Patent US2404825A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5554112A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5554112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Minimally invasive irrigator/aspirator surgical probe and method of using same
Assignee: Birtcher Medical Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1994-07-08
•
Granted: 1996-09-10
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Expires: 2014-07-08
Abstract
Abstract An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold J. Walbrink
- 👤 Roger F. Etherington
- 👤 Charles E. Beuchat
- 👤 Vincent J. Burgess
- 👤 Kent D. Richards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1482; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/71; A61M1/77; A61M1/774; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61B2018/1861; A61M1/772; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand during a surgical procedure, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; and a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle including an exterior gripping structure defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, said rotational axis of the gripping structure extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the gripping structure to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during the surgical procedure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand during a surgical procedure, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; and a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle including an exterior gripping structure defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, said rotational axis of the gripping structure extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the gripping structure to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during the surgical procedure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 1 wherein the predetermined converging angle is substantially perpendicular.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
89 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 1 wherein: the probe tube is rotatably connected to a probe housing to allow selective rotation of the probe tube about the longitudinal probe axis relative to the probe housing; and the handle is rotatably connected to the probe housing to allow selective rotation of the handle about the rotational axis relative to the probe housing, said rotation of the probe tube about the longitudinal probe axis and said rotation of the handle about the rotational axis being independent of one another.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
176 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; and an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle for actuation by a finger of a hand gripping the handle, the actuation device connected to rotate in unison with the handle, the actuation device operatively connected to control the application of at least one of the irrigation and aspiration fluid flow through the probe tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
176 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; and an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle for actuation by a finger of a hand gripping the handle, the actuation device connected to rotate in unison with the handle, the actuation device operatively connected to control the application of at least one of the irrigation and aspiration fluid flow through the probe tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
107 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 4 further comprising: a valve assembly located within the handle and operative for controlling the flow of fluid through the probe tube, the valve assembly including means for connecting the valve assembly to one of a source of irrigation or aspiration fluid; and wherein: the valve assembly includes a valve member moveable between a closed position where the fluid flow within the probe tube is terminated and an open position where the fluid flow is established; and the actuation device is operatively connected to the valve member to move the valve member between the closed position and the open position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 5 further comprising: a locking device connected to the handle and selectively operative to hold the valve member in an open position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
112 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 6 further comprising: a valve stem shaft connected to the valve member and operative for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve stem shaft extending from the valve assembly to the exterior of the handle; and wherein: the actuation device includes a control button connected to an end of the valve stem shaft at the exterior of the handle; the locking device contacts the valve stem shaft to maintain the position of the valve stem shaft; and the locking device includes selecting means extending from the handle for selectively positioning the locking device into contact with the valve stem shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 7 wherein the valve assembly, the valve member, the valve stem shaft, the control button and the locking device all rotate in unison with the handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 7 wherein: the valve assembly is removable from the handle to allow selective replacement of the valve assembly after use; and the valve stem shaft is disconnectable from the valve member to allow the valve assembly to be removed from the handle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 5 wherein the valve member is formed of elastomeric material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
119 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 5 wherein: the handle includes an opening through which the fluid flows from the valve assembly; and further comprising: a probe housing connected to the probe tube and supporting the probe tube to extend from the probe housing, the probe housing having an interior chamber in fluid communication with the interior space in the hollow probe tube, the probe housing also including a port which communicates with the interior chamber of the probe housing; and a rotational connection between the handle and the probe housing and operative for aligning the port and the opening in the handle to maintain fluid communication therebetween during relative rotation of the handle and the probe housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
104 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 11 further comprising: a confluence chamber connected to the valve assembly and extending through the opening and into the port of the probe housing; a sleeve extending from the probe housing at the port and into the opening in the housing, the sleeve extending into adjacency with the confluence chamber, the fluid communication with the interior chamber of the probe assembly occurring through the confluence chamber and the sleeve; and a sealing member positioned between the confluence chamber and the sleeve to seal the fluid flow between the confluence chamber and the interior of the probe housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 12 further comprising: a second sealing member in addition to the sealing member first aforesaid, the second sealing member positioned between the probe housing and the handle at a location adjacent the port and the opening in the housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 3 wherein the probe tube is connected to the handle to allow selective rotation of the probe tube about the longitudinal probe axis relative to the rotational axis of the handle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
102 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 3 wherein: the probe tube extends to a distal end which is adapted to be positioned at a site where the surgical procedure is performed, and further comprising: means for supporting a surgical instrument within the hollow probe tube and extending from the distal end of the tube, the support and size of the surgical instrument allowing a space between the probe tube and the surgical instrument for the flow of fluid, the supporting means further allowing removal of the surgical instrument from within the probe tube at the distal end of the probe tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
61 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 5 wherein: the handle includes an exterior non-annular gripping structure adapted to accept and receive the hand in a selected position; and the actuator means is located in a position relative to the gripping structure to allow finger operation of the actuator means from the hand gripping the gripping structure in the selected position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
60 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 6 wherein: the handle includes an exterior non-annular gripping structure adapted to accept and receive the hand in a selected position; and the locking device is located in a position on the gripping structure to allow finger operation of the locking device from the hand gripping the gripping structure in the selected position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 6 wherein: the locking device also rotates about the rotational axis in unison with the handle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
62 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 7 wherein: the handle includes an exterior non-annular gripping structure adapted to accept and receive the hand in a selected position; and the control button is located in a position relative to the gripping structure to allow finger operation of the control button from the hand gripping the gripping structure configuration in the selected position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
392 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle to control the application of at least one of the irrigation and aspiration fluid flow through the probe tube; a valve assembly located within the handle and operative for controlling the flow of fluid through the probe tube, the valve assembly including means for connecting the valve assembly to one of a source of irrigation or aspiration fluid, the valve assembly including a valve member moveable between a closed position where the fluid flow within the probe tube is terminated and an open position where the fluid flow is established; a locking device connected to the handle and selectively operative to hold the valve member in an open position; and a valve stem shaft connected to the valve member and operative for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve stem shaft extending from the valve assembly to the exterior of the handle; and wherein: the actuation device is operatively connected to the valve member to move the valve member from the closed position to the open position; the actuation device includes a control button connected to an end of the valve stem shaft at the exterior of the handle; the locking device contacts the valve stem shaft to maintain the position of the valve stem shaft; the locking device includes selecting means extending from the handle for selectively positioning the locking device into contact with the valve stem shaft; and the valve assembly, the valve member, the valve stem shaft, the control button and the locking device all rotate about the rotational axis in unison with the handle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
392 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle to control the application of at least one of the irrigation and aspiration fluid flow through the probe tube; a valve assembly located within the handle and operative for controlling the flow of fluid through the probe tube, the valve assembly including means for connecting the valve assembly to one of a source of irrigation or aspiration fluid, the valve assembly including a valve member moveable between a closed position where the fluid flow within the probe tube is terminated and an open position where the fluid flow is established; a locking device connected to the handle and selectively operative to hold the valve member in an open position; and a valve stem shaft connected to the valve member and operative for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve stem shaft extending from the valve assembly to the exterior of the handle; and wherein: the actuation device is operatively connected to the valve member to move the valve member from the closed position to the open position; the actuation device includes a control button connected to an end of the valve stem shaft at the exterior of the handle; the locking device contacts the valve stem shaft to maintain the position of the valve stem shaft; the locking device includes selecting means extending from the handle for selectively positioning the locking device into contact with the valve stem shaft; and the valve assembly, the valve member, the valve stem shaft, the control button and the locking device all rotate about the rotational axis in unison with the handle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
296 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; a valve assembly located within the handle and operative for controlling the flow of fluid through the probe tube, the valve assembly including means for connecting the valve assembly to one of a source of irrigation or aspiration fluid, the valve assembly including a valve member moveable between a closed position where the fluid flow within the probe tube is terminated and an open position where the fluid flow is established; a valve stem shaft connected to the valve member and operative for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve stem shaft extending from the valve assembly to the exterior of the handle; an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle and operatively connected to the valve stem shaft to move the valve member between the open and closed positions; the valve assembly is removable from the handle to allow selective replacement of the valve assembly after use; and the valve stem shaft is disconnectable from the valve member to allow the valve assembly to be removed from the handle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
296 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; a valve assembly located within the handle and operative for controlling the flow of fluid through the probe tube, the valve assembly including means for connecting the valve assembly to one of a source of irrigation or aspiration fluid, the valve assembly including a valve member moveable between a closed position where the fluid flow within the probe tube is terminated and an open position where the fluid flow is established; a valve stem shaft connected to the valve member and operative for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve stem shaft extending from the valve assembly to the exterior of the handle; an actuation device located on the exterior of the handle and operatively connected to the valve stem shaft to move the valve member between the open and closed positions; the valve assembly is removable from the handle to allow selective replacement of the valve assembly after use; and the valve stem shaft is disconnectable from the valve member to allow the valve assembly to be removed from the handle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 21 further comprising: a locking device connected to the handle and selectively operative to hold the valve member in an open position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
73 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 22 and wherein: the actuation device includes a control button connected to an end of the valve stem shaft at the exterior of the handle; the locking device contacts the valve stem shaft to maintain the position of the valve stem shaft; and the locking device includes selecting means extending from the handle for selectively positioning the locking device into contact with the valve stem shaft.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
A surgical probe as defined in claim 23 wherein the valve assembly, the valve member, the valve stem shaft, the control button and the locking device all rotate about the rotational axis in unison with the handle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
207 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube, the distal end of the probe tube adapted to be positioned at a site where the surgical procedure is performed; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; and means for supporting a surgical instrument within the hollow probe tube and extending from the distal end of the tube, the support and size of the surgical instrument allowing a space between the probe tube and the surgical instrument for the flow of fluid, the supporting means further allowing removal of the surgical instrument from within the probe tube at the distal end of the probe tube.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
207 words
An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe to be manipulated by hand, comprising: an elongated hollow probe tube extending generally along a longitudinal probe axis and having an interior space through which irrigation and aspiration fluid flows to and from a surgical site at a distal end of the probe tube, the distal end of the probe tube adapted to be positioned at a site where the surgical procedure is performed; a handle adapted to be gripped by hand, the handle defining a rotational axis separate from the longitudinal probe axis, the rotational axis of the handle extending at a predetermined converging angle with respect to the longitudinal probe axis, the handle rotatably connected relative to the probe tube to allow the handle to rotate about the rotational axis independently of the position of the probe tube during manipulation of the probe; and means for supporting a surgical instrument within the hollow probe tube and extending from the distal end of the tube, the support and size of the surgical instrument allowing a space between the probe tube and the surgical instrument for the flow of fluid, the supporting means further allowing removal of the surgical instrument from within the probe tube at the distal end of the probe tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-09-10 | 2000-03-11 | 2000-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-10 | 2004-03-11 | 2004-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-10 | 2008-03-11 | 2008-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |