US20230078427A1 - Surgical device with light - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrocautery unit for connecting to a handle of an electrocautery device, the unit comprises a body, a light unit and an electrode. The body has a body proximal end and a body distal end, and a body axis extending lengthwise along the center of the body. The body’s proximal end comprises a connecting element for connecting said body to a handle having a handle axis extending lengthwise along the center of the handle, so that said body axis is coaxial with said handle axis when said body is connected to said handle. The light unit may be constructed and arranged to emit a light having a central axis coaxial with said body axis. The electrode comprises a proximate end connected to the body distal end, and an electrode tip at a distal said. When the electrode is connected to the body, the electrode lays outside of the body axis and extends into said body axis such that the electrode tip is within said body axis, wherein said light and said electrode tip are coaxial to said body axis and said handle axis.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 16/931,344, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 14/738,878, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,716,587, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/012,216, filed on Jun. 13, 2014, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
• The present invention is related generally to a medical apparatus and an electrocautery system and particularly to electrocautery tools having a lighting component to provide light during deep surgical procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Proper lighting is a critical component of any operating room. Surgeons need ample lighting to illuminate the area on which the procedure is taking place. Modern surgery has evolved continuously to smaller opening incisions and more complex operating sites, all with the objective of leaving smaller scars and creating less discomfort for the patient. For example, in cosmetic surgery, among others, there is a need to perform better and more precise dissection between tissue layers deep in the site and a rising demand for better surgical tools to facilitate the surgeon’s work and improve teaching skills. Electrocautery devices are often utilized to cauterize wounds, stop bleeding, or excise tissue.
• To provide the needed illumination for increasingly complex surgeries, lighting in operating rooms has evolved from bulky overhead, adjustable lighting that can be shifted to point the light beam from different angles to headlamps worn on the heads of the surgeons or surrounding staff, to having a small lighting unit built into electrocautery that surgeons use to operate on patients.
• Both overhead lighting and headlamp approach provide sufficient ambient lighting during surgery, but often fail at specifically illuminating the targeted deep field site. The adjustability of the overhead lighting is limited by its fixed position on the ceiling and its ability to be extended downward from the ceiling without hindering the surgeon’s vision or movement. The headlamp approach allows the light to move with the surgeon, but requires the surgeon to tilt his head or adjust and maintain his body position to point the lamp at the targeted area. Even with these extra movements, which increase the possibility of error, the bulk of the light from headlamps are blocked and/or reflected by the skin around the small incision and fails to penetrate the skin and illuminate the inside of the incision where the surgical procedure is taking place.
• Whereas certain electrocautery devices exist with built-in lighting components that attempt to carry the light pass the skin around the incision opening, they each have drawbacks that are addressed by the invention described herein. Since the internal construction of the human body is extremely complex, in order for a surgeon to properly and safely perform a more precise dissection between deep-site tissue layers, a more concentrated and pinpointed lighting is critical to aid the surgeon in cutting, dissection and cauterization. A lack of sufficient light at the treatment site within the patient’s body may cause the doctor to accidentally injure other parts of the patient’s body. Since electrocautery generally requires controlled application of radiofrequency energy to an operative tissue site, it is important that the site be properly illuminated for the surgeon to operate.
• Better lighting inside the incision is also preferred for teaching purposes, both to point out the targeted area and also to illuminate the area when utilizing a camera or other audio-visual device to facilitate demonstrating the procedure to students.
• Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved electrocautery apparatus and system to provide light that overcomes drawbacks and inadequacies of known methods and systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
• Generally speaking, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an electrocautery unit comprises a body, a light unit and an electrode. The proximal end of the body may be connected to a handle. The distal end of the body may be connected to the electrode. The body and the handle are generally coaxial lengthwise along the center of the body and the center of the handle. The light unit emits light that is also coaxial to the center of the body and the center of the handle. However, the electrode is constructed and arranged to lie outside of the co-axis of the body and the handle and extends into the co-axis only at its distal end where the electrode tip is located. Specifically, the electrode tip is coaxial to the center of the body and the center of the handle, as well as the light mitted.
• An embodiment of the invention provides an electrocautery kit comprising an elongated body having multiple connecting elements and an electrode. The body has a first connecting element constructed and arranged to connect to a handle of an electrocautery device, a second connecting element to connect to the electrode in the kit. The body further comprises a light element constructed and arranged to emit a light that is coaxial to the body’s central axis lengthwise. When the electrode is connected to the body, the electrode’s central axis is not coaxial with the body’s central axis. However the electrode is constructed and arranged to have an electrode tip that extends toward the central axis of the body.
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a pair of forceps having a light unit and a camera unit.
• Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to an electrocautery unit having a camera.
• Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:
• FIG.1 is a perspective view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.2 is a side view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.3 is a side view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.4 is a side view of an electrode unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.5 is cross sectional view of the electrode unit ofFIG.4 detached from an embodiment of a handle;
• FIG.6A is a side view of an electrode unit illustrating the central axis projected from a light element coaxial with the tip of the electrode in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.6B is a side view of an electrode unit illustrating the central axis projected from a light element coaxial with the tip of the electrode in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.6C is the cross sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG.6B taken along plane A;
• FIG.6D is the front view of the embodiment ofFIG.6B;
• FIG.7 is a diagram showing the field of illumination of a lighting element with a lens in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.8A is a side view of a light element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing the angle of illumination of the light element without a lens;
• FIG.8B is a side view of the light element of 8A with a lens, showing the angle of illumination of the light;
• FIG.9 is a diagram illustrating an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention held by a user’s hand and being inserted into the opening of an incision during a surgical procedure;
• FIG.10 is a side view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a securing element;
• FIG.11 is a side view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having an independent power source for the light element;
• FIG.12 is a perspective view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having connections to external power sources;
• FIG.13 is a side view of an electrocautery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a camera;
• FIG.14 is front view of the electrocautery device ofFIG.13;
• FIG.15 is a side of an electrode in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having a camera;
• FIG.16A is a perspective view of a removable electrode having a camera with an handle in accordance with an embodiment of the;
• FIG.16B is a perspective of the embodiment ofFIG.16A having a shaft;
• FIG.17 is a diagram showing various electrode tips in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.18 is showing the electrode tips ofFIG.17 detached from an embodiment of a handle;
• FIG.19A is a perspective view of a pair of forceps having a light element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.19B is showing the forceps ofFIG.19A having a camera;
• FIG.20A is a side view of a pair of forceps retrofitted with a lighting element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.20B is a front view of a lighting element for retrofitting in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.20C is a front view of a light element for retrofitting in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.20D is a side view of the lighting element ofFIG.20C;
• FIG.21A is a side view of an electrocautery device with a suction element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.21B is a side view of the electrocautery device ofFIG.21A showing with a battery proximate the light unit;
• FIG.21C is a front view of the electrocautery device ofFIG.21A;
• FIG.22A is a side view of an electrocautery device having multiple light elements and a built it power source as in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG.22B is a side view of an electrocautery device having multiple light elements and an external power source as in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
• FIG.22C is front view of electrocautery device ofFIG.22A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Reference is made toFIGS.1-16B, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. Generally, anelectrocautery device10 includes ahandle100 and ablade unit200,300,400,500 having acoupling element210,310,410,510 for removably connecting to handle100, such that thesame handle100 may be used with a variety ofblade units200,300,400,500. More preferably, handle100 is a standard electrocautery handle, such thatblade unit200,300,400,500 retrofits electrocautery handles currently available.
• In the embodiments illustrated,coupling element210,310,410,510 includes a male connector constructed and arranged to be inserted intohandle100. However, it is to be understood that the coupling element may include a female receiving portion for receiving a male connector of the handle, or other coupling mechanisms, such as a threated mechanism, a friction fit mechanism, male-female flange and groove, etc. are contemplated without deviating from the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the illustrated embodiment ofcoupling element210,310,410,510 has a round, rod-like shape, it may be square or take on any other shape or size suitable for connecting withhandle100.
Blade Unit
• Blade unit200,300,400,500 preferably includes asurgical electrode220,320,420,520, alighting element230,330,430,530 and a shaft extending betweenlighting element230,330,430,530 andcoupling element210,310,410,510. Generally speaking, thesurgical electrode220,320,420,520 includes anelectrode tip222,322,422,522 and comprises a material that conducts electricity, such as metal, via which a current is transferred to the tissue of the patient, for example, for electrocauterization. Thesurgical electrode220,320,420,520 may have various shapes and sizes according to the desired surgical procedure. For example,surgical electrode220,320,420,520 may be a blade for cutting, and the specific size and shape of the blade may differ depending on the location of the surgery and the type of tissue to be cut. Whereas the embodiments illustrated include a bayonet-shapedelectrode220,320,420,520, the electrode may be curved, angular or any other shape, preferably with the electrode tip curving towardaxis202,302,402,502 such that the electrode tip is located along said axis. The surgical electrode may alternatively be a uterus wall cutter296 or other cutter294, or probe292,298 as shown inFIGS.17-18. As shown, the device may comprise a variety of components not limited to a blade or cutter, such as aprobe292,298. Cutter294,296 or probe292,298 is preferably structured and arranged such that the tip of cutter294,296 or probe292,298 is positioned coaxial with the light emitted by the lighting element, and more preferably, coaxial with the handle to which the device is connected. Afirst probe292 may comprise a rounded tip, whereas asecond probe298 may include an opening designed to cut or destroy tissue.
• In accordance with an embodiment of the invention shown inFIG.18, theblade unit150 includes alighting element160 that is fixed to base152 ofblade unit150, and aremovable electrode170, which preferably comprise a variety of cutters294,296 orprobes292,298. Preferably,removable electrode170 includes acoupling element172 for engaging a correspondingcoupling element154 ofbase152. Thus, thesame base152 may be used for a variety of procedures, simply by attaching the desired electrode, blade, tip, etc.
• Whereas the examples of cutters are described herein are directed toward electrodes using heat, it is to be understood that a blade or other means for cutting without heat may be provided without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• Lighting element230,330,430,530, preferably includes alight source232, by way of non-limiting example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LED). The example illustrated inFIGS.7 and8A-8B showslight source232 comprising an LED.Lighting element230,330,430,530 is preferably configured to provide an angle ofillumination237 having an angle of between approximately 10 and 40 degrees, more preferably approximately 20 and 30 degrees.Light source232 may provide the desired angle ofillumination237 orlighting element230,330,430,530 may include alens234,334,434,534, preferably a convex lens, to reduce the original angle ofillumination236 oflight source232 to the desired angle ofillumination237, as illustrated inFIGS.8A and8B. In the example shown,light source232 is an LED having an original angle ofdispersion236 of 120 degrees, whichconvex lens234 reduces to 30 degrees by refracting the light passing through it.
• A narrower angle of illumination should reduce the size of the field of illumination, namely the area illuminated. Preferably, the field of illuminationproximate electrode tip222,322,422,522 has adiameter238 of between approximately 2.5 and 6.5 cm, more preferably approximately 4.5 cm or less, at adistance239 fromlighting element230,330,430,530,distance239 being preferably between approximately 1 and 7 cm, more preferably between approximately 2 and 5 cm, most preferably approximately 3 cm. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention,lens234 may be adjusted, for example, turned or shifted, to focus the light or adjustdiameter238 of the field of illumination.
• Moreover,blade unit200,300,400,500 is preferably constructed and arranged such thatelectrode tip222,322,422,522 is between approximately 5 cm fromlighting element230,330,430,530, permitting the light source to be brought past the skin atincision20 and into the pocket as illustrated inFIG.9. As described above, many surgeries call for small incisions to minimize scarring, reduce patient’s discomfort, because of the complex surgical sites, etc. In the embodiment illustrated,incision20 is not much larger than the cross-section ofdevice10. Thus,device10 can be inserted throughincision20 and avoids light fromlighting element230 being reflected on the outer skin of the patient aroundincision20 and the associate glare therefrom, which are some drawbacks of headlamps and other external light sources. Additionally, a greater amount of light reaches the surgical site, since the entire light source is within the pocket, which facilitates the focal vision of the operator, and facilitates recording by a camera within the pocket.
• Preferably, the distance between the blade tip and the light source for blades longer than the examples illustrated are also approximately 5 cm, thus not sacrificing the concentration of light just because of the length of the blade. Additionally, whereaslight source232 is illustrated as being fixed, it may be adjustable withinlighting element230, for example, moved to vary the intensity of the light, without deviating from the scope of the invention. Likewise,lighting element230,330,430,530 may be adjustable, for example, rotatable, slidable, removable, etc. with respect toblade unit200,300,400,500 without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• Lighting element230,330,430,530 provides a sufficiently bright illumination to provide the surgeon with sufficient light to see the tissue being operated on, preferably between 3,000 to 6,000 millicandela (MCD). Moreover, it is preferred forlighting element230,330,430,530 or other part ofblade unit200,300,400,500 to include a heat diffuser to avoid burning the tissue of the patient.Blade unit200,300,400,500 may also include a smoke and/or blood removal mechanism as well, as illustrated inFIGS.21A -21C.
• Whereas the example oflight source232 is an LED, it is to be understood that various sources of light may be used, depending on the desired size, color, temperature, amount of heat it emits, current, etc.
• In the embodiment shown,coupling element210,310,410,510 is constructed and arranged such that whenblade unit200,300,400,500 is connected to handle100, handle100 is coaxial alongaxis202,302,402,502 withlighting element230,330,430,530. Furthermore,lighting element230,330,430,530 emits light having a central axis coinciding withaxis202,302,402,502, andelectrode tip222,322,422,522 is positioned alongaxis202,302,402,502. Hence, wherever handle100 is pointed, the light emitted fromlighting element230,330,430,530 andelectrode tip222,322,422,522 will be moved there as well.
• Preferably, thesurgical electrode220,320,420,520 is shaped and arranged such thatonly electrode tip222,322,422,522 lies alongaxis202,302,402,502, thus minimizing, if not eliminating, shadows cast bysurgical electrode220,320,420,520. In the embodiment shown,surgical electrode220,320,420,520 is elongated, extending away from the distal end ofhandle100, alongside andpast lighting element230,330,430,530, after whichelectrode tip222,322,422,522 juts towardaxis202,302,402,502. Therefore, when the surgeon or other user directs handle100 to point the light toward the desired area,electrode tip222,322,422,522 is also moved to the desired area to perform the procedure. Furthermore, such an arrangement ofblade unit200,300,400,500 may permit procedures to be conducted deeper in a patient’s body, since light can reach deeper within the body compared to when using headlamps and overhead light.
• More preferably, ashaft240,340,440,540 extends betweenlighting element230,330,430,530 andcoupling element210,310,410,510, whereinlighting element230,330,430,530 andshaft240,340,440,540 are coaxial alongaxis202,302,402,502.
Handle
• The illustrated embodiment ofhandle100 comprises anelongated body111, aproximal end112 having wires or other connection means to connect to anelectrode power source130, and adistal end114 having ahandle coupling element116 for connecting tocoupling element210,310,410,510 ofblade unit200,300,400,500. In the embodiments illustrated, handlecoupling element116 comprises a receiving cavity for receivingcoupling element210 ofblade unit200 and electrically connecting thereto, thus transmitting electricity toblade unit200.
• Different electrical currents may be supplied to selectively provide different types of energy for different surgical applications. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.1-9 and13-15, onceblade unit200,400 is connected to handle100, power may be provided viahandle100 toblade unit200,400, for example, viahandle coupling element116. Power may be provided tolighting element230,430 from the same power source aselectrode220,420, namelyelectrode power source130. Alternatively,FIGS.1 and12 show separate power sources may be provided,electrode power source130 forelectrode220,420, and alight power source132 forlighting element230,430.
• Alternatively,FIGS.10-11 and16A-B show embodiments ofblade unit300,500 whereinlighting element230,430 has an independentlight power source350. Thepower source350 may be a building’s power source accessible via an outlet, an independent power source, such as a generator, or a smaller, portable power source, such as a battery.Blade unit300 may include a securingelement352 to securelight power source350 or a wire or other electrical connection tolight power source350 to handle100. Alternatively, a portable power source, such as a battery, may be provided withinhandle100 to provide power to lighting element without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• Certain embodiments of the invention provide one or more relatively small batteries located withinblade unit200,800,820, as shown inFIGS.3 and21A-22C.FIG.3 illustrates an embodiment wherein a plurality ofbatteries235 is located within or adjacent tolight source230, more specifically, behindlight source232. Therefore, the batteries are located toward the distal end ofblade unit200.FIGS.21A-22C illustrate embodiments wherein apower source810,830 is located toward the proximate end ofblade unit800,820, more specifically proximate or adjacent tocoupling element802,822 ofblade unit800,820. Therefore, whenblade unit800,820 is coupled to the handle,power source810,830 is preferably proximate the middle of the length of the handle-and-unit assembly. More preferably, the weight of the batteries is centered or distributed along the length of the assembly. This may improve balance of the assembly, improve handling of the assembly, and renderblade unit800,820 less bulky than if a battery were provided toward the distal end ofblade unit800,820. A blade unit having a portable power source therewithin may improve ease of use, as well as ease of switching blade units in between procedures requiring different surgical electrodes.
• Handle100 may also include aswitch element120 for activatingsurgical electrode220,320,420,520.Switch element120 shown inFIGS.1 and12 controls the type of electrical current supplied toelectrode tip222,322,422,522.Switch element120 preferably comprisesbuttons122 and124, which control the current running throughhandle10 and supplied toelectrode tip222,322,422,522, to effect electrocoagulation and/or electrocauterization. One current selection may allowelectrode tip222,322,422,522 to cut; while another current selection may allowelectrode tip222,322,422,522 to perform coagulation. By selecting betweenbuttons122 and124, the surgeon may change the tool function from cutting to coagulation easily. A switch for activatinglighting element230,330,430,530 may be provided external todevice10, for example, proximate or onpower source130,132,350, along the electrical wire connectinglighting element230,330,430,530 topower source130,132,350, proximate or on securingelement352 or on lighting element itself.
Camera
• Various technologies may also be included inunit100 not shown in the figures. For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, a camera or other audio-visual technology may be included. The camera may be activated to capture and/or transmit still images or videos to be played on a larger screen live in the operating room or remotely from a different location. This allows not only other doctors to have a better view of what is going on under the skin at the exact surgical site, but may also be used as a training tool for students to follow along and learn by seeing live procedures without crowding the patient or the surgeon. The surgeon need not stop and back away to let others look into the surgical site through the small incision, since they may simply watch the screen, thus also eliminating such delays. Even if the surgeon backs up and lets others look through the incision, it is difficult to do so while the surgeon is performing a procedure, at least partly because of the size and position of the incision, and angle of the surgical site, the surgical instrument inserted therein, etc. Still images or videos may be saved and used post-surgery to document the procedure, use as a teaching aid, performance reviews, for research purposes, etc.
• Reference is made toFIGS.12-16B.Blade unit100 includes acamera element460,560 having a camera positionedproximate lighting element430,530, whereinlighting element230,330,430,530 extends farther towardelectrode tip422,522. It is preferred forcamera element460,560 to beproximate electrode tip422,522 to minimize obstruction of view caused byblade unit400,500, but equidistant or farther fromelectrode tip422,522 thanlighting element430,500 to eliminate shadowing caused bycamera element460,560.
• Preferably,camera element460,560 is substantially small in size as to not obstruct the surgeon’s view of the surgical site or hinder the insertion and movement of theblade unit100 into or within the surgical site. More preferably,camera element460,560 has a diameter of less than 1 cm, most preferably less than 0.5 cm.Camera element460,560 may include atransmitter462 to transmit the images or videos being captured bycamera element460,560 to a remote device, such as a monitor.Transmitter462 eliminates the need forblade unit400,500 and/ordevice10 to be wired to the monitor, which may renderdevice10 easier to control and maneuver. Preferably,transmitter462 can connect to a WiFi network or other wireless network via which the images or videos may be shared.
• Camera element460,560 may be powered viahandle100 by an independentcamera power source134,electrode power source130 orlight power source132. Alternatively,camera element460,560 may include a battery therewithin. Other embodiments include, without limitation,camera element460,560 powered bylight power source350, or an independent camera power source connected externally to handle100, proximate a securing element, etc.
• Another potential use of an embodiment ofblade unit400,500 having a camera element is the surgeon being able to conduct the procedure by watching the monitor to see the position of the electrode within the surgical site. Laparoscopic surgery, referred to as minimally invasive surgery, utilizes a laparoscope, a long fiber optic cable system that allows viewing of the affected area by snaking the cable from a more distant, but more easily accessible location. However, laparoscopic surgeries are currently only performed for operations within the abdominal, knee, shoulder, pelvic, thoracic or chest cavity, wherein the cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide to create a working and viewing space. Surgeries like vaginal, plastic surgery, brain, urological and throat procedures are not suitable for laparoscopic surgery. However, by utilizingblade unit400,500 having a cameraproximate electrode tip422,522 andlighting element430,530, the surgeon may be able to conduct the procedure while watching the monitor, especially for deeper sites and/or smaller incisions.
• Whereaslighting element230,330,430,530 is illustrated as being built intoblade unit200,300,400,500, it is to be understood thatlighting element230,330,430,530 may be a removable unit that can be attached to an electrode or other part ofblade unit200,300,400,500. For example,lighting element230,330,430,530 may be attached via, by way of non-limiting example, adhesive, elastic ring, Velcro®, magnetic mechanism or interlocking mechanism. Thus, an existing electrode or other suitable device may be retrofitted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thus,lighting element230,330,430,530 may be removable or it may become permanently attached toblade unit200,300,400,500 or other suitable device, as a matter of application-specific design choice. Likewise,camera element460,560 may also be a separate component that can be attached, either permanently or removably, to the electrode,blade unit200,300,400,500 or other suitable device.
Forceps
• Reference is made toFIGS.19A-B in which certain embodiments offorceps600,650 include alighting element610,660 positionedproximate tip621,671 offirst leg620,670 preferably less than 5 cm fromtip621,671.FIG.19B illustrates an embodiment wherein acamera element680 is provided onsecond leg672,proximate tip671, preferably less than 5 cm fromtip671. Therefore, light may be provided proximate the site of a procedure wherein anelectrocautery device10 is not being used by utilizingforceps600,650. Alternatively, one may provide additional light or camera in addition to that provided bydevice200,300,400,500. Preferably,lighting element610,660,camera element680 or bothlighting element610,660,camera element680 include a power source, such as one or more batteries, to power the light or camera without the use of wires extending externally. Such an arrangement may makeforceps600,650 easier to use and less cumbersome. Preferably, the power source is light enough not to significantly weigh downforceps600,650. More preferably,lighting element610,660 andcamera element680 are similar in weight and are at a similar distance, preferably equidistant, fromtip671,672.
• Illustrated inFIGS.20A to20D is an embodiment of alighting element700 that may be used to retrofit forceps that do not have a lighting element built in.Lighting element700 includes a securingelement710 and alight source720. Securingelement710 secureslighting element700 to the forceps. In the embodiment shown, securingelement710 comprises an elastic material and may stretch to fit the forceps or any other item to whichlighting element700 is attached. More specifically, one of the legs of the forceps is slid throughaperture712 of securingelement710, until securingelement710 has a stable grip on the leg of the forceps, so thatlighting element700 will not be dislodged unintentionally. Whereas an elastic material is described herein, it is to be understood that any securing element, by way of non-limiting example, adhesive, magnetic or interlocking mechanisms, or Velcro® may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• Furthermore, whereas embodiments oflighting element610,660,700 are shown as being positioned on a leg of the forceps, it may be positioned between the forceps legs, for example, along the central axis between the forceps legs, as an alternate embodiment without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• Alternate embodiments of the blade unit are shown inFIGS.21A-22C. As shown,blade unit800,820 include acoupling element802,822, anelectrode804,824, and alighting element806,826 surroundingelectrode804,824. Lighting element may comprise a plurality of LEDs at least partially surroundingelectrode804,824 such that the collective light emitted therefrom is coaxial with the tip ofelectrode804,824. The embodiment shown inFIGS.21A -21C further includes asuction element808 for removing smoke or fluids, such as blood, from the surgical site. The device may therefore eliminate the need for a separate suction device during a procedure. A separate suction device may be used for removing smoke formed by tissue being burned at the surgical site, or for removing blood and/or other fluids. Because there is typically only oneincision20, the suction device may crowd the surgical sight as well as theincision20 through which the surgeon views the surgical site. Therefore, eliminating the need of a separate suction device may facilitate the procedure being performed. Furthermore, because the suction device is integrated with the blade unit, the smoke and/or fluids are removed from proximate the electrode, which is typically the region from which the surgeon wants to remove the smoke and/or fluids, to see the tissue on which he is performing the procedure. If the surgeon holds the suction device, it occupies one of his hands. If another person holds the suction device, the surgeon must tell them when and where to move the suction device, or the person must guess and move the suction device without aim, being careful not to hit the electrode or damaging the tender tissue. Therefore, providing a unitary device that permits the surgeon to illuminate the surgical site, control where the light points, and remove smoke and/or fluids from the surgical site simultaneously while controlling the electrode to perform a procedure may facilitate the procedure and reduce the likelihood of error and surgeon’s fatigue.
• Lighting element806,826 is preferably close to the distal tip ofelectrode804,824, more preferably less than 5 cm therefrom. Additionally, the LEDs surroundelectrode804,824, thus minimizing any shadow cast on the tissue byelectrode804,824. Whereas three LEDs are illustrated inFIGS.21A-22C, it is to be understood that the number of LEDs may vary without deviating from the scope of the invention. A camera element may also be included, for example, in place ofsuction element808 or next tosuction element808.
• The examples provided are merely exemplary, as a matter of application specific to design choice, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,camera element460,560,680 may further include an LED or other light source built in without deviating from the scope of the invention as a matter of application specific to design choice.
• The apparatus and system may include one or more batteries for powering the entire apparatus or system or separately to each individual component. Additionally, other alterations can be made, as a way of non-limiting example, the shape and size of the surgical electrode, the length of the handle, the length and size of the removable tool, the length and size of the lighting element, can be varied, without deviating from the scope of the invention.
• It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
• It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims (20)

1. An electrode receiving unit for receiving an electrode blade and connecting to a handle of an electrocautery device, the electrode receiving unit comprising:

a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a body axis extending between said proximal end and said distal end; and

a light element disposed at said distal end, constructed and arranged to emit light having a light central axis coaxial with said body axis;

wherein said proximal end comprises a first connecting element for non-permanently connecting said body to a handle of an electrocautery device, and said distal end comprises an arm having a second connecting element for non-permanently connecting said body to an electrode, said arm extending from said distal end from outside the body axis toward said body axis.

2. The electrode receiving unit ofclaim 1, wherein said first connecting element further comprising a male connector constructed to be inserted into a female receiving portion of said handle.

3. The electrode receiving unit ofclaim 1, further comprising a light power source for powering said light element, said light power source being independent from a power source for powering said electrode.

4. The electrode receiving unit ofclaim 1, further comprising a camera at said distal end.

5. An electrocautery extension unit suitable for coupling to an electrocautery handpiece and an electrocautery blade comprising:

a body having a first end, a second end, an axis extending between and beyond the first end and the second end, and a third end constructed and configured to not align along said axis;

a first connecting element disposed at the first end, constructed and configured to couple to an electrocautery handpiece;

a light element disposed at the second end, constructed and configured to emit light having a center beam along the axis; and

a second connecting element disposed at the third end constructed and configured to couple to an electrocautery blade.

6. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5, wherein said first connecting element further comprising a male connector constructed to be inserted into a female receiving portion of said electrocautery handpiece.

7. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5, further comprising a light power source for powering said light element.

8. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5, further comprising a camera at said second end.

9. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5, wherein the third end is constructed and positioned further away from the first end than the second end.

10. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5, wherein the distance between the first end and the third end is greater than the distance between the first end and the second end.

11. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 5 further comprising a conductive element to allow the electrocautery blade to receive a signal from the electrocautery handpiece.

12. An electrocautery extension unit comprising:

an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a first longitudinal plane;

a first connecting element disposed at said proximal end, constructed and configured to couple to an electrocautery handpiece;

a second connecting element disposed at said distal end constructed and configured to couple to an electrocautery blade;

a light element disposed proximate the distal end, constructed and configured to emit light;

wherein the first connecting element, second connecting element and the light element are configured and positioned on the first longitudinal plane.

13. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 12 further comprising a second longitudinal plane perpendicular to the first longitudinal plane.

14. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 13, wherein the second connecting element is positioned above the second longitudinal plane and the light element is positioned below the second longitudinal plane.

15. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 14, where in the second connecting element is configured to receive the electrocautery blade so that the tip of the electrocautery blade terminates below the second longitudinal plane.

16. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 14, wherein the second connecting element is configured to receive the electrocautery blade so that the tip of the blade terminates on the second longitudinal plane.

17. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 12, further comprising a camera.

18. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 12, further comprising a power source for powering the light element.

19. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 12, further comprising a third connecting element to connect to a power source to power the light element.

20. The electrocautery extension unit ofclaim 12, further comprising a conductive element to allow the electrocautery blade to receive a signal from the electrocautery handpiece.

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