Electrosurgical device, method for manufacturing electrosurgical device, and method for using electrosurgical device

Abstract

In an example, an electrosurgical device includes a housing defining an inner bore. The electrosurgical device also includes a shaft telescopically movable in the bore of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a helical conductor wound about the shaft and configured to supply electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201980063602.2, whose application date is August 27, 2019 and whose invention name is "Electrosurgical device, manufacturing method of electrosurgical device and use method of electrosurgical device".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 723,054, filed on August 27, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for delivering electrical energy, and more particularly to electrosurgical devices and methods that provide for telescopic adjustment of an electrosurgical blade. Background Art

[0005] Electrosurgery involves applying radio frequency (RF) electrical current (also known as electrosurgical energy) to biological tissue to cut, coagulate, or alter the biological tissue during an electrosurgery procedure. Specifically, an electrosurgical generator generates electrical current and provides the current to an active electrode that applies the current (and therefore electrical power) to the tissue. The current is passed through the tissue and returned to the generator via a return electrode (also known as a "dispersive electrode"). As the current is passed through the tissue, the impedance of the tissue causes a portion of the current to be converted into heat energy (e.g., via the principle of resistive heating), which increases the temperature of the tissue and causes a change in the tissue (e.g., cutting, coagulating, ablating, and / or sealing the tissue). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. However, the illustrative examples and their preferred modes of use, additional objects and description will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative examples of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of an electrosurgical system is depicted according to an example.

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view of an electrosurgical device according to an example is depicted.

[0009] Figure 3A An electrosurgical device is depicted with a shaft in a distal position relative to a housing, according to an example.

[0010] Figure 3B FIG. 1 shows an example of a shaft in a proximal position relative to a housing. Figure 3A electrosurgical device.

[0011] Figure 4A An electrosurgical device is depicted with a shaft in a distal position relative to a housing, according to an example.

[0012] Figure 4B FIG. 1 shows an example of a shaft in a proximal position relative to a housing. Figure 3A electrosurgical device.

[0013] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method of using an electrosurgical device is depicted according to an example.

[0014] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device is depicted, according to an example.

[0015] Figure 7 According to an example, a Figure 6 Flow chart of a method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device for use in conjunction with the method.

[0016] Figure 8 According to an example, a Figure 6 Flow chart of a method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device for use in conjunction with the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The disclosed examples will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all disclosed examples are shown. In fact, several different examples may be described, and they should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0018] With respect to quantities or measurements described herein, the terms "approximately" or "substantially" mean that the described features, parameters or values ​​do not have to be achieved exactly, but may deviate or vary in quantity without impairing the function that the feature is intended to provide, such deviations or variations include, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0019] As described above, an electrosurgical device may use electrical energy supplied by an electrosurgical generator to apply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical blade to tissue. As such, an electrosurgical device generally includes a housing in which one or more conductors are disposed to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade. Some electrosurgical devices include a shaft that is telescopically adjustable relative to the housing. This may facilitate adjusting the length of the electrosurgical device to treat target tissues of varying sizes and / or shapes. This may present challenges as the electrical conductors may need to move relative to each other to accommodate movement of the shaft relative to the housing.

[0020] One method of conducting electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade of such an electrosurgical device is to provide the electrosurgical device with a plurality of stamped metal components arranged in a slidable manner relative to each other. However, this method is expensive to manufacture and / or labor intensive to assemble.

[0021] The present disclosure describes an electrosurgical device that can address one or more challenges associated with existing methods of supplying electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical blade of a telescopically adjustable electrosurgical device. In an example, the electrosurgical device includes a housing defining an inner bore, a shaft that can be telescopically moved in the inner bore of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a helical conductor wound around the shaft and configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade. In this arrangement, the helical conductor can be compressible and expandable so that the helical conductor can accommodate the shaft that is telescopically moved into and / or out of the housing in order to retract and / or extend the electrosurgical blade relative to the housing, respectively.

[0022] In an example, an electrosurgical device is described. The electrosurgical device includes a housing defining an inner bore. The electrosurgical device also includes a shaft that is telescopically movable in the inner bore of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a helical conductor wound around the shaft and configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0023] In another example, a method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device is described. The method includes: forming a housing defining an inner bore; coupling a shaft to the inner bore of the housing so that the shaft can telescopically move in the inner bore of the housing; coupling an electrosurgical blade to the shaft; and winding a helical conductor around the shaft to form a helical shape of the helical conductor. The helical conductor is configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0024] In another example, a method of using an electrosurgical device is described. The method includes providing an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device includes a housing defining an inner bore, a shaft that is telescopically movable in the inner bore of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a spiral conductor wound around the shaft. The method also includes: telescopically moving the shaft relative to the housing so that (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor remains fixed relative to the housing and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor translates relative to the housing. The method also includes coupling the electrosurgical device to an electrosurgical generator. In addition, the method includes supplying electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade via the spiral conductor.

[0025] Reference now Figure 1 According to an example, an electrosurgical system 100 is shown. Figure 1As shown in , the electrosurgical system 100 includes an electrosurgical generator 110 and an electrosurgical device 112. In general, the electrosurgical generator 110 can generate electrosurgical energy suitable for performing electrosurgery on a patient. For example, the electrosurgical generator 110 can include a power converter circuit 114 that can convert grid power into electrosurgical energy, such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) output power. As an example, the power converter circuit 114 can include one or more electrical components (e.g., one or more transformers) capable of controlling the voltage, current, and / or frequency of the electrosurgical energy.

[0026] In an example, the electrosurgical generator 110 may include a user interface 116 that may receive one or more inputs from a user and / or provide one or more outputs to a user. As an example, the user interface 116 may include one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or more dials, one or more keypads, one or more touch screens, and / or one or more display screens.

[0027] In an example, the user interface 116 may be operable to select an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes for the electrosurgical generator 110. As an example, the operating modes may include a cutting mode, a coagulation mode, an ablation mode, and / or a sealing mode. In one embodiment, the operating modes may correspond to corresponding waveforms for electrosurgical energy. Thus, in this embodiment, the electrosurgical generator 110 may generate electrosurgical energy in a waveform that is selected from among a plurality of waveforms based at least in part on the operating mode selected using the user interface 116.

[0028] The electrosurgical generator 110 may also include one or more sensors 118 that may sense one or more conditions related to the electrosurgical energy and / or the target tissue. As an example, the sensor 118 may include one or more current sensors, one or more voltage sensors, and / or one or more temperature sensors. Within the example, the electrosurgical generator 110 may additionally or alternatively generate the electrosurgical energy with an amount of electrosurgical energy (e.g., electrical power) based on one or more parameters related to the conditions sensed by the sensor 118 and / or a waveform selected from a plurality of waveforms based on one or more parameters related to the conditions sensed by the sensor 118.

[0029] In one example, the electrosurgical energy may have a frequency greater than about 100 kilohertz (KHz) to reduce (or avoid) irritation of muscles and / or nerves near the target tissue. In another example, the electrosurgical energy may have a frequency between about 300 kHz and about 500 kHz.

[0030] exist Figure 11 , the electrosurgical generator 110 also includes a connector 120 that can facilitate coupling the electrosurgical generator 110 to the electrosurgical device 112. For example, the electrosurgical device 112 can include a power cord 122 with a plug that couples to a receptacle of the connector 120 of the electrosurgical generator 110. In this arrangement, the electrosurgical generator 110 can supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical device 112 via the coupling between the connector 120 of the electrosurgical generator 110 and the power cord 122 of the electrosurgical device 112.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in , the electrosurgical device 112 may include a housing 124 defining an inner hole, a shaft 126 that can be telescopically moved in the inner hole of the housing 124, and an electrosurgical blade 128 coupled to the shaft 126. Basically, the housing 124 may be configured to facilitate a user to grasp and manipulate the electrosurgical device 112 when performing electrosurgery. For example, the housing 124 may have a shape and / or size that may facilitate a user to perform electrosurgery by manipulating the electrosurgical device 112 with a single hand. In one embodiment, the housing 124 may have a shape and / or size that facilitates a user to hold the electrosurgical device 112 in a writing utensil grip (for example, the electrosurgical device 112 may be an electrosurgical pen).

[0032] Additionally, for example, housing 124 may be constructed from one or more materials that are electrical insulators (eg, plastics). This may help isolate a user from electrosurgical energy flowing through electrosurgical device 112 when performing electrosurgery.

[0033] As described above, shaft 126 is telescopically movable relative to housing 124, and electrosurgical blade 128 is coupled to shaft 126 (e.g., movable along the longitudinal axis of electrosurgical device 112). This may provide for adjusting the length of electrosurgical device 112, which may facilitate performing electrosurgery at a plurality of different depths within tissue (e.g., due to different anatomical shapes and / or sizes of various patients) and / or at a plurality of different angles. In some examples, shaft 126 may be rotatable about an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of electrosurgical device 112. This may provide for adjusting the angle of one or more user input devices 130 of electrosurgical blade 128 relative to electrosurgical device 112.

[0034] The user input device 130 may select between operating modes of the electrosurgical device 112 and / or operating modes of the electrosurgical generator 110. For example, in one embodiment, the user input device 130 may be configured to select between a cutting operating mode and a coagulation operating mode. In response to actuation of the user input device 130 of the electrosurgical device 112, the electrosurgical device 112 may: (i) receive electrosurgical energy having a power level and / or waveform corresponding to the operating mode selected via the user input device 130, and (ii) supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade 128.

[0035] exist Figure 1 , the electrosurgical device 112 includes a plurality of electrical components that facilitate supplying electrosurgical energy received by the electrosurgical device 112 from the electrosurgical generator 110 to the electrosurgical blade 128. For example, the electrosurgical device 112 may include a printed circuit board 132 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board), a helical conductor 134, and / or one or more conductive leads 136 that may provide a circuit to conduct the electrosurgical energy from the power cord 122 to the electrosurgical blade 128.

[0036] In an example, the user input device 130 may include one or more buttons on an outer surface of the housing 124. Each button of the user input device 130 is operable to actuate a corresponding one of a plurality of switches 138 of the printed circuit board 132. Basically, the switches 138 and / or the printed circuit board 132 are operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator 110 to the electrosurgical blade 128. For example, in one embodiment, when each button is operated (e.g., pressed), the corresponding switch 138 associated with the button is actuated, causing the printed circuit board 132 to transmit a signal to the electrosurgical generator 110 and causing the electrosurgical generator 110 to responsively supply electrosurgical energy having a power level and / or waveform corresponding to the operating mode associated with the button. In another embodiment, operating the button and thereby actuating the corresponding switch 138 associated with the button can close the switch 138 and complete the circuit to the electrosurgical generator 110, thereby causing the electrosurgical generator 110 to responsively supply electrosurgical energy having a power level and / or waveform corresponding to the operating mode associated with the button.

[0037] In both example embodiments, electrosurgical energy supplied by the electrosurgical generator 110 may be supplied from (i) the power cord 122, the printed circuit board 132, and / or the switch 138 to (ii) the electrosurgical blade 128 via the helical conductor 134 and the conductive lead 136. Figure 1, a printed circuit board 132 may be coupled to the power cord 122, a spiral conductor 134 may be coupled to the printed circuit board 132 and a conductive lead 136, and the conductive lead 136 may be coupled to the electrosurgical blade 128. In this arrangement, the spiral conductor 134 may conduct electrosurgical energy (supplied to the spiral conductor 134 via the printed circuit board) to the conductive lead 136, and the conductive lead 136 may conduct the electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade 128.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown in , the printed circuit board 132 and the spiral conductor 134 can be positioned in the housing 124 (e.g., in the inner cavity of the housing 124). The conductive lead 136 can extend along the shaft 126 that can be telescopically movable relative to the housing 124. The spiral conductor 134 is wound around the shaft 124 in the housing 124. In particular, the shaft 126 can include a proximal portion in the housing 124 and a distal portion extending outward from the housing 124, and the spiral conductor 134 can be wound around the proximal portion of the shaft 126 in the housing 124. As described in further detail below, winding the spiral conductor 134 around the shaft 126 can assist in maintaining electrical communication between upstream electrical components (e.g., the printed circuit board 132, the switch 138, and / or the power cord 122) and downstream electrical components (e.g., the conductive lead 136 and / or the electrosurgical blade 128) when the shaft 126 is telescopically movable relative to the housing 124.

[0039] In general, the spiral conductor 134 may include one or more conductive elements that provide a conductive bus for supplying electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade 128. In one example, the spiral conductor 134 may include multiple strands of individual insulated wires wound into a spiral shape. In another example, the spiral conductor 134 may include a multi-wire ribbon cable wound into a spiral shape. In yet another example, the spiral conductor 134 may include a multi-conductor flexible circuit cable wound into a spiral shape. In each of these examples, the spiral conductor 134 may be compressible and expandable, so that the spiral conductor 134 can accommodate telescopic movement into and / or out of the shaft 126 of the housing 124 in order to retract and / or extend the electrosurgical blade 128 relative to the housing 124, respectively.

[0040] In an example, a conductive lead 136 can extend from the spiral conductor 134 to the electrosurgical blade 128. In one example, the conductive lead 136 can include one or more wires. In another example, the conductive lead 136 can include one or more conductive traces formed by, for example, screen printing, sputtering, plating, and / or laser ablation. The conductive lead 136 can be disposed in an inner conduit of the shaft 126, and the outer surface of the shaft 126 can be formed of an electrically insulating material. This can help reduce (or prevent) the loss of electrosurgical energy before the electrosurgical blade 128.

[0041] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown in , the electrosurgical device 112 may further include a light source 140 configured to emit light. In particular, the light source 140 may be configured to emit light toward the surgical site in a distal direction to illuminate the surgical site when electrosurgery is performed using the electrosurgical blade 128. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the light source 140 is coupled to the shaft 126 (for example, the light source 140 can be at the distal end of the shaft 126). In this way, the light source 140 also moves telescopically with the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124. However, in other examples, the light source 140 can also be coupled to the housing 124. As an example, the light source 140 can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), optical fibers, non-fiber waveguides, and / or lenses.

[0042] In embodiments including a light source 140, the user input device 130, the printed circuit board 132, the switch 138, the spiral conductor 134, and / or the conductive lead 136 may additionally supply electrical power from a direct current (DC) power source 142 to the light source 140. In one example, the DC power source 142 may include a battery disposed in the housing 124 and / or a plug of the power cord 122. Although in Figure 1 The electrosurgical device 112 includes a DC power source 142, however in other examples, the DC power source 142 may also be separate and distinct from the electrosurgical device 112. For example, in another example, the electrosurgical generator 110 may include a DC power source 142.

[0043] Additionally, in embodiments including the light source 140, the user input device 130 may be operable to cause the light source 140 to emit light. In one example, the user input device 130 may include a button that independently controls the light source 140, separate from a button that controls an electrosurgical mode of operation of the electrosurgical device 112. In another example, the user input device 130 and the printed circuit board 132 may be configured such that operation of the button that controls the electrosurgical mode of operation also controls operation of the light source 140 (e.g., when the button is operated to apply electrosurgical energy at the electrosurgical blade 128, the light source 140 is automatically actuated to emit light).

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, in response to the user input device 130 actuating the operation of the light source 140, the DC power source 142 can supply electrical power (e.g., a DC voltage) to the light source 140 via the printed circuit board 132, the spiral conductor 134, and / or the conductive lead 136. In this embodiment, one or more conductive elements of the spiral conductor 134 can be configured to supply electrical power from the DC power source 142 to the light source 140 and / or return electrical power from the light source 140 to the DC power source 142. Accordingly, the spiral conductor 134 can additionally or alternatively assist in providing electrical communication between the DC power source 142 and the light source 140 when the shaft 126 and the light source 140 move telescopically relative to the housing 124.

[0045] Reference now Figure 2 , according to an example, a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrosurgical device 112 is shown. Figure 2 As shown in , the electrosurgical device 112 includes a housing 124 defining an inner hole 244 , a shaft 126 telescopically movable in the inner hole 244 of the housing 124 , and an electrosurgical blade 128 coupled to the shaft 126 .

[0046] In addition, Figure 2 In the embodiment, the light source 140 is at the distal end 246 of the shaft 126. In this arrangement, the light source 140 will move telescopically with the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , light source 140 surrounds electrosurgical blade 128. This can help to emit light in a relatively uniform manner by reducing (or preventing) shadows caused by the orientation of light source 140 and electrosurgical blade 128 relative to the surgical site. However, in other examples, light source 140 may not extend completely around electrosurgical blade 128 at distal end 246 of shaft 126.

[0047] In some examples, electrosurgical device 112 can include a collar 248 at the proximal end of housing 124. Collar 248 can be rotatable relative to housing 124 to increase and / or decrease friction between an outer surface of shaft 126 and an inner surface of collar 248. In this manner, collar 248 allows and / or inhibits axial telescopic movement of shaft 126 relative to housing 124.

[0048] like Figure 2 , the electrosurgical device 112 includes a power cord 122. At a proximal end 250 of the power cord 122, the power cord 122 includes a plug 252 that is configured to couple to the connector 120 of the electrosurgical generator 110. The distal end of the power cord 122 is coupled to the printed circuit board 132 within the lumen of the housing 124. In this arrangement, the power cord 122 extends proximally from the housing 124 to the plug 252.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 2 , the user input device 130 includes a first button 230A, a second button 230B, and a third button 230C on the outer surface of the housing 124. In one embodiment, the first button 230A can be actuated to operate the electrosurgical device 112 in a cutting operation mode, the second button 230B can be actuated to operate the electrosurgical device 112 in a coagulation operation mode, and the third button 230C can be actuated to operate the light source 140 (i.e., to cause the light source 140 to emit light or stop emitting light). As described above, in other examples, the user input device 130 can be configured differently.

[0050] Figure 3A-3B The electrosurgical device 112 is depicted with a portion of the housing 124 omitted to facilitate illustration of the interior cavity 354 of the housing 124. In particular, Figure 3A The electrosurgical device 112 is depicted with the shaft 126 in a retracted position relative to the housing 124, and Figure 3B The electrosurgical device 112 is depicted with the shaft 126 in an extended position relative to the housing 124 .

[0051] like Figure 3A-3B As shown in , the proximal portion of the shaft 126 is located in the lumen 354 of the housing 124, and the distal portion of the shaft 126 extends distally from the housing 124. Figure 3A-3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the helical conductor 134 is wound about the shaft 126 (eg, a proximal portion of the shaft 126 ) and is configured to supply electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator 110 to the electrosurgical blade 128 .

[0052] exist Figure 3A-3B In the embodiment, the proximal end of the spiral conductor 134 is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft 126, and the distal end of the spiral conductor 134 is fixedly coupled to the housing 124, so that when the shaft 126 moves telescopically relative to the housing 124: (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor 134 remains fixed relative to the housing 124, and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor 134 translates relative to the housing 124. Specifically, in Figure 3A-3B 14, the shaft 126 may include a first terminal 356 at which the proximal end of the spiral conductor 134 is electrically coupled to the conductive lead 136. In this manner, the proximal end of the spiral conductor 134 may be coupled to the conductive lead 136 extending from the proximal portion of the shaft 126 along the shaft 126 to the electrosurgical blade 128.

[0053] In addition, Figure 3A-3B In the embodiment, the distal end of the spiral conductor 134 can be coupled to the printed circuit board 132 at the second terminal 358. The printed circuit board 132 is fixedly coupled to the housing 124. Figure 3A-3B, the distal end of the spiral conductor 134 is fixedly coupled to the housing 124 via the printed circuit board 132. The printed circuit board 132 is coupled to the power line 122 at the third terminal 360.

[0054] In this arrangement, when the shaft 126 is in a Figure 3A The most proximal position of the axis 126 shown in FIG. Figure 3B When the helical conductor 134 is telescopically moved between the distal-most positions of the shaft 126 shown in FIG. 1 , the position of the distal end of the helical conductor 134 remains fixed relative to the housing 124 (e.g., at the second terminal 358), while the position of the proximal end of the helical conductor 134 (e.g., at the first terminal 356) translates relative to the housing 124. Figure 3A As shown in , the helical conductor 134 may define turns having a first diameter when the shaft 126 is in the proximal-most position. Figure 3B As shown in , when the shaft 126 is in the most distal position, the turns have a second diameter. In this example, the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In other words, the diameter of the spiral shape defined by the spiral conductor 134 can expand and / or retract to accommodate Figure 3A-3B The telescopic movement of shaft 126 relative to housing 124 is shown in FIG.

[0055] In addition, Figure 3A-3B In the embodiment, the spiral conductor 134 defines a plurality of turns around the axis 126, and the spacing between adjacent turns of the plurality of turns increases as the axis 126 moves relative to the housing 124. Figure 3A-3B This may additionally or alternatively help the helical conductor 134 adapt to Figure 3A-3B , the telescopic movement of shaft 126 relative to housing 124. In some examples, helical conductor 134 may include a coating and / or film on an outer surface that may help reduce friction between helical conductor 134 and shaft 126. For example, helical conductor 134 may include a Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) coating that engages with the outer surface of shaft 126.

[0056] As described above, the spiral conductor 134 may include one or more conductive elements. Figure 3A-3B In FIG. 1 , the spiral conductor 134 includes a plurality of conductive elements. Specifically, in Figure 3A-3B , the conductive elements include a first conductive element 362, a second conductive element 364, and a third conductive element 366. The first conductive element 362 is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade 128. The second conductive element 364 and the third conductive element 366 are configured to supply electrical power to the light source 140.

[0057] As described above, shaft 126 may be rotatable relative to housing 124. Figure 3BAs shown in , the electrosurgical device 112 may include a mechanical stop 368 that may limit the degree of rotation of the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124. This may help mitigate (or prevent) disconnection of the spiral conductor 134 from the printed circuit board 132 due to excessive rotation of the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124 and excessive force applied to the spiral conductor 134. In one example, the mechanical stop 368 may limit the degree of rotation of the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124 to approximately 180 degrees of rotation. In embodiments where the electrosurgical blade 128 has a symmetrical shape, up to approximately 180 degrees of rotation of the shaft 126 and the electrosurgical blade 128 may allow the electrosurgical blade 128 to provide a full range of angular orientations of the electrosurgical blade 128 relative to the user input device 130 on the housing 124. However, in other examples, the mechanical stop 368 may also limit the degree of rotation of the shaft 126 relative to the housing 124 to approximately 30 degrees of rotation to approximately 360 degrees of rotation.

[0058] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical stop 368 includes a first protrusion extending inwardly from the inner surface of the housing 124 toward the shaft 126. The first protrusion of the mechanical stop 368 can engage with a second protrusion 370 on the proximal end of the shaft 126 when the shaft 126 is in at least one rotational position relative to the housing 124, thereby preventing the shaft 126 from further rotating relative to the housing 124. In other examples, the mechanical stop 368 can also be configured differently.

[0059] Reference now Figure 4A-4B , according to another example, an electrosurgical device 412 is shown. The electrosurgical device 412 is generally similar (or identical) to the electrosurgical device 112 described above except that: (i) the electrosurgical device 412 includes a suction port 472 at the distal end of the shaft 426 instead of the light source 140, and (ii) the electrosurgical device 412 includes a helical conductor 434 in the form of a ribbon cable (e.g., a three-wire ribbon cable). In this example, the shaft 426 may include an inner lumen in communication with the suction port 472, and the inner lumen is configured to apply a vacuum to the suction port 472 when the inner lumen is coupled to a vacuum source (e.g., via a vacuum tube extending proximally from the housing of the electrosurgical device 412).

[0060] In the examples described above, the spiral conductor 134, 434 is wound around the shaft 126, 426 to form the spiral shape of the spiral conductor 134, 434. As described above, this can allow the spiral conductor 134, 434 to expand and / or retract to accommodate the telescopic movement of the shaft 126, 426 relative to the housing 124. In another example, the electrosurgical device (e.g., electrosurgical device 112, 412) can include a conductor having a sawtooth shape coupled to the shaft instead of the spiral conductor. The sawtooth shape of the conductor can help expand and / or retract the conductor to accommodate the telescopic movement of the shaft relative to the housing.

[0061] Reference now Figure 5 , according to an example, a flow chart of a process 500 for using an electrosurgical device is shown. At block 510, the process 500 may include providing an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device may include a housing defining an inner hole, a shaft that can be telescopically moved in the inner hole of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a helical conductor wound around the shaft.

[0062] At block 512, process 500 may include telescopically moving the shaft relative to the housing so that (i) the position of the distal end of the helical conductor remains fixed relative to the housing and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the helical conductor translates relative to the housing. At block 514, process 500 may include coupling the electrosurgical device to an electrosurgical generator. At block 516, process 500 may include supplying electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade via the helical conductor.

[0063] Reference now Figure 6 According to an example, a flow chart of a process 600 for manufacturing a urine collection device is shown. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6 , at block 610, process 600 includes forming a housing defining an inner bore. At block 612, process 600 includes coupling a shaft to the inner bore of the housing so that the shaft can telescopically move in the inner bore of the housing. At block 614, process 600 includes coupling an electrosurgical blade to the shaft. At block 616, process 600 includes winding a helical conductor around the shaft to form a helical shape of the helical conductor. The helical conductor is configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0064] Figure 7-8 Additional aspects of process 600 are depicted according to additional examples. Figure 7 As shown in , process 600 may also include: at block 618, fixedly coupling the printed circuit board to the housing; at block 620, coupling the distal end of the helical conductor to the printed circuit board fixedly coupled to the housing; and at block 622, coupling the proximal end of the helical conductor to the proximal portion of the shaft. The printed circuit board may include a plurality of switches operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0065] like Figure 8 As shown in , process 600 may also include: at block 624, coupling a light source to the distal end of the shaft; and at block 626, coupling the light source to the helical conductor.

[0066] Figure 6-8 One or more boxes shown in can represent a module of program code, a segment of program code or a part of program code, and the module of program code, the segment of program code or a part of program code include one or more instructions that can be executed by a processor to realize a specific logical function or step in the process. The program code can be stored on any type of computer-readable medium or data storage device, such as a storage device including a disk or hard disk drive. In addition, the program code can be encoded on a computer-readable storage medium or on other non-transient media or products in a machine-readable format. The computer-readable medium may include a non-transient computer-readable medium or memory, such as a computer-readable medium such as a register memory, a processor cache and a random access memory (RAM) that stores data in a short period of time. The computer-readable medium may also include a non-transient medium, such as a secondary or permanent long-term storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical disk or a disk, a CD-ROM read-only memory (CD-ROM). The computer-readable medium can also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. For example, a computer-readable medium can be considered to be a tangible computer-readable storage medium.

[0067] In some instances, components of the devices and / or systems described herein may be configured to implement functions, such that the components (using hardware and / or software) are actually configured and constructed to achieve such performance. Example configurations then include one or more processors that execute instructions to cause the system to implement functions. Similarly, components of the devices and / or systems may be configured, such as being arranged or adapted, capable of, or suitable for implementing the functions when operating in a particular manner.

[0068] In addition, the present disclosure includes examples according to the following clauses:

[0069] Sentence 1: An electrosurgical device comprises: a housing defining an inner hole; a shaft that is telescopically movable in the inner hole of the housing; an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft; and a helical conductor wound around the shaft and configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0070] Clause 2: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the housing.

[0071] Clause 3: The electrosurgical device of Clause 2 further comprises a mechanical stop configured to limit the degree of rotation of the shaft relative to the housing.

[0072] Clause 4: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 3, wherein the mechanical stop is configured to limit the degree of rotation of the shaft relative to the housing to approximately 180 degrees of rotation.

[0073] Clause 5: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the proximal end of the spiral conductor is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft, and the distal end of the spiral conductor is fixedly coupled to the shell, so that when the shaft moves telescopically relative to the shell: (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor remains fixed relative to the shell, and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor translates relative to the shell.

[0074] Clause 6: The electrosurgical device of clause 5, further comprising a printed circuit board fixedly coupled to the housing. The printed circuit board comprises a plurality of switches operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade. The distal end of the helical conductor is coupled to the housing via the printed circuit board.

[0075] Clause 7: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 6, wherein the printed circuit board is coupled to a power cord, and the power cord is configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical generator.

[0076] Clause 8: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 7, wherein the proximal end of the helical conductor is coupled to a conductive lead extending from a proximal portion of the shaft along the shaft to the electrosurgical blade.

[0077] Clause 9: The electrosurgical device of Clause 1 further comprises a light source configured to emit light, wherein the spiral conductor is configured to supply electrical power from a direct current (DC) power source to the light source.

[0078] Clause 10: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 9, wherein the light source is located at the distal end of the shaft.

[0079] Clause 11: The electrosurgical device of Clause 9, wherein the helical conductor comprises a plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of conductive elements comprises a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and a third conductive element. The first conductive element is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade. The second conductive element and the third conductive element are configured to supply electrical power to the light source.

[0080] Clause 12: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 11, wherein the electrosurgical energy is an alternating current (AC) voltage and wherein the electrical power is a DC voltage.

[0081] Clause 13: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the helical conductor comprises a ribbon cable.

[0082] Clause 14: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the shaft is telescopically movable between a proximal-most position relative to the housing and a distal-most position relative to the housing. The helical conductor defines turns having a first diameter when the shaft is in the proximal-most position. When the shaft is in the distal-most position, the turns have a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

[0083] Clause 15: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the conductor includes a polytetrafluoroethylene coating engaged with an outer surface of the shaft.

[0084] Clause 16: An electrosurgical device according to Clause 1, wherein the helical conductor defines a plurality of turns around the shaft. The spacing between adjacent turns of the plurality of turns is adjusted as the shaft telescopes relative to the housing.

[0085] Clause 17: A method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device, comprising: (i) forming a housing defining an inner bore; (ii) coupling a shaft to the inner bore of the housing so that the shaft is telescopically movable in the inner bore of the housing; (iii) coupling an electrosurgical blade to the shaft; and (iv) winding a helical conductor around the shaft to form a helical shape of the helical conductor. The helical conductor is configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade.

[0086] Clause 18: The method of Clause 17, further comprising: fixedly coupling a printed circuit board to the housing. The printed circuit board comprises a plurality of switches operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade. The method further comprises: coupling a distal end of the helical conductor to the printed circuit board fixedly coupled to the housing, and coupling a proximal end of the helical conductor to a proximal portion of the shaft.

[0087] Clause 19: The method according to Clause 17 also includes: coupling the light source to the distal end of the shaft, and coupling the light source to the spiral conductor.

[0088] Clause 20: A method of using an electrosurgical device, comprising providing an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device defines a housing having an inner bore, a shaft that is telescopically movable in the inner bore of the housing, an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a spiral conductor wound around the shaft. The method also includes: telescopically moving the shaft relative to the housing so that (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor remains fixed relative to the housing and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor translates relative to the housing. The method also includes: coupling the electrosurgical device to an electrosurgical generator, and supplying electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade via the spiral conductor.

[0089] Descriptions of different advantageous arrangements have been given for purposes of illustration and description, and the descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to examples of the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, different advantageous examples will describe different advantages over other advantageous examples. The selected examples are selected and described in order to illustrate the principles of the examples, their practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various examples disclosed herein with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical device comprising: a housing defining an inner bore; a shaft capable of telescopic movement in the inner bore of the housing, wherein the shaft comprises a proximal portion in the housing and a distal portion extending outward from the housing, wherein an outer surface of the shaft is formed of an electrically insulating material; an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft; and a helical conductor wound about a proximal portion of the shaft and configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade, wherein the shaft is capable of telescopic movement between a proximal position relative to the housing and a distal position relative to the housing, and wherein the proximal end of the spiral conductor is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft, and the distal end of the spiral conductor is fixedly coupled to the shell, such that when the shaft telescopes relative to the shell: (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor remains fixed relative to the shell, and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor translates relative to the shell.

2. The electrosurgical device according to claim 1, wherein The shaft is rotatable relative to the housing.

3. The electrosurgical device of claim 2, further comprising a mechanical stop configured to limit the extent of rotation of the shaft relative to the housing.

4. The electrosurgical device according to claim 3, wherein: The mechanical stop is configured to limit the extent of rotation of the shaft relative to the housing to 180 degrees of rotation.

5. The electrosurgical device according to claim 1, wherein: The proximal end of the helical conductor is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft.

6. The electrosurgical device of claim 5, further comprising a printed circuit board fixedly coupled to the housing, in, The printed circuit board includes a plurality of switches operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade, and The distal end of the spiral conductor is coupled to the housing via the printed circuit board.

7. The electrosurgical device according to claim 6, wherein: The printed circuit board is coupled to a power cord configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical generator.

8. The electrosurgical device according to claim 7, wherein: The proximal end of the helical conductor is coupled to a conductive lead that extends along the shaft from a proximal portion of the shaft to an electrosurgical blade.

9. The electrosurgical device of claim 1 , further comprising a light source configured to emit light, wherein The spiral conductor is configured to supply electrical power from a direct current (DC) power source to the light source.

10. The electrosurgical device according to claim 9, wherein: The light source is at the distal end of the shaft.

11. The electrosurgical device according to claim 9, wherein: The spiral conductor includes a plurality of conductive elements, The plurality of conductive elements include a first conductive element, a second conductive element and a third conductive element. wherein the first conducting element is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical blade, and Wherein, the second conductive element and the third conductive element are configured to supply electrical power to the light source.

12. The electrosurgical device according to claim 11, wherein The electrosurgical energy is an alternating current (AC) voltage, and Wherein, the electric power is a direct current (DC) voltage.

13. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein: The helical conductor includes a ribbon cable.

14. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein: The shaft is telescopically movable between a proximal-most position relative to the housing and a distal-most position relative to the housing, wherein the helical conductor defines turns having a first diameter when the shaft is in the proximal-most position, wherein when the shaft is in the distal-most position, the turns have a second diameter, and Wherein, the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

15. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein: The conductor includes a polytetrafluoroethylene coating engaged with an outer surface of the shaft.

16. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein: The helical conductor defines a plurality of turns about the axis, and The spacing between adjacent turns of the plurality of turns is adjusted as the shaft moves telescopically relative to the housing.

17. A method of manufacturing an electrosurgical device, comprising: forming a housing defining an inner bore; coupling a shaft to the inner bore of the housing so that the shaft can telescopically move in the inner bore of the housing, wherein the shaft includes a proximal portion in the housing and a distal portion extending outward from the housing; coupling an electrosurgical blade to the shaft; winding the helical conductor around a proximal portion of the shaft to form a helical shape of the helical conductor; and A proximal end of the helical conductor is coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft, and a distal end of the helical conductor is fixedly coupled to the housing, such that when the shaft moves telescopically relative to the housing: (i) the position of the distal end of the helical conductor remains fixed relative to the housing, and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the helical conductor translates relative to the housing, wherein the helical conductor is configured to supply electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical blade, wherein the shaft is capable of telescopic movement between a proximal position relative to the housing and a distal position relative to the housing, and Wherein, the outer surface of the shaft is formed of an electrically insulating material.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: fixedly coupling a printed circuit board to the housing, wherein the printed circuit board includes a plurality of switches operable to control the supply of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical blade; coupling a distal end of the helical conductor to a printed circuit board fixedly coupled to the housing; and A proximal end of the helical conductor is coupled to a proximal portion of a shaft.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: coupling a light source to the distal end of the shaft; as well as A light source is coupled to the helical conductor.

20. A method of using an electrosurgical device, comprising: An electrosurgical device is provided, the electrosurgical device comprising: a housing defining an inner bore; a shaft capable of telescopic movement in the inner hole of the housing, wherein the outer surface of the shaft is formed of an electrically insulating material; an electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and A spiral conductor wound around an axis, wherein the proximal end of the spiral conductor is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft, and the distal end of the spiral conductor is fixedly coupled to the housing, such that when the shaft telescopically moves relative to the housing: (i) the position of the distal end of the spiral conductor remains fixed relative to the housing, and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the spiral conductor translates relative to the housing; telescopically moving the shaft relative to the housing so that (i) the position of the distal end of the helical conductor remains fixed relative to the housing and (ii) the position of the proximal end of the helical conductor translates relative to the housing; coupling the electrosurgical device to an electrosurgical generator; and Electrosurgical energy is supplied from an electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical blade via the helical conductor.

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