Safety mechanism for medical treatment device and associated methods

A system for medical treatment, comprising:

• an elongate power cable having a proximal end configured for coupling to a power source, and a distal end;
• a handle adjacent the distal end of the power cable, the handle including a distal end configured for coupling to a treatment apparatus;
• a switch within the handle;
• and
• a switch actuator disposed on the handle and engageable with the switch, the switch actuator including a body portion and a resilient member, wherein the switch actuator further comprises a proximal member extending proximally of the body portion;
• wherein the resilient member applies a retaining force to the body portion to retain the switch actuator in a ready position, and a first force applied to the body portion in a direction opposite the retaining force moves the switch actuator in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle, and a second force applied in a direction perpendicular to the retaining force moves the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle and depresses the switch.

A system for medical treatment, comprising:

• an elongate power cable having a proximal end configured for coupling to a power source, and a distal end;
• a handle adjacent the distal end of the power cable, the handle including a longitudinal axis and a distal end coupled to a treatment apparatus;
• a switch within the handle;
• and
• a switch actuator disposed on the handle and engageable with the switch, the switch actuator being capable of movement along the longitudinal axis of the handle between a ready position and a firing position, wherein the switch actuator comprises a body portion and a proximal member extending proximally of the body portion;
• wherein when the switch actuator is in the ready position it is constrained against movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and when the switch actuator is in the firing position it is capable of moving in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle to depress the switch.