US3825004A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposable electrosurgical cautery
Assignee: DURDEN ENTERPRISES Ltd
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Filing: 1973-03-19
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1993-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A disposable electrosurgical cautery which functions in a dual capacity as a hollow sucker tube as well as a cauterizer, and is intended to be prepackaged in sterilized containers to be used once and disposed of. The cautery consists of an elongated metal electrode tube having an electrical conductor wire permanently connected to a prelimal portion, and together are encased in a plastic housing which serves as an insulating handle. The handle is of special sculptured or contoured configuration to provide for deft and positive use of the distally projecting probe or point of the cautery without chance of short circuits or burns through inadequate wire connections or poor insulation. In operation, blood from a surgical incision or other wound is drawn by vacuum through the barrel of the electrode tube, clear of the severed vessels, and a high frequency current is passed through the electrode to cauterize and prevent further bleeding of the vessels.
Inventors
- 👤 J Durden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/71; A61M1/76; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1402; A61M1/74; A61M1/741; A61M1/7411; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
271 words
In a hand-operated electrosurgical cautery instrument constructed particularly for single occasion use as a disposable combination cauterizer electrode and sucker tube, adapted for use with remotely located vacuum source means and electrical high frequency current source and control means, the improvement in said cautery instrument comprising: a. sucker tube means including an elongated metallic tube of small diameter adapted for entry into surgical cavities, said tube constituting an electrode and at least a partial sucker tube combination having distally, intermediate and proximal portions; said proximal portion adapted to be connected with a flexible tubing for connection with said vacuum source means; b. handle means embracing at least an intermediate portion of said sucker tube; c. a flexible electrical conductor wire of predetermined length having one end electrically connected to a portion of said electrode tube which is embraced by said handle means; said wire extending from and being insulated exteriorly of said handle means, and having the other wire end free and adapted to be electrically connected with said source of high frequency power; d. said handle means including a specially contoured handle having substantial cross-sectional thickness and good thermal and electrical insulating characteristics, and unitarily surrounding a substantial portion of said electrode tube length, including complete fail-proof enclosure of said conductor wire connection with said electrode tube, said handle terminating short of and freely exposing a substantial distally portion of said electrode tube, and having a generally elongated intermediate portion, and said handle further having a generally distally end portion embodying plural compound curvatures defining plural digital gripping portions to provide for positive deft manipulation of said instrument in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
271 words
In a hand-operated electrosurgical cautery instrument constructed particularly for single occasion use as a disposable combination cauterizer electrode and sucker tube, adapted for use with remotely located vacuum source means and electrical high frequency current source and control means, the improvement in said cautery instrument comprising: a. sucker tube means including an elongated metallic tube of small diameter adapted for entry into surgical cavities, said tube constituting an electrode and at least a partial sucker tube combination having distally, intermediate and proximal portions; said proximal portion adapted to be connected with a flexible tubing for connection with said vacuum source means; b. handle means embracing at least an intermediate portion of said sucker tube; c. a flexible electrical conductor wire of predetermined length having one end electrically connected to a portion of said electrode tube which is embraced by said handle means; said wire extending from and being insulated exteriorly of said handle means, and having the other wire end free and adapted to be electrically connected with said source of high frequency power; d. said handle means including a specially contoured handle having substantial cross-sectional thickness and good thermal and electrical insulating characteristics, and unitarily surrounding a substantial portion of said electrode tube length, including complete fail-proof enclosure of said conductor wire connection with said electrode tube, said handle terminating short of and freely exposing a substantial distally portion of said electrode tube, and having a generally elongated intermediate portion, and said handle further having a generally distally end portion embodying plural compound curvatures defining plural digital gripping portions to provide for positive deft manipulation of said instrument in use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said forward or proximal portion of said electrode tube which is not enclosed by said handle is enveloped by a sleeve of an electrically insulative material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said forward or proximal portion of said electrode tube which is not enclosed by said handle is enveloped by a sleevE of an electrically insulative material having a generally uniform and substantially less cross-sectional thickness than that of said handle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle is provided with a proximal portion having an integrally formed friction fit hose-connecting nipple extending generally longitudinally therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said contoured handle is provided with a laterally widened portion to fixedly and unitarily encase therein said interconnected wire and proximal portion of said electrode tube, in a fail-safe permanent manner.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle-formed, plural digital gripping portions include at least a pair of oppositely disposed finger-and-thumb gripping portions symmetrically formed in laterally opposed distal sides of said handle to provide for ambidextrous use of said instrument.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
An instrument as defined in claim 6, further including a second pair of digital receiving contoured areas formed in opposed top and bottom surfaces of said handle adjacent said first-mentioned gripping portions, said second pair of recesses being longitudinally offset from one another in the distally portion of said handle, to particularly receive forefinger and index finger gripping thereof along with simultaneous thumb gripping in one of said laterally opposed recesses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said electrical conductor wire of paragraph (b) is permanently electrically connected to a generally proximal portion of said electrode tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said distally portion of said electrode tube which is not enclosed by said handle is of slightly curved form.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
An instrument as defined in claim 9 wherein said curved tube portion is in a vertical plane so as to tend to point downwardly when held in one operative use.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
An instrument as defined in claim 10, wherein said electrode tube is also curved slightly downwardly along a distally portion and generally co-planar with the proximal end curvature, said distal curvature being such as to be embodied and generally concealed within said handle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
57 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said handle at its distally portion further includes a substantially reduced and generally circular cross-sectional portion integrally formed there with and projecting longitudinally distally therefrom, said reduced cross-sectional portion being of a size to facilitate insertion into surgically drilled holes in a patient''s skull during the performance of craniotomies.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 12 wherein said reduced cross-sectional distally handle portion and said distal portion of said electrode tube are both of gently arcuate form.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
An instrument as defined in claim 12, wherein said distally portion of said electrode tube which is not enclosed by said handle is enveloped by a sleeve of electrically insulative material having a generally uniform cross-sectional thickness which is substantially less than that of said handle portions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle means include generally horizontally complemental adjoining upper and lower half members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
An instrument as defined in claim 15 wherein said handle members are provided with complementally opposed recessed areas throughout at least a substantial length of each handle portion, said recessed areas adapted to receive at least portions of both said combined electrode and sucker tube means and also said attached portion of said electrical conductor wire.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
84 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said metal electrode tube has its proximal portion terminating within said handle, and said sucker tube means further includes a predetermined length of said flexible tubing as an integral part thereof, one end of which is affixed in operative connection with said proximal portion of said electrode tube, and said flexible tubing having a portion intEgrally enclosed within said handle, and said tubing further including a length extending from a generally proximal portion of said handle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
An instrument as defined in claim 17, wherein said flexible sucker tubing is basically of non-metallic material but includes integrally formed means enabling it to have electrically conductive characteristics which when grounded precludes build-up of electrostatic charges.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
68 words
An instrument as defined in claim 17, wherein said flexible sucker tubing includes a basic fluid conduit, and a second longitudinally split conduit integrally formed coextensively therewith for at least a partial predetermined extent thereof exteriorly of said handle; said split conduit adapted to removably receive therein in an integrated manner the said electrical conductor wire for at least part of said predetermined length adjacent to said handle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
241 words
In an electrosurgical cautery instrument constructed particularly for single occasion use as a disposable combination cauterizer electrode and sucker tube, adapted for use with remotely located vacuum source means and electrical high frequency current source and control means, the improvement in said cautery instrument comprising: a. sucker tube means including an elongated combination electrode and sucker tube of relatively small diameter adapted for entry of a distal end into surgical cavities, said tube including a proximal end portion adapted to be connected with said vacuum source means; b. handle means embracing at least a major part of the distal end portion of said tube; c. a flexible electrical conductor wire of predetermined length having one end firmly electrically connected to a portion of said electrode tube, said wire extended from and insulated exteriorly of said handle means, and having the other wire end free and adapted to be electrically connected to said source of high frequency electrical power; d. said handle means including a composite handle of substantial cross-sectional size and having good thermal and electrical insulating characteristics, said handle unitarily surrounding a substantial portion of said electrode tube length including complete fail-proof enclosure of said conductor wire connection therewith; and e. said composite handle including a pair of longitudinally divided complementary handle members each having complementally mating opposed recessed channels throughout a substantial length thereof to receive said sucker tube means and an adjoining portion of said electrical conductor wire.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
241 words
In an electrosurgical cautery instrument constructed particularly for single occasion use as a disposable combination cauterizer electrode and sucker tube, adapted for use with remotely located vacuum source means and electrical high frequency current source and control means, the improvement in said cautery instrument comprising: a. sucker tube means including an elongated combination electrode and sucker tube of relatively small diameter adapted for entry of a distal end into surgical cavities, said tube including a proximal end portion adapted to be connected with said vacuum source means; b. handle means embracing at least a major part of the distal end portion of said tube; c. a flexible electrical conductor wire of predetermined length having one end firmly electrically connected to a portion of said electrode tube, said wire extended from and insulated exteriorly of said handle means, and having the other wire end free and adapted to be electrically connected to said source of high frequency electrical power; d. said handle means including a composite handle of substantial cross-sectional size and having good thermal and electrical insulating characteristics, said handle unitarily surrounding a substantial portion of said electrode tube length including complete fail-proof enclosure of said conductor wire connection therewith; and e. said composite handle including a pair of longitudinally divided complementary handle members each having complementally mating opposed recessed channels throughout a substantial length thereof to receive said sucker tube means and an adjoining portion of said electrical conductor wire.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
65 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20, wherein said division of said handle is horizontal so as to have complemental upper and lower half members, and said flexible conductor wire attachment to said electrode tube is within enlarged portions of said recessed channels in the general mid-portion of said handle members, said first-mentioned recessed channels extending both distally and proximally from said enlarged mid-portion recess.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
191 words
A novel form of extensively elongated flexible tubing particularly useful in association with electrosurgical cauteries and the like requiring close association of both a flexible hollow conduit sucker tube and a related generally flexible member such as an electrical wire conductor, said novel tubing comprising: a. first and second flexible conduit means of which at least said first conduit means comprises a continuous and extensive multiple footage length of hollow flexible conduit which is fully closed around its cross-sectional periphery throughout its length, and is adaptable to convey fluids therethrough in a leakproof manner, b. said first and second conduit means including common juncture means for fixedly and coextensively essentially integrally adjoining said first and second conduit means in parallel with one another; c. said second conduit means including a second flexible length of conduit which is provided with a longitudinally extending interruption in its cross-sectional peripheral at a positioN spaced from the juncture with said first conduit means; and d. said flexible second conduit means adapted to be opened along said longitudinal interruption so as to flexibly receive therein another continuous member to be related thereto in an integrated manner.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
191 words
A novel form of extensively elongated flexible tubing particularly useful in association with electrosurgical cauteries and the like requiring close association of both a flexible hollow conduit sucker tube and a related generally flexible member such as an electrical wire conductor, said novel tubing comprising: a. first and second flexible conduit means of which at least said first conduit means comprises a continuous and extensive multiple footage length of hollow flexible conduit which is fully closed around its cross-sectional periphery throughout its length, and is adaptable to convey fluids therethrough in a leakproof manner, b. said first and second conduit means including common juncture means for fixedly and coextensively essentially integrally adjoining said first and second conduit means in parallel with one another; c. said second conduit means including a second flexible length of conduit which is provided with a longitudinally extending interruption in its cross-sectional peripheral at a positioN spaced from the juncture with said first conduit means; and d. said flexible second conduit means adapted to be opened along said longitudinal interruption so as to flexibly receive therein another continuous member to be related thereto in an integrated manner.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
A novel tubing as defined in claim 22, wherein said longitudinal interruption in said second conduit means is defined by slightly spaced-apart generally parallel edges.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
A novel tubing as defined in claim 23, wherein said longitudinal interruption in said second conduit means is disposed generally opposite to the common juncture means between said first and second conduit means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
A novel tubing as defined in claim 23, wherein said first conduit means is of generally circular cross-sectional configuration, and said second conduit means is of generally C-shape cross-sectional configuration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |