U.S. patent application number 14/681168 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for ultrasonic device for fingertip control.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.. Invention is credited to William E. Clem, Timothy G. Dietz, Cory G. Kimball, Matthew C. Miller, Daniel W. Price, Scott A. Woodruff.
Application Number | 20150209071 14/681168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41480205 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150209071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Matthew C. ; et
al. |
July 30, 2015 |
ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR FINGERTIP CONTROL
Abstract
An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an
ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The
instrument includes an activation member that is operable to
selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to
select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The
activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive
sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing
technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a
surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any
other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the
same. The controller may permit selection from three or more
available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or
controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions
on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the
handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of
ways.
Inventors: |
Miller; Matthew C.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Price; Daniel W.; (Loveland,
OH) ; Kimball; Cory G.; (Hamilton, OH) ;
Woodruff; Scott A.; (Boston, MA) ; Clem; William
E.; (Bozeman, MT) ; Dietz; Timothy G.; (Wayne,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41480205 |
Appl. No.: |
14/681168 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12557799 |
Sep 11, 2009 |
9023071 |
|
|
14681168 |
|
|
|
|
61096500 |
Sep 12, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00916
20130101; A61C 1/0015 20130101; A61B 2017/320089 20170801; A61B
2017/00367 20130101; A61C 1/07 20130101; A61B 17/320068 20130101;
A61B 2017/00734 20130101; A61B 2017/00017 20130101; A61B
2017/320071 20170801; A61B 2017/00424 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/32 20060101
A61B017/32 |
Claims
1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: (a) a handpiece
having a length; (b) an ultrasonically actuated blade positioned
distal to the handpiece; (c) a controller operable to select an
ultrasonic energy level of the blade, wherein the controller is
integral with the handpiece; and (d) an activation member operable
to activate the blade, wherein the activation member is integral
with the handpiece, wherein the activation member is positioned and
configured to be engaged by a user's hand to selectively activate
the blade; wherein either or both of the controller or the
activation member is accessible from a plurality of positions along
the length of the handpiece.
2. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
activation member comprises an elongate strip running
longitudinally along a portion of the length of the handpiece,
wherein, the controller is responsive to a longitudinal position at
which a user presses the strip.
3. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the
elongate activation member further comprises an array of buttons
beneath the elongate strip, wherein the buttons are sized and
arranged such that at least one of the buttons is actuated when a
user presses the strip.
4. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the
controller is configured to select a first energy level of the
blade when a user presses a distal portion of the strip, wherein
the controller is configured to select a second energy level of the
blade when a user presses a proximal portion of the strip, wherein
the first energy level is greater than the second energy level.
5. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
activation member comprises a plurality of elongate ribs extending
along a portion of the length of the handpiece.
6. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
handpiece comprises a shell, wherein the shell defines an opening
exposing the activation member, wherein the activation member is
rotatable within the shell.
7. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the
activation member presents an external surface, wherein the
activation member is operable to activate the blade in response to
a user touching the external surface of the activation member.
8. The ultrasonic instrument of claim 7, wherein the activation
member has a longitudinal length exposed through the opening of the
shell, wherein the controller is operable to select an ultrasonic
energy level of the blade based on a position along the length of
the activation member at which a user touches the external surface
of the activation member.
9. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
activation member comprises a capacitive switch.
10. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the
capacitive switch is recessed within the handpiece.
11. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
activation member comprises a strain gauge.
12. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the
activation member is operable to simultaneously actuate the
controller to select an ultrasonic energy level of the blade and
activate the blade at the selected ultrasonic energy level.
13. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the
activation member comprises a first pair of buttons.
14. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein the
activation member comprises a second pair of buttons, wherein at
least one of the buttons in the first pair is operable to
simultaneously actuate the controller to select an ultrasonic
energy level of the blade and activate the blade at a first
ultrasonic energy level; wherein at least one of the buttons in the
second pair is operable to simultaneously actuate the controller to
select an ultrasonic energy level of the blade and activate the
blade at a second ultrasonic energy level.
15. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the
activation member comprises a longitudinally slidable member.
16. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 1, the instrument
further comprises a cable configured to provide power to the
handpiece, wherein the handpiece comprises a tail portion and a
gripping portion, wherein the tail portion is fixedly engaged with
the cable, wherein the tail portion is rotatable relative to the
gripping portion.
17. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: (a) a handpiece
having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the handpiece
extends outwardly from the distal end to the proximal end, such
that the proximal end is wider than the distal end; (b) an
ultrasonically actuated blade positioned distal to the handpiece;
(c) a first button, wherein the first button is integral with the
handpiece, wherein the first button is operable to activate the
blade at a first level of ultrasonic energy; and (d) a second
button, wherein the first button is integral with the handpiece,
wherein the first button is operable to activate the blade at a
first level of ultrasonic energy.
18. The ultrasonic surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the
handpiece comprises a first face and a second face, the first and
second faces extending between the distal end and proximal end,
wherein the first face is wider than the second face, wherein the
first button is located on the first face, wherein the second
button is located on the second face.
19. A surgical instrument, comprising: (a) a handpiece; (b) an end
effector positioned distal to the handpiece, wherein the handpiece
and end effector are configured to permit a user to apply a force
to tissue with the end effector by using the handpiece to force the
end effector against the tissue; (c) a power source in
communication with the end effector, wherein the power source is
operable to provide power to the end effector, wherein the power
source is operable to convert one form of power into another form
of power, wherein the power source is integral with the handpiece;
(d) a controller, wherein the controller is integral with the
handpiece, wherein the controller is operable to control the level
of power provided by the power source to the end effector; and (e)
an activation member, wherein the activation member is integral
with the handpiece, wherein the first button is operable to
activate the blade at a power level selected using the
controller.
20. The surgical instrument of claim 19, wherein the power source
comprises an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic
transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic
vibrational power.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/096,500, filed Sep. 12, 2008, entitled
"Ultrasonic Device for Fingertip Control," the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some versions of the present invention generally relate to
ultrasonic surgical systems. For instance, some versions relate to
an ultrasonic device that allows surgeons to perform cutting,
coagulation, and/or fine dissection, such as may be required in
fine and delicate surgical procedures such as plastic surgery, etc.
It should be understood, however, that the teachings herein may be
readily applied to various other types of devices and systems, and
need not be limited to the ultrasonic surgical setting.
[0003] Ultrasonic surgical instruments may provide substantially
simultaneous cutting of tissue and homeostasis by coagulation,
which may minimize patient trauma. The cutting action may be
realized by an end-effector, or blade tip, at the distal end of the
instrument, which transmits ultrasonic energy to tissue brought
into contact with the end-effector. Ultrasonic instruments of this
nature can be configured for open surgical use, laparoscopic or
endoscopic surgical procedures including robotic-assisted
procedures, or other types of uses or procedures. Performing a
plastic surgery procedure (e.g. abdominoplasty, breast
reconstruction/reduction, face lift, etc.) may involve significant
recovery time for the patient and risk of post-operative
complications such as seroma and hematoma. The recovery time may
include additional office visits post-operatively, which may affect
patient satisfaction and/or decrease the amount of time a surgeon
is available for surgery. In some settings, advanced energy
instruments (in lieu of traditional monopolar
electrosurgery--"bovie") may provide a less complicated recovery
experience and potentially shorten the post-operative recovery
time. However, conventional advanced energy instruments may not be
suitable for plastic surgery procedures.
[0004] Some surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy for both
precise cutting and controlled coagulation. Ultrasonic energy may
cut and coagulate by using lower temperatures than those used by
conventional electrosurgery. Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g.,
55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade may denature protein
in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum. Pressure exerted on tissue
with the blade surface may collapse blood vessels and allow the
coagulum to form a hemostatic seal. The precision of cutting and
coagulation may be controlled by the surgeon's technique and
adjusting the power level, blade edge, tissue traction and blade
pressure, etc. Some conventional ultrasonic surgical devices may
utilize a foot pedal to energize the surgical instrument. The
surgeon may operate such a foot pedal to activate a generator that
provides energy that is transmitted to the cutting blade for
cutting and coagulating tissue while the surgeon simultaneously
applies pressure to the handle to press the blade against the
tissue. In some settings, the surgeon may lose focus on the
surgical field while the surgeon searches for the foot pedal. The
foot pedal may also get in the way of the surgeon's movement during
a procedure and/or contribute to surgeon leg fatigue (e.g., during
long procedures). Some uses of an ultrasonic surgical instrument
may include the user using the handpiece of the instrument to apply
force to tissue with the blade, even if the blade is not being
ultrasonically activated (e.g., "blunt dissection").
[0005] Some conventional ultrasonic surgical devices may have
finger actuation of the power at discrete locations along the
length of the device. This may make it difficult to move the
instrument distally and proximally to gain depth or more control.
It may also require the use of a thumbwheel and/or release button
to adjust the blade angle, rather than by merely rotating the wrist
or rotating the entire device as if the device were a pencil. At
least some conventional ultrasonic surgical devices may provide no
sensory feedback to the user indicating that the end effector is
energized other than momentary switch haptics. The sound created by
the end effector may be above the range of human hearing and there
may be no tactile vibration in the handpiece. Conventional methods
of indicating the active state include an audible beep emitted by
the generator. Additional, more instantaneous and local indication
of activation could be achieved with visible lighting on the
handpiece, audible sound feedback emanated from the handpiece,
and/or haptic vibration of the handpiece.
[0006] Many types of power activation are known for various devices
requiring switch control. Capacitive actuation occurs when a sensor
recognizes a change in the dielectric constant of its immediate
environment. A commercial example of this is the QTOUCH sensor by
Atmel Corporation of San Jose, Calif. In some settings, such
sensors or switches may present a risk of inadvertent activation.
For instance, a capacitive switch may be inadvertently activated by
fluid inadvertently spilled on the surface of the capacitive
switch; or by placement of a device incorporating the capacitive
switch on a surface, such that the surface activates the capacitive
switch. It may therefore be desirable in certain circumstances to
differentiate between intentional and unintentional activation;
and/or to reduce the likelihood of (if not prevent) unintentional
activation of a capacitive switch or similar switch.
[0007] One form of resistive technology is the strain gauge. The
resistive properties of piezoelectric flouropolymers (PVDF) are a
function of applied pressure or strain. In other words, the
measured resistance is a function of applied pressure. Actuation is
triggered when the applied pressure exceeds a threshold. Another
form of resistive technology measures the resistance across a plane
of pressure sensitive material; or utilizes the scheme developed by
Transparent Products, Inc. of Valencia, Calif. A combination of
resistive and capacitive sensing can be used to enhance the
sensitivity and tactile feedback while reducing inadvertent
activation. A capacitive sensor may require no force, only the
presence of the finger to change the dielectric field. A resistive
sensor may provide confirmation that a finger (e.g., rather than an
accidental fluid) is the source of the dielectric change. Resonant
cavity switching technology is offered by ITW ActiveTouch (a
division of Illinois Tool Works Inc.) of Buffalo Grove, Ill. Other
switching technology may include infrared response to the tip of
the human finger to actuate. Still other switching technology may
use a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the
presence of a finger.
[0008] While a variety of ultrasonic surgical instruments have been
made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s)
has made or used an invention as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is
believed the present invention will be better understood from the
following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
identify the same elements and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a block schematic view of an exemplary
ultrasonic surgical system;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an electrical schematic of an exemplary hand
switch circuit;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary ultrasonic
surgical device;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the ultrasonic surgical
device of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a control slider and a recessed
activation switch;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a set of recessed switches;
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having slidable activation button;
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway elevation view of the ultrasonic
surgical device of FIG. 7, showing exemplary magnetic rail
connections;
[0018] FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the
activation button assembly of the ultrasonic surgical device of
FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a control and activation
slider;
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a control and activation
slider;
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a control slider and an
activation button;
[0022] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a rotatable sheath and an
elongate control and activation surface;
[0023] FIG. 14 depicts another perspective view of the ultrasonic
surgical device of FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 depicts an end view of the ultrasonic surgical
device of FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having an elongate control and
activation surface;
[0026] FIG. 16A depicts a partial side cross-sectional view of
control and activation components of the ultrasonic surgical device
of FIG. 16;
[0027] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a pair of activation rings;
[0028] FIG. 18 depicts an elevational view of the ultrasonic
surgical device of FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a crushable cage;
[0030] FIG. 20 depicts an elevational view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having multiple power mode selection
switches and multiple activation switches;
[0031] FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a plurality of control and
activation surfaces;
[0032] FIG. 22 depicts an end view of the ultrasonic surgical
device of FIG. 21;
[0033] FIG. 23 depicts an elevational view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a rocker control switch;
[0034] FIG. 24 depicts an elevational view of another exemplary
ultrasonic surgical device, having a wedge-shaped handpiece;
[0035] FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the ultrasonic
surgical device of FIG. 24, with an outer sheath removed;
[0036] FIG. 26 depicts a side view of the ultrasonic transducer of
the ultrasonic surgical device of FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 27 depicts a cross-sectional end view of another
exemplary ultrasonic surgical device, having a flexible shell;
[0038] FIG. 28 depicts a side view of exemplary alternative control
components of an ultrasonic surgical device; and
[0039] FIG. 29 depicts a partial elevational view of an exemplary
proximal end of an ultrasonic surgical device.
[0040] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and
it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be
carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not
necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings
incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate
several aspects of the present invention, and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The following description of certain examples of the
invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present
invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and
advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description, which is by way of
illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out
the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Further, it
is understood that any one or more of the following-described
embodiments, expressions of embodiments, versions, examples, etc.
can be combined with or modified in accordance with any one or more
of the other following-described embodiments, expressions of
embodiments, versions, examples, etc.
I. Overview
[0042] Several examples described herein are particularly directed
to an improved ultrasonic surgical instrument, which is configured
for effecting tissue dissecting, cutting, coagulation, and/or
clamping of tissue during surgical procedures, including delicate
surgical procedures, such as plastic surgery. Several examples
described herein are configured for use in open surgical
procedures, but may also be used in other types of surgery,
including but not limited to laparoscopic surgery. Versatile use is
facilitated by selective use of ultrasonic energy. When ultrasonic
components of the apparatus are inactive, tissue can be
manipulated, as desired, without tissue cutting or damage. When the
ultrasonic components are activated, ultrasonic energy may provide
for both tissue cutting and coagulation.
[0043] Further, the below examples are described in terms of a
blade-only instrument. This feature is not intended to be limiting,
as the examples disclosed herein may have equal application in
clamp coagulator instruments as are exemplarily disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,873,873 and 6,773,444, the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0044] As will become apparent from the following description,
exemplary surgical instruments described herein may be particularly
configured for disposable use by virtue of straightforward
construction. As such, it is contemplated that the some versions of
the surgical instruments be used in association with an ultrasonic
generator unit of a surgical system, whereby ultrasonic energy from
the generator unit provides the desired ultrasonic actuation for
the surgical instrument. It will be appreciated that surgical
instruments embodying the principles of the present invention may
be configured for non-disposable or multiple use and/or
non-detachably integrated with an associated ultrasonic generator
unit.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows components of an exemplary surgical system (10)
in diagrammatic block form. As shown, system (10) comprises an
ultrasonic generator (12) and an ultrasonic surgical instrument
(20). Generator (12) and instrument (20) are coupled together via
cable (14). Cable (14) may comprise a plurality of wires, and may
provide unidirectional electrical communication from generator (12)
to instrument (20) and/or bidirectional electrical communication
between generator (12) and instrument (20). By way of example only,
cable (14) may comprise a "hot" wire for electrical power to
surgical instrument (20), a ground wire, and a signal wire for
transmitting signals from surgical instrument (20) to ultrasonic
generator (12), with a shield surrounding the three wires. In some
versions, separate "hot" wires are used for separate activation
voltages (e.g., one "hot" wire for a first activation voltage and
another "hot" wire for a second activation voltage, or a variable
voltage between the wires proportional to the power requested,
etc.). Of course, any other suitable number or configuration of
wires may be used. By way of example only, generator (12) may
comprise the GEN04 (also referred to as Generator 300) sold by
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Alternatively, any
other suitable generator (12) may be used. As will be described in
greater detail below, generator (12) is operable to provide power
to instrument (20) to perform ultrasonic surgical procedures.
[0046] Instrument (20) comprises a handpiece (22), which is
configured to be grasped in one hand (or two hands) of a user and
manipulated by one hand (or two hands) of the user during a
surgical procedure. For instance, in some versions, handpiece (22)
may be grasped like a pencil by the user. In some other versions,
handpiece (22) may be grasped like scissors by the user. Of course,
handpiece (22) may be configured to be gripped in any other
suitable fashion. A blade (24) extends distally from the handpiece
(22). Handpiece (22) includes an ultrasonic transducer (26) and an
ultrasonic waveguide (28), which couples ultrasonic transducer (26)
with blade (24). Ultrasonic transducer (26) receives electrical
power from generator (12) via cable (14), as will be described in
greater detail below. By virtue of its piezoelectric properties,
ultrasonic transducer (26) is operable to convert such electrical
power into ultrasonic vibrational energy. By way of example only,
ultrasonic transducer (26) may be constructed and operable in
accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0106158,
entitled "Medical Ultrasound System and Handpiece and Methods for
Making and Tuning," published May 10, 2007, the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, any other
suitable ultrasonic transducer (26) may be used.
[0047] Ultrasonic waveguide (28) may be flexible, semi-flexible,
rigid, or have any other suitable properties. As noted above,
ultrasonic transducer (26) is integrally coupled with blade (24)
via ultrasonic waveguide (28). In particular, when ultrasonic
transducer (26) is activated to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies,
such vibrations are communicated through ultrasonic waveguide (28)
to blade (24), such that blade (24) will also vibrate at ultrasonic
frequencies. In some versions, ultrasonic waveguide (28) may
amplify the mechanical vibrations transmitted through ultrasonic
waveguide (28) to blade (24). Ultrasonic transducer (26),
ultrasonic waveguide (28), and blade (24) together thus form an
acoustic assembly providing ultrasonic energy for surgical
procedures when powered by generator (12). Handpiece (22) is
configured to substantially isolate the user from the vibrations of
this acoustic assembly.
[0048] Ultrasonic waveguide (28) may further have features to
control the gain of the longitudinal vibration along ultrasonic
waveguide (28) and/or features to tune ultrasonic waveguide (28) to
the resonant frequency of the system. For instance, ultrasonic
waveguide (28) may have any suitable cross-sectional dimension,
such as a substantially uniform cross-section, be tapered at
various sections, be tapered along its entire length, or have any
other suitable configuration. Ultrasonic waveguide (28) may, for
example, have a length substantially equal to an integral number of
one-half system wavelengths (n.lamda./2). Ultrasonic waveguide (28)
and blade (24) may be fabricated from a solid core shaft
constructed out of a material or combination of materials that
propagates ultrasonic energy efficiently, such as titanium alloy
(i.e., Ti-6A1-4V), aluminum alloys, sapphire, stainless steel, or
any other acoustically compatible material or combination of
materials.
[0049] In some versions, ultrasonic waveguide (28) and blade (24)
comprise product code HF105 or product code DH105, each of which is
sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. By way of
example only, ultrasonic waveguide (28) and/or blade (24) may be
constructed and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,423,082, entitled "Ultrasonic Surgical Blade with
Improved Cutting and Coagulation Features," issued Jul. 23, 2002,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. As
another merely illustrative example, ultrasonic waveguide (28)
and/or blade (24) may be constructed and operable in accordance
with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,299, entitled "Ultrasonic
Scalpel Blade and Methods of Application," issued Jun. 28, 1994,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other
suitable properties and configurations of ultrasonic waveguide (28)
and blade (24) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the teachings herein.
[0050] Handpiece (22) of the present example also includes a
control selector (30) and an activation switch (32), which are each
in communication with a circuit board (34). By way of example only,
circuit board (34) may comprise a conventional printed circuit
board, a flex circuit, a rigid-flex circuit, or may have any other
suitable configuration. Control selector (30) and activation switch
(32) may be in communication with circuit board (34) via one or
more wires, traces formed in a circuit board or flex circuit,
and/or in any other suitable fashion. Circuit board (34) is coupled
with cable (14), which is in turn coupled with control circuitry
(16) within generator (12). Activation switch (32) is operable to
selectively activate power to ultrasonic transducer (26). In
particular, when switch (32) is activated, such activation provides
communication of appropriate power to ultrasonic transducer (26)
via cable (14). Several examples of forms that activation switch
(32) may take will be described in greater detail below; while
other various forms that activation switch (32) may take will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0051] In the present example, surgical system (10) is operable to
provide at least two different levels or types of ultrasonic energy
(e.g., different frequencies and/or amplitudes, etc.) at blade
(24). To that end, control selector (30) is operable to permit the
user to select a desired level/amplitude of ultrasonic energy.
Several examples of forms that control selector (30) may take will
be described in greater detail below; while other various forms
that control selector (30) may take will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some
versions, when a user makes a selection through control selector
(30), the user's selection is communicated back to control
circuitry (16) of generator (12) via cable (14), and control
circuitry (16) adjusts the power communicated from generator (12)
accordingly. It should be understood that the level/amplitude of
ultrasonic energy provided at blade (24) may be a function of
characteristics of the electrical power communicated from generator
(12) to instrument (20) via cable (14). Thus, control circuitry
(16) of generator (12) may provide electrical power having
characteristics associated with the selected ultrasonic energy
level/amplitude or type, via cable (14). Generator (12) may thus be
operable to communicate different types or degrees of electrical
power to ultrasonic transducer (26), in accordance with selections
made by the user via control selector (30). In particular, and by
way of example only, generator (12) may increase the voltage and/or
current of the applied signal to increase the longitudinal
amplitude of the acoustic structure. As a merely illustrative
example, generator (12) may provide selectability between a "level
1" and a "level 5," which may correspond with a blade (24)
vibrational resonance amplitude of approximately 50 microns and
approximately 90 microns, respectively. Various ways in which
control circuitry (16) may be configured will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0052] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary circuit (40) that may be
incorporated into handpiece (22) to provide selectability of
ultrasonic energy for blade (24). In some versions, circuit (40)
provides an electro-mechanical interface between control selector
(30) and generator (12) via ultrasonic transducer (26). It should
also be understood that at least a portion of circuit (40) may be
incorporated into circuit board (34) in some versions. In this
example, control selector (30) includes a first switch (42) that is
operable to select a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy for blade
(24) and a second switch (44) that is operable to select a
"minimum" level of ultrasonic energy for blade (24). While this
particular example includes just two different levels of ultrasonic
energy to select from, it will be apparent from the teachings below
that control selector (30) may alternatively provide more than two
different levels of ultrasonic energy to select from, including but
not limited to a virtually infinitely variable level of ultrasonic
energy within a predetermined range. It should also be understood
that first and second switches (42, 44) collectively form at least
part of control selector (30) in the present example. First switch
(42) comprises a dome switch and second switch (44) also comprises
a dome switch in this example, though any other suitable types of
switches or components may be used.
[0053] Pin (48) is electrically coupled with the control signal
wire from circuit board (34) to control circuitry (16) of generator
(12); while pin (46) is electrically coupled with ground. Pin (46)
is also coupled with control selector (30) via a conductor (50);
while pin (48) is also coupled with control selector (30) via a
conductor (52). In some versions, pin (46) provides a shared ground
between control selector (30) and ultrasonic transducer (26). When
either switch (42, 44) is activated (e.g., closed), the activated
switch (42, 44) provides an electrical signal to generator (12) to
activate blade (24). Circuit (40) also comprises two diodes within
a diode package (54). As will be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the art, diode package (54) provides modification to a
control signal communicated to generator (12), which provides
modification to the electrical power received by transducer (26),
which in turn provides modification to the ultrasonic action of
blade (24) in accordance with the user's selections. Of course, the
foregoing features and configuration of circuit (40) are merely
illustrative. Circuit (40) and/or other components of handpiece
(20) may otherwise be configured in accordance with the teachings
of U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0191713, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for
Cutting and Coagulating," published Aug. 16, 2007, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or the teachings
of U.S. Pub. No. 2008/0200940, entitled "Ultrasonic Energy Device
for Cutting and Coagulating," published Aug. 21, 2008, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various
other suitable features and configurations of circuit (40) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0054] In some alternative versions, control circuitry (16) is
located within handpiece (22). For instance, in some such versions,
generator (12) only communicates one type of electrical power
(e.g., just one voltage and/or current available) to handpiece
(22), and control circuitry (16) within handpiece (22) is operable
to modify the electrical power (e.g., the voltage of the electrical
power), in accordance with selections made by the user via control
selector (30), before the electrical power reaches ultrasonic
transducer (26). It should be understood that in some such
versions, cable (16) may be omitted entirely. In still other
alternative versions, generator (12) is essentially incorporated
into handpiece (22) along with all other components of surgical
system (10). For instance, one or more batteries (not shown) or
other portable sources of power may be provided in handpiece (22).
An example of a self-contained ultrasonic surgical device is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,875, entitled "Surgical Apparatus
Permitting Recharge of Battery-Driven Surgical Instrument in
Noncontact State," issued Dec. 23, 2003, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. Still other suitable ways in
which the components depicted in FIG. 1 may be rearranged or
otherwise configured or modified will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0055] The following discussion relates to various exemplary
components and configurations for instrument (20) and components
thereof. It should be understood that the various examples of
instrument (20) described below may be readily incorporated into a
surgical system (10) as described above. It should also be
understood that the various components and operability of
instrument (20) described above may be readily incorporated into
the exemplary versions of instrument (20) described below. Various
suitable ways in which the above and below teachings may be
combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein.
II. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Extendable
End
[0056] FIGS. 3-4 depict an exemplary ultrasonic surgical instrument
(120), which is part of an ultrasonic surgical system (120) that
includes an ultrasonic transducer (126) coupled with an ultrasonic
generator (112) via a cable (114). Instrument (120) also includes
an ultrasonic transmission assembly (127), which is coupled with
ultrasonic transducer (126). In some versions, ultrasonic
transmission assembly (127) is coupled with ultrasonic transducer
(126) by a threaded connection, though any other suitable type of
coupling may be used. Ultrasonic transmission assembly (127)
comprises an ultrasonic waveguide (128) and blade (130). As will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, when ultrasonic
transducer (126) is powered by generator (112), ultrasonic
transducer (126) produces ultrasonic vibrations, which are
communicated to blade (130) via ultrasonic waveguide (128). This
causes tip (132) of blade (130) to vibrate at an ultrasonic
frequency, allowing blade (130) to be used to cut and coagulate
tissue, etc.
[0057] Instrument (120) further comprises a multi-piece handle
assembly (140) that is configured to substantially isolate the user
from the vibrations of the acoustic assembly contained within
transducer (126). By way of example only, handle assembly (140) may
be shaped to be held by a user in a conventional manner, but it is
contemplated that instrument (120) principally be grasped and
manipulated in a pencil-like arrangement. Handle assembly (140) of
the present example comprises mating housing portions (142) and
(144). While a multi-piece handle assembly (140) is illustrated,
handle assembly (140) may alternatively comprise a single or
unitary component. Handle assembly (140) may be constructed from a
durable plastic, such as polycarbonate or a liquid crystal polymer.
It is also contemplated that handle assembly (140) may
alternatively be made from a variety of materials or combinations
of materials, including but not limited to other plastics,
ceramics, and/or metals, etc. In some versions, the proximal end of
instrument (120) receives and is fitted with ultrasonic transducer
(126) by insertion of ultrasonic transducer (126) into handle
assembly (140). Instrument (120) may be attached to and removed
from ultrasonic transducer (126) as a unit. The elongated
transmission assembly (127) of the instrument (120) extends
orthogonally from instrument handle assembly (140).
[0058] Ultrasonic waveguide (128), which is adapted to transmit
ultrasonic energy from transducer (126) to the tip (132) of blade
(130), may be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. Ultrasonic
waveguide (128) may also be configured to amplify the mechanical
vibrations transmitted through ultrasonic waveguide (128) to blade
(130). Ultrasonic waveguide (128) may further include at least one
radial hole or aperture (150) extending therethrough, substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of ultrasonic waveguide
(128). Aperture (150), which may be positioned at a node, is
configured to receive a connector pin (152), discussed below, which
connects ultrasonic waveguide (128) to an outer sheath (154).
Proximal o-ring (156) and distal o-ring (158) are assembled onto
transmission assembly (127) near the nodes in the present example,
though various other components or configurations may be used.
[0059] Blade (130) may be integral with ultrasonic waveguide (128)
and formed as a single unit. In some versions, blade (130) may be
connected by a threaded connection, a welded joint, or other
coupling mechanisms. The distal end of blade (130), or blade tip
(132), is disposed near an anti-node in order to tune the acoustic
assembly to a preferred resonant frequency f.sub.o when the
acoustic assembly is not loaded by tissue. When ultrasonic
transducer (126) is energized, blade tip (132) is configured to
move substantially longitudinally (along the x axis) in the range
of, for example, approximately 10 to 500 microns peak-to-peak, and
perhaps in the range of about 20 to about 200 microns, at a
predetermined vibrational frequency f.sub.o of, for example, 55,500
Hz. Blade tip (132) may also vibrate in the y-axis at about 1 to
about 10 percent of the motion in the x-axis. Of course, movement
of blade tip (132) may alternatively have any other suitable
characteristics.
[0060] Ultrasonic waveguide (128) is positioned within outer sheath
(154) and held in place via pin (152). Pin (152) may be made of any
compatible metal, such as stainless steel or titanium or a durable
plastic, such as polycarbonate or a liquid crystal polymer.
Alternatively, any other suitable material or combination of
materials may be used. In some versions, pin (152) is partially
coated with an elastomeric material, such as silicon, etc., for
that portion (153) of pin (152) that extends through ultrasonic
waveguide (128). Elastomeric material may provide insulation from
the vibrating blade throughout the length of hole (152). In some
settings, this may enable high efficiency operation whereby minimal
overheating is generated and maximum ultrasonic output power is
available at blade tip (132) for cutting and coagulation, etc. Of
course, such elastomeric material is merely optional.
[0061] Outer sheath (154) passes through an aperture (162) of
release button (160). Positioned below release button (160) and
within housing portion (142) is a spring (164) that asserts an
upward force on release button (160). The upward force causes the
perimeter of aperture (162) to firmly assert pressure against outer
sheath (154), and thereby selectively prevents outer sheath (154),
ultrasonic waveguide (128), and blade (130) from either rotating
within handle (140) or axially translating with respect to handle
(140). When the user exerts a downward force on release button
(160), spring (164) is compressed and it no longer asserts a
holding force on outer sheath (154). The user may then axially
translate outer sheath (154), ultrasonic waveguide (128), and blade
(130) relative to handle (140) and/or rotate outer sheath (154),
ultrasonic waveguide (128), and blade (130) relative to handle
(140). Accordingly, it should be understood that the longitudinal
and/or rotational position of blade (130) relative to handle (140)
may be selectively changed by the user, while still allowing blade
(130) to vibrate ultrasonically at such selected positions,
allowing blade (130) to be used in various surgical procedures at
such selected positions. To initiate such ultrasonic action of
blade (130), the user may operate a footswitch (not shown),
activate a pushbutton (174, 176) as described below, activate a
button on generator (112), or perform some other act on some
component of system (100).
[0062] In the present example, housing of handle (140) includes a
proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity (141) extending
longitudinally therein. Cavity (141) is configured to accept a
switch assembly (170) and ultrasonic transducer assembly (126). In
one some versions, the distal end of ultrasonic transducer assembly
(126) threadedly attaches to the proximal end of ultrasonic
waveguide (128), though any other suitable type of coupling may be
used. The distal end of ultrasonic transducer (126) also interfaces
with switch assembly (170) to provide the surgeon with
finger-activated controls on surgical instrument (120). Ultrasonic
transducer (126) of the present example includes two conductive
rings (not shown) which are securely disposed within the body of
ultrasonic transducer (126) as is described in U.S. Pub. No.
2007/0106158, entitled "Medical Ultrasound System and Handpiece and
Methods for Making and Tuning," published May 10, 2007, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Switch
assembly (170) of the present example comprises a pushbutton
assembly (172), a circuit assembly (180), a switch housing (182), a
first pin conductor (184), and a second pin conductor (not shown).
Switch housing (182) is annular-shaped and is supported within
handle assembly (140) by way of corresponding supporting mounts on
switch housing (182) and housing portions (142, 144).
[0063] Pushbutton assembly (172) of the present example comprises
pushbuttons (174, 176). Circuit assembly (180) provides for the
electro-mechanical interface between pushbuttons (174, 176) and
generator (112) via ultrasonic transducer (126). Circuit assembly
(180) comprises two dome switches (194, 196) that are mechanically
actuated by depressing pushbuttons (174, 176) respectively. Dome
switches (194, 196) are electrical contact switches, that when
depressed provide an electrical signal to generator (112). Pins
(not shown) are electrically connected to dome switches (194, 196).
In particular, one end of each pin is electrically connected to a
corresponding dome switch (194, 196). The other end of each pin is
electrically connected with a corresponding ring conductor at the
distal end of ultrasonic transducer (126). That is, the pins each
have spring-loaded tips that interface with ultrasonic transducer
(126) in a manner similar to that described above. Circuit assembly
(180) also comprises two diodes within a diode package (not shown)
that connect to the pins, respectively. While the pins provide
electrical contact to the ring conductors of ultrasonic transducer,
the ring conductors are in turn connected to conductors in cable
(114) that connects to generator (112). Of course a variety of
alternative configurations may be used.
[0064] As is readily apparent, by depressing pushbuttons (174, 176)
the corresponding contact surfaces depress against corresponding
dome switches (194, 196) to selectively activate the circuit (180).
For instance, when the surgeon depresses pushbutton (174),
generator (112) may respond with a certain energy level, such as a
maximum ("max") power setting. When the surgeon depresses
pushbutton (176), generator (112) may respond with a certain energy
level, such as a minimum ("min") power setting, which conforms to
accepted industry practice for pushbutton location and the
corresponding power setting. Instrument (120) may further be
configured and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
Pub. No. 2008/0200940, entitled "Ultrasonic Energy Device for
Cutting and Coagulating," published Aug. 21, 2008, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively,
instrument (120) may be provided with a variety of other
components, configurations, and/or types of operability.
III. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Control Slider
and Recessed Activation Button
[0065] FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (220), comprising a blade (230) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (240). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is positioned within handpiece (240), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (232), which extends distally from handpiece (240). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(230) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer in handpiece (240), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (230) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (240) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (230) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (240), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0066] Instrument (220) of the present example also includes a
rotation knob (234), which is operable to rotate blade (230)
relative to handpiece (240) to provide a selected rotational
orientation of rotate blade (230) relative to handpiece (240). For
instance, instrument (220) may be configured such that knob (234)
and blade (230) both rotate together unitarily or concomitantly.
Rotation knob (234) and handpiece (240) may include complementary
detent features or other features that permit rotation of knob
(234) relative to handpiece (240) while also resisting inadvertent
rotation of knob (234) relative to handpiece during surgical
procedures. Of course, as with other components described herein,
knob (234) is merely optional. For instance, in some versions where
knob (234) is omitted, the ultrasonic transducer may protrude
proximally from the proximal end of handpiece (240), similar to
item (234) shown in FIG. 5.
[0067] Instrument (220) of the present example further comprises a
control selector (250) and an activation button (252). Control
selector (250) of this example comprises a slider that is operable
to translate distally and proximally relative to handpiece (240) in
order to select a desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied
to blade (230). In particular, control selector (250) may be
toggled to a distal position to select a "maximum" level of
ultrasonic energy; or to a proximal position to select a "minimum"
level of ultrasonic energy. While control selector (250) provides
selection of only two levels in this example, it should be
understood that control selector (250) may provide selection of any
other suitable number of levels. Furthermore, various ways in which
manipulation of control selector (250) may affect electrical power
provided to the ultrasonic transducer will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way
of example only, instrument (220) may include circuitry similar to
that described above and shown in FIG. 2. Other suitable circuitry
that may be in communication with control selector (250) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0068] Activation button (252) is operable to selectively activate
the ultrasonic transducer, to thereby selectively activate blade
(230). For instance, activation button (252) may act as a switch
selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic
generator. Activation button (252) may take a variety of forms. In
some versions, activation button (252) comprises a capacitive
switch. Thus, the use of the term "button" herein should not be
read as requiring an electromechanical button, such as a movable
component that is resiliently biased to separate one electrical
contact from another electrical contact. Indeed, some versions of
activation button (252) that comprise a capacitive switch may be
activated without a user even making contact with activation button
(252). That is, in some such versions, a user may simply bring
their finger within sufficient proximity of activation button (252)
in order to "actuate" activation button (252). In the present
example, activation button (252) is recessed in handpiece (240). In
versions such as those where activation button (252) comprises a
capacitive switch, such a recessed positioning of activation button
(252) may reduce the likelihood of (if not prevent) inadvertent
actuation of activation button (252), such as might otherwise occur
if instrument (220) is set on a tabletop surface with activation
button (252) facing down. In some other versions, activation button
(252) is not recessed in handpiece (240).
[0069] Regardless of whether activation button (252) is recessed,
handpiece (240) may further comprise a slidable or otherwise
movable cover that is operable to selectively cover activation
button (252). In versions where activation button (252) comprises a
capacitive switch, such a movable cover may be spaced sufficiently
far away from activation button (252) that the presence of the
movable cover over activation button (252) does not actuate
activation button (252). In addition to or as an alternative to a
capacitive switch, activation button (252) may further comprise a
resistive sensor, such as a strain gauge or sensor that measures
the resistance across a plane of pressure sensitive material. For
instance, activation button (252) may be "actuated" when sufficient
strain is placed on the strain gauge (or other type of resistive
sensor) by a user's finger. A strain gauge (or other type of
resistive sensor) may thus reduce the likelihood of (if not
prevent) inadvertent actuation of activation button (252), such as
might otherwise occur if instrument (220) is set on a tabletop
surface with activation button (252) facing down. While a resistive
sensor may be used for activation button (252) in lieu of a
capacitive switch in some versions, some other versions of
activation button (252) may include both a resistive sensor and a
capacitive switch, such that the resistive sensor may provide
confirmation that a finger (e.g., rather than an accidental fluid)
is the source of the dielectric change sensed by the capacitive
switch.
[0070] In addition or in the alternative, activation button (252)
may comprise resonant cavity switching technology, infrared sensing
technology, technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a
surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger, and or any
other suitable type of technology. Still other suitable types of
switches, sensors, or other technology that may be incorporated
into activation button (252) will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Similarly,
various ways in which such various types of activation button (252)
components may be incorporated into the circuitry of instrument
(220), as well as various circuit components that may accompany or
be coupled with variations of activation button (252), will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0071] In some versions, instrument (220) is configured such that a
user must be continuously "actuating" activation button (252) in
order for blade (230) to remain ultrasonically activated. In other
words, instrument (220) may be configured such that blade (230) is
only ultrasonically activated while the user is "actuating"
activation button (252); and such that blade (230) is deactivated
when the user removes his or her finger from activation button
(252). In some other versions, instrument (220) is configured such
that the user need only "actuate" activation button (252) a first
time in order to ultrasonically activate blade (230). The user may
then move his or her hand about handpiece (240) without having to
engage activation button (252), with blade (230) remaining
ultrasonically activated until the user re-engages activation
button (252) again to deactivate blade (230). Circuitry in
handpiece (240) may also comprise a logic configured to sense
"taps" by the user on activation button (252), and activate blade
(230) accordingly. For instance, such a logic may cause blade (230)
to be ultrasonically activated when the user taps activation button
(252) once; and cause blade (230) to be deactivated when the user
taps activation button (252) twice (or vice-versa). Of course, such
a control logic may alternatively require any other number of taps
or tapping patterns to provide selective activation/deactivation of
blade (230). Still other ways in which activation button (252) (and
associated logic/circuitry) may provide selective
activation/deactivation of blade (230) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0072] Handpiece (240) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece (240)
resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's thumb
and index finger, and use their index finger or any other finger to
"actuate" activation button (252). As another merely illustrative
example, the user may grip handpiece (240) with their palm around
handpiece (240), such that their thumb is used to "actuate"
activation button (252). Alternatively, any other suitable gripping
technique may be used.
[0073] IV. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Recessed
Activation and Control Buttons
[0074] FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (320), comprising a blade (330) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (340). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is positioned within handpiece (340), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (332), which extends distally from handpiece (340). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(330) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer in handpiece (340), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (330) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (340) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (330) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (340), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0075] Instrument (320) of the present example further comprises a
control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356). Control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) are provided in opposing
pairs in this example. In particular, control and activation
buttons (350, 352) are positioned at a first common longitudinal
position but are on opposing sides of handpiece (340); while
control and activation buttons (354, 356) are positioned at a
second common longitudinal position but are on opposing sides of
handpiece (340). In the present example, control and activation
buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) are operable to simultaneously
ultrasonically activate blade (330) and select a desired level of
ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (230). For instance,
either or both control and activation buttons (350, 352) may be
"actuated" to simultaneously select a "minimum" level of ultrasonic
energy and ultrasonically activate blade (230) with the selected
"minimum" level of ultrasonic energy; while either or both
activation buttons activation buttons (354, 356) may be "actuated"
to simultaneously select a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy and
ultrasonically activate blade (230) with the selected "maximum"
level of ultrasonic energy. Alternatively, these roles may be
reversed, such that buttons (350, 352) are associated with a
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy while buttons (354, 356) are
associated with a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. It should
also be understood that additional activation and control buttons
may be included to provide more than two ultrasonic energy
levels/amplitudes to choose from.
[0076] As with other activation buttons/features described herein,
control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) may act as
switches selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the
ultrasonic generator. Similarly, control and activation buttons
(350, 352, 354, 356) may take a variety of forms. By way of example
only, control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) may
comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity
switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that
uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by
the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of
technology. Still other suitable types of switches, sensors, or
other technology that may be incorporated into control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Similarly, various ways in which such various types of control and
activation button (350, 352, 354, 356) components may be
incorporated into the circuitry of instrument (320), as well as
various circuit components that may accompany or be coupled with
variations of control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356),
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0077] As is also shown in FIG. 6, control and activation buttons
(350, 352, 354, 356) are recessed in handpiece (340). As described
elsewhere herein, such a recessed positioning of control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) may reduce the likelihood
of (if not prevent) inadvertent actuation of control and activation
buttons (350, 352, 354, 356), such as might otherwise occur if
instrument (320) is set on a tabletop surface with control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) facing down. In some other
versions, control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) are
not recessed in handpiece (340). As also described elsewhere
herein, handpiece (340) may further comprise a slidable or
otherwise movable cover that is operable to selectively cover
control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356).
[0078] In some versions, instrument (220) is configured such that
the user must "actuate" either both opposing control and activation
buttons (350, 352) together simultaneously, or both opposing
control and activation buttons (354, 356) together simultaneously,
in order to ultrasonically activate blade (330). Requiring
simultaneous "actuation" of control and activation buttons (350,
352, 354, 356) in opposing pairs may thus also reduce the
likelihood of (if not prevent) inadvertent "actuation" of control
and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356). Alternatively,
instrument (220) may be configured such that only one selected
control and activation button (350, 352, 354, 356) need be
"actuated" in order to ultrasonically activate blade (330). In
either case, the opposing positioning of control and activation
buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) may allow the user to rotate the
entire handpiece (340) in the user's hand (e.g., about the axis
defined by handpiece (340)), such as to re-orient blade (330) to a
selected rotational orientation, while still allowing control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) to be reached and
manipulated with relative ease with handpiece (340) in different
rotational orientations.
[0079] As described above with respect to instrument (220),
instrument (320) may be configured such that a user must be
continuously "actuating" one or two control and activation buttons
(350, 352, 354, 356) in order for blade (330) to remain
ultrasonically activated. Alternatively, instrument (320) may be
configured such that the user need only "actuate" one or two
control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356) a first time in
order to ultrasonically activate blade (330). The user may then
move his or her hand about handpiece (340) without having to engage
one or two control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356),
with blade (330) remaining ultrasonically activated until the user
re-engages one or two control and activation buttons (350, 352,
354, 356) again to deactivate blade (330). As yet another merely
illustrative alternative, circuitry in handpiece (340) may comprise
a logic configured to sense "taps" by the user on one or two
control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356), and activate
blade (330) accordingly as described elsewhere herein. Still other
ways in which control and activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356)
(and associated logic/circuitry) may provide selective
activation/deactivation of blade (330) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Similarly, various components and configurations of circuitry that
may be in communication with control and activation buttons (350,
352, 354, 356) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the teachings herein.
[0080] Handpiece (340) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece (340)
resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's thumb
and index finger, such that the user's thumb and/or the tip of
another finger is used to "actuate" one or two control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356). As another merely
illustrative example, the user may grip handpiece (340) with their
palm around handpiece (340), such that the user's thumb and/or the
side of another finger is used to "actuate" one or two control and
activation buttons (350, 352, 354, 356). Alternatively, any other
suitable gripping technique may be used.
V. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Sliding Activation
and Control Button
[0081] FIGS. 7-9 depict another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (420), comprising a blade (430) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (440). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is positioned within handpiece (440), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (432), which extends distally from handpiece (440). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(430) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer in handpiece (440), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (430) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (440) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (430) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (440), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0082] Instrument (420) of the present example also includes a
rotation knob (434), which is operable to rotate blade (430)
relative to handpiece (440) to provide a selected rotational
orientation of rotate blade (430) relative to handpiece (440). For
instance, instrument (420) may be configured such that knob (434)
and blade (430) both rotate together unitarily or concomitantly.
Rotation knob (434) and handpiece (440) may include complementary
detent features or other features that permit rotation of knob
(434) relative to handpiece (440) while also resisting inadvertent
rotation of knob (434) relative to handpiece during surgical
procedures. Of course, as with other components described herein,
knob (434) is merely optional. For instance, in some versions where
knob (434) is omitted, the ultrasonic transducer may protrude
proximally from the proximal end of handpiece (440), similar to
item (434) shown in FIGS. 7-8.
[0083] Instrument (420) of the present example further comprises a
removable activation button assembly (450), which translates
longitudinally along metal rails (452) carried by handpiece (440).
Rails (452) are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer
(not shown) as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein. Activation button
assembly (450) contains one or more magnets (454) to anchor onto
and form an electrical connection with metal rails (452). Magnet
(454) is covered in an electrically conductive material and wired
to dome switches (456). Dome switches (456) selectively are
activated by, a rocker switch (458) in this example, though it
should be understood that any other suitable type of switch may be
used. Activation button assembly (450) may be longitudinally moved
in a sliding fashion relative to handpiece (440) to any place on
instrument (420) where magnet (454) holds button assembly (450) in
place on metal rails (452). This allows for a variable distance
between blade (430) and button assembly (450). Activation button
assembly (450) may be configured such that blade (430) is
ultrasonically activated when rocker switch (458) is actuated to
actuate a selected dome switch (458). The direction in which rocker
switch (458) is rocked determines which dome switch (458) will be
actuated, which will in turn determine whether blade (430) is
activated at a "maximum" or "minimum" level of ultrasonic
energy.
[0084] Alternatively, rocker switch (458) and dome switches (458)
may be replaced with a single switch. For instance, such a single
switch may include a conventional electromechanical button or any
other type of "button," including but not limited to a capacitive
switch; a resistive sensor; resonant cavity switching technology;
infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant,
standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a
finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. Still other
suitable types of switches, sensors, or other technology that may
be incorporated into rocker switch (458) will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such
a single switch may be configured and operable in accordance with
activation button (252), described above, or in any other suitable
fashion. In some such versions, the energy level at which blade
(430) will be activated may be based at least in part of the
longitudinal position of button assembly (450) on rails (452). For
instance, when button assembly (450) is located in a distal
position, actuation of button assembly (450) may result in
ultrasonic activation of blade (430) at a "maximum" level of
ultrasonic energy. When button assembly (450) is located in a
proximal position, actuation of button assembly (450) may result in
ultrasonic activation of blade (430) at a "minimum" level of
ultrasonic energy. Of course, the distal/proximal and
maximum/minimum relationship may be reversed. Furthermore,
instrument (420) may be configured such that the level of
ultrasonic energy may be varied between the "maximum" level and the
"minimum" level by longitudinally positioning button assembly (450)
at a selected longitudinal position between a distal-most and
proximal-most position. For instance, one or more position sensors
or other types of components may be configured to sense the
longitudinal position of button assembly (450) along rails (452),
and circuitry of instrument (420) may effect adjustment of the
level of ultrasonic energy accordingly.
[0085] In some versions of instrument (420) where the level of
ultrasonic energy applied to blade (430) is based at least in part
of the longitudinal position of button assembly (450) along rails
(452), the available energy levels may be discrete and
predetermined. For instance, a first discrete and predetermined
level of ultrasonic energy may be associated with button assembly
(450) being positioned within a first longitudinal range, with a
second discrete and predetermined level of ultrasonic energy being
associated with button assembly (450) being positioned within a
second longitudinal range, and a third discrete and predetermined
level of ultrasonic energy being associated with button assembly
(450) being positioned within a third longitudinal range, etc.
Alternatively, the available ultrasonic energy levels may be
virtually infinitely variable within a predetermined range. For
instance, the ultrasonic energy level may be a substantially linear
function of the longitudinal position of button assembly (450)
along rails (452), such that the ultrasonic energy level
progressively and substantially continuously increases or decreases
as button assembly (450) is slid along rails (452). Still other
suitable ways in which the ultrasonic energy level of blade (430)
may be based at least in part on the longitudinal position of
button assembly (450) along rails (452) will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Similarly, various suitable components and configurations of
circuitry that may be in communication with button assembly (450)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein. By way of example only, a variable resistor,
variable capacitor, variable inductor, and/or some other type(s) of
circuit component(s) may be responsive to the longitudinal position
of button assembly (450) along rails (452), and may provide a
virtually infinitely variable level of electrical power (within a
predefined range) to the ultrasonic transducer in the handpiece
(440), which may thereby provide a virtually infinitely variable
level of ultrasonic energy (within a predefined range) at blade
(430).
[0086] Handpiece (440) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece (440)
resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's thumb
and index finger, such that the user's thumb and/or the tip of
another finger is used to "actuate" button assembly (450). As
another merely illustrative example, the user may grip handpiece
(440) with their palm around handpiece (440), such that the user's
thumb and/or the side of another finger is used to "actuate" button
assembly (450). Alternatively, any other suitable gripping
technique may be used.
VI. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Flared Push-Pull
Slide Control and Activation
[0087] FIG. 10 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (520), comprising a blade (530) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (540). An ultrasonic transducer (534) is
secured to handpiece (540), and may be coupled with an ultrasonic
generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings herein. An
ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a sheath
(532), which extends distally from handpiece (540). The ultrasonic
waveguide couples ultrasonic transducer (534) with blade (530) in
accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore be
understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
ultrasonic transducer (534) of handpiece (540), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer (534) may transmit ultrasonic
vibration to blade (530) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance
with the teachings herein. Handpiece (540) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (530) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (540), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0088] Instrument (520) of the present example further comprises a
control and activation slider (550). Control and activation slider
(550) comprises a distal flared portion (552), a proximal flared
portion (554), and a knurled gripping portion (556). Control and
activation slider (550) may include rubber or a similar material on
its exterior to facilitate gripping. In some versions, control and
activation slider (550) is formed as a unitary component, such that
distal flared portion (552), proximal flared portion (554), and
gripping portion (556) all translate together unitarily relative to
handpiece (540). In some other versions, control and activation
slider (550) is formed as separate parts that are movable relative
to each other (in addition to being movable relative to handpiece
(540)). For instance, distal flared portion (552) may be
translatable relative to handpiece (540), independently of proximal
flared portion (554); while proximal flared portion (554) may be
translatable relative to handpiece (540) independently of distal
flared portion (552). In either case, control and activation slider
(550) may be operable to act as a switch selectively coupling
ultrasonic transducer (534) with the ultrasonic generator. In
particular, control and activation slider (550) may be operable to
simultaneously ultrasonically activate blade (530) and select a
desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade
(530).
[0089] In some versions, control and activation slider (550) is
movable among three selectable longitudinal positions relative to
handpiece (540). For instance, instrument (520) may be configured
such that moving control and activation slider (550) to a distal
position activates blade (530) to ultrasonically vibrate at a
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; such that moving control and
activation slider (550) to a proximal position activates blade
(530) to ultrasonically vibrate at a "minimum" level of ultrasonic
energy; and such that blade (530) is deactivated when control and
activation slider (550) is at a middle position between the distal
and proximal positions. Of course, more than three selectable
longitudinal positions may be provided, along with more than three
corresponding selectable levels of ultrasonic energy. Furthermore,
any suitable relationship between the longitudinal position of
control and activation slider (550) and the ultrasonic energy level
at which blade (530) is activated may be used. By way of example
only, instrument (520) may be configured such that distal
positioning of control and activation slider (550) provides a
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy at blade (530), middle
positioning of control and activation slider (550) provides a
"minimum" level of ultrasonic energy at blade (530), and proximal
positioning of control and activation slider (550) causes blade
(530) to be ultrasonically inactive.
[0090] To the extent that the available levels of ultrasonic energy
are discrete and predetermined, control and activation slider (550)
and handpiece (540) may include complementary detent features or
other features to provide tactile feedback to the user and/or to
provide at least some degree of resistance to longitudinal movement
of control and activation slider (550) relative to handpiece (540)
(e.g., to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent sliding of control
and activation slider (550), etc.). Alternatively, the available
ultrasonic energy levels may be virtually infinitely variable
within a predetermined range, with the energy level being based at
least in part on the longitudinal position of control and
activation slider (550) relative to handpiece (540). For instance,
blade (530) may be deactivated when control and activation slider
(550) is at a proximal-most position, and the level ultrasonic
energy applied to blade (530) may progressively and substantially
continuously increase as control and activation slider (550) is
moved distally, until control and activation slider (550) reaches a
distal-most position where the level of ultrasonic energy is at its
maximum. Still other suitable ways in which the ultrasonic energy
level of blade (530) may be based at least in part on the
longitudinal position of control and activation slider (550)
relative to handpiece (540) will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0091] In some other versions, distal flared portion (552) is
movable independently relative to proximal flared portion (554). In
some such versions, one portion (552 or 554) may be used as an
ultrasonic energy level selector and the other portion (552 or 554)
may be used to selectively activate blade (530). For instance,
instrument (520) may be configured such that proximal flared
portion (554) may be slid relative to handpiece (540) to select a
level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (530); while
distal flared portion (552) may be slid relative to handpiece (540)
to selectively activate (530) blade (e.g., turn blade (530) "on or
off"). Of course, these roles could be reversed. In still other
versions, one portion (552 or 554) may be movable relative to
handpiece (540) to activate blade (530) at a selected level of
ultrasonic energy while the other portion (552 or 554) remains
longitudinally fixed to handpiece (540), such as to serve as a grip
during use of instrument (520). Still other suitable ways in which
control and activation slider (550) may be configured and operable
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein. Similarly, various suitable components and
configurations of circuitry that may be in communication with
control and activation slider (550) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way
of example only, a variable resistor and/or some other type(s) of
circuit component(s) may be responsive to the longitudinal position
of control and activation slider (550) (or portions thereof), and
may provide a virtually infinitely variable level of electrical
power (within a predefined range) to the ultrasonic transducer in
the handpiece (540), which may thereby provide a virtually
infinitely variable level of ultrasonic energy (within a predefined
range) at blade (530).
[0092] Handpiece (540) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece (540) like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece
(540) resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's
thumb and index finger, such that the user's thumb and/or the tip
of another finger is used to "actuate" control and activation
slider (550). As another merely illustrative example, the user may
grip handpiece (540) with their palm around handpiece (540), such
that the user's thumb and/or the side of another finger is used to
"actuate" control and activation slider (550). In either case, the
user may grip gripping portion (556) (or any other portion of
handpiece (540)) during use of instrument (520). It should also be
understood that the configuration of control and activation slider
(550) may permit the user to rotate the entire handpiece (540) in
the user's hand (e.g., about the longitudinal axis defined by
handpiece (540)), such as to re-orient blade (530) to a selected
rotational orientation, while still allowing control and activation
slider (550) to be reached and manipulated with relative ease with
handpiece (540) in different rotational orientations. Of course,
any suitable gripping technique may be used.
VII. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Flush Push-Pull
Slide Control and Activation
[0093] FIG. 11 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (620), comprising a blade (630) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (640). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is secured in handpiece (640), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (632), which extends distally from handpiece (640). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(630) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (640), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (630) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (640) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (630) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (640), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0094] Instrument (620) of the present example further comprises a
control and activation slider (650), which is substantially flush
with the body of handpiece (640). Control and activation slider
(650) is operable to act as a switch selectively coupling the
ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator. In particular,
control and activation slider (650) is operable to simultaneously
ultrasonically activate blade (630) and select a desired level of
ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (630). In some versions,
control and activation slider (550) is movable among three
selectable longitudinal positions relative to handpiece (540). For
instance, instrument (620) may be configured such that distal
longitudinal positioning of control and activation slider (650)
provides a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy at blade (630),
middle longitudinal positioning of control and activation slider
(650) provides a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy at blade
(630), and proximal longitudinal positioning of control and
activation slider (650) causes blade (630) to be ultrasonically
inactive. Of course, more than three selectable longitudinal
positions may be provided, along with more than three corresponding
selectable levels of ultrasonic energy. Furthermore, any suitable
relationship between the longitudinal position of control and
activation slider (650) and the ultrasonic energy level at which
blade (630) is activated may be used.
[0095] To the extent that the available levels of ultrasonic energy
are discrete and predetermined, control and activation slider (650)
and handpiece (640) may include complementary detent features or
other features to provide tactile feedback to the user and/or to
provide at least some degree of resistance to longitudinal movement
of control and activation slider (650) relative to handpiece (640)
(e.g., to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent sliding of control
and activation slider (650), etc.). Alternatively, the available
ultrasonic energy levels may be virtually infinitely variable
within a predetermined range, with the energy level being based at
least in part on the longitudinal position of control and
activation slider (650) relative to handpiece (640). For instance,
blade (630) may be deactivated when control and activation slider
(650) is at a proximal-most position, and the level ultrasonic
energy applied to blade (630) may progressively and substantially
continuously increase as control and activation slider (650) is
moved distally, until control and activation slider (650) reaches a
distal-most position where the level of ultrasonic energy is at its
maximum.
[0096] Still other suitable ways in which the ultrasonic energy
level of blade (630) may be based at least in part on the
longitudinal position of control and activation slider (650)
relative to handpiece (640) will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Furthermore,
other suitable ways in which control and activation slider (650)
may be configured and operable will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Similarly, various suitable components and configurations of
circuitry that may be in communication with control and activation
slider (650) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
in view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, a variable
resistor and/or some other type(s) of circuit component(s) may be
responsive to the longitudinal position of control and activation
slider (650), and may provide a virtually infinitely variable level
of electrical power (within a predefined range) to the ultrasonic
transducer in the handpiece (640), which may thereby provide a
virtually infinitely variable level of ultrasonic energy (within a
predefined range) at blade (630).
[0097] Handpiece (640) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece (640) like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece
(640) resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's
thumb and index finger, such that the user's thumb and/or the tip
of another finger is used to "actuate" control and activation
slider (650). As another merely illustrative example, the user may
grip handpiece (640) with their palm around handpiece (640), such
that the user's thumb and/or the side of another finger is used to
"actuate" control and activation slider (650). It should also be
understood that the configuration of control and activation slider
(650) may permit the user to rotate the entire handpiece (640) in
the user's hand (e.g., about the longitudinal axis defined by
handpiece (640)), such as to re-orient blade (630) to a selected
rotational orientation, while still allowing control and activation
slider (650) to be reached and manipulated with relative ease with
handpiece (640) in different rotational orientations. Of course,
any suitable gripping technique may be used.
VIII. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Flared
Push-Pull Slide Control and Button Activation
[0098] FIG. 11 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (720), comprising a blade (730) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (740). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is secured in handpiece (740), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (732), which extends distally from handpiece (740). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(730) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (740), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (730) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (740) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (730) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (740), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0099] Instrument (720) of the present example further comprises a
control slider (750) and an activation button (750). Control slider
(750) is operable to translate distally and proximally relative to
handpiece (740) in order to select a desired level of ultrasonic
energy to be applied to blade (730). In particular, control slider
(750) may be toggled to a distal position to select a "maximum"
level of ultrasonic energy; or to a proximal position to select a
"minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. While control slider (750)
provides selection of only two levels in this example, it should be
understood that control slider (750) may provide selection of any
other suitable number of levels. Furthermore, various ways in which
manipulation of control slider (750) may affect electrical power
provided to the ultrasonic transducer will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way
of example only, instrument (720) may include circuitry similar to
that described above and shown in FIG. 2. Other suitable circuitry
that may be in communication with control slider (750) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0100] Activation button (752) is operable to selectively activate
the ultrasonic transducer, to thereby selectively activate blade
(730) at the level selected using control slider (750). For
instance, activation button (752) may act as a switch selectively
coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator.
Activation button (752) may take a variety of forms. By way of
example only, activation button (752) may comprise a conventional
electromechanical button, a capacitive switch; a resistive sensor;
resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology;
technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is
perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable
type of technology. Still other suitable types of switches,
sensors, or other technology that may be incorporated into
activation button (752) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein. Activation button (752)
may be recessed within handpiece (740), if desired. In addition, a
second activation button (752) may be provided on the opposite side
of handpiece (740), if desired. For instance, such a pair of
activation buttons (752) may be independently operable.
Alternatively, instrument (740) may require both such buttons (752)
to be "actuated" simultaneously in order for blade (730) to be
activated. Various ways in which such various types of activation
button (752) components may be incorporated into the circuitry of
instrument (720), as well as various circuit components that may
accompany or be coupled with variations of activation button (752),
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0101] Handpiece (740) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece (740) like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece
(740) resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's
thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative example, the
user may grip handpiece (740) with their palm around handpiece
(740). It should also be understood that the configuration of
control and activation slider (750) may permit the user to rotate
the entire handpiece (740) in the user's hand (e.g., about the
longitudinal axis defined by handpiece (740)), such as to re-orient
blade (730) to a selected rotational orientation, while still
allowing control slider (750) and/or activation button (752) to be
reached and manipulated with relative ease with handpiece (740) in
different rotational orientations. Of course, any suitable gripping
technique may be used.
IX. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Rotatable Control
and Activation Member
[0102] FIGS. 13-15 depict another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (820), comprising a blade (830) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (840). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is secured in handpiece (840), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) couples the ultrasonic
transducer with blade (830) in accordance with the teachings
herein. It should therefore be understood that an ultrasonic
generator may be used to activate the ultrasonic transducer of
handpiece (840), and that the activated ultrasonic transducer may
transmit ultrasonic vibration to blade (830) via the ultrasonic
waveguide in accordance with the teachings herein. Handpiece (840)
may be configured to substantially isolate the hand of the user
relative to these ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be
understood that ultrasonically vibrating blade (830) may be used to
perform a variety of surgical procedures. Various other components
that may be incorporated into handpiece (840), including but not
limited to various components and configurations of electric
circuitry, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
in view of the teachings herein.
[0103] Instrument (820) of the present example further comprises a
housing shell (850), a control member (852), and a tail section
(860). Tail section (860) comprises an activation button (862), and
has a cable (814) that is coupled with the ultrasonic generator.
Housing shell (850), control member (852), and tail section (860)
are all independently rotatable relative to each other. That is,
housing shell (850) is rotatable relative to control member (852)
and tail section (860); control member (852) is rotatable relative
to housing shell (850) and tail section (860); and tail section
(860) is rotatable relative to housing shell (850) and control
member (852). Control member (852) is integrally secured relative
to the ultrasonic transducer and relative to blade (830). Thus,
when control member (852) is rotated relative to housing shell
(850) and/or tail section (860), the ultrasonic transducer and
blade (830) rotate unitarily with control member (852). It should
be understood that handpiece (840) may include various types of
bearings or other features, in various locations, to facilitate the
above-described relative rotation while also providing structural
support. Furthermore, since tail section (860) (and hence, cable
(814)) and control member (852) are rotatable relative to each
other, and since control member is unitary with the ultrasonic
transducer in this example, slip rings or other components may be
included to provide continuous electrical contact despite such
relative rotation. In particular, the ultrasonic transducer may be
electrically coupled with cable (814) by slip rings or similar
components. Similarly, control member (852) may be electrically
coupled with cable (814) by slip rings or similar components.
[0104] Control member (852) of the present example presents an
external surface (853) that may be contacted by the user's hand
during use of instrument (840). Housing shell (850) defines an
opening (851) that exposes a region of external surface (853),
allowing external surface (853) to be contacted by a user's finger
or hand It should be understood that external surface (853) extends
about the full circumference of control member (852), such that
external surface (853) may be contacted by the user's finger or
hand through opening (851) regardless of the rotational position of
housing shell (850) relative to control member (852). While the
term "circumference" may be used to refer to a dimension of the
outer perimeter of control member (852), this should not be read as
requiring control member (852) to be cylindrical. While control
member (852) may in fact be cylindrical in some versions, control
member (852) may alternatively have a variety of other shapes and
configurations, including but not limited to tapered or
frusto-conical, etc.
[0105] Control member (852) is configured such that it is
responsive to the location at which the user's hand touches
external surface (853). In particular, control member (852) is
configured such that the level of ultrasonic energy applied to
blade (830) is based at least in part on the longitudinal position
at which the user touches external surface (853). For instance, a
user touching external surface (853) near the distal end of opening
(851) may result in ultrasonic activation of blade (830) at a
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; while a user touching
external surface (853) near the proximal end of opening (851) may
result in ultrasonic activation of blade (830) at a "minimum" level
of ultrasonic energy. In some versions, control member (852) simply
provides selectability between a "minimum" and "maximum" level of
ultrasonic energy. In some other versions, control member (852)
also provides selectability of ultrasonic energy levels between the
"minimum" and "maximum" level, such as when the user touches
surface (853) somewhere within the middle region of opening (851).
In some such versions, the available energy levels are discrete and
predetermined. For instance, as the user moves their hand or finger
longitudinally along external surface (853) from the distal end of
opening (851) toward the proximal end of opening (851), the
ultrasonic energy level may start at the "maximum" level and
decrease in stepped increments in accordance with the longitudinal
position of the user's hand or finger on external surface (853).
Discrete energy levels may thus be associated with discrete
longitudinal ranges of length along external surface (853).
[0106] In some other versions, the available ultrasonic energy
levels may be virtually infinitely variable within a predetermined
range. For instance, the ultrasonic energy level may be a
substantially linear function of the longitudinal position of the
user's hand or finger along the length of external surface (853),
such that the ultrasonic energy level progressively and
substantially continuously increases or decreases as the user's
hand or finger is slid along external surface (853). Still other
suitable ways in which the ultrasonic energy level of blade (830)
may be based at least in part on the longitudinal position of the
user's hand or finger along external surface (853) will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings
herein.
[0107] It should be understood that various types of technologies
may be incorporated into control member (852) to allow it to sense
and react to the longitudinal position at which the user's hand
touches external surface (853). For instance, control member (852)
may comprise a plurality of capacitive switches; a plurality of
resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared
sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave
on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or
any other suitable type of technology. In some versions, an array
of resistive sensors, infrared sensors, or other types of sensors
may be provided in control member (852), to provide substantially
continuous sensing of and reaction to the longitudinal position of
the user's finger or hand along external surface (853). Control
member (852) and associated components may also be configured to
discriminate between a user's single finger (e.g., for controlling
the energy level for blade (830), etc.) and the hand or multiple
fingers of the user (e.g., for activating blade (830) at the
selected energy level, etc.). Still other suitable types of and
arrangements of switches, sensors, or other technology that may be
incorporated into control member (852) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Various
ways in which such various types of control member (852) components
may be incorporated into the circuitry of instrument (820), as well
as various circuit components that may accompany or be coupled with
variations of control member (852), will also be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By
way of example only, a variable resistor and/or some other type(s)
of circuit component(s) may be responsive to the longitudinal
position of a user's hand or finger along control member (852), and
may provide a virtually infinitely variable level of electrical
power (within a predefined range) to the ultrasonic transducer in
the handpiece (840), which may thereby provide a virtually
infinitely variable level of ultrasonic energy (within a predefined
range) at blade (830).
[0108] Activation button (862) is operable to selectively activate
the ultrasonic transducer, to thereby selectively activate blade
(830) at the level selected using control member (852). For
instance, activation button (862) may act as a switch selectively
coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator.
Activation button (862) may take a variety of forms. By way of
example only, activation button (862) may comprise a conventional
electromechanical button, a capacitive switch; a resistive sensor;
resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology;
technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is
perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable
type of technology. Still other suitable types of switches,
sensors, or other technology that may be incorporated into
activation button (862) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein. Various ways in which
such various types of activation button (862) components may be
incorporated into the circuitry of instrument (820), as well as
various circuit components that may accompany or be coupled with
variations of activation button (862), will also be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings
herein.
[0109] In some other versions of instrument (820), activation
button (862) is omitted, such that activation and ultrasonic energy
level selection are both provided through control member (852). For
instance, instrument (820) may be configured such that as soon as a
user touches external surface (853), such touching may
simultaneously effect selection of an ultrasonic energy level
(e.g., in accordance with the longitudinal position at which
external surface (853) is touched) and activation of blade (830).
As another merely illustrative example, instrument (820) may be
configured such that the role of control member (852) as ultrasonic
energy level selector or blade (830) activator is based at least in
part on the way in which the user touches external surface (853).
For instance, the user may select an ultrasonic energy level by
sliding their finger along external surface (853) to a longitudinal
position associated with a desired ultrasonic energy level; then
activate blade (830) by tapping or double-tapping external surface
(853). As another non-limiting example, ultrasonic energy level
selection may be based on a number of taps on external surface
(853) (e.g., more taps provides higher ultrasonic energy level);
while activation of blade (830) is effected through touching
external surface (853) for at least a certain duration of time
(e.g., three seconds). Alternatively, any other suitable
combination of touching external surface (853), sliding against
external surface (853), tapping against external surface (853),
etc., may be used to provide selection of an ultrasonic energy
level and/or activation of blade (830). Such alternatives will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0110] As noted above, housing shell (850) and control member (852)
are rotatable relative to each other in the present example. As
also noted above, control member (852) and blade (830) rotate
unitarily with each other in the present example. Therefore, it
should be understood that the user may rotate blade (830) relative
to housing shell (850) by rotating control member (852) relative to
housing shell (850). For instance, the user may use his or her or
finger to rotate control member (852) while gripping housing shell
(850) with the rest of his or her hand. Housing shell (850) may
thus provide a mechanical ground during use of instrument (820),
with control member (852) being used to rotate blade (830) to a
selected rotational orientation relative to this ground (in
addition to control member (852) being used to select a level of
ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (830)). As also noted
above, tail section (860) is rotatable relative to both housing
shell (850) and control member (852). Furthermore, as shown in
FIGS. 13-15, cable (814) extends downwardly from tail section
(860). Thus, this rotatability of tail section (860) and the
downward orientation of cable (814) may help prevent cable (814)
from getting twisted and/or in the way of the user. That is, the
rotatability of tail section (860) may help to maintain the
downward orientation of cable (814), despite the user's rotation of
housing shell (850) and/or control member (852) during use of
instrument (820). Furthermore, the use of slip rings (and/or other
types of components) may prevent the electrical connections from
the ultrasonic transducer (and/or other components) to cable (814)
from restricting the degree to which housing shell (850) and/or
control member (852) relative to tail section (860).
[0111] Handpiece (840) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece (840) like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece
(840) resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's
thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative example, the
user may grip handpiece (840) with their palm around handpiece
(840). It should also be understood that, as noted above, the
configuration and rotatability of control member (852) may permit
the user to re-orient blade (730) to a selected rotational
orientation, while still allowing external surface (853) to be
reached and manipulated with relative ease. Of course, any suitable
gripping technique may be used.
X. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Control and
Activation Strip
[0112] FIG. 16 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (920), comprising a blade (930) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (940). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown)
is secured in handpiece (940), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (932), which extends distally from handpiece (940). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(930) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (940), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (930) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (940) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (930) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (940), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0113] Instrument (920) of the present example further comprises a
control and activation strip (950). Control and activation strip
(950) is operable to act as a switch selectively coupling the
ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator. In particular,
control and activation strip (950) is operable to simultaneously
ultrasonically activate blade (930) and select a desired level of
ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (930). For instance, like
control member (852) described above, control and activation strip
(950) may control the level of ultrasonic energy applied to blade
(930) based at least in part on the longitudinal position at which
the user's finger or hand engages control and activation strip
(950). For instance, a user touching the distal end of control and
activation strip (950) (e.g., the end closest to blade (930)) may
result in ultrasonic activation of blade (930) at a "maximum" level
of ultrasonic energy; while a user touching the proximal end of
control and activation strip (950) (e.g., the end farthest from
blade (930)) may result in ultrasonic activation of blade (930) at
a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy.
[0114] In some other versions, control and activation strip (950)
also provides selectability of ultrasonic energy levels between the
"minimum" and "maximum" level, such as when the user touches the
longitudinally middle region of control and activation strip (950).
In some such versions, the available energy levels are discrete and
predetermined. For instance, as the user moves their hand or finger
longitudinally along control and activation strip (950), from the
distal end of control and activation strip (950) toward the
proximal end of control and activation strip (950), the ultrasonic
energy level may start at the "maximum" level and decrease in
stepped increments in accordance with the longitudinal position of
the user's hand or finger on control and activation strip (950).
Discrete energy levels may thus be associated with discrete
longitudinal ranges of length along control and activation strip
(950).
[0115] In some other versions, the available ultrasonic energy
levels may be virtually infinitely variable within a predetermined
range. For instance, the ultrasonic energy level may be a
substantially linear function of the longitudinal position of the
user's hand or finger along the length of control and activation
strip (950), such that the ultrasonic energy level progressively
and substantially continuously increases or decreases as the user's
hand or finger is slid along control and activation strip
(950).
[0116] It should be understood that various types of technologies
may be incorporated into control and activation strip (950) to
allow it to sense and react to the longitudinal position at which
the user's hand touches or presses control and activation strip
(950). One merely illustrative example is shown in FIG. 16A. As
shown, control and activation strip (950) is positioned over a
plurality of button switches (952), which are mounted to a
substrate (954). In this example, control and activation strip
(950) comprises a flexible material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.).
Button switches (952) may include capacitive switches, thin film
switches, electromechanical buttons, or any other type of "button"
described herein. Substrate (954) may comprise a printed circuit
board having traces that are in communication with button switches
(952) and other circuitry of instrument (920). Alternatively,
substrate (954) may comprise any other suitable structure having
any suitable properties.
[0117] In this example, button switches (952) are sized and spaced
such that at least one button switch (952) will be actuated when a
user presses his or her finger against control and activation strip
(950), regardless of where the user presses his or her finger
against control and activation strip (950). For instance, some
versions of instrument (920) may include eight button switches
(952) positioned equidistantly along the length of control and
activation strip (950). Alternatively, any other suitable number of
buttons switches (952) may be used, in any other suitable
arrangement. With having such button switches (952) aligned along
the length of control and activation strip (950), button switches
(952) may be used to sense the longitudinal position of the user's
finger along control and activation strip (950) and communicate
with circuitry of instrument (920) accordingly. Various components
and configurations of circuitry that may be in communication with
button switches (952) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein. Of course, a linear
array of button switches (952) is just one example. Similarly,
other suitable ways in which the ultrasonic energy level of blade
(930) may be based at least in part on the longitudinal position of
the user's hand or finger along control and activation strip (950)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein. By way of example only, a variable resistor
and/or some other type(s) of circuit component(s) may be responsive
to the longitudinal position of the user's hand or finger along
control and activation strip (950), and may provide a virtually
infinitely variable level of electrical power (within a predefined
range) to the ultrasonic transducer in the handpiece (940), which
may thereby provide a virtually infinitely variable level of
ultrasonic energy (within a predefined range) at blade (930).
[0118] In some alternative versions, control and activation strip
(950) may comprise a plurality of capacitive switches; a plurality
of resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology;
infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant,
standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a
finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. Still other
suitable types of and arrangements of switches, sensors, or other
technology that may be incorporated into control and activation
strip (950) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
in view of the teachings herein. Various ways in which such various
types of control and activation strip (950) components may be
incorporated into the circuitry of instrument (920), as well as
various circuit components that may accompany or be coupled with
variations of control and activation strip (950), will also be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0119] As noted above, activation and ultrasonic energy level
selection are both provided through control and activation strip
(950) in instrument (920) of the present example. For instance,
instrument (920) may be configured such that as soon as a user
touches control and activation strip (950), such touching may
simultaneously effect selection of an ultrasonic energy level
(e.g., in accordance with the longitudinal position at which
control and activation strip (950) is touched) and activation of
blade (930). As another merely illustrative example, instrument
(920) may be configured such that the role of control and
activation strip (950) as ultrasonic energy level selector or blade
(930) activator is based at least in part on the way in which the
user touches control and activation strip (950). For instance, the
user may select an ultrasonic energy level by sliding their finger
along control and activation strip (950) to a longitudinal position
associated with a desired ultrasonic energy level; then activate
blade (930) by tapping or double-tapping control and activation
strip (950). As another non-limiting example, ultrasonic energy
level selection may be based on a number of taps on control and
activation strip (950) (e.g., more taps provides higher ultrasonic
energy level); while activation of blade (930) is effected through
touching control and activation strip (950) for at least a certain
duration of time (e.g., three seconds). Alternatively, any other
suitable combination of touching control and activation strip
(950), sliding against control and activation strip (950), tapping
against control and activation strip (950), etc., may be used to
provide selection of an ultrasonic energy level and/or activation
of blade (930). Such alternatives will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, a separate activation button may be provided to
activate blade (930), in lieu of or in addition to providing
activation of blade (930) via control and activation strip
(950).
[0120] Handpiece (940) of the present example may be gripped by the
user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may grip
handpiece (940) like a pencil, with a single hand, with handpiece
(940) resting in the crook of the user's hand between the user's
thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative example, the
user may grip handpiece (940) with their palm around handpiece
(940). It should also be understood that the configuration of
control and activation strip (950) may permit the user to rotate
the entire handpiece (940) in the user's hand (e.g., about the
longitudinal axis defined by handpiece (940)), such as to re-orient
blade (930) to a selected rotational orientation, while still
allowing control and activation strip (950) to be reached and
manipulated with relative ease with handpiece (940) in different
rotational orientations. For instance, in some gripping styles of
handpiece (940), the user may access and manipulate activation
strip (950) using their index finger, middle finger, or other
finger. In addition or in the alternative, in some gripping styles
of handpiece (940), the user may access and manipulate activation
strip (950) using their thumb. Of course, any suitable gripping
technique may be used. Furthermore, gripping techniques may be
changed or adjusted during a given procedure.
XI. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Control and
Activation Rings
[0121] FIGS. 13-15 depict another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1020), comprising a blade (1030) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1040). An ultrasonic transducer (not
shown) is secured in handpiece (1040), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (1032), which extends distally from handpiece (1040). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(1030) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1040), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (1030) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (1040) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1030) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1040), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0122] Instrument (1040) of the present example further comprises a
distal control and activation ring (1050) and a proximal control
and activation ring (1052). Control and activation rings (1050,
1052) are each configured to act as a switch selectively coupling
the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator. In
particular, control and activation rings (1050, 1052) are operable
to simultaneously ultrasonically activate blade (1030) and select a
desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (1030).
For instance, distal control and activation ring (1050) may be
"actuated" to simultaneously select a "maximum" level of ultrasonic
energy and ultrasonically activate blade (1030) with the selected
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; while proximal control and
activation ring (1052) may be "actuated" to simultaneously select a
"minimum" level of ultrasonic energy and ultrasonically activate
blade (1030) with the selected "minimum" level of ultrasonic
energy. Alternatively, these roles may be reversed. It should also
be understood that additional control and activation rings may be
included to provide more than two ultrasonic energy levels to
choose from.
[0123] In some versions, control and activation rings (1050, 1052)
are each independently slidable along the longitudinal axis defined
by handpiece (1040) to "actuate" a selected control and activation
ring (1050, 1052). For instance, distal control and activation ring
(1050) may be slid distally to activate blade (1030) with a
"maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; while proximal control and
activation ring (1050) may be slid proximally to activate blade
(1030) with a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. Blade (1030)
may remain inactive when control and activation rings (1050, 1052)
are both in a default or non-slid position. Detent features or
other features may provide some degree of resistance to sliding of
control and activation rings (1050, 1052) when control and
activation rings (1050, 1052) are in the default position.
Similarly, regardless of which control and activation ring (1050,
1052) is slid from its default position, detent features or other
features may provide some degree of resistance to sliding of a
control and activation ring (1050, 1052) when the control and
activation ring (1050, 1052) is in a slid position. In some
versions, when both of control and activation rings (1050, 1052)
are in a slid position, blade (1030) may be activated at a "medium"
level of ultrasonic energy. Of course, the foregoing configuration
and operability is merely optional.
[0124] In some other versions, control and activation rings (1050,
1052) do not slide at all. For instance, control and activation
rings (1050, 1052) may comprise capacitive switches; resistive
sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing
technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a
surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any
other suitable type of technology. Control and activation rings
(1050, 1052) may thus be "actuated" simply by touching or pressing
on a selected one of control and activation rings (1050, 1052). As
another merely illustrative example, control and activation rings
(1050, 1052) may be configured in accordance with the teachings of
U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0191713, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting
and Coagulating," published Aug. 16, 2007, the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference herein. Still other suitable types of
switches, sensors, or other technology that may be incorporated
into control and activation rings (1050, 1052) will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Similarly, various ways in which such various types of control and
activation ring (1050, 1052) components may be incorporated into
the circuitry of instrument (1020), as well as various circuit
components that may accompany or be coupled with variations of
control and activation rings (1050, 1052), will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, some versions of handpiece (1040) may have just one
activation ring (1050 or 1052) instead of having two activation
rings (1050, 1052).
[0125] Handpiece (1040) of the present example may be gripped by
the user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may
grip handpiece (1040) like a pencil, with a single hand, with
handpiece (1040) resting in the crook of the user's hand between
the user's thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative
example, the user may grip handpiece (1040) with their palm around
handpiece (1040). It should also be understood that the
configuration of control and activation rings (1050, 1052) may
permit the user to rotate the entire handpiece (1040) in the user's
hand (e.g., about the longitudinal axis defined by handpiece
(1040)), such as to re-orient blade (1030) to a selected rotational
orientation, while still allowing control and activation rings
(1050, 1052) to be reached and manipulated with relative ease with
handpiece (1040) in different rotational orientations. In other
words, control and activation rings (1050, 1052) of the present
example are accessible from any angular position within a
360.degree. range about the axis defined by handpiece (1040). Of
course, any suitable gripping technique may be used.
XII. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Crushable
Cage
[0126] FIG. 19 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1120), comprising a blade (1130) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1140). Blade (1130) is shown in FIG. 19 in
schematic form, it being understood that blade (1130) may be
significantly further spaced from handpiece (1140) in some versions
of instrument (1120). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown) is
secured in handpiece (1140), and may be coupled with an ultrasonic
generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings herein. An
ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) couples the ultrasonic transducer
with blade (1130) in accordance with the teachings herein. It
should therefore be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be
used to activate the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1140), and
that the activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic
vibration to blade (1130) via the ultrasonic waveguide in
accordance with the teachings herein. Handpiece (1140) may be
configured to substantially isolate the hand of the user relative
to these ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1130) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1140), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0127] Instrument (1020) of the present example further comprises a
crushable cage (1150). Crushable cage (1150) is positioned about a
control and activation rod (not shown), which extends
longitudinally through the interior of crushable cage (1150) and
which is operable to act as a switch selectively coupling the
ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic generator. In particular,
the control and activation rod is operable to simultaneously
ultrasonically activate blade (1130) and select a desired level of
ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (1130). For instance, like
control member (852) described above, the control and activation
rod may control the level of ultrasonic energy applied to blade
(1130) based at least in part on the longitudinal position at which
the control and activation rod is engaged. For instance, engaging
the distal end of the control and activation rod (e.g., the end
closest to blade (1130)) may result in ultrasonic activation of
blade (1130) at a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; while
engaging the proximal end of the control and activation rod (e.g.,
the end farthest from blade (930)) may result in ultrasonic
activation of blade (1130) at a "minimum" level of ultrasonic
energy.
[0128] The control and activation rod may comprise any of a variety
of components or features to provide the above-described
operability. By way of example only, two or more buttons may be
located along the length of the control and activation rod and/or
about the circumference of the control and activation rod. Such
buttons may comprise thin film switches, electromechanical buttons,
or any other type of "button" described herein such as capacitive
switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology;
infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant,
standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a
finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. Still other
suitable types of and arrangements of switches, sensors, or other
technology that may be incorporated into a control and activation
rod will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view
of the teachings herein. Various ways in which such various types
of control and activation rod components may be incorporated into
the circuitry of instrument (1120), as well as various circuit
components that may accompany or be coupled with variations of a
control and activation rod, will also be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0129] Crushable cage (1150) of the present example comprises a
plurality of crushable ribs (1152), which extend longitudinally and
bow outwardly about the control and activation rod. Ribs (1152) are
flexible, and are resiliently biased to the outwardly bowed
configuration shown in FIG. 19. For instance, ribs (1152) may be
formed of a resilient plastic or any other suitable material or
combination of materials. Crushable cage (1150) is configured such
that at least some of ribs (1152) must be flexed inwardly in order
for the user to sufficiently engage the control and activation rod
to activate blade (1130). In other words, the control and
activation rod will be non-engaged, and hence the blade (1130)
non-activated, when ribs (1152) are in the outwardly bowed
configuration shown in FIG. 19. Crushable cage (1150) may thus
reduce the likelihood of inadvertent activation of blade
(1130).
[0130] Ribs (1152) may be forced inwardly, thereby crushing or
collapsing cage (1150), by a user pinching cage (1150) with their
thumb and/or fingers. As ribs (1152) are forced inwardly, ribs
(1152) may approach the control and activation rod with sufficient
proximity to engage the control and activation rod. In versions
where the control and activation rod comprises capacitive switches
(among other versions), ribs (1152) necessarily touch the control
and activation rod in order to sufficiently engage the rod to
activate blade (1130). In some other versions, instrument (1140)
may require ribs (1152) to actually touch the control and
activation rod (or some component(s) thereof) in order to
sufficiently engage the rod to activate blade (1130). As noted
above, the ultrasonic energy level delivered to blade (1130) may be
based at least in part on the longitudinal position at which the
control and activation rod is engaged. Thus, the ultrasonic energy
level delivered to blade (1130) may be based at least in part on
the longitudinal position at which ribs (1152) are forced inwardly.
The variability of the ultrasonic energy level delivered to blade
may be in discrete increments or may be substantially continuous,
as described herein.
[0131] In some versions of instrument (1120), the interior of ribs
(1152) is electrically conductive, and they must contact a
complementary electrically conductive surface on the control and
activation rod in order to activate blade (1130). In still other
versions, the control and activation rod is omitted entirely. For
instance, ribs (1152) may include strain gauges, which may act as
switches that are sensitive to crushing or collapsing of cage
(1150) by the user in order to activate blade (1130). Other
suitable variations, components, features, and operability of cage
(1150) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein.
[0132] Handpiece (1140) of the present example may be gripped by
the user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may
grip handpiece (1140) like a pencil, with a single hand, with
handpiece (1140) resting in the crook of the user's hand between
the user's thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative
example, the user may grip handpiece (1140) with their palm around
handpiece (1140). It should also be understood that the
configuration of cage (1150) may permit the user to rotate the
entire handpiece (1140) in the user's hand (e.g., about the
longitudinal axis defined by handpiece (1140)), such as to
re-orient blade (1130) to a selected rotational orientation, while
still allowing cage (1150) to be reached and manipulated with
relative ease with handpiece (1140) in different rotational
orientations. Of course, any suitable gripping technique may be
used.
XIII. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Angularly
Arrayed Buttons
[0133] FIG. 20 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1220), comprising a blade (1230) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1240). Blade (1230) is shown in FIG. 20 in
schematic form, it being understood that blade (1230) may be
significantly further spaced from handpiece (1240) in some versions
of instrument (1220). An ultrasonic transducer (not shown) is
secured in handpiece (1240), and may be coupled with an ultrasonic
generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings herein. An
ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) couples the ultrasonic transducer
with blade (1230) in accordance with the teachings herein. It
should therefore be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be
used to activate the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1240), and
that the activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic
vibration to blade (1230) via the ultrasonic waveguide in
accordance with the teachings herein. Handpiece (1240) may be
configured to substantially isolate the hand of the user relative
to these ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1230) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1240), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0134] Instrument (1220) of the present example further comprises
control buttons (1250) and activation buttons (1252). Control
buttons (1250) and activation buttons (1252) are provided in pairs,
with the control button (1250) of each pair being position distal
to the associated activation button (1252) of the pair. Of course,
this relationship could be reversed or otherwise changed. In
addition, the pairs of buttons (1250, 1252) are angularly arrayed
about the longitudinal axis defined by handpiece (1240) in
increments of 90.degree.. Accordingly, instrument (1020) has four
pairs of buttons (1250, 1252). Of course, instrument (1020) may
have any other suitable number of pairs of buttons (1250, 1252).
Similarly, pairs of buttons (1250, 1252) may be provided in any
other suitable arrangement, including but not limited to
alternative angular arrays. Some versions of instrument (1020) may
also include a number of control buttons (1250) that differs from
the number of activation buttons (1252) (e.g., one control button
(1250) and four activation buttons (1252), etc.). Other suitable
configurations and arrangements of buttons (1250, 1252) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein. The following description will refer to each type
of button (1250, 1252) in the singular form, it being understood
that the description may apply to all corresponding buttons (1250,
1252) of instrument (1220).
[0135] Control button (1250) of this example comprises a domed
switch that may be tapped to change power modes, to thereby select
a desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (1230).
In particular, control button (1250) may be tapped to cycle between
a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy and a "minimum" level of
ultrasonic energy. While control selector (250) provides selection
from only two levels in this example, it should be understood that
control selector (1250) may provide selection of any other suitable
number of levels. Furthermore, various ways in which manipulation
of control selector (1250) may affect electrical power provided to
the ultrasonic transducer will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way of example
only, instrument (1220) may include circuitry similar to that
described above and shown in FIG. 2. Other suitable circuitry that
may be in communication with control selector (1250) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0136] Activation button (1252) is operable to selectively activate
the ultrasonic transducer, to thereby selectively activate blade
(1230). For instance, activation button (1252) may act as a switch
selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic
generator. In some versions, just one activation button (1252)
needs to be actuated in order to activate blade (1230). In some
other versions, at least two activation buttons (1252) need to be
actuated at the same time in order to activate blade (1230). In the
present example, handpiece (1240) is configured such that
activation buttons (1252) lie in a circumferentially extending
valley (1242), which may reduce the likelihood of activation
buttons (1252) being inadvertently actuated. Of course, valley
(1242) is merely optional, and handpiece (1240) may have any other
suitable configuration.
[0137] Activation button (1252) may take a variety of forms. By way
of example only, activation button (1252) may comprise a
conventional electromechanical button, a capacitive switch; a
resistive sensor; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared
sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave
on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or
any other suitable type of technology. Of course, control button
(1250) may also take any such alternative forms. Still other
suitable types of switches, sensors, or other technology that may
be incorporated into activation button (1252) or control button
(1250) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein. Various ways in which such various
types of activation button (1252) and control button (1250)
components may be incorporated into the circuitry of instrument
(1220), as well as various circuit components that may accompany or
be coupled with variations of activation button (1252) and control
button (1250), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the teachings herein.
[0138] Handpiece (1240) of the present example may be gripped by
the user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may
grip handpiece (1240) like a pencil, with a single hand, with
handpiece (1240) resting in the crook of the user's hand between
the user's thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative
example, the user may grip handpiece (1240) with their palm around
handpiece (1240). It should also be understood that the
configuration and arrangement of buttons (1250, 1252) may permit
the user to rotate the entire handpiece (1240) in the user's hand
(e.g., about the longitudinal axis defined by handpiece (1240)),
such as to re-orient blade (1230) to a selected rotational
orientation, while still allowing at least one pair of buttons
(1250, 1252) to be reached and manipulated with relative ease with
handpiece (1240) in different rotational orientations. Of course,
any suitable gripping technique may be used.
XIV. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Angularly
Arrayed Ribs
[0139] FIGS. 21-22 depict another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1320), comprising a blade (1330) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1340). An ultrasonic transducer (not
shown) is secured in handpiece (1340), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (1332), which extends distally from handpiece (1340). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(1330) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1340), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (1330) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (1340) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1330) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1340), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0140] Instrument (1320) of the present example further comprises a
three control and activation ribs (1350). Control and activation
ribs (1350) are angularly arrayed about the longitudinal axis
defined by handpiece (1340) in increments of 120.degree.. Of
course, instrument (1320) may have any other suitable number of
control and activation ribs (1350). Similarly, control and
activation ribs (1350) may be provided in any other suitable
arrangement, including but not limited to alternative angular
arrays. Other suitable configurations and arrangements of control
and activation ribs (1350) will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. The following
description will refer to control and activation ribs (1350) in the
singular form, it being understood that the description may apply
to all control and activation ribs (1350) of instrument (1320).
[0141] Control and activation rib (1350) is operable to act as a
switch selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the
ultrasonic generator. In particular, control and activation rib
(1350) is operable to simultaneously ultrasonically activate blade
(1330) and select a desired level of ultrasonic energy to be
applied to blade (1330). For instance, as with control and
activation strip (950) described above, control and activation rib
(1350) may control the level of ultrasonic energy applied to blade
(1330) based at least in part on the longitudinal position at which
the user's finger or hand engages control and activation rib
(1350). Indeed, any or all of the teachings above with respect to
activation strip (950) (including but not limited to features,
operability, variations, etc.) may be readily applied to each
activation rib (1350). Still other suitable types of and
arrangements of switches, sensors, or other technology that may be
incorporated into control and activation rib (1350) will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein. Various ways in which such various types of
control and activation rib (1350) components may be incorporated
into the circuitry of instrument (1320), as well as various circuit
components that may accompany or be coupled with variations of
control and activation rib (1350), will also be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0142] In some versions, the user must actuate at least two control
and activation ribs (1350) simultaneously in order to activate
blade (1330). Alternatively, any other suitable method or
combination of touching control and activation rib (1350), sliding
against control and activation rib (1350), tapping against control
and activation rib (1350), etc., may be used to provide selection
of an ultrasonic energy level and/or activation of blade (1330).
Such alternatives will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art in view of the teachings herein. Furthermore, a separate
activation button may be provided to activate blade (1330), in lieu
of or in addition to providing activation of blade (1330) via
control and activation rib (1350).
[0143] Handpiece (1340) of the present example may be gripped by
the user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may
grip handpiece (1340) like a pencil, with a single hand, with
handpiece (1340) resting in the crook of the user's hand between
the user's thumb and index finger. As another merely illustrative
example, the user may grip handpiece (1340) with their palm around
handpiece (1340). It should also be understood that the
configuration and arrangement of control and activation ribs (1350)
may permit the user to rotate the entire handpiece (1340) in the
user's hand (e.g., about the longitudinal axis defined by handpiece
(1340)), such as to re-orient blade (1330) to a selected rotational
orientation, while still allowing at least one control and
activation rib (1350) to be reached and manipulated with relative
ease with handpiece (1340) in different rotational orientations. Of
course, any suitable gripping technique may be used.
XV. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Rocking Control
and Activation Button
[0144] FIG. 23 depicts another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1420), comprising a blade (1430) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1440). An ultrasonic transducer (not
shown) is secured in handpiece (1440), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (1432), which extends distally from handpiece (1440). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(1430) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1440), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (1430) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (1440) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1430) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1440), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0145] Instrument (1420) of the present example further comprises a
rocker switch (1450). Rocker switch (1450) includes a distal
portion (1452) and a proximal portion (1454), and is operable to
rock about a pin (1456) that secures rocker switch (1450) to
handpiece (1440). In some versions, distal portion (1452) has a
concave configuration while proximal portion (1454) has a convex
configuration. Such configurations may allow a user to easily and
differentiate between distal portion (1452) and a proximal portion
(1454) by sense of touch alone. Rocker switch (1450) is operable to
act as a switch selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with
the ultrasonic generator. In particular, rocker switch (1450) is
operable to simultaneously ultrasonically activate blade (1430) and
select a desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade
(1430). For instance, by pressing on distal portion (1452), the
user may activate blade (1430) at a "maximum" level of ultrasonic
energy. By pressing on proximal portion (1454), the user may
activate blade (1430) at a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. Of
course, these roles may be reversed. In either case, it should be
understood that the user may simply slide their finger along rocker
switch (1450) to toggle between "maximum" and "minimum" levels of
ultrasonic energy. Various ways in which various types of rocker
switch (1450) components may be incorporated into the circuitry of
instrument (1420), as well as various circuit components that may
accompany or be coupled with variations of rocker switch (1450),
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0146] In some versions, rocker switch (1450) includes a detent or
other feature that provides a clicking sound and/or some form of
haptic feedback to the user when either distal portion (1452) or
proximal portion (1454) has been sufficiently depressed, providing
confirmation to the user that blade (1430) has been activated. It
should also be understood that, in some versions, and compared to
versions using dome switches or certain other types of switches,
the mechanical advantage and increased arc of travel for rocker
switch (1450) may decrease the likelihood of inadvertent activation
and/or allow minimization of the finger pressure that is needed to
activate the switch. Such a reduction of finger pressure may
translate into reduced finger fatigue for the user, particularly in
procedures where instrument (1420) is used for several hours; and
may also provide more dexterous handling of instrument (1420).
[0147] Handpiece (1440) of the present example may be gripped in
any suitable fashion, including but not limited to using any of the
gripping techniques described herein. Of course, any suitable
gripping technique may be used.
XVI. Exemplary Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Broad Proximal
End
[0148] FIGS. 24-25 depict another exemplary ultrasonic surgical
instrument (1520), comprising a blade (1530) positioned distally
relative to a handpiece (1540). An ultrasonic transducer (not
shown) is secured in handpiece (1540), and may be coupled with an
ultrasonic generator (not shown) in accordance with the teachings
herein. An ultrasonic waveguide (not shown) is positioned within a
sheath (1532), which extends distally from handpiece (1540). The
ultrasonic waveguide couples the ultrasonic transducer with blade
(1530) in accordance with the teachings herein. It should therefore
be understood that an ultrasonic generator may be used to activate
the ultrasonic transducer of handpiece (1540), and that the
activated ultrasonic transducer may transmit ultrasonic vibration
to blade (1530) via the ultrasonic waveguide in accordance with the
teachings herein. Handpiece (1540) may be configured to
substantially isolate the hand of the user relative to these
ultrasonic vibrations. It should also be understood that
ultrasonically vibrating blade (1530) may be used to perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Various other components that may
be incorporated into handpiece (1540), including but not limited to
various components and configurations of electric circuitry, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0149] Handpiece (1540) of the present example comprises an
elastomeric sheath (1534) positioned over a rigid housing (1536).
As shown in FIG. 25, housing (1536) includes a broad proximal end
(1538). As also shown in FIG. 25, handpiece (1540) comprises side
buttons (1550) and edge buttons (1552). While only one side button
(1550) is shown in FIG. 25, it should be understood that an
identical side button (1550) is on the opposite side of housing
(1536) in the present example. Similarly, while only one edge
button (1552) is shown n FIG. 25, it should be understood that an
identical edge button (1552) is on the opposite side of housing
(1536) in the present example. Of course, handpiece (1540) may
alternatively comprise only one of each type of button (1550, 1552)
or any other suitable configuration of buttons. Elastomeric sheath
(1534) of the present example fits over rigid housing (1536),
covering buttons (1550, 1552), but leaving broad proximal end
(1538) exposed. Elastomeric properties of sheath (1534) facilitate
gripping of handpiece (1540) while not significantly inhibiting
actuation of buttons (1550, 1552).
[0150] Each button (1550, 1552) is operable to act as a switch
selectively coupling the ultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic
generator. In particular, each button (1550, 1552) is operable to
simultaneously ultrasonically activate blade (1530) and select a
desired level of ultrasonic energy to be applied to blade (1530).
For instance, by pressing on either side button (1550), the user
may activate blade (1530) at a "maximum" level of ultrasonic
energy. By pressing on either edge button (1552), the user may
activate blade (1530) at a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. Of
course, these roles may be reversed. Various ways in which various
types of button (1550, 1552) components may be incorporated into
the circuitry of instrument (1520), as well as various circuit
components that may accompany or be coupled with variations of
buttons (1550, 1552), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0151] In some versions, instrument (1520) comprises a conventional
ultrasonic transducer. In some other versions, instrument (1520)
comprises the ultrasonic transducer (1560) shown in FIG. 26.
Ultrasonic transducer (1560) of this example is a 55 Khz half wave
transducer, and comprises an endmass (1562), a plurality of piezo
discs (1564), a horn (1566), and a bolt (1568) joining these
components together. In the present example, endmass (1562)
comprises tungsten, has a frusto-conical shape, and has a maximum
diameter of approximately 32 mm. Alternatively, any other suitable
material(s) and/or shapes and/or dimensions may be used. While
ultrasonic transducer (1560) has six piezo discs (1564), it should
be understood that any other suitable number of piezo discs (1564)
may be used. Also in the present example, piezo discs (1564)
comprise lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and each piezo disc (1564)
has an outer diameter of approximately 10 mm. Again, though, any
other suitable material(s) and/or dimensions may be used. As will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, piezo discs
(1564) are configured to convert electrical energy into ultrasonic
vibrational energy. Horn (1566) and bolt (1568) of the present
example are formed of Ti64, though it should be understood that any
other suitable material(s) may be used.
[0152] Ultrasonic transducer (1560) of the present example has an
overall length of approximately 33 mm. Such a length may represent
the halfwave, where the full resonant wavelength of ultrasonic
transducer (1560) is 66 mm. Alternatively, ultrasonic transducer
(1560) may have any other suitable length. By way of example only,
including but not limited to versions where the full resonant
wavelength of ultrasonic transducer (1560) is 66 mm, ultrasonic
transducer (1560) may have a length that is any factor of 33 mm.
The electrical energy is provided to endmass (1562) from the
generator. This excites the piezo discs (1564) to produce the
ultrasonic vibrational energy, which is communicated to horn
(1566). Horn (1566) acoustically amplifies the ultrasonic wave, in
the sense that its "necking down" configuration provides acoustic
gain. Horn (1566) is coupled with the ultrasonic waveguide, which
transmits the vibrational energy to blade (1530). Of course,
ultrasonic transducer (1560) may work in any other suitable
fashion, may have ant other suitable components and/or
configurations; and any other suitable ultrasonic transducer may be
used.
[0153] Handpiece (1540) of the present example may be gripped by
the user in a variety of ways. By way of example only, a user may
grip handpiece (1540) like a pencil, with a single hand, with
handpiece (1540) resting in the crook of the user's hand between
the user's thumb and index finger. In some settings, such a grip
may be preferred to perform "fine" work with blade (1530). Also in
some settings, when holding handpiece (1540) using a pencil grip,
the user may actuate button (1552) with their index finger and/or
may actuate button (1550) with their thumb. As another merely
illustrative example, the user may grip handpiece with the broad
proximal end (1538) in the palm of their hand, which may allow the
user to apply significant controlled force, such as while
performing "blunt" work with blade (1530). In some settings, when
holding handpiece using this type of grip, the user may actuate
either button (1550, 1552) with their finger or thumb.
XVII. Other Exemplary Variations
[0154] As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
the instruments (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920,
1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420, 1520) described herein may be subject
to numerous types of variations and modifications. Several such
modifications will be described in greater detail below, while
others will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein. While several of the following
examples will use only item numbers from FIG. 1, it is for the sake
of brevity only, and it should be understood that all of the
following examples may be readily applied to the various other
types of instruments (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920,
1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420, 1520) described herein. Analogousness
of components among the various types of instruments (20, 120, 220,
320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420,
1520) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein.
[0155] In some versions of instrument (20), and with reference to
FIG. 27, handpiece (22) may include a core component (2010) and a
flexible outer shell (2020). Flexible outer shell (2020) may be
resiliently biased to assume a first configuration, in which shell
(2020) does not contact core component (2010). However, shell
(2020) may be pinched or squeezed by the user to bring shell (2020)
into contact with core component (2010). Instrument (20) may be
configured such that shell (2020) must contact core component
(2010) in order for blade (24) to be activated. For instance, core
component (2010) may include any of the types of switches or
"buttons" described herein. This example may thus be analogized to
the version of instrument (1120) having a crushable cage (1150) as
described above. As another merely illustrative example, core
component (2010) may have an electrically conductive portion on its
outer surface, while shell (2020) has an electrically conductive
portion on its inner surface, such that the two components together
form a switch that is closed when the inner surface of shell (2020)
contacts the outer surface of core component (2010).
[0156] In addition or in the alternative, instrument (20) may be
configured to require the user to have a tag (2030) in order to
activate blade (24). By way of example only, such a tag (2030) may
comprise an RFID tag. Requiring the presence of a tag (2030) within
detectable proximity of instrument (20) may, in some instances,
reduce the likelihood of inadvertent activation of blade (24). By
way of example only, such a tag (2030) may be incorporated into a
glove or a thimble-like device for the user to wear.
[0157] As another merely illustrative variation, and with reference
to FIG. 28, instrument (20) may include an activation surface
(2050) that is differentiatingly responsive to sufficient proximity
of different tags (2052, 2054). For instance, the user may press a
first tag (2052) against activation surface (2050) to activate
blade (24) at a "maximum" level of ultrasonic energy; and press a
second tag (2054) against activation surface (2050) to activate
blade (24) at a "minimum" level of ultrasonic energy. Such tags
(2052, 2054) may be incorporated into a glove or a thimble-like
device for the user to wear. Various types of tags (2052, 2054) and
types of activation surfaces (2050) that may be used to provide
such functionality will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0158] As yet another merely illustrative variation, and with
reference to FIG. 29, instrument (20) may be configured such that
cable (14) exits the proximal end of handpiece (22) at a point that
is offset from the longitudinal axis (3000) defined by handpiece
(22). This may provide the user with a rotational center of
gravity. That is, with cable (14) exiting handpiece (22) slightly
eccentric to this longitudinal axis (3000), then handpiece (22) may
have a "natural" rotational position, with cable (14) hanging down
as shown in FIG. 29. Furthermore, as described above with reference
to instrument (820) shown in FIGS. 13-15, cable (14) may rotate
independently relative to handpiece (22), which may prevent cable
(14) from getting undesirably wrapped up around the user's arm or
hand during surgical procedures, such as when the user rotates
handpiece (22) about the longitudinal axis defined by handpiece
(22).
[0159] Instrument (20) may also provide various types of feedback
to the user to indicate the operational state of blade (24). For
instance, such feedback may simply indicate whether the blade (24)
is active or not. Alternatively, such feedback may indicate the
energy level being applied to blade (24). The feedback may take a
variety of forms, including but not limited to audible feedback,
tactile feedback, or visual feedback, including combinations
thereof. As one merely illustrative example of visual feedback,
instrument (20) may comprise one or more lights (e.g., LED's,
etc.). In versions where the energy level being applied to blade
(24) is visually indicated, such energy levels may be indicated
based on color, pulse train, pulse speed, pulse pattern, or any
other use of light. By way of example only, such lighting may be
incorporated into control member (852) of instrument (820); into
control and activation strip (950) of instrument (920); into
control and activation ribs (1350) of instrument (1320); and/or in
a variety of other ways. As another merely illustrative example, in
versions where the energy level being applied to blade (24) is
audibly indicated, such energy levels may be indicated based on
timbre, tone, volume, pattern, or any other use of sound. Various
other ways in which an instrument (20) may provide feedback to
indicate whether blade (24) is active or not and/or the energy
level being applied to blade (24) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It
should also be understood that generator (12) may also provide
audible and/or visual feedback indicating the operational status of
blade (24), including but not limited to using the types of
components and techniques described above with respect to
instrument (20). As yet another merely illustrative example,
instrument (20) and/or generator (12) may indicate the energy level
being applied to blade (24) using numerical and/or graphical
representations, and/or in any other suitable fashion.
[0160] It should also be understood that the teachings herein are
not limited to ultrasonic instruments. By way of example only,
various teachings herein (including but not limited to instrument
configuration, activation, energy selection, etc.) may be readily
incorporated into RF surgical devices such as bi-polar or
mono-polar devices, those used for cutting, coagulation, ablation,
etc. Various ways in which teachings herein may be applied to RF
surgical devices will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. As another merely illustrative example, various teachings
herein (including but not limited to instrument configuration,
activation, energy selection, etc.) may be readily incorporated
into surgical devices that have a mechanically actuated end
effector (e.g., mechanically rotating tip, mechanically
reciprocating tip, etc.). As yet another merely illustrative
example, various teachings herein (including but not limited to
instrument configuration, activation, energy selection, etc.) may
be readily incorporated into surgical devices that use a laser or
some other form of energy to perform a surgical function,
therapeutic function, or some other type of function. Various other
types of devices to which the teachings herein may be applied will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0161] It should be understood that any feature(s), component(s),
configuration(s), and/or operability described herein with respect
to one particular instrument (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620,
720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420, 1520) or other example
may readily be incorporated into any other instrument (20, 120,
220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320,
1420, 1520) described herein. Therefore, none of the teachings
herein should be understood as applying to only one particular
version or embodiment of instrument (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520,
620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420, 1520) described
herein. Every teaching herein is contemplated as being
interchangeable among versions and embodiments, such that every
teaching herein may be applied to any instrument (20, 120, 220,
320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420,
1520) described herein, in any suitable fashion. Various ways in
which the teachings herein may be interchanged among various
versions, examples, and embodiments will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0162] Versions of the devices disclosed herein can be designed to
be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be
used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be
reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may
include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device,
followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and
subsequent reassembly. In particular, embodiments of the device may
be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts
of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any
combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts,
embodiments of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use
either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team
immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a
variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and
reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned
device, are all within the scope of the present application.
[0163] By way of example only, versions described herein may be
sterilized before and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization
technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container,
such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then
be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container,
such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The
radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The
sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for
later use. A device may also be sterilized using any other
technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or
gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.
[0164] Having shown and described various embodiments of the
present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems
described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications
by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Several of such potential
modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,
geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like
discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly,
the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of
the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the
details of structure and operation shown and described in the
specification and drawings.
* * * * *