Abstract:
An actuating means (107) for a self-adjusting pump head assembly (101), including a variable position pump shoe (102) slideably attached to a base (103), wherein the assembly (101) is used to pump liquides through a tube (104) introduced into a peristaltic pump, including (a) means (107) for translating rotational motion into linear motion, and (b) cranking means (107), including means (107) for automatically compensating for the manufacturing tolerances of a tube (104) introduced into the pump, pivotally attached to both the means (107) for translating and the shoe. The means (107) for automatically compensating preferably includes a pair of links, carrying a helical compression spring (328), pivotally anchored to both the means (107) for translating and the shoe. A peristaltic pump is also described. The pump includes (a) a self-adjusting pump head, including a variable position pump shoe (102) slideably attached to a base (103); and (b) a control for positioning, locking and applying a continuous reaction force on the shoe to compress the tube (104) between the shoe and at least one roller located on the periphery of a mandrel (150), wherein the control further comprises means (107) for translating rotational motion into linear motion, and cranking means (107), including means (107) for automatically compensating for the manufacturing tolerances of a tube (104) introduced into the pump, pivotally attached to both the means (107) for translating and the shoe. The pump may be alternatively characterized as including a disposable manifold (400) safety cartridge (505), removably attached to the base (103), to which the ends of the tube (104) are attached; with the cartridge (505) being formed to include an asymmetrical tie bar (412) that is keyed onto the base (103) to ensure that the cartridge (505) is oriented in an acceptable manner and that the tube (104) introduced into the pump will be properly installed.
Abstract:
An electrical apparatus for driving an ultrasonic piezoelectric crystal transducer in a surgical handpiece for the fragmentation and aspiration of tissue, which apparatus includes an electronic control loop (12) in combination with a voltage source amplifier (2) having an output which is connected to the piezoelectric crystal transducer (3) with a tuning inductor (4) in parallel. A control system for monitoring the control loop (12) and a component for controlling tissue selectivity are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A single ultrasonic surgical apparatus (10) can provide a substantial cutting effect on tissue, a substantial coagulation effect on tissue, and an appropriate blend of simultaneous cutting and coagulation effects on tissue. The ultrasonic surgical apparatus (10) is comprised of a handpiece (11) which incorporates a transducer (14) and a surgical tool (16), a source of electrical energy (17), a controller (18), and a switch (19). The apparatus may be operated at two frequencies within the ultrasonic spectrum, where the first frequency (22) is selected at the low end of the spectrum for enhanced tissue cutting performance, and the second frequency (23) is approximately three times higher for enhanced tissue coagulation performance. The two frequencies may be operated selectively or concurrently, and may be independently adjustable as to amplitude. The transducer (14) may be composed of magnetostrictive or piezoelectric elements (20 or 21). The surgeon to set the desired amplitude of the mechanical vibrations. The transducer (14) is mounted within the handpiece (11) at a location that corresponds to a vibration node common to both the first frequency (22) and the second frequency (23). Also claimed is a method for use, including the steps of: developing an ultrasonic resonance at a first frequency (22); developing an ultrasonic resonance at a second frequency (23) which is approximately three times greater than the first frequency (22); resonating an ultrasonic transducer (14) at the first frequency (22) concurrently with the second frequency (23); and supporting the transducer (14) where the nodes of vibration at the first frequency (22) are substantially coincident with the nodes of vibration at the second frequency (23).
Abstract:
A surgical system (10) has a multiple electrode electrosurgical capability in combination with a gas plasma capability for delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue (14) or bodily fluids (15) of a patient (16). The system includes a holder (17), a source of electrical energy (20), electrodes connected to the source of electrical energy (20), one or more passages (22) carried on the holder (17) for transporting ionizable gas (23), and a source of ionizable gas (24) of a selectable flow rate. The gas passages (22) may include at least one electrode extending toward the operative site. The gas passages (22) may include a part (28) that creates a vortex in the gas flow. The electrodes may be coaxially placed in the gas passages (22). The system may also be configured such that two electrodes are each shrouded by the ionized gas so that the electrosurgical energy is conducted to the tissue (14) or bodily fluids (15) of the operative site by passing along conductive pathways (25) in the ionized gas from each electrode. There may also be a dielectric barrier (26) between the conductive pathways (25). The system may also be configured such that one of the multiple electrodes (11) is substantially in contact with the tissue (14) or bodily fluids (15) of the operative site and another of the multiple electrodes (11) is in the circuit through the conductive pathway of the ionized gas flow so that electrosurgical energy is conducted through the tissue (14) or bodily fluids (15) of the operative site and between the electrodes. Methods of manufacture and use for the system are also claimed.
Abstract:
A neutral electrode, consisting of two parts (20, 21), is continuously monitored by an adaptive monitoring system to guarantee conditions of optimal electrical contact with the patient's skin in order to prevent burns. A special adaptive signal generator produces a signal coupled between the two parts of the return electrode by means of an insulation transformer (10). Current and applied voltage are (38) continuously monitored for phase differencies which in turn pilot a phase locked oscillator. The continuous adaption of the generated frequency by the above described feed back phase controlled loop allows to obtain an optimal testing frequency for each patient electrode combination. The optimal frequency is then obtained when the phase difference between test voltage and current is minimal.
Abstract:
A minimally invasive retractor and dissector (10) for internal surgical use on a patient has a tubular support (11) for passing into the body; the tubular support (11) has a passage (16) for access along an axis "A" thereof during operative procedures on the patient's internal tissue. A proximal end (12) on the tubular support (11) is located outside the patient in position to be accessed by the surgeon when a distal end (13) is inside. One or more jointed articulated members (15) are movably positioned and capable of holding and pulling tissue disposed beyond the distal end (13) and each member has a distal tip (17) to hold tissue. An instrument capable of moving independent of any member functions cooperatively on the tissue and passes through the passage (16) from the proximal end (12) to beyond the distal end (13) as the members position the tissue. The instrument is a surgical tool and the tissue is maneuvered by the members within the body into a position relative to the tool. A control (19) at the proximal end (12) manipulates the members relative to the axis "A" permitting holding and pulling tissue disposed beyond the distal end (13); the control (19) is capable of moving the instrument independent of the members for operating on the held and maneuvered tissue. A grip (34) manipulates the members and positions the instrument. A method for using the minimally invasive retractor and dissector (10) has the steps of making an opening for a tubular support (11) to pass into the body, leaving the proximal end (12) on the tubular support (11) outside the body, positioning the distal end (13) thereof inside, and moving members carried on the tubular support (11). Holding and pulling tissue disposed beyond the distal end (13) and using the passage (16) for access along the axis thereof for operating on internal tissue are added steps. Another step is moving an instrument in the passage (16) independent of the members.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical control (10) for a trocar (11) has a trocar (11) with a cannula (12) with a stylet (13) coaxially fit therein. The stylet (13) is movable relative to the cannula (12) along a common axis. The trocar (11) is shaped for insertion in a direction generally along the axis through tissue in a puncture procedure with its stylet (13). A distal end (15) and a proximal end (16) on the elongate cannula (12) so the distal end (15) enters the tissue while the proximal end (16) remains outside. A tip (17) on the stylet (13) end, near the distal end (15) of the cannula (12), normally extends therebeyond in position to puncture the tissue. The stylet (13) has an energy supply (18) passing from the tip (17) to its opposite end (19) and moves reciprocally relative to the cannula (12) so the tip (17) extends or is fully within the cannula (12). An electrosurgical generator (20) provides energy to the opposite end (19) of the stylet (13) and an electrosurgically active device is a part of the tip (17) and connects to the energy supply (18). A sampling circuit (21) is connected to the electrosurgically active device and responds to changes in energy passing through the energy supply (18) as a function of tissue cut by the electrosurgically active device. The sampling circuit (21) provides a signal relative to the energy supplied and a measuring circuit (22) analyzes the signal to instantly isolate a specific signal therefrom indicative of a significant change in the energy when the tip (17) is not in tissue. A comparator (23) has a settable predetermined threshold amount of energy at which the electrosurgical generator (20) no longer supplies energy. A peak energy level is set by a knob (24) and is compared to the varying signals from the sampling circuit (21). A switch (25) responds to the comparator (23) to disconnect the energy when the threshold is exceeded.
Abstract:
An improved devices for delivering RF current to the operating tool (6) of an ultrasonic surgical apparatus which comprises a switch module for selecting said RF current, an electrically conducting metal band (18) connected to the switch module and an electrically conductive O-ring (19) in electrical contact with the metal band and located around the acoustic connecting member (5) of the apparatus.
Abstract:
An aspirator attachment (10) for an electrosurgical pencil (11) has an axis and an electrode (12) at a distal end (13) thereof to transmit vacuum to remove fluid from an operative site. A semi-rigid hollow body (14) extends parallel to the axis and is contoured to fit coextensively against the elongate pencil. A body passage (15) has an opening (16) at its distal part (17) that is about the electrode (12) and facing toward the patient. The part conjugates aft of the electrode (12) for generally fluid tight pencil engagement. The opening (16) is scalloped with opposed edges increasing visibility, decreasing tissue trapping and decreasing electrode (12) temperature. A part port (21) between the conjugating end (18) and its opening (16) communicates with the passage (15) and the opening (16). A connector (22) at the body end opposite the opening (16) is shaped for fluid communication with the passage (15) and vacuum. A body center section, between the port (21) and the connector (22) joins them. An offset transition (27) of the body, adjacent the pencil conjugating end (18), has the passage (15) therethrough for connecting the port (21) and the center section and alignment. The passage (15) has a uniform cross sectional area extending therein. A swivel (23) attached to the connector (22) permits relative rotation between the pencil and a vacuum hose. The center section at the connector (22) has a rib (24) to engage the pencil retaining the opening (16) about the distal end (13) and resisting movement. The passage (15) within the center section has a generally D shaped cross section. The pencil has controls along a side thereof and the body mates with the pencil opposite the controls. Methods of combining and using the pencil and aspirator include steps of engaging and nesting them together.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical generator is equipped with a smoke evacuator which becomes active upon acting either on the foot pedal (16) or on the activation button on the hand piece (32). Evacuation however only takes place when the suction motor (29a) is activated by a trigger device (14) via other components (25, 37, 27) whenever HF current begins to flow. The rate of suction is determined by a smoke detector (42) placed on the smoke passage (30). A similar system can be used for total or partial removal of liquids from the operation site.