Electro-surgical instrument
AssigneeNeomed, Inc.
InventorsJanet M. Esty, Charles E. Taylor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A generally flat instrument provides electrical interfacing between an electro-surgical signal generator and an exposed surgical electrode. Dome-shaped momentary contact switches are sealed within the instrument housing at points convenient for manual usage. Low profile switches which resist seal degradation are employed and the device is readily adaptable for accepting replaceable chucks containing a preselected surgical electrode. The relatively narrow elongated housing imparts the feel of a non-electrical surgical instrument. Inclusion of one or more nubs or other raised portions on the switch domes facilitates identification of switch function without requiring direct observation by the user.
Claims14
Apparatus for providing an interface between an electro-surgical electrode and an electro-surgical generator which apparatus is manually manipulable as a surgical instrument comprising:
- an electrically insulating housing having generally rectangular cross-section formed by a pair of elongated substantially flat rigid surfaces between a pair of sidewalls with narrow cross-sectional dimensions relative to said flat rigid surfaces, one of said flat rigid surfaces having at least one bore extending therethrough in proximity to one end of said housing and each said bore being outwardly encircled by an upright cylindrical wall terminating in inwardly turned shoulders,
- means at one end of said housing for receiving a shank of an electro-surgical electrode,
- at least one pair of electrical contact points arranged internally to said housing in underlying relation to said bore,
- a momentary switch assembly including a hollow peripheral sidewall, a flexible cap enclosing one end of said peripheral sidewall and electrical circuit completing means, said peripheral sidewall being retained in sealing engagement internal to said housing bore and said upright cylindrical wall, said cap having a cross-section which is outwardly arcuate relative to the exterior of said housing for permitting inward coaxial movement thereof without imparting inward collapsing forces to said peripheral sidewall, said electrical circuit completing means being responsive to movement of said cap in inward coaxial relation to said peripheral wall for completing electrical contact between said pair of electrical contact points, said flexible cap having sufficient material memory for withdrawing said electrical circuit completing means from said pair of electrical contact points in the absence of application of an inward axial force thereto, and
- means extending longitudinally through said housing from the other end thereof for coupling the electro-surgical generator with said shank receiving means and said pair of electrical contact points for establishing operational electrical communication therebetween, whereby said housing is manually usable with the feel of a passive surgical instrument while permitting manual selection of electro-surgical functions.
Apparatus for providing an interface between an electro-surgical signal generator and an electro-surgical electrode which apparatus is manually manipulable as a surgical instrument comprising:
- an elongated hollow casing of a rigid electrically insulating material which is relatively inert to sterilization temperatures in a narrow substantially rectangular cross-section, said casing having a plurality of openings along one of the flat rigid surfaces thereof with said openings being arranged serially from proximity to a first end of said casing with each of said openings having a surrounding radially inwardly extending collar,
- a printed circuit board retained within said casing and having a plurality of pairs of contact points arranged beneath the interior area of respective said openings and having a plurality of conductors connecting said contact points to a terminal area at the second end of said casing,
- a plurality of momentary contact means arranged in respective said openings for establishing electrical communication between said contact points beneath the associated opening, said momentary contact means each including a flexible cap having cylindrical sidewalls retained in sealed abutting engagement within the collar of each associated opening and having a closure across each end of said sidewalls opposite said contact points, said closure having an externally arcuate cross-section and having a plunger attached thereto extending axially within said sidewalls towards said contact points,
- means for receiving an electro-surgical electrode at said first end of said casing,
- means for electrically coupling an attaching means to said terminal area, and
- means for interconnecting said terminal area with an electro-surgical generator, whereby said casing can be manually utilized in the manner of a passive surgical instrument with axially inward pressure on a selected one of the closures thereby effecting electrical communication through the associated said contact points which causes the electro-surgical generator to return an appropriate signal to the electro-surgical electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.