US20080077145A1 - Sterilizing cutting system - Google Patents
Sterilizing cutting system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080077145A1 US20080077145A1 US11/526,193 US52619306A US2008077145A1 US 20080077145 A1 US20080077145 A1 US 20080077145A1 US 52619306 A US52619306 A US 52619306A US 2008077145 A1 US2008077145 A1 US 2008077145A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sectioning
- ultraviolet
- canceled
- radiation
- energy
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3209—Incision instruments
- A61B17/3211—Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3201—Scissors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/40—Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
- A61L2/0011—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using physical methods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultra-violet radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/320016—Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes
- A61B17/32002—Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes with continuously rotating, oscillating or reciprocating cutting instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00057—Light
- A61B2017/00061—Light spectrum
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00084—Temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
Definitions
- Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).
- an apparatus for sectioning a material includes a first member including a sectioning structure (e.g., a cutting edge or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer) and an optical guiding structure.
- the optical guiding structure has a first portion coupled to the cutting edge and a second portion separated from the first portion, wherein the guiding structure is configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion.
- the guiding structure may be integral to the first member.
- the first member may include at least one output coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective surface) configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure.
- the apparatus may include an energy blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating such as a metal coating) which may be positioned between the sectioning structure and an expected grip region and/or between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location.
- the apparatus may include a region shaped for grasping, which may include an energy blocking structure such as an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating (e.g., a metal coating).
- the apparatus may further include a converting structure configured to convert ultraviolet energy to plasmon energy, which may include a metal coating such as a silver coating, and the optical guiding structure may include a plasmon guiding structure. At least a portion of the first member may be at least partially transparent to ultraviolet energy, and the first member may include diamond and/or quartz.
- the optical guiding structure may include a waveguide and/or an optical fiber, and may be configured to propagate the ultraviolet energy to substantially all of the sectioning structure.
- the sectioning structure may include, for example, a cutting edge, a piercing structure, and/or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer.
- an apparatus for sectioning a material in another aspect, includes a first member including a sectioning structure and an ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a laser) optically coupled to the sectioning structure.
- the apparatus may further include an optical guiding structure having a first portion coupled to the sectioning structure and a second portion coupled to the ultraviolet emitted, the guiding portion being configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion.
- the guiding structure may be integral to the first member, and may include a waveguide and/or an optical fiber.
- the first member may include at least one output coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective surface) configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure.
- the apparatus may include an ultraviolet blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating such as a metal coating) between the sectioning structure and an expected grip location and/or between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location.
- the apparatus may include a handle, which may include an ultraviolet blocking structure such as an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating (e.g., a metal coating).
- the apparatus may include a converter configured to convert ultraviolet emissions to plasmon emissions, such as a metal (e.g., silver) layer.
- the ultraviolet emitter may be configured to direct ultraviolet energy through the sectioning structure, and may be positioned on a surface of the first member and/or on the sectioning structure.
- the ultraviolet emitted may be configured to emit radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- the sectioning structure may include a cutting edge, a piercing structure, and/or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer.
- an apparatus in yet another aspect, includes a first member including a sectioning structure, an ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a laser) optically coupled to the sectioning structure, and a switch configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to a signal condition.
- the switch may be configured for manual activation, or it may modulate the ultraviolet emitter when the sectioning structure is in contact with a material.
- the apparatus may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or a receiver responsive to a carrier signal in the material) that determines proximity of the sectioning structure to a material, in which case the switch may be configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to the proximity sensor.
- the switch may be configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to a temperature sensor, to a reflectivity sensor that is configured to detect reflectivity in the vicinity of the sectioning structure, to a biological sensor that is configured to detect a presence of microorganisms in the vicinity of the sectioning structure, and/or to a force sensor.
- Modulating the ultraviolet emitter may include activating or deactivating the ultraviolet emitter.
- the ultraviolet emitter may be configured to emit radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- a method of sectioning includes contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer), and emitting sterilizing radiation from the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool.
- a sectioning tool e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer
- Contacting the material with the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool may include cutting, cauterizing, dissecting, and/or piercing the material. Emission of the sterilizing radiation may be substantially concurrent or alternate with contacting the material with the sectioning surface.
- the material may be biological tissue, which may be human, animal, or plant tissue and may be alive or nonliving.
- the tissue may be an organ (e.g., a cardiovascular organ, a digestive organ, an endocrine system organ, an immune system organ, an integumentary system organ, a lymphatic organ, a musculoskeletal organ, a nervous system organ, a reproductive organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a urinary organ).
- the sectioning surface may be at least partially transparent to the sterilizing radiation (e.g., diamond or quartz).
- the radiation may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- a method of sectioning includes contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer), and directing sterilizing radiation from an integrated emitter onto the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool.
- a sectioning tool e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer
- Contacting the material with the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool may include cutting, cauterizing, dissecting, and/or piercing the material. Emission of the sterilizing radiation may be substantially concurrent or alternate with contacting the material with the sectioning surface.
- the material may be biological tissue, which may be human, animal, or plant tissue and may be alive or nonliving.
- the tissue may be an organ (e.g., a cardiovascular organ, a digestive organ, an endocrine system organ, an immune system organ, an integumentary system organ, a lymphatic organ, a musculoskeletal organ, a nervous system organ, a reproductive organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a urinary organ).
- the radiation may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- a control system for a sectioning tool includes a sensor that senses a condition in the vicinity of the sectioning tool, and a sensor logic that generates a signal in response to the sensor, wherein the generated signal is configured to modulate sterilizing radiation at a sectioning surface of the sectioning tool.
- the sensor may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an antenna), a reflectivity sensor, a biological sensor, and/or a force sensor.
- the generated signal may be configured to increase or decrease the amplitude of the sterilizing radiation, or to initiate or terminate the sterilizing radiation.
- the sensor logic may include electrical circuitry.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cutting instrument.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cutting blade.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another cutting instrument.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an electrocauterizer.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a rotary cutter.
- Iatrogenic infections are believed to be increasing in seriousness, due in part to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While postoperative infection is a relatively rare occurrence for modern surgeons, infections of surgical sites do occur and may require extensive follow-up treatment. It is currently believed that many such infections are due to the entry of normal skin flora into the surgical site, which may occur due to transport on scalpels and other sectioning tools (e.g., cauters, trocars, needles, drills, curettes, and/or staples).
- the sectioning tools described herein may mitigate such infections by sterilizing some or all of the portions of the tools contacting the patient and their surroundings, either intermittently or continuously, before, during, and/or after surgery.
- FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument, suitable for a variety of surgeries including opthalmologic surgery.
- the instrument includes a cutting blade 10 , which is at least partially transparent to sterilizing radiation (for example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm, or blue light).
- sterilizing radiation for example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm, or blue light.
- the instrument may include a piercing structure (such as a syringe).
- the cutting blade 10 may be partially or completely made of quartz or of diamond, or may be coated with such materials.
- the instrument shown also includes a guiding structure 12 , which may be an optical fiber, a waveguide, or any other structure suitable for transmitting sterilizing radiation, and a sterilizing radiation source 14 (e.g., a UV laser or a mercury vapor lamp).
- a sterilizing radiation source 14 e.g., a UV laser or a mercury vapor lamp
- sterilizing radiation source 14 may be directly connected to cutting blade 10 without need for guiding structure 12 .
- the instrument further includes a handle 16 and a manual switch 18 .
- the manual switch 18 may be configured to modulate the emission of radiation of source 14 , for example by turning the source on or off, by increasing or decreasing the intensity of radiation from the source, by changing the wavelength of the source, and/or by changing the strobe frequency and/or strobe duration of a stroboscopic source.
- the manual switch 18 may modulate the transmission of sterilizing radiation through the guiding structure 12 .
- Other embodiments may include other circuitry for modulating the delivery of radiation as discussed further below. While manual switch 18 is positioned on the scalpel, the switch may also be, for example, a foot switch, a head-mounted switch, a voice-activated switch, and/or a remote switch.
- FIG. 2 shows the tip of the instrument of FIG. 1 .
- cutting blade 10 is secured in a collar 20 .
- a sensor 22 is positioned on the front face of the collar 20 .
- Sensor 22 may be, for example, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a biological sensor, and/or a reflectivity sensor.
- Radiation source 14 and/or guiding structure 12 may be adjusted to modulate sterilizing radiation reaching cutting blade 10 in response to a signal from sensor 22 .
- FIG. 1 shows a manual switch
- some embodiments may control and/or activate the sterilizing radiation automatically or semi-automatically in response to input signals, timers or other appropriate structures.
- signals, timers, or other structures may be implemented through electrical circuitry, mechanical approaches, or a variety of other approaches to controlling duration, amount, intensity, focus or other parameters of sterilizing radiation.
- a switch may reduce radiation levels responsive to an external sensor such as a temperature sensor that indicates that the instrument is close to warm living tissue. Such an approach can reduce exposure of tissue to potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- the switch may increase radiation levels near living tissue, thereby selectively increasing exposure to radiation, which may enhance sterilization.
- the switch may similarly increase or decrease radiation levels when a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, or an antenna that senses a carrier signal in the material to be cut) indicates that the cutting instrument is near the material to be cut.
- the switch may increase radiation levels when a biological sensor indicates that particular microorganisms are detected, or may reduce radiation levels to avoid reflecting sterilizing radiation into a user's eyes when a reflectivity sensor indicates that the instrument is approaching a high-reflectivity surface.
- the switch may adjust levels in response to a self-motion sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor or an external tracking system that monitors instrument position), for example to increase intensity during rapid movement of the instrument, which may tend to equalize the dose of radiation delivered to any region of tissue.
- the switch may modulate other characteristics of the sterilizing radiation such as frequency and phase, manually and/or in response to one or more sensors.
- energy may be transmitted through the guiding structure 12 and converted to sterilizing radiation at the cutting blade 10 .
- optical radiation may be transmitted through the guiding structure and converted to plasmon radiation by a conversion structure, such as a thin silver layer 24 located on part or all of the cutting blade 10 .
- a conversion structure such as a thin silver layer 24 located on part or all of the cutting blade 10 .
- the illustrative conversion structure is presented as the thin silver layer 24
- other conversion structures can produce plasmonic radiation proximate the cutting blade 10 .
- the cutting blade 10 may include a layered dielectric that prevents radiation other than evanescent waves from escaping the cutting blade 10 . Since evanescent waves are typically extremely localized in nature, the sterilizing radiation in such embodiments may be confined to the surface of the cutting blade 10 , potentially avoiding exposure of other tissue.
- sterilizing radiation such as ultraviolet radiation is directed into the cutting blade 10 at a sufficiently shallow angle to the surface that it is totally internally reflected when the blade 10 is exposed to air, but is transmitted outward when the cutting blade 10 is in contact with a higher-index material (e.g., water, or the body of a cell).
- a higher-index material e.g., water, or the body of a cell.
- the sterilizing radiation may efficiently be directed only or primarily into cells on the surface of the cutting blade 10 .
- the radiation may be totally internally reflected along the body of the blade, and able to escape only at the faceted tip.
- the cutting blade 10 may include a variety of modulating structures that shift phase, frequency, intensity, or other characteristics of radiation, such as but not limited to lenses, mirrors, gratings, polarizers, or filters. Any of these modulating structures may be either active or passive.
- Handle 16 may include a blocking structure that blocks sterilizing radiation from reaching certain areas.
- the handle may prevent radiation from reaching the surgeon's hand and/or eyes.
- the blocking structure may comprise a layer of metal or other radiation-blocking material.
- the structure may also have a reflecting or focusing effect, guiding the radiation towards the cutting blade 10 .
- the frequency and intensity of radiation may be selected to achieve the degree of sterilization required.
- ultraviolet radiation in the range of about 230 to about 280 nm (UV-C) is considered to have a strong germicidal effect, with dosages of about 1-50 mJ/cm 2 being sufficient to inhibit colony formation and/or to kill most bacteria and viruses (see Siddiqui, “Ultraviolet Radiation: Knowing All the Facts for Effective Water Treatment,” Water Conditioning & Purification , May 2004:11-13, which is incorporated by reference herein).
- FIG. 3 shows another cutting device suitable for use in surgery.
- the device includes a cutting blade 26 , and an integrated radiation source 28 that directs sterilizing radiation 29 towards the cutting blade 26 .
- Sterilizing radiation may be generated at the radiation source 28 , or it may be guided by an optical guiding structure (not shown) to the output location shown where it is directed onto the cutting blade.
- radiation may be controlled by a manual switch and/or by a fully or semi-automatic switch responsive to one or more input signals, timers, or other appropriate control devices.
- the cutting blade 26 may, but need not, propagate the sterilizing radiation.
- FIG. 4 shows an electrocautery device.
- Cauterizing tip 30 is connected via leads 32 to an electrical supply (not shown).
- Cauterizing tip 30 is also connected to a guiding structure 34 suitable for transmitting sterilizing radiation from a radiation source (not shown).
- a radiation source may be directly coupled to cauterizing tip 30 without need for guiding structure 34 .
- the sterilizing radiation may be ultraviolet radiation.
- the radiation may be converted into a sterilizing form by a converting structure at the cauterizing tip 30 , such as a thin silver layer that converts a conventional wave to an evanescent (plasmon) form.
- the sectioning tools described above may be used for surgery on humans and/or animals, including surgery on cardiovascular organs (e.g., the heart, veins, and/or arteries), digestive organs (e.g., the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gall bladder, and/or pancreas), endocrine system organs (e.g., the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, and/or kidney), immune system organs (e.g., the bone marrow, thymus gland, adenoids, tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and/or the appendix), skin, nervous system organs (e.g., the brain, spine, and/or nerves), reproductive organs (e.g., the penis, prepuce, testicles, scrotum, prostate, seminal vesicles, epi
- “Sectioning” may include any means of physically dividing a material, including without limitation cutting, dissecting, incising, piercing, cleaving, drilling, curetting, or perforating.
- Materials to be sectioned include without limitation anything in or to be placed in the body, whether natural or implanted, including organs, sutures, grafts, catheters, wires, implant devices (e.g., metal, ceramic, and/or plastic implants), and/or transplanted tissue (e.g., allograft, autograft, and/or xenograft), and further include food items such as meat, vegetable, and/or dairy products.
- the sectioning tools and methods described above may be well-adapted for invasive procedures when these procedures must be performed in relatively nonsterile environments, such as emergency procedures at a trauma scene, in an ambulance, on a battlefield, or at a campsite. They may be appropriate for outpatient procedures at a doctor's office where conditions are typically less sterile than in an operating room, or for veterinary procedures that must sometimes be performed under extremely nonsterile conditions (e.g., routine castration of meat animals).
- FIG. 5 shows a sawing device for use in butchery.
- Self-sterilizing radiation may be used with a variety of slaughterhouse and meat packing equipment, including without limitation cutters, handlers, trimmers, grinders, rendering equipment, and/or mechanical meat separators; the instrument shown in FIG. 5 is a rotary cutter.
- Cutting surface 40 includes a material selected to be partially or fully transparent to sterilizing radiation (e.g., to ultraviolet radiation). Radiation is delivered from radiation source 42 to cutting surface 40 via one or more guiding structures 44 , which in FIG. 4 are arranged as spokes in a wheel.
- Cutting surface 40 may further be constructed to guide radiation along the circumference in order to reach more of the cutting surface.
- the sawing device of FIG. 5 may emit sterilizing radiation continuously during meat cutting, or the sterilizing radiation may be switched on and off.
- the sterilizing radiation may be switched on to sterilize the cutter between cuts, potentially minimizing cross-contamination of the cutter from one carcass to the next.
- the cutter may include a sensor that automatically deactivates (or otherwise modulates) the radiation when the cutter is in contact with the meat.
- the sensor may be, for example, a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive or optical sensor), a temperature sensor, an antenna that senses a carrier signal in the meat, or a force sensor that senses load on the rotary cutter or weight of a carcass being brought into position for cutting.
- the sterilizing radiation may be activated when in contact with the meat by use of a similar sensor.
- sterilizing methods and self-sterilizing tools described above may also be used for the preparation of other foods, and for other agricultural and veterinary uses.
- automated harvesting equipment may self-sterilize by emission of radiation, thereby reducing spread of blight and other plant infections in a field.
- Self-sterilizing food preparation and packaging equipment may reduce food-borne infections (e.g., bacterial infections in bagged salads) by reducing contamination of foodstuffs.
- Knives, needles, and other sectioning instruments that are typically carried by outdoorsmen and/or soldiers may be field-sterilized to reduce chances of infection, for example when they are used for food preparation (e.g., cleaning fish and game) or for invasive procedures ranging from minor (e.g., splinter removal) to major (e.g., emergency tracheotomy).
- food preparation e.g., cleaning fish and game
- invasive procedures ranging from minor (e.g., splinter removal) to major (e.g., emergency tracheotomy).
- electrical circuitry includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment).
- a computer program e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein
- electrical circuitry forming a memory device
Abstract
Sectioning tools that emit self-sterilizing radiation. In one approach, the radiation is ultraviolet and/or plasmonic.
Description
- The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).
- 1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of United States patent application Ser. No. [To Be Assigned by USPTO], entitled SWITCHABLE STERILIZING CUTTING SYSTEM, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Thomas A. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 22 Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
- 2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of United States patent application Ser. No. [To Be Assigned by USPTO], entitled STERILIZING CUTTING METHOD, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Thomas A. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 22 Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
- The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).
- All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
- In one aspect, an apparatus for sectioning a material includes a first member including a sectioning structure (e.g., a cutting edge or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer) and an optical guiding structure. The optical guiding structure has a first portion coupled to the cutting edge and a second portion separated from the first portion, wherein the guiding structure is configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion. The guiding structure may be integral to the first member. The first member may include at least one output coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective surface) configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure. The apparatus may include an energy blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating such as a metal coating) which may be positioned between the sectioning structure and an expected grip region and/or between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location. The apparatus may include a region shaped for grasping, which may include an energy blocking structure such as an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating (e.g., a metal coating). The apparatus may further include a converting structure configured to convert ultraviolet energy to plasmon energy, which may include a metal coating such as a silver coating, and the optical guiding structure may include a plasmon guiding structure. At least a portion of the first member may be at least partially transparent to ultraviolet energy, and the first member may include diamond and/or quartz. The optical guiding structure may include a waveguide and/or an optical fiber, and may be configured to propagate the ultraviolet energy to substantially all of the sectioning structure. The sectioning structure may include, for example, a cutting edge, a piercing structure, and/or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer.
- In another aspect, an apparatus for sectioning a material includes a first member including a sectioning structure and an ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a laser) optically coupled to the sectioning structure. The apparatus may further include an optical guiding structure having a first portion coupled to the sectioning structure and a second portion coupled to the ultraviolet emitted, the guiding portion being configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion. The guiding structure may be integral to the first member, and may include a waveguide and/or an optical fiber. The first member may include at least one output coupling structure (e.g., an internally reflective surface) configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure. The apparatus may include an ultraviolet blocking structure (e.g., an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating such as a metal coating) between the sectioning structure and an expected grip location and/or between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location. The apparatus may include a handle, which may include an ultraviolet blocking structure such as an opaque and/or ultraviolet opaque coating (e.g., a metal coating). The apparatus may include a converter configured to convert ultraviolet emissions to plasmon emissions, such as a metal (e.g., silver) layer. The ultraviolet emitter may be configured to direct ultraviolet energy through the sectioning structure, and may be positioned on a surface of the first member and/or on the sectioning structure. The ultraviolet emitted may be configured to emit radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm). The sectioning structure may include a cutting edge, a piercing structure, and/or a cauterizer such as an electrocauterizer.
- In yet another aspect, an apparatus includes a first member including a sectioning structure, an ultraviolet emitter (e.g., a laser) optically coupled to the sectioning structure, and a switch configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to a signal condition. The switch may be configured for manual activation, or it may modulate the ultraviolet emitter when the sectioning structure is in contact with a material. The apparatus may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or a receiver responsive to a carrier signal in the material) that determines proximity of the sectioning structure to a material, in which case the switch may be configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to the proximity sensor. The switch may be configured to modulate the ultraviolet emitter in response to a temperature sensor, to a reflectivity sensor that is configured to detect reflectivity in the vicinity of the sectioning structure, to a biological sensor that is configured to detect a presence of microorganisms in the vicinity of the sectioning structure, and/or to a force sensor. Modulating the ultraviolet emitter may include activating or deactivating the ultraviolet emitter. The ultraviolet emitter may be configured to emit radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- In still another aspect, a method of sectioning includes contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer), and emitting sterilizing radiation from the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool. Contacting the material with the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool may include cutting, cauterizing, dissecting, and/or piercing the material. Emission of the sterilizing radiation may be substantially concurrent or alternate with contacting the material with the sectioning surface. The material may be biological tissue, which may be human, animal, or plant tissue and may be alive or nonliving. The tissue may be an organ (e.g., a cardiovascular organ, a digestive organ, an endocrine system organ, an immune system organ, an integumentary system organ, a lymphatic organ, a musculoskeletal organ, a nervous system organ, a reproductive organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a urinary organ). The sectioning surface may be at least partially transparent to the sterilizing radiation (e.g., diamond or quartz). The radiation may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- In a further aspect, a method of sectioning includes contacting a material with a sectioning surface of a sectioning tool (e.g., a knife, scissor, rotary cutter, and/or a cauterizer), and directing sterilizing radiation from an integrated emitter onto the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool. Contacting the material with the sectioning surface of the sectioning tool may include cutting, cauterizing, dissecting, and/or piercing the material. Emission of the sterilizing radiation may be substantially concurrent or alternate with contacting the material with the sectioning surface. The material may be biological tissue, which may be human, animal, or plant tissue and may be alive or nonliving. The tissue may be an organ (e.g., a cardiovascular organ, a digestive organ, an endocrine system organ, an immune system organ, an integumentary system organ, a lymphatic organ, a musculoskeletal organ, a nervous system organ, a reproductive organ, a respiratory organ, and/or a urinary organ). The radiation may be ultraviolet radiation, which may have a wavelength of less than about 300 nm (e.g., radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 280 nm).
- In yet a further aspect, a control system for a sectioning tool includes a sensor that senses a condition in the vicinity of the sectioning tool, and a sensor logic that generates a signal in response to the sensor, wherein the generated signal is configured to modulate sterilizing radiation at a sectioning surface of the sectioning tool. The sensor may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an antenna), a reflectivity sensor, a biological sensor, and/or a force sensor. The generated signal may be configured to increase or decrease the amplitude of the sterilizing radiation, or to initiate or terminate the sterilizing radiation. The sensor logic may include electrical circuitry.
- The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cutting instrument. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cutting blade. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another cutting instrument. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an electrocauterizer. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a rotary cutter. - In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
- Iatrogenic infections are believed to be increasing in seriousness, due in part to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While postoperative infection is a relatively rare occurrence for modern surgeons, infections of surgical sites do occur and may require extensive follow-up treatment. It is currently believed that many such infections are due to the entry of normal skin flora into the surgical site, which may occur due to transport on scalpels and other sectioning tools (e.g., cauters, trocars, needles, drills, curettes, and/or staples). The sectioning tools described herein may mitigate such infections by sterilizing some or all of the portions of the tools contacting the patient and their surroundings, either intermittently or continuously, before, during, and/or after surgery.
-
FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument, suitable for a variety of surgeries including opthalmologic surgery. The instrument includes acutting blade 10, which is at least partially transparent to sterilizing radiation (for example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation having a wavelength of less than about 300 nm, or blue light). In other embodiments, the instrument may include a piercing structure (such as a syringe). In some embodiments, thecutting blade 10 may be partially or completely made of quartz or of diamond, or may be coated with such materials. The instrument shown also includes a guidingstructure 12, which may be an optical fiber, a waveguide, or any other structure suitable for transmitting sterilizing radiation, and a sterilizing radiation source 14 (e.g., a UV laser or a mercury vapor lamp). In other embodiments, sterilizingradiation source 14 may be directly connected to cuttingblade 10 without need for guidingstructure 12. As shown, the instrument further includes ahandle 16 and amanual switch 18. Themanual switch 18 may be configured to modulate the emission of radiation ofsource 14, for example by turning the source on or off, by increasing or decreasing the intensity of radiation from the source, by changing the wavelength of the source, and/or by changing the strobe frequency and/or strobe duration of a stroboscopic source. In addition or in the alternative, themanual switch 18 may modulate the transmission of sterilizing radiation through the guidingstructure 12. Other embodiments may include other circuitry for modulating the delivery of radiation as discussed further below. Whilemanual switch 18 is positioned on the scalpel, the switch may also be, for example, a foot switch, a head-mounted switch, a voice-activated switch, and/or a remote switch. -
FIG. 2 shows the tip of the instrument ofFIG. 1 . As shown, cuttingblade 10 is secured in acollar 20. Asensor 22 is positioned on the front face of thecollar 20.Sensor 22 may be, for example, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a biological sensor, and/or a reflectivity sensor.Radiation source 14 and/or guidingstructure 12 may be adjusted to modulate sterilizing radiation reachingcutting blade 10 in response to a signal fromsensor 22. - While the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 1 shows a manual switch, some embodiments may control and/or activate the sterilizing radiation automatically or semi-automatically in response to input signals, timers or other appropriate structures. Such signals, timers, or other structures may be implemented through electrical circuitry, mechanical approaches, or a variety of other approaches to controlling duration, amount, intensity, focus or other parameters of sterilizing radiation. - In one illustrative approach, a switch may reduce radiation levels responsive to an external sensor such as a temperature sensor that indicates that the instrument is close to warm living tissue. Such an approach can reduce exposure of tissue to potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the switch may increase radiation levels near living tissue, thereby selectively increasing exposure to radiation, which may enhance sterilization. The switch may similarly increase or decrease radiation levels when a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, or an antenna that senses a carrier signal in the material to be cut) indicates that the cutting instrument is near the material to be cut. The switch may increase radiation levels when a biological sensor indicates that particular microorganisms are detected, or may reduce radiation levels to avoid reflecting sterilizing radiation into a user's eyes when a reflectivity sensor indicates that the instrument is approaching a high-reflectivity surface. The switch may adjust levels in response to a self-motion sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor or an external tracking system that monitors instrument position), for example to increase intensity during rapid movement of the instrument, which may tend to equalize the dose of radiation delivered to any region of tissue. In addition to modulating radiation intensity, the switch may modulate other characteristics of the sterilizing radiation such as frequency and phase, manually and/or in response to one or more sensors.
- In some embodiments, energy may be transmitted through the guiding
structure 12 and converted to sterilizing radiation at thecutting blade 10. In one such embodiment, optical radiation may be transmitted through the guiding structure and converted to plasmon radiation by a conversion structure, such as athin silver layer 24 located on part or all of thecutting blade 10. While the illustrative conversion structure is presented as thethin silver layer 24, other conversion structures can produce plasmonic radiation proximate thecutting blade 10. For example, thecutting blade 10 may include a layered dielectric that prevents radiation other than evanescent waves from escaping thecutting blade 10. Since evanescent waves are typically extremely localized in nature, the sterilizing radiation in such embodiments may be confined to the surface of thecutting blade 10, potentially avoiding exposure of other tissue. - In one embodiment, sterilizing radiation such as ultraviolet radiation is directed into the
cutting blade 10 at a sufficiently shallow angle to the surface that it is totally internally reflected when theblade 10 is exposed to air, but is transmitted outward when thecutting blade 10 is in contact with a higher-index material (e.g., water, or the body of a cell). In this embodiment, the sterilizing radiation may efficiently be directed only or primarily into cells on the surface of thecutting blade 10. Alternately, the radiation may be totally internally reflected along the body of the blade, and able to escape only at the faceted tip. - In other embodiments, the
cutting blade 10 may include a variety of modulating structures that shift phase, frequency, intensity, or other characteristics of radiation, such as but not limited to lenses, mirrors, gratings, polarizers, or filters. Any of these modulating structures may be either active or passive. -
Handle 16 may include a blocking structure that blocks sterilizing radiation from reaching certain areas. For example, the handle may prevent radiation from reaching the surgeon's hand and/or eyes. The blocking structure may comprise a layer of metal or other radiation-blocking material. The structure may also have a reflecting or focusing effect, guiding the radiation towards the cuttingblade 10. - The frequency and intensity of radiation may be selected to achieve the degree of sterilization required. In general, ultraviolet radiation in the range of about 230 to about 280 nm (UV-C) is considered to have a strong germicidal effect, with dosages of about 1-50 mJ/cm2 being sufficient to inhibit colony formation and/or to kill most bacteria and viruses (see Siddiqui, “Ultraviolet Radiation: Knowing All the Facts for Effective Water Treatment,” Water Conditioning & Purification, May 2004:11-13, which is incorporated by reference herein).
-
FIG. 3 shows another cutting device suitable for use in surgery. The device includes acutting blade 26, and anintegrated radiation source 28 that directs sterilizingradiation 29 towards the cuttingblade 26. Sterilizing radiation may be generated at theradiation source 28, or it may be guided by an optical guiding structure (not shown) to the output location shown where it is directed onto the cutting blade. As with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , radiation may be controlled by a manual switch and/or by a fully or semi-automatic switch responsive to one or more input signals, timers, or other appropriate control devices. Thecutting blade 26 may, but need not, propagate the sterilizing radiation. -
FIG. 4 shows an electrocautery device.Cauterizing tip 30 is connected via leads 32 to an electrical supply (not shown).Cauterizing tip 30 is also connected to a guidingstructure 34 suitable for transmitting sterilizing radiation from a radiation source (not shown). In other embodiments, a radiation source may be directly coupled to cauterizingtip 30 without need for guidingstructure 34. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiation may be ultraviolet radiation. In these or other embodiments, the radiation may be converted into a sterilizing form by a converting structure at thecauterizing tip 30, such as a thin silver layer that converts a conventional wave to an evanescent (plasmon) form. - The sectioning tools described above may be used for surgery on humans and/or animals, including surgery on cardiovascular organs (e.g., the heart, veins, and/or arteries), digestive organs (e.g., the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gall bladder, and/or pancreas), endocrine system organs (e.g., the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, and/or kidney), immune system organs (e.g., the bone marrow, thymus gland, adenoids, tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and/or the appendix), skin, nervous system organs (e.g., the brain, spine, and/or nerves), reproductive organs (e.g., the penis, prepuce, testicles, scrotum, prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, Cowper's glands, vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, placenta, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, Skene's glands, and/or Bartholin's glands), respiratory organs (e.g., the nose, mouth, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and/or diaphragm), musculoskeletal system (e.g., the muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and/or tendons), and urinary organs (e.g., the kidney, ureter, and/or bladder). “Sectioning” may include any means of physically dividing a material, including without limitation cutting, dissecting, incising, piercing, cleaving, drilling, curetting, or perforating. Materials to be sectioned include without limitation anything in or to be placed in the body, whether natural or implanted, including organs, sutures, grafts, catheters, wires, implant devices (e.g., metal, ceramic, and/or plastic implants), and/or transplanted tissue (e.g., allograft, autograft, and/or xenograft), and further include food items such as meat, vegetable, and/or dairy products.
- In some embodiments, the sectioning tools and methods described above may be well-adapted for invasive procedures when these procedures must be performed in relatively nonsterile environments, such as emergency procedures at a trauma scene, in an ambulance, on a battlefield, or at a campsite. They may be appropriate for outpatient procedures at a doctor's office where conditions are typically less sterile than in an operating room, or for veterinary procedures that must sometimes be performed under extremely nonsterile conditions (e.g., routine castration of meat animals).
- The sterilization of cutting and sectioning tools is of increasing concern in the slaughterhouse and meat packing industries, in part but not entirely due to the rise in incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
FIG. 5 shows a sawing device for use in butchery. Self-sterilizing radiation may be used with a variety of slaughterhouse and meat packing equipment, including without limitation cutters, handlers, trimmers, grinders, rendering equipment, and/or mechanical meat separators; the instrument shown inFIG. 5 is a rotary cutter. Cuttingsurface 40 includes a material selected to be partially or fully transparent to sterilizing radiation (e.g., to ultraviolet radiation). Radiation is delivered fromradiation source 42 to cuttingsurface 40 via one ormore guiding structures 44, which inFIG. 4 are arranged as spokes in a wheel. Cuttingsurface 40 may further be constructed to guide radiation along the circumference in order to reach more of the cutting surface. - In use, the sawing device of
FIG. 5 may emit sterilizing radiation continuously during meat cutting, or the sterilizing radiation may be switched on and off. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable not to “cook” the surface of the meat during cutting, but the sterilizing radiation may be switched on to sterilize the cutter between cuts, potentially minimizing cross-contamination of the cutter from one carcass to the next. In some such embodiments, the cutter may include a sensor that automatically deactivates (or otherwise modulates) the radiation when the cutter is in contact with the meat. The sensor may be, for example, a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive or optical sensor), a temperature sensor, an antenna that senses a carrier signal in the meat, or a force sensor that senses load on the rotary cutter or weight of a carcass being brought into position for cutting. In other embodiments, the sterilizing radiation may be activated when in contact with the meat by use of a similar sensor. - The sterilizing methods and self-sterilizing tools described above may also be used for the preparation of other foods, and for other agricultural and veterinary uses. For example, automated harvesting equipment may self-sterilize by emission of radiation, thereby reducing spread of blight and other plant infections in a field. Self-sterilizing food preparation and packaging equipment may reduce food-borne infections (e.g., bacterial infections in bagged salads) by reducing contamination of foodstuffs. Knives, needles, and other sectioning instruments that are typically carried by outdoorsmen and/or soldiers may be field-sterilized to reduce chances of infection, for example when they are used for food preparation (e.g., cleaning fish and game) or for invasive procedures ranging from minor (e.g., splinter removal) to major (e.g., emergency tracheotomy).
- While the illustrative implementations described herein include a variety of structures that provide sterilizing radiation near a cutting edge or similar area, such approaches may be combined with other forms of sterilization, such as a broader area ultraviolet radiation or x-ray radiation, as appropriate.
- In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.
- While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (39)
1. An apparatus for sectioning a material, comprising:
a first member including a sectioning structure; and
an optical guiding structure having a first portion coupled to the sectioning structure and a second portion separated from the first portion, the guiding structure being configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the guiding structure is integral to the first member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first member includes at least one output coupling structure configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the output coupling structure is an internally reflective surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an energy blocking structure interposed between the sectioning structure and an expected grip region.
6.-8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an energy blocking structure interposed between the sectioning structure and an expected viewing location.
10.-12. (canceled)
13-17. (canceled)
18. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a converting structure configured to convert ultraviolet energy to plasmon energy.
19-20. (canceled)
21. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the optical guiding structure further includes a plasmon guiding structure proximate to the first portion.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first member is at least partially transparent to the ultraviolet energy.
23-26. (canceled)
27. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical guiding structure includes a waveguide.
28. (canceled)
29. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical guiding structure is configured to propagate the ultraviolet energy to substantially all of the sectioning structure.
30. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sectioning structure includes at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a cutting edge, a piercing structure, a drill, and a cauterizer.
31-34. (canceled)
35. An apparatus for sectioning a material, comprising:
a first member including a sectioning structure; and
an ultraviolet emitter optically directed to the sectioning structure.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is optically coupled to the sectioning structure.
37. The apparatus of claim 35 , further comprising an optical guiding structure having a first portion directed to the sectioning structure and a second portion coupled to the ultraviolet emitter, the guiding portion being configured to propagate ultraviolet energy from the second portion to the first portion.
38-41. (canceled)
42. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the first member includes at least one output coupling structure configured to direct ultraviolet energy from the guiding structure towards the sectioning structure.
43. The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the output coupling structure is an internally reflective surface.
44. The apparatus of claim 35 , further comprising an ultraviolet blocking structure interposed between the sectioning structure and an expected grip location.
45.-47. (canceled)
48-49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. The apparatus of claim 35 , further comprising a converter configured to convert ultraviolet emissions to plasmon emissions.
52-53. (canceled)
54. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is configured to direct ultraviolet energy through the sectioning structure.
55. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is positioned on a surface of the first member.
56. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is positioned on the sectioning structure.
57. (canceled)
58. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength less than about 300 nm.
59. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the ultraviolet emitter is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and 280 nm.
60. The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the sectioning structure includes a cutting edge.
61.-64. (canceled)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,090 US20080077122A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting method |
US11/526,192 US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
US11/526,193 US20080077145A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting system |
PCT/US2007/020417 WO2008097280A2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2007-09-20 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
PCT/US2007/020290 WO2008039341A2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2007-09-20 | Sterilizing cutting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,090 US20080077122A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting method |
US11/526,192 US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
US11/526,193 US20080077145A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting system |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,090 Continuation-In-Part US20080077122A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting method |
US11/526,192 Continuation-In-Part US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,090 Continuation-In-Part US20080077122A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting method |
US11/526,192 Continuation-In-Part US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080077145A1 true US20080077145A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
Family
ID=39226004
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,192 Expired - Fee Related US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
US11/526,193 Abandoned US20080077145A1 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Sterilizing cutting system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/526,192 Expired - Fee Related US9107692B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2006-09-22 | Switchable sterilizing cutting system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9107692B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008039341A2 (en) |
Cited By (123)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140114327A1 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2014-04-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgeon feedback sensing and display methods |
US20150148615A1 (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2015-05-28 | Xcelerator Labs, Llc | Ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices |
US9232979B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2016-01-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically controlled surgical instrument |
US9237921B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-01-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9241728B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with multiple clamping mechanisms |
US9241731B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Rotatable electrical connection for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9283045B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-03-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with fluid management system |
US9326788B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-05-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Lockout mechanism for use with robotic electrosurgical device |
US9339289B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2016-05-17 | Ehticon Endo-Surgery, LLC | Ultrasonic surgical instrument blades |
US9393037B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-07-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US9408622B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-08-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US9414853B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2016-08-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length |
US9427249B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2016-08-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Rotatable cutting implements with friction reducing material for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9439668B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Switch arrangements for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9504483B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2016-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9504855B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2016-11-29 | Ethicon Surgery, LLC | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9510850B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2016-12-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9623237B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2017-04-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US9636135B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2017-05-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9642644B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2017-05-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9649126B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2017-05-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Seal arrangements for ultrasonically powered surgical instruments |
US9700339B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2017-07-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Coupling arrangements and methods for attaching tools to ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9713507B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2017-07-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Closed feedback control for electrosurgical device |
US9724118B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2017-08-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9737326B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2017-08-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Haptic feedback devices for surgical robot |
US9764164B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2017-09-19 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9795405B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2017-10-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US9801648B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2017-10-31 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9848902B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2017-12-26 | Ethicon Llc | Ergonomic surgical instruments |
US9848901B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2017-12-26 | Ethicon Llc | Dual purpose surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9883884B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2018-02-06 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9962182B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2018-05-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with moving cutting implement |
US10010339B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2018-07-03 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10034704B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2018-07-31 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with user adaptable algorithms |
US10034684B2 (en) | 2015-06-15 | 2018-07-31 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for dissecting and coagulating tissue |
US10154852B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2018-12-18 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blade with improved cutting and coagulation features |
US10179022B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-01-15 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw position impedance limiter for electrosurgical instrument |
US10194973B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2019-02-05 | Ethicon Llc | Generator for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms for electrosurgical and ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10201382B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-02-12 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10226273B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-03-12 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanical fasteners for use with surgical energy devices |
US10245064B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2019-04-02 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instrument with piezoelectric central lumen transducer |
US10251664B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2019-04-09 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with multi-function motor via shifting gear assembly |
USD847990S1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2019-05-07 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US10278721B2 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2019-05-07 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical instrument with separate closure and cutting members |
US10285723B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2019-05-14 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blade with improved heel portion |
US10285724B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2019-05-14 | Ethicon Llc | Actuation mechanisms and load adjustment assemblies for surgical instruments |
US10321950B2 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2019-06-18 | Ethicon Llc | Managing tissue treatment |
US10342602B2 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2019-07-09 | Ethicon Llc | Managing tissue treatment |
US10349999B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2019-07-16 | Ethicon Llc | Controlling impedance rise in electrosurgical medical devices |
US10357303B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2019-07-23 | Ethicon Llc | Translatable outer tube for sealing using shielded lap chole dissector |
US10376305B2 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2019-08-13 | Ethicon Llc | Methods and systems for advanced harmonic energy |
US10420579B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2019-09-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US10420580B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2019-09-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic transducer for surgical instrument |
US10426507B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2019-10-01 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10433900B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2019-10-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments for tensioning tissue |
US10441345B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-10-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10456193B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2019-10-29 | Ethicon Llc | Medical device with a bilateral jaw configuration for nerve stimulation |
US10463421B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2019-11-05 | Ethicon Llc | Two stage trigger, clamp and cut bipolar vessel sealer |
US10485607B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2019-11-26 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw structure with distal closure for electrosurgical instruments |
US10524854B2 (en) | 2010-07-23 | 2020-01-07 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US10537352B2 (en) | 2004-10-08 | 2020-01-21 | Ethicon Llc | Tissue pads for use with surgical instruments |
US10543008B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-01-28 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with distally positioned jaw assemblies |
US10555769B2 (en) | 2016-02-22 | 2020-02-11 | Ethicon Llc | Flexible circuits for electrosurgical instrument |
US10575892B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2020-03-03 | Ethicon Llc | Adapter for electrical surgical instruments |
US10595930B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2020-03-24 | Ethicon Llc | Electrode wiping surgical device |
US10595929B2 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2020-03-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with firing system overload protection mechanisms |
US10603064B2 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2020-03-31 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic transducer |
US10639092B2 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2020-05-05 | Ethicon Llc | Electrode configurations for surgical instruments |
US10646269B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2020-05-12 | Ethicon Llc | Non-linear jaw gap for electrosurgical instruments |
USRE47996E1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2020-05-19 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10702329B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2020-07-07 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw structure with distal post for electrosurgical instruments |
US10716615B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-07-21 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with curved end effectors having asymmetric engagement between jaw and blade |
US10765470B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2020-09-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques employing simultaneous energy modalities based on tissue parameters |
US10779879B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Detecting short circuits in electrosurgical medical devices |
US10779845B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with distally positioned transducers |
US10779848B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasound medical instrument having a medical ultrasonic blade |
US10820920B2 (en) | 2017-07-05 | 2020-11-03 | Ethicon Llc | Reusable ultrasonic medical devices and methods of their use |
US10835307B2 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument containing elongated multi-layered shaft |
US10842580B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with control mechanisms |
US10842522B2 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments having offset blades |
US10856896B2 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating |
US10856929B2 (en) | 2014-01-07 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Harvesting energy from a surgical generator |
US10874418B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2020-12-29 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical shears and method for sealing a blood vessel using same |
US10881449B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Multi-function bi-polar forceps |
US10893883B2 (en) | 2016-07-13 | 2021-01-19 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic assembly for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10898256B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-01-26 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques based on tissue impedance |
US10912603B2 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical devices |
US10912580B2 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Medical device |
US10925659B2 (en) | 2013-09-13 | 2021-02-23 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical (RF) medical instruments for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10952759B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2021-03-23 | Ethicon Llc | Tissue loading of a surgical instrument |
US10987123B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2021-04-27 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US10987183B2 (en) | 2013-11-28 | 2021-04-27 | Alcon Inc. | Ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices |
US11007292B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-05-18 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Automatic power compensation in ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11020140B2 (en) | 2015-06-17 | 2021-06-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical blade for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11033292B2 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2021-06-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Medical device |
US11051873B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-07-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques employing multiple energy modalities based on tissue parameters |
US11058447B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2021-07-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Temperature controlled ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11090104B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2021-08-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US11103256B2 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2021-08-31 | Acclarent, Inc. | Shaver with blood vessel and nerve monitoring features |
US11129669B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-09-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques based on tissue type |
US11129670B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2021-09-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on button displacement, intensity, or local tissue characterization |
US11229471B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2022-01-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on tissue characterization |
US11266430B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2022-03-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | End effector control and calibration |
US11311326B2 (en) | 2015-02-06 | 2022-04-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instrument with rotation and articulation mechanisms |
US11324527B2 (en) | 2012-11-15 | 2022-05-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US11337747B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2022-05-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Software algorithms for electrosurgical instruments |
US11399855B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2022-08-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical devices |
US11452525B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2022-09-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an adjustment system |
US11589916B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-02-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instruments with electrodes having variable energy densities |
US11660089B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-05-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a sensing system |
US11684412B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-06-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with rotatable and articulatable surgical end effector |
US11696776B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-07-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulatable surgical instrument |
US11723716B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-08-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instrument with variable control mechanisms |
US11759251B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-09-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control program adaptation based on device status and user input |
US11779329B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a flex circuit including a sensor system |
US11779387B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Clamp arm jaw to minimize tissue sticking and improve tissue control |
US11786291B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable support of RF energy electrode with respect to opposing ultrasonic blade |
US11812957B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-11-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a signal interference resolution system |
US11911063B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-02-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Techniques for detecting ultrasonic blade to electrode contact and reducing power to ultrasonic blade |
US11937866B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-03-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for an electrosurgical procedure |
US11937863B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-03-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable electrode with variable compression bias along the length of the deflectable electrode |
US11944366B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-04-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Asymmetric segmented ultrasonic support pad for cooperative engagement with a movable RF electrode |
US11950797B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-04-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable electrode with higher distal bias relative to proximal bias |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2454642A (en) * | 2007-07-09 | 2009-05-20 | Dezac Group Ltd | Portable UV steriliser |
US7967181B2 (en) * | 2007-08-29 | 2011-06-28 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Rotary knife cutting systems |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4273127A (en) * | 1978-10-12 | 1981-06-16 | Research Corporation | Method for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US5112328A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1992-05-12 | Refractive Laser Research & Development Program, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for laser surgery |
US5260020A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1993-11-09 | Wilk Peter J | Method and apparatus for catheter sterilization |
US5273127A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1993-12-28 | Burg Donald E | Air cushion vehicle ride control system |
US5464013A (en) * | 1984-05-25 | 1995-11-07 | Lemelson; Jerome H. | Medical scanning and treatment system and method |
US5772597A (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1998-06-30 | Sextant Medical Corporation | Surgical tool end effector |
US5951543A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 1999-09-14 | Clinicon Corporation | Delivery system and method for surgical laser |
US6056741A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 2000-05-02 | Lions Eye Institute | Dual beam laser ablation |
US6421128B1 (en) * | 2000-05-17 | 2002-07-16 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Coupled plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopic device and method for measuring film properties in the ultraviolet and infrared special ranges |
US20030007138A1 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2003-01-09 | Nikon Corporation | Projection optical system, a projection exposure apparatus, and a projection exposure method |
US20030018373A1 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2003-01-23 | Uv-Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient |
US6529543B1 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2003-03-04 | The General Hospital Corporation | Apparatus for controlling laser penetration depth |
US6744790B1 (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 2004-06-01 | Biolase Technology, Inc. | Device for reduction of thermal lensing |
US20050203495A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2005-09-15 | American Environmental Systems, Inc. | Methods and devices for plasmon enhanced medical and cosmetic procedures |
US7054528B2 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2006-05-30 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Plasmon-enhanced tapered optical fibers |
US20070239146A1 (en) * | 2006-04-10 | 2007-10-11 | Bwt Property Inc. | Phototherapy apparatus with built-in ultrasonic image module |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5571098A (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 1996-11-05 | The General Hospital Corporation | Laser surgical devices |
US6383179B1 (en) * | 1999-08-11 | 2002-05-07 | Ceramoptec Industries Inc. | Diode laser scalpel |
US6551346B2 (en) * | 2000-05-17 | 2003-04-22 | Kent Crossley | Method and apparatus to prevent infections |
US6764501B2 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2004-07-20 | Robert A. Ganz | Apparatus and method for treating atherosclerotic vascular disease through light sterilization |
US20070239143A1 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2007-10-11 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Photocosmetic device |
-
2006
- 2006-09-22 US US11/526,192 patent/US9107692B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-09-22 US US11/526,193 patent/US20080077145A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-09-20 WO PCT/US2007/020290 patent/WO2008039341A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4273127A (en) * | 1978-10-12 | 1981-06-16 | Research Corporation | Method for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US5464013A (en) * | 1984-05-25 | 1995-11-07 | Lemelson; Jerome H. | Medical scanning and treatment system and method |
US5112328A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1992-05-12 | Refractive Laser Research & Development Program, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for laser surgery |
US5273127A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1993-12-28 | Burg Donald E | Air cushion vehicle ride control system |
US5772597A (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1998-06-30 | Sextant Medical Corporation | Surgical tool end effector |
US5260020A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1993-11-09 | Wilk Peter J | Method and apparatus for catheter sterilization |
US6056741A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 2000-05-02 | Lions Eye Institute | Dual beam laser ablation |
US6744790B1 (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 2004-06-01 | Biolase Technology, Inc. | Device for reduction of thermal lensing |
US5951543A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 1999-09-14 | Clinicon Corporation | Delivery system and method for surgical laser |
US6421128B1 (en) * | 2000-05-17 | 2002-07-16 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Coupled plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopic device and method for measuring film properties in the ultraviolet and infrared special ranges |
US6529543B1 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2003-03-04 | The General Hospital Corporation | Apparatus for controlling laser penetration depth |
US20030007138A1 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2003-01-09 | Nikon Corporation | Projection optical system, a projection exposure apparatus, and a projection exposure method |
US20030018373A1 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2003-01-23 | Uv-Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient |
US20050203495A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2005-09-15 | American Environmental Systems, Inc. | Methods and devices for plasmon enhanced medical and cosmetic procedures |
US7054528B2 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2006-05-30 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Plasmon-enhanced tapered optical fibers |
US20070239146A1 (en) * | 2006-04-10 | 2007-10-11 | Bwt Property Inc. | Phototherapy apparatus with built-in ultrasonic image module |
Cited By (239)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11229472B2 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2022-01-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with multiple magnetic position sensors |
US10835307B2 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument containing elongated multi-layered shaft |
US11730507B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2023-08-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical shears and method for sealing a blood vessel using same |
US10874418B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2020-12-29 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical shears and method for sealing a blood vessel using same |
US10537352B2 (en) | 2004-10-08 | 2020-01-21 | Ethicon Llc | Tissue pads for use with surgical instruments |
US11006971B2 (en) | 2004-10-08 | 2021-05-18 | Ethicon Llc | Actuation mechanism for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument |
US10856896B2 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating |
US10779848B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasound medical instrument having a medical ultrasonic blade |
US9504483B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2016-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments |
US10828057B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10722261B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2020-07-28 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9883884B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2018-02-06 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9987033B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2018-06-05 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9801648B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2017-10-31 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US11690641B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2023-07-04 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length |
US11607268B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2023-03-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments |
US9414853B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2016-08-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length |
US10398466B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2019-09-03 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length |
US10531910B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2020-01-14 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9642644B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2017-05-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9913656B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2018-03-13 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9707004B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2017-07-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US9636135B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2017-05-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11666784B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2023-06-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments |
US11058447B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2021-07-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Temperature controlled ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11877734B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2024-01-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10426507B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2019-10-01 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10420579B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2019-09-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments |
US10828059B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Ergonomic surgical instruments |
US9848902B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2017-12-26 | Ethicon Llc | Ergonomic surgical instruments |
US11266433B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2022-03-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instrument blades |
US10441308B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-10-15 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instrument blades |
US10888347B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2021-01-12 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10245065B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-04-02 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US11690643B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2023-07-04 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US11439426B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2022-09-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US9339289B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2016-05-17 | Ehticon Endo-Surgery, LLC | Ultrasonic surgical instrument blades |
US11253288B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2022-02-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instrument blades |
US10463887B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-11-05 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10010339B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2018-07-03 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US11766276B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2023-09-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10433866B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-10-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10433865B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-10-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10265094B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2019-04-23 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US10045794B2 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2018-08-14 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blades |
US11890491B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2024-02-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10022568B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2018-07-17 | Ethicon Llc | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9504855B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2016-11-29 | Ethicon Surgery, LLC | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10022567B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2018-07-17 | Ethicon Llc | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10335614B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2019-07-02 | Ethicon Llc | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9795808B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2017-10-24 | Ethicon Llc | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9700339B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2017-07-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Coupling arrangements and methods for attaching tools to ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10709906B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2020-07-14 | Ethicon Llc | Coupling arrangements and methods for attaching tools to ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10688321B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2020-06-23 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9764164B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2017-09-19 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11717706B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2023-08-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10263171B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-04-16 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10201382B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-02-12 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10441345B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-10-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US11871982B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2024-01-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US11090104B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2021-08-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US9623237B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2017-04-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
USRE47996E1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2020-05-19 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US10265117B2 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2019-04-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical generator method for controlling and ultrasonic transducer waveform for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US9962182B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2018-05-08 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with moving cutting implement |
US9510850B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2016-12-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10117667B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2018-11-06 | Ethicon Llc | Control systems for ultrasonically powered surgical instruments |
US9649126B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2017-05-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Seal arrangements for ultrasonically powered surgical instruments |
US9848901B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2017-12-26 | Ethicon Llc | Dual purpose surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10299810B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2019-05-28 | Ethicon Llc | Rotatable cutting implements with friction reducing material for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9427249B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2016-08-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Rotatable cutting implements with friction reducing material for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11382642B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2022-07-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Rotatable cutting implements with friction reducing material for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10835768B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Dual purpose surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US11369402B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2022-06-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control systems for ultrasonically powered surgical instruments |
US10278721B2 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2019-05-07 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical instrument with separate closure and cutting members |
US10524854B2 (en) | 2010-07-23 | 2020-01-07 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US10433900B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2019-10-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments for tensioning tissue |
US9232979B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2016-01-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically controlled surgical instrument |
US9925003B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2018-03-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Robotically controlled surgical instrument |
US10729494B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2020-08-04 | Ethicon Llc | Robotically controlled surgical instrument |
US9237921B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-01-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9724118B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2017-08-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10517627B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2019-12-31 | Ethicon Llc | Switch arrangements for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11419626B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2022-08-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Switch arrangements for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9700343B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2017-07-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US9439668B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-09-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Switch arrangements for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US9241731B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Rotatable electrical connection for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10987123B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2021-04-27 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US10779845B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with distally positioned transducers |
US11096752B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2021-08-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Closed feedback control for electrosurgical device |
US9737326B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2017-08-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Haptic feedback devices for surgical robot |
US10842580B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with control mechanisms |
US11717311B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2023-08-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US10441310B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2019-10-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with curved section |
US9713507B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2017-07-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Closed feedback control for electrosurgical device |
US9408622B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-08-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US11871955B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2024-01-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US9393037B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-07-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US10335182B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2019-07-02 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US9283045B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-03-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical instruments with fluid management system |
US10398497B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2019-09-03 | Ethicon Llc | Lockout mechanism for use with robotic electrosurgical device |
US11426191B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2022-08-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with distally positioned jaw assemblies |
US10966747B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2021-04-06 | Ethicon Llc | Haptic feedback devices for surgical robot |
US9326788B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2016-05-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Lockout mechanism for use with robotic electrosurgical device |
US10524872B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-01-07 | Ethicon Llc | Closed feedback control for electrosurgical device |
US11583306B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2023-02-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with articulating shafts |
US10543008B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-01-28 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with distally positioned jaw assemblies |
US10335183B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2019-07-02 | Ethicon Llc | Feedback devices for surgical control systems |
US10993763B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2021-05-04 | Ethicon Llc | Lockout mechanism for use with robotic electrosurgical device |
US11602371B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2023-03-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instruments with control mechanisms |
US10881449B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Multi-function bi-polar forceps |
US9795405B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2017-10-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US11179173B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2021-11-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument |
US20140114327A1 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2014-04-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgeon feedback sensing and display methods |
US10201365B2 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2019-02-12 | Ethicon Llc | Surgeon feedback sensing and display methods |
US11324527B2 (en) | 2012-11-15 | 2022-05-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices |
US11272952B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2022-03-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Mechanical fasteners for use with surgical energy devices |
US10226273B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-03-12 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanical fasteners for use with surgical energy devices |
US9241728B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with multiple clamping mechanisms |
US9743947B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-08-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | End effector with a clamp arm assembly and blade |
US10925659B2 (en) | 2013-09-13 | 2021-02-23 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical (RF) medical instruments for cutting and coagulating tissue |
US10912603B2 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Electrosurgical devices |
US10987183B2 (en) | 2013-11-28 | 2021-04-27 | Alcon Inc. | Ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices |
US20150148615A1 (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2015-05-28 | Xcelerator Labs, Llc | Ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices |
US10537472B2 (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2020-01-21 | Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices |
US11033292B2 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2021-06-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Medical device |
US10912580B2 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Medical device |
US10856929B2 (en) | 2014-01-07 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Harvesting energy from a surgical generator |
US10779879B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Detecting short circuits in electrosurgical medical devices |
US10932847B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2021-03-02 | Ethicon Llc | Detecting short circuits in electrosurgical medical devices |
US11399855B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2022-08-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical devices |
US10463421B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2019-11-05 | Ethicon Llc | Two stage trigger, clamp and cut bipolar vessel sealer |
US11471209B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2022-10-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Controlling impedance rise in electrosurgical medical devices |
US10349999B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2019-07-16 | Ethicon Llc | Controlling impedance rise in electrosurgical medical devices |
US11337747B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2022-05-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Software algorithms for electrosurgical instruments |
US10285724B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2019-05-14 | Ethicon Llc | Actuation mechanisms and load adjustment assemblies for surgical instruments |
US11413060B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2022-08-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Actuation mechanisms and load adjustment assemblies for surgical instruments |
US10639092B2 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2020-05-05 | Ethicon Llc | Electrode configurations for surgical instruments |
US11311326B2 (en) | 2015-02-06 | 2022-04-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instrument with rotation and articulation mechanisms |
US10342602B2 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2019-07-09 | Ethicon Llc | Managing tissue treatment |
US10321950B2 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2019-06-18 | Ethicon Llc | Managing tissue treatment |
US10595929B2 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2020-03-24 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with firing system overload protection mechanisms |
US10034684B2 (en) | 2015-06-15 | 2018-07-31 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for dissecting and coagulating tissue |
US11020140B2 (en) | 2015-06-17 | 2021-06-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical blade for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10034704B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2018-07-31 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with user adaptable algorithms |
US11141213B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-10-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with user adaptable techniques |
US11129669B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-09-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques based on tissue type |
US10952788B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-03-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with user adaptable algorithms |
US10765470B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2020-09-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques employing simultaneous energy modalities based on tissue parameters |
US11051873B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-07-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques employing multiple energy modalities based on tissue parameters |
US11553954B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2023-01-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Translatable outer tube for sealing using shielded lap chole dissector |
US10898256B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2021-01-26 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system with user adaptable techniques based on tissue impedance |
US10357303B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2019-07-23 | Ethicon Llc | Translatable outer tube for sealing using shielded lap chole dissector |
US11903634B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2024-02-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with user adaptable techniques |
US10154852B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2018-12-18 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blade with improved cutting and coagulation features |
US11559347B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2023-01-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Techniques for circuit topologies for combined generator |
US10751108B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-08-25 | Ethicon Llc | Protection techniques for generator for digitally generating electrosurgical and ultrasonic electrical signal waveforms |
US10194973B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2019-02-05 | Ethicon Llc | Generator for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms for electrosurgical and ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10624691B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-04-21 | Ethicon Llc | Techniques for operating generator for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms and surgical instruments |
US11058475B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2021-07-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method and apparatus for selecting operations of a surgical instrument based on user intention |
US10610286B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-04-07 | Ethicon Llc | Techniques for circuit topologies for combined generator |
US10687884B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-06-23 | Ethicon Llc | Circuits for supplying isolated direct current (DC) voltage to surgical instruments |
US11033322B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2021-06-15 | Ethicon Llc | Circuit topologies for combined generator |
US11766287B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2023-09-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Methods for operating generator for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms and surgical instruments |
US10736685B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2020-08-11 | Ethicon Llc | Generator for digitally generating combined electrical signal waveforms for ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US11666375B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2023-06-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrode wiping surgical device |
US10595930B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2020-03-24 | Ethicon Llc | Electrode wiping surgical device |
US10179022B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-01-15 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw position impedance limiter for electrosurgical instrument |
US10575892B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2020-03-03 | Ethicon Llc | Adapter for electrical surgical instruments |
US11058448B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2021-07-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with multistage generator circuits |
US11684402B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2023-06-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on tissue characterization |
US11229450B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2022-01-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with motor drive |
US11229471B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2022-01-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on tissue characterization |
US11134978B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2021-10-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with self-diagnosing control switches for reusable handle assembly |
US11974772B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2024-05-07 | Cilag GmbH Intemational | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with variable motor control limits |
US11751929B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2023-09-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on tissue characterization |
US10537351B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-01-21 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with variable motor control limits |
US11129670B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2021-09-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on button displacement, intensity, or local tissue characterization |
US11051840B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2021-07-06 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with reusable asymmetric handle housing |
US10716615B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-07-21 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with curved end effectors having asymmetric engagement between jaw and blade |
US10299821B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2019-05-28 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with motor control limit profile |
US11896280B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2024-02-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Clamp arm comprising a circuit |
US10828058B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with motor control limits based on tissue characterization |
US10709469B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-07-14 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with energy conservation techniques |
US10251664B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2019-04-09 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with multi-function motor via shifting gear assembly |
US10842523B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument and methods therefor |
US10779849B2 (en) | 2016-01-15 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with voltage sag resistant battery pack |
US10555769B2 (en) | 2016-02-22 | 2020-02-11 | Ethicon Llc | Flexible circuits for electrosurgical instrument |
US11202670B2 (en) | 2016-02-22 | 2021-12-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode for electrosurgical instrument |
US10485607B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2019-11-26 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw structure with distal closure for electrosurgical instruments |
US10646269B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2020-05-12 | Ethicon Llc | Non-linear jaw gap for electrosurgical instruments |
US10702329B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2020-07-07 | Ethicon Llc | Jaw structure with distal post for electrosurgical instruments |
US11864820B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2024-01-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Medical device with a bilateral jaw configuration for nerve stimulation |
US10456193B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2019-10-29 | Ethicon Llc | Medical device with a bilateral jaw configuration for nerve stimulation |
US10245064B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2019-04-02 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instrument with piezoelectric central lumen transducer |
US11883055B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2024-01-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic surgical instrument with piezoelectric central lumen transducer |
US10966744B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2021-04-06 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instrument with piezoelectric central lumen transducer |
US10893883B2 (en) | 2016-07-13 | 2021-01-19 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic assembly for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments |
US10842522B2 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical instruments having offset blades |
US10376305B2 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2019-08-13 | Ethicon Llc | Methods and systems for advanced harmonic energy |
US11344362B2 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2022-05-31 | Cilag Gmbh International | Methods and systems for advanced harmonic energy |
US10285723B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2019-05-14 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic surgical blade with improved heel portion |
USD924400S1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2021-07-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument |
USD847990S1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2019-05-07 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument |
US10952759B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2021-03-23 | Ethicon Llc | Tissue loading of a surgical instrument |
US11925378B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2024-03-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic transducer for surgical instrument |
US11350959B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2022-06-07 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic transducer techniques for ultrasonic surgical instrument |
US10779847B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic transducer to waveguide joining |
US10420580B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2019-09-24 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic transducer for surgical instrument |
US10603064B2 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2020-03-31 | Ethicon Llc | Ultrasonic transducer |
US11266430B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2022-03-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | End effector control and calibration |
US10820920B2 (en) | 2017-07-05 | 2020-11-03 | Ethicon Llc | Reusable ultrasonic medical devices and methods of their use |
US11806026B2 (en) | 2018-05-21 | 2023-11-07 | Acclarent, Inc. | Shaver with blood vessel and nerve monitoring features |
US11103256B2 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2021-08-31 | Acclarent, Inc. | Shaver with blood vessel and nerve monitoring features |
US11812957B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-11-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a signal interference resolution system |
US11723716B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-08-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instrument with variable control mechanisms |
US11779329B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a flex circuit including a sensor system |
US11779387B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Clamp arm jaw to minimize tissue sticking and improve tissue control |
US11786294B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control program for modular combination energy device |
US11786291B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable support of RF energy electrode with respect to opposing ultrasonic blade |
US11937863B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-03-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable electrode with variable compression bias along the length of the deflectable electrode |
US11744636B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-09-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical systems with integrated and external power sources |
US11452525B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2022-09-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an adjustment system |
US11974801B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-05-07 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instrument with flexible wiring assemblies |
US11589916B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-02-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrosurgical instruments with electrodes having variable energy densities |
US11759251B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-09-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control program adaptation based on device status and user input |
US11950797B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-04-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Deflectable electrode with higher distal bias relative to proximal bias |
US11707318B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-07-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with jaw alignment features |
US11684412B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-06-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with rotatable and articulatable surgical end effector |
US11696776B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-07-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulatable surgical instrument |
US11944366B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-04-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Asymmetric segmented ultrasonic support pad for cooperative engagement with a movable RF electrode |
US11911063B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-02-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Techniques for detecting ultrasonic blade to electrode contact and reducing power to ultrasonic blade |
US11660089B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-05-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a sensing system |
US11937866B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-03-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for an electrosurgical procedure |
US11565012B2 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2023-01-31 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for target distance guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11116858B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-09-14 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for target distance guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11883549B2 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2024-01-30 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for operation guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11020502B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-06-01 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11007292B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-05-18 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Automatic power compensation in ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008039341A3 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
WO2008039341A2 (en) | 2008-04-03 |
US20080077123A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
US9107692B2 (en) | 2015-08-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9107692B2 (en) | Switchable sterilizing cutting system | |
Fitzpatrick et al. | Advances in carbon dioxide laser surgery | |
US20220134129A1 (en) | Systems and Methods for Anti-Microbial Effect for Bones | |
AU722546B2 (en) | Laser surgical device and method of its use | |
US20080077122A1 (en) | Sterilizing cutting method | |
US20110040358A1 (en) | Portable Semiconductor Diode Laser for Medical Treatment | |
EP2361116B1 (en) | Irradiation apparatus | |
US20080021370A1 (en) | Near infrared microbial elimination laser system | |
US20100222852A1 (en) | Apparatus and Method for Decolonizing Microbes on the Surfaces of the Skin and In Body Cavities | |
Tosounidis et al. | The use of Reamer–irrigator–aspirator in the management of long bone osteomyelitis: an update | |
Holt et al. | Soft tissue application of lasers | |
Doursounian et al. | Coccygectomy for instability of the coccyx | |
Farkas et al. | Holmium: YAG laser treatment of ureteral calculi: A 5-year experience | |
Fidler et al. | Carbon dioxide laser excision of acute burns with immediate autografting | |
Renapurkar et al. | Lasers in oral and maxillofacial surgery | |
Razzano et al. | Tear drop‐free anterolateral thigh flap, a versatile design for lower limb reconstruction after trauma | |
Palmer | Instrumentation and techniques for carbon dioxide lasers in equine general surgery | |
Theisen-Kunde et al. | In vivo study of partial liver resection on pigs using a 1.9 μm thulium fiber laser | |
RU2529697C2 (en) | Method of treating fractures in animals | |
Teimourian et al. | Application of the argon beam coagulator in plastic surgery | |
Tachi et al. | Distally Based Radial Artery Perforator Flaps Which Factors Correlate with the Flap Survival? Four Case Reports | |
Palmer | Standing laser surgery of the head and neck | |
Bülow | Present status of endoscopic laser techniques in urology | |
Gatto et al. | Immediate Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Lower Limb Traumas Using Propeller Perforator Flaps | |
Gupta et al. | Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal End Radius: A Case Report and Surgical Treatment with Wide Resection and Reconstruction with Non-Vascularised Autologous Proximal Fibular Graft |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SEARETE LLC, WASHINGTON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BOYDEN, EDWARD S.;HYDE, RODERICK A.;ISHIKAWA, MURIEL Y.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018507/0104;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061003 TO 20061029 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |