electrode 18 is housed in a generally sleeve-shaped cap 86. Cap 86 is constructed of insulating material, such as ceramic. Cap 86 includes a proximal tubular portion 88 and a distally-oriented head 89 which extends from the distal end of tubular portion 88 and is enlarged in diameter relative thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, head 89 is generally wedge-shaped when viewed from the side or in longitudinal cross-section as in FIG. 7, and defines thereon a flat 90 which faces distally and extends arcuately over approximately half of the circumference of head 89. An outer surface 91 of head 89 is joined to a proximally-facing and generally upright shoulder 92, which shoulder 92 in turn is joined to an outer cylindrical surface 93 of proximal portion 88. Cap 86 defines therein a main bore 95, and a counterbore 96 located proximally of and communicating with main bore 95. In forming counterbore 96, a portion of the material of cap 86 which defines main bore 95 remains so as to define a key 97 which projects longitudinally along cap 86 as well as radially inwardly, as best shown in FIG. 10. Bore 95 is sized to allow insertion of front portion 77 of electrode 18 therein, and counterbore 96 is sized so as to allow insertion of stop element 79 of electrode 18 therein. Further, key 97 is shaped so as to cooperate with recess 80 of electrode 18 as discussed below. A further counterbore 98 is located proximally of, communicates with, and is joined to counterbore 96 by a generally upright shoulder 99 which faces proximally. Counterbore 98 is sized so as to allow insertion of the distal ends of suction tube 73 and insulating tube 74 therein. Electrode 18 according to the invention is secured to the conductive suction tube 73 by inserting the tubular rear portion 78 into the open distal end of suction tube 73. The stop element 79 of electrode 18 limits the extent to which electrode 18 can be inserted rearwardly into tube 73, and the terminal distal ends of tubes 73 and 74 accordingly abut, or are disposed immediately adjacent to, the proximally facing surface of stop element 79 when the electrode 18 is fully inserted, as shown in FIG. 7. The rear portion 78 of electrode 18 in the illustrated embodiment has an outer diameter which is sized similarly to the inner diameter of suction tube 73 to form a press or interference-fit between electrode 18 and suction tube 73. The proximal end of electrode 18 and the distal end of the suction tube 73 accordingly define respective connector elements which cooperate with one another to secure electrode 18 to suction tube 73. It will be appreciated that in addition to, or alternatively of, the above connection method, electrode 18 may be secured to suction tube 73 by other methods, such as by crimping or spot welding, or even conductive adhesive. The insulating cap 86 is fitted over front portion 77 of electrode 18 by inserting portion 77 into main bore 95 of cap 86. Cap 86 is moved rearwardly relative to electrode 18 and tube 73 and during this movement, key 97 of cap 86 is circumferentially aligned with recess 80 of electrode 18 so as to correctly orient cap 86 relative thereto. Cap 86 is moved rearwardly until key 97 bottoms out in recess 80, which effectively seats stop element 79 of electrode 18 within counterbore 96, and positions the terminal ends of insulator tube 74 and suction tube 73 within counterbore 98 of cap 86. The distal end of electrode 18, including projections 83, projects distally beyond the head 89. The proximal end of suction tube 73 is inserted rearwardly into the open distal end 19 of outer shaft 15 (with insulating tube 16 mounted thereon) until the exposed distal end 19 of outer shaft 15 abuts shoulder 92 of cap 86. It will be appreciated that adhesive may be utilized to secure cap 86 to electrode 18, insulator tube 74, suction tube 73 and distal end 19 of outer shaft 15. The cap 86 serves to insulate the exposed distal end of the active electrode 18 from the return electrode defined by the distal end 19 of outer shaft 15. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the assembly of proximal end of lumen assembly 14 to rear hub 13 will now be described. In this regard, a heat-shrink band or solder band 100 is disposed about the exposed proximal end of suction tube 73 so as to electrically connect tube 73 to an active conductor wire 101. A further heat-shrink band or solder band 103 is disposed about the exposed proximal end 19 of outer shaft 15 so as to electrically connect shaft 15 to a return conductor wire 104. FIG. 4 illustrates bands 100 and 103 in a form prior to heat-shrinking, while FIG. 5 illustrates bands 100 and 103 subsequent to heat-shrinking. The end of suction tubing 45 disposed in opening 44 of hub 13 is fitted over the terminal proximal end of suction tube 73 prior to heat-shrinking band 100. It will be appreciated that the proximal end of lumen assembly 14, including shrunken band 103, is of a size so as to allow insertion of same into the rear open end of housing member 12 and forwardly into front bore 55 thereof. When inserted into bore 55, a forward portion of band 103 is located within bore 55, and the remainder of band 103 as well as band 100 are disposed in rear bore 53 of member 12 generally adjacent circuit board 58. As shown in FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, wires 101 and 104 are inserted into respective bores 36 defined in core 32 of hub 13, and are connected to distal ends 39 of respective socket crimps 58. Four wires 59 of circuit board 58 extending downwardly into rear bore 53 of member 12 are respectively inserted into the four remaining open bores 36 and are connected to distal ends 39 of the four remaining socket crimps 58. The opposite proximal ends 40 of socket crimps 58 receive respective pins (not shown) of cable connector 25. FIG. 11 illustrates the tool 10 having a distal end in a bent configuration, which in some surgical procedures is desirable to gain better access to targeted tissue at the surgical site. The tip of tool 10 in this embodiment is bent at an approximately 20 degree angle (alpha). When a bent tip is desirable or necessary, the flat 90 defined on the distal face of insulator 86 is designed to provide the surgeon with improved access to the surgical site. The electrosurgical tool 10 is used to treat targeted tissue at the surgical site by energizing the tool 10 at the appropriate power level so as to either coagulate or ablate tissue as desired using the electrode 18. Suction is applied so as to remove fluid and other debris from the surgical site through opening 82 of electrode 18, through bore 84 thereof, through suction tube 73, and into and through suction tube 45 to the suction source. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a further embodiment of an electrode 120 according to the invention, which electrode 120 is configured to accept the distal end of the suction tube 73 therein. Electrode 120 is generally tubular in shape and is defined by front and rear tubular portions 121 and 122. The distal end of front portion 121 is closed off by a plate-like member 123 oriented at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of electrode 120, as in the first embodiment. Member 123 defines therein a central suction opening 124 located inwardly of the periphery of member 123 and communicates with the interior of electrode 120. A plurality of projections 125 are cantilevered outwardly from the periphery of plate-like member 123, and are uniformly disposed about the circumference thereof. In this embodiment, projections 125, which define the tissue-working portions of electrode 120, define sharp edges at their distalmost ends, as compared to the rounded configuration of projections 83 discussed above. However, it will be appreciated that the projections 125 may alternatively be rounded, and also that both projections 83 and 125 may have other configurations that than disclosed herein depending upon the requirements of the particular surgery during which the tool is to be utilized. Rear portion 122 of electrode 120 is of a larger outer diameter than front portion 121, and a shoulder 129 is defined at the transition between front and rear portions 121 and 122. A recess 130 projects rearwardly from shoulder 129 and opens distally. Electrode 120 defines therein a bore 133 which extends rearwardly from the plate-like member 123, through front portion 121, and approximately part-way through rear portion 122. A counterbore 134 communicates with bore 133 and opens rearwardly through the proximal end of rear portion 122. In this embodiment, counterbore 134 is sized so as to receive the distal end of suction tube 73 therein. Electrode 120 is disposed within a sleeve-shaped insulating cap 86′, which is substantially identical in configuration to cap 86 discussed above. The same reference numbers, plus a prime, are accordingly utilized to reference various structures of cap 86′. In this embodiment, bore 95′ of cap 86′ is sized to receive front portion 121 of electrode 120, counterbore 96′ is sized to receive the front end of rear portion 122, and key 97′ is sized to cooperate with recess 130. Electrode 120 is secured to the suction tube 73 by inserting the distal end of suction tube 73 into counterbore 134. The diameter of counterbore 134 is accordingly sized similarly to the outer diameter of suction tube 73 to form a press or interference-fit between electrode 120 and suction tube 73. As in the prior embodiment, the electrode 120 may alternatively or additionally be secured to suction tube 73 by crimping, welding, a conductive adhesive or other suitable fastening arrangement. In order to electrically insulate the proximal end of electrode 120 and suction tube 73 from the conductive outer shaft 15, an insulating material, such as a heat-shrink insulating tube 137 (similar to tube 74 described above) is applied over the majority of the length of the suction tube 73 and over the intersection between suction tube 73 and the proximal end of rear portion 122 of electrode 120, as shown in FIG. 13. The insulating cap 86′ is fitted over the front portion 121 of electrode 120 in a similar manner as discussed above. That is, front portion 121 of electrode 120 is inserted into main bore 95′ of cap 86′. Cap 86′ is moved rearwardly relative to electrode 120, and key 97′ of cap 86′ is aligned with recess 130. Cap 86′ is moved rearwardly until key 97′ bottoms out in recess 130, which effectively seats the distal end of insulating tube 137 within counterbore 98′. The proximal end of suction tube 73 is inserted rearwardly into the open distal end 19 of outer shaft 15, until the end 19 of outer shaft abuts shoulder 92′ of cap 86′. Adhesive may be utilized to secure cap 86′ to electrode 120, insulator tube 137, and distal end 19 of outer shaft 15. The proximal end of the above assembly is then assembled to hub 13 as in the first embodiment. As in the prior embodiment, the proximal end of electrode 120 and the distal end of suction tube 73 define respective connectors which cooperate with one another to firmly secure electrode 120 to suction tube 73. FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a further embodiment of an electrode arrangement 161 according to the invention. The electrode arrangement 161 in this embodiment is utilized when it is desirable to treat large sections of body tissue, such as in shoulder surgery wherein large amounts of tissue must be removed in order to expose bone. Electrode arrangement 161 includes an active electrode 162 having a front portion 163 and a rear mounting portion 164, which are oriented transversely relative to one another, and in the illustrated embodiment are oriented at a 90 degree angle. Front portion 163 is defined by a ring-like wall 165 which includes a downwardly opening lower part 166 joined to mounting portion 164. Mounting portion 164 projects sidewardly or rearwardly from lower part 166. Rear mounting portion 164 is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a bore 167 therein which opens rearwardly. The outer diameter of portion 164 is sized similarly to the inner diameter of suction tube 73. Wall 165 additionally includes an upper part 171 which defines the tissue-working portion of electrode 162. Upper part 171 includes a plurality of generally post-shaped projections 172 oriented in a generally upright manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 172 are joined to one another by arcuate wall sections 173, each of which extends between two adjacent projections 172. A plate-like member 174 closes off the upper end of front portion 163, and defines a pair of axially-spaced suction openings 178 therein which communicate with the hollow interior of electrode 162 and suction tube 73. A step 180 defines the intersection between upper part 171 and lower part 166. The outer peripheral edge of step 180 defines the outer lateral perimeter of electrode 162, and wall sections 173 are disposed horizontally inwardly from this outer perimeter. An insulating cap 182, shown in isolation in FIG. 17, is disposed over front portion 163 of electrode 162. Insulating cap 182 is defined by a generally upright wall 183 which opens both rearwardly and downwardly, and conforms to the outer surface configuration of electrode 162. Insulating cap 182 additionally defines thereon a generally horizontally oriented upper annular flange 187 which projects inwardly from an upper edge of wall 183, and a rib-like projection 188 which projects rearwardly from wall 183. Electrode arrangement 161 also includes a base 189 including an upwardly projecting mounting flange 190 and a proximally-opening recess 191. Electrode 162 and base 189 are constructed, for example, of a tungsten alloy. Other suitable materials would be within the scope of the invention. Insulating cap 182 may be constructed of plastic, and may be formed by injection molding or overmolding. Electrode 162 is assembled to base 189 by inserting base 189 into the lower open end thereof, so that flange 190 of base 189 is positioned against the lower inner surface of wall 165 and so that a lower flange 192 of mounting portion 164 seats in recess 191. Mounting portion 164 of electrode 162 is then inserted into the open distal ends of suction tube 73 and insulator tube 74, until the distal ends of tube 73 and insulator 74 are disposed immediately adjacent or abut the outer surface of wall 165 located around the base of mounting portion 164. Cap 182 is then fitted over front portion 163 of electrode 162, and secured with adhesive. Adhesive may also be used to fill any gaps between cap 182 and electrode 162. The distal end of the above assembly is then provided with a head member 194, for example by overmolding, which completely covers the distal end of the assembly, except for the upper face or working portion of electrode 162. Head 194 is constructed of an insulating plastic material, and includes a front cap 195 defining an opening 196 through which the uppermost portions of electrode 162 and insulating cap 182 project. Head 194 additionally includes a rearwardly projecting sleeve 197 disposed in surrounding relation with the distal end of suction tube 73, insulating tube 74, and part of rear mounting portion 164. The distal end of sleeve 197 adjoins the proximal end of front cap 195 at an annular shoulder 199 which faces rearwardly. The sleeve 197 is then inserted into the open distal end 19 of outer shaft 15, until shaft end 19 abuts shoulder 199. The outer diameter of sleeve 197 is accordingly similar in dimension to the inner diameter of outer shaft 15 to provide a snug fit, and the two components may additionally be secured with adhesive. As discussed above, the electrode arrangement 161 is intended for use during surgical procedures which require removal of large volumes of tissue. The arrangement 161 is therefore larger in overall size than the above electrode arrangements. Further, the pair of suction openings 178 provided at the distal end of the tool permit removal of large amounts of fluid and/or surgical debris. As will be appreciated from the above description, the embodiments according to the invention provide an electrically-conductive suction tube and a modular electrode which is initially separate from the suction tube, and then secured to the distal end of the suction tube. The above arrangement allows the electrode to be configured in a way which will achieve high-density current delivery to targeted tissue, resulting in rapid tissue treatment. Further, the invention provides the ability to reduce the overall size of the tool, by eliminating the need for electrical wiring to extend through the length of the lumen assembly, and also by integrating the functions of energy delivery and suction into one component, i.e. the suction tube. Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7611509 *May 21, 2005Nov 3, 2009Electromedical AssociatesElectrosurgical deviceUS8115126 *Aug 11, 2009Feb 14, 2012Stryker CorporationSelf-sealing control arrangement for a medical instrumentUS8182480Aug 19, 2008May 22, 2012Tyco Healthcare Group LpInsulated tube for suction coagulatorUS8286339 *Feb 18, 2009Oct 16, 2012Tyco Healthcare Group LpTwo piece tube for suction coagulatorUS8444641Feb 18, 2009May 21, 2013Covidien LpTwo piece tube for suction coagulatorUS8454600Feb 18, 2009Jun 4, 2013Covidien LpTwo piece tube for suction coagulatorUS8460291Feb 18, 2009Jun 11, 2013Covidien LpTwo piece tube for suction coagulatorUS8672934Mar 16, 2010Mar 18, 2014Stryker CorporationMethod for adjusting source impedance and maximizing output by RF generatorUS8753341Jun 19, 2009Jun 17, 2014Covidien LpThermal barrier for suction coagulatorUS8845576Dec 18, 2009Sep 30, 2014Stryker CorporationElectrosurgical toolUS8932283Feb 8, 2013Jan 13, 2015Electromedical Associates, LlcCable assemblies for electrosurgical devices and methods of useUS20100205802 *Feb 18, 2009Aug 19, 2010Tyco Healthcare Group Lp.Two Piece Tube for Suction CoagulatorEP2156803A1 *Aug 18, 2009Feb 24, 2010Tyco Healthcare Group, LPInsulated tube for suction coagulatorEP2221016A2 *Feb 18, 2010Aug 25, 2010Tyco Healthcare Group, LPTwo piece tube for suction coagulatorEP2263585A1 *Jun 21, 2010Dec 22, 2010Tyco Healthcare Group, LPThermal barrier for suction coagulatorWO2010098809A2Jan 25, 2010Sep 2, 2010Stryker CorporationSurgical tool arrangement having a handpiece usable with multiple surgical toolsWO2011133767A1 *Apr 21, 2011Oct 27, 2011Electromedical Associates, LlcFlexible electrosurgical ablation and aspiration electrode with beveled active surface* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/41, 606/48, 606/50International ClassificationA61B18/14Cooperative ClassificationA61B18/148, A61B2218/007European ClassificationA61B18/14PLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJun 24, 2005ASAssignmentOwner name: STRYKER CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF THE STATE OFFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:EARLEY, CHRISTOPHER;HAMEL, ANDREW;REEL/FRAME:016180/0605Effective date: 20050509RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services