U.S. patent application number 11/526193 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-27 for sterilizing cutting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Searete LLC, a limited liability corporation of the State of Delaware. Invention is credited to Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood.
Application Number | 20080077145 11/526193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39226004 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080077145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyden; Edward S. ; et
al. |
March 27, 2008 |
Sterilizing cutting system
Abstract
Sectioning tools that emit self-sterilizing radiation. In one
approach, the radiation is ultraviolet and/or plasmonic.
Inventors: |
Boyden; Edward S.; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Hyde; Roderick A.; (Livermore, CA)
; Ishikawa; Muriel Y.; (Livermore, CA) ;
Leuthardt; Eric C.; ( St. Louis, MO) ; Myhrvold;
Nathan P.; (Medina, WA) ; Rivet; Dennis J.;
(St. Louis, MO) ; Smith; Michael A.; (San Gabriel,
CA) ; Weaver; Thomas A.; (San Mateo, CA) ;
Wood; Lowell L.; (Livermore, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEARETE LLC;CLARENCE T. TEGREENE
1756 - 114TH AVE., S.E., SUITE 110
BELLEVUE
WA
98004
US
|
Assignee: |
Searete LLC, a limited liability
corporation of the State of Delaware
|
Family ID: |
39226004 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526193 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11526192 |
Sep 22, 2006 |
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11526193 |
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11526090 |
Sep 22, 2006 |
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11526192 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/0011 20130101;
A61B 17/32002 20130101; A61B 17/3201 20130101; A61B 2017/00022
20130101; A61B 2017/00061 20130101; A61B 2090/064 20160201; A61B
17/3211 20130101; A61B 90/40 20160201; A61L 2/10 20130101; A61B
2017/00084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/79 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for sectioning a material, comprising: a first
member including a sectioning structure; and an optical guiding
structure having a first portion coupled to the sectioning
structure and a second portion separated from the first portion,
the guiding structure being configured to propagate ultraviolet
energy from the second portion to the first portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guiding structure is
integral to the first member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member includes at
least one output coupling structure configured to direct
ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the
sectioning structure.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the output coupling structure
is an internally reflective surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an energy blocking
structure interposed between the sectioning structure and an
expected grip region.
6.-8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an energy blocking
structure interposed between the sectioning structure and an
expected viewing location.
10.-12. (canceled)
13-17. (canceled)
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a converting
structure configured to convert ultraviolet energy to plasmon
energy.
19-20. (canceled)
21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the optical guiding
structure further includes a plasmon guiding structure proximate to
the first portion.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
first member is at least partially transparent to the ultraviolet
energy.
23-26. (canceled)
27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical guiding structure
includes a waveguide.
28. (canceled)
29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical guiding structure
is configured to propagate the ultraviolet energy to substantially
all of the sectioning structure.
30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sectioning structure
includes at least one structure selected from the group consisting
of a cutting edge, a piercing structure, a drill, and a
cauterizer.
31-34. (canceled)
35. An apparatus for sectioning a material, comprising: a first
member including a sectioning structure; and an ultraviolet emitter
optically directed to the sectioning structure.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
optically coupled to the sectioning structure.
37. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising an optical
guiding structure having a first portion directed to the sectioning
structure and a second portion coupled to the ultraviolet emitter,
the guiding portion being configured to propagate ultraviolet
energy from the second portion to the first portion.
38-41. (canceled)
42. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the first member includes at
least one output coupling structure configured to direct
ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the
sectioning structure.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the output coupling
structure is an internally reflective surface.
44. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising an ultraviolet
blocking structure interposed between the sectioning structure and
an expected grip location.
45.-47. (canceled)
48-49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a converter
configured to convert ultraviolet emissions to plasmon
emissions.
52-53. (canceled)
54. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
configured to direct ultraviolet energy through the sectioning
structure.
55. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
positioned on a surface of the first member.
56. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
positioned on the sectioning structure.
57. (canceled)
58. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
configured to emit radiation having a wavelength less than about
300 nm.
59. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the ultraviolet emitter is
configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between about 230
nm and 280 nm.
60. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the sectioning structure
includes a cutting edge.
61.-64. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the benefit
of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the
following listed application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g.,
claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional
patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e)
for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,
grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Application(s)).
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] 1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of
United States patent application Ser. No. [To Be Assigned by
USPTO], entitled SWITCHABLE STERILIZING CUTTING SYSTEM, naming
Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C.
Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith,
Thomas A. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 22
Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of
which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit
of the filing date.
[0003] 2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of
United States patent application Ser. No. [To Be Assigned by
USPTO], entitled STERILIZING CUTTING METHOD, naming Edward S.
Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt,
Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Thomas A.
Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 22 Sep. 2006,
which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a
currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the
filing date.
[0004] The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a
notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require
that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate
whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part.
Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO
Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.
The present applicant entity has provided above a specific
reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that
the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and
does not require either a serial number or any characterization,
such as "continuation" or "continuation-in-part," for claiming
priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's computer
programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence applicant
entity is designating the present application as a
continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above,
but expressly points out that such designations are not to be
construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as
to whether or not the present application contains any new matter
in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).
[0005] All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any
and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications
of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to
the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, an apparatus for sectioning a material
includes a first member including a sectioning structure (e.g., a
cutting edge or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer) and an
optical guiding structure. The optical guiding structure has a
first portion coupled to the cutting edge and a second portion
separated from the first portion, wherein the guiding structure is
configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion
to the first portion. The guiding structure may be integral to the
first member. The first member may include at least one output
coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective surface)
configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure
towards the sectioning structure. The apparatus may include an
energy blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or ultraviolet
opaque coating such as a metal coating) which may be positioned
between the sectioning structure and an expected grip region and/or
between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location.
The apparatus may include a region shaped for grasping, which may
include an energy blocking structure such as an opaque and/or
ultraviolet opaque coating (e.g., a metal coating). The apparatus
may further include a converting structure configured to convert
ultraviolet energy to plasmon energy, which may include a metal
coating such as a silver coating, and the optical guiding structure
may include a plasmon guiding structure. At least a portion of the
first member may be at least partially transparent to ultraviolet
energy, and the first member may include diamond and/or quartz. The
optical guiding structure may include a waveguide and/or an optical
fiber, and may be configured to propagate the ultraviolet energy to
substantially all of the sectioning structure. The sectioning
structure may include, for example, a cutting edge, a piercing
structure, and/or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer.
[0007] In another aspect, an apparatus for sectioning a material
includes a first member including a sectioning structure and an
ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a laser) optically coupled to the
sectioning structure. The apparatus may further include an optical
guiding structure having a first portion coupled to the sectioning
structure and a second portion coupled to the ultraviolet emitted,
the guiding portion being configured to propagate ultraviolet
energy from the second portion to the first portion. The guiding
structure may be integral to the first member, and may include a
waveguide and/or an optical fiber. The first member may include at
least one output coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective
surface) configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding
structure towards the sectioning structure. The apparatus may
include an ultraviolet blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or
ultraviolet opaque coating such as a metal coating) between the
sectioning structure and an expected grip location and/or between
the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location. The
apparatus may include a handle, which may include an ultraviolet
blocking structure such as an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque
coating (e.g., a metal coating). The apparatus may include a
converter configured to convert ultraviolet emissions to plasmon
emissions, such as a metal (e.g., silver) layer. The ultraviolet
emitter may be configured to direct ultraviolet energy through the
sectioning structure, and may be positioned on a surface of the
first member and/or on the sectioning structure. The ultraviolet
emitted may be configured to emit radiation having a wavelength of
less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between
about 230 nm and about 280 nm). The sectioning structure may
include a cutting edge, a piercing structure, and/or a cauterizer
such as an electrocauterizer.
[0008] In yet another aspect, an apparatus includes a first member
including a sectioning structure, an ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a
laser) optically coupled to the sectioning structure, and a switch
configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to a
signal condition. The switch may be configured for manual
activation, or it may modulate the ultraviolet emitter when the
sectioning structure is in contact with a material. The apparatus
may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an
optical sensor, and/or a receiver responsive to a carrier signal in
the material) that determines proximity of the sectioning structure
to a material, in which case the switch may be configured to
modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to the proximity
sensor. The switch may be configured to modulate the ultraviolet
emitter in response to a temperature sensor, to a reflectivity
sensor that is configured to detect reflectivity in the vicinity of
the sectioning structure, to a biological sensor that is configured
to detect a presence of microorganisms in the vicinity of the
sectioning structure, and/or to a force sensor. Modulating the
ultraviolet emitter may include activating or deactivating the
ultraviolet emitter. The ultraviolet emitter may be configured to
emit radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g.,
radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280
nm).
[0009] In still another aspect, a method of sectioning includes
contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning
tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer),
and emitting sterilizing radiation from the sectioning surface of
the sectioning tool. Contacting the material with the sectioning
surface of the sectioning tool may include cutting, cauterizing,
dissecting, and/or piercing the material. Emission of the
sterilizing radiation may be substantially concurrent or alternate
with contacting the material with the sectioning surface. The
material may be biological tissue, which may be human, animal, or
plant tissue and may be alive or nonliving. The tissue may be an
organ (e.g., a cardiovascular organ, a digestive organ, an
endocrine system organ, an immune system organ, an integumentary
system organ, a lymphatic organ, a musculoskeletal organ, a nervous
system organ, a reproductive organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a
urinary organ). The sectioning surface may be at least partially
transparent to the sterilizing radiation (e.g., diamond or quartz).
The radiation may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a
wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a
wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
[0010] In a further aspect, a method of sectioning includes
contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning
tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer),
and directing sterilizing radiation from an integrated emitter onto
the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool. Contacting the
material with the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool may
include cutting, cauterizing, dissecting, and/or piercing the
material. Emission of the sterilizing radiation may be
substantially concurrent or alternate with contacting the material
with the sectioning surface. The material may be biological tissue,
which may be human, animal, or plant tissue and may be alive or
nonliving. The tissue may be an organ (e.g., a cardiovascular
organ, a digestive organ, an endocrine system organ, an immune
system organ, an integumentary system organ, a lymphatic organ, a
musculoskeletal organ, a nervous system organ, a reproductive
organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a urinary organ). The radiation
may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a wavelength of less
than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between
about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
[0011] In yet a further aspect, a control system for a sectioning
tool includes a sensor that senses a condition in the vicinity of
the sectioning tool, and a sensor logic that generates a signal in
response to the sensor, wherein the generated signal is configured
to modulate sterilizing radiation at a sectioning surface of the
sectioning tool. The sensor may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a
capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an antenna), a
reflectivity sensor, a biological sensor, and/or a force sensor.
The generated signal may be configured to increase or decrease the
amplitude of the sterilizing radiation, or to initiate or terminate
the sterilizing radiation. The sensor logic may include electrical
circuitry.
[0012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cutting
instrument.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cutting blade.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another cutting
instrument.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an
electrocauterizer.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a rotary cutter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0019] Iatrogenic infections are believed to be increasing in
seriousness, due in part to the development of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria. While postoperative infection is a relatively rare
occurrence for modern surgeons, infections of surgical sites do
occur and may require extensive follow-up treatment. It is
currently believed that many such infections are due to the entry
of normal skin flora into the surgical site, which may occur due to
transport on scalpels and other sectioning tools (e.g., cauters,
trocars, needles, drills, curettes, and/or staples). The sectioning
tools described herein may mitigate such infections by sterilizing
some or all of the portions of the tools contacting the patient and
their surroundings, either intermittently or continuously, before,
during, and/or after surgery.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument, suitable for a variety
of surgeries including opthalmologic surgery. The instrument
includes a cutting blade 10, which is at least partially
transparent to sterilizing radiation (for example, ultraviolet (UV)
radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm, or blue
light). In other embodiments, the instrument may include a piercing
structure (such as a syringe). In some embodiments, the cutting
blade 10 may be partially or completely made of quartz or of
diamond, or may be coated with such materials. The instrument shown
also includes a guiding structure 12, which may be an optical
fiber, a waveguide, or any other structure suitable for
transmitting sterilizing radiation, and a sterilizing radiation
source 14 (e.g., a UV laser or a mercury vapor lamp). In other
embodiments, sterilizing radiation source 14 may be directly
connected to cutting blade 10 without need for guiding structure
12. As shown, the instrument further includes a handle 16 and a
manual switch 18. The manual switch 18 may be configured to
modulate the emission of radiation of source 14, for example by
turning the source on or off, by increasing or decreasing the
intensity of radiation from the source, by changing the wavelength
of the source, and/or by changing the strobe frequency and/or
strobe duration of a stroboscopic source. In addition or in the
alternative, the manual switch 18 may modulate the transmission of
sterilizing radiation through the guiding structure 12. Other
embodiments may include other circuitry for modulating the delivery
of radiation as discussed further below. While manual switch 18 is
positioned on the scalpel, the switch may also be, for example, a
foot switch, a head-mounted switch, a voice-activated switch,
and/or a remote switch.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the tip of the instrument of FIG. 1. As shown,
cutting blade 10 is secured in a collar 20. A sensor 22 is
positioned on the front face of the collar 20. Sensor 22 may be,
for example, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a biological
sensor, and/or a reflectivity sensor. Radiation source 14 and/or
guiding structure 12 may be adjusted to modulate sterilizing
radiation reaching cutting blade 10 in response to a signal from
sensor 22.
[0022] While the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a manual
switch, some embodiments may control and/or activate the
sterilizing radiation automatically or semi-automatically in
response to input signals, timers or other appropriate structures.
Such signals, timers, or other structures may be implemented
through electrical circuitry, mechanical approaches, or a variety
of other approaches to controlling duration, amount, intensity,
focus or other parameters of sterilizing radiation.
[0023] In one illustrative approach, a switch may reduce radiation
levels responsive to an external sensor such as a temperature
sensor that indicates that the instrument is close to warm living
tissue. Such an approach can reduce exposure of tissue to
potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the
switch may increase radiation levels near living tissue, thereby
selectively increasing exposure to radiation, which may enhance
sterilization. The switch may similarly increase or decrease
radiation levels when a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive
sensor, an optical sensor, or an antenna that senses a carrier
signal in the material to be cut) indicates that the cutting
instrument is near the material to be cut. The switch may increase
radiation levels when a biological sensor indicates that particular
microorganisms are detected, or may reduce radiation levels to
avoid reflecting sterilizing radiation into a user's eyes when a
reflectivity sensor indicates that the instrument is approaching a
high-reflectivity surface. The switch may adjust levels in response
to a self-motion sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor or an external
tracking system that monitors instrument position), for example to
increase intensity during rapid movement of the instrument, which
may tend to equalize the dose of radiation delivered to any region
of tissue. In addition to modulating radiation intensity, the
switch may modulate other characteristics of the sterilizing
radiation such as frequency and phase, manually and/or in response
to one or more sensors.
[0024] In some embodiments, energy may be transmitted through the
guiding structure 12 and converted to sterilizing radiation at the
cutting blade 10. In one such embodiment, optical radiation may be
transmitted through the guiding structure and converted to plasmon
radiation by a conversion structure, such as a thin silver layer 24
located on part or all of the cutting blade 10. While the
illustrative conversion structure is presented as the thin silver
layer 24, other conversion structures can produce plasmonic
radiation proximate the cutting blade 10. For example, the cutting
blade 10 may include a layered dielectric that prevents radiation
other than evanescent waves from escaping the cutting blade 10.
Since evanescent waves are typically extremely localized in nature,
the sterilizing radiation in such embodiments may be confined to
the surface of the cutting blade 10, potentially avoiding exposure
of other tissue.
[0025] In one embodiment, sterilizing radiation such as ultraviolet
radiation is directed into the cutting blade 10 at a sufficiently
shallow angle to the surface that it is totally internally
reflected when the blade 10 is exposed to air, but is transmitted
outward when the cutting blade 10 is in contact with a higher-index
material (e.g., water, or the body of a cell). In this embodiment,
the sterilizing radiation may efficiently be directed only or
primarily into cells on the surface of the cutting blade 10.
Alternately, the radiation may be totally internally reflected
along the body of the blade, and able to escape only at the faceted
tip.
[0026] In other embodiments, the cutting blade 10 may include a
variety of modulating structures that shift phase, frequency,
intensity, or other characteristics of radiation, such as but not
limited to lenses, mirrors, gratings, polarizers, or filters. Any
of these modulating structures may be either active or passive.
[0027] Handle 16 may include a blocking structure that blocks
sterilizing radiation from reaching certain areas. For example, the
handle may prevent radiation from reaching the surgeon's hand
and/or eyes. The blocking structure may comprise a layer of metal
or other radiation-blocking material. The structure may also have a
reflecting or focusing effect, guiding the radiation towards the
cutting blade 10.
[0028] The frequency and intensity of radiation may be selected to
achieve the degree of sterilization required. In general,
ultraviolet radiation in the range of about 230 to about 280 nm
(UV-C) is considered to have a strong germicidal effect, with
dosages of about 1-50 mJ/cm.sup.2 being sufficient to inhibit
colony formation and/or to kill most bacteria and viruses (see
Siddiqui, "Ultraviolet Radiation: Knowing All the Facts for
Effective Water Treatment," Water Conditioning & Purification,
May 2004:11-13, which is incorporated by reference herein).
[0029] FIG. 3 shows another cutting device suitable for use in
surgery. The device includes a cutting blade 26, and an integrated
radiation source 28 that directs sterilizing radiation 29 towards
the cutting blade 26. Sterilizing radiation may be generated at the
radiation source 28, or it may be guided by an optical guiding
structure (not shown) to the output location shown where it is
directed onto the cutting blade. As with the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2, radiation may be controlled by a manual switch
and/or by a fully or semi-automatic switch responsive to one or
more input signals, timers, or other appropriate control devices.
The cutting blade 26 may, but need not, propagate the sterilizing
radiation.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows an electrocautery device. Cauterizing tip 30 is
connected via leads 32 to an electrical supply (not shown).
Cauterizing tip 30 is also connected to a guiding structure 34
suitable for transmitting sterilizing radiation from a radiation
source (not shown). In other embodiments, a radiation source may be
directly coupled to cauterizing tip 30 without need for guiding
structure 34. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiation may be
ultraviolet radiation. In these or other embodiments, the radiation
may be converted into a sterilizing form by a converting structure
at the cauterizing tip 30, such as a thin silver layer that
converts a conventional wave to an evanescent (plasmon) form.
[0031] The sectioning tools described above may be used for surgery
on humans and/or animals, including surgery on cardiovascular
organs (e.g., the heart, veins, and/or arteries), digestive organs
(e.g., the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine,
large intestine, liver, gall bladder, and/or pancreas), endocrine
system organs (e.g., the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary
gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, and/or
kidney), immune system organs (e.g., the bone marrow, thymus gland,
adenoids, tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels,
and/or the appendix), skin, nervous system organs (e.g., the brain,
spine, and/or nerves), reproductive organs (e.g., the penis,
prepuce, testicles, scrotum, prostate, seminal vesicles,
epididymis, Cowper's glands, vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus,
placenta, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, Skene's glands, and/or
Bartholin's glands), respiratory organs (e.g., the nose, mouth,
trachea, bronchi, lungs, and/or diaphragm), musculoskeletal system
(e.g., the muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and/or tendons),
and urinary organs (e.g., the kidney, ureter, and/or bladder).
"Sectioning" may include any means of physically dividing a
material, including without limitation cutting, dissecting,
incising, piercing, cleaving, drilling, curetting, or perforating.
Materials to be sectioned include without limitation anything in or
to be placed in the body, whether natural or implanted, including
organs, sutures, grafts, catheters, wires, implant devices (e.g.,
metal, ceramic, and/or plastic implants), and/or transplanted
tissue (e.g., allograft, autograft, and/or xenograft), and further
include food items such as meat, vegetable, and/or dairy
products.
[0032] In some embodiments, the sectioning tools and methods
described above may be well-adapted for invasive procedures when
these procedures must be performed in relatively nonsterile
environments, such as emergency procedures at a trauma scene, in an
ambulance, on a battlefield, or at a campsite. They may be
appropriate for outpatient procedures at a doctor's office where
conditions are typically less sterile than in an operating room, or
for veterinary procedures that must sometimes be performed under
extremely nonsterile conditions (e.g., routine castration of meat
animals).
[0033] The sterilization of cutting and sectioning tools is of
increasing concern in the slaughterhouse and meat packing
industries, in part but not entirely due to the rise in incidence
of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). FIG. 5 shows a sawing
device for use in butchery. Self-sterilizing radiation may be used
with a variety of slaughterhouse and meat packing equipment,
including without limitation cutters, handlers, trimmers, grinders,
rendering equipment, and/or mechanical meat separators; the
instrument shown in FIG. 5 is a rotary cutter. Cutting surface 40
includes a material selected to be partially or fully transparent
to sterilizing radiation (e.g., to ultraviolet radiation).
Radiation is delivered from radiation source 42 to cutting surface
40 via one or more guiding structures 44, which in FIG. 4 are
arranged as spokes in a wheel. Cutting surface 40 may further be
constructed to guide radiation along the circumference in order to
reach more of the cutting surface.
[0034] In use, the sawing device of FIG. 5 may emit sterilizing
radiation continuously during meat cutting, or the sterilizing
radiation may be switched on and off. For example, in some
embodiments, it may be desirable not to "cook" the surface of the
meat during cutting, but the sterilizing radiation may be switched
on to sterilize the cutter between cuts, potentially minimizing
cross-contamination of the cutter from one carcass to the next. In
some such embodiments, the cutter may include a sensor that
automatically deactivates (or otherwise modulates) the radiation
when the cutter is in contact with the meat. The sensor may be, for
example, a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive or optical sensor),
a temperature sensor, an antenna that senses a carrier signal in
the meat, or a force sensor that senses load on the rotary cutter
or weight of a carcass being brought into position for cutting. In
other embodiments, the sterilizing radiation may be activated when
in contact with the meat by use of a similar sensor.
[0035] The sterilizing methods and self-sterilizing tools described
above may also be used for the preparation of other foods, and for
other agricultural and veterinary uses. For example, automated
harvesting equipment may self-sterilize by emission of radiation,
thereby reducing spread of blight and other plant infections in a
field. Self-sterilizing food preparation and packaging equipment
may reduce food-borne infections (e.g., bacterial infections in
bagged salads) by reducing contamination of foodstuffs. Knives,
needles, and other sectioning instruments that are typically
carried by outdoorsmen and/or soldiers may be field-sterilized to
reduce chances of infection, for example when they are used for
food preparation (e.g., cleaning fish and game) or for invasive
procedures ranging from minor (e.g., splinter removal) to major
(e.g., emergency tracheotomy).
[0036] While the illustrative implementations described herein
include a variety of structures that provide sterilizing radiation
near a cutting edge or similar area, such approaches may be
combined with other forms of sterilization, such as a broader area
ultraviolet radiation or x-ray radiation, as appropriate.
[0037] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware,
software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as
being composed of various types of "electrical circuitry."
Consequently, as used herein "electrical circuitry" includes, but
is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one
discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least
one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one
application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry
forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer
program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer
program which at least partially carries out processes and/or
devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a
computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a
memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or
electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a
modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment).
Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject
matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital
fashion or some combination thereof.
[0038] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *
References