U.S. patent application number 10/326387 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for thermal cautery surgical forceps.
Invention is credited to Herzon, Garrett D..
Application Number | 20030125735 10/326387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22884650 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030125735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herzon, Garrett D. |
July 3, 2003 |
Thermal cautery surgical forceps
Abstract
A portable, thermal cauterizing forceps device for use in
surgery. The device incorporates a pair of ceramic heater elements
mounted within the tips of the tines of a forceps. The forceps is
used to grasp tissue or blood vessels and apply heat to effect
cauterization. In the case of the first embodiment of the
invention, the forceps instrument incorporates a battery and
control electronics. The thermal-forceps is of a self-contained
wireless, handheld disposable design. In a second embodiment of the
invention, the forceps handpiece is connected to an external power
source. Both embodiments of the forceps incorporate set of rapidly
heating ceramic heater elements that may be composed of silicon
nitride. An LED provides the operator feedback as to the operating
level of the heaters and/or battery reserve. Enhancements to the
second embodiment include a rechargeable power supply, variable
control of the heater temperature, as well as a, digital display of
the tip temperature.
Inventors: |
Herzon, Garrett D.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
22884650 |
Appl. No.: |
10/326387 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10326387 |
Dec 23, 2002 |
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09842140 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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6533778 |
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09842140 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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09235229 |
Jan 21, 1999 |
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6235027 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/51 ; 606/28;
606/30; 606/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00404
20130101; A61B 2018/00595 20130101; A61B 18/08 20130101; A61B 18/04
20130101; A61B 2017/00734 20130101; A61B 18/10 20130101; A61B
18/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/51 ; 606/28;
606/30; 606/49 |
International
Class: |
A61B 018/04; A61B
018/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A thermocautery surgical forceps comprising: a surgical forceps
body including a pair of elongate tine members extending from the
forceps body to respective free end tip portions spaced from the
forceps body, the tine members being mounted to the forceps body in
a manner providing resilient compressible movement of the tine
members between a normally open position wherein the tines are
disposed in aligned, parallel, spaced-apart relationship and a
squeezed closed position wherein the tip portions of the tine
members are disposed in confronting abutting relationship, each
tine member including a tissue contact surface defined on an inner
facing surface of the tine member adjacent the tip portion and
further including a heater element disposed in the tine member to
effectively heat the tissue contact surface to an elevated tissue
cauterizing temperature, the heater elements being connected to a
power source, whereby, the tine members may be squeezed together to
their squeezed closed position to grippingly, squeezably engage
tissue to be cauterized between the tip portions and the tissue
contact surfaces thereof may be heated to a tissue cauterizing
temperature to effectively thermocauterize the gripped tissue.
2. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, wherein
the tine members comprise a ceramic material.
3. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, wherein
the tine members comprise silicon nitride.
4. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, further
including a switch operationally electrically connected to the
ceramic heater elements which is effective to automatically turn
the ceramic heater elements on to heat the tissue contact surfaces
to elevated tissue cauterizing temperature as the tines are moved
from the normally open position to the squeezed closed
position.
5. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, wherein
said power source comprises a battery.
6. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, wherein
said power source comprises a battery mounted in the forceps
body.
7. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, which is
sterilized and intended for one time disposable use.
8. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 6, which is
sterilized and intended for one time disposable use.
9. A thermocautery surgical forceps as defined in claim 1, wherein
said power source comprises a 110 v AC power supply.
10. A method for thermocautery tissue, comprising the steps of:
providing a thermocautery surgical forceps including a pair of
spaced and opposed tine members having tip portions with tissue
contact surfaces and ceramic heating elements disposed in a
position to heat the tissue contact surfaces to a tissue
cauterizing temperature; squeezably grippingly engaging tissue to
be cauterized between the tip portions so that the tissue is in
contact with the tissue contact surfaces; and activating the
ceramic heater elements to heat the tissue contact surfaces to
tissue cauterizing temperature, thereby cauterizing the gripped
tissue.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld, portable
thermal-cauterizing forceps including an integrated thermal heating
surface disposed at each tip.
[0002] There are many surgical cautery devices available for the
surgeon to ablate and vaporize tissue. Hot knives and cutting
coagulators have been used to make skin incisions. The cautery can
also be used in surgery to aid in hemostasis or control bleeding by
coagulating blood vessels. Employing various cautery modalities
decreases the duration of some surgical procedures by providing the
surgeon a rapid method of coagulation without the need for suture
ligation of blood vessels encountered during dissection.
[0003] Typically, surgical cautery is accomplished by directing a
heating process onto tissue. The heat may be generated by either a
thermal or electro-surgical process. Most commonly, an
electro-surgical process using a radio frequency (RF) is used. The
RF units generate heat by using high frequency electrical current
and the resistive nature of tissue to produce heat. This technique
requires a bulky generator and heavy electrical components to
operate. Typically, RF electrocautery units require a power lead
cable to the electro-surgical hand instrument and a large surface
area grounding pad. More often than not, radio frequency surgical
units are bulky expensive units which require a cable connection.
Employing RF cauterization in a surgical operation may add
significant cost to the procedure because the grounding pad, cable
and handpiece must all be either re-sterilized or replaced in the
case of disposable use.
[0004] A less common method of generating heat for coagulation of
tissue is by thermal cautery. Thermal cautery is achieved by
electrical heating of a resistive-wire loop or resistive electronic
part by applying an electrical voltage. The prior art describes
many handheld disposable, hot-wire loop cautery instruments. These
devices have severe limitations as to their scope of use in
surgery. The heat generated by the hand held battery powered
devices is very small with a low heat capacity. The available
patented devices are effective for cauterization of only the
smallest of blood vessels, such as, vessels in the sclera of the
eye. These battery powered hot-wire cautery instruments are not
effective for use in cauterization of larger blood vessels
encountered in most surgical procedures. A technique employing the
electrical over driving of a zener diodes to produce heat has also
been described in several patents. This device is primarily for
limited endoscopic applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In order to overcome the limitations and disadvantages of
the prior art, the present invention provides, in an embodiment, a
new and improved hand-held, high energy, portable thermal cautery
forceps. More particularly, the new and improved surgical forceps
instrument includes an enclosure which houses a battery and
electronic control. Active ceramic heaters are provided on the two
tips of the operative end of the forceps. In a second embodiment,
the thermal forceps may alternatively be powered by an external
power source.
[0006] The new thermo-cautery forceps device in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention provides the surgeon with several
significant improvements in the state of the art. A first benefit
of the thermal-cautery forceps is that it is cordless and fully
portable. In the first embodiment of the invention, no cables or
external power supply is necessary. This keeps the operative field
clear of wires and cables. The thermal cautery of this invention
does not require any grounding pad or foot switches.
[0007] A second benefit is the very high heating capacity of the
thermal elements of the device. Temperatures of over 1000.degree.
C. are easily obtainable. This heat capacity and temperature can
easily cauterize medium and large blood vessels.
[0008] A third benefit provided by the new and improved thermal
cautery forceps of the invention is its ability to heat to
operating temperature in a very short time period, for example,
within about one second. The preferred embodiment uses silicon
nitride, ceramic heater elements. These new ceramic heaters exhibit
rapid heating and cooling characteristics. Silicon nitride ceramic
heaters have been used successfully in other fields outside
surgery. To the inventor's knowledge, this is believed to be the
first use within the field of surgical thermal coagulation.
[0009] In an alternative embodiment, less expensive alumina heaters
and ceramic resistors or diodes may be employed in substitution for
the silicon nitride ceramic heater elements to provide cost
savings. However, such alternative types of heaters may be less
preferred because longer times to obtain operating temperatures may
be required.
[0010] A fourth advantage provided by the new and improved forceps
is the placement of the thermal cautery heater elements at the ends
of forceps tines. The unique position of the ceramic heater
elements allows tissue and blood vessels to be easily grasped and
directly coagulated in a controlled manner. The application of a
closing or gripping pressure of the forceps against the tissue or
vessel enhances the effectiveness of the coagulation.
[0011] A fifth benefit of the forceps device in accordance with the
invention is to decrease the cost and enhance the availability of
surgical cautery. The first embodiment of the thermal forceps
allows for the device to be packaged as a sterile disposable
instrument. The instrument can be used in emergency or field
operations. The device may be used for hemostasis during outpatient
surgical procedures in clinics and in surgery centers, as well as,
at emergency scenes.
[0012] Other objects and advantages provided by the present
invention will become apparent from the following Detailed
Description taken in conjunction with the Drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the new and improved
thermal cautery forceps instrument of the present invention in
accordance with a first embodiment including an internal
battery;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the new and improved thermal
cautery forceps shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the new and improved
thermal cautery forceps showing the front or forceps tines end;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the new and improved
thermal cautery forceps viewed from the rear or opposite end of the
forceps;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an elevated cross-sectional view of the new and
improved thermal cautery forceps shown in FIG. 1-4, showing the
logic controller board, LED indicator lamp, internal switch and
internal battery;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the electrical
circuit for the new and improved thermal cautery forceps of the
first embodiment of the invention comprising a battery powered
portable device;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of the thermal cautery
forceps instrument in accordance with a second embodiment of the
invention including an external power supply unit;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the new and improved thermal
cautery forceps shown in FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an elevated end view of the new and improved
thermal cautery forceps of FIG. 7 taken from the forceps tine
end;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an elevated end view of the new and improved
thermal cautery forceps shown in FIG. 7, taken from the opposite
end and showing the cable connector;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an elevated cross-sectional view of the new and
improved thermal cautery forceps in accordance with the second
embodiment, showing the housing and cable connection to the pair of
heater units;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an elevated front view of the external power
supply unit for use with the new and improved thermal cautery
forceps in accordance with the second embodiment showing control
features, including a power switch, audio speaker, temperature
display, SET/READ switch, temperature control knob, recharging lamp
and ready LED lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
a new and improved thermocautery surgical forceps comprises a
surgical forceps body including a pair of elongate tine members
extending from the forceps body to respective free end tip portions
spaced from the forceps body. The tine members are mounted to the
forceps body in a manner providing resilient compressible movement
of the tine members between a normally open position, wherein the
tines are disposed in aligned, parallel, spaced-apart relationship,
and a squeezed closed position, wherein the tip portions of the
tine members are disposed in confronting abutting relationship.
Each tine member includes a tissue contact surface defined on an
inner facing surface of the tine member adjacent the tip portion. A
ceramic heater element is disposed in each tine member so as to
effectively heat the tissue contact surface to an elevated tissue
cauterizing temperature. The ceramic heater elements are optionally
connected to a power source. The tine members may be squeezed
together to their squeezed closed position to grippingly,
squeezably engage tissue to be cauterized between the tip portions.
The tissue contact surfaces on the tines may be heated to a tissue
cauterizing temperature to effectively thermocauterize the gripped
tissue.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a preferred embodiment of the
new and improved thermocautery surgical forceps generally
designated by reference numeral 10 is shown. Forceps 10 includes a
forceps body or housing 12 for the battery 14 and electrical
control components 16. Specialized ceramic heating elements 18 are
disposed on the tips 20 of the forceps tines 22, 24. FIG. 1-6
relate to the first embodiment of the invention, that of a portable
unit 10 with an internal battery supply 14. FIGS. 7-12 relate to
the second embodiment of the invention, that of a cautery unit 26
configured as a thermal forceps 28 and an external power supply
30.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the cauterizing
instrument 10 generally comprises a housing 12 and an integrated
forceps tines assembly 32. The housing 12 encloses the battery 14,
controller electronics 34, an LED 36 and an internal power switch
38. The forceps tines 22, 24 of the instrument, as shown in FIG. 1,
exit from openings in the front end of the housing 12. The forceps
assembly comprises two tines 22, 24 of equal length. Each tine 22,
24 is constructed of a heater-carrier 40 and an insulator
cover-piece 42. The heater-carrier 40 comprises a metal arm 44 that
supports an attached ceramic heater unit 46. The insulator
cover-piece 42 is a shroud 48 that covers the heater 46 and its
carrier arm 44. The shroud cover 48 is heat resistant and protects
the surgeon's fingers from the heat generated by the ceramic
heaters 46. The shroud 48 includes a recess 50 to fit the operators
thumb and index finger to aid in holding the instrument. Inward
compression on the shrouds 48 acts to compress the heater carrier
arms 44 and will cause the switch 38 to close.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the instruments with the LED
exiting the rear of the housing enclosure and the forceps shroud
cover with finger recess. The enclosure is rectangular in shape
having a closed end and an open end. The open end allows the
forceps assembly to exit from the enclosure. The enclosure is
composed of a plastic formed with an injection process. The open
end of the enclosure is shown in FIG. 3. The forceps are shown as
well as the LED on the top of the housing. The position of the LED
allows the surgeon easily visualize the operation of the
instrument. The surgeon can see the LED while it is held in the
hand and operated. FIG. 4 shows the closed end of the housing.
[0029] Shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure
containing a battery for power supply. The battery may be rated
form 3 volts to 24 VDC depending on the heating characteristics
required. The battery may be of an alkaline or lithium cell. The
battery positive and negative terminals are connected to the
instrument circuitry by a terminal battery clip. Also, contained
within the enclosure is a small circuit board that is populated
with an integrated circuit and support components. The circuit
board has connections to the power supply, LED, heater elements and
switch mechanism. This circuit acts as a logic-controller to
regulate the current delivered to the heating elements. The
logic-controller circuit monitors the temperature and resistance of
the heater elements and regulates the voltage supply. At the onset
of operation the logic circuit allows high current to flow to the
heaters aiding in initial rapid heating. The current is then
reduced to maintain the heaters at a set temperature. The
controller circuit logic also controls the LED to indicate the
operative state of the heater elements. The LED will illuminate
only if the battery power reserve or supply voltage attain a
specified level and heaters reach the preset operational
temperature. The logic controller also measures the internal
resistance and temperature of the heater elements. The LED will
fail to illuminate if these values fall outside the normal
operational limits.
[0030] In an alternative design of the first embodiment a small
piezo-electric speaker may be incorporated into the forceps
enclosure. In the alternative design (not shown) the logic
controller is further able to supply a piezo-electric speaker with
supply voltage. The piezo-electric speaker provides the operator
with auditory feedback pertaining to the operation of the
instrument. The speaker emits a sound to give the surgeon an audio
feedback as to the operation of the instrument. The sound indicates
that the heating elements are at the normal operative temperature
for effective cauterization.
[0031] Also shown in FIG. 5, is the mounting arrangement of the
forceps tines. Each tine is mounted on opposite sides of a
rectangular neoprene spacer. The pair of tines and neoprene spacer
are fasted together by a binding pin with end caps. The off-center
arrangement fastening of the tines to the neoprene spacer allows
for a spring like tweezer effect.
[0032] An electrical open/close single pole switch is incorporated
into the instrument. The switch is positioned within the housing
enclosure between the base of the forceps tines. The switch is
composed of two contacts that are brought into contact when the
forceps are squeezed together. Closing the switch allows current to
be delivered to the heaters. The contacts meet, as soon as, closure
of the tines is begun and stays in a closed position as long as the
tines are closed. Release of the forceps tines will open the switch
and current supply to the heaters will terminate.
[0033] The typical wiring diagram and schematic is shown in FIG. 6.
The schematic shows a DC battery with positive and negative leads
connected to a logic control circuit board. The circuit board is
able to regulate the current delivered to the heater elements by
measuring the internal electrical resistance of the heaters and the
voltage available from the batteries. The controller also will vary
the initial resistance of the heater circuit to obtain quick heat
up at power on. The controller logic also controls the illumination
of the LED. The LED is switch on held a preset temperature of the
heaters is reached. The ON/OFF switch incorporated into the forceps
is also depicted. The switch that is closed upon closure of the
forceps allows current to flow to the heaters. Two heaters are
shown which are wired in parallel. The internal resistance of the
heaters is about 5 to 10 ohms. The typical heater is composed of
either alumina of silicon nitride or similar glass or ceramic
material. This material specification is used due to high wattage
density, rapid heat increase to 1000 degrees within one second,
high level of insulation and non-stick nature of the ceramic to
charred tissue.
[0034] The second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
7-12. In this embodiment an external power source is used to power
and control a simple thermal cautery forceps. The forceps in this
embodiment is either of an inexpensive disposable or a more durable
reusable design. FIGS. 7, 8, 10 and 11 show the externally powered
cautery forceps. FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the thermal
cautery forceps instrument of the second embodiment of the
invention. A cable connects the forceps to the external power
supply unit is shown. As previously described is the pair of
forceps exiting from an enclosure. Each tine is composed of a rigid
metal carrier with ceramic heater and an insulating plastic shroud.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof; FIG. 9 is an end elevational
view there of illustrating the forceps tine end. FIG. 10 is an end
elevational view of the end opposite the forceps illustrating the
cable connector. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second
embodiment of the present invention, showing the housing and cable
connection. A pair of wires connects the cable to a pair of thermal
heater elements wire in parallel. Also shown in FIG. 11 is the
neoprene spacer. The spacer is positioned between the forceps
tines. An off center-binding pin through the tines and spacer
provides a spring effect. The spring effect also activates the
ON/OFF switch. The switch is composed of two electrical metal
contacts affixed to the inside of each forceps tine.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the external power supply
unit. This unit contains a power switch, audio speaker, digital
temperature display, SET/READ switch, temperature control knob,
recharging indicator lamp and ready LED lamp.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 12, a cable that connects to the forceps
enters the power unit. A power switch is located on the front panel
that illuminates when switch on. The external unit contains an
audio amplifier with a small piezo-electric speaker. The speaker
signals the surgeon of proper heater element temperature for
cauterization. The speaker will sound when the instrument reaches
the SET temperature after the forceps are squeezed together to
initiate heating. The output of the speaker is vented outside the
power unit through a small port shown in FIG. 12. The unit also
contains a temperature control. The temperature may be varied by
positioning the SET/READ switch to the SET position and rotating
the temperature adjust knob to the desired temperature. The digital
temperature display reports the desired set temperature in degrees
fahrenheit. The temperature adjust control may either be of an
analogue or digital type. This control allows the surgeon to select
a temperature for a desired effect depending on the thickness and
moisture content of the tissue to be cauterized. A digital
temperature display may indicate the actual temperature of the
ceramic heater elements when the SET/READ switch is positioned in
the READ position. An LED indicator is incorporated into the power
supply, which is illuminated when the batteries are recharging.
This occurs whenever the power unit is connected to a 110 VAC line.
A charging circuit regulates the recharging process.
[0037] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the
description is not intended to limit the invention to the form
disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modification
commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill or knowledge
in the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention.
The embodiments described herein above are further intended to
explain modes known of practicing the invention and to enable
others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or
other embodiments and with various modification required by their
particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended
that the appended claim be construed to include alternative
embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *