CN213758523U - Combined electrosurgical instrument and electrosurgical system - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a combined type electrosurgical instrument, which can perform a first operation and a second operation in an electrosurgical mode, and can perform a third operation and a fourth operation in a fluid mode, comprising a handle for holding, and is characterized in that: the modular electrosurgical instrument further comprises: a mode selection element disposed at or near a distal end of the handle, protruding relative to a surface of the handle and movable between a position corresponding to an electrosurgical mode and a position corresponding to a fluid mode; a single operating element supported by the handle is operable between a first position or posture corresponding to a first operation or a third operation and a second position or posture corresponding to a second operation or a fourth operation. Such a combined electrosurgical instrument is reduced in size and can be conveniently operated with one hand. An electrosurgical system including such a combination electrosurgical instrument is also provided.

Description

Combined electrosurgical instrument and electrosurgical system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a combined electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical system including the same.

Background

Laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a modern surgical method and has become more popular in recent years. Compared with traditional open surgery, the patient has a plurality of advantages by adopting laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery, including: small trauma, low pain, low bleeding, short hospital stay, quick recovery, etc.

Electrosurgical devices and suction/infusion devices are two devices that are often used in laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery. In order to reduce the number of cannula holes or to reduce the time for changing the device, to provide more convenient operations (for example, to perform coagulation and aspiration operations almost simultaneously), a combined electrosurgical instrument is proposed which combines an electrosurgical function and an aspiration/irrigation function.

The electrode tip (end effector, e.g., electric hook, electric shovel, electric clamp, etc.) of such a combination electrosurgical instrument can have two states: a state in which the shield sleeve is deployed/extended with respect thereto to perform electrical cutting/coagulation (electrosurgical (ES) mode); or retracted into the shielded cannula to perform suction/irrigation (fluid mode).

Such combined electrosurgical instruments generally require the provision of a number of operating elements (e.g. buttons/keys) corresponding to the number of functions combined in order to select/control/implement the respective operation.

For example, U.S. patent publication No. US2005/0107782A1, shown in FIG. 1, discloses such a combination electrosurgical instrument, namely an electrosurgical pencil 100. The electrosurgical pencil 100 has an actuator button 124 and a mode selector 128 disposed in a recess in the outer surface of the housing 102 of its handle. In use, the user first selects the rotary mode selector 128, rotates it to a position corresponding to a desired mode (e.g., electrical cutting mode, coagulation mode, aspiration mode, irrigation mode, etc.), and then manually presses the actuator button 124 to effect operation in the desired mode.

Other known devices provide buttons on the surface of the handle housing corresponding to each function. For example, four buttons are provided in case four functions are required, i.e. cutting, coagulation, aspiration, irrigation.

Technical problem

With prior art devices, there are one or more of the following problems:

since a plurality of operating elements (e.g., the actuating button 124 and the mode selector 128 or a plurality of buttons in U.S. patent publication US2005/0107782a 1) are provided on the surface of the handle, it is necessary to increase the arrangement area of the handle, which increases the size of the handle. An excessively large handle size can lead to difficulty in holding the instrument and inconvenience in operation, particularly with one hand.

In addition, with an instrument such as that disclosed in U.S. patent publication US2005/0107782A1, by rotating the mode selector 128 to select a desired mode from a plurality of modes and then pressing the actuation button, there is a possibility of malfunction due to a mode selection error.

Another challenge with single-handed operation of prior art instruments is that it involves the positioning/repositioning of multiple fingers on different buttons, which to some extent conflicts/interferes with a comfortable holding of the instrument, and therefore, there is also a need for improvement in ergonomics.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In order to solve one or more of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a combined electrosurgical instrument capable of performing a first operation and a second operation in an electrosurgical mode, and capable of performing a third operation and a fourth operation in a fluid mode, the combined electrosurgical instrument including a handle for gripping, characterized in that: the combination electrosurgical instrument further comprises:

a mode selection element disposed at or near a distal end of a handle, the mode selection element protruding relative to a surface of the handle and being movable between a position corresponding to an electrosurgical mode and a position corresponding to a fluid mode;

a single operating element supported by the handle, the single operating element being operable between a first position or posture corresponding to a first operation or a third operation and a second position or posture corresponding to a second operation or a fourth operation.

The combined type electrosurgical instrument can bring the following technical effects:

since only a single operating element is provided on the handle, compared with the case where a plurality of operating elements (a plurality of buttons) are provided in the prior art, the space required for providing the operating elements is reduced, which is advantageous for reducing the size of the handle and also for facilitating the grip of the handle.

Furthermore, by means of a mode switching element provided at or near the distal end of the handle and a single operating element provided on the handle housing, it is possible to facilitate the operation of the electrosurgical instrument with different fingers of the holding hand with the handle held in one hand, switching between the electrosurgical mode and the fluid mode, selecting different operations in each mode. Compared with the case where a plurality of operation elements (a plurality of buttons) are provided, repositioning of the finger is no longer required; this improves the ergonomics significantly.

Optionally, the first operation is an electrical cutting operation and the second operation is a coagulation operation; and the third operation is a suction operation and the fourth operation is a perfusion operation.

Optionally, the single operating element is a seesaw-type key.

However, when the seesaw-type key is used, the seesaw-type key is combined with the mode switching element, and misoperation can be avoided.

Optionally, the combination electrosurgical instrument further comprises an electrode tube supported by an electrically conductive material and an insulating sleeve telescopically covering the electrode tube, the electrode tube being contactable with the first spring; and the mode selection element is coupled to the insulating sleeve, movement of the mode selection element causing movement of the insulating sleeve to move the insulating sleeve between an isolation position isolating the electrode tube from contact with the first reed and a contact position allowing the electrode tube to contact the first reed, thereby selecting the electrosurgical mode or the fluid mode.

Optionally, the mode selection element is a hand wheel having a protrusion projecting relative to a surface of the handle.

Optionally, the electrode tube and insulating sleeve extend through the handwheel into the housing of the handle.

Optionally, the handwheel is straw hat shaped and includes a cylindrical or conical portion extending along the electrode tube and the insulating sleeve and a rim portion projecting perpendicular to the electrode tube and the insulating sleeve and relative to the surface of the handle.

Optionally, the combination electrosurgical instrument further comprises a printed circuit board having two or more switching elements disposed within the housing of the handle, the first reed extending from the printed circuit board towards the electrode tube; the single operation member is operable to be brought into contact with the switching elements of the printed circuit board, respectively.

Optionally, the combination electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second spring extending from the printed circuit board that remains in contact with the electrode tube.

Further, there is provided an electrosurgical system, the system comprising: the aforementioned combination electrosurgical instrument; an aspiration/irrigation system coupled to the combination surgical instrument; and an energy generator system coupled to the combination surgical instrument.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a combination electrosurgical instrument according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an electrosurgical system including a combination electrosurgical instrument;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the combination electrosurgical instrument;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a combination electrosurgical instrument;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the combination electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 4 in an electrosurgical mode;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the combination electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 4 in a fluid mode;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 5; and

fig. 8 is a partially enlarged view of a portion of fig. 6.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments described below are intended to provide a more complete disclosure of the present disclosure, and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

It should be understood that like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views. In the drawings, the size of some of the features may be varied for clarity.

It is to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise defined. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

In particular, in the following description, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are relative to the user, i.e., a position closer to the user is described as "proximal" and a position further from the user is described as "distal".

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an electrosurgical system incorporating a combination electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical system 200 includes a combination electrosurgical instrument 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as an electrosurgical instrument), a suction/irrigation system for providing suction and irrigation functions to the electrosurgical instrument 10, and an energy generator system for providing electrical energy to the electrosurgical instrument 10 for electrical cutting and coagulation of tissue in accordance with the present invention.

By way of example, the aspiration/infusion system includes an aspirator 7, a fluid (e.g., saline) bag 8, a solenoid valve 6. The aspirator 7 and the fluid bag 8 are each connected by a fluid line 3 to one side of a solenoid valve 6, the other side of the solenoid valve 6 also being in communication with the fluid line 3 or fluid circuit within the electrosurgical instrument 10 through the fluid line 3. In addition, the other side of the solenoid valve 6 is in communication with a control system, such as a printed circuit board, within the electrosurgical instrument 10 for controlling the solenoid valve via the solenoid valve signal line 4.

A control signal is sent by the control system via the solenoid signal line 4 to the solenoid 6, the solenoid 6 being opened or closed to perform a suction or irrigation operation via the fluid line 3 through the aspirator 7 and the fluid bag 8, respectively, to aspirate a target site, particularly bleeding or residual tissue of the target surgical site or to irrigate the target site with a fluid (e.g., saline) for disinfection or other treatment.

For the particular manner and the particular structure of the suction/infusion itself, any manner and structure known in the art may be used, and may be designed or modified according to the actual needs.

The energy generator system comprises an electrosurgical energy generator 9 which communicates with a control system within the electrosurgical instrument 10 via a generator signal line 5. The electrosurgical energy generator 9 is configured to provide energy to the electrosurgical instrument 10 under the control of the control system to perform electrosurgical operations, such as electrical cutting and/or coagulation operations.

The electrosurgical instrument 10 will now be described with reference to figures 3-8.

As shown in fig. 3-4, the electrosurgical instrument 10 includes a handle 2, an electrode assembly 1, and a hand wheel 12 positioned around the electrode assembly 1 at a distal end of the handle 2 as a mode switching element. The handle 2 includes a handle housing 21 for housing various internal components such as a printed circuit board 22, a solenoid valve signal line 4 and a generator signal line 5 electrically connected to the printed circuit board 22, and a signal reed 25 (also referred to as a first reed) and an energy reed 24 (also referred to as a second reed) extending from the underside of the printed circuit board and communicating with the printed circuit board 22, and so forth. In addition, the handle housing 21 supports a button 23 as a single operating element, the button 23 being described in more detail below.

The electrode assembly 1 includes: an electrode tube 13 extending distally into the handle housing 21, an insulating sleeve 11 telescopically covering the electrode tube 13, and an end effector 14 attached to the distal end of the electrode tube 13.

In one embodiment, the electrode tube 13 is made of a conductive material, such as copper or a metal such as SUS 304. The outer surface of the electrode tube 13 is held in contact with the energy reed 24 and can optionally be in contact with the signal reed 25. The proximal end of the electrode tube 13 within the handle housing 21 is in fluid communication with the fluid line 3, thereby forming a communication path through which to perform a suction/irrigation operation. The distal end of the electrode tube 13 is mechanically and electrically connected to an end effector 14, such as an electric hook, shovel, or clamp, for performing electrosurgical procedures.

The insulating sleeve 11 is formed of an insulating material, and can telescopically cover (e.g., coat) the electrode tube 13. The insulating sleeve 11 is configured to be movable (telescopic) between two positions: a position (first position) that moves proximally such that its proximal portion extends past the signal reed 25, thereby isolating contact between the signal reed 25 and the electrode tube 13 and its distal portion exposes the end effector; and a position (second position) that moves distally so that its distal portion protrudes to cover the end effector and its proximal portion no longer isolates contact between the signal reed 25 and the electrode tube 13.

As previously described, the handwheel 12 is positioned at the distal end of the handle 2 and is movable relative to the handle 2 along the electrode assembly 1. The handwheel 12 has a passage to allow the electrode assembly 1 (specifically, the insulating sleeve 11 and the electrode tube 13) to extend through into the handle housing 21. Additionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the insulating sleeve 11 extends through the passageway of the handwheel 12 while being fixedly attached to the handwheel 12 such that the insulating sleeve 11 can move with the handwheel 12 when the handwheel 12 is moved relative to the handle 2 (e.g., the user pushes or pulls the handwheel 12 with a finger).

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the handwheel 12 is positioned at the distal end of the handle 2 and abuts against the distal end in one position (proximal position) and is remote from the distal end in another position (distal position). However, the handwheel 12 may also be positioned near the distal end of the handle 2, depending on the positioning of the operating elements described later, for example even on the handle 2 near the distal end or on the electrode assembly at a distance distally from the distal end of the handle 2, as long as movement of the handwheel 12 moves the insulating sleeve 11 and facilitates one-handed operation (e.g. for the user to operate the handwheel 12 with a middle or index finger, for operating the operating elements with a thumb).

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, in the embodiment of the present invention, the hand wheel 12 is generally in the shape of a hat having a generally cylindrical or tapered portion in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of the electrode assembly 1 or in the direction in which the hand wheel 12 moves) and a rim portion (circumferential portion) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The rim portion has a protruding portion that protrudes relative to the handle housing 21 in a direction (radial direction) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The user can manipulate (e.g., push or pull) the protruding portion with a finger while holding the handle 2, thereby moving the hand wheel 12 relative to the handle 2, which in turn moves the insulating sleeve 11 attached to the hand wheel 12.

In addition to moving (translating) the insulating sleeve 11, the handwheel 12 is further or alternatively configured to rotate the insulating sleeve 11 (and thus the electrode tube 13).

As shown in the drawing, the edge portion may be in a plum blossom shape, and the plum blossom-shaped petals protrude in a radial direction with respect to the handle 2, so that the user can not only push or pull the plum blossom-shaped petals with a middle finger or an index finger to move the hand wheel 12 in a longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 1, driving the insulation sleeve 11 to move, but also can rotate the hand wheel 12 by inserting the fingers into depressions between the petals to stir the petals.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the shape of the rim portion of the hand wheel 12 as the mode switching element is not limited to a quincunx shape, and may be, for example, a circular disc shape as long as it has a protruding portion that protrudes relative to the handle for operation by the user's fingers. Furthermore, the handwheel 12 as the mode switching element may not necessarily have a generally cylindrical or tapered portion in the longitudinal direction, but may have only a rim portion for operation by a user's finger. Alternatively, the mode switching element may be a structure other than the hand wheel 12, such as a rod-like member protruding from the upper surface of the handle 2, which can be operated (e.g., pushed or pulled) by a user's finger and associated with the insulating sleeve 11 so as to bring the insulating sleeve 11 into movement.

The handle housing 21 of the handle 2 supports a key (or button) 23 as an operating element. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the key 23 is a seesaw-type key, which constitutes a single operation member, having two key portions 23A, 23B and a protrusion 23C as a pivot point between the two key portions. The keys 23 are supported by the handle housing 21 such that a user can operate only one of the two key sections 23A, 23B, i.e., can press only one of the key sections 23A, 23B to be turned on with a corresponding switching element on the printed circuit board 22, while the other key section is turned off with a corresponding switching element on the printed circuit board 22. The seesaw-type key 23 is also configured to be in a neutral posture or position not in contact with the switch elements on the printed circuit board 22, for example, by means of a return spring, without the user pressing either of the key sections 23A, 23B.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that instead of a seesaw-type key, other single operating elements or operating parts having two or more positions may be used. For example a single button key/switch with two depressed positions and a neutral position.

The push button 23 is provided near the distal end of the handle housing 21 of the handle 2 so that the push button 23 can be conveniently operated using a finger (e.g., thumb) of the hand holding the handle 2 when the user holds the handle 2. In addition, the position of the keys 23 is set so that a user can operate (e.g., press) the keys 23 with one finger (e.g., thumb) while conveniently operating (e.g., pushing or pulling) the handwheel 12 with the other finger (e.g., index or middle finger).

The operation of the electrosurgical instrument 10 according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to figures 5-8.

When the electrosurgical instrument 10 needs to be operated in an Electrosurgical (ES) mode after a user positions the electrode assembly 1, and in particular the end effector 14, of the electrosurgical instrument 10 to a target site of a patient, the user operates (e.g., pulls) the handwheel 12 proximally with fingers (e.g., index or middle fingers) of the hand holding the handle 2 so that the insulating sleeve 11 fixedly attached to the handwheel 12 moves proximally past the signal reed 25 as the handwheel 12 moves proximally, thereby isolating the signal reed 25 from contact with the electrode tube 13; and the end effector emerges from the insulating sleeve 11 as shown in fig. 5 and 7. When the signal reed 25 is isolated from contact with the electrode tube 13, the control system keeps the solenoid valve 6 normally closed, rendering the aspiration/irrigation system inoperable.

At this time, the user can operate (e.g., press) the key 23 with other fingers (e.g., thumb) of the same hand to perform an electrosurgical operation. For example, when the user presses the key portion 23A, the electric cutting operation (first operation) is performed (in which the key 23 is in the first position or first posture in which the key portion 23A is pressed and the key portion 23B is lifted), and when the key portion 23B is pressed, the coagulation operation (second operation) is performed (in which the key 23 is in the second position or second posture in which the key portion 23B is pressed and the key portion 23A is lifted).

With respect to the specific manner and the specific structure of the electrical cutting operation (first operation) and the coagulation operation (second operation) themselves, any manner and structure known in the art may be adopted without departing from the spirit and substance of the present application, and design or modification may be made according to actual needs.

On the other hand, when the electrosurgical instrument 10 needs to operate in the fluid mode, the user manipulates (e.g., pushes) the hand wheel 12 distally with one finger (e.g., index or middle finger) of the hand holding the handle 2 such that as the hand wheel 12 moves distally, the insulating sleeve 11 fixedly attached to the hand wheel 12 moves away from between the signal reed 25 and the electrode tube 13, no longer isolating the signal reed 25 from contact with the electrode tube 13; and the distal portion of the insulating sleeve 11 covers the end effector 14 as shown in fig. 6 and 8. When the signal reed 25 is no longer isolated from, i.e., in contact with, the electrode tube 13, the control system sends an on signal to the solenoid valve 6 via the solenoid valve signal line 4, thereby allowing the aspiration/irrigation system to operate.

At this time, the user can operate (e.g., press) the key 23 with other fingers (e.g., thumb) of the same hand. For example, the user performs a suction operation (third operation) when pressing the key portion 23A (in which the key 23 is in the first position or posture as described above), and performs a pouring operation (fourth operation) when pressing the key portion 23B (in which the key 23 is in the second position or posture as described above).

In other words, the control system can select the respective mode according to a mode signal indicating whether contact between the signal reed 25 and the electrode tube 13 is allowed or not (such contact is allowed or not by operating the handwheel 12 to move the insulating sleeve 11), and determine the specific operation (electrical cutting operation, coagulation operation, aspiration operation, irrigation operation) by means of both the aforementioned mode signal and the operation signal generated by operating the keys 23.

In the electrosurgical instrument 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, only a single operating element (the push button 23) is provided on the handle case, and compared with the case where a plurality of operating elements (a plurality of push buttons) are provided in the prior art, the space required for setting the operating element is reduced, which is advantageous for reducing the size of the handle 2 and also for gripping the handle.

Furthermore, by means of a mode switching element (handwheel 12) provided at or near the distal end of the handle and a single operating element (push button 23) provided on the handle housing, it is possible to facilitate operation of the electrosurgical instrument 10 with different fingers of a hand holding the handle 2 in one hand, switching between the electrosurgical and fluid modes, selecting different operation in each mode; compared with the case where a plurality of operation elements (a plurality of buttons) are provided, repositioning of the finger is no longer required; this improves ergonomics.

In particular, when the seesaw keys 23 are employed, as described above, the push-pull operations on the hand wheels 12 are mutually exclusive and the longitudinal positions (proximal side positions or distal side positions) of the hand wheels 12 are intuitive, the push-down operations on the seesaw keys 23 are also mutually exclusive and the postures or positions of the seesaw keys 23 are intuitive, so that it is also possible to avoid the erroneous operations.

In the above embodiment, the mode selection member (handwheel 12) moves the insulating sleeve 11 to allow or disallow contact between the signal reed 25 and the electrode tube 13 for mode selection.

However, other ways in which movement of the mode selection element (handwheel 12) can cause a change in the signal may be used, for example, the mode selection element (handwheel 12) directly or indirectly moves the printed circuit board so that the printed circuit board is in different positions to determine different modes; when the printed circuit board is in different positions, the operating element (key 23) will operate different switching elements on the printed circuit board, thereby determining the specific operation.

Claims (10)

1. A combination electrosurgical instrument configured to perform a first operation and a second operation in an electrosurgical mode, and a third operation and a fourth operation in a fluid mode, the combination electrosurgical instrument comprising a handle for gripping, characterized in that: the combination electrosurgical instrument further comprises:

a mode selection element disposed at or near a distal end of a handle, the mode selection element protruding relative to a surface of the handle and being movable between a position corresponding to an electrosurgical mode and a position corresponding to a fluid mode;

a single operating element supported by the handle, the single operating element being operable between a first position or posture corresponding to a first operation or a third operation and a second position or posture corresponding to a second operation or a fourth operation.

2. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first operation is an electrical cutting operation and the second operation is a coagulation operation; and

the third operation is a suction operation and the fourth operation is a perfusion operation.

3. A modular electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 or 2,

the single operating element is a seesaw type key.

4. A combined electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electrode tube made of an electrically conductive material and an insulating sleeve telescopically covering the electrode tube, the electrode tube being contactable with the first spring; and

the mode select element is coupled to the insulating sleeve, and movement of the mode select element causes movement of the insulating sleeve between an isolation position isolating the electrode tube from contact with the first reed and a contact position allowing the electrode tube to contact the first reed, thereby determining the electrosurgical or fluid mode.

5. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the mode selection element is a hand wheel having a protrusion that protrudes relative to a surface of the handle.

6. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the electrode tube and insulating sleeve extend through the handwheel into a housing of the handle.

7. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the hand wheel is straw hat shaped, including a cylindrical or tapered portion extending along the electrode tube and insulating sleeve and a rim portion projecting perpendicular to the electrode tube and insulating sleeve and relative to a surface of the handle.

8. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 4, further comprising a printed circuit board having two or more switching elements disposed within the housing of the handle, the first reed extending from the printed circuit board toward the electrode tube; the single operation member is operable to be brought into contact with the switching elements of the printed circuit board, respectively.

9. The combination electrosurgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising a second spring extending from the printed circuit board that remains in contact with the electrode tube.

10. An electrosurgical system, characterized in that the system comprises:

a modular electrosurgical instrument according to any of claims 1 to 9;

an aspiration/irrigation system coupled to the combination surgical instrument; and

an energy generator system coupled to the combination surgical instrument.

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