Energizable surgical tool safety device and method

Abstract

A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device prevents inadvertent activation of a surgical tool. The energizable surgical device may include an electrosurgical system, a laser scalpel, an ultrasonic aspirator, and combinations thereof. An activation circuit is in connection with the source of energy and in connection with the handpiece. The activation circuit has two states: the first state disconnects the source of energy from the handpiece, the second state connects the source of energy to the handpiece. A sensing element is connected to the activation circuit. The sensing element signals the activation circuit to convert the activation circuit from the first state to the second state. The activation circuit may remain in the second state for a preestablished period of time followed by a reversion to the first state. The activation circuit may include a relay which may be connected to operate accessories including smoke evacuators, lights, videos or irrigators. The sensing element may be disposed to sense the proximity of the surgical tool to the surgical site. The sensing element may be disposed to sense a voice command. The sensing element can monitor the activations of an electrical switch associated with the surgical tool. If the sensing element detected a specified timed pattern of activations of the electrical switch, for example a double click, then the sensing element would signal the activation circuit to convert to the second state.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.