U.S. patent application number 15/162286 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for surgical pencil enabling suction.
The applicant listed for this patent is Prash Jayaraj. Invention is credited to Prash Jayaraj.
Application Number | 20160262825 15/162286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45973596 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160262825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jayaraj; Prash |
September 15, 2016 |
Surgical Pencil Enabling Suction
Abstract
Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a
channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating
the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical
pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment,
the surgical pencils include a lighting device.
Inventors: |
Jayaraj; Prash; (Burbank,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jayaraj; Prash |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
45973596 |
Appl. No.: |
15/162286 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14175907 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
9370394 |
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15162286 |
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13311256 |
Dec 5, 2011 |
8690872 |
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14175907 |
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12615211 |
Nov 9, 2009 |
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13311256 |
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61199299 |
Nov 14, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00477
20130101; A61B 2090/306 20160201; A61B 1/0607 20130101; A61B
2018/1475 20130101; A61B 90/13 20160201; A61B 18/1477 20130101;
A61B 2018/00607 20130101; A61B 18/1402 20130101; A61B 2090/309
20160201; A61B 18/148 20130101; A61B 2018/00601 20130101; A61B
2218/008 20130101; A61B 2018/00946 20130101; A61B 2217/005
20130101; A61B 90/30 20160201; A61B 90/35 20160201; A61B 2034/101
20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/14 20060101
A61B018/14; A61B 90/30 20060101 A61B090/30 |
Claims
1. A surgical pencil comprising: a surgical tool configured to
perform one of cutting and coagulation, the surgical pencil
defining a channel which enables suctioning.
2. The surgical pencil of claim 1, which includes a suction device
configured to perform suctioning of a material.
3. The surgical pencil of claim 2, wherein the material includes at
least one of smoke, blood and tissue.
4. The surgical pencil of claim 1, which includes a lighting
device.
5. The surgical pencil of claim 4, wherein the lighting device
includes an LED light.
6. A surgical pencil comprising: a processor; an input device
operatively connected to the processor; a surgical tool operatively
connected to the processor; a channel configured to enable suction
of materials; and a memory device storing instructions which when
executed by the processor, cause the processor, in cooperation with
the input device and the memory device, to enable the surgical
pencil to operate as one of a cutting device and a coagulation
device.
7. The surgical pencil of claim 6, which includes: (a) a cylinder
portion configured to removably connect to a housing of the
surgical pencil; (b) an elongated tube configured to receive and
direct the cylinder portion; (c) a hose connector.
8. The surgical pencil of claim 7, wherein the channel is defined
by the cylinder portion, the elongated tube and the hose
connector.
9. The surgical pencil of claim 7, wherein the cylinder portion is
configured to house the cutting tool when the cutting tool is in a
retracted position.
10. The surgical pencil of claim 7, wherein the cutting tool
extends from the cylinder portion when the cutting tool is in an
extended position.
11. The surgical pencil of claim 6, which includes a connector
configured to connect to a separate discharge tube, the separate
discharge tube being connected to a separate suction device.
12. The surgical pencil of claim 6, which includes a lighting
device operatively coupled to the processor.
13. A method of operating a surgical pencil including instructions,
the method comprising: (a) causing a processor to, in response to a
selection of a first input device, execute the instructions to
enable the surgical pencil to operate as a cutting device; (b)
causing the processor to, in response to a selection of a second
input device, execute the instructions to enable the surgical
pencil to operate as a coagulation device; and (c) causing a
suction device to, using a channel defined by the surgical pencil,
remove material.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein surgical pencil includes the
suction device.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the suction device is separate
from the surgical device.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the material includes at least
one of smoke, blood and tissue.
17. The method of claim 13, which includes causing the processor to
execute the instructions to operate with a light device to cause
the light device to emit light.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the channel is defined by a
housing of the surgical pencil.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the surgical pencil includes:
(a) a housing; (b) a cylinder portion configured to removably
connect to the housing; (c) an elongated tube configured to receive
and direct the cylinder portion; and (d) a hose connector.
20. The method of claim 19, which includes, in response to the
surgical pencil being in a retracted state, causing the cylinder
portion to house a cutting tool.
21. The method of claim 19, which includes, in response to the
surgical pencil being in a retracted state, causing a cutting tool
to extend from the cylinder portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/175,907 filed on Feb. 7, 2014, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/311,256 filed on
Dec. 5, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,872, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/615,211
filed on Nov. 9, 2009, which claims priority to and the benefit of
U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/199,299, filed Nov. 14,
2008, the entire disclosure each of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrosurgical pencils, or just surgical pencils, have long
been used in the medical field for surgical procedures as both a
cutting device and a coagulating device. These two uses require two
different electric currents with different wave forms. The
different electric currents are provided to the electrosurgical
pencils generally from an external power source such as an
electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator provides
electricity in different wave forms and transmits it to the apical
end of the electrosurgical pencil that houses a small blade, or
other surgical tool, that facilitates the cutting and the
coagulating functions. The electricity is transmitted from the tip
of the pencil to a ground attached to a patient's body, thereby
eliciting the desired function at the small blade attached to the
surgical pencil.
[0003] The body of a surgical pencil houses a circuit board which
is controlled by a switch with appropriate buttons to select and
regulate the flow of different electrical wave forms resulting in
the desired surgical presentation, e.g. cutting or coagulation. For
example, a surgical pencil might have two buttons, one to engage
cutting of tissue and the other button for engaging coagulation of
tissue. The buttons themselves are either located on the pencil
itself in a location that is ergonomic for the surgeon or on foot
pedals which the surgeon engages with his/her foot. Both types of
button configurations are presently available on the market. Both
types of surgical pencils are equally as effective, but their use
is dependent on the surgeon's preference.
[0004] Typically, surgical procedures using surgical pencils
require an additional person at the surgical sight to remove
potentially harmful materials such as smoke, blood, tissue or other
bodily fluids. Additional people at the surgical sight can increase
the cost of the surgical procedure. Further, it may increase the
difficulty in performing the surgical procedure due to
crowding.
[0005] Additionally, despite the success of surgical pencils, there
is a need in the art for surgical pencils that have a means for
adequately illuminating the surgical site as the tool is being
used. Described herein are surgical pencils fulfilling that long
felt need in the art.
SUMMARY
[0006] Described herein generally are surgical pencils providing a
physician with illumination of a surgical site. There is a long
felt need in the art for such devices as visualizing of a target
surgical site can be burdensome during delicate and otherwise
exhausting surgical procedures. The surgical pencils described
herein can be retrofitted with a lighting device, can be
manufactured incorporating a lighting device or can be fitted with
a preformed lighting device.
[0007] In one embodiment described herein is a surgical pencil for
providing an illuminated surgical site comprising a surgical
instrument having a first end, a second end, and elongated
structure and a surgical tool associated with the first end; and a
removable lighting device associated with the first end of the
surgical instrument and operable by a surgeon having a power
button, at least one light and a mating mechanism to connect the
removable lighting device to the surgical instrument.
[0008] In one embodiment, removable lighting device is formed of an
elastic polymer or a rigid polymer. In other embodiments, the
mating mechanism has a shape that can compliment at least one shape
included on the surgical instrument and thereby secure the
removable lighting device to the surgical instrument.
[0009] In another embodiment, the at least one light is a fiber
optic lighting element and/or at least one LED light. The light or
lights can be provided in a circular arrangement. The removable
lighting device can be powered by a built-in battery and/or be
disposable.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the removable lighting device is
reusable with the same surgical instrument or a different surgical
instrument.
[0011] In still other embodiments, the removable lighting device is
safe to at least one sterilization technique including, but not
limited to gamma irradiation, pressure sterilization and/or steam
sterilization.
[0012] Further, described herein is a lighting device comprising a
power button, at least one light, a housing and a mating mechanism
to connect the lighting device to a surgical instrument. In one
embodiment, the mating mechanism is an expandable housing formed of
an elastic polymer. The polymer can be a rubber if elastic or can
be a rigid polymer.
[0013] In still further embodiments, the mating mechanism has a
shape that can compliment at least one shape included on the
surgical instrument and thereby secures the removable lighting
device to the surgical instrument.
[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one light is a fiber optic
lighting element and/or an LED light. The light can be provided in
a circular arrangement.
[0015] In one embodiment, the surgical pencil defining a channel
which enables suction. In one embodiment, the surgical pencil
includes a suction device. In one embodiment the surgical pencil is
configured to removably connect to a separate suction device.
[0016] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and
Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a prospective view of a conventional
surgical pencil.
[0018] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an exemplary lighting device.
FIG. 2A is a side view, FIG. 2B is a top view and FIG. 2C is a
front view.
[0019] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate the attachment of the
exemplary lighting device from FIG. 2 onto a surgical pencil. FIG.
3A is a perspective view, FIG. 3B is a bottom view, FIG. 3C is a
front view and FIG. 3D is a back view.
[0020] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate another exemplary
lighting device. FIG. 4A is a side view, FIG. 4B is a back view,
FIG. 4C is a front view and FIG. 4D is a top view.
[0021] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the attachment of the
exemplary lighting device from FIG. 4 onto a surgical pencil. FIG.
5A is a perspective view, FIG. 5B is a front view and FIG. 5C is an
alternate front view.
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a surgical pencil with at least
one lighting device manufactured into the surgical pencil. FIG. 6A
is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is a front view.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of
one embodiment of the surgical pencil, illustrating the surgical
tool being in an extended state.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates top, left side perspective view of the
surgical pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the circuit board.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the surgical
pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the elongated tube being received by
the first structure and the second structure.
[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front, left side perspective
view of the surgical pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the cutting
tool moving from the extended position to the retracted
position.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of
the surgical pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the cutting tool and
the elongated tube being formed or made from the same material.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of the electronic
configuration of the surgical pencil of FIGS. 7, illustrating a
processor, a memory device, input devices and output devices.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of
one embodiment of the surgical pencil, illustrating the suction
channel being positioned under the cutting tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present description generally provides surgical pencils
which provide a physician with illumination of at least a portion
of a surgical site. There is a long felt need in the art for such a
device as visualizing a target surgical site or a portion thereof
can be burdensome during a delicate and otherwise exhausting
surgical procedure. The surgical pencils described herein can be
retrofitted with a lighting device, can be manufactured
incorporating a lighting device or can be fitted with a preformed
lighting device.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional surgical pencil is
illustrated. Surgical pencil 100 generally includes first end 102,
second end 104, and elongated structure 106 and surgical tool 108
associated with first end 102. Surgical tool 108 can take many
forms which are known in the art, but an exemplary tool is a metal
tip that is used to seal cuts during surgery. Surgical pencil 100
further includes first button 110 and second button 112 each
independently used to cut and cauterize during surgery. In one
embodiment, first button 110 can be used to cauterize and second
button 112 can be used to cut. The opposite configuration is also
possible. Surgical pen 100 also includes cable 114 which provides
power to the device's surgical tool 108. Alternatively, surgical
pencil 100 can include an independent power supply such as a self
contained motor or battery.
[0032] Surgical pencil 100 can be contoured to fit comfortably
within a physicians hand during surgery. For example elongated
structure 106 can have one or more contours, for example, slope 116
for resting and gripping with one or more fingers. Further, first
button 110 and second button 112 are located on elongated structure
106 at places that are easily accessed with one or more fingers
during surgery without loss of dexterity and accuracy of surgical
pencil 100.
[0033] The devices described herein further provide surgical pencil
100 with a lighting device used to illuminate the surgical site for
which surgical pencil 100 is being used. The lighting device can be
independently powered, for example by an internal battery, or can
be powered externally, for example, by the pencil itself. Even
further still, the lighting device can be retrofitted onto surgical
pencil 100, can be manufactured into surgical pencil 100 or can be
fitted onto a proprietary surgical pencil.
[0034] One example of a lighting device described herein is
illustrated in FIGS. 2 A-C. Lighting device 200 has substantially
cylindrical body 202 with first end 204 and second end 206. The
shape of lighting device 200 can be any shape conceivable in the
art, for example, rectangular, triangular, or the like. At least
one light 208 is located on first end 204 and projects light waves
therefrom.
[0035] Lighting device 200 has at least one button 210 for
controlling light 208. Button 210 can be any style button that
controls the functions of light 208. For example, a push button can
be used to turn light 208 on and off. Alternatively, a twisting
button can be used to further control the intensity or focus of
light 208. In one example embodiment, a single button can
incorporate both the functions of a push button and twist
button.
[0036] Lighting device 200 further includes at least one attachment
mechanism to couple lighting device 200 to surgical pencil 100. In
one example embodiment, the attachment mechanism is slide rail 212
having a leading end 214 and a trailing end 216. Slide rail can
further include at least one locking mechanism, for example,
indentations 218, 218' to hold lighting device 200 onto surgical
pencil 100.
[0037] FIGS. 3 A-D illustrate the accompanying mechanism located on
surgical pencil 100. Surgical pencil 100 includes mating mechanism
302 to engage slide rail 212 located on the lighting device 200.
Mating mechanism 302 can be located, for example, on the bottom of
surgical pencil 100. In other embodiments, mating mechanism 302 can
be located on the side of surgical pencil 100 or on the top. The
location of mating device 302 is dependent on the needs and comfort
of the operating surgeon. Slide rail 212 can slide within mating
mechanism 302 until leading end 214 abuts stopping point 304.
Mating mechanism 302 includes at least two rails 306 on top of
which slide rail 212 can advance until stopping point 304. Mating
mechanism can further include at least one locking mechanism, for
example, protrusions 308, 308' to hold slide rail 212 within mating
mechanism 302.
[0038] Alternatively, mating mechanism can be progressively
narrower as slide rail 212 is advanced to stopping point 304. Such
an approach will allow friction to hold lighting device 200 on
surgical pencil 100. Other methods of mating lighting devices to
surgical pencils can be used, for example, snaps, VELCRO.RTM.,
glue, bands, locking rings, and the like. However, whichever method
is used, lighting device 200 should be secured to surgical pencil
100 in such a manner as to not allow disconnection during a
surgical procedure.
[0039] Another example lighting device is illustrated in FIGS. 4
A-D. Lighting device 400 includes expandable body 402 which is
generally circular. At least one light 404 is located on front end
406 on projects light waves therefrom. In one example embodiment,
light 404 is a circular light that completely spans the
circumference of front end 406.
[0040] Lighting device 400 further includes control flap 408 which
includes at least one button 410. Button 410 can be any style
button that controls the functions of light 404. For example, a
push button can be used to turn light 404 on and off. Or, a
twisting button can be used to further control the intensity or
focus of light 404. Button 410 can be of a similar style to buttons
found on a surgical pencil. In one example embodiment, a single
button can incorporate both the functions of a push button and
twist button.
[0041] In one example embodiment, lighting device 400 can be formed
into the shape of a finger grip. Even further, on some embodiments,
a surgeon can instantly custom mold their particular grip into a
lighting device or the lighting device can be manufactured having a
particular finger grip configuration. Manipulatable hydrogels and
other polymers can be used to instantly conform the lighting device
to a particular finger grip configuration. Such hydrogels are
commonly referred to as "memory gels" in the polymer arts. Further,
the lighting device can be configured for right and left hand
gripping.
[0042] FIGS. 5 A-C illustrate how lighting device 400 is mated with
surgical pen 100. Lighting device 400 is made of an expandable
material, therefore, before being installed on a surgical pencil,
the diameter of expandable body 402 is preferably smaller than the
diameter of the surgical pencil. Lighting device 400 is pulled over
first end 102 of surgical pencil 100 until it is snug. Expendable
body 402 of lighting device 400 allows friction to provide a snug
fit around surgical pencil 100.
[0043] In one example embodiment, the lighting device 400 is
installed onto surgical pencil 100 in such a location that button
410 is situated as a third button on the top of surgical pencil
100. This location for button 410 allows a surgeon easy access to
the functions and features not only of the surgical pencil itself,
but also the attached light.
[0044] Yet another example lighting device is illustrated in FIGS.
6 A-B. Lighted surgical pencil 600 is a modified version of
surgical pencil 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 that has at least one
light 602 manufactured into or as part of a surgical pencil.
Surgical pencil 600 has at least one additional button 604 for
controlling at least one light 602. Additional button 604 is
located adjacent to first button 110 and second button 112 for ease
of use and can be any style button that controls the functions of
at least one light 602. For example, a push button can be used to
turn at least one light 602 on and off. Or, a twisting button can
be used to further control the intensity or focus of at least one
light 602.
[0045] In FIGS. 6 A and B, at least one light 602 is located within
housing 606. Housing 606 is preferably manufactured from similar
materials as the surgical pencil itself and is meant to be
streamlined so as to not interfere with the use of and grip onto
the surgical pencil.
[0046] The light used herein can be any light that provides
sufficient light to adequately illuminate a surgical site.
Exemplary lights include fluorescent lights, light emitting diodes
(LEDs), xenon lights, fiber optic lights (e.g. light guides) and
the like. For example, in one embodiment, lighting device 400 can
include a fiber optic light that is situated in a circle spanning
the diameter of front end 406 thereof. In another embodiment,
multiple LEDs can be situated in a circular pattern around the same
circumference.
[0047] The selection of light can be dependent on the type of
lighting device used and the particular surgery. For example, in a
disposable lighting device, a lower cost LED light or lights can be
ideal. However, in a higher cost reusable precision lighting
device, a xenon light or fiber optic light can be ideal.
[0048] The lighting devices described herein are generally powered
by one or more batteries. However, the lighting devices or lights
themselves can be powered by the current running through the
surgical pencil. For example, illuminated surgical pencil 600 can
have at least one light that is powered by the current running
through the pencil. If one or more batteries are used, they should
be small enough to fit within the body of a lighting device.
[0049] The lighting devices themselves have bodies or casings made
of non-conductive materials such as polymers. Exemplary polymers
include, but are not limited to polyurethanes, silicones,
polyesters such as polyolefins, polyisobutylene and
ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers,
ethylene-co-vinylacetate, polybutylmethacrylate, vinyl halide
polymers and copolymers, such as polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl
ethers, such as polyvinyl methyl ether; polyvinylidene halides,
such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylidene chloride;
polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinyl aromatics, such as
polystyrene, polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinyl acetate;
copolymers of vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, such as
ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrene
copolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers;
polyamides, such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam; alkyd resins;
polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyimides; polyethers; epoxy
resins, polyurethanes; rayon; rayon-triacetate; cellulose,
cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate; cellulose acetate butyrate;
cellophane; cellulose nitrate; cellulose propionate; cellulose
ethers; carboxymethyl cellulose; synthetic and natural rubbers such
as polysiloxanes, latex, polymerized isoprene, bromo isobutylene
isoprene, chloro isobutylene isoprene, polychloroprene,
chlorosulphonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene, ethylene
propylene diene monomer, fluoro silicone, hydrogenated nitrile
butadiene, polyisoprene, isobutylene isoprene butyl, methyl vinyl
silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene, acrylonitrile butadiene carboxy
monomer, styrene butadiene, epichlorodydrin; and combinations
thereof.
[0050] The polymer or combination of polymers chosen to form the
bodies or casings of the lighting devices must be rigid enough to
hold a particular configuration and perform its intended function.
In some example embodiments, the polymer used is a thermal set
rigid plastic. In other embodiments, the polymer is a flexible
nylon or rubber polymer. For example, a lighting device as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be formed of a flexible rubber or
nylon polymer that has a shape memory that can stretch and return
to its original un-stretched form after use.
[0051] One or more lens is used in conjunction with the lighting
devices described herein to focus the light onto the surgical
tissue or tissues of interest. The lenses can be made of plastics
or glass or may be formed of a transparent polymer used to make the
housing. The lenses can be made to provide a particular local
length to the light. For example, curvature of the inner or outer
surface of the lens, thickness of the lens, refractive index of the
lens and the like can be used to provide a particular focal length.
An exemplary focal length of the light is generally from the lens
to the tip of the cutting device. Such a focal length can be
adjusted, however, using a button or a dial to move the lens closer
or farther from the light. An exemplary focal length is about 3.0
cm, or about 4.0 cm or about 5.0 cm. In one exemplary embodiment,
the focal length is about 4.5 cm.
[0052] The lighting devices, in one embodiment, can be reusable. In
such a case, the lighting devices are washable and sterilizable
using conventional sterilization techniques. For example, the
lighting devices must be sealed sufficiently to allow multiple
washings with a detergent or alcohol based cleaner without damaging
the device. Further, for example, the devices can be sterilized
using gamma irradiation techniques.
[0053] In other example embodiments, the lighting devices are
disposable. Such single use devices are generally used for a single
surgical procedure and then discarded in an appropriate manner
consistent with health regulations. Even if a lighting device is
disposable, the surgical pencil used does not have to be
disposable. For example, a non-disposable surgical pencil can be
used with many disposable lighting devices.
[0054] The lighting devices described herein generally emit light
in the visible range to aid a surgeon in a surgical procedure by
illuminating the target surgical site. However, in addition to
illuminating the target surgical site, the lighting devices can
further include a laser light source to provide guidance to a
surgeon by providing a line indicating where the incision is likely
to end up. Such a laser light can indicate to a surgeon where
exactly a cut using the surgical pencil is likely to proceed. This
laser light source can be useful in avoiding delicate tissues.
[0055] Other specific visible wavelengths of light can be used. For
example, if fluorescent surgical markings are used to indicate cuts
to be made on a target tissue, a conventional "black light" can be
used in the lighting devices described herein to highlight the
surgical markings.
[0056] Even further still, in some embodiments, the lighting
devices can include a microchip that wirelessly communicates with
virtual surgical devices. For example, virtual surgery techniques
provide computer generated surgical markings which can be followed
by a surgeon on one or more displays. With a microchip as
described, virtual surgical device systems can track the location
of the surgical pen relative to the surgical markings and depict
that location on a screen with one or more virtual markings. Such
an embodiment can aid a surgeon for example in a microsurgery.
[0057] The microchip can also be associated with a gyroscope. The
gyroscope can provide the microchip with information about the
surgical pencil's orientation. Based on this information, the
microchip can control the focus and direction of light emitted from
a lighting device. For example, lighting device 200 can include a
microchip and gyroscope. In such an embodiment, light 208 can be
directed by a microchip. So, if a surgeon moves the pencil in a
particular direction, the gyroscope detects that change in
direction, the microchip translates that directional change and the
direction and focus of at least one light is changed to accommodate
for this directional change. This gyroscopic system can aid a
surgeon by keeping the light focused and steady despite small
changes in angular movement by the surgeon's hand. In other words,
the light remains stabilized despite small movements of the
hand.
[0058] The lighting devices and illuminated surgical pencil devices
described herein provide specific advantages for patient and
physician comfort as well as to a surgeon's stamina by illuminating
the surgical site locally from the surgical pencil itself. One
advantage, if desired, is allowing the surgery to take place under
ambient or low ambient light conditions without sacrificing
complete and accurate visualization of a target surgical field or a
portion thereof. These capacities can be ideal for a surgeon and
surgical team used to working long hours under bright lights that
generate intense heat in order to visualize the target surgical
area and that can result in previously unavoidable surgeon
discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a
surgeon to be wearing several layers of clothing along with
surgical barriers, including gloves, face barriers, goggles, hats,
and overcoats, to name a few, during a given surgical procedure,
further contributing to the discomfort and fatigue normally
associated with hot and bright surgical working environments.
[0059] Compounding matters, the complexity of contemporary
operating rooms has increased over the years as a result of the
extra equipment, fixtures, associated power cords and the like
required for ever more complicated surgeries. Such situations are
not conducive to comfortable, non-fatiguing surgical environments.
The ease of use and ambient lighting requirements of the presently
described lighting devices and illuminated surgical pencil devices
can address and overcome these issues.
[0060] As an additional benefit directly from the present lighting
devices and illuminated surgical pencil devices, the ambient or low
ambient lighting conditions that now can be utilized without
sacrificing visualization and control also reduce reflected glare
and high contrast shadows in the surgical environment that, in the
past, could confuse or possibly even overwhelm the vision of the
surgeon. Previously, a related visual limitation in surgery was
that a surgeon commonly required surgical team members or students
to position themselves out of certain areas in order to reduce
shadows that they might cast on the target surgical site. This
resulted in limiting their view of the surgery. The present
lighting devices addresses this problem by reducing shadows and
increasing visibility, especially of the target site by providing
light directly to the surgical site from the surgical pencil
itself.
[0061] Similarly, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to look away
from a target surgical site in order to change or to move
equipment, to take a mental break, or to communicate with a
surgical team or students. Upon looking back onto the traditional
target surgical site, the surgeon would have to wait briefly to
allow his eyes to adjust to the high intensity lighting, causing
delays in the procedure. The present lighting devices and
illuminated surgical pencil devices eliminate this problem under
normal or low ambient light conditions while still providing
effective surgical reference indicia.
[0062] Even further still, the use of the present lighting devices
and illuminated surgical pencil devices allows a surgical team to
position themselves in the most appropriate location for the
surgery, not necessarily where the high intensity light and
resulting shadows dictate. Moreover, the present lighting devices
and illuminated surgical pencil devices provide an ideal
environment for students to observe a procedure in comfortable
ambient to low ambient light conditions without the associated
fatigue.
[0063] The use of ambient or low ambient light in medical or
surgical processes and the resulting reduced heat and complexity in
the operating room also adds to the comfort of a surgical patient
and enhances the compliance of the patient with the needs of the
surgeon. Patient comfort during a surgical procedure is very
important, especially when the patient is under local anesthesia
and is conscious. It is not uncommon for bright lights to be
focused on at least a portion of a patient, typically on the target
surgical site. Such lighting systems can get hot and make a patient
uncomfortable. Patients who are uncomfortable commonly are more on
edge, squirm and/or twitch, or are tense. These are not ideal
situations for a patient undergoing surgery. The present lighting
device's ability to adequately illuminate a surgical site without
the need to direct high intensity lighting during use can simplify
and shorten a medical procedure, provide enhanced patient comfort
and compliance, and improve the medical procedure's outcome; all
while providing the surgeon with enhanced visual control of the
process.
Surgical Pencil Enabling Suction
[0064] In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes or
defines a channel or passage which enables suctioning and
discharging of materials (e.g., smoke, blood, tissue, and/or other
bodily fluids). In some embodiments, the surgical pencil includes a
suction device that is separate from the surgical pencil. In other
embodiments, the surgical pencil includes the suction device. That
is, the suction device is entirely integrated within the surgical
pencil.
[0065] In the general operation of one embodiment, during a
surgical procedure, the surgical pencil can enable a user to: (a)
operate the surgical pencil as a cutting device; (b) operate the
surgical pencil as a coagulation device; and (c) suction materials
(e.g., smoke, blood, tissue and/or other bodily fluids) at the
point of surgery. The user is also enabled to cause the surgical
pencil to operate in an extended state or a retracted state. In one
example embodiment, where the surgical pencil has an extended
state, a surgical tool (e.g., a metal tip) is extended such that
the metal tip may be used to seal a cut during surgery. In one
example embodiment, where the surgical pencil has a retracted
state, the surgical tool is retracted such that the surgical tool
is housed or enclosed by a component of the surgical pencil. In
this example, with the surgical tool being in a retracted state,
the user is enabled to position an end of the suctioning channel
closer to the point of surgery to provide for a more effective
suction of materials.
[0066] In one example embodiment, whether or not the surgical
pencil is suctioning is independent of the surgical pencil's
operating state (i.e., the extended or the retracted). That is, the
surgical pencil operates to suction materials regardless of the
current operating state of the surgical pencil.
[0067] As mentioned above, certain surgical procedures relating to
cutting and coagulation require the controlled suction and removal
of materials such as smoke and blood. Using the surgical pencils
and methods disclosed herein, the need for a dedicated person at
the surgical site to remove smoke and/or blood is eliminated.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment,
surgical pencil 700 includes or defines a channel or pathway
generally indicated at 702. As best illustrated in FIG. 11, in this
example, channel 702 has a fairly consistent cross section which
runs from one end of surgical pencil 700 to the opposite end of
surgical pencil 700. In this example, surgical pencil 700 includes
a plurality of components (discussed in more detail below) which
define the channel. It should be appreciated that in an alternative
example, the channel or pathway can be defined by a single
component such as a single tube, pipe or conduit. In one example
embodiment, the housing of the surgical pencil defines the channel
or passage 702.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12, in one example embodiment,
surgical pencil 700 includes: (a) housing 704 having: (i) a first
end portion generally indicated at 706; and (ii) a second end
portion generally indicated at 708; (b) surgical tool 710; (c)
elongated tube 712 connected to surgical tool 710; (d) slider 714
connected to the elongated tube 712; (e) first structure 716
positioned at the first end portion 706 and configured to receive
and direct or support a portion of the elongated tube 712; (f)
second structure 718 positioned at the second end portion and
configured to receive and direct or support elongated tube 708; (g)
connector 720 configured to connect to a separate discharge hose
(not shown); (h) cylinder portion 722 removably connected to the
housing; (i) lighting device generally indicated at 724; and (j)
control system generally indicated at 726.
[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment,
cylinder portion 722 is directly connected to housing 702. In this
example embodiment, cylinder portion 722 is connected to housing
702 using a threaded connection. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11,
cylinder portion 722 includes threaded portion 727. In this
example, threaded end portion 727 enables cylinder portion 722 to
be removably connected to a threaded portion (not shown) of housing
702. It should be appreciated that the cylinder portion can connect
to the housing using any suitable connection. In one example
embodiment, the cylinder portion is permanently fixed to the
housing. In one example embodiment, the cylinder portion is molded
with the housing. That is, the cylinder portion and the housing
form a single component of the surgical pencil.
[0071] As best illustrated in FIG. 10B, cylinder portion 722 is
configured to house or enclose surgical tool 710 when surgical 710
is in the retracted state or position. It should be understood,
that where the surgical pencil has a retracted position, during a
surgical procedure, the user is enabled to position the end of the
cylinder portion closer to the patient to provide for a more
effective suction for materials such as blood. Furthermore, it
should be apparent that the retracted state of the surgical pencil
may prevent possible injuries caused by the exposure of the metal
tip.
[0072] In one example embodiment, cylinder portion 722 forms a
portion of the suction channel. For example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 7 to 11, cylinder portion 722 forms part of the suction
channel. In the example surgical pencil of FIGS. 7 to 12, the
suction channel is formed by: (a) cylinder portion 722; (b)
elongated tube 712; (c) second structure 718; and connector 720. As
discussed above, it should be appreciated that the suction channel
can be formed in any suitable way. For example, the channel may be
formed by a single tube, pipe or conduit.
[0073] It should be appreciated that, in different embodiments, the
cylinder portion can employ a different shape. The cylinder portion
may be any suitable shape. For example, in one example embodiment,
the cylinder portion can have a square cross section.
[0074] In one example embodiment, because the cylinder portion is
likely contact materials such as blood during a surgical procedure,
the cylinder portion is configured to be removed and discarded
after each use. Afterwards, a new cylinder portion may be connected
to the housing for another surgical procedure.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment,
connector 720 has a ribbed surface. In this example, the ribbed
surface enables a discharge hose (not shown) to be connected
quickly and easily to the surgical pencil using the connector 720.
In one example embodiment, the discharge hose is connected to the
surgical pencil 700 by pushing the discharge hose onto the
connector 720. In this example, the ribbed surface ensures that the
discharge hose is tight-fit after connection.
[0076] In one example embodiment, connector 722 is removably
connected to the discharge hose using a threaded connection.
[0077] In one example embodiment, the discharge hose can be
connected to a separate suction device which is configured to cause
suctioning of the material. In another example, the surgical pencil
includes the section device. That is the suction device is
integrated with the surgical pencil. In one example, where the
suction device is integrated within the surgical pencil, the
surgical pencil includes a chamber which collects the materials
being suctioned during the surgical procedure. In one example
embodiment, where the suction device is integrated within the
surgical pencil, the surgical pencil does not include a connector
which is configured to connect to the separate suction device.
[0078] In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes a
control system. In one example embodiment, the control system may
include at least one processor, at least one memory device
operatively connected to the at least one processor, at least one
input device operatively connected to the at least one processor,
and at least one output device operatively connected to the at
least one processor.
[0079] The at least one processor may be any suitable processor
unit of a kind normally used in such devices. In one example
embodiment, the control system includes one or more digital
processors, such as a digital microprocessor or a micro-controller
based platform. In one example embodiment, the control system
includes one or more analog control units such as a suitable
integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated
circuits (ASIC's). In one example embodiment, the control system is
in communication with, or operable to access or exchange signals
with the at least one memory device. In this example, the memory
device stores program code or instructions, executable by the
processor(s), to control the surgical pencil. In one example
embodiment, such memory device includes: (a) RAM (MRAM); (b)
ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM); (c) read only memory (ROM); (d) flash
memory; (e) EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only
memory); or a suitable combination of such memory devices. It
should be appreciated that any other suitable magnetic, optical, or
semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with, or as part
of, the surgical pencil.
[0080] In one example embodiment, the output devices include at
least one display device. In one example embodiment, the display
device includes an LCD screen which is located on a front of the
surgical pencil, and allows a user to interact with the control
system. In one example embodiment, the display device includes an
interface. Using the interface, the user may control the operation
of the surgical pencil.
[0081] The surgical pencil may be configured to cause the display
device to display at least one of, configuration screens, summary
information, error indicators in the case of a malfunction, and/or
battery power information.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 12, control system 726 includes at least
one processor 728; at least one memory device 730 operatively
connected to processor 728; input devices 732 operatively coupled
to processor 728; and output devices 734 operatively coupled to
processor 728. In this example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 12,
input devices 732 include: (a) cut button 736; (b) coagulation
button 738; and (c) light button 740. Output devices 1908 include:
(a) surgical tool 710; and (b) light device 724. Control system 726
may be a portion of a control system for the surgical pencil (not
shown).
[0083] In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes a
circuit board which includes the processor and memory device. For
example, as best shown in FIGS. 8, 10A and 10B, the surgical pencil
includes circuit board 744.
[0084] In one example, the surgical pencil includes a cable or wire
which supplies power to the control system. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the surgical pencil includes cable 746. In
one example embodiment, cable 746 provides at least two different
electric currents with two different wave forms. In one example
embodiment, an external power source such as an electrosurgical
generator provides the two different currents with the two
different wave forms. In one example embodiment, cable 746 provides
electrical power to the lighting device. In another example, the
surgical pencil includes a battery which is configured to provide
power to the lighting device, For example, as illustrated in FIGS.
10A, 10B and 11, surgical pencil 700 includes battery 748 which
provides power to light 742.
[0085] Referring to the surgical pencil of FIGS. 7 to 12, in this
example, surgical tool 710 is configured to move back and forth
between: (a) an extended position (as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10A
and 11); and (b) the retracted position (as illustrated in FIG.
10B). In this example, a user of surgical pencil 700 is enabled to
control the position of cutting tool 710 using slider 714. More
specifically, as best illustrated in FIG. 9, elongated tube 712 is
connected to slider 714. First structure 716 and second structure
718 are configured to receive and direct elongated tube 712.
Surgical tool 710 is connected to elongated tube 712. In response
to slider 714 moving, elongated tube 712 is caused to matingly
slide back and forth in first structure 716 and second structure
718. It follows that in response to elongated tube 712 moving back
and forth, cutting tool 710 moves back and forth.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 10B, in this example, cutting tool
710 is in a retracted position. During a surgical procedure, a user
is enabled to position the end of cylinder portion 722 closer to
the patient to provide for a more effective suction for materials
such as blood. Using this example surgical pencil, the need for a
dedicated person at the surgical site to remove smoke and/or blood
is eliminated.
[0087] In one example embodiment, components of the surgical pencil
are arranged such that the formed suctioning channel is positioned
bellow the cutting tool. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13,
surgical pencil 1300 includes or defines a channel or passage 1302
which enables suctioning and discharging of materials (e.g., smoke,
blood, etc.). In this example, channel 1302 is positioned separate
from and under cutting tool 1304.
[0088] In one example embodiment, where the surgical pencil enables
suction, the surgical pencil does not include a lighting
device.
[0089] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight,
reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and
claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by
the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,
the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and
attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each
numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the
number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific
examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical
value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily
resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.
[0090] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the
context of describing the invention (especially in the context of
the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0091] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group
may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of
convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or
deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group
as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush
groups used in the appended claims.
[0092] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the
invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled
artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes
all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in
the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
[0093] Specific example embodiments disclosed herein may be further
limited in the claims using consisting of or and consisting
essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed
or added per amendment, the transition term "consisting of"
excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the
claims. The transition term "consisting essentially of" limits the
scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that
do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s).
Example embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or
expressly described and enabled herein.
[0094] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles
of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed
are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but
not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present
invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.
Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely
as shown and described.
* * * * *