Diathermy tonsillectomy suction dissector apparatus

Abstract

To provide a diathermy tonsillectomy apparatus which can be selectively configured between the use mode of incision, cautery incision and suction and the use mode of suction only.SOLUTION: A diathermy tonsillectomy suction dissector apparatus 140 has a body having a proximal handle, a distal curved tip and a diathermy cutting blade member slidably retained within the body to selectively extend from the tip. The diathermy cutting blade member comprises a flexible metallic blade comprising a proximal electrical connector socket and a hand operable electrically insulative position locking mechanism attached to the blade. The locking mechanism is hand operable via apertures and interlocks therewith to position the diathermy cutting blade member between retracted and extended positions and to lock the diathermy cutting blade member at the extended position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a tonsillectomy device, and more particularly to a tonsillectomy device that is selectively configurable between an incision, a cauterizing incision, a suction mode of use, and a suction only mode of use. [Background technology]

[0002] A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which both palatine tonsils are removed from depressions on the sides of the pharynx called tonsillar fossae.

[0003] One type of tonsillectomy procedure involves the use of a long, thin cutting blade for the tonsillectomy, typically held in one hand, while the other hand uses forceps to hold the tonsil.

[0004] Vacuum suction tips can be used to remove fluids (blood and saliva) during the procedure. The Yankauer tip (tonsillar tip) is one of the most commonly used suction tips.

[0005] However, the use of three instruments requires the assistance of an assistant or the need to change instruments as necessary, complicating the procedure and lengthening the procedure time.

[0006] Furthermore, although the Yankauer tip allows for the aspirating of large volumes of fluid, it has the disadvantage that it is prone to blockage when the tip is in close proximity to tissue or large blood clots. Surgeons often apply a gauze sponge over the tip and aspirate the fluid through the gauze to prevent blockage.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention seeks to provide a tonsillectomy suction and incision device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative device.

[0008] It should be understood that where any prior art information is referred to herein, that reference is not an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first embodiment, a tonsillectomy suction dissection device is provided that includes a proximal handle and a distal curved tip. The device includes an aspiration channel in and along the tip that operably connects at least one aspiration port located at the end of the tip to a vacuum port in the handle for aspirating fluids in use. The device further includes a flexible cutting blade member that is slidable in a slot along the tip and that is configurable by a manually operable locking mechanism between an extended position in which the distal cutting end of the cutting blade member extends from the end of the tip and a retracted position in which the distal cutting end of the flexible cutting blade member retracts into the end of the tip.

[0010] The retraction and extension of the blade allows for dual functionality as a suction tip or a suction dissector, thus speeding up surgery and reducing blood loss.

[0011] Thus, the locking mechanism can be used to quickly reconfigure the device between a dissection / aspiration mode and an aspiration only mode of operation. Additionally, the configuration of the present invention allows for one-handed dissection and aspiration, freeing the other hand for other tasks such as manipulating the forceps.

[0012] Additionally, the locking mechanism of the present invention may allow for one-handed reconfiguration of the device, such as using only the thumb to grasp the handle, leaving the index finger free.

[0013] Specifically, the locking mechanism may include a flexible cutting blade member with a locking lever that engages a lock within an opening through the handle. The cutting blade member may extend from a rear opening in the handle for pushing forward to an extended position where the locking lever locks within the upper opening. Additionally, the locking lever is accessible through the upper opening for disengaging the lever and pulling rearward to retract the cutting blade member.

[0014] The location of the suction hole towards the tonsillar fossa where the bleeding occurs allows instantaneous aspiration of blood at the exact bleeding point, thus minimizing the chance of blood pooling in the throat and reducing the risk of blood / clot aspiration.

[0015] Also, the position of the blade facing the surgeon always allows for precise incision and good visibility of the cutting site, reducing the chance of inadvertently damaging surrounding tissue and causing further bleeding.

[0016] Additionally, the configuration of the suction ports may substantially reduce or eliminate blockage problems such as may be experienced with Yankauer tips. Specifically, the suction ports may be located inferiorly relative to the distal cutting end and may be positioned on different sides of the end of the tip to prevent blockage by compressing one surface of the tip. Specifically, in embodiments, the suction ports may include a pair of distally located, oppositely laterally located, inferiorly located suction ports.

[0017] According to a second embodiment, a diathermy tonsillectomy incision instrument is provided that also includes a body having a proximal handle and a distal curved tip.

[0018] The dissection instrument may include a diathermy cutting blade member within the body, the diathermy cutting blade member including a metallic flexible conductive diathermy cutting blade slidably held within a curved slot inside the curved tip, and may further include an electrical connector socket for electrically connecting the blade.

[0019] The diathermy cutting blade member further includes a manually operable, electrically insulating position locking mechanism attached to the blade, the locking mechanism being manually operable through an opening in the body to configure the blade between a retracted position and an extended position in which the distal end of the blade extends beyond the tip for diathermy cutting.

[0020] The locking mechanism may be made of plastic so that it is electrically insulating, and is attached to the cutting blade in a manner that avoids electrical contact when manipulating the locking mechanism through the opening.

[0021] The locking mechanism may include a lever connected by a hinge (such as a live hinge) to a base. The base may be attached to the blade via a lower boss that fits within a corresponding opening in the blade.

[0022] The lever may include a rear knob located within the rear larger opening between the retracted and extended positions. The opening may further include a front smaller opening, and the lever may further include a catch including a front angle to slide under the bridge between the openings to be fixedly engaged relative to the bridge to hold the blade in the extended position. To release the blade, the rear knob of the lever is pushed downward within the opening to disengage the catch, allowing the locking mechanism to be pulled rearward by the rear knob (in embodiments under the action of a compression spring).

[0023] The electrical socket may be formed at the rear portion of the blade, the sides of which form an enclosure forming the socket.

[0024] In this manner, an electrical connector comprising an electrical rod may be inserted into the socket, which may have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rod and may include a longitudinally expandable slit that allows the socket to expand slightly to accommodate and frictionally engage the rod.

[0025] Additionally, the device may include a rear insulating button that engages the rear of the blade and hides the socket from inadvertent electrical contact. In this way, even when the electrode rod is inserted into the socket, the rear insulating button may be used in the normal manner to extend and retract the blade while avoiding electrical contact with the blade. An angled boot allows the electrical cable to be bent at a convenient angle from the socket.

[0026] In embodiments, the device may include a wedge between the distal end of the blade and the tip to stabilize the distal end of the blade during operation (especially since aluminum may be slightly flexible).

[0027] The wedge may be fastened to a distal end of the blade and may be substantially planar to stabilize the blade along at least a portion of the blade. The wedge may include a lower bus that fits within a corresponding opening in the blade.

[0028] The wedge may be configured such that in the extended position, the wedge does not extend beyond the tip.

[0029] According to one aspect, a diathermy tonsillectomy suction and incision device is provided that includes a body having a proximal handle, a distal curved tip, and a diathermy cutting blade member slidably retained within the body for selective extension from the tip, the diathermy cutting blade member including a flexible metal blade with a proximal electrical connector socket and a manually operable, electrically insulated position locking mechanism attached to the blade, the locking mechanism being manually operable through an opening and interfacing with the opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member between a retracted position and an extended position and to lock the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position.

[0030] The blade may be substantially planar and positioned within a rectangular cross-sectional slot.

[0031] The blade may comprise aluminum.

[0032] The proximal end of the blade may form an electrical connector socket.

[0033] The sides of the blade may form an enclosure that forms a socket.

[0034] The device may further include an electrical connector that includes an electrode rod for insertion into the socket.

[0035] The electrical connector socket has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the electrode rod and may include an expandable longitudinal break.

[0036] The device may further comprise a rear electrical isolation button which conceals the socket.

[0037] The insulating button may define a rear surface for urging the cutting blade member toward the extended position.

[0038] The electrical connector may include an angled boot that lifts the electrical cable of the electrical connector at an angle from the electrode rod.

[0039] The device may further comprise a suction channel between at least one suction port in the tip and the vacuum port in the handle.

[0040] The locking mechanism may include a pivotally connected locking lever.

[0041] The locking mechanism may include a boss that secures the blade opening.

[0042] The locking feature may engage the compression member to bias the locking feature proximally.

[0043] The large opening may have a length to accommodate the rear knob of the lever between the retracted and extended positions.

[0044] The lever may include a catch that is located within the larger opening in the retracted extended position and within the smaller opening in the extended position.

[0045] The catch may include a proximal edge that locks rearwardly against a proximal edge of the smaller opening in the extended position.

[0046] The catch may include an angled distal surface that slides under the distal edge of the large opening as the cutting blade member moves toward the extended position.

[0047] The device may further include a restraining wedge at the distal end of the blade.

[0048] The wedge may be planar and may be connected to the blade.

[0049] According to another aspect, there is provided a diathermy tonsillectomy procedure using the devices described herein, the method including connecting a power lead to a blade socket and manually manipulating a locking mechanism through an opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member in an extended position such that the blade extends from the tip.

[0050] Manual operation of the locking mechanism through the opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position may include depressing a rear insulating button on the diathermy cutting blade member.

[0051] Manual operation of the locking mechanism may further include manual operation of the locking mechanism through the opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member in a retracted position, including depressing a knob of a lever of the locking mechanism within a larger opening of the openings such that a catch of the lever is released from a proximal edge of the smaller opening of the openings.

[0052] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

[0053] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a tonsillectomy suction and lancing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the end of the suction tip of the device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the end of the suction tip. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the end of the suction cup. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chip of the device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the end of the tip of the device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates the rear position of the cutting blade member in the retracted position. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 illustrates the forward position of the cutting blade member in the extended position. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of a diathermy suction lancing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the tip of a diathermy suction dissector. [Figure 17] 1A-1D are top and bottom perspective views of the distal end of a metal cutting blade of a diathermy suction dissector with a stabilizing wedge. [Figure 18] 1A-1D are top and bottom perspective views of the distal end of a metal cutting blade of a diathermy suction dissector with a stabilizing wedge. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism of a diathermy suction lancing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of an insulative locking mechanism that can be attached to a conductive blade of a diathermy suction lancing device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an insulative locking mechanism. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 shows an insulating button around the rear end of the conductive metal cutting blade and the electrical socket. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 shows an insulating button around the rear end of a conductive metal cutting blade and an electrical socket. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 illustrates the connection of a power lead to a socket on a diathermy suction lancing device, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 illustrates the connection of a power lead to a socket on a diathermy suction lancing device, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Tonsillectomy suction dissection device 100 includes a proximal handle 101 and a distal curved tip 102. Device 100 may include at least one suction channel 103 operatively connecting at least one suction port 104 located at the end of tip 102 and a vacuum tube connection 105 located at handle 101.

[0056] Reference is made herein to the orientation axes shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, device 100 is an elongated shape including proximal / proximal and distal / distal ends, side / lateral sides, and top / superior and bottom / inferior sides.

[0057] The device 100 further comprises a flexible cutting blade member 106 that is slidably retained within a slot 107 along the tip 102 and is configurable by a manually operable locking mechanism 108 on the handle 101 between an extended position in which a distal cutting end 109 of the cutting blade member 106 protrudes from the end of the tip 102, as substantially shown in Figures 7, 8, and 11, and a retracted position in which the distal cutting end 109 is retracted within the end of the tip 102.

[0058] Use of the device 100 may include connecting a suction device to the vacuum tube connection 105. The curved tip 102 is then inserted into the mouth from either the left or right side so that its end is located at the back of the throat. A locking mechanism 108 may be configured to extend a distal cutting end 109 of the cutting blade member 106 from the end of the tip 102, such that each tonsil can be dissected while the distal cutting end 109 is being pulled, typically with a pair of forceps in the opposite hand. The distal cutting end 109 defines a right-angled, linear cutting edge 115 that may be pressed forward against the base of the tonsil while the tonsil is being pulled in a direction away from the forceps, thereby dissecting the tonsil.

[0059] During dissection, fluid can be evacuated through suction port 104. At any time, the surgeon can retract distal cutting end 109 using locking mechanism 108 and use tip 102 only for suction, extending distal cutting end 109 as and when needed.

[0060] This procedure can be repeated for the contralateral tonsil by inserting the curved tip 102 from the opposite lateral side of the mouth.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the handle 101 and tip 102 are integrally formed from plastic. Additionally, in an embodiment, the cutting blade member 106 is also made of plastic. However, in an embodiment, the cutting blade member 106 may be flexibly formed from metal to be electrically conductive for electrocautery applications, as described in more detail below. This allows for triple functionality such as suction, dissection and electrocautery, and instantly seals bleeding points. Also, using electrocoagulation within the instrument reduces the need to use force to dissect scar tissue, as the electricity dissolves and coagulates while minimal dissection force is applied, resulting in more precise dissection, less tissue trauma, and therefore faster and less painful healing after surgery.

[0062] 4, the handle 102 may be generally elongated in shape and thus have an elongated axis, and the tip 102 may be curved out of substantial alignment with the elongated axis of the handle 101 and deflected approximately 40° from that axis at its distal end. This 40° curve keeps the surgeon's hands out of the surgical field to ensure some visibility, while at the same time, the smooth 40° curve maintains adequate suction inside the suction port and prevents blood from clogging inside the suction port.

[0063] 1 and 2, the vacuum connection port 105 may extend from the proximal end of the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum connection port 105 is generally cylindrical with an elongated axis that substantially coincides with the elongated axis of the handle 101. The vacuum connection port 105 may include a connection interlocking ring 112 and an O-ring seal 113.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows the end of tip 102 in greater detail, illustrating cutting blade member 106 in an extended position.

[0065] In the preferred embodiment shown, the cutting blade member 109 has a flattened, widthwise oriented portion within the longitudinal slot 107 such that the cutting blade member 109 can flex within the slot 107 when transitioning between the extended and retracted positions. In one embodiment, the cutting blade member 109 can have a width of about 10 millimeters and a thickness of about 2 mm.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting blade member 106 is manufactured from plastic.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the distal cutting end 109 may narrow to a right-angled straight cutting edge 115 .

[0068] Additionally, the cutting edge 115 may include a plurality of serrations 116 running perpendicularly across the cutting edge 115 from top to bottom, which may engage the tonsillar tissue to substantially prevent the cutting blade member 106 from sliding laterally during incision and avoid damage to the surrounding tissue.

[0069] As best seen in Fig. 11, the cutting edge 115 is not sharpened to a point, thereby limiting the effectiveness of its cutting action that may undesirably inadvertently damage surrounding tissue during manipulation, while still being narrow enough to effectively cut the tonsils if necessary. For example, the width of the cutting edge 115 may be about 1 mm. The blade dimensions are also optimized to be large enough to allow good incision, yet small enough to maintain visibility and allow constant observation of the surrounding tissue to avoid concomitant tissue damage.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, the distal cut end 109 is shown in an extended position extending approximately 5 mm beyond the end of the tip 102 .

[0071] Referring to FIG. 7, the suction port 104 is shown positioned below the cutting blade member 106 .

[0072] Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the intake ports 104 may be located on multiple sides of the end of the tip 102, such as distally, laterally, and downwardly, thereby reducing the possibility of blockage. Specifically, Figure 7 shows an intake port comprising a pair of distal inlet ports 104A and a pair of opposing lateral intake ports 104B, and Figure 8 shows a lower inlet port 104C.

[0073] 12 is a cross-sectional view of device 100 showing locking mechanism 100 in further detail. As shown, cutting blade member 106 can include a proximal end 116 extending from a rear opening 117 of handle 102. A proximal face of proximal end 116 is angled to occlude and flush with proximal face 118 of handle 102 when in a forward position.

[0074] The cutting blade member 106 may further include a locking lever 119 pivotally connected to an adjacent portion 120 by a live hinge 121. Additionally, the upper surface 122 of the handle 102 may include a rear larger opening 123 and a front smaller opening 124 into which a catch 125 of the lever 119 may selectively transition. The lever 119 may include a rear knob 126 accessible through the larger opening 123 for depressing the lever 119. Additionally, the lever 119 terminates distally in a buttress 127 that abuts against an opposing wall 128 when the cutting blade member 106 is in the extended position.

[0075] 12 shows the cutting blade member 106 in a retracted position. Thus, to extend the cutting blade member 109 for incision, the rear end 116 can be pressed forward along the extension axis of the handle 102, typically with the thumb while the index finger grips the underside of the handle 102. The forward angled portion 129 of the catch 125 depresses the lever 109 to allow the catch 125 to transition under the intermediate portion 130 between the large opening 123 and the small opening 124 until the catch 125 is located within the front small opening 124. In this position, the rear right angled edge 130 of the catch 125 is pressed against the forward edge 131 of the intermediate portion 130, preventing the cutting blade member 106 from sliding rearward under pressure. In this extended position, the buttress 127 abuts against the opposing wall 128, thereby limiting the forward movement of the rear end 116.

[0076] Subsequently, to retract the cutting blade member 106, a thumb can be inserted into the large opening 123 to substantially depress the lever 119 while simultaneously pulling rearwardly against the forward edge 132 of the knob 126, thereby disengaging the rearward face 130 of the catch 125 from the forward edge 131 of the intermediate portion 130 and allowing the cutting blade member 106 to slide rearward under the action of the thumb.

[0077] Also, as can be seen from FIG. 12, rearward portion 133 of slot 107 is wide enough to permit removal of the entire cutting blade member 106 rearward.

[0078] While the locking mechanism 108 may be configured for thumb operation, the handle 102 may be shaped to enhance the grip of the opposing index finger. Specifically, with reference to Figure 5, the panel 102 includes flat side walls and a right-angled lower edge 111 to define a non-circular cross-section of the handle 102, thereby preventing or reducing rotational slippage of the handle 102 in the surgeon's hand.

[0079] 15-25 show a diathermy tonsillectomy suction and incision device 140. According to this embodiment, device 140 comprises a diathermy cutting blade member 141 comprising a conductive metal cutting blade 142.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a diathermy cutting blade member 141 comprising a conductive metal cutting blade 142 with an associated electrically insulative position locking mechanism 143 .

[0081] In an embodiment, the metal cutting blade 142 may be made of aluminum and may be similarly flexible so that it can bend at the tip 102 of the device 140 so that it can selectively extend not only for cutting but also for diathermy in a manner similar to that described above. The blade 142 may have a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0082] The isolation position locking mechanism 143 may in turn include a locking lever 119 pivotally connected to a base 144 by a live hinge 121. The base 144 may include a number of lower bosses 145 that are secured within corresponding openings 146 cut from the metal cutting blade 142.

[0083] The distal end of the mechanism 143 may include a barrel 147 for carrying a compression spring 148 about its periphery 108 for compressing an opposing wall 149 to bias the position lock mechanism 143 rearwardly toward the proximal end of the device 140.

[0084] Lever 119 may further include a rear knob 126 selectively located between larger opening 123 and smaller opening 124. Similarly, lever 119 may include a catch 125 with a forward ramp 129 for sliding under bridge 150 between openings 123, 124 to allow cutting blade member 141 to slide forward against the compression of compression spring 108, but resist bridge 150 when pressure is applied to the distal end of cutting blade 142.

[0085] Releasing the cutting blade 142, and thus retracting the cutting blade 142, involves depressing the knob 126 within the large opening 123 to disengage the catch 125 from the bridge 150, and pressing the forward face 151 of the catch 125 to retract the knob 126 rearward, and thus the entire diathermy cutting blade member 141.

[0086] The insulating position locking mechanism 143 may be made of plastic.

[0087] As can be appreciated, the composite structure of the diathermy cutting blade member 141, including the insulating position locking mechanism 143 and the metal blade 142 connected thereto, prevents electrical contact with the conductive metal blade 142 through the openings 123, 124 of the device 140.

[0088] 22 and 23 show the proximal end of the cutting blade 142 wrapped around a barrel to form a socket 151 for a diathermy electrical lead 152. The diathermy electrical lead 152 may include an elongated electrode rod 153 that slides into and frictionally engages the socket 151. In this regard, the socket 151 may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the electrode rod 153, but with a longitudinal cut that allows the socket 151 to expand slightly to accommodate and frictionally engage the electrode rod 153 during use.

[0089] A plastic proximal button 154 may surround the socket 151. The button 154 may include a friction-engaging ramp 155 that allows the diathermy cutting blade member 141 to assume extended and retracted positions, as shown in FIGS.

[0090] When the electrode rod 153 is engaged within the socket 151, the socket 151 and electrode rod 153 are hidden from electrical contact. The rear face 155 of the proximal button 154 can still be depressed with a finger to allow extension and retraction in the normal manner.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the electrical lead 152 may include an angled boot 155 that positions the electrical cable at a convenient angle from the socket 151 .

[0092] 15-18 show the distal end of cutting blade 142 with a distal wedge 157. Wedge 157 fits between metal cutting blade 142 and the inner surface of longitudinal interior slot 107, thereby holding the distal end of cutting blade 142 securely during operation.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the wedge 152 is secured to the distal end of the cutting blade 142. In this regard, the wedge 157 may further include a lower boss 158 that is secured to a corresponding notch 159 in the cutting blade 1 option 42.

[0094] In this manner, the wedge 157 slides with the blade 142 within the slot 107. The wedge 157 may be made of plastic.

[0095] 26 shows an embodiment in which the metal cutting blade 142 is folded back at its distal end around a substrate 156, which increases the thickness of the metal cutting blade 142 at its distal end. The folded back portion 157 can include a sufficient length such that its proximal edge 158 is retained within the slot 107, even when stretched.

[0096] The opposed edge bends 159 may include a plurality of openings 160 to form a substantially serrated edge that is particularly suited for lateral cutting.

[0097] FIG. 28 shows upper and lower portions of a metal cutting blade 142 that are held in place by one or more ties 161 that extend through the upper and lower portions and further through the substrate 156.

[0098] 29 shows an alternative embodiment of a plastic proximal button 154 that is of unitary construction (as opposed to a bifurcated construction as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23). The plastic proximal button 154 may be retained by a lower square boss 162 that extends through an opening in the metal cutting blade 142.

[0099] The foregoing description, for convenience of explanation, uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so as to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A diathermy tonsillectomy suction and incision device, the device comprising: a body having a proximal handle, the proximal handle defining an elongated shaft; a distal curved tip having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the distal curved tip, a smooth, continuous curve within the distal curved tip being a downwardly directed curve formed along the longitudinal axis, the downwardly directed curve deflecting the longitudinal axis of the distal curved tip from an elongated axis of the proximal handle; a diathermy cutting blade member slidably retained within the body for selective extension from the distal curved tip, the diathermy cutting blade member flexibly extending along a downwardly directed curve within the distal curved tip; Equipped with the diathermy cutting blade member comprises a flexible metal blade with a proximal electrical connector female socket, and a manually operable electrically insulating position locking mechanism attached to the flexible metal blade, the electrically insulating position locking mechanism being manually operable through an opening and interlocking with the opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member between a retracted position and an extended position and to lock the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position; In the extended position, the flexible metal blade extends from the distal curved tip at an angle relative to an elongated axis of the proximal handle; the proximal electrical connector female socket is on a proximal end of the flexible metal blade, the proximal end of the flexible metal blade extending from a rear opening of the proximal handle; an electrically isolating button concealing the proximal electrical connector female socket therethrough, the electrically isolating button defining a rear surface for urging the diathermy cutting blade member toward the extended position; the electrically insulating position locking mechanism comprises a locking lever having a rear knob and a catch; the opening comprises a proximal large opening and a distal small opening; when the electrically insulating position locking mechanism is in the retracted position, the rear knob and the catch are located within the proximal large opening; When the electrically insulating position locking mechanism is in the extended position, the rear knob is located within the larger proximal opening and the catch is located within the smaller distal opening; the catch includes a sloped distal surface that slides under a distal edge of the proximal large opening as the diathermy cutting blade member moves toward the extended position; the catch has a proximal edge that locks rearwardly against a proximal edge of the distal small opening when the electrically insulating position locking mechanism is in the extended position; The locking lever is operable to be depressed to disengage the rear knob from the large proximal opening to remove the diathermy cutting blade member through the rear opening.

2. The device described in claim 1, wherein the flexible metal blade is planar and positioned within a rectangular cross-section slot.

3. The device described in claim 1, wherein the flexible metal blade comprises aluminum.

4. The device described in claim 1, wherein the sides of the flexible metal blade form an enclosing portion that forms the proximal electrical connector female socket.

5. The device described in claim 4, further comprising an electrical connector having an electrode rod for insertion into the proximal electrical connector female socket.

6. The device described in claim 5, wherein the proximal electrical connector female socket has a diameter that can be manipulated to accept the electrode rod therein and has an expandable longitudinal slit.

7. The device described in claim 5, wherein the electrical connector has an angled boot that lifts the electrical cable of the electrical connector at an angle from the electrode rod.

8. The device described in claim 1, further comprising a suction channel between at least one suction port in the distal curved tip and a vacuum port in the proximal handle.

9. The device described in Claim 8, wherein the electrically insulating position locking mechanism includes a boss that secures the opening of the flexible metal blade.

10. The device described in claim 8, wherein the electrically insulating position locking mechanism engages a compression member that biases the electrically insulating position locking mechanism proximally.

11. The device described in claim 1, further comprising a restraining wedge at the distal end of the flexible metal blade.

12. The device described in claim 11, wherein the restraining wedge is planar and connected to the flexible metal blade.

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