Electrosurgical apparatus

Abstract

The electrosurgical apparatus (1) comprises: - at least one body (2) substantially hollow and having an elongated configuration, provided with a proximal end (3) connectable to a current generator (5) and to a supply device (6) of electrically conductive fluid (7), and with a distal end (4) provided with at least one active electrode (8) and with at least one neutral electrode (9) for contacting the patient's body; and - at least one tubular duct (10) passing through the body (2), provided with at least one supply hole (11) of fluid (7) and with at least one distribution hole (12) of fluid (7); - a gripping portion (13) associated with the body (2); wherein the gripping portion (13) comprises coupling means (17) which can be gripped by an operator or which can be associated with at least one gripping device (18) of a robotic movement device (19) of the electrosurgical apparatus (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrosurgical device. Background Technology

[0002] To date, electrosurgical devices have been widely used in various medical fields, such as ophthalmology, gynecology, cardiology, urology, neurology, and oncology.

[0003] Known types of electrosurgical devices have a generally hollow body with a generally elongated structure and a first end portion (for being held by the operator) and a second end portion (for contact with the patient's body).

[0004] Specifically, known types of electrosurgical devices are equipped with active electrodes and neutral electrodes that protrude in connection with a second terminal portion.

[0005] The active electrode can be electrically charged and positioned to contact the patient's body; the neutral electrode is configured to collect current from the active electrode by generating an electrical discharge that breaks down the patient's tissue to be treated.

[0006] The thermal effect induced by the resulting electrical discharge can transform the affected tissue cells, for example, by cutting or burning.

[0007] In this respect, the first end portion can be connected to a current generator configured to electrically charge the active electrode.

[0008] Known types of electrosurgical devices are conveniently equipped with means for turning the active electrode on / off, which is configured to allow / prevent current from flowing from the current generator to the active electrode.

[0009] In addition, known types of electrosurgical devices include tubular catheters disposed within a body, configured to distribute conductive fluid between active and neutral electrodes to facilitate the passage of current between these electrodes.

[0010] Specifically, the tubular conduit has: an inlet hole located on a first end portion and connectable to a conductive fluid supply unit; and at least one outlet hole located on a second end portion and close to an electrode.

[0011] Known types of electrosurgical devices also include means for controlling the distribution of conductive fluid, configured to regulate the flow rate of the conductive fluid from the supply unit to the tubular catheter.

[0012] However, known types of electrosurgical devices have some drawbacks, primarily related to the difficulties encountered when performing medical procedures on tissues requiring high precision.

[0013] In particular, known types of electrosurgical devices are difficult to operate in confined spaces and cannot always be used to perform delicate medical surgical treatments. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The main objective of this invention is to design an electrosurgical device that allows for high-precision medical treatment procedures on patient tissues.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to design an electrosurgical device that can be easily used even in very delicate and minimally invasive surgical procedures and / or when performed in confined spaces.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrosurgical device that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art within the framework of a simple, reasonable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution.

[0017] The above objective is achieved by the electrosurgical device having the features of claim 1. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an electrosurgical device, illustrated by way of illustrative rather than limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an isometric drawing of the electrosurgical device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the electrosurgical device according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a rear view of the electrosurgical device according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front view of the electrosurgical device according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the electrosurgical device according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is an isometric view of a kit for electrosurgical treatment of a patient according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Please refer to these figures for details. Figure 1 generally indicates an electrosurgical device.

[0020] Electrosurgical device 1 includes: - At least one substantially hollow body 2 with an elongated structure, the body having a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4, the proximal end 3 being connectable to a current generator 5 and a supply device 6 for conductive fluid 7, the distal end 4 having at least one active electrode 8 for contacting the patient's body and at least one neutral electrode 9; and - At least one tubular conduit 10 passing through the body 2, the tubular conduit 10 being provided with at least one supply hole 11 for fluid 7 and at least one distribution hole 12 for fluid 7; - The gripping part 13 associated with the main body 2.

[0021] It should be emphasized that, in the context of this disclosure, the terms “remote end” and “near end” and their derivatives must be understood in relation to their positional relationship with the current generator 5 and the supply device 6.

[0022] Preferably, the current generator 5 is configured to generate radio frequency current with a power between 20 watts and 200 watts.

[0023] Preferably, fluid 7 is a physiological saline solution.

[0024] Conveniently, the electrosurgical device includes means for turning the active electrode 8 on / off, configured to allow / prevent current from flowing from the current generator 5 to the active electrode 8.

[0025] Conveniently, the electrosurgical device includes a regulating device configured to regulate the flow rate of fluid 7 flowing into the tubular catheter 10.

[0026] For the sake of pure representational simplicity, the on / off device and the regulating device are not shown in the figures, but they are types known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the active electrode 8 and the neutral electrode 9 have a substantially dome-shaped construction.

[0028] Electrodes 8 and 9 extend from the distal end 4 via a cantilever.

[0029] Each electrode 8, 9 can be connected to the current generator 5 via an electrical connection element 31 that is at least partially housed within the body 2.

[0030] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the tubular conduit 10 is disposed within the body 2 such that the supply hole 11 protrudes from the proximal end 3.

[0031] In this way, the supply hole 11 can be directly connected to the supply device 6.

[0032] Conveniently, the main body 2 includes a through hole 14 at the proximal end 3, from which the tubular conduit 10 protrudes.

[0033] The tubular conduit 10 is disposed within the main body 2, such that the dispensing hole 12 is located at the distal end 4.

[0034] More specifically, the body 2 includes at least one outlet hole 15 at the distal end 4, which is fluid-operatedly connected to the dispensing hole 12 and adapted to allow fluid 7 delivered by the tubular conduit 10 to flow outward.

[0035] The distribution hole 12 is positioned opposite the through hole 14 along the longitudinal development axis of the main body 2.

[0036] Referring again specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, electrodes 8 and 9 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the outlet hole 15.

[0037] More specifically, the body 2 includes a receiving seat 16 at the distal end 4, which is adapted to at least partially receive the tubular conduit 10.

[0038] Preferably, the receiving seat 16 has a generally elongated and semi-cylindrical construction.

[0039] Conveniently, the tubular conduit 10 can be inserted into the receiving seat 16 via shape coupling.

[0040] Referring specifically to the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the receiving seat 16 defines an outlet hole 15 at one of its relevant ends.

[0041] According to the invention, the grip portion 13 includes a coupling device 17, which can be gripped by an operator or associated with at least one grip device 18 of the robotic mobile device 19 of the electrosurgical device 1.

[0042] In other words, when using the electrosurgical device 1, the user can directly hold and move it at the gripping part 13.

[0043] Alternatively, the electrosurgical device 1 can be held by the gripping device 18 of a user-controlled robotic mobile device 19 in order to move the electrosurgical device 1.

[0044] The ability to combine the electrosurgical device 1 with the robotic mobile device 19 can improve the mobility of the electrosurgical device 1 in terms of precision and accuracy, thereby enabling the user to perform very precise surgical procedures on the patient's body.

[0045] Conveniently, the coupling device 17 includes at least one attachment 20 that cantilevered from the body 2 and can be held by the gripping device 18 or an operator.

[0046] Preferably, the attachment 20 includes: - At least one substantially plate-shaped first attachment portion 21 associated with the body 2; - At least one second attachment portion 22 that is substantially plate-shaped and substantially orthogonal to the first attachment portion 21.

[0047] The second attachment 22 can be connected to the holding device 18 or the operator.

[0048] Advantageously, the main body 2 includes at least one substantially flat main wall 23.

[0049] The first attachment portion 21 is associated with the main wall 23 in a protruding manner and is substantially orthogonal to the main wall 23.

[0050] The presence of the main wall 23 facilitates the gripping device 18 or the user's grip on the attachment 20.

[0051] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first attachment portion 21 and the second attachment portion 22 have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

[0052] Specifically, the cross-sections of the first attachment portion 21 and the second attachment portion 22 (taken along a plane substantially parallel to the main wall 23) are substantially trapezoidal and diverge toward the distal end 4.

[0053] This specific geometry of the first attachment portion 21 and the second attachment portion 22 facilitates the gripping device 18's grip on the attachment body 20.

[0054] This will become clearer when the details of the holding device 18 are described later.

[0055] Conveniently, the second attachment portion 22 includes two end portions 24 that protrude from the first attachment portion 21 and have a longitudinal development direction that diverges toward the distal end 4.

[0056] The gripping device 18 will now be described in detail, and it will be clear that the presence of the end portion 24 facilitates the connection between the gripping device 18 and the attachment 20, thereby preventing accidental disconnection between them.

[0057] Similarly, as described below, the special geometry of the distal portion 24 facilitates the placement of the holding device 18 on the opposite side of the distal end 4, thereby minimizing interference with the placement of the electrodes 8, 9 on the patient's body.

[0058] Advantageously, the second attachment portion 22 has an edge 25 with a raised profile constructed of curves.

[0059] This particular technical feature further improves the grip of the gripping device 18 on the attachment 20, as will become clear in the latter part of this disclosure.

[0060] Conveniently, the main body 2 includes at least one first housing element 26 and at least one second housing element 27.

[0061] The first housing element 26 and the second housing element 27 are associated along their respective mating edges 28.

[0062] The coupling device 17 is associated with the first housing element 26.

[0063] The first housing element 26 includes a main wall 23.

[0064] The first housing element 26 and the second housing element 27 extend longitudinally along the longitudinal development axis of the main body 2.

[0065] Conveniently, the main body 2 includes an interlocking engagement device 29 adapted to associate the first housing element 26 with the second housing element 27 via an interlocking connection.

[0066] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the interlocking engagement device 29 includes: at least one protrusion 30 disposed on at least one of the first housing element 26 or the second housing element 27; and a cavity (not visible in the figures) disposed on the other housing element (i.e., on the other of the first housing element 26 or the second housing element 27).

[0067] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the protrusion 30 is disposed on the second housing element 27, and the cavity is disposed on the first housing element 26.

[0068] When housing elements 26 and 27 are connected to each other, the protrusion 30 can be inserted into the cavity by interlocking.

[0069] Conveniently, when the housing elements 26 and 27 are connected to each other, the protrusion 30 and the cavity face the interior of the body 2.

[0070] Similarly, the interlocking engagement device 29 includes: a pair of protruding elements 32 disposed on at least one of the first housing element 26 or the second housing element 27; and a pair of recesses 33 disposed on the other housing element (i.e., on the other of the first housing element 26 or the second housing element 27).

[0071] The protruding element 32 and the recess 33 have a substantially elongated structure along the longitudinal development axis of the body 2.

[0072] Conveniently, the protruding element 32 and the recess 33 extend substantially along the entire length of the body 2.

[0073] Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a recess 33 is provided on the second housing element 27, and a protruding element 32 is provided on the first housing element 26.

[0074] When housing elements 26 and 27 are interconnected, each protruding element 32 can be inserted into the corresponding recess 33 by shape coupling.

[0075] Making the lengths of the protruding element 32 and the recess 33 substantially equal to the length of the body 2 can improve the interlocking between the first housing element 26 and the second housing element 27.

[0076] Similarly, the interlocking engagement device 29 includes a pair of retaining bodies 34 disposed on the first housing element 26 and adapted to restrict the protruding element 32 from disengaging from their respective recesses 33.

[0077] Conveniently, when housing elements 26 and 27 are connected to each other, protruding element 32, recess 33 and fixing body 34 face the interior of body 2.

[0078] Preferably, the active electrode 8 and the neutral electrode 9 are located at the junction edge 28 of the first housing element 26 and the second housing element 27.

[0079] Specifically, the body 2 defines a pair of through holes, which are partially defined by the engagement edge 28 of the first housing element 26 and partially defined by the engagement edge 28 of the second housing element 27.

[0080] Electrodes 8 and 9 are adapted to extend from the distal end 4 through respective through holes defined by the engagement edge 28.

[0081] Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the outlet hole 15 is defined by the engagement edge 28 of the first housing element 26 and the engagement edge 28 of the second housing element 27.

[0082] Conveniently, the electrosurgical device 1 includes at least one biological residue aspiration catheter 35 that passes through the body 2 and can be connected to the aspiration device 36.

[0083] Specifically, the suction conduit 35 includes at least one biological residue suction port 37 disposed at the distal end 4, and a biological residue discharge port 38 disposed at the proximal end 3 and connectable to the suction device 36.

[0084] Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the suction port 37 is disposed on the second housing element 27.

[0085] Referring also specifically to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the suction conduit 35 and the second housing element 27 are integrally formed.

[0086] Alternative embodiments of the electrosurgical device 1 cannot be ruled out, in which the aspiration catheter 35 can be detached from the second housing element 27 and inserted into the body 2.

[0087] Conveniently, the electrosurgical device 1 includes a tubular connecting element 47 that is fluid-operatedly associated with the outlet 38 of the aspiration catheter 35 and can be connected to the aspiration device 36.

[0088] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit 39 for electrosurgical treatment of a patient.

[0089] Kit 39 includes: - At least one electrosurgical device 1 according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments; - At least one current generator 5 that can be associated with and configured to supply power to the electrosurgical device 1; - A supply device 6 that can be associated with and configured to provide at least one conductive fluid 7 to the electrosurgical device 1; and - At least one robotic mobile device 19 having at least one gripping device 18 that can be attached to an attachment 20 of an electrosurgical device 1.

[0090] The robotic mobile device 19 is configured to allow the movement of the electrosurgical device 1.

[0091] Kit 39 includes a support structure 40, which is placed on the ground by inserting wheel elements 41 adapted to allow the support structure 40 to move on the ground.

[0092] Kit 39 includes a biological fluid aspiration device 36 that can be connected to an aspiration catheter 35 of electrosurgical device 1.

[0093] Kit 39 includes a control unit 42 associated with support structure 40, which includes current generator 5 and suction device 36 and is configured to manage their operation.

[0094] The control unit 42 is operatively connected to the supply device 6 and configured to manage its operation.

[0095] Kit 39 includes a connection device 43 configured to connect control unit 42 to electrosurgical device 1.

[0096] Conveniently, the holding device 18 includes a clamping device 44 adapted to hold the second attachment portion 22.

[0097] Specifically, the clamping device 44 includes two hinged arm elements 45, each arm element 45 having a through slot 46 adapted to receive the end portion 24.

[0098] Advantageously, the through-slot 46 has a shape that is complementary to the end portion 24.

[0099] If the electrosurgical device 1 is moved using the robotic mobile device 19, the clamping device 44 is placed at the attachment 20 and grips the attachment 20 from the side opposite to the distal end 4.

[0100] In this way, the holding device 18 does not interfere with the electrodes 8 and 9 when they are placed on the patient's structures and / or organs.

[0101] The special technical feature that gives the first attachment portion 21 and the second attachment portion 22 a substantially trapezoidal cross section that radiates toward the distal end 4 facilitates the gripping phase of the clamping device 44 at the attachment body 20.

[0102] Similarly, the second attachment portion 22 may include two end portions 24 that protrude from the first attachment portion 21 and have a longitudinally extending direction radiating toward the distal end 4, which facilitates gripping of the arm element 45 that extends substantially parallel to the protruding ends 24.

[0103] This increases the adhesive surface between the second attachment portion 22 and the clamping device 44, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the gripping device 18 and the attachment body 20.

[0104] Similarly, the presence of the through slot 46 (whose shape is complementary to that of the protruding end 24) facilitates a tight fit of the protruding end 24 within the through slot 46, which helps to limit the gripping device 18 to a stable grip on the attachment 20.

[0105] It has indeed been proven that the described invention has achieved its intended purpose.

[0106] In particular, the fact that the gripping portion of the electrosurgical device according to the invention can be provided with an attachment that can be gripped by a gripping device of a robotic mobile device allows for movement of the electrosurgical device with greater precision compared to manual operation by an operator.

[0107] In this way, the electrosurgical device according to the invention can be used in very delicate and minimally invasive surgical procedures and / or in procedures performed in confined spaces.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical device (1), comprising: - At least one substantially hollow body (2) having an elongated structure, the body having a proximal end (3) and a distal end (4), the proximal end (3) being connectable to a current generator (5) and a supply device (6) for conductive fluid (7), the distal end (4) having at least one active electrode (8) and at least one neutral electrode (9) for contacting the patient's body; and - At least one tubular conduit (10) passing through the body (2), the tubular conduit (10) being provided with at least one supply hole (11) for the fluid (7) and at least one distribution hole (12) for the fluid (7). - The gripping portion (13) associated with the main body (2); The gripping portion (13) is characterized in that it includes a coupling device (17) which may be gripped by an operator or associated with at least one gripping device (18) of the robotic mobile device (19) of the electrosurgical device (1).

2. The electrosurgical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling device (17) includes at least one attachment (20) that cantilevered out of the body (2) and can be held by the gripping device (18) or by the operator.

3. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The attachment (20) includes: - At least one substantially plate-shaped first attachment portion (21) associated with the body (2); - At least one second attachment portion (22) that is substantially plate-shaped and substantially orthogonal to the first attachment portion (21), the second attachment portion (22) being able to be attached to the gripping device (18) or the operator.

4. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The main body (2) includes at least one substantially flat main wall (23), the first attachment portion (21) being associated with the main wall (23) in a protruding manner and substantially orthogonal to the main wall (23).

5. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first attachment portion (21) and the second attachment portion (22) have substantially trapezoidal cross sections.

6. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second attachment portion (22) includes two end portions (24) that protrude from the first attachment portion (21) and have a longitudinal development direction that diverges toward the distal end (4).

7. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second attachment portion (22) has an edge (25) with a raised profile constructed of curves.

8. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The body (2) includes at least one first housing element (26) and at least one second housing element (27), the first housing element (26) and the second housing element (27) being associated along their respective mating edges (28), and the coupling device (17) being associated with the first housing element (26).

9. The electrosurgical device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The active electrode (8) and the neutral electrode (9) are located at the joint edge (28) of the first housing element (26) and the second housing element (27).

10. A kit (39) for electrosurgical treatment of a patient, characterized in that, The kit includes: - At least one electrosurgical device according to one or more of the preceding claims (1); - At least one current generator (5) that can be associated with the electrosurgical device (1) and configured to supply power to the electrosurgical device (1); - A supply device (6) capable of being associated with and configured to provide at least one conductive fluid (7) to the electrosurgical device (1); and - At least one robotic mobile device (19) having at least one gripping device (18) that can be coupled to the attachment (20) of the electrosurgical device (1), the robotic mobile device (19) being configured to allow movement of the electrosurgical device (1).

11. The kit (39) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The gripping device (18) includes a clamping device (44) adapted to grip the second attachment portion (22).

12. The kit (39) according to one or more of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that, The clamping device (44) includes two arm elements (45) hinged together, the arm elements (45) having through slots (46) adapted to receive the end portion (24).

13. The kit (39) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The through-slot (46) has a shape that is complementary to the end portion (24).

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