U.S. patent application number 11/416753 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for peristaltic cooling pump system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sherwood Services AG. Invention is credited to Christopher A. Deborski, Scott Drake, Donald McKelvey.
Application Number | 20070258838 11/416753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38661340 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070258838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drake; Scott ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Peristaltic cooling pump system
Abstract
A peristaltic cooling pump system is provided and includes an
actuation housing rotatably supporting a rotor assembly. The rotor
assembly includes a plurality of rollers each having an axis of
rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly. The
peristaltic cooling pump system further includes a cartridge
selectively operably connectable to the actuation housing. The
cartridge is configured to operatively support a tube. The tube is
made of a resilient and selectively compressible material.
Accordingly, when the cartridge is connected to the actuation
housing the tube is in operative association with at least one
roller of the rotor assembly.
Inventors: |
Drake; Scott; (Niwot,
CO) ; Deborski; Christopher A.; (Denver, CO) ;
McKelvey; Donald; (Westminster, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COVIDIEN
60 MIDDLETOWN AVENUE
NORTH HAVEN
CT
06473
US
|
Assignee: |
Sherwood Services AG
|
Family ID: |
38661340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/416753 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/477.11 ;
417/477.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/14232 20130101;
A61M 2205/12 20130101; F04B 43/1253 20130101; F04B 43/0072
20130101; A61B 2018/00023 20130101; F04B 43/1292 20130101; A61B
18/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/477.11 ;
417/477.2 |
International
Class: |
F04B 43/12 20060101
F04B043/12; F04B 43/08 20060101 F04B043/08 |
Claims
1. A peristaltic cooling pump system, comprising: an actuation
housing rotatably supporting a rotor assembly, the rotor assembly
including a plurality of rollers each having an axis of rotation
parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly; and a
cartridge selectively operably connectable to the actuation
housing, the cartridge being configured to operatively support a
tube, wherein the tube is resilient and selectively compressible,
wherein when the cartridge is connected to the actuation housing
the tube is in operative association with at least one roller of
the rotor assembly.
2. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 1,
wherein the cartridge includes: a supporting body having a pair of
spaced apart arms, wherein a first arm defines a lumen formed near
a free end thereof and a second arm defines a passage formed near a
free end thereof, wherein the tube is extendable across the pair of
arms when the tube is operatively associated with the cartridge;
and the actuation housing having a frame, the frame defining an
occlusion surface having a substantially arcuate profile, wherein
the tube is operatively engagable with the occlusion surface when
the cartridge is in operative engagement with the actuation
housing.
3. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 2,
wherein the lumen formed near the free end of the first arm is
configured and dimensioned to slidably engage the tube when the
tube is positioned therein.
4. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 2,
wherein the passage formed near the free end of the second arm is
configured and dimensioned to fixedly engage the tube when the tube
is positioned therein.
5. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 4,
wherein the actuation housing is configured to snap-fit engage the
cartridge therein.
6. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 2,
further comprising an engaging mechanism for approximating the
actuation housing toward the rotor assembly.
7. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 6,
wherein approximation of the actuation housing towards the rotor
assembly compresses the tube between at least one roller and the
frame.
8. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 2,
further comprising a plurality of dividing walls spaced along a
length of the rollers, wherein the dividing walls define pumping
regions therebetween.
9. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 8,
wherein a plurality of cartridges are provided for operative
engagement, one each, into a respective pumping region.
10. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 9,
wherein each pumping region is sized to accommodate a different
sized tube.
11. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 10,
wherein each cartridge has an occlusion surface having a different
diameter.
12. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 2,
wherein the actuation housing is configured to support a plurality
of cartridges thereon.
13. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 12,
wherein each cartridge accommodates a tube having a different
cross-sectional dimension.
14. A peristaltic cooling pump system, comprising: an actuation
housing rotatably supporting a rotor assembly, the rotor assembly
including a plurality of rollers each having an axis of rotation
parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly; a cartridge
selectively connectable to the actuation housing and being
configured to support a tube, wherein the tube is resilient and
selectively compressible, wherein when the cartridge is connected
to the actuation housing the tube is in operative association with
at least one roller of the rotor assembly; the cartridge including
a supporting body having a pair of spaced apart arms, wherein a
first arm defines a lumen formed near a free end thereof and a
second arm defines a passage formed near a free end thereof,
wherein the tube is extendable across the pair of arms when the
tube is operatively associated with the cartridge; the actuation
housing having a frame, the frame defining an occlusion surface
having a substantially arcuate profile, wherein the tube is
operatively engagable with the occlusion surface when the cartridge
is in operative engagement with the actuation housing; and a fluid
reservoir management system containing a quantity of fluid therein,
wherein the fluid reservoir management system is fluidly connected
to an inlet and an outlet of the tube.
15. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 14,
wherein the fluid reservoir management system includes: a first
reservoir fluidly connectable to an inlet of the tube; a second
reservoir fluidly connectable to an outlet of the tube; and a
diaphragm separating the first and second reservoirs.
16. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 15,
wherein, prior to operation of the peristaltic cooling pump system,
the first reservoir contains all of the fluid and the second
reservoir contains no fluid.
17. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 15,
wherein, during operation of the peristaltic cooling pump system,
the fluid travels from the first reservoir, through the tube, to
the second reservoir.
18. The peristaltic cooling pump system according to claim 17,
wherein the diaphragm is configured to move to contract the first
reservoir and expand the second reservoir as fluid is flowing
therebetween.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to cooling pumps and systems
and, more particularly, to peristaltic cooling pumps and/or systems
typically used to circulate sterile fluids and the like to a target
surgical site and/or through a surgical instrument for cooling and
the like.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] A wide variety of pump types have been used in the past for
pumping any number of a variety of different liquids for any of a
number of different functions and applications. Typically, a
peristaltic-type pump is used in connection with many medical
applications and is applied externally of the fluid delivery tube.
Thus, the peristaltic pump does not interfere with the sterile
state which must be maintained for the infusion fluid within the
fluid delivery tube.
[0005] Many peristaltic pumps are typically used in medical,
biomedical and laboratory applications, including and not limited
to, irrigation devices and/or systems, suction devices and/or
systems, circulation devices and/or systems, and the like. One
example of a peristaltic pump is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and
is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,969, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This
so-called "cool-tip" radiofrequency thermosurgery electrode system
includes an example of a pump for circulating cooling fluid.
[0006] More particularly and as seen in FIG. 1, an insulated
electrode shaft 104 with exposed tip 103 is provided for insertion
into a patient's body so that tip 103 achieves a target volume to
be ablated. A high frequency generator such as a radiofrequency
generator 107 is provided for supplying RF power to electrode shaft
104, as shown by the RF power P line. At the same time, electrode
shaft 104, is provided with a temperature sensor, provides feed
back to the RF generator or controller circuit 109 relating to a
temperature reading To or multiple temperature readings of a
similar nature of the tissue coolant fluid or tip arrangement.
Depending upon the temperature reading, the RF output power P may
be modified by controller 109 by modulating the RF voltage,
current, and/or power level, accordingly, to stabilize the ablation
volume or process. If temperature rises to boiling, as indicated by
temperature measurement To, the power could be either shut off or
severely cut back by generator 107 or controller 109. Thus a
feedback loop between power and temperature (or any other set of
parameters associated with the lesion process) can be implemented
to make the process safer or to simply monitor the process as a
whole.
[0007] As further seen in FIG. 1, element 108 represents the
coolant fluid supply and pump system which can be configured to
measure pressure and/or flow. Input flow from element 108 to
electrode shaft 104 and output flow are indicated by the arrows to
and from the electrode shaft 104 and element 108, respectively.
Accordingly, the controller 109 monitors the procedure and
regulates the fluid flow of the coolant between controller 109 and
element 108 which, in turn, prevents the electrode from over
heating. In conjugation, the combined mediation of flow, power,
temperature, or other lesioning parameters could be integrated in
controller 109, and the entire system of generator 107, element
108, and controller 109 can be one large feedback control network
and system. Fluid bath 110 may also be included with the system as
a reservoir of coolant fluid which may also be regulated by
controller 109.
[0008] Typically, element 108, including the pump, is an integral
part of control system 100. Accordingly, should the pump fail,
break down, become contaminated or the like, the entire control
system 100 needs to be replaced or extensive work performed on
control system 100 in order to replace, remove, sterilize, dispose
and/or otherwise treat the pump of element 108.
SUMMARY
[0009] Accordingly, a need exists for improved pumps and/or systems
for use with sterile fluids which overcome at least some of the
deficiencies and/or drawbacks of existing pumps and/or systems. A
need thus exists for improved pumps and/or pump systems that can be
or are sterilized and that are used in connection with the
transmission of sterile fluids.
[0010] A further need also exists for improved pumps and/or pump
systems that can be selectively coupled and un-coupled to and from
an ablation generator as needed and/or desired. Yet another need
exists for improved pumps and/or pump systems having
interchangeable components, which components may be each
individually sterilizable, replaceable and/or disposable. A still
further need exists for improved pumps and/or pump systems for use
with cool-tip radiofrequency thermosurgery electrode system and
improved pumps and/or pump systems having improved fluid management
characteristics.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a
peristaltic cooling pump system is provided and includes an
actuation housing rotatably supporting a rotor assembly. The rotor
assembly includes a plurality of rollers each having an axis of
rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly. The
peristaltic cooling pump system further includes a cartridge
selectively operably connectable to the actuation housing. The
cartridge is configured to operatively support a tube. The tube is
made of a resilient and selectively compressible material.
Accordingly, when the cartridge is connected to the actuation
housing the tube is in operative association with at least one
roller of the rotor assembly.
[0012] The cartridge may include a supporting body having a pair of
spaced apart arms, wherein a first arm defines a lumen formed near
a free end thereof and a second arm defines a passage formed near a
free end thereof, wherein the tube is extendable across the pair of
arms when the tube is operatively associated with the
cartridge.
[0013] The lumen formed near the free end of the first arm may be
configured and dimensioned to slidably engage the tube when the
tube is positioned therein. The passage formed near the free end of
the second arm may be configured and dimensioned to fixedly engage
the tube when the tube is positioned therein.
[0014] The peristaltic cooling pump system may further include a
plurality of dividing walls spaced along a length of the rollers.
The dividing walls define pumping regions therebetween. A plurality
of cartridges may be provided for operative engagement, one each,
into a respective pumping region. Each pumping region may be sized
to accommodate a different sized tube. Accordingly, each cartridge
may have an occlusion surface having a different diameter.
[0015] The actuation housing may be configured to support a
plurality of cartridges thereon. Each cartridge may accommodate a
tube having a different cross-sectional dimension.
[0016] The peristaltic cooling pump system may further include a
fluid reservoir management system containing a quantity of fluid
therein. The fluid reservoir management system is fluidly connected
to an inlet and an outlet of the tube. The fluid reservoir
management system may include a first reservoir fluidly connectable
to an inlet of the tube; a second reservoir fluidly connectable to
an outlet of the tube; and a diaphragm separating the first and
second reservoirs. In use, prior to the operation of the
peristaltic cooling pump system the first reservoir may contain all
of the fluid and the second reservoir contains no fluid. Further,
during operation of the peristaltic cooling pump system the fluid
may travel from the first reservoir, through the tube, to the
second reservoir. The diaphragm may be configured to move to
contract the first reservoir and expand the second reservoir as
fluid is flowing therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art cool-tip
control system for RF heating ablation showing an RF generator,
coolant system, fluid bath source and control system that monitors
and regulates critical parameters relating to temperature, power
and fluid flow;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a partially broken away side elevational view
illustrating an installation of the cartridge of FIG. 2 into an
actuation housing according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 4-6 are perspective schematic views of a peristaltic
cooling pump system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, shown at various stages of loading and operation;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a fluid reservoir
management system for use with the peristaltic pump system of FIGS.
4-6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir
management system of FIG. 7, as taken through line 8-8 of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a peristaltic pump
system according to an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a cartridge for use with
the peristaltic pump system of FIG. 9; and
[0025] FIG. 11 is side, elevational view of the peristaltic pump
system of FIG. 9 illustrating the operative engagement of the
cartridge of FIGS. 9 and 10 thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The presently disclosed sterilizable pumps and systems,
together with attendant advantages, are best understood by
reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with
the figures.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1, a prior art control system for RF
heating ablation is shown generally as 100. Control system 100
includes an insulated electrode shaft 104 having an exposed tip 103
for insertion into a patient's body such that exposed tip 103 can
achieve a target volume to be ablated. Electrode shaft 104 extends
from a hub 106 and includes at least one mechanical interface (not
shown) for connecting electrode shaft 104 to RF generator 107 and
coolant supply and pump 108.
[0028] RF generator 107 supplies RF power to electrode shaft 104,
as shown by the RF power connection "P". At the same time,
electrode shaft 104 which includes a temperature sensor (not
shown), feeds temperature information back to RF generator 107
and/or a controller circuit 109 relating to a temperature reading
To or multiple temperature readings of the tissue coolant fluid or
tip arrangement. According to the temperature reading, any
modulation of the RF output power "P" is accorded by controller
109. More particularly, controller 109 modulates the RF voltage,
current, and/or power level to stabilize the ablation volume or
process. If temperature reading To rises to a boiling point, the
power is either shut off or severely cut back to generator 107 by
controller 109. Thus a feedback loop between power and temperature
(or any other set of parameters associated with the lesion process)
can be implemented to monitor the overall process.
[0029] In addition, as seen in FIG. 1, control system 100 further
includes power measurement connections from RF generator 107 to
controller 109 and a feedback power control signal from controller
109 to RF generator 107. The entire heating process may be
preconfigured by the operator before the procedure based on the
imaging and preplanned calculations of ablation volume verses the
tip geometry and other ablation parameters. Thus, controller 109 is
capable of regulating the entire heating process by controlling the
RF power "P" from generator 107.
[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 1, control system 100
further includes a coolant fluid supply and pump system 108 with
potential thermo-monitoring, pressure monitoring, flow monitoring,
etc. Input flow from coolant fluid supply and pump system 108 to
electrode shaft 104 and output flow from the electrode shaft are
indicated by the arrows which connect hub 106 and the coolant fluid
supply and pump system 108. Such input and output flow can be
monitored by appropriate pressure or flow monitoring elements or
detection devices (not shown). These are well known in the fluid
control industry. Accordingly, the fluid flow and the temperature
of the coolant can be fed back between controller 109 and coolant
supply 108 so the controller 109 can regulate the input and output
flow. Combined regulation mediation of flow, power, temperature,
and/or other lesioning parameters may also be integrated in
controller 109, the generator 107, and the coolant supply 108. The
controller 109 may also be configured as one large feedback control
network and system.
[0031] Control system 100 may also include a reservoir of coolant
fluid 110 which may have possible interior temperature regulation
within the fluid bath. Bath temperatures and control signals are
fed back and forth to controller system 109. These parameters also
could be integrated in the overall control of the ablation process.
Indwelling controllers, electronics, microprocessors, or software
may be included to govern the entire process or allow preplanned
parameters to be configured by the operator based on the selection
of a tip geometry and overall ablation volume which are typically
selected according to a tumor or pathological volume to be
destroyed. Many variants or interconnections of the block diagram
shown in FIG. 1 or additions of the diagram could be devised by
those skilled in the art of fluid control power and regulation
systems.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a cartridge 300, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown and described.
Cartridge 300 is configured and adapted for use with a peristaltic
pump system 200, as will be described in greater detail below.
Cartridge 300 includes a clevis-like supporting body 302 having a
pair of upstanding spaced apart arms 304, 306. First arm 304
includes a lumen 308 formed in a free end 304a thereof. Lumen 308
is configured and dimensioned to permit tube "T" to slide
therewithin. Second arm 306 includes a passage 310 formed in a free
end 306a thereof. Passage 310 is configured and dimensioned to
engage tube "T" when tube "T" is properly positioned therewithin
such that tube "T" is fixed in position. Tube "T" may be fixed
within passage 310 in any suitable manner, such as with a suitable
adhesive.
[0033] As seen in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, arms 304, 306 have an
ovular cross-sectional profile. As such, arms 304, 306 are inserted
into an opening 310a of an actuation housing 202. Once a particular
arm is inserted into passage 310a, the cartridge 300 is rotated
approximately 90.degree. such that the long axis of the arm
cross-sectional profile is substantially aligned with a
longitudinal axis of a pouch 310b. In so doing, an arm is thus
substantially fixed in position within pouch 310b.
[0034] Cartridge 300 functions to hold tube "T" in position during
connection with the remainder of peristaltic pump system 200, such
that a user does not have to hold tube "T".
[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 4-6, a peristaltic pump system 200 is
shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
for use in control system 100 and with coolant supply 108. Pump
system 200 includes a rotor assembly 220 rotatably supported on an
actuation housing 202. Actuation housing 202 may include a drive
mechanism (e.g., a drive motor or the like) which is adapted for
delivering either forward or reverse rotation to rotor assembly
220. As will be described in greater detail below, rotor assembly
220 functions to repetitively compress tube "T" in order to squeeze
fluid contained within tube "T" therefrom and to create or produce
a volumetric pumping effect through tube "T".
[0036] As seen in FIGS. 4-6, rotor assembly 220 includes a
plurality of rollers 222 rotatably supported at the free ends of a
frame (not shown). The axis of rotation of each roller 222 is
parallel to an axis of rotation "X" of rotor assembly 220. For
example, each roller 222 may be supported near a free end of a
spoke, which spoke is secured or otherwise operatively connected to
a rotational drive shaft of the drive mechanism (not shown).
Accordingly, in use, as the shaft of the drive mechanism is
rotated, the rollers 222 rotate in a planetary orbit around
rotational axis "X" of rotor assembly 220.
[0037] While only two rollers 222 are shown in FIGS. 4-6, three,
evenly spaced apart rollers may be provided. Rotor assembly 220 may
be provided with any number of rollers 222 or may be provided with
any other appropriate structure for accomplishing the volumetric
pumping effect desired.
[0038] As seen in FIGS. 4-6, pump system 200 further includes
cartridge 300, as described above, operatively supported by
actuation housing 202 and operatively engagable with rollers 222 of
rotor assembly 220. Actuation housing 202 includes a frame 330 that
defines an annular recess 332 defining an occlusion surface 334
formed in a surface thereof. Occlusion surface 334 of frame 330 is
configured and dimensioned for operative association with rollers
222 of rotor assembly 220 and with a section of tube "T" (i.e., the
section of tube "T" disposed between arms 304, 306 of cartridge
300). Occlusion surface 334 of frame 330 may include a groove 334a
extending along the length thereof which is configured and
dimensioned to at least partially receive the portion of tube "T"
therein. Occlusion surface 334 may extend for approximated
1800.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 4-6 and described above in FIG. 3,
cartridge 300 is mounted to actuation housing 202 such that tube
"T" is placed into operative engagement between rollers 222 of
rotor assembly 220 and occlusion surface 334 of frame 330. Tube "T"
may be fabricated from an elastomeric material that allows for tube
"T" to be compressed between rollers 222 and occlusion surface 332
and that returns to its un-compressed condition when not between
rollers 222 and occlusion surface 332.
[0040] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, pump system 200 is
further provided with an engaging mechanism 240 configured and
adapted to move actuation housing 202 toward and away from rotor
assembly 220 to thereby secure tube "T" therebetween and to vary
the flow rate of fluid through tube "T". As seen through FIGS. 4-6,
rotation of engaging mechanism 240, in the direction of arrow "A"
about the rotational axis "X", results in the movement of actuation
housing 202 toward rotor assembly 220. Likewise, rotation of
engaging mechanism 240, in the direction opposite to arrow "A"
about the rotational axis "X", results in the movement of actuation
housing 202 away from rotor assembly 220.
[0041] As seen in FIG. 4, with tube "T" operatively supported in
cartridge 300, cartridge 300 is mounted to actuation housing 202
such that cartridge 300 is spaced a distance away from rotor
assembly 220. With cartridge 300 mounted to actuation housing 202
and tube "T" positioned between frame 330 and rotor assembly 220,
engaging mechanism 240 is rotated, in the direction of arrow "A",
to approximate actuation housing 202 toward rotor assembly 220.
Engaging mechanism 240 is rotated an amount sufficient to securely
clamp tube "T" between frame 330 and rotor assembly 220, as seen in
FIG. 5.
[0042] With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the use of engaging
mechanism 240 to control of the rate of fluid flow through tube "T"
is shown. Engaging mechanism 240 includes an indicator 242 which
illustrates the degree of the rate of fluid flow through tube "T".
In use, the greater the amount of indicator 242 that is visible the
greater the rate of fluid flow through tube "T". Accordingly, as
seen in FIG. 5, a relatively small amount of indicator 242 is
visible and thus a relatively small rate of fluid will flow through
tube "T". As seen in FIG. 6, a relatively larger amount of
indicator 242 is visible and thus a relatively greater rate of
fluid will flow through tube "T".
[0043] Adjustment of the rate of fluid flow through tube "T" is
accomplished by further rotation of engagement mechanism 240 about
the rotational axis "X", in the direction of arrow "A". The greater
the degree of rotation of engagement mechanism 240 about the
rotational axis "X", the more actuation housing 202 is approximated
toward rollers 222 of rotor assembly 220 and the greater the degree
of compression of tube "T" by rollers 222 of rotor assembly 220
against occlusion surface 334 of frame 330. In operation, the
greater the degree of compression of tube "T" between rollers 222
of rotor assembly 220 against occlusion surface 334 of frame 330
the greater the rate of fluid flow through tube "T".
[0044] In operation, when fluid "F" is pumped through tube "T",
fluid "F" is pumped to the operative site (i.e., to electrode shaft
104) to thereby maintain the operative site at a substantially
constant temperature during the surgical procedure. Engagement
mechanism 240 may be provided with tactile feedback structure (not
shown), which provides the user with sensory feedback during the
rotation of engagement mechanism 240 about the rotational "X"
axis.
[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a fluid reservoir management
system for use with the peristaltic pump system of FIGS. 2-6 (or
any of the pump systems disclosed herein), is shown and is
generally designated as 400. Fluid management reservoir 400
includes a pair of bladders 410 and 420 each defining a chamber or
reservoir 412 and 422, respectively. A respective nozzle 414, 424
is operatively connected to each bladder 410, 420 for providing
access to each chamber or reservoir 412, 422. Valves 430a, 430b are
fluidly connected to each nozzle 414, 424, respectively, and
provide selective opening and closing of bladders 410, 420.
[0046] Chambers or reservoirs 412, 422 are fluidly separated from
one another. Bladders 410, 420 may be fabricated from any material
known by one having skill in the art, including and not limited to
pliable, flexible and/or elastomeric materials; rigid, non-flexible
materials or any combinations thereof.
[0047] A first end of tube "T" is connectable to nozzle 414 of
first reservoir 412, through valve 430a, while a second end of tube
"T is connectable to second reservoir 422, through valve 430b.
Prior to operation or use of fluid reservoir management system 200
first reservoir 412 of first bladder 410 is filled with a fluid,
such as distilled or sterile water, while second reservoir 422 of
second bladder 420 is empty. In use, as pump system 200 is in
operation, fluid "F.sub.out" is drawn out of first reservoir 412
and communicated through tube "T" passing through pump system 200,
and fluid "F.sub.in" is deposited into second reservoir 422. Pump
system 200 also delivers fluid to the target surgical site before
returning the fluid to the second reservoir 422.
[0048] Effectively, fluid management reservoir 400 is a single
use-type reservoir. Once the initial fluid contained within first
reservoir 412 is completely used and deposited within second
reservoir 422, fluid management reservoir 400 is replaced with a
new fluid management reservoir.
[0049] Fluid management reservoir 400 includes a diaphragm 450
separating first reservoir 410 from second reservoir 420. In
operation, as fluid flows from first reservoir 412 to second
reservoir 422, thereby emptying first reservoir 412 and filling
second reservoir 422, diaphragm 450 moves from second reservoir 422
toward first reservoir 412 thereby constricting first reservoir 412
and expanding second reservoir 422.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, a peristaltic pump system in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, for
use in control system 100 and with coolant supply 108, is shown
generally as 500. Pump system 500 includes a rotor assembly 520
rotatably supported on an actuation housing 202. Actuation housing
202 may include a drive mechanism (e.g., a drive motor or the like)
which is adapted for delivering either forward or reverse rotation
to rotor assembly 220. As will be described in greater detail
below, rotor assembly 220 functions to repetitively compress at
least one tube "T" in order to squeeze fluid contained within the
tube(s) "T" therefrom and create or produce a volumetric pumping
effect through tube(s) "T".
[0051] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, rotor assembly 520 includes a
plurality of rollers 522 extending from actuation housing 202.
Rollers 522 are rotatably connected to actuation housing 202 in
such a manner so as to rotate about a central axis of rotation "X"
for rotor assembly 520. Each roller 522 may define an axis
"X.sub.n" of rotation which is parallel to axis of rotation "X" of
rotor assembly 520. For example, each roller 522 may be operatively
supported in actuation housing 202 in such a manner that rollers
522 are rotatable about the central rotational "X" axis, and each
roller 522 is rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes
"X.sub.n".
[0052] While only three rollers 522 are shown in FIG. 9, rotor
assembly 520 may include any suitable number of rollers 522 or may
include any other appropriate structure.
[0053] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, pump system 500 includes a
plurality of dividing walls 526 disposed along the length of
rollers 522. Each dividing wall 526 is provided with an aperture
526a through which rollers 522 extend. In this manner, a plurality
of pumping regions 528 are defined between dividing walls 526.
Dividing walls 526 are supported on actuation housing 202 by a
beam, arm or the like 204 extending from actuation housing 202.
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 9-11, pump system 500 further includes at
least one cartridge 530 which is selectively, and operatively
positionable in pumping regions 528. Cartridge 530, when positioned
in pumping region 528 resides in operative engagement with rollers
522 of rotor assembly 520. Cartridge 530 includes an annular recess
532 which defines an occlusion surface 534 formed in a surface
thereof. Occlusion surface 534 of cartridge 530 is configured and
dimensioned for operative association with rollers 522 of rotor
assembly 520 and with a section of tube "T". Occlusion surface 534
may extend for approximated 180.degree..
[0055] Each cartridge 530 is configured and adapted for engagement
in any of pumping regions 528. In particular, each cartridge 530
includes a locking element 536b (see FIGS. 10 and 11) that is
configured and adapted for selective snap-fit engagement in a
complementary locking feature 526b (see FIG. 11) provided in
dividing walls 526. Cartridge 530 may be pivotally connected to
dividing walls 526 by way of a pivot pin 536a (see FIG. 10) or the
like. Cartridge 530 may also be provided with a finger tab 536c for
facilitating movement of cartridge 530 between a position in which
occlusion surface 534 is in close cooperative arrangement with
rollers 522 and a second position in which occlusion surface 534 is
in spaced non-cooperative arrangement with rollers 522.
[0056] In operation, when tube "T" is positioned in a pumping
region 528 and a respective cartridge 530 is moved to a close
cooperative arrangement with rollers 522, fluid may be pumped
through tube "T" and to the operative site (i.e., to electrode
shaft 104) to thereby maintain the operative site at a
substantially constant temperature during the surgical
procedure.
[0057] In accordance with the present embodiment, a plurality of
tubes "T" may be placed in respective pumping regions 528 and
respective cartridges 530 may be used to operatively engage tubes
"T" and create a pumping action through the tubes "T" as the rotor
assembly 520 is rotated. In this manner, a plurality of different
cooling paths or circuits are defined, more particularly, a
plurality of discrete fluid paths are defined. In other words, the
fluid from one cooling path does not mix with the fluid from
another fluid path.
[0058] Tubes "T" of varying diameters may be placed into various
pumping regions 528 in order to pump varying volumes of fluid at
varying rates. Dividing walls 526 may be spaced by varying amounts
in order to define pumping region 528 of varying sizes which in
turn can accommodate tubes "T" of various sizes. Accordingly, it is
envisioned that cartridges 530 must be provided in varying sizes to
cooperate and complement the sizes of the pumping regions 528.
[0059] Additionally, occlusion surface 534 of cartridge 530 may
have a relatively larger or smaller diameter depending on the size
of tube "T" which is being used. For example, if a relatively
larger diameter tube "T" is being used, a cartridge 530 having an
occlusion surface 534 with a relatively larger diameter will be
used. Likewise, if a relatively smaller diameter tube "T" is being
used, a cartridge 530 having an occlusion surface 534 with a
relatively smaller diameter will be used.
[0060] Cartridges 530 may be provided with tactile feedback
structure (not shown) which provides the user with sensory feedback
during the connection and/or placement of cartridges 530 into
pumping regions 528.
[0061] As seen in FIG. 10, pump system 500 may include a latch
structure 540 or the like for locking and maintaining cartridge 530
into position between walls 526 and against tube "T".
[0062] Although illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure
are described herein, the disclosure is not limited to those
embodiments, and various other changes and modifications may be
affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from
the scope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
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