Electrosurgical pencil with improved controls

• US 20050113824A1
• Filed: 10/06/2004
• Published: 05/26/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien AG (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien AG (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Moua, Tony, Sartor, Joe Don
• Granted Patent: US 7,156,842 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/42
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00928 by sending a signal to an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00946 slidable

Abstract

An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical pencil, comprising:

an elongated housing;

an electrocautery electrode supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery electrode being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy;

a plurality of activation switches supported on the housing, each activation switch being configured and adapted to selectively complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy upon actuation thereof; and

at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network being electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling the intensity of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the plurality of activation switches from the source of electrosurgical energy and for controlling the intensity of electrosurgical energy delivered to the plurality of activation switches returning from the electrocautery electrode, the at least one voltage divider network comprises at least one return control wire electrically inter-connecting the electrocautery electrode and the source of electrosurgical energy, the return control wire transmitting excess electrosurgical energy from the electrocautery electrode to the source of electrosurgical energy.

2. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, wherein the at least one voltage divider network further comprises:

a plurality of control wires electrically inter-connecting a respective activation switch to the source of electrosurgical energy, each control wire delivering electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery electrode.

3. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 2, wherein the voltage network divider includes a slide potentiometer operatively associated with the housing.

4. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of activation switches define a first resistor network disposed within the housing, and wherein the slide potentiometer defines a second resistor network disposed within the housing.

5. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 4, wherein the slide potentiometer simultaneously controls the intensity of electrosurgical energy delivered to the plurality of activation switches.

6. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 5, wherein the voltage divider network includes an algorithm which stores the last setting for each activation switch.

7. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 6, wherein the voltage divider network includes an algorithm which requires the slide potentiometer to be set to zero each time the mode of operation of the electrosurgical pencil is changed.

8. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 7, wherein at least one activation switch is configured and adapted to control a waveform duty cycle to achieve a desired surgical intent.

9. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 8, further including three mode activation switches supported on the housing.

10. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 9, wherein each mode activation switch delivers a characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a corresponding waveform duty cycle to the electrosurgical pencil.

11. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 9, wherein a first activation switch delivers a first characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a cutting effect, a second activation switch delivers a second characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a blending effect, and wherein a third activation switch delivers a third characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a coagulating effect.

12. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 11, wherein the voltage divider network is a potentiometer.

13. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 12, wherein the potentiometer is a rheostat having discreet values and configured and adapted to adjust the intensity of the waveform duty cycle corresponding to a particular activation switch.

14. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 13, wherein the potentiometer has a plurality of intensity settings.

15. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 14, wherein the potentiometer is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 60 mA to a maximum of about 240 mA at 2K ohms.

16. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 14, wherein the potentiometer is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 100 mA to a maximum of about 200 mA at 2K ohms.

17. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 16, wherein the potentiometer is slidably supported on the housing.

18. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 17, wherein the potentiometer is set to a minimum when the potentiometer is placed at a first position and is set to a maximum when the potentiometer is placed at a second position.

19. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 18, wherein the potentiometer is configured and adapted to provide a plurality of discreet intensity settings.

20. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is rotatably supported on the housing.

21. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 19, wherein the electrocautery electrode is one of a blade, needle, a loop and a ball.

22. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 19, wherein the slide potentiometer includes a pair of nubs slidably supported, one each, on either side of the plurality of activation switches such that the potentiometer is operable from either side of the electrosurgical pencil.

23. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 22, wherein the housing includes a recess formed in the outer surface thereof, and wherein the plurality of activation switches and the nubs of the voltage divider network are disposed within the recess.

24. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 8, further including a molded hand grip operatively supported on the housing.

25. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 24, wherein the hand grip is shaped and dimensioned to reduce fatigue on the hand of the user.

26. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 7, wherein the electrosurgical pencil includes three mode activation switches supported on the housing, wherein each of the three mode activation switches is configured and adapted to deliver a characteristic signal to a source of electrosurgical energy which source of electrosurgical energy in turn transmits a corresponding waveform duty cycle to the end effector.

27. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 26, wherein a first mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a dissecting effect, a second mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a dissecting and hemostatic effect, and a third mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a hemostatic effect.

28. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 27, wherein the at least one voltage divider network includes a pair of nubs slidably supported on the housing, one each, on either side of the activation switches.

29. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 28, wherein the at least one voltage divider network has a first position corresponding to a minimum intensity, a second position corresponding to a maximum intensity and a plurality of positions between the first and second positions corresponding to intensities between the minimum and the maximum intensity.

30. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 29, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 60 mA to a maximum of about 240 mA at 2K ohms.

31. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 30, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 100 mA to a maximum of about 200 mA.

32. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 31, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is set to the minimum when the at least one voltage divider network is placed at a proximal-most position and is set to the maximum when placed at a distal-most position.

33. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 31, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is set to the minimum when the at least one voltage divider network is placed at a distal-most position and is set to the maximum when placed at a proximal-most position.

34. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 32, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to provide a plurality of discreet intensity settings.

35. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 32, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to provide analog intensity settings.

36. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 31, wherein the waveform duty cycle of the activation switches varies with a change in intensity produced by the at least one voltage divider network.

37. An electrosurgical pencil, comprising:

an elongated housing;

an electrocautery electrode supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery electrode being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy;

a plurality of activation switches supported on the housing, each activation switch being configured and adapted to selectively complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy upon actuation thereof; and

at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network being electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling the intensity of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrosurgical pencil.

38. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 37, wherein the at least one voltage divider network further comprises:

a plurality of control wires electrically inter-connecting the respective activation switch to the source of electrosurgical energy, each control wire being isolated within the electrosurgical pencil from the control wire delivering electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery electrode.

39. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 38, wherein the voltage network divider includes a slide operatively associated with the housing.

40. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 39, wherein the plurality of activation switches define a first resistor network disposed within the housing, and wherein the slide defines a second resistor network disposed within the housing.

41. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 40, wherein the slide simultaneously controls the intensity of electrosurgical energy delivered to the plurality of activation switches.

42. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 41, wherein at least one activation switch is configured and adapted to control a waveform duty cycle to achieve a desired surgical intent.

43. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 42, further including three mode activation switches supported on the housing.

44. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 43, wherein each mode activation switch delivers a characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a corresponding waveform duty cycle to the electrocautery electrode.

45. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 43, wherein a first activation switch delivers a first characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a cutting effect, a second activation switch delivers a second characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a blending effect, and wherein a third activation switch delivers a third characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn transmits a waveform duty cycle which produces a coagulating effect.

46. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 45, wherein an intensity controlling slide is supported in the housing.

47. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 46, wherein each position on the slide delivers a characteristic signal to the source of electrosurgical energy which in turn adjusts the intensity of the waveform duty cycle corresponding to a particular activation switch.

48. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 47, wherein the slide has a plurality of intensity settings.

49. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 48, wherein the slide is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 60 mA to a maximum of about 240 mA at 2K ohms.

50. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 48, wherein the slide is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 100 mA to a maximum of about 200 mA at 2K ohms.

51. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 50, wherein the slide is set to a minimum when the potentiometer is placed at a first position and is set to a maximum when the potentiometer is placed at a second position.

52. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 37, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is rotatably supported on the housing.

53. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 51, wherein the electrocautery electrode is one of a blade, needle, a loop and a ball.

54. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 51, wherein the slide potentiometer includes a pair of nubs slidably supported, one each, on either side of the plurality of activation switches such that the potentiometer is operable from either side of the electrosurgical pencil.

55. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 54, wherein the housing includes a recess formed in the outer surface thereof, and wherein the plurality of activation switches and the nubs of the voltage divider network are disposed within the recess.

56. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 42, further including a molded hand grip operatively supported on the housing.

57. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 56, wherein the hand grip is shaped and dimensioned to reduce fatigue on the hand of the user.

58. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 56, wherein the hand grip provides traction to prevent movement of the pencil while changing the slide.

59. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 41, wherein the electrosurgical pencil includes three mode activation switches supported on the housing, wherein each of the three mode activation switches is configured and adapted to deliver a characteristic signal to a source of electrosurgical energy which source of electrosurgical energy in turn transmits a corresponding waveform duty cycle to the end effector.

60. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 59, wherein a first mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a dissecting effect, a second mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a dissecting and hemostatic effect, and a third mode activation switch activates a waveform duty cycle which produces a hemostatic effect.

61. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 60, wherein the at least one voltage divider network includes a pair of nubs slidably supported on the housing, one each, on either side of the activation switches.

62. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 61, wherein the at least one voltage divider network has a first position corresponding to a minimum intensity, a second position corresponding to a maximum intensity and a plurality of positions between the first and second positions corresponding to intensities between the minimum and the maximum intensity.

63. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 62, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 60 mA to a maximum of about 240 mA at 2K ohms.

64. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 63, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to vary a current intensity from a minimum of about 100 mA to a maximum of about 200 mA.

65. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 64, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is set to the minimum when the at least one voltage divider network is placed at a proximal-most position and is set to the maximum when placed at a distal-most position.

66. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 65, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is set to the minimum when the at least one voltage divider network is placed at a distal-most position and is set to the maximum when placed at a proximal-most position.

67. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 65, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to provide a plurality of discreet intensity settings.

68. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 65, wherein the at least one voltage divider network is configured and adapted to provide analog intensity settings.

69. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 64, wherein the waveform duty cycle of the activation switches varies with a change in intensity produced by the at least one voltage divider network.

70. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 37, wherein an intensity control slide is positioned on the body for each activation button.

71. The electrosurgical pencil according to claim 70, wherein each slide operates a voltage divider network, the voltage divider network produces a characteristic signal on a separate control wire to the source of electrosurgical energy.