ENERGY-BASED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING INTEGRATED NERVE DETECTION SYSTEM

• US 20160095658A1
• Filed: 09/23/2015
• Published: 04/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: NAU, WILLIAM H. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 10,543,041 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00434 Neural system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00642 with feedback, i.e. closed loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00904 Automatic detection of target tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1807 using light other than laser radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1861 with an instrument inserted into a body lumen or cavity, e.g. a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1869 with an instrument interstitially inserted into the body, e.g. needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/05 Surgical care
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4893 Nerves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6848 Needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6877 Nerve

Abstract

An energy-based surgical system includes a light beam source and a probe defining a channel about a longitudinal axis thereof and a side opening near a distal end thereof. Methods of nerve detection using the system include positioning the probe adjacent targeted tissue, transmitting a beam of light from the light beam source through the channel of the probe and the side opening of the probe to the targeted tissue, measuring a response to determine the presence of a nerve within the targeted tissue, and delivering energy to the targeted tissue with the probe to treat tissue.

Claims

1. A method of nerve detection comprising:

providing an energy-based surgical system including a light beam source and a probe defining a channel about a longitudinal axis thereof and a side opening near a distal end thereof;

positioning the probe of the energy-based surgical system adjacent targeted tissue;

transmitting a beam of light from the light beam source through the channel and the side opening of the probe to the targeted tissue;

measuring a response to determine the presence of a nerve within the targeted tissue; and

delivering energy to the targeted tissue with the probe to treat the targeted tissue.

2. The method of claim 1, further including repositioning the probe in response to determining the presence of a nerve within the targeted tissue before delivering energy to the targeted tissue with the probe to treat the targeted tissue.

3. The method of claim 1, further including, after delivering energy to the targeted tissue with the probe to treat the targeted tissue:

delivering a beam of light from the light beam source through the channel and side opening of the probe to the targeted tissue; and

measuring a response to determine whether a nerve has been damaged.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy-based surgical system further includes a fiber optic cable disposed within channel of the probe, and wherein transmitting the beam of light includes transmitting the beam of light from the light beam source to the targeted tissue via the fiber optic cable.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring a response includes detecting a change in blood pressure.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the detecting the change in blood pressure includes measuring peristalsis.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein detecting the change in blood pressure includes measuring blood pressure using a pressure cuff.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring a response includes detecting a change in blood velocity.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring a response includes detecting a release of hormones.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the response includes detecting a response with an electrical sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein detecting the response with an electrical sensor includes sensing an artificial fibrillation.

12. The method of claim 11, further including displaying the response detected by the electrical sensor.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy to the targeted tissue includes radiating energy from a microwave antenna of the probe.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy to the targeted tissue includes radiating energy from a radio-frequency antenna of the probe.