GB2583991A - Cast and autopsy saw - Google Patents

Abstract

A cutting device suitable for use as a cast cutter or an autopsy saw has the majority of its handle 106 positioned between an oscillating drive mechanism 108, such as a motor and gearbox, and the cutting blade 104 for control and ease of handling. Vibration damping may be provided by a separate resilient overmould grip 118 externally around the handle 106 and/or by a resilient mount (119, Fig 5) between the drive shaft (120) and the handle 106. The handle 106 may be interchangeable for use between cutting hard tissue during an autopsy and cast cutting in which it has an aperture for receiving an auxiliary vacuum handle 110 with a vacuum extraction tube connection.

Description

CAST AND AUTOPSY SAW

[0001] This invention relates to a cutting device for use in surgery or pathological anatomy, particularly as a cast cutter and/or as an autopsy saw.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use a motorised hand-held cutting device when removing a cast or when cutting through the hard tissues in performing a post-mortem examination. Typical devices that are normally used by the medical staff are oscillating power tools, comprising a circular saw with a rotating blade that oscillates back and forth to cut material/tissues.

[0003] Vibration of the device due to oscillation is known to cause a "hand arm vibration syndrome" and/or "carpal tunnel syndrome", wherein the operator of the cutter experiences numbness of the fingers and muscle weakness. The damage caused to the limbs from the exposure to vibration is reported to be severe and irreversible. Therefore, there is a need to provide a cutting device that at least mitigates the problems described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and a use thereof, as claimed in the appended claims.

[0005] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cutting device suitable for use as a cast cutter or an autopsy saw comprising: a handle, a cutting blade, an oscillating mechanism configured to oscillate the blade; wherein a majority of the handle is positioned between the oscillating mechanism and the blade.

[0006] Advantageously, such an arrangement provides a possibility to house vibration dampening apparatus, as well as providing better control of the cutting blade position and ease of handling.

[0007] In an embodiment, the oscillating mechanism is connected to the cutting blade via a drive shaft. In yet another embodiment, the oscillating mechanism is configured for transmitting oscillatory movement of the cutting blade in a direction about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. Advantageously, this allows for movement of the cutting blade cutting through the cast or a hard tissue. While the speed is comparable to conventional rotary saws, the advantage of the oscillatory movement is that the angle of oscillation is sufficiently small that the blade will not significantly damage soft tissues in case of accidental contact. It moves soft tissues back and forth by a small enough amount that they are not cut, in contrast harder material cannot move back and forth and is therefore cut by the teeth of the blade.

[0008] In another embodiment, the oscillating mechanism is enclosed in a housing. The housing serves as a protection means for the components located inside the housing from dust and debris as well and making it potentially waterproof.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the handle is interchangeable. Advantageously, it allows for a vacuum and non-vacuum use of the device, such that it can be used either as a cast cutter (whether vacuum is present or not present) or as an autopsy saw (whether vacuum is present or not present).

[0010] In an embodiment, the device is configured to cut a cast or a human or animal hard tissues during autopsy. This is due to having an interchangeable handle, permitting efficient use of the device in both applications.

[0011] In an embodiment, the handle is formed from a single component and optionally configured to be slid onto the cutting device. This allows for a quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the device.

[0012] In another embodiment, the housing comprises connecting means to receive an auxiliary handle. Optionally, a surface of the auxiliary handle is substantially flush with a rear portion of the housing. Optionally, the auxiliary handle is a vacuum handle. In yet another embodiment the vacuum handle is configured to accommodate a vacuum tube. Optionally, the vacuum tube is connected to the housing via an interference fit. Such connection provides for a steady and controlled dust extraction system when the device is used as a cast cutter and stops the rear section of the handle from detaching from the main body of the device.

[0013] In an embodiment the handle comprises a raised section located at an end of the handle nearest to the cutting blade. This advantageously provides an ergonomic tool grip and may further release stresses on the user's hand induced by vibration.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a user of the cutting device is shielded from vibration of the oscillating mechanism by a resilient overmould. Optionally, the resilient overmould is located on an outside of the handle. Optionally, the resilient overmould is a separate component. Optionally, the resilient overmould is located between the oscillating mechanism and the handle.

[0015] In an embodiment, the vibrational dampening is provided by at least one resilient mount. Such configuration allows to control vibration coming from the oscillation mechanism that causes damage to the limbs of the user and is also advantageously designed to reduce the noise levels.

[0016] In another embodiment, the cutting device conforms to ingress protection standard IP67. Advantageously, it provides protection of the device when in contact with dust, debris, and fluids, such as cleaning fluids when cleaning the device and/or bodily fluids when used as an autopsy saw.

[0017] The cutting device can be used for cutting a cast or a human or animal hard tissue. Advantageously, this allows to use a single device for two different purposes. This option may be facilitated by an interchangeable handle. The connection of a vacuum supply to the device assists the removal of cast or autopsy debris; yet in the absence of the vacuum supply the device can still be used either as an autopsy saw or a cast saw.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an end view of a cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a view showing attachment of a vacuum hose in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a cutting device showing a resilient overmould in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is an exploded view of a cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 shows a cutting device 100 comprising a housing 102, a cutting blade 104 for cutting a cast or a hard tissue, and a handle 106 configured to be gripped by a user. The cutting device 100 further comprises an oscillating mechanism 108 (mechanism itself not visible on figure) enclosed in the housing 102 that, in use, imparts oscillafional movement to the blade 104. Inside the housing 102 there is located a drive shaft (not shown on Figure 1) that supports and connects the cutting blade 104 with the oscillation mechanism 108.

[0020] Oscillation occurs in a direction about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (shown as item 401 on Figure 4. It will be apparent that each of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 share the same longitudinal axis 401). The oscillating mechanism may comprise a motor and a gearbox for imparting various oscillational speeds, however other driving mechanisms (i.e. solenoid based) are also contemplated.

[0021] The oscillating mechanism 108 is positioned in such a way that, in use, the majority of the user's hand is located on the area of the handle 106 in between the blade 104 and the oscillating mechanism 108. The blade 104 is covered by a front part or guard 105 of the housing in order to protect the user from accidental contact with the blade.

[0022] The housing 102 is removably connected to the handle 106. The handle 106 is a single component that is made from a material suitable for the use in medical devices sector. Examples of the materials are, without limitation, injection moulded plastic or glass reinforced material. The handle 106 does not form part of the housing 102 and is a separate component. Advantageously, this allows for interchangeable handles suitable for use on a cutting device 100 depending on the material to be cut.

[0023] Figure 2 is an end view of the cutting device 100. It shows that the cutting blade 104 preferably has circumferential profile with a plurality of teeth 104a. Here "circumferential profile" means that the shape of the blade is substantially circular. The blade 104 is made of stainless steel or any other suitable material. The housing 102 comprises an aperture 116 for receiving a connection means connecting a motor located inside the housing 102 to a power supply. The power supply may be a hardwired cable designed to power the cutting device 100.

[0024] The housing 102 further comprises at least one securing means, such as one or more bolts 114 to provide a secure connection of a lid 115 covering the rear end of the housing 102 and protecting the motor mechanism from dust and moisture.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the cutting device 100 with an auxiliary handle 110 that can be a vacuum handle 110 if the cutting device 100 is used as a cast cutter. The handle 106 of the cutting device (not the auxiliary handle 110) also comprises an aperture 107 for receiving an auxiliary handle 110. Preferably, the auxiliary handle 110 is substantially flush with a rear portion of the housing. Preferably, the handle 106 is also flush with the housing.

[0026] If the presence of vacuum is not required, the handle 106 can be configured without an aperture to receive vacuum handle 110.

[0027] The vacuum supply during cast cutting is required to collect plaster and/or fiberglass Cif the cast is made from a synthetic material), in order to provide dust extraction during the procedure.

[0028] The vacuum handle 110 can comprise a connection means 301 providing an interference fit with the handle 106 (such as, but not exclusively, a tapered tube and a corresponding socket), and a corrugated hose 302 secured to the vacuum handle 110, though alternative modifications of the vacuum handle 110 can also be employed.

[0029] The vacuum handle 110 and the handle 106 may also have a cavity throughout for allowing the transfer of dust and debris generated by the cutting blade 104, to a vacuum hose 302 for collection by the vacuum device (not shown).

[0030] Figure 4 shows an embodiment, wherein the cutting device 100 further comprises a resilient overmould 118 configured to minimise the vibration transmitted to a user's hand. The resilient overmould 118 can be made of any material suitable for use in the manufacturing of medical devices that provides a vibration dampening function. Preferably the resilient overmould 118 is made of silicone rubber or other elastomeric material.

[0031] As depicted on figure 4, the resilient overmould 118 is a single component that is applied externally by sliding it onto the handle 106 in order to be gripped by the user, thus preventing the user from experiencing excess vibration, from the oscillating means 108, transmitted though the handle 106. It is anticipated that the cutting device 100 can be provided without a resilient overmould 118, and the resilient overmould 118 is then supplied as a separate component and fitted onto the cutting device 100 prior to use.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention, wherein a resilient mount 119 is provided internally between the drive shaft 120 and the handle 106. In the other words, the resilient mount 119 is applied to the drive shaft 120 before the handle 106 is fitted onto the cutting device 100. Additionally, the resilient mount could be overmoulded to the interior surface of the handle 106 where it interfaces the drive shaft 120. The drive shaft 120 may be included within a drive shaft housing, wherein the resilient mount 119 is slide over the drive shaft housing.

[0033] In this case the mount 119 provides suppression of the vibration of the drive shaft 120 during the oscillatory movement of the blade 104 and thus prevents the unpleasant feelings experienced by the user when operating the cutting device 100.

[0034] Optionally, both external resilient overmould 118 and internal resilient mount 119 can be used simultaneously to further reduce the conduction of vibration from the cutting device 100 to a user.

[0035] In use, the cutting device 100 is first assembled depending on the requirements for vacuum extraction.

[0036] In the case of the cutting device 100 being used without the vacuum, the user chooses the appropriate interchangeable handle 106 that does not contain an aperture for connecting a vacuum extraction system and positions the handle 106 on the cutting device 100 in such a way that the majority of the handle 106 is located between the blade 104 and the oscillating mechanism.

[0037] Majority of the handle means there is a sufficient proportion of the handle 106 located between the oscillating means 108 and the cutting blade 104 in order to allow a user to adequately control the device without recourse to holding another portion of the cutting device 100 (such as the housing 102 or the oscillating mechanism 108, which are not intended for use as handles). A minor portion of the handle may extend over the area containing the oscillating mechanism, such that the oscillating mechanism is substantially covered by the minor portion of the handle. However, in this instance the control of the cutting device 100 is still facilitated by the user gripping the majority of the handle 106 located between the blade and the oscillating mechanism.

[0038] The user then optionally selects and attaches the dampening means (such as the resilient overmould 118 or the resilient mount 119) either on top of the handle 106 in the case of the resilient overmould 118 or positions the resilient mount 119 in between the handle 106 and the drive shaft 120.

[0039] Both the resilient overmould 118 and the resilient mount 119 are vibration dampening means in that both provide the function of reducing the transmittance of vibration from the oscillating means 108 to a user of the cutting device 100.

[0040] In either case, a dampening means, whether the resilient overmould 118 and/or the resilient mount 119 are located in between the oscillation mechanism 108 and the blade 104. The cutting device 100 is then powered through the power cable by means of the switch button (not shown), and the blade 104 starts its oscillation about the axis longitudinal (shown in Figure 4 as item 401) to the handle 106 / drive shaft 120. It is also understood that the cutting device 100 may be positioned at the appropriate point before switching it on. The back and forth oscillatory movements of the blade 104 cause the human or animal hard tissues to be cut in a controllable manner.

[0041] During the cutting step, the user grips the handle 106 of the cutting device 100 with either one or both hands. Optionally, the user may hold the handle 106 with one hand and hold the auxiliary handle 110 of the cutting device 100 (when fitted) with the other hand. The vibration caused by the oscillatory movement is dampened by the resilient overmould 118 and/or resilient mount 119 (both may be used simultaneously or separately). It is also anticipated that excess vibrations can be dampened with alternative dampening means, such as an arrangement where the oscillation mechanism 108 is spaced away from the blade 104 and separated by the handle 106. In the further alternative, the cutting device may be used without any vibration dampening means.

[0042] In the case of autopsies, once the autopsy cutting is completed, the cutting device 100 is powered off, disassembled and the components are cleaned and decontaminated appropriately to manage infection risks when handling the deceased during postmortems.

[0043] If in use, the user of the cutting device 100 requires vacuum extraction, the user selects the auxiliary handle 110 that accommodates the aperture for inserting/connecting the vacuum attachment. The vacuum system to be used can be a standalone separate system or a built-in attachment.

[0044] In a similar manner, the user may optionally select and attach the dampening means (i.e. the resilient overmould 118 and/or the resilient mount 119). Once the auxiliary handle 110 is positioned on the drive shaft 120, the user powers up the cutting device 100, and the cutting device 100 will cut the cast similarly to the process described above for the hard tissues. Once the cast is removed, the cutting device 100 is powered off, disassembled, and the components and the dust extraction system cleaned accordingly.

[0045] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0046] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS1. A cutting device suitable for use as a cast cutter or an autopsy saw comprising: a handle, a cutting blade, an oscillating mechanism configured to oscillate the blade; wherein a majority of the handle is positioned between the oscillating mechanism and the blade.
2. 2. The cutting device of claim 1 wherein the oscillating mechanism is connected to the cutting blade via a drive shaft.
3. 3. The cutting device of claim 2 wherein the oscillating mechanism is configured for transmitting oscillatory movement of the cutting blade in a direction about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.
4. 4. The cutting device of claims 1 to 3 wherein the oscillating mechanism is enclosed in a housing.
5. 5. The cutting device of claim 1 wherein the handle is interchangeable.
6. 6. The cutting device of claims 1 to 5 wherein the device is configured to cut a cast.
7. 7. The cutting device of claims 1 to 5 wherein the device is configured to cut human or animal hard tissues during autopsy.
8. 8. The cutting device of claim 4 wherein the handle is formed from a single component and optionally configured to be slid onto the cutting device.
9. 9. The cutting device of claim 4 wherein the housing comprises connecting means to receive an auxiliary handle.
10. 10. The cutting device of claim 9 wherein a surface of the auxiliary handle is substantially flush with a rear portion of the housing.
11. 11. The cutting device of claim 9 or 10 wherein the auxiliary handle is a vacuum handle.
12. 12. The cutting device of claim 11 wherein the vacuum handle is configured to accommodate a vacuum tube.
13. 13. The cutting device of claim 12 wherein the vacuum tube is connected to the housing via an interference fit.
14. 14. The cutting device of any preceding claim wherein the handle comprises a raised section located at an end of the handle nearest to the cutting blade.
15. 15. The cutting device of claim 4, and any of claims 5 to 14 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein a user of the cutting device is shielded from vibration of the oscillating mechanism by a resilient overmould.
16. 16. The cutting device of claim 15 wherein the resilient overmould is located on an outside of the handle.
17. 17. The cutting device of claim 15 wherein the resilient overmould is a separate component.
18. 18. The cutting device of claim 15 wherein the resilient overmould is located between the oscillating mechanism and the handle.
19. 19. The cutting device of any preceding claim, wherein vibrational dampening is provided by at least one resilient mount.
20. 20. The cutting device of any preceding claim wherein the cutting device conforms to ingress protection standard IP67.
21. 21. Use of the cutting device of claim 1 for cutting a cast or a human or animal hard tissue.