U.S. patent application number 10/083750 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for endoscopic instruments and methods for improved bubble aspiration at a surgical site.
Invention is credited to West, Hugh S. JR..
Application Number | 20030163126 10/083750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27753339 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030163126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
West, Hugh S. JR. |
August 28, 2003 |
ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED BUBBLE ASPIRATION
AT A SURGICAL SITE
Abstract
Surgical apparatus and methods provide enhanced aspiration of
gaseous bubbles and reduced drag during placement of the surgical
apparatus. The surgical apparatus includes a rotatable cutting or
shaving tool disposed within a hollow probe, an electrosurgical
device on a side of the probe, and one or more aspiration holes or
passages through a side of the probe in addition to a main opening
at a distal end through which the cutting or abrading tool emerges.
The aspiration holes are advantageously located adjacent to the
lead electrode(s) of the electrosurgical device. Gaseous bubbles
are preferentially aspirated through the aspiration holes. The
aspiration holes also serve to reduce drag between the distal end
of the surgical probe and soft tissue at, or adjacent to, the
surgical site.
Inventors: |
West, Hugh S. JR.; (Salt
Lake City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John M. Guynn
WORKMAN, NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
27753339 |
Appl. No.: |
10/083750 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2218/007 20130101;
A61B 2018/00577 20130101; A61B 2217/007 20130101; A61M 1/84
20210501; A61B 2217/005 20130101; A61B 17/32002 20130101; A61B
18/148 20130101; A61B 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/41 |
International
Class: |
A61B 018/18; A61B
018/18 |
Claims
What is claimed an d desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A surgical instrument used in endoscopic surgery, comprising: a
hollow member having a central passageway and a main opening
through a distal end thereof, a rotatable cutting tool disposed at
the distal end of the hollow member; an electrode disposed at the
distal end of the hollow member; and aspiration means, separate
from the main opening and disposed in a side of the hollow member,
for aspirating gaseous bubbles.
2. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the hollow
member is in fluid communication with an aspirator.
3. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 2, wherein the main
opening at the distal end of the hollow member provides aspiration
of at least one of fluid, tissue and gaseous bubbles at a surgical
site.
4. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
rotatable cutting tool is disposed at least partially within the
main opening of the hollow member.
5. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
rotatable cutting tool comprises at least one of a burr or a
blade.
6. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
rotatable cutting tool comprises a hollow drive shaft.
7. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 6, wherein the hollow
drive shaft further includes at least one auxiliary hole through
which bubbles can be aspirated.
8. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
electrode comprises at least a portion of an electronic surgical
device that operates in at least one of a monopolar mode or a
bipolar mode.
9. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 8, wherein the
electronic surgical device performs at least one of cautery or
ablation.
10. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
aspiration means comprises at least one aspiration hole through a
side of the hollow member.
11. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 10, wherein the
aspiration hole is disposed adjacent to the electrode.
12. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 10, wherein the
surgical instrument includes at least one aspiration hole on one
side of the electrode and at least one other aspiration hole on
another side of the electrode.
13. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 10, wherein the at
least one aspiration hole comprises a mesh structure adjacent to
the electrode.
14. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
aspiration means includes at least one slot extending form an end
of the hollow member adjacent the main opening to a location
adjacent the electrode.
15. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein the
aspiration means comprises at least one aspiration tube separate
from the hollow member.
16. A surgical instrument used in endoscopic surgery, comprising: a
hollow tubular member having a main opening through a distal end
thereof; a rotatable cutting tool disposed at the distal end of the
hollow tubular member; at least one electrode disposed at the
distal end of the hollow tubular member; and at least one
aspiration hole, adjacent to the electrode, through a side of the
hollow tubular member.
17. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 16, wherein the
rotatable cutting tool comprises at least one of a burr or a blade
connected to a hollow drive shaft.
18. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 17, wherein the
hollow drive shaft further includes at least one auxiliary hole
through which bubbled can be aspirated.
19. A surgical instrument as defined in claim 16, wherein the
electrode comprises at least a portion of an electronic surgical
device that operates in at least one of a monopolar mode or a
bipolar mode.
20. A method for aspirating gaseous bubbles at a surgical site,
comprising: (a) providing a surgical instrument at the surgical
site that provides both cutting and electrosurgical functions, the
surgical instrument including a hollow member having a main opening
through a distal end thereof; and (b) aspirating gaseous bubbles at
the surgical site through at least one aspiration hole or slot
associated with the surgical instrument in addition to the main
opening of the hollow member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention is in the field of endoscopic instruments and
methods for performing endoscopy. More particularly, the invention
involves endoscopic instruments that perform the combined functions
of mechanical cutting, electrosurgical cautery and/or ablation, and
improved aspiration of gaseous bubbles.
[0003] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0004] Endoscopy, a subset of which is arthroscopy, is gaining more
and more favor as a less invasive means of diagnosing and
surgically treating a wide variety of internal injuries or
ailments. Endoscopic surgery is much less invasive than completely
opening up the tissue and using conventional cutting tools. The
result is greatly shortened patient recovery times, minimal
scarring, reduced cost, and elimination of typical pre-operative
and post-operative hospital stays.
[0005] The endoscope allows a doctor to look directly into a
surgical site through a small incision, which allows for minimally
invasive diagnosis and observation. Endoscopes include a magnifying
lens and coated glass fibers that beam an intense, cool light into
the surgical site. The surgical field is viewed on a video monitor
that is electronically connected to an endoscopic video camera at
the tip of the endoscope.
[0006] While viewing the surgical site in the manner described, the
surgeon can perform any necessary repair and reconstruction using a
separate surgical instrument inserted through a second small
incision at the surgical site. The surgical instrument may include
a mechanical cutting tool, such as a rotating blade or burr. Such
mechanical cutting tools, or shavers, are well-known in the art and
require no further explanation. In general, rotating blades are
generally used to excise unwanted or damaged soft tissues, while
rotating burrs are used to remove harder tissues, such as bone.
[0007] In addition to mechanical cutting or grinding tools,
electronically powered cutting, cauterizing and ablating
electrosurgical tools also allow for less invasive surgical
procedures. Electrosurgical devices generally operate by imparting
electromagnetic energy at a surgical site. Depending on the
frequency of the energy delivered by the lead electrode, such
devices can cauterize (i.e., heat seal) blood vessels, cut soft
tissues, or ablate (i.e., vaporize) soft tissues. Electrosurgical
devices are categorized as either "monopolar" or "bipolar"
depending on the location of the negative, or return,
electrode.
[0008] In a "monopolar" device, the return electrode is connected
to the patient at a remote location relative to the lead electrode
of the surgical device. In this manner, the electrical current
generated by application of a voltage potential to the lead
electrode passes from the lead electrode through the tissue or
blood vessel being cut or cauterized, through the intervening
tissue of the patient's body, and to a grounding pad located
remotely on a patient's body. A substantial portion of the pathway
through which the current passes is therefore the intervening
tissue of the patient's body.
[0009] In contrast, the return electrode in a "bipolar" device is
located in the near vicinity of one or more lead electrodes and
attached to the same surgical instrument. Examples of multiple-lead
bipolar devices are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,933, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,178,620, U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,443 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,767,
all to Eggers et al. In general, bipolar devices work by passing
varying levels of high frequency electrical energy through
individually powered multiple leads and into the tissue to be
ablated or cauterized. The current returns to the return, or
common, electrode located on the same surgical instrument and
connected to a ground by means of an insulated ground wire.
[0010] In general, both monopolar and bipolar devices can be used
to cauterize, cut or ablate tissue depending on the power of the
electromagnetic energy that is produced. When ablating tissues,
gaseous bubbles comprising mostly water vapor are formed as a
byproduct of ablation. Gaseous bubbles can be problematic because
they can obscure the field of vision of the surgeon. In addition,
gaseous bubbles can inhibit ablation by displacing the fluid needed
to transmit electrical energy. Accordingly, some form of aspiration
is typically required to continuously remove the gaseous bubbles
from the surgical site.
[0011] One way is to provide a separate suctioning (or aspirating)
device near the electrosurgical device. However, the use of two
separate devices can be unwieldy and cumbersome, and it requires
separate incisions for both devices. Moreover, the aspiration hole
at the end of the aspiration tube must be kept away from
surrounding tissue so as to avoid suctioning onto the tissue, which
can plug the opening and prevent aspiration. Larger pieces of
detached tissue, such as those that may be removed by mechanical
means, can easily plug the aspiration tube, requiring removal and
unplugging of the aspiration tube.
[0012] A better solution involves surgical instruments that combine
a mechanical cutting or abrading tool with an electrosurgical
device capable of ablation, together with an integral aspiration
device. Surgical instruments combing a rotatable mechanical cutting
or abrading tool, an electrosurgical instrument, and an integral
aspiration device are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,395 to West,
Jr. ("West I") and U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,681 to West, Jr. ("West
II"). The West I and II patents describe surgical devices that
include a hollow probe, a rotatable cutting or grinding tool
disposed at least partially through an opening at the distal end or
tip of the hollow probe, and an electrosurgical device comprising
at least one electrode disposed on a side of the hollow probe at
the distal end. The electrosurgical device may be either monopolar
or bipolar as desired. Typically, mechanical cutting or grinding
occurs on one side of the probe tip, and ablation, etc. occurs on
the other side of the tip. In some embodiments, the cutting tool is
hollow and provides a single hole at the end and an internal
pathway through which debris and gaseous bubbles can be
aspirated.
[0013] One advantage of the devices disclosed in the West I and II
patents is the ability of the rotatable cutting or abrading tool to
break apart or cut pieces of tissue that could otherwise plug or
clog the hole. A downside of such surgical instruments is that they
only include a single opening at the distal end of the probe for
aspiration. This design often results in drag whenever the single
opening at the distal end of the surgical device comes in contact
with tissue adjacent or opposite to the tissue targeted for
ablation, which causes the opening to suction onto or against the
tissue. Such drag can inhibit the ability of the surgeon to
properly position the distal end of the surgical device before
ablation. It can further inhibit the ability to reposition the
device during ablation. Such drag therefore hinders effective and
accurate movement of the electrosurgical device whenever it is
desired to use the electrosurgical device while the cutting or
abrading tool is turned off.
[0014] An additional problem with the devices disclosed in the West
I and II patents is the fact that the opening at the end of the
probe is typically on a side of the probe opposite to the side of
the electrosurgical device. As a result, the gaseous bubbles must
travel around the sides and/or end of the probe in order to enter
the opening within the probe. Depending on the location of the
endoscope, gaseous bubbles traveling from one side of the probe to
the other can continuously obscure the field of view during
ablation, thus requiring periodic stoppages of the ablation process
in order to allow for the removal of the gaseous bubbles and
restore the field of view. The buildup of bubble may also interfere
with tissue ablation by displacing the surrounding fluid. In order
to effectively remove the bubbles, it may be necessary to
reposition the surgical device, causing further inconvenience.
[0015] In view of the foregoing, it is readily apparent that
improved aspiration means for aspirating gaseous bubbles from the
surgical site are needed in order to reduce or eliminate drag
between the surgical instrument and surrounding tissue and also in
order to more efficiently remove gaseous bubbles from the field of
view.
[0016] Such surgical instruments and methods for improved bubble
aspiration at a surgical site are disclosed and claimed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention encompasses apparatus that combine a
mechanical cutting or abrading tool, an electrosurgical device, and
a suctioning device. Such apparatus provide for improved aspiration
of gaseous bubbles and a reduction of drag during placement and/or
repositioning of the surgical apparatus. The invention also
encompasses improved methods for removing gaseous bubbles as they
are generated in order to maintain an open field of view and also
to reduce the accumulation of gaseous bubbles that can inhibit the
operation of the electrosurgical device.
[0018] The improved aspiration of gaseous bubbles is accomplished
by providing one or more aspiration holes near or in close
proximity to the electrosurgical device. Because gaseous bubbles
have negligible viscosity compared to the aqueous environment in
which typical endoscopic procedures are performed, such gaseous
bubbles are preferentially and efficiently aspirated and removed
through the one or more aspiration holes. The one or more
aspiration holes also serve to prevent or reduce drag, which can
otherwise occur if the main opening of the surgical device probe
touches and suctions onto soft tissues when positioning the
surgical device with the mechanical cutting or abrading tool turned
off.
[0019] In general, the surgical devices according to the invention
include a hollow probe with a proximal end attached to a handle and
a distal end where a mechanical cutting tool and an electrosurgical
device are located. The hollow probe includes a hollow tubular
member within which a drive shaft connected to the mechanical
cutting or grinding tool is disposed. The cutting or grinding tool
(e.g. a rotatable blade or burr) is preferably disposed at least
partially within a main opening at the end of the hollow tubular
member of the probe. The main opening of the tubular member may be
slanted so as to enclose or shield one side of the rotatable
cutting or abrading device while being open at the other side so as
to leave a portion of the rotatable tool unshielded.
[0020] The electro surgical device is advantageously attached to a
surface of the hollow tubular member at or near the distal end of
the probe. In the case where the main opening is slanted, the
electro surgical device will be disposed on or near that portion of
the hollow tubular member that encloses a portion of the cutting or
grinding tool. In this embodiment, one side of the distal end of
the probe provides mechanical cutting or abrading and the other
side provides electrosurgical capabilities.
[0021] The hollow tubular member of the probe not only encloses the
drive shaft and, optionally, a portion of the cutting or abrading
tool, it also provides a pathway through which fluid, solid debris,
and gaseous bubbles can be continuously and/or intermittently be
aspirated during the surgical procedure. In some cases, the drive
shaft itself may be hollow so as to provide at least a portion of
the actual aspiration pathway. In other cases, there may be a space
between the drive shaft and the inner wall of the tubular member
that provides the main aspiration pathway. Either way, the tubular
member generally encloses the aspiration pathway.
[0022] Examples of surgical devices that combine mechanical cutting
or abrading, an electrosurgical device, and aspiration capabilities
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,395 to West, Jr. and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,904,681 to West, Jr. For purposes of disclosing apparatus
that combine mechanical cutting or abrading, an electrosurgical
device, and aspiration capabilities, the foregoing patents are
incorporated herein by reference. As noted previously, one of the
problems associated with the devices disclosed in the West I and II
patents is that they only include a single opening through which
fluids, debris and gaseous bubbles are aspirated. During mechanical
cutting or abrading, the large opening associated with the
mechanical cutting or shaving tool adequately aspirates and removes
solid debris consisting of hard or soft tissue from the surgical
site. When the cutting or abrading tool is in operation, the
surgical device continuously aspirates pieces of hard and soft
tissue as they are removed, together with ambient saline fluid.
Tissues are typically aspirated through the main opening of the
hollow probe. Larger pieces of solid debris are effectively chopped
up and reduced in size by the rotating blade. However, when the
mechanical blade or burr is stationary, such as when a surgical
device is being initially positioned or when it is desired to only
operate the electrosurgical device, continuous aspiration through
the single hole at the end of the hollow probe can cause the distal
end of the probe to suctionally adhere to soft tissue, thereby
causing drag or resistance that can hinder ease of placement and
repositioning of the surgical device.
[0023] Another problem is the relative inefficiency with which the
single opening aspirates gaseous bubbles that may be generated by
the electrosurgical device, such as when it is used to ablate soft
tissues. During ablation, significant amounts of localized heat is
generated, which causes water within the saline environment to
evaporate to form gaseous bubbles. Such bubbles can quickly obscure
the field of view otherwise provided by the endoscopic camera at
the end of the endoscope. In addition, such gaseous bubbles can
inhibit ablation by displacing the surrounding fluid used to
generate an electrical currect in the vicinity of the soft tissue
targeted for ablation. The main opening is not optimally positioned
relative to the electrode for aspirating gaseous bubbles produced
by the electrode, particularly when it is slanted. In some cases,
the opening may be completely closed, thereby inhibiting bubble
aspiration regardless of the orientation of the opening.
[0024] The present invention solves both problems, namely excessive
drag and/or inefficient aspiration of gaseous bubbles, by providing
one or more aspiration holes or openings in a side of the tubular
member comprising the hollow probe so as to provide at least one
aspiration hole in addition to the main opening at the distal end
of the hollow probe. The aspiration hole through the side of the
hollow tubular member effectively breaks the vacuum that can
otherwise form when the main opening at the distal end of the
hollow probe brushes against soft tissue. In this way, drag or
other problems associated with adhesion of the probe to soft tissue
is effectively eliminated, or at least greatly reduced. In order
for there to be excessive drag resistance associated with the
inventive surgical apparatus, both the main opening and the one or
more aspiration holes would have to be simultaneously plugged or
blocked by soft tissue at the surgical site, which is much less
likely to happen than when the device includes a single opening for
aspiration.
[0025] The one or more aspiration holes are preferably located in
the vicinity of the electrosurgical device (i.e., "adjacent" to the
electrosurgical device). Locating the one or more aspiration holes
adjacent to the electrosurgical electrode generating the gaseous
bubbles greatly enhances the efficiency by which gaseous bubbles
can be aspirated and effectively removed from the surgical site as
they are being formed during, e.g., ablation. Due to the negligible
viscosity of gaseous bubbles, they are preferentially aspirated
through the one or more aspiration holes compared to the
surrounding fluid. The result is a much clearer field of view of
the surgical site and reduced displacement of surrounding
fluid.
[0026] Another aspect of the invention are methods for more
efficiently removing gaseous bubbles from a surgical site during,
e.g., ablation by the electrosurgical device. By maintaining
constant aspiration through the hollow probe, the gaseous bubbles
generated by the electrosurgical device are quickly and effectively
aspirated through the one or more aspiration holes adjacent to the
electrode generating the gaseous bubbles in order to maintain a
clear field of view and avoid fluid displacement in the vicinity of
the soft tissue targeted for ablation. The ability to more
effectively remove gaseous bubbles is possible whether or not the
mechanical cutting or abrading tool is rotating.
[0027] These and other features of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to a specific embodiment thereof
which is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only a typical embodiment of the invention
and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope,
the invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating room where an
endoscopic surgical procedure is being conducted on the knee of a
patient;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscopic surgical
device that combines a mechanical cutting or abrading tool, an
electrosurgical device, and aspiration capabilities;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the distal end of an
endosurgical device according to the invention incorporating a
rotatable burr and an aspiration hole adjacent to a lead electrode
of an electrosurgical device;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device depicted in
FIG. 3 taken along cutting line 4-4;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a surgical device according to the invention that includes a
rotatable blade and a pair of aspiration holes adjacent to multiple
lead electrodes of an electrosurgical electrode;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the device depicted in
FIG. 5 taken along cutting lines 6-6;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of the surgical device depicted in
FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0036] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the surgical
instrument according to the invention that includes an aspiration
mesh adjacent to the lead electrode of an electrosurgical device
which mesh comprises a large number of aspiration holes;
[0037] FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a surgical device
according to the invention that includes a rotatable blade and a
pair of aspiration holes on either side of an elongate lead
electrode of an electrosurgical device;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a side view of the device depicted in FIG. 9;
[0039] FIGS. 11A-11D depict various possible angular orientations
of the cutting tool relative to the aspiration holes;
[0040] FIGS. 12A-12B depict an inventive surgical device in which
the aspiration holes are separate but not isolated from, the main
opening; and
[0041] FIGS. 13A-13B also depict an inventive surgical device in
which the aspiration holes are separate but not isolated from, the
main opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] I. Introduction and Definitions.
[0043] The present invention encompasses surgical instruments that
allow for a variety of different surgical operations or functions
to be performed using a single surgical instrument. The surgical
instrument includes both a mechanical cutting tool, such as a
serrated blade or a rotating burr, and an electrosurgical device
that operates in either bipolar or monopolar mode in order to
ablate, cauterize or cut soft tissues or blood vessels in or around
the area where the mechanical cutting tool is used. In addition,
the surgical instruments according to the invention include one or
more aspiration holes, in addition to the main opening at a distal
end of the surgical probe, that are advantageously adjacent to the
electrosurgical device in order to efficiently aspirate gaseous
bubbles that may occur as a result of, e.g., ablation.
[0044] The surgical instruments according to the invention can be
used in any form of endoscopy. In the case of arthroscopic surgery
in which bone or cartilage is removed, a preferred embodiment of
the present invention will employ a rotatable burr for removing
bone or cartilage in combination with an electrosurgical device for
cutting or ablating soft tissues and/or for cauterizing blood
vessels. It will readily be understood that other forms of
endoscopy not involving bones or joints can also be performed using
the surgical instruments of the invention. Where it is desired to
remove soft tissues, the preferred mechanical cutting tool will
include a rotatable blade rather than a burr.
[0045] The term "surgical site," as used in the description and
appended claims, includes any location in the body of a patient
where endoscopic surgery may be performed. Thus, although knees and
other joints are common surgical sites for endoscopic surgery, the
term "surgical site" as used in the description and appended
claims, can include any location in the body of a patient where
surgery may be performed.
[0046] The phrase "adjacent to the electrode," as used in the
description and appended claims when referring to the location of
the one or more aspiration holes relative to the one or more
electrodes, shall be understood as encompassing any location that
is sufficiently close to the electrode so as to facilitate
aspiration of bubbles produced by the one or more electrodes. The
phrase "adjacent to the electrode" shall not be limited to
aspiration holes that are right next to the electrode but shall
also include aspirating means that are located sufficient near the
electrode so as to cause gaseous bubbles to be preferentially
aspirated through the aspiration holes compared to the main
opening. In general, the aspirating means will be located nearer
the one or more electrodes than the main opening at the distal end
of the hollow tubular member of the surgical instrument.
[0047] The terms "aspiration means" and "means for aspirating
gaseous bubbles," as used in the description and appended claims,
shall refer to one or more openings, holes, slots or other
passages, in addition to the main opening, through the side of the
hollow probe, through which gaseous bubbles can be aspirated. The
term "aspiration means" also includes aspiration tubes or other
structure separate from the hollow probe.
[0048] The term "side of the hollow member" includes all or
substantially all of the structure between the proximal and distal
ends.
[0049] The term "aspiration hole," as used in the specification and
appended claims, refers to any discontinuity in the side of the
hollow probe through which gaseous bubbles can be aspirated and/or
which can serve to break the vacuum caused when the main opening
brushes against soft tissues. The term "aspiration holes" broadly
includes holes that are isolated from the main opening of a hollow
probe (e.g., FIGS. 3-11) and those that are not isolated from the
main opening (i.e., which have a channel, groove or other
connection to the main opening) (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13).
[0050] Terms such as "cautery" "ablation", "monopolar mode" and
"bipolar mode" shall be afforded their ordinary and common
meanings.
[0051] The terms "cutting tool" and "electrode," unless
specifically limited, may include one or a plurality of individual
cutting tools or electrodes, respectively.
[0052] In order to more specifically teach various embodiments of
surgical devices according to the invention, reference will now be
made to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments depicted in the drawings, although such
drawings represent preferred embodiments according to the
invention.
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating room where
arthroscopic surgery is being conducted on the knee of a patient
using a surgical instrument 10 according to the invention. In this
case, the surgical instrument is adapted for arthroscopic surgery.
A knee 1 is shown on an operating table with a surgical instrument
10 according to the invention inserted through a first incision 2
at the operating site. An endoscope 3 is inserted through a second
incision 4 in the same general vicinity. An irrigation tube 5
attached to the endoscope 3 provides a continuous supply of sterile
saline solution from a saline bag 6 in order to provide a clean and
sterile saline environment at the surgical site. In the case where
the surgical device 10 includes a monopolar surgical device, an
optional grounding pad 7 may be attached to an appropriate location
on the patient's body in order to complete the electrical circuit.
The field of view of the surgical site is presented on a visual
monitor 8.
[0054] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary surgical device 10 according to
the invention that is provided with both a mechanical cutting or
shaving tool, such as a rotatable blade or burr, an electrosurgical
device for cauterizing blood vessels or removing hard and soft
tissues, and aspiration means. The surgical instrument 10
advantageously includes a handle 12, which may include one or more
control buttons 14 for carrying out a desired operation. One of
ordinary skill in the art will be able to design an appropriate
handle 12 having an appropriate number, size and orientation of
control buttons 14 in order to facilitate and control the operation
of the surgical device 10 as desired.
[0055] The surgical device 10 further includes a hollow probe 16
that further comprises a hollow tubular member 18 having a proximal
end 20 attached to the handle 12 and a distal end 22 where the
mechanical cutting tool and electrosurgical device are located. At
the distal end 22 of the tubular member 18 is a main opening 24
through which a rotatable cutting or abrading tool 26 is at least
partially disposed. The rotatable cutting or abrading tool is
attached to a drive shaft (not shown) that causes the rotatable
cutting or abrading tool to rotate at a desired speed during
mechanical cutting or abrading. Also disposed at the distal end 22
of the hollow tubular member 18 is an electrosurgical device 28
that includes one or more electrodes.
[0056] The purpose of the rotating cutting or abrading tool is to
remove hard or soft tissues from the surgical site. In general,
abrading tools are better suited for removing harder tissues such
as bone, while cutting or shaving tools are better suited for
removing softer tissues, such as cancerous cells, surrounding
healthy soft tissue, and cartilage. When the cutting or abrading
tool is in operation, the surgical device continually aspirates
pieces of hard or soft tissue as they are removed through the main
opening 24 of the tubular member 18. Larger pieces of solid debris
can be effectively chopped up or reduced in size by a rotating
blade or other cutting tool.
[0057] The electrosurgical device 28 can be used to perform any
surgical function carried out by electrosurgical devices, e.g.,
cutting, cautery, and/or ablation. The electrosurgical device 28
may be designed so as to operate in monopolar or bipolar mode, as
desired. Although both monopolar and bipolar devices are often used
to carry out the same function, monopolar electrosurgical devices
are typically better suited for cautery and cutting, while bipolar
devices are better suited for ablation. Nevertheless, it is within
the scope of the invention to use electrosurgical device 28 for any
desired function, whether operating in monopolar or bipolar mode.
When used to ablate tissues, gaseous bubbles are often formed as
the surrounding saline solution and/or bodily fluids are heated to
above the boiling point of water. Some of the gaseous bubbles may
be aspirated through the main opening 24.
[0058] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict apparatus and features associated with
one embodiment of the distal end 22 of the probe 16. These figures
depict a rotatable burr 26 disposed partially through the main
opening 24 of the distal end 22 of the hollow tubular member 18.
Because the tubular member 18 is hollow, it defines a central
passageway. The rotatable burr 26 is attached to a hollow drive
shaft 38 disposed within the central passageway of the hollow
tubular member 18. The drive shaft 38 is advantageously hollow and
includes one or more auxiliary holes 36 through which gaseous
bubbles and/or solid debris may be aspirated. The main opening 24
at the distal end 22 of the hollow tubular member 18 is slanted so
as to partially enclose the rotatable burr 26. In this way, only
one side of the distal end 22 of the hollow tubular member 18
provides cutting or abrading, while the other side provides an
attachment site for the electrosurgical device 28.
[0059] As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrosurgical device
28 includes a single lead electrode 30 attached to a side of the
hollow tubular member adjacent the rotatable burr 26. It will be
appreciated, however, that the lead electrode 30 may be positioned
at any suitable location on the hollow tubular member 18. In
addition, multiple lead electrodes may be included. The lead
electrode 30 is typically isolated electrically from the hollow
tubular member 18 so that the lead electrode 30 provides the
desired voltage potential rather than the hollow tubular member 18,
e.g., in the event that the hollow tubular member 18 is made of
metal. If the surgical device is to be used in monopolar mode, the
lead electrode 30 will be the only electrode located along the
hollow tubular member 18 (unless one or more additional lead
electrodes are provided). No grounding electrodes will be located
anywhere along the hollow tubular member 18. Instead, the grounding
electrode will be attached to the patient's body at an alternative
location (see FIG. 1, grounding pad 7).
[0060] In the event that the electrosurgical device 28 is intended
for operation in bipolar mode, a grounding electrode will typically
be provided and located near the one or more lead electrodes 30. As
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a grounding electrode 32 may be integrally
formed within the hollow tubular member 18 in a manner so as to be
electronically isolated from the lead electrode 30. The grounding
electrode 32 may or may not be electronically isolated relative to
the remaining hollow tubular member 18. The lead electrode 30 is
powered by a lead wire 40 that is advantageously embedded within
the hollow tubular member 18. Similarly, the grounding electrode 32
is attached to a grounding wire 42. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the
lead electrode 30, grounding electrode 32, lead wire 40, and
grounding wire 42 are electronically isolated and protected by
means of an insulating sheath 44. It will be appreciated, however,
that one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select an
appropriate design that will cause the electrosurgical device 28 to
function in a desired manner.
[0061] The hollow tubular member 18 also includes one or more
aspiration holes 34 adjacent to the lead electrode 30. The purpose
of the one or more aspiration holes 34 is to efficiently and
effectively aspirate gaseous bubbles that may be generated by the
electrosurgical device 28, such as when it is used to ablate
tissues. The aspiration holes 34 comprise aspiration means for
aspirating gaseous bubbles from the surgical site. The auxiliary
holes 36 through the hollow drive shaft 38, together with the
central passageway defined by the hollow tubular member 18, provide
a continuous pathway for the aspiration of gaseous bubbles, as
shown by the arrows depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0062] FIGS. 5-7 depict an alternative surgical device according to
the present invention that includes a rotatable cutting or shaving
tool instead of a rotatable burr. In addition, this embodiment
illustrates an electrosurgical device that includes multiple lead
electrodes. More particularly, a distal end 50 of a surgical probe
or device 52 according to the invention includes a tubular member
54 having a main opening 56. A hollow shaver 58, as shown with
serrated edges, is attached to a hollow drive shaft 60 disposed
within a central passageway of the tubular member 54. Because the
main opening 56 is slanted, the distal end 50 of the tubular member
54 partially encloses the hollow shaver 58 so that one side of the
distal end 50 provides shaving and cutting while the other side
does not. It will be appreciated that the shaver 58 need not have a
serrated edge but may also include a smooth edge or an edge having
any other desired shape. The hollow shaver 58 and hollow drive
shaft 60 define a continuous aspiration pathway through which
severed tissues and other debris can be effectively aspirated and
removed from the surgical site. The aspiration pathway for the
severed tissues and other debris illustrated by the larger arrows
depicted in FIG. 6.
[0063] The distal end 50 of the surgical probe 52 also includes an
electrosurgical device 62 having a multiplicity of lead electrodes
64. An insulating sheath 66 electronically isolates the lead
electrode 64 from the tubular member 54 which, if made of metal,
can serve as the ground or return electrode. It will be appreciated
that any desired electrosurgical device may be used in combination
with the rotatable cutting tool 58.
[0064] As better shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the tubular member 54
further includes one or more aspiration holes 66 adjacent to the
electrosurgical device 62. The purpose of the aspiration holes 68
is to provide an aspiration pathway through which gaseous bubbles
produced by the electrosurgical device 62 can be effectively and
efficiently aspirated. In this way, the gaseous bubbles produced by
the electrosurgical device 62, e.g., as a result of ablation, can
be quickly removed so as to maintain a clear field of view of the
surgical site and also to reduce fluid displacement and avoid a
buildup of electrical resistance in the vicinity of the
electrosurgical device 62. The aspiration holes 66 comprise
aspiration means for aspirating gaseous bubbles from the surgical
site. The hollow drive shaft 60 may optionally include one or more
auxiliary holes 70 in order to minimize the chance that a surface
of the hollow drive shaft 60 opposite the shaver 58 will entirely
obscure the one or more aspiration holes 68, as will be discussed
more fully below when describing another embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 8 depicts an alternative embodiment that includes mesh
aspiration means comprising a large number of tiny aspiration
holes. More particularly, a distal end 80 of a surgical probe 82
according to the invention includes an electrosurgical device 62
and an aspiration mesh 84 adjacent thereto. The aspiration mesh 82
serves as aspiration means for aspirating gaseous bubbles from the
surgical site.
[0066] FIGS. 9-11 depict another embodiment of the invention that
includes a pair of aspiration holes on either side of an elongate
electrode. As more particularly depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, a
distal end 90 of a surgical probe 92 includes a rotatable cutting
blade 94 that is partially disposed through, but protected by, a
slanted main opening at the distal end 90 of the hollow probe 92.
An elongate electrode 98 is disposed on a side of the probe
opposite the rotatable blade 94. The rotatable blade 94 is
connected to a hollow drive shaft 100. The combination of the
hollow cutting blade 94 and the hollow drive shaft 100 provides a
continuous aspiration pathway through the main opening 11 of a
distal end 90 of the probe 92. This aspiration pathway is used to
remove soft tissue and other debris from the surgical site, e.g.,
as a result of mechanical cutting or shaving.
[0067] On either side of the electrode 98 are a pair of aspiration
holes 98 that provide an additional aspiration pathway for removing
gaseous bubbles generated by the electrode 98. The hollow drive
shaft 100 may optionally include auxiliary holes 104 that
facilitate aspiration of gaseous bubbles through the aspiration
holes 102. The interaction of the various components to provide an
aspiration pathway that facilitates aspiration of gaseous bubbles
is better depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D.
[0068] FIGS. 11A and 11D show how the position of the rotatable
cutting blade 94 relative to the hollow drive shaft 100 can affect,
whether or not one or both pairs of aspiration holes 102 are open
and able to aspirate gaseous bubbles. FIG. 11A depicts the
situation in which the aspiration holes 98 are entirely blocked by
the backside of the rotatable cutting blade 94. However, an
aspiration pathway for efficiently removes gaseous bubbles is still
possible in the event that optional auxiliary holes 104 are
included.
[0069] FIG. 11B depicts the rotatable cutting blade rotated
90.degree. relative to the orientation of FIG. 11A. In this
orientation, one of the sets of aspiration holes 102 is open while
the other may be obscured or blocked (depending on the existance
and position of auxiliary holes 104).
[0070] FIG. 11C depicts the situation where the rotatable cutting
blade 94 is rotated 180.degree. relative to the rotational
orientation of FIG. 11A. In this situation, all four aspiration
holes 102 are completely open and unobstructed. In this case, the
optional auxiliary holes 104 are not needed
[0071] Finally, FIG. 11D is the mirror-image of FIG. 11B in which
one of the sets of aspiration holes 102 is open while the other is
obscured or blocked (depending on the existance and position of
auxiliary holes 104).
[0072] Whether the rotatable cutting blade 94 happens to stop in
any of the orientations depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D, or one of the
many other possible orientations, is a matter of random chance. In
reality, even without optional auxiliary holes 104, there is a high
probability that at least a portion of the aspiration holes 102
will be open at any given orientation of the rotatable cutting
blade 94. The existence of the auxiliary holes 104 simply increases
the probability that an aspiration pathway through aspiration holes
102 will be available for a given rotational orientation of the
rotatable cutting blade 94.
[0073] Although not required, it is certainly within the scope of
the invention to provide a microswitch or some other means for
ensuring that the rotational cutting blade 94 stops at a rotational
orientation that ensures that the aspiration holes 102 at least
partially unblocked. If it is desired to ensure a particular
angular orientation of the rotatable cutting blade 94, one of
ordinary skill in the art will be able to readily design such a
system using microswitches or any other electronic or mechanical
devices known in the art.
[0074] Of course, the rotational orientation of the rotatable
cutting blade 94 is subject to random chance, because in the event
that the aspiration holes 102 are entirely blocked, the
practitioner can simply toggle the rotatable cutting blade 94
briefly in order to reorient it so as to at least partially open
the aspiration holes 102.
[0075] FIGS. 12A and 12B depict another embodiment of a surgical
device according to the invention, particularly a distal end 110 of
a surgical probe 112 that includes aspiration holes or slots 114 on
either side of an electrode 116. The aspiration slots 114 are
separate but not isolated from a main opening 118 through which a
rotatable cutting tool 120 is disposed. The purpose of this
embodiment is to illustrate that the aspiration holes need not be
discontinuous or isolated relative to the main opening but, rather,
can perform their function even if continuous with, or not isolated
from, the main opening 118. The aspiration slots 114 are "separate
from" the main opening 118 because they structurally extend an
opening from the main opening to a location that is adjacent to the
electrode 116. One purpose of the main opening 118 is to provide
passage of the rotatable cutting tool 120 therethrough, while a
purpose of the aspiration slots 114 is to provide aspiration of
gaseous bubbles and/or to reduce or eliminate drag during
placements or repositioning of the surgical probe 112.
[0076] FIGS. 13A and 13B likewise depict a distal end 130 of a
hollow surgical probe 132 that includes aspiration holes or slots
134 on either side of an electrode 136. The aspiration slots 134
are separate but not isolated from, a main opening 138 through
which a cutting tool 140 is disposed. The aspiration slots 134
function similarly to the aspiration slots 114 depicted in FIGS.
12A and 12B. Aspiration holes or slots 114 and 134 comprise
aspiration means separate from the main opening, for aspirating
gaseous bubbles.
[0077] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *