Patent Description:
In general, an electrosurgical unit (ESU) is a representative medial instrument that is used to incise a portion of tissues of a human body or coagulate tissues and blood in a surgical operation, using electricity, instead of surgical knives.

The electrosurgical unit, which uses a principle that generates a short spark or heat without applying electric shock or stimulation to a muscle when a high-frequency current flows through a human body, incises a desired tissue of a body, using high-frequency energy of about <NUM> or coagulates a tissue, using high-frequency energy of about <NUM>.

However, such electrosurgical units of the related art cannot be adjusted in the entire length, so it is required to prepare several electrosurgical units with blades having different lengths, for example, in order to insert a blade into deep into a human body, depending on the positions to be operated or to use a blade on the surface of a human body.

With respect to the prior art attention is drawn to <CIT>from which an adjustable electrocautery surgical apparatus for selectively delivering electrosurgical coagulation and cut current from an electrosurgical generator to a surgical site is known comprising an elongated body, an extension member passing at least partially through the elongated body, a track in the elongated body for guiding the extension member, an electrode blade attached to the extension member for cutting or coagulating tissue, and an adjustable lock coupled to the extension member for selectively adjusting the position of the extension member and electrode blade relative to the elongated body and for locking the extension member and electrode blade in a selected position. A longitudinal channel passes through a sidewall of the elongated body member. A plurality of stops are positioned in the channel for providing a sequence of stop positions between maximally retracted and maximally extended positions of the apparatus. The adjustable lock is slidably positioned in the longitudinal channel of the elongated body member so as to selectively engage the stops and thereby lock the electrode blade in a selected stop position between the maximally retracted and the maximally extended positions. The apparatus is further provided with means for electrically coupling the electrode blade to the coagulation and cut currents of the electrosurgical generator, such that coagulation or cut current, or a combination thereof, can be selectively delivered to the electrode blade.

Further, from <CIT> surgical pencils are known which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation.

From <CIT>a multifunctional telescopic monopolar/bipolar electrosurgery pencil is known for use with an electrosurgery unit (ESU). The monopolar/bipolar electrosurgery pencil includes a bipolar electrode having an insulator sandwiched between an active electrode and a return electrode wherein the bipolar electrode is connected to a handpiece capable of alternately effectuating cutting and coagulation with the bipolar electrode. The monopolar /bipolar electrosurgery pencil is capable of functioning as both a monopolar and bipolar device and can be used for open and closed laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. Telescopic means for adjusting the length of the bipolar electrode is also provided as are means for smoke evacuation and suction/irrigation. The multifunctional telescopic monopolar/bipolar device can also be adapted for use with an ESU argon beam coagulator.

In order to solve the problems of the related art, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrosurgical device of which the entire length can be easily adjusted by allowing a stretching member having a blade to be easily moved in a body in a one-touch button type.

In order to achieve the objects, an electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length includes: a body elongated in a longitudinal direction and having a space longitudinally defined therein; an operation unit having an operation member with a first side disposed in the space and a second side exposed over the space, a substrate disposed in the space and electrically connected with the operation member, and a contact member elongated in the space with a top thereof in electrical contact with the substrate; a stretching member being slidable in the space and having a plurality of locking steps longitudinally formed on a top thereof; a button stopper supported and moved on the body to or not to be locked to the locking steps; a contact guide with a first end disposed in the stretching member and a second end extending toward the contact member; and a blade coupled to the first end of the contact guide and extending out of the stretching member, in which when the stretching member is moved in the space without the button stopper locked to the locking steps, the contact guide slides along the contact member in contact with the contact member.

The button stopper may have a rotation guide rotatably disposed in the space of the body, a button portion extending upward to be exposed over the space at a first side of the rotation guide, and a locking portion extending at a second side of the rotation guide to be locked to the locking steps; and when the button portion is pressed down, the locking portion may be lifted not to be locked to the locking steps, and when the button portion is pressed up, the locking portion may be moved down to be locked to the locking steps.

The electrosurgical device may further include an elastic member supported to face a bottom of the button portion in the space to press up the button portion.

The electrosurgical device may further include an elastic member supported to face a top of the locking portion in the space to press down the locking portion such that the button portion is pressed up.

The elastic member may include any one selected from a plate spring, a coil spring, and a rubber member.

A first guide may protrude upward from the locking portion, a second guide may be formed on an inner side of the body at a position facing the first guide, and the elastic member may be disposed between the first guide and the second guide.

The space may include a first receiving portion disposed over a top plate longitudinally elongated therein and a second receiving portion disposed under the top plate with longitudinal front and rear thereof open; the operation member of the operation unit and the substrate may be disposed in the first receiving portion; the contact member of the operation unit may be elongated in the second receiving portion and electrically connected with the substrate through the top plate; the stretching member may be disposed in the second receiving portion under the contact member to be movable forward out of the second receiving portion or into the second receiving portion, and may have a suction passage longitudinally formed therein; the contact guide may have a first end disposed in the suction passage and a second end extending toward the contact member through the suction passage; the button stopper may be rotatably supported on the top plate with a first side exposed out of the body and a second side disposed to or not to be locked to the locking steps through the top plate; and the blade may be coupled to the first end of the contact guide and may extend out of the suction passage.

The contact guide may have a front end extending toward a front of the suction passage where the blade is disposed, a rear end extending to a rear of the suction passage, and a contact terminal bent toward the contact member at the rear; and the contact terminal may be configured to be in contact with the contact member, so power applied to the contact member may be transmitted to the blade connected with the contact guide.

A cut guide may be formed by cutting forward a rear, where the contact terminal is disposed, of the stretching member, and the contact terminal may be guided in the cut guide.

A coupling guide may be inserted in a front, which faces the blade, of the suction passage, and the blade may be fitted in a first end of the coupling guide, the contact guide may be fitted in a second end of the coupling guide, and the blade and the coupling guide may be electrically connected to each other.

According to the present invention, by unlocking the stretching member in one-touch button type that pressing down the button portion once, the stretching member combined with the blade can be easily moved in the body, and accordingly, the entire length can be easily adjusted. Accordingly, an operator can easily insert the blade through incised skin of a patient.

Further, when the stretching member is unlocked and the entire length is adjusted, the elastic member presses up the button, so the stretching member is naturally locked. Accordingly, an operator does not need to specifically lock the stretching member <NUM> in complicated operation environments.

Hereinafter, electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a view schematically showing an electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an electrosurgical device <NUM> having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used for an operator such as a doctor to incise or coagulate a portion of a tissue of a human body, includes a body <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), a stretching member <NUM>, a button stopper <NUM>, a contact guide <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and a blade <NUM>. Unless stated specifically, the direction close to a tissue of a human body is defined as a forward direction and the opposite direction is defined as a backward direction when a user incises or coagulates a tissue of a human body, using the blade <NUM> with the body <NUM> in his/her hand. Detailed configurations of the components are described hereafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded view showing the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM>, which is a part that a user holds with his/her hand, is elongated in a longitudinal direction and has a space longitudinally defined therein. The body <NUM>, for example, may include a lower body <NUM> longitudinally elongated and an upper body <NUM> disposed over the lower body <NUM>. In some cases, the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> may be integrated in one unit. The space may have a first receiving portion 110a disposed between a top plate <NUM> disposed on the top of the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> and a second receiving portion 120a disposed under the top plate <NUM>, that is, in the lower body <NUM>. The second receiving portion 120a may be open at the front and rear longitudinal ends.

The operation unit <NUM> includes operation members <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, and a contact member <NUM>. The operation member <NUM>, for example, which may be one or more buttons or touch panels, are disposed at a predetermined distance backward from the front of the first receiving portion 110a, and have tops that are open through the top of the first receiving portion 110a. Operation holes <NUM> are formed through the upper body <NUM> at positions corresponding to the operation members <NUM> and the operation members <NUM> are exposed through the operation holes <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> is, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), is disposed in the first receiving portion 110a to face the operation members <NUM>, and is electrically connected with the operation members <NUM>. Further, the substrate adjusts the amount of high-frequency energy applied from the outside when the operation members <NUM> are operated, and then transmits the high-frequency energy to the blade <NUM> to be described below. The contact member <NUM> is made of a conductive material, is elongated backward along the top of the second receiving portion 120a of the lower body <NUM>, and has contact projections <NUM> to be electrically connected with the substrate <NUM> through the top plate <NUM> disposed on the second receiving portion 120a. Projection holes 122a are formed through the top plate <NUM> at positions corresponding to the contact projections <NUM>, so the contact projections <NUM> are electrically connected with the substrate <NUM> through the projection holes 122a.

The stretching member <NUM> is inserted in the second receiving portion 120a and positioned under the contact member <NUM> disposed on the second receiving portion 120a. The stretching member <NUM> is configured to be able to longitudinally move in the second receiving portion 120a, and has a suction passage 300a longitudinally formed therein and a plurality of locking steps <NUM> longitudinally formed from the front portion to the rear portion on the top facing the first receiving portion 110a. A coupling guide <NUM> may be coupled to the front of the suction passage 300a of the stretching member <NUM> and the rear of the suction passage 300a of the stretching member <NUM> may be positioned inward further than the rear of the second receiving portion 120a. The coupling guide <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a coupling portion <NUM> of which both ends are open, at the rear thereof. A suction unit (not shown) having a smoke evacuator is connected to the rear of the second receiving portion 120a to suction air so that smoke that is dispersed around the blade <NUM> when a user incises or coagulates a portion of a tissue of the body of a patient, using the blade <NUM>, is easily suctioned into the suction passage 300a and the second receiving portion 120a.

The button stopper <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> restrict movement of the stretching member <NUM> and are described with reference to <FIG>.

The contact guide <NUM> is made of a conductive material, is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the suction passage 300a, and has a blade coupling portion <NUM> at the longitudinal front end and a contact terminal <NUM> bending toward the contact member through the suction passage 300a, at the longitudinal rear end thereof. The blade coupling portion <NUM> is inserted and fixed in the rear portion of the coupling portion <NUM> of the coupling guide <NUM>.

The blade <NUM> is longitudinally elongated with an end inserted in the front portion of the coupling portion <NUM> of the coupling guide <NUM> and electrically connected with the blade coupling portion <NUM> of the contact guide <NUM> and the other end extending into the front portion of the suction passage 300a. High-frequency energy applied to the substrate <NUM> from the outside is transmitted to the blade <NUM> through the contact member <NUM> and the contact guide <NUM>, so a portion of the tissue of the patient's body is incised or coagulated by the high-frequency energy.

<FIG> is view showing the button stopper and the elastic member combined with a body of the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the button stopper and the elastic member combined with the body of the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the button stopper <NUM>, which is rotated on the body <NUM> to or not to be locked to the locking steps <NUM>, has a rotation guide <NUM> rotatably disposed on the top plate <NUM> of the lower body <NUM>, a locking portion <NUM> extending from the longitudinal front of the rotation guide <NUM> to be locked to the locking steps <NUM>, and a button portion <NUM> extending upward to be exposed from the longitudinal rear of the rotation guide <NUM>. A first guide <NUM> protrudes upward from the locking portion <NUM> and a second guide <NUM> protrudes from the inner side of the upper body <NUM> to face the first guide <NUM>. The second guide <NUM> is formed in a ring shape. The elastic member <NUM> to be described below is fitted between the first guide <NUM> and the second guide <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM>, which presses upward the button portion <NUM> by applying downward to the locking portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM>, may include a plate spring, a coil spring, and a rubber member. The elastic member <NUM> is fitted between the first guide <NUM> and the second guide <NUM>, whereby it is supported by the first guide <NUM> and pressed downward the locking portion <NUM> connected with the second guide <NUM>.

A button hole <NUM> is formed at the position corresponding to the button portion <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, so the button portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside through the button hole <NUM>. A button guide <NUM> is formed on the top plate <NUM> of the lower body <NUM> at a position corresponding to the button stopper <NUM>. The button guide <NUM> has a coupling pivot 124a in which the rotation guide <NUM> is rotatably inserted, a locking guide 124b formed through the top plate at the front of the coupling pivot 124a such that the locking portion <NUM> is inserted in the second receiving portion 120a of the lower body <NUM>, and a downward guide 124c formed through the top plate at the rear of the coupling pivot 124a such that the rear of the rotation guide <NUM> is inserted in the second receiving portion 120a. When the button <NUM> is pressed down, the locking portion <NUM> is lifted not to be locked to the locking steps <NUM>. Further, when the button portion <NUM> is pressed up, the locking portion <NUM> is moved down and locked to the locking steps <NUM>. When the locking portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM> is locked to the locking steps <NUM>, the stretching member <NUM> is locked and restricted in movement.

As described above, when the button portion <NUM> is pressed down, the locking portion <NUM> is not locked to the locking steps <NUM>, so the stretching member <NUM> is unlocked. Further, as the stretching member <NUM> is unlocked, the stretching member <NUM> is moved in the lower body <NUM>, so the entire length is adjusted. Further, when the entire length is adjusted, the elastic member <NUM> presses up the button portion <NUM> and the stretching member <NUM> is naturally locked. Accordingly, an operator does not need to specifically lock the stretching member <NUM> in complicated operation environments.

<FIG> is a view showing another example of the button stopper and the elastic member combined with the body of the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an elastic member <NUM> may be disposed under the button portion <NUM>. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> is supported on the top plate <NUM> disposed under the button portion <NUM> and presses up the button portion <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a plate spring, a coil spring, or a rubber member.

<FIG> is a view showing the contact member and the contact guide that are in contact with each other in the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a cut guide <NUM> is elongated toward the front of the stretching member <NUM> at the rear portion of the stretching member <NUM>. The contact member <NUM> is elongated to cover the cut guide <NUM>. The contact terminal <NUM> of the contact guide <NUM> is bent toward the cut guide <NUM> to be in contact with the contact member <NUM> through the cut guide <NUM>.

When the stretching member <NUM> is moved forward or backward in this state, the contact terminal <NUM> of the contact guide <NUM> connected with the stretching member <NUM> is also moved forward or backward, in which the contact terminal <NUM> is moved forward or backward in contact with the contact member <NUM> disposed on the stretching member <NUM>.

Accordingly, high-frequency energy applied to the substrate <NUM> is easily transmitted to the blade <NUM> to be described below through the contact member <NUM> and the contact guide <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing forward movement of the stretching member in the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the electrosurgical device <NUM> having an easily adjustable length, when the button portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM> is pressed down, the locking portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM> is lifted and the stretching member <NUM> is unlocked. In this process, the stretching member <NUM> is moved forward or backward in the second receiving portion 120a, so the entire length is easily adjusted.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views schematically showing a difference in insertion depth in a skin tissue, depending on the position of the stretching unit in the electrosurgical device having an easily adjustable length according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> first, an operator holds the body <NUM> and inserts the blade <NUM> through incised skin S. In this process, since the stretching member <NUM> has been moved backward, the lengths of the body <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is too small, so the blade <NUM> cannot be pushed deep into the incised skin S.

Next, referring to <FIG>, the operator holding the body <NUM> moves the stretching member <NUM> forward in the second receiving portion 120a by pressing down the button portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM>. In this process, the operator holds with his/her hand and moves forward the stretching member <NUM>. Accordingly, the blade <NUM> is moved forward together with the stretching member <NUM>. Then, when the operator takes the hand off the button portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM>, the locking portion <NUM> of the button stopper <NUM> is locked to the locking steps <NUM> of the stretching member <NUM>, whereby the stretching member <NUM> is naturally locked.

As described above, by unlocking the stretching member <NUM> in one-touch button type that pressing down the button portion <NUM> once, the stretching member <NUM> combined with the blade <NUM> can be easily moved in the body <NUM>, and accordingly, the entire length can be easily adjusted. Accordingly, an operator can easily insert the blade <NUM> through incised skin of a patient.

Claim 1:
An electrosurgical device (<NUM>) having an easily adjustable length, the electrosurgical device (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) elongated in a longitudinal direction and having a space longitudinally defined therein;
an operation unit (<NUM>) having an operation member (<NUM>) with a first side disposed in the space and a second side exposed over the space, a substrate (<NUM>) disposed in the space and electrically connected with the operation member (<NUM>), and a contact member (<NUM>) elongated in the space with a top thereof in electrical contact with the substrate (<NUM>);
a stretching member (<NUM>) being slidable in the space and having a plurality of locking steps (<NUM>) longitudinally formed on a top thereof;
a button stopper (<NUM>) supported and moved on the body (<NUM>) to or not to be locked to the locking steps (<NUM>);
a contact guide (<NUM>) with a first end disposed in the stretching member (<NUM>) and a second end extending toward the contact member; and
a blade (<NUM>) coupled to the first end of the contact guide (<NUM>) and extending out of the stretching member (<NUM>),
wherein when the stretching member (<NUM>) is moved in the space without the button stopper (<NUM>) locked to the locking steps (<NUM>), the contact guide (<NUM>) slides along the contact member (<NUM>) in contact with the contact member (<NUM>).