CN112914714A - Laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device - Google Patents

Abstract

A laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device having an active electrode and a return electrode reduces potential damage to a patient during laparoscopic surgery by eliminating capacitive coupling when employing an electrosurgical hand-held device to cut and/or coagulate tissue.

Description

Laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation during laparoscopy. A laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device includes a handle member, a return electrode, an active electrode, and an actuator, the return electrode having an electrically conductive hollow tubular member and an electrically conductive attachment, the electrically conductive hollow tubular member having a first end and a second end, and the conductive attachment extends beyond the first conductive end, the active electrode being housed within the handle member and suspended within the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode, such that a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode, to form an open space between the conductive appendage of the return electrode and the portion of the active electrode extending beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode, the actuator being housed within the handle member, the actuator is in communication with the active electrode to move the active electrode toward the conductive attachment of the return electrode when the device is activated for cutting and/or coagulation.

Background

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgical procedure is performed through a small incision with the aid of a video camera. A trocar or cannula is placed in the small incision and a camera and other instruments are then inserted into the trocar or cannula to access the patient. Laparoscopy is used in many types of surgery, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological surgery. Laparoscopic surgery minimizes postoperative pain, speeds recovery time (and thus reduces hospital stays), and results in fewer scars.

Many laparoscopic procedures employ electrosurgical techniques to dissect and coagulate tissue. Electrosurgery uses an RF electrosurgical generator (also known as an electrosurgical unit or ESU) and a handle with electrodes to provide a high frequency, alternating Radio Frequency (RF) current input at various voltages to cut or coagulate biological tissue. The handle may be a monopolar instrument having one electrode, or a bipolar instrument having two electrodes. When using a monopolar instrument, a return electrode pad is attached to the patient, and high frequency current flows from the generator to the monopolar instrument, through the patient to the patient return electrode pad, and back to the generator. Monopolar electrosurgery is commonly used because of its versatility and effectiveness. However, excessive heat generated by monopolar electrosurgery can result in excessive tissue damage and tissue necrosis because the return electrode positioned on the back of the patient results in a high voltage and high RF energy passing through the patient.

Laparoscopic monopolar electrosurgery can cause indirect thermal damage when conducting electrical current along an unintended path and burning or vaporizing non-target tissue. These indirect thermal damages may occur due to direct coupling or capacitive coupling. Direct coupling may occur if the tip of the active electrode is in direct contact with another piece of metal instrumentation within the surgical field. For example, if the active electrode is accidentally touched or arc connected to the laparoscope and the laparoscope has been placed in a non-conductive cannula, the entire laparoscope will become charged and the current on the laparoscope will be transferred to the patient's bowel or other internal tissue, thereby contacting the laparoscope, thereby causing thermal damage. Capacitive coupling occurs when energy is transferred through the intact insulator to the conductive material. For example, current may leak through an insulating layer surrounding the active electrode to another conductor, such as a metal trocar, which may cause other sites remote from the surgical site to burn. Due to the surgical field limitations of laparoscopic surgical procedures, even experienced surgeons are easily able to miss thermal damage caused by capacitive coupling.

Accordingly, there is a need for a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device that eliminates tissue damage and tissue necrosis by eliminating the need for a return electrode on the back of the patient's back so that no current passes through the patient's body during surgery. There is also a need for a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device that reduces the chance of thermal damage to the patient by eliminating capacitive coupling and that requires less power to effect cutting and coagulation than a laparoscopic monopolar electrosurgical device. These needs are met by the laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention, which includes both an active electrode and a return electrode within the same device.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device having an active electrode and a return electrode that reduces potential damage to a patient during laparoscopic surgery by eliminating capacitive coupling when employing an electrosurgical hand-held device to cut and/or coagulate tissue.

In one exemplary embodiment, the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device of the present invention comprises a handle member having a first end, a second end, and at least one activation element for cutting and/or coagulation, a return electrode having an electrically conductive hollow tubular member, the electrically conductive hollow tubular member having a first end, a second end received within the first end of the handle member, and an electrically conductive appendage extending from the first end of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member, an active electrode received within the handle member and the electrically conductive hollow tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member, an actuator is housed within the handle member and is in communication with the active electrode, to move the active electrode towards the conductive attachment of the return electrode when cutting and/or coagulation is activated. The handle member may further comprise a hollow region housed in the handle member such that the interior of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member and at least a portion of the hollow region housed in the handle together form a smoke evacuation channel.

The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention may further comprise a non-conductive guide member received within at least a portion of the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode such that at least a portion of the active electrode is movable or traversable through the non-conductive guide member. The non-conductive guide member may extend across an inner diameter of the conductive hollow tubular member near the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member to form two channels along opposite sides of the non-conductive guide member that are contiguous with an interior of the conductive hollow tubular member that surrounds an active electrode housed within the conductive hollow tubular member.

In one exemplary embodiment, the active electrode in the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device of the present invention may comprise a curved shaped conductive member connected to a conductive rod member. The bent-shaped conductive member may include a "U" or "V" shape, and the bent-shaped conductive member may be connected to the conductive rod member in a perpendicular relationship with the interior of the "U" or "V" shape facing away from the conductive rod member. In another exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention, an insulating material may be positioned between the conductive appendage of the return electrode and the portion of the active electrode extending beyond the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device of the present invention, the conductive attachment of the return electrode may comprise a conductive ring having an opening therethrough, and the portion of the active electrode extending beyond the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode may comprise a planar conductive member having a sharp edge.

The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention may further comprise an exhaust port connected to the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode such that the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode may also function as a smoke evacuation channel. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may further comprise a connection member for connecting the actuator to the smoke evacuation device to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when cutting and/or coagulation is activated.

In another exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention, the device includes a handle member having a first end and a second end, a return electrode having a conductive hollow tubular member having a first end, a second end received within the first end of the handle member, and a conductive attachment extending from the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member, an active electrode received within the handle member and suspended within the interior of the conductive hollow tubular such that at least a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular to form an open space between the conductive attachment of the return electrode and the portion of the active electrode extending beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member, and an actuator received within the handle member and in communication with the active electrode, to move the active electrode towards the conductive attachment of the return electrode when cutting and/or coagulation is activated. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may further include a bottom switch in communication with the device to activate the device to perform cutting and/or coagulation.

The handle member of the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may further comprise a hollow region such that the interior of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member and at least a portion of the hollow region contained within the handle together form a smoke evacuation channel. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may further comprise a connection member for connecting the actuator to the smoke evacuation device to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when cutting and/or coagulation is activated. In addition, the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may include a non-conductive guide member received within at least a portion of the conductive hollow tubular member such that at least a portion of the active electrode is movable through the non-conductive guide member.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention showing the internal components of the device;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view of the cutting and coagulating end of the exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, partially enlarged, of the cutting and coagulating end of the exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention showing the internal components of the device;

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the cutting and coagulating end of yet another exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device of the present invention, showing the internal components of the device;

FIG. 6 is a partial side perspective view of the cutting and coagulating end of yet another exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device of the present invention, showing the internal components of the device;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a partial view of the cutting and coagulating end of the exemplary embodiment of the laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention showing the internal components of the device.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device comprising a handle member, a return electrode having a conductive hollow tubular member with one end connected to the handle member and the other end having a conductive appendage extending therefrom, and an active electrode housed within the handle member and suspended within the conductive hollow tubular member of the return electrode such that at least a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the end of the hollow tubular member of the return electrode having the conductive appendage. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of the present invention is designed to eliminate the need for placement of the return electrode on another part of the patient's body and also to reduce the chance of thermal damage by eliminating capacitive coupling.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 10 of the present invention is a hand-held device having a handle member 12, a return electrode 22, an active electrode 32 and an actuator 36, the handle member 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16 and at least one activation element 18, 20 for cutting and/or coagulating, the return electrode 22 having a conductive hollow tubular member 24, the conductive hollow tubular member 24 having a first end 26, a second end 28 received within or connected to the first end 14 of the handle member 12, and a conductive appendage 30 extending from the first end 26 of the conductive hollow tubular member 24, the active electrode 32 being received within the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the handle member 12 and the return electrode 22, wherein at least a portion 34 of the active electrode 32 extends beyond the first end 26 of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22, an actuator 36 is housed within the handle member 12 and communicates with the active electrode 32 to move the active electrode 32 toward the conductive attachment 30 of the return electrode 22 upon activation of cutting and/or coagulation. The active electrode 32 housed within the handle member 12 and the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 may take the form of a solid conductive cylindrical member 33, while the portion 34 of the active electrode 32 extending beyond the first end 26 of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 may take the form of a "U" or "V" shaped conductive element 35 connected to one end of the solid conductive cylindrical member 33 in a perpendicular relationship to the solid conductive cylindrical member 33.

The handle member 12 may also include a hollow region 38 housed in the handle member 12 such that an interior 40 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 and at least a portion of the hollow region 38 housed in the handle member 12 together form a smoke evacuation passageway. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 10 may further include a connecting member 44, the connecting member 44 being used to connect the actuator 36 to a smoke evacuation device (not shown) to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when cutting and/or coagulation is activated. The handle member 12 may also include a discharge port 42 in communication with a smoke evacuation passageway in the handle member 12. The vacuum tube 43 may then be connected to the exhaust port 42, while the other end of the vacuum tube 43 is connected to a smoke evacuation device (not shown). Both the connecting member 44 (connected to the actuator 36 within the handle member 12) and the vacuum tube 43 are connected to the same smoke evacuation device (not shown).

The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 10 further comprises a circuit board 48, a first conductive communication means 50 (such as a wire or any other conductive connector) for connecting the return electrode 22 to the circuit board 48, a second conductive communication means 52 (such as a wire or any other conductive connector) for connecting the active electrode 32 to the circuit board 48, and a second connecting member 46 (such as a cord containing one or more insulated wires), the second connecting member 46 being for connecting the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 10 to an electrosurgical generator for cutting and/or coagulating with the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 10. Activation elements (e.g., buttons) 18, 20 for cutting and/or coagulation are positioned above the circuit board 48 such that when the device 10 is used, the buttons are depressed to engage the circuit board to provide cutting and/or coagulation.

The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device 10 may further include a non-conductive guide member 60, the non-conductive guide member 60 being received within the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 such that at least a portion of the active electrode 32 is movable or traversable through the non-conductive guide member 60. The non-conductive guide member 60 may extend across the inner diameter of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 near the first end 26 of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 to form two channels along opposite sides of the non-conductive guide member 60 that are contiguous with the interior of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 that surrounds the active electrode 32 housed within the conductive hollow tubular member 24. As described above, the active electrode 32 may include the conductive member 35 of a bent shape connected to the conductive rod member 33, and the conductive member 35 of a bent shape may have a U-shape or a V-shape. The non-conductive guide member 60 ensures that the portion 34 of the active electrode 32 (such as the curved shaped conductive member 35) extending beyond the first end 26 of the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 can be stably and reliably moved toward the conductive appendage 30 of the return electrode 22 when the actuator 36 is activated and pushes the conductive cylindrical rod member 33 of the active electrode 32 toward the conductive appendage 30 of the return electrode 22.

When the device 10 is activated to perform cutting and/or coagulation, the actuator 36 (which may comprise a solenoid) is also activated. The actuator 36 acts to push the conductive cylindrical rod member 33 of the active electrode 32 forward, which in turn moves the portion 34 of the active electrode 32 (e.g., the curved shaped conductive member 35) extending beyond the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 toward the conductive appendage 30 of the return electrode 22. A closed electrical circuit is then formed by the portion 34 of the active electrode 32 that extends beyond the conductive hollow tubular member 24 of the return electrode 22 (e.g., the curved shaped conductive member 35), the patient tissue that needs to be cut, and the return electrode 22. Contact is made through the tissue (and thus complete electrical circuit). No current flows through the patient's body and much less power is required to cut and/or coagulate using the device 10. In addition, since the active electrode 32 of the laparoscopic device 10 is accommodated within the return electrode 22 of the laparoscopic device 10, no capacitive coupling occurs between the patient and the laparoscopic device 10.

In another exemplary embodiment, the laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device 100 of the present invention is a foot-switch operated device having a handle member 102, a return electrode 122, an active electrode 132, and an actuator 136, the handle member 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106, the return electrode 122 having an electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124, the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124 having a first end 126, a second end 128 received within the first end 104 of the handle member 102 or connected to the first end 104, and an electrically conductive appendage 130 extending from the first end 126 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124, the active electrode 132 being received within the handle member 102 and suspended within an interior 140 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124 such that at least a portion 134 of the active electrode 132 extends beyond the first end 126 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124 to form an open space between the electrically conductive appendage 130 received within the return electrode 122 and the portion 134 of the active electrode 132 extending beyond the first end 126 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 124, an actuator 136 is housed within the handle member 102 and is in communication with the active electrode 132 to move the active electrode 132 toward the conductive attachment 130 of the return electrode 122 upon activation of the device 100 for cutting and/or coagulation. The device 100 may also include a bottom switch 107, the bottom switch 107 in communication with the device 100 to activate the device 100 to perform cutting and/or coagulation. The bottom switch 107 may be connected to an electrosurgical generator unit (ESU) (not shown) via a connecting member 109 to power the device for cutting/coagulating.

Like the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the handle member 102 can also include a hollow region 138 received in the handle member 102 such that the interior of the hollow, electrically-conductive tubular member and at least a portion of the hollow region received in the handle member together form a smoke evacuation passageway. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 100 may further comprise a connection member 144, the connection member 144 for connecting the actuator 136 to a smoke evacuation device (not shown) to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when cutting and/or coagulation is activated. The handle member 102 may also include a discharge port 142 in communication with a smoke evacuation passageway in the handle member 102. Then, the vacuum tube 143 may be connected to the discharge port 142, while the other end of the vacuum tube 143 is connected to a smoke evacuation device (not shown). Both the connecting member 144 (connected to the actuator 136 within the handle member 102) and the vacuum tube 143 are connected to the same smoke evacuation device (not shown). The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 100 may further comprise a second connection member 146, such as a flexible wire housing one or more insulated wires, for connecting the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 100 to an electrosurgical generator (ESU) so that cutting and/or coagulation can be performed using the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 100. The connecting member 146 (which is connected to the actuator 136 within the handle member 102) and the foot switch 107 are both connected to the same electrosurgical unit (ESU) generator (not shown).

The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device may further comprise a non-conductive guide member 160, the non-conductive guide member 160 being housed within the conductive hollow tubular member 124 such that at least a portion of the active electrode 132 is movable through/across the non-conductive guide member 160. The non-conductive guide member 160 serves the same function and operates the same as the non-conductive guide member 60 described above with reference to fig. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the cutting and coagulating end of yet another exemplary embodiment of a laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 200 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, an insulating material 235, such as a ceramic, is contained between the conductive appendage 230 of the return electrode 222 and the portion 234 of the active electrode 232 that extends beyond the first end 226 of the conductive hollow tubular member 224 of the return electrode 222. The non-conductive guide member 260 is received within the conductive hollow tubular member 224 of the return electrode 222 to support the portion 234 of the active electrode 232 that extends beyond the first end 226 of the conductive hollow tubular member 224 of the return electrode 222. The portions of the return electrode 230 and the active electrode 234 that extend beyond the conductive hollow tubular member 224 of the return electrode 222, including the insulating material 235 contained therebetween, may be fixed and immovable. Alternatively, the portion 230 of the return electrode 222 of the conductive hollow tubular member 224 extending beyond the return electrode 222 may have a layer of insulating material 235 received thereon such that the layer of insulating material 235 is insulated from the movable portion 235 of the active electrode 232 of the conductive hollow tubular member 224 extending beyond the return electrode 222.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the cutting and coagulating end of yet another exemplary embodiment of a laparoscopic nonpolar electrosurgical device 300 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the conductive appendage 330 of the return electrode 322 is a conductive ring 331 having an opening 333 therethrough, and the portion 334 of the active electrode 332 extending beyond the first end 326 of the conductive hollow tubular member 324 is a planar conductive member 335 having a sharp edge 336. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 300 may further comprise a non-conductive guide member 360, the non-conductive guide member 360 being housed within the conductive hollow tubular member 324 such that at least a portion of the active electrode 332 is movable through/across the non-conductive guide member 360. The non-conductive guide member 360 serves the same function and operates the same as the non-conductive guide member 60 described above with reference to fig. 1-3.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 400 of the present invention is a hand-held device having a handle member 412, a return electrode 422, an active electrode 432 and an actuator 436, the handle member 412 having a first end 414, a second end 416 and at least one activation element 418, 420 for cutting and/or coagulating, the return electrode 422 having a conductive hollow tubular member 424, the conductive hollow tubular member 424 having a first end 426, a second end 428 received within the first end 414 of the handle member 412 or connected to the first end 414, and a conductive attachment 430 extending from the first end 426 of the conductive hollow tubular member 424, the active electrode 432 being received within the handle member 412 and the conductive hollow tubular member 424, wherein at least a portion 434 of the active electrode 432 extends beyond the first end 426 of the conductive hollow tubular member 424 of the return electrode 422, an actuator 436 is housed within the handle member 412 and communicates with the active electrode 432 to move the active electrode 432 toward the conductive attachment 430 of the return electrode 422 upon activation of cutting and/or coagulation. The actuator 436 may have a push member 437, and a portion of the active electrode 432 near the actuator 436 may be housed within a spring member 439, the spring member 439 assisting in returning the active electrode 432 to its pre-activated state after the push member 437 of the actuator 436 is retracted or disengaged from the end of the active electrode 432 housed within the handle member 412.

The discharge outlet 442 may be connected to the conductive hollow tubular member 424 such that the discharge outlet 442 communicates with the interior 440 of the conductive hollow tubular member 424. The interior 440 of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member 424 can then serve as a smoke evacuation passageway that can remove smoke and debris from the surgical site when a vacuum is attached to the exhaust outlet 442. The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 400 may further comprise a connecting member 444 for connecting the actuator 436 to a smoke evacuation device (not shown) to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when cutting and/or coagulation is activated.

The laparoscopic super polar electrosurgical device 400 may further comprise one or more non-conductive guide members 460, these non-conductive guide members 460 being housed within the conductive hollow tubular member 424 such that at least a portion of the active electrode 432 is movable through the non-conductive guide member(s) 360. The non-conductive guide member 460 may extend across the inner diameter of the conductive hollow tubular member 424 to form two channels along opposite sides of the non-conductive guide member 460 that are contiguous with an interior 440 of the conductive hollow tubular member 424 that surrounds the active electrode 432 housed within the conductive hollow tubular member 424. The active electrode 432 includes a blade-type member 435 connected to a conductive rod member 433.

When the device is activated to perform cutting and/or coagulation, actuator 436 (which may comprise a solenoid) is also activated. The push member 437 of the actuator 436 functions to push the rod member 433 of the active electrode 432 forward, which in turn moves the portion 434 of the active electrode 432 that extends beyond the conductive hollow tubular member 424 of the return electrode 422 toward the conductive appendage 430 of the return electrode 422. A closed electrical circuit is then formed by the portion 434 of the active electrode 432 that extends beyond the conductive hollow tubular member 424 of the return electrode 422, the patient tissue that needs to be cut, and the return electrode 422. Contact is made through the tissue (and thus complete electrical circuit). No current flows through the patient's body and much less power is required to cut and/or coagulate using the device 400. In addition, since the active electrode 432 of the laparoscopic device 400 is accommodated within the return electrode 422 of the laparoscopic device 400, no capacitive coupling occurs between the patient and the laparoscopic device 400. The spring member 439 assists in returning the active electrode 432 to its pre-activated state after the push member 437 of the actuator 436 is retracted or disengaged from the end of the active electrode 432 housed within the handle member 412.

The identification of elements/features associated with the labels shown in the figures is as follows:

10-laparoscope super-polar electrosurgical device

12 handle component

14 (of the handle member) first end

16 (of the handle member) second end

18 activation element for cutting

20 activating element for coagulation

22 return electrode

24 conductive hollow tubular member

26 (of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member) first end

28 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular member) second end

30 conductive accessory

32 active electrode

33 conductive cylindrical rod

34 portions of the active electrode (extending beyond the first end of the hollow conductive tubular member)

35 curved conductive member

36 actuator (e.g. solenoid)

38 (in the handle) hollow region

40 interior of the conductive hollow tubular member

42 (of the handle) discharge outlet

43 vacuum tube

44 connecting component (to/for smoke exhauster)

46 second connecting means (to ESU generator for device cutting/coagulation)

48 circuit board

50 first conductive communication means (for connecting the return electrode to the circuit board)

52 second conductive communication means (for connecting the active electrode to the circuit board)

60 non-conductive guide member

100 laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device controlled by foot switch

102 handle member

104 (of the handle member) first end

106 (of the handle member) second end

107 foot switch

109 connecting means (to ESU generator for device cutting/coagulation)

122 return electrode

124 conductive hollow tubular member

126 (of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member)

128 (of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member) second end

130 conductive accessory

132 active electrode

134 portion of the active electrode (extending beyond the first end of the hollow conductive tubular member)

136 actuator (e.g., solenoid)

138 hollow area (in the handle)

140 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular members)

142 (of the handle) discharge outlet

143 vacuum tube

144 connecting component (to/for smoke exhauster)

146 connecting member (to ESU generator for device cutting/coagulation)

160 non-conductive guide member

200 laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device

222 return electrode

224 conductive hollow tubular member

226 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular member) first end

230 conductive accessory

232 active electrode

234 portion of the active electrode (extending beyond the first end of the hollow conductive tubular member)

235 insulating material (e.g. ceramic)

260 non-conductive guide member

300 laparoscope super-polar electrosurgical device

322 return electrode

324 conductive hollow tubular member

326 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular member) first end

330 conductive accessory

331 conductive loop

332 active electrode

333 opening

334 a portion of the active electrode (extending beyond the first end of the hollow conductive tubular member)

335 plane conductive member

336 sharp edge

360 non-conductive guide member

400 laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device

412 handle component

414 (of the handle member) first end

416 (of the handle member) second end

418 activation element for cutting

420 activating element for coagulation

422 return electrode

424 conductive hollow tubular member

426 (of an electrically conductive hollow tubular member)

428 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular member) second end

430 conductive accessory

432 active electrode

433 conducting rod member

434 a portion of the active electrode (extending beyond the first end of the hollow conductive tubular member)

435 blade type component

436 actuator (e.g. solenoid)

437 (of the actuator)

439 spring member

0 (of the electrically conductive hollow tubular member) interior

442 (of electrically conductive hollow tubular member for discharging fumes and debris)

444 connecting component (to/for smoke exhauster)

446 connecting member (to ESU Generator for device cutting/coagulation)

448 circuit board

450 conductive communication means (connecting member for connecting return electrode to ESU generator)

452 conductive communication means (for connecting active electrode to circuit board)

460 non-conductive guide member

The foregoing detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the invention. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described and illustrated in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, this disclosure is intended to teach implementations of the exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments known or obvious to those skilled in the art. Moreover, all included examples are non-limiting illustrations of exemplary embodiments and modes that similarly benefit from any equivalent mode or embodiment known or apparent to those of skill in the art.

Other combinations and/or modifications of structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the scope of the present invention and are intended to be included in the present disclosure.

It is the applicants' intention that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the applicable arts, unless otherwise indicated. To the extent that these meanings are different, the words and phrases in the specification and claims should be given the broadest possible generic meaning. If any other special meaning is used for any word or phrase, the specification will explicitly state and define that special meaning.

Claims (18)

1. A laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device, said laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device comprising:

a handle member having a first end, a second end, and at least one of an activation element for cutting and an activation element for coagulating;

a return electrode having a conductive hollow tubular member having a first end, a second end received within the first end of the handle member, and a conductive appendage extending from the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member;

an active electrode housed within the handle member and the conductive hollow tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member; and

an actuator housed within the handle member and in communication with the active electrode to move the active electrode toward the conductive attachment of the return electrode upon activation of at least one of cutting and/or coagulation.

2. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said handle member further comprises a hollow region received within said handle member such that an interior of said electrically conductive hollow tubular member and at least a portion of said hollow region received within said handle together form a smoke evacuation channel.

3. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 2, further comprising a connecting member for connecting said actuator to a smoke evacuation device to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation upon activation of at least one of cutting and/or coagulation.

4. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, further comprising a non-conductive guide member received within at least a portion of said conductive hollow tubular member such that at least a portion of said active electrode is movable through said non-conductive guide member.

5. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 4, wherein said non-conductive guide member extends across an inner diameter of said conductive hollow tubular member near said first end thereof to form two channels along opposite sides of said non-conductive guide member, said two channels being contiguous with an interior of said conductive hollow tubular member surrounding said active electrode contained within said conductive hollow tubular member.

6. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said active electrode comprises a curved conductive member connected to a conductive rod member.

7. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 6, wherein said bent shaped conductive member comprises a U-shaped conductive member or a V-shaped conductive member.

8. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 6, further comprising a non-conductive guide member received within at least a portion of said conductive hollow tubular member such that at least a portion of said conductive rod member is movable through said non-conductive guide member.

9. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, further comprising an insulating material contained between said conductive appendage of said return electrode and said portion of said active electrode extending beyond said first end of said conductive hollow tubular member.

10. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said conductive attachment of said return electrode comprises a conductive ring having an opening therethrough, and said portion of said active electrode extending beyond said first end of said conductive hollow tubular member comprises a planar conductive member having a sharp edge.

11. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a solenoid.

12. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust port connected to said conductive hollow tubular member such that said conductive hollow tubular member may also function as a smoke evacuation channel.

13. A laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device, said laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device comprising:

a handle member having a first end and a second end;

a return electrode having a conductive hollow tubular member having a first end, a second end received within the first end of the handle member, and a conductive appendage extending from the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member;

an active electrode housed within the handle member and suspended within the interior of the conductive hollow tubular member such that at least a portion of the active electrode extends beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member to form an open space housed between the conductive appendage of the return electrode and the portion of the active electrode extending beyond the first end of the conductive hollow tubular member; and

an actuator housed within the handle member and in communication with the active electrode to move the active electrode toward the conductive appendage of the return electrode when the device is activated for at least one of cutting and coagulating.

14. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 13, further comprising a bottom switch in communication with said device for activating said device to perform at least one of cutting and coagulating.

15. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 14, further comprising a connecting member for connecting said actuator to a smoke evacuation device to simultaneously activate smoke evacuation when at least one of cutting and coagulating is activated.

16. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 13, wherein said handle member further comprises a hollow region received within said handle member such that an interior of said electrically conductive hollow tubular member and at least a portion of said hollow region received within said handle together form a smoke evacuation channel.

17. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 13, further comprising a non-conductive guide member received within at least a portion of said conductive hollow tubular member such that at least a portion of said active electrode is movable through said non-conductive guide member.

18. The laparoscopic hyperpolarized electrosurgical device of claim 17, wherein said non-conductive guide member extends across an inner diameter of said conductive hollow tubular member near said first end thereof to form two channels along opposite sides of said non-conductive guide member, said two channels being contiguous with an interior of said conductive hollow tubular member surrounding said active electrode contained within said conductive hollow tubular member.

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