Surgical assembly and surgical instrument

Abstract

A surgical assembly and instrument for removing particulate matter generated during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The assembly includes at least two electrodes, each of which is electrically coupleable with a pole of the same polarity of at least one DC voltage source. The at least one DC voltage source is arranged to generate an electric field from distal portions of the at least two electrodes for ionizing particulate matter suspended near the surgical site. The distal portions of each of the at least two electrodes are separated away from each other in a direction toward the longitudinal axis of the tool piece. The separation nature of the electrodes is particularly suited for open surgery because the electrodes produce a wide electric field for ionizing and capturing specific substances.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical components and surgical instruments. Background Art

[0002] Particles in the form of aerosols are commonly encountered during surgical procedures. For example, they may be used to deliver therapeutic agents or may be generated as a result of performing a surgical procedure. The generation of particle matter is often associated with "energy-based" surgical instruments. Energy-based surgical instruments are powered in some manner to deliver a therapeutic effect, such as cutting or coagulating patient tissue. While several modes of action exist, such as radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, and laser, all of these energy-based instruments generate particle matter as a byproduct of their mode of action.

[0003] The generation of particulate matter obscures the surgeon's field of vision and is often harmful if inhaled. Therefore, it is desirable to remove particles generated during surgery before they can enter the operating room or otherwise migrate beyond the surgical site. Historically, vacuum-based systems have been used to extract aerosolized particles from the surgical field. However, because this process relies on dilution, it is inefficient for rapidly removing particles and improving the surgeon's field of view. Such systems require a length of bulky tubing attached to the surgical instrument, increasing the weight of the assembly, making it bulky and cumbersome. The tubing is often incorporated into the surgical instrument's handpiece, which can negatively impact ergonomics and obscure visibility of the instrument tip and the surgical site, particularly when performing precise tissue dissections. Furthermore, in surgical procedures requiring gas insufflation to create the surgical space, such as laparoscopic surgery, the resulting gas exchange can be desiccating and can dry out tissue, adversely affecting the patient. Due to this, as well as the fact that vacuum-based systems are noisy and cumbersome, their adoption has been slow.

[0004] WO2011 / 010148 discloses an alternative approach for managing particulate matter during surgery via a device for reducing and removing surgical smoke and other aerosol particles generated during electrosurgery. The device generates a stream of electrons from a sharp electrode placed near the surgical site (such as within the abdominal cavity). The electrons emitted from the electrode attach themselves to aerosol particles suspended nearby. The device also establishes a potential difference between the electrode and the patient, which attracts the ionized particles away from the surgical site, thereby improving the surgeon's view of the area.

[0005] However, the effectiveness of the device also depends on the positioning of the electrodes relative to the surgical site and other surgical instruments, and is therefore affected by the experience and skill of the surgeon. Summary of the Invention

[0006] We have now designed a surgical assembly and surgical instrument that addresses at least some of the above limitations.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surgical assembly for removing particulate matter generated during a surgical procedure, the assembly comprising at least two electrodes, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically coupled to a pole of the same polarity of at least one DC voltage source, the at least one DC voltage source being arranged to generate an electric field from distal portions of the at least two electrodes for ionizing particulate matter suspended near a surgical site.

[0008] The distal portions of each of the at least two electrodes are spaced apart away from each other in a direction toward the longitudinal axis of the tool.

[0009] The separated nature of the electrodes creates a wide electric field that is particularly well-suited for ionizing particulate matter generated during open surgical procedures. This wide electric field increases the ionization area for particulate matter and reduces the escape of any particular species from the surgical site. Furthermore, the use of at least two electrodes enables the surgical instrument to be used in multiple positions and orientations without compromising the particle removal effectiveness of the assembly.

[0010] The distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes may extend along a plane arranged to converge toward a longitudinal axis of the tool piece of the surgical instrument.

[0011] In an embodiment, at least two electrodes extend in a common plane, which common plane is arranged to converge towards the longitudinal axis.

[0012] In an embodiment, each plane or common plane is arranged to converge towards an active region of the tool piece, the active region comprising an area arranged to deliver energy to patient tissue when performing a surgical procedure.The active region may comprise a distal tip of the tool piece.

[0013] In an embodiment, the common plane is arranged to intersect the active area of ​​the tool element.

[0014] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a cable electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes at one end and electrically terminated at an opposite end with a plug for electrically coupling the cable to at least one DC voltage source. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises at least two DC voltage sources, each of the at least two electrodes being capable of electrically coupling to a pole of like polarity of a respective DC voltage source.

[0015] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a body for housing the at least two electrodes.The body may comprise coupling means for detachably coupling the body to a surgical instrument, such as a handle of the surgical instrument.

[0016] In an embodiment, the coupling device allows the body to move relative to the surgical instrument so that the body can be appropriately positioned relative to the tool piece so that each plane or common plane along which the distal portions of at least two electrodes extend converges toward the longitudinal axis of the tool piece or intersects the active area.

[0017] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a tool piece for a surgical instrument. The tool piece can be mounted in the body and arranged to be communicatively coupled to an energy source via the surgical instrument for performing a surgical procedure.

[0018] The energy source may include an electrical power source (such as an RF source) for delivering RF power to patient tissue via the tool piece, an electromagnetic radiation source (such as a laser) for delivering laser radiation to patient tissue via the tool piece, a microwave radiation source for delivering microwave radiation to patient tissue, or an ultrasound-based energy source for generating ultrasonic vibrations within the tool piece and delivering the ultrasonic vibrations to patient tissue.

[0019] The tool may be communicatively coupled to the energy source via terminals disposed on the body.

[0020] In an embodiment, at least two electrodes are radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the tool piece. At least two electrodes are angularly separated by less than 180°, and preferably less than 90°, and more preferably less than 45° about the longitudinal axis of the tool piece. ° At least two electrodes may be housed within the body, with at least a distal portion of each electrode extending outwardly from the body.

[0021] In an embodiment, the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is longitudinally spaced from the active area of ​​the tool piece.

[0022] In an embodiment, the electrodes further comprise an insulating sheath extending along at least a portion of the distal portion of the electrodes such that only the distal tip of each electrode is exposed for generating the electric field. Similarly, the tool piece comprises an insulating sheath extending along at least a portion thereof such that only the active area is exposed. The insulator minimizes the development of any electrical pathways between the tool piece and the distal portion of the electrode due to conductive fluids that are found to settle on the electrodes and tool piece during surgical procedures. To further mitigate the development of electrical pathways, the insulator may comprise a corrugated or serrated outer profile to maximize the creepage distance between the active area of ​​the tool piece and the distal portion of the electrode.

[0023] In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a further electrode electrically coupled to a pole of at least one DC voltage source, the pole being opposite to the pole to which the at least two electrodes are coupled, for attracting the ionized particles. In one embodiment, the further electrode is arranged to be electrically coupled to a patient undergoing a surgical procedure such that the ionized particles are attracted toward the patient. Thus, the at least two electrodes and the further electrode generate an electrostatic field to promote, for example, electrostatic precipitation of the ionized particles on the further electrode or on the patient.

[0024] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises at least one DC voltage source for delivering DC power to the at least two electrodes and the further electrode. In an embodiment, the DC voltage source comprises at least two DC voltage sources, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically coupled to a pole of the same polarity of the respective DC voltage source. The assembly further comprises an actuator for selectively delivering DC power from the or each DC voltage source to the at least two electrodes. Alternatively, the assembly may further comprise a sensor for sensing an activation state of the tool part, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and arranged to receive a sense signal from the sensor indicating the activation state of the tool part, the controller being arranged to synchronize the delivery of DC power to the at least two electrodes based on the activation of the tool part.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surgical instrument for performing a surgical procedure, the instrument comprising:

[0026] at least two electrodes, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically couplable to a pole of like polarity of at least one DC voltage source, the at least one DC voltage source being arranged to generate an electric field from distal portions of the at least two electrodes for ionizing particulate matter suspended near a surgical site,

[0027] The distal portions of each of the at least two electrodes are spaced apart away from each other in a direction toward the longitudinal axis of the tool.

[0028] The distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes may extend along a plane arranged to converge towards the longitudinal axis of the tool piece.

[0029] In an embodiment, the instrument further comprises a conduit comprising a cable electrically coupled to at least two electrodes at one end, the conduit further comprising a channel for transmitting energy from an energy source to a tool piece of the instrument, the conduit terminating at a plug for electrically coupling the cable to at least one DC voltage source and for connecting the tool piece to the energy source.

[0030] In an embodiment, the surgical instrument includes a handle, and the tool piece is removably couplable with the handle so that different tool pieces can be used for different surgical procedures.

[0031] In an embodiment, a tool piece includes an active area for delivering energy to patient tissue when performing a surgical procedure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of a surgical assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a a plan view of the surgical assembly shown;

[0035] Figure 2a is a plan view of a surgical assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2b yes Figure 2a A side view of the surgical assembly is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 It is installed on the surgical instrument Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the surgical components is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a plan view of the surgical instrument as shown; and

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A side view of the surgical instrument is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] With reference to the accompanying drawings Figure 1a, shows a surgical assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for removing particulate matter, particularly aerosol, generated at a surgical site during a surgical procedure. Assembly 100 is configured to be retrofitted to a surgical instrument 200 and includes a generally cylindrical body 110 formed of a rigid plastic material (although other body shapes may be used) for supporting two electrodes 120a, 120b, although three or more electrodes may also be employed. Body 110 includes two sleeves 112a, 112b formed of an electrically insulating material extending forwardly from a front face 114 of body 110. Sleeves 112 and body 110 may be integrally formed, with each sleeve 112a, 112b being configured to receive and support a respective electrode 120a, 120b. Body 110 also includes a coupling device 130, which may include an elastically deformable clamp 132 configured to, for example, "snap-fit" around a handle portion 210 of surgical instrument 200 for attaching body 110 to instrument 200.

[0042] The proximal portion 122 of each electrode 120a, 120b (i.e., the portion disposed closest to the body 110) extends in a substantially parallel arrangement within the respective sleeves 112a, 112b, while the distal portion 124 of each electrode 120a, 120b is spaced apart from one another in a direction away from the front end face 114 of the body 110. The distal portion 124 of each electrode 120a, 120b extends along a common plane, and when the body 110 is assembled to the surgical instrument 200, the common plane is arranged to converge toward an active area 222 of a tool piece 220 associated with the surgical instrument 200. In this regard, it is apparent that the distal portion 124 of each electrode 120a, 120b extends in a different plane than the proximal portion 122. The insulating sleeves 112a, 112b extend along the proximal portion 122 of each electrode 120a, 120b and along a portion of the distal portion 124 of each electrode 120a, 120b and may include a corrugated or serrated outer profile (not shown) to increase the creepage distance between the distal portion 124 of the electrode 120 and the active area 222. However, the distal region or tip 126 of each electrode is exposed.

[0043] The active region 222 of the tool piece 220 is the area of ​​the tool piece 220 arranged to contact patient tissue and deliver a desired therapeutic effect, such as cutting, cauterizing, or coagulating patient tissue, and generally includes the distal tip 224 of the tool piece 220 .

[0044] The assembly 100 also includes a cable 140 electrically coupled at one end to each electrode 120, with the opposite end of the cable 140 terminating in a plug 150 that is receivable within a receptacle 162 of a DC voltage source 160 for electrically coupling each electrode 120 to a common pole (such as the negative pole) of the DC voltage source 160. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly includes at least two DC voltage sources (not shown), and each electrode is electrically coupled to a pole of the same polarity (such as the negative pole of the respective DC voltage source) such that each electrode 120 is driven by the respective DC source 160. In this regard, it is contemplated that the assembly may include a cable 140 having at least two plugs 150 for electrically coupling each electrode 120a, 120b to a respective DC voltage source 160.

[0045] The assembly 100 also includes a resistor arrangement (not shown) that may be provided within the electrical path between the electrode 120 and the cable 140 for limiting the capacitance associated with the assembly 100 and the energy associated with electrostatic discharges returning from the electrode 120 to the voltage source 160. The resistor arrangement may be provided within the body 110 or within the or each DC voltage source 160.

[0046] Assembly 100 also includes another electrode for attracting ionized particulate matter away from the surgical site. This other electrode can be electrically coupled to the opposite pole (such as the positive pole (or ground)) of the or each DC voltage source 160 via cable 140 and can comprise a metal collector plate or gauze (not shown) placed near the surgical site, or a metal collar (not shown) that can be provided, for example, on surgical instrument 200. Alternatively, this other electrode can comprise an adhesive pad 128 for electrically coupling with a patient undergoing the surgical procedure. Pad 128 can be electrically coupled to the opposite pole (such as the positive pole) of the (or each) DC voltage source 160 via another cable 142 and plug 152 for connection to a receptacle 162 on the DC power source. Thus, the at least two electrodes 120a, 120b, this other electrode 128, and the (or each) DC voltage source 160 are configured to generate an electrostatic field between the patient (not shown) and electrodes 120a, 120b to promote ionization and electrostatic precipitation of particulate matter on the patient. The electrical coupling of the or each DC voltage source 160 to the electrodes 120a, 120b and the further electrode 128 is controlled by an actuator (not shown), which may include a switch provided on the DC voltage source 160 or a foot switch electrically coupled to the or each DC voltage source 160. In this regard, an operator (such as a surgeon) may choose to selectively supply DC power to the electrodes 120a, 120b and the further electrode 128 when necessary to clear the field of view of the surgical site. Alternatively, the assembly 100 may further include a sensor (not shown) for sensing the activation state of the tool piece 220; and a controller (not shown) communicatively coupled to the sensor and arranged to receive a sense signal from the sensor indicating the activation state of the tool piece, the controller being arranged to synchronize the delivery of DC power 160 to the electrodes 120a, 120b based on the activation of the tool piece 220.

[0047] 2, there is shown a surgical assembly 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 300 of the second embodiment is substantially similar to the assembly of the first embodiment and like features are therefore indicated by like numerals, but increased by 200.

[0048] However, the assembly 300 of the second embodiment further includes a port 370 within the body 310 for receiving a tool 380 for performing a surgical procedure. Tool 380 may include a metal blade for transmitting RF power from an RF source (not shown) to patient tissue, or a waveguide for transmitting laser radiation from a laser radiation source (not shown). Alternatively, tool 380 may include a blade arranged in vibrational communication with a piezoelectric element (not shown) that is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy to patient tissue. Tool 380 is arranged to be removably coupled to the body 310, allowing different tool 380s to be used for different procedures. Tool 380 is receivable or arranged to dock within port 370 disposed on the front face 314 of the body 310, such that tool 380 extends forward of the body 310 substantially parallel to the proximal portions 322 of the electrodes 320a, 320b. The portion of tool 380 received within port 370 is in communication with terminals 390 formed on the body 310. The terminal 390 is arranged to form a connection with an adjacent terminal (not shown) on the handle 210 of the surgical instrument 200 when the body 310 is secured to the surgical instrument 200 so that energy from an energy source (not shown) (such as an electric RF source, a laser radiation source, or an ultrasonic energy source) can be transmitted from the instrument 200 to the tool piece 380.

[0049] Refer to Figure 1- Figure 3 In the first and second embodiments of the assembly, the proximal portion 122, 322 of each electrode 120, 320 is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis A of the tool member 220, 380, and the distal portion 124, 324 of each electrode 120, 320 is longitudinally spaced from the active area 222, 382 of the tool member 220, 380, such that the common plane P (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 382 forms an acute angle θ with the longitudinal axis A. The radial and longitudinal spacing is used to maintain a desired spacing between the distal portion 124, 324 of each electrode 120, 320 and the active region 222, 382 to ensure a sufficient potential difference between the distal portion 124, 324 of the electrode 120, 320 and the patient to achieve proper ionization of particulate matter. In addition, this spacing is used to minimize any electrical pathways that may form between the distal tip 126 of each electrode 120a, 120b and the active region 222, 382 of the tool piece 220, 380 due to the deposition of (conductive) fluid thereon during surgery, which could, for example, create a direct electrical short between the electrode 120, 320 and the tool piece 220, 380.

[0050] See attached figure Figure 4-Figure 6, illustrates a surgical instrument 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The instrument includes a linear, elongated handle 410 having a front end 412 and a rear end 414, via which a surgeon can grasp and manipulate the instrument 400 during surgical procedures. Instrument 400 also includes a tool piece 420 extending forward from the instrument's front end 412 and oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of handle 410. Tool piece 420 can be removably coupled to handle 410 and is configured to deliver energy to patient tissue when delivering a desired therapeutic effect from an energy source (not shown). Tool piece 420 may include a metal blade for delivering RF electrical power from an RF source (not shown) to patient tissue, or a waveguide for delivering laser radiation from a laser radiation source (not shown). Alternatively, tool piece 420 may include a blade arranged in vibrational communication with a piezoelectric element (not shown) for driving the blade to deliver ultrasonic energy to patient tissue. Thus, the energy source may include, for example, an electrical RF source, a laser radiation source, a microwave radiation source, or an ultrasonic energy source, and is provided to the instrument via a conduit 430 coupled to the rear portion 414 of the handle 410. The conduit 430 may include a cable for delivering RF electrical power or a waveguide, such as an optical fiber, for delivering laser or microwave radiation. Alternatively, the conduit may include a cable for delivering electrical power to a piezoelectric element that is used to drive the tool piece into various vibration states to deliver ultrasonic vibrations. The opposite end of the conduit terminates in a plug (not shown) for coupling to a corresponding energy source, and the energy supply to the tool piece is controlled using a button 440 located on the upper region of the handle 410.

[0051] The surgical instrument 400 also includes two electrodes 450a, 450b extending from a body 416 of a handle 410, which is disposed proximate a front end 412 of the handle 410. The electrodes 450 include an electrically insulating sleeve 452 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the electrodes 450, and preferably along at least a portion of a distal portion 454 of each electrode, such that only a distal region or tip 456 of each electrode 450 is exposed. The tool piece 420 similarly includes an electrically insulating sleeve 422 that extends along at least a portion of the tool piece, such that only an active region 424, i.e., an area arranged to deliver energy to patient tissue, is exposed.

[0052] The electrodes 450 extend forwardly of the body 410, and the distal portion 454 of each electrode 450 diverges away from each other forwardly of the body 410 toward the active area 424 of the tool piece 420. Furthermore, the distal portion 454 of each electrode 450 also extends along a common plane that converges toward the active area 424 of the tool piece 420. The distal portion 454 of each electrode 450 is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the tool piece 420 and is also longitudinally spaced from the active area 424. In this regard, the distal portion 454 of each electrode 450 extends in a plane that is angled toward the active area 424 of the tool piece 420 and forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the tool piece 420.

[0053] The electrodes 450 are arranged to be electrically coupled to a pole of the same polarity (such as the negative pole) of at least one DC voltage source 460 via an electrical cable extending within the catheter 430. In this regard, the electrodes 450 can be coupled to a common pole of a single DC voltage source 460, or electrically coupled to poles of the same polarity of respective DC voltage sources 460 (only one of which is shown), such that each electrode 450 is driven by a separate DC voltage source 460. The electrical cable terminates in a plug (not shown) associated with the catheter 430, and thus, the common plug is arranged to deliver power from the respective sources to both the electrodes 450a, 450b and the tool piece 420. The delivery of DC power to the electrodes 450 can be controlled using a button 440 located on the handle 410, or the delivery of DC power can be automated based on the activation state of the tool piece 420. For example, the instrument 400 may also include a sensor (not shown) and a controller (not shown), wherein the sensor is used to sense the activation state of the tool piece 420, the controller is communicatively coupled to the sensor and is arranged to receive a sensing signal representing the activation state of the tool piece 420 from the sensor, and the controller is arranged to synchronously transmit DC power to the electrode 450 according to the activation of the tool piece 420.

[0054] The surgical instrument 400 also includes a further electrode for attracting ionized particulate matter away from the surgical site. This further electrode can be electrically coupled to the opposite pole (such as the positive pole (or ground)) of the or each DC voltage source 460 via an electrical cable and can comprise a metal collector plate or gauze (not shown) placed near the surgical site, or a metal collar (not shown) provided on the surgical instrument 400, for example. Alternatively, the further electrode can comprise an adhesive pad 470 for electrically coupling with a patient undergoing the surgical procedure. The pad 470 can be electrically coupled to the opposite pole (such as the positive pole) of at least one DC voltage source 460 via another electrical cable 480 and a plug 490 provided at the end of the cable 480 for connection to a socket 462 on the DC power source 460. The at least two electrodes 450a, 450b and the further electrode 470 thus generate an electrostatic field to promote ionization and electrostatic precipitation of particulate matter, for example, on the further electrode 470 or the patient.

[0055] The instrument 400 also includes a resistor arrangement (not shown) that can be provided in the electrical path between the electrode 450 and the catheter 430 to limit capacitance within the instrument 400, thereby reducing the energy associated with electrostatic discharge from the electrode 450 back to the or each DC voltage source 460. The resistor arrangement can be located within the body 416 of the handle 410, within the handle 410 itself, or even within the or each DC voltage source 460.

[0056] When the surgical assembly 100 shown in FIG1 is in use, the body 110 is coupled to the handle 210 of the instrument 200 and can be repositioned relative to the handle to ensure that the plane within which the distal portion 124 of each electrode 120 extends intersects the active region 222 of the tool piece 220. Alternatively, the distal portion 124 of each electrode 120 can be repositioned to extend within a plane intersecting the active region 222. However, when the surgical assembly 100, 300, or surgical instrument 400 of the first or second embodiments is in use, the separated nature of the distal portions of the electrodes 120, 320, or 450 facilitates the release of electrons therefrom along a wide arcuate range. Furthermore, this arcuate range is arranged to point toward the active region 222, 322, or 424, and therefore toward the surgical site, to effectively flood the surgical site with low-energy gas ions. The gas ions attach themselves to particulate matter suspended near the surgical site and thereby become electrostatically charged. However, the potential difference between the electrode 120, 320, 450 and the patient, or between the electrode 120, 320, 450 and the further electrode 128, 328, 470, causes the electrostatically charged particles to become readily attracted to the patient's tissue and thereby vacate the surgical site to maintain a clear view for the surgeon due to the electrical coupling of the electrode and the patient / further electrode to the opposite polarity of the or each DC voltage source 160, 360, 460. The separated nature of the distal portions 124, 324, 454 of the electrodes 120, 320, 450 and the converging nature of the plane in which the distal portions 124, 324, 454 of the electrodes 120, 320, 450 extend towards the active area 222, 382, ​​424 provide for efficient capture of particles, such as surgical smoke, before they can be released into the surgical environment. Thus, this arrangement of electrodes 120, 320, 450 is particularly well suited for retaining particles during open surgical procedures that do not have the benefit of a closed cavity, such as surgery utilizing a laparoscope.

Claims

1. A surgical assembly for removing particulate matter generated during a surgical procedure, the assembly comprising at least two electrodes, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically coupleable to a pole of like polarity of at least one DC voltage source, the at least one DC voltage source being arranged to generate an electric field from distal portions of the at least two electrodes for ionizing particulate matter suspended near a surgical site, Wherein the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is spaced apart away from each other in a direction toward the longitudinal axis of the tool piece. 2 . The surgical assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is arranged to extend along a plane that is arranged to converge toward a longitudinal axis of a tool piece of the surgical instrument.

3. The surgical assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes extends in a common plane, the common plane being arranged to converge toward the longitudinal axis.

4. A surgical assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each plane or common plane is arranged to converge toward an active area of ​​the tool piece, the active area comprising an area of ​​the tool piece arranged to transfer energy to patient tissue when performing a surgical procedure.

5. The surgical assembly of claim 4, wherein the active area comprises a distal tip of the tool piece.

6. The surgical assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cable electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes at one end and electrically terminated to a plug at an opposite end for electrically coupling the cable to the at least one DC voltage source.

7. The surgical assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a body for housing the at least two electrodes.

8. The surgical assembly according to claim 7, wherein the body includes a coupling device for detachably coupling the body to a surgical instrument.

9. A surgical assembly according to claim 8, wherein the connecting device allows the body to move relative to the surgical instrument so that the body can be appropriately positioned relative to the tool piece so that each plane along which the distal portions of the at least two electrodes extend converges toward the active area of ​​the tool piece.

10. The surgical assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising the tool piece for a surgical instrument. The surgical assembly of claim 10 , wherein the tool piece is removably coupleable within the body.

12. The surgical assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the tool piece is arranged to be communicatively coupled to an energy source via the surgical instrument for performing a surgical procedure.

13. The surgical assembly of claim 12, wherein the tool piece is communicatively coupled to the energy source via terminals disposed on the body.

14. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the at least two electrodes are radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the tool piece.

15. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the at least two electrodes are angularly separated by less than 180° about the longitudinal axis of the tool piece.

16. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is longitudinally spaced from an active area of ​​the tool piece.

17. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the electrodes further comprise an insulating sheath extending along at least a portion of the distal portions of the electrodes such that only the distal tip of each electrode is exposed for generating the electric field.

18. The surgical assembly of claim 10, wherein the tool piece includes an insulating sheath extending along at least a portion of the tool piece such that only the active area is exposed.

19. The surgical assembly according to any of the preceding claims further comprises a further electrode capable of being electrically coupled to a pole of the DC voltage source opposite to the pole to which the at least two electrodes are coupled, the further electrode being arranged to attract ionized particles from the surgical site.

20. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one DC voltage source for delivering DC power to the at least two electrodes.

21. The surgical assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising at least two DC voltage sources, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically coupleable to a pole of like polarity of a respective DC voltage source.

22. The surgical assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator for selectively delivering DC power from the at least one / two DC voltage sources to the at least two electrodes.

23. The surgical assembly according to any one of claims 1-21 further includes a sensor and a controller, the sensor being used to sense the activation state of the tool piece, the controller being communicatively coupled to the sensor and being arranged to receive a sensing signal representing the activation state of the tool piece from the sensor, the controller being arranged to synchronize the delivery of DC power to the at least two electrodes according to the activation of the tool piece.

24. A surgical instrument for performing a surgical procedure, the instrument comprising at least two electrodes, each of the at least two electrodes being electrically coupleable to a pole of like polarity of at least one DC voltage source, the at least one DC voltage source being arranged to generate an electric field from distal portions of the at least two electrodes for ionizing particulate matter suspended near a surgical site, Wherein the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is spaced apart away from each other in a direction toward the longitudinal axis of the tool piece.

25. The surgical instrument of claim 24, wherein the distal portion of each of the at least two electrodes is arranged to extend along a plane arranged to converge toward a longitudinal axis of a tool piece of the instrument.

26. The surgical instrument of claim 24, wherein the instrument further comprises a conduit comprising a cable electrically coupled at one end to the at least two electrodes, the conduit further comprising a passageway for transmitting energy from an energy source to a tool piece of the instrument.

27. The surgical instrument of claim 26, wherein the conduit terminates at a plug for electrically coupling the cable to the at least one DC voltage source and for coupling the tool piece to the energy source.

28. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 24-27, further comprising a handle.

29. The surgical instrument of claim 28, wherein the tool piece is removably couplable to the handle.

30. The surgical instrument of any one of claims 24-29, wherein each of the at least two electrodes is electrically coupleable to a pole of the same polarity of a respective DC voltage source.

31. The surgical instrument of any one of claims 24-30, further comprising at least one DC voltage source.

32. The surgical instrument of any one of claims 24-30, further comprising at least two DC voltage sources.

Images