Lighting device for handheld surgical instrument with smoke evacuation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and to battery powered lighting devices for use with handheld electrosurgical instruments that include smoke evacuation systems.SOLUTION: A lighting device 20 is disclosed that includes an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal ends and defining an interior chamber containing a battery-powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having at least one smoke evacuation passage 8 extending from an inlet adjacent or near the distal end of the housing to an outlet adjacent or near the proximal end of the housing for removing smoke generated at the surgical site.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 519,744, filed July 23, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and more particularly to a battery-powered illumination device for use with handheld electrosurgical instruments that include a smoke evacuation system. [Background technology]

[0003] In medical practice, illumination devices are used to direct light to a particular area to be operated on or examined. For example, illumination devices can be used with handheld electrosurgical devices, such as the BOVIE® pencil, which are typically used to cut tissue in surgical procedures.

[0004] While some devices known in the art include integrated light sources, these devices are generally expensive and relatively bulky. Cordless and corded lighting devices for surgical tools are also known in the art, but these also introduce bulk that can hinder a user's ability to manipulate the tool accurately or in tight spaces.

[0005] Additionally, many lighting devices, particularly corded devices and overhead lights, require constant repositioning, rely on an assistant to hold and position them, and can disrupt the surgical field. Additionally, corded lighting devices, as well as light sources built into tools, can become hot and cause burns to the user and / or patient, and even cause fires.

[0006] Headlamps can be used as an alternative to lighting devices during surgical procedures. However, like lighting devices, headlamps are bulky, usually require cables for connection to a power source, require constant readjustment, and can pose a safety hazard. Furthermore, when worn on the surgeon's head, they are positioned farther from the surgical field, reducing their effectiveness and can cause fatigue and strain when worn for extended periods of time.

[0007] It is known that when handheld lights, overhead lights, and / or headlamps are used during surgical procedures, the surgeon's hands / tools can block the light and cast undesirable shadows on the surgical site, forcing the user to periodically reposition the light source, and the surgeon may even have to move his or her head to attempt to aim the headlamp at a different angle toward the surgical site.

[0008] A highly useful battery-powered illumination device designed to be attached to a handheld electrosurgical device, and particularly designed for use with a BOVIE® pencil, is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 9,851,060, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This device overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art illumination devices discussed above.

[0009] When tissue is incised using a handheld electrosurgical device, such as the BOVIE® Pen, surgical smoke is typically generated when energy is applied to tissue cells during surgery. The heat from the energy vaporizes intracellular fluids, increasing intracellular pressure and ultimately rupturing cell membranes. When this occurs, a plume of smoke containing primarily water vapor is released into the operating room. Simultaneously, the heat carbonizes proteins and other organic matter within the cells, releasing carbonized cell fragments and contaminants such as gaseous hydrocarbons.

[0010] These small particles and gases are potentially dangerous if inhaled. They can be airborne and inhaled if not evacuated from the surgical site closest to the source of the surgical smoke. This has led to the development and use of smoke evacuation systems in surgical procedures. Smoke evacuation devices are essentially vacuum pumps equipped with one or more filters designed to remove surgical smoke and aerosols from the surgical site and remove contaminants. Furthermore, filtered air can be returned to the operating room.

[0011] Due to the increasing need and desire for surgical exhaust systems in operating rooms, the present inventors have determined that it would be advantageous to incorporate such systems directly into battery-powered lighting devices used with handheld electrosurgical instruments. The present disclosure presents several novel and useful embodiments of battery-powered lighting devices for use with electrosurgical instruments such as the BOVIE® Pencil that incorporate a smoke exhaust system. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a new and useful lighting device for installation on a handheld surgical instrument, preferably removably attached to a handheld electrosurgical instrument. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lighting device for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the lighting device including an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal ends and defining an interior chamber containing a battery-powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having associated therewith at least one smoke exhaust passageway extending from an inlet located adjacent, near, or proximal to the distal end of the housing to an outlet located adjacent, near, or proximal to the proximal end of the housing for removing smoke generated at the surgical site.

[0013] In one embodiment of the lighting device, the smoke exhaust passage is located within the housing of the lighting device and separated from the internal chamber by an inner wall of the housing. In another embodiment of the lighting device, the smoke exhaust passage is located outside the housing of the lighting device and separated from the internal chamber by an outer wall of the housing.

[0014] A connection fitting is associated with the outlet of the smoke exhaust passage for connecting the smoke exhaust passage to a smoke exhaust pipe that communicates with the suction source. Preferably, a filter element is disposed in at least one of the smoke exhaust passage or the smoke exhaust pipe. It is contemplated that the smoke exhaust passage can have any cross-sectional configuration, such as, for example, a rectangular, square, oval, or circular cross-sectional configuration.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the lighting device, the associated smoke exhaust passage extends through a nozzle assembly that is removably connected to the exterior sidewall of the lighting device's housing. In such an embodiment, the nozzle assembly can be removably connected to the exterior sidewall of the housing by a snap connection mechanism that includes an engaging flange on the exterior wall of the housing and a pair of deflectable engaging tongues on the nozzle assembly, or vice versa. Alternatively, the associated nozzle assembly can be removably connected to the exterior sidewall of the housing by a sliding tongue-and-groove connection mechanism that includes a groove portion on the exterior wall of the housing and a tongue portion on the nozzle assembly, or vice versa. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle assembly can be removably connected to the exterior sidewall of the housing by an adhesive strip.

[0016] Preferably, the associated nozzle assembly includes an inlet nozzle, a smoke exhaust conduit extending proximally from the inlet nozzle, and a barbed connection fitting at the proximal end of the smoke exhaust conduit. The inlet nozzle includes at least one inlet orifice sized and configured to maximize the range and effectiveness of smoke exhaust, thereby enabling the inlet nozzle to be positioned near the ablation site where the smoke is generated. In this regard, it is contemplated that the inlet nozzle can be configured to telescope or otherwise extend distally so as to be positioned closer to the source of the smoke.

[0017] The filter element can be disclosed in at least one of the inlet nozzle, the barbed connection fitting, or the smoke exhaust tube. A coupling device is operably associated with the smoke exhaust tube for securing the smoke exhaust tube to the surgical instrument.

[0018] Preferably, the battery-powered lighting assembly includes a printed circuit board including at least one LED lighting component, at least one battery cell, and a switch mechanism. An activation button is associated with the housing for activating the switch mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one rotating fan is located within the smoke exhaust passage and operably connected to the printed circuit board of the battery-powered light assembly. The fan can be configured to direct airflow from the smoke exhaust passage or to draw airflow into the smoke exhaust passage.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the illumination device includes a clamping mechanism for selectively attaching the illumination device to a surgical instrument. The clamping mechanism includes a generally U-shaped clamp body having a pair of opposing, parallel clamping arms, an adjustable retention screw associated with one of the clamping arms, and an inner surface of the other clamping arm having a compliant material plate thereon. The clamping mechanism is pivotally connected to the housing about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the interior chamber of the housing has a conical bore for receiving the distal end of a surgical instrument. In this embodiment, the battery-powered illumination assembly is adjusted and configured to activate or otherwise turn on when the distal end of the surgical instrument is received in the conical bore. Conversely, the battery-powered illumination assembly is adjusted and configured to deactivate or otherwise turn off when the distal end of the surgical instrument is removed from the conical bore.

[0021] The present invention further relates to a kit for performing a surgical procedure, the kit including a packaging enclosure, a battery-powered lighting device contained within the packaging enclosure configured to be attached to a handheld surgical instrument, and a smoke extraction nozzle assembly contained within the packaging enclosure configured to be attached to the lighting device. The kit may further include a handheld surgical instrument in the packaging enclosure for performing the surgical procedure.

[0022] Preferably, the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly includes an inlet nozzle, a smoke exhaust tube extending proximally from the inlet nozzle, and a barbed connection fitting at the proximal end of the smoke exhaust tube, with a clamping mechanism associated with the tube for selectively attaching the tube to a surgical instrument.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of attaching to a surgical instrument an illumination device having a smoke exhaust passage integrally associated therewith or connected thereto, and connecting an outlet of the smoke exhaust passage to a smoke exhaust or suction source, for example, a suction device. The method may further comprise the steps of performing electrocautery using the surgical instrument, and activating the suction source to perform the evacuation of smoke through an inlet of the smoke exhaust passage.

[0024] Preferably, the step of attaching the lighting device to the surgical instrument includes automatically activating a light source of the lighting device, and the method further includes the step of automatically deactivating the light source by detaching the lighting device from the surgical instrument. Preferably, the step of connecting the outlet of the smoke exhaust passage to the suction source includes attaching a smoke exhaust pipe to a first side of the lighting device, and the method further includes the steps of detaching the smoke exhaust pipe from said first side of the lighting device and reattaching the smoke exhaust pipe to a second side of the lighting device.

[0025] These and other features of the lighting device of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains after reviewing the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the following brief description of the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] So that those skilled in the art will readily understand how to make and use the lighting device of the present invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof are described in detail herein below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device having an internal smoke exhaust passageway, separated from the surgical instrument to which it is attached. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the lighting device with internal smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 1, attached to a surgical instrument. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device having an internal smoke exhaust passageway, attached to a surgical instrument, and with a smoke exhaust tube connected thereto. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a lighting device having an internal smoke exhaust passageway, shown attached to a surgical instrument. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a lighting device with an internal smoke exhaust passageway, shown attached to a surgical instrument. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a side view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 6, seen from behind. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 6 with parts separated for ease of illustration. [Figure 12] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device with an internal smoke exhaust passage taken along line AA of FIG. 7. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device having an internal smoke exhaust passageway including an internal fan, shown separated from the surgical instrument to which it is attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the illumination device of FIG. 13 attached to a surgical instrument. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the illumination device and surgical instrument of FIG. 14 with the smoke exhaust tube connected. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of the illumination device and surgical instrument of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the illumination device and surgical instrument of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a side view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is a rear view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 23] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the printed circuit board, LED, switch, and fan subassembly housed within the lighting device of FIG. 18. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device of FIG. 18 with parts separated for ease of illustration. [Figure 25] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device taken along line BB of FIG. 19. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical lighting device with an attached smoke evacuation subassembly, shown separated from a surgical instrument. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the surgical lighting device shown in FIG. 26 with the smoke evacuation subassembly attached and engaged to the distal end of a surgical instrument. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 27, showing installation on the left side. [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 27, showing right-hand installation. [Figure 30] FIG. 28 is a right side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 27. [Figure 31] FIG. 28 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 27. [Figure 32] 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line CC of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 34] FIG. 27 is a top view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 34. [Figure 36] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a subassembly having a printed circuit board, a battery, a switch, and an LED housed in the lighting device shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a front view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 27 is a side view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 38, illustrating a sliding mechanism for removably connecting the smoke exhaust subassembly to the lighting device. [Figure 40] FIG. 37 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 36. [Figure 41] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the smoke ejection nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a front view of the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 43] FIG. 42 is a side view of the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 44] FIG. 43 is a partial enlarged view of the connecting tongue shown in FIG. 42. [Figure 45] FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another surgical lighting device having a detachably attached smoke evacuation subassembly, shown separated from a surgical instrument. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the surgical lighting device shown in FIG. 46 with the smoke evacuation subassembly attached and engaged to the distal end of a surgical instrument. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 47, showing installation on the left side. [Figure 49] FIG. 48 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 47, showing installation on the right side. [Figure 50] FIG. 48 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 47. [Figure 51] FIG. 48 is a right side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 47. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line GG of FIG. 51. [Figure 53] FIG. 47 is a right side view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 54] FIG. 47 is a top view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 55] FIG. 47 is a front view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 56] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line HH of FIG. 53. [Figure 57] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the smoke ejection nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 46. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a front view of the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 57. [Figure 59] FIG. 58 is a rear view of the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 57. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a partial enlarged view of the connecting arm shown in FIG. 59. [Figure 61]FIG. 47 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 46 showing a smoke exhaust tube extending from the nozzle assembly including a clip for engagement with the proximal end of a surgical instrument. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 61 showing a clip on a smoke vent tube engaging the proximal end of a surgical instrument. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 64] FIG. 63 is a right side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 65] FIG. 63 is a rear view of the assembly shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 66] FIG. 63 is an exploded side view of the smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 62 including the nozzle assembly, smoke exhaust tube, engagement clip, and barbed connector. [Figure 67] FIG. 63 is an assembled side view of the smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the barbed connector taken along line KK of FIG. 67 showing possible locations of the filter element. [Figure 69] FIG. 63 is a rear view of the smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 70] FIG. 63 is a front view of the smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 62. [Figure 71] 47 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 46, showing the nozzle assembly including an adhesive strip for securing the smoke exhaust passageway to the illumination device shown separated from the surgical instrument. [Figure 72] 72 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 71 showing the illumination device disposed at the distal end of the surgical instrument and the nozzle assembly of the smoke exhaust passage attached to the illumination device by an adhesive strip. [Figure 73] FIG. 73 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 72 with the adhesive strip in an unsecured state. [Figure 74] FIG. 73 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 72 with the adhesive strip in a fixed position. [Figure 75] FIG. 73 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 72 with the adhesive strip in a fixed position. [Figure 76]FIG. 73 is a right side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 72 with the adhesive strip in a secured state. [Figure 77] FIG. 73 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in FIG. 72 with the adhesive strip in a secured state. [Figure 78] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device having an external smoke exhaust passageway, separated from the surgical instrument to which it is attached. [Figure 79] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the lighting device with external smoke exhaust passage shown in FIG. 78, attached to the distal end of a surgical instrument. [Figure 80] FIG. 80 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 79. [Figure 81] FIG. 80 is a right side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 79. [Figure 82] FIG. 80 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 79. [Figure 83] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 79 with the smoke exhaust pipe disconnected from the external smoke exhaust passage. [Figure 84] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 79 with the smoke exhaust pipe connected to the external smoke exhaust passage. [Figure 85] FIG. 85 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 84. [Figure 86] FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL in FIG. 85. [Figure 87] FIG. 1 is a front view of a tubular smoke exhaust inlet nozzle. [Figure 88] FIG. 88 is a side view of the inlet nozzle shown in FIG. 87. [Figure 89] FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM of FIG. 87. [Figure 90] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a multi-orifice smoke evacuation inlet nozzle that covers a larger area of ​​the surgical field and is configured to better draw in surgical smoke by distributing suction over a distance. [Figure 91] FIG. 91 is an exploded perspective view of the inlet nozzle shown in FIG. 90. [Figure 92] FIG. 91 is a front view of the inlet nozzle shown in FIG. 90. [Figure 93]FIG. 91 is a side view of the inlet nozzle shown in FIG. 90. [Figure 94] FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of a kit having a packaging enclosure configured to hold the lighting device and smoke exhaust assembly shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of the kit shown in FIG. 94 in which the lighting device and smoke exhaust assembly are packaged in an enclosure. [Figure 96] FIG. 95 is a perspective view from above of the package enclosure shown in FIG. 94. [Figure 97] FIG. 95 is a perspective view from below of the package enclosure shown in FIG. 94. [Figure 98] FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of a kit having a lighting device, a smoke exhaust assembly, and a packaging enclosure configured to hold a surgical instrument as shown in FIG. 61, the surgical instrument having connecting wires (those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that wires have been omitted from the previous figures for ease of illustration). [Figure 99] FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the kit shown in FIG. 98, in which the lighting device, smoke exhaust assembly, and surgical instrument are packaged within an enclosure. [Figure 100] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another lighting device including multiple external smoke exhaust passages, shown separated from the surgical instrument to which it is attached. [Figure 101] 101 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 100, showing the illumination device attached to the distal end of the surgical instrument. [Figure 102] 102 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 101 with the smoke exhaust pipe connected to the smoke exhaust passage on the right side of the lighting device. [Figure 103] 102 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 101 with the smoke exhaust pipe connected to the smoke exhaust passage on the left side of the lighting device. FIG. [Figure 104] FIG. 103 is a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 102. [Figure 105] FIG. 101 is a front view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 106] FIG. 101 is a side view of the lighting device shown in FIG. [Figure 107] FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN of FIG. 106. [Figure 108] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illumination device mounted on the distal end of a surgical instrument, the illumination device having multiple separate mounting locations for mounting a smoke exhaust passageway, with the inlet nozzle of the smoke exhaust passageway mounted at the bottom mounting location of the mounting locations. [Figure 109] FIG. 109 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 108. [Figure 110] FIG. 109 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 108. [Figure 111] 109 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 108 in which the inlet nozzles of two separate smoke exhaust passages are mounted on the lighting device in two different positions. [Figure 112] FIG. 112 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 113] FIG. 112 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like structural elements of various embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an illumination device 20 having an internal smoke exhaust passageway 8. The illumination device 20 is adapted and configured to be attached to a surgical instrument 10, preferably to the distal end of the surgical instrument 10, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, an elongated smoke exhaust tube 30 connects the proximal end of the internal smoke exhaust passageway 8 of the illumination device 20 to a suction source (not shown), such as a smoke exhaust device or pump.

[0029] 4-12, illumination device 20 has a generally rectangular housing with opposed proximal and distal ends, defined by left and right housing components 2 and 2'. As best shown in FIG. 12, the housing of illumination device 20 defines an interior chamber that houses a battery-powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site. The light assembly includes a printed circuit board 28 having integrated or embedded therein at least one or two LED light components 32, a mechanical switch mechanism 26, and a battery cell 24. A concave lens 6 is disposed at the distal end of the housing to direct light source 32.

[0030] A push button actuator 4 is associated with the housing portion 2 for manually actuating a switch mechanism 26 that controls the battery-powered light assembly. The housing defined by the left and right housing components 2 and 2' includes an internal smoke exhaust passageway 8 defined by left and right passageway portions 8 and 8', best seen in FIG. 11 . The smoke exhaust passageway 8 is separated from the housing's internal chamber by an interior wall 5. The smoke exhaust passageway 8 extends from an inlet located adjacent the distal end of the housing to an outlet or connection fitting 18, 18' located adjacent the proximal end of the housing. The connection fitting 18 allows the smoke exhaust passageway 8 to be connected to a suction source (not shown), such as a smoke evacuation device, by an elongated smoke exhaust tube 30.

[0031] 6-10, the illumination device 20 includes a clamping mechanism 12 for selectively attaching the illumination device to a surgical instrument, as seen in FIG. 2. The clamping mechanism 12 includes a generally U-shaped clamp body having a pair of opposing, parallel clamping arms 12' and 12''. An adjustable retaining screw 16 is associated with the clamping arm 12', and the inner surface of the clamping arm 12'' has a compliant material plate 14 thereon to closely engage the geometry of the surgical instrument 10. The clamping mechanism 12 is pivotally connected to the housings 2, 2' about a pivot axis defined by a pin 22 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing 2 to adjust the angle of the illumination device 20 light relative to the distal end of the surgical instrument 10 so as to intersect with the distal tip of the instrument. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical clamping mechanisms, such as, for example, a spring-loaded clamp, can be used to attach the illumination device to a surgical instrument. Alternatively, other types of attachment means may be used, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tape, etc.

[0032] It is contemplated that a filter element may be positioned within the smoke exhaust passageway 8 or smoke exhaust pipe 30 to remove debris and / or contaminants from the air from the surgical site passing through the smoke exhaust passageway 8 or smoke exhaust pipe 30. It is also contemplated that the internal smoke exhaust passageway 8 may have a rectangular cross-sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 4, or that the internal smoke exhaust passageway may have a square cross-sectional configuration, an oval cross-sectional configuration, a circular cross-sectional configuration, or any other known, suitable, and / or easily manufactured cross-sectional configuration.

[0033] 13 and 14, another embodiment of a lighting device having an external smoke exhaust passageway 15 is illustrated, generally designated by the reference numeral 40. The external smoke exhaust passageway 15 is located outside the main housing 52, 52' of the lighting device 40 and is separated from the internal chamber by the outer wall of the housing. As shown in FIG. 15, an elongated smoke exhaust tube 50 connects a fitting 56 at the proximal end of the external smoke exhaust passageway 15 of the lighting device 40 to a suction source (not shown), such as a pump or smoke evacuation device.

[0034] 18-25, illumination device 40 includes an adjustable clamping mechanism 12 substantially identical to clamping mechanism 12 of illumination device 20 to facilitate selective attachment of illumination device 40 to the distal end of surgical instrument 10. Additionally, illumination device 40 includes a battery-powered illumination assembly having a printed circuit board 58 with an embedded LED light source 32, a battery cell 24, and a switch 26 controlled by an activation button 4. A lens 6 is disposed in a retention slot in the distal end of housing 52, 52' adjacent to LED light source 32.

[0035] Additionally, the lighting device 40 includes an internal rotating fan 54 located near the distal entrance of the external smoke exhaust passage 15. The fan 54 may be configured to direct airflow from or draw airflow into the smoke exhaust passage 15. The fan 54 is electrically connected to a printed circuit board 58 and is powered by the lighting assembly's battery 24 housed within the two-piece rectangular housing 52, 52' of the lighting device 40.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that multiple fans or microfans may be disposed within the external smoke exhaust passage 15 of the lighting device 40. It should also be understood that one or more fans may similarly be disposed within the internal smoke exhaust passage 8 of the lighting device 20 described above.

[0037] 25, a filter element 62 is positioned near the proximal end of the external smoke exhaust passageway 15 of the lighting device 40. The filter element 62 may comprise carbon or activated carbon, may be a single layer or a multi-layer composite, and may include mesh, paper, or other filter layers that may be hydrophobic.

[0038] 26-45, another surgical lighting device for use with handheld electrosurgical instrument 10, cooperating with a removable smoke exhaust assembly 520, is illustrated and designated by reference numeral 510. As will be described in more detail below, lighting device 510 includes slide engagement structure 512, 512′ to allow smoke exhaust assembly 520 to be easily attached to the right side wall of lighting device 510, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, or the left side wall of lighting device 510, as shown in FIG. 29.

[0039] The smoke exhaust assembly 520 includes an inlet nozzle 506 defining a smoke exhaust passageway located adjacent the distal end of the lighting device 510. An elongated smoke exhaust tube 508 extends from a proximal outlet 516 of the inlet nozzle 506 for communication with a smoke exhaust device or pump. As best shown in FIG. 32 , a sliding connector 514 extends from a bottom surface of the inlet nozzle 506 for engagement with one of interface connectors 512 and 512′ (see also FIG. 40 ) located on the left and right sidewalls of the lighting device 510. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 38-45 , the sliding connector 514 includes a slotted tongue 522 for interfacing with a groove 518 formed in the sliding connectors 512 and 512′.

[0040] 33-37 , the illumination device 510 includes a generally conical housing 504 having a substantially flat upper surface 505 to allow an unobstructed line of sight for a surgeon utilizing the surgical instrument 10. The housing 504 has an internal cavity that supports an illumination assembly, which includes a printed circuit board 546 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced LED light sources 548 embedded therein, a battery cell 544, and a switch mechanism 562. A lens 540 is disposed at the distal end of the housing 504 adjacent to or near the LED light sources 548. An engagement collar 552 having an associated spring 554 is operably associated with the housing 504 of the illumination device 510 to engage the distal end of the surgical instrument 10 when the surgical instrument 10 is received in the internal cavity 556 of the illumination device 510.

[0041] In use, when the distal end of electrosurgical instrument 10 is inserted into the conical alignment sleeve 556 within the interior cavity of illumination device 510, the distal end of instrument 10 contacts the flexible cantilevered foot, deflecting the foot downward and contacting switch mechanism 562, activating the LED light source. At such point, the distal end of the instrument is mechanically retained by spring-loaded engagement collar 552. As a result, a surgeon using instrument 10 can incise tissue while illumination device 510 and its attached smoke exhaust assemblies 520 on each side illuminate and remove smoke from the surgical site.

[0042] 46-60, yet another surgical lighting device for use with a handheld electrosurgical instrument 10, cooperating with a removable smoke exhaust assembly 550, is shown and designated by the reference numeral 530. As will be explained in more detail below, a housing 532 of the lighting device 530 includes snap-engagement structures 528, 528′ to allow the smoke exhaust assembly 550 to be easily attached to the right side wall of the housing 532, as shown in FIG. 48, or the left side wall of the housing 532, as shown in FIG. 49.

[0043] The smoke exhaust assembly 550 includes an inlet nozzle 524 defining a smoke exhaust passageway located adjacent the distal end of a housing 532. An elongated smoke exhaust tube 508 extends from a proximal outlet 526 of the inlet nozzle 524 for communication with a smoke exhaust device or pump. As best shown in FIG. 52 , a snap connector 536 extends from a bottom surface of the inlet nozzle 524 for engagement with snap connectors 528 and 528′ on the left and right sidewalls of the housing 532 of the lighting device 530. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 53-60 , the snap connector 536 includes a pair of deflectable legs 536′ and 536″ for mating with or otherwise engaging complementary grooves 534, 534′ of the sliding connectors 528, 528′.

[0044] 61-70, another embodiment of a detachable smoke exhaust assembly for use with a lighting device 510 is illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 560. The smoke exhaust assembly 560 includes an inlet nozzle 506 and an elongated smoke exhaust tube 566. The inlet nozzle 506 is adapted and configured to be attached to the housing 504 of the lighting device 510, as described in detail above.

[0045] A retaining clip 568 is operably disposed along the length of the tube 566 as shown in Figures 69 and 70 for selectively engaging the proximal end of the surgical instrument 10 for use with the surgical instrument 10 (see Figure 65). The retaining clip 568 includes a pair of barbed legs 568' and 568'' that serve to hold the tube 566 in a fixed position so as not to interfere with the performance of the surgical procedure.

[0046] A barbed connector fitting 564 is operably disposed at the proximal end of the smoke evacuator tube 566 for communication with a smoke evacuator or pump. Other types of connectors or fittings are also available. As best shown in FIG. 68 , a filter element 572 is disposed with a central passageway in the connector fitting 564 for filtering smoke-laden air drawn through by the smoke evacuator or pump. The filter element 572 can be formed from carbon, activated charcoal, or a similar filtration medium.

[0047] 71-77, another embodiment of a detachable smoke exhaust assembly 580 for use with an illumination device 570 for use with a handheld surgical instrument 10 is illustrated. The smoke exhaust assembly 580 includes an inlet nozzle 576, an elongated smoke exhaust tube 582, and an adhesive strip 578. The adhesive strip 578 extends at least partially around the periphery of a housing 574 of the illumination device 570 and is sized and configured to securely secure the nozzle 576 to the housing 574 of the illumination device 570.

[0048] 78-86, another embodiment of an illumination device 590 for use with a handheld electrosurgical instrument 10 is shown having an external smoke exhaust passageway 588 formed integrally with the housing 584 of the illumination device 590. The smoke exhaust passageway 588 can have any type of cross-sectional configuration, but as shown here has a generally oval cross-sectional configuration and extends from an inlet adjacent the distal end of the housing 584 to an outlet 592 located adjacent or near the proximal end of the housing 584. A smoke exhaust conduit 586 is connected to the outlet 592 to allow communication with a smoke exhaust device or pump, as best shown in FIG.

[0049] As best shown in FIG. 86 , the illumination device 590 has an internal cavity that contains an illumination assembly including a conical alignment sleeve 556 and a printed circuit board 546 having a plurality of embedded LED light sources 548, a battery cell (not shown), and a switch mechanism 562. A lens 540 is disposed at the distal end of the housing 584, and a spacer 542 is disposed between the lens 540 and the light sources 548 on the printed circuit board 546. An engagement collar 552 having a cooperating spring 554 is operably associated with the internal cavity 556 of the illumination device 590 to engage the distal end of the surgical instrument 10 when the surgical instrument 10 is received in the internal cavity 556 of the illumination device 590.

[0050] In use, when the distal end of electrosurgical instrument 10 is inserted into sleeve 556 within the internal cavity of illumination device 590, the distal end of instrument 10 contacts the flexible member, depressing the flexible member downward and engaging switch mechanism 562, illuminating LED light source 548. At such time, the distal end of instrument 10 is mechanically retained by spring-loaded engagement collar 552. Thus, a surgeon using electrosurgical instrument 10 can use illumination device 590 and external smoke exhaust passageway 588 integrally formed with housing 584 to illuminate and remove smoke from the surgical site while cutting tissue.

[0051] 87-89, there is shown a cylindrical or tubular smoke evacuation inlet nozzle 602 having a distal inlet portion 602 and a proximal outlet portion 606 sized and configured to communicate with the smoke evacuation tube 586. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the inlet nozzle 602 can be used as an alternative nozzle mechanism for any of the smoke evacuation assemblies described and illustrated herein.

[0052] 90-93, there is shown another smoke evacuation inlet nozzle 605 that includes a rear body portion 608 configured to communicate with the smoke evacuation conduit 586 and a multi-orifice front body portion 612 that covers a larger area of ​​the surgical field and is configured to better draw in surgical smoke by distributing suction over a distance. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a multi-orifice nozzle, such as the nozzle 605 shown in FIG. 90, can be used as an alternative nozzle mechanism for any of the smoke evacuation assemblies described and illustrated herein.

[0053] 94-97, there is shown a kit for performing a surgical procedure with a handheld surgical instrument, the kit including a packaging enclosure 610 configured to hold the battery-powered lighting device 510 shown in FIGS. 61 and 62 and a detachable smoke exhaust assembly 560. The smoke exhaust assembly 560 includes the nozzle inlet 506, an elongated tube 566 having a proximal connector 564, and a clip 568 for attachment to the proximal end of the handheld surgical instrument.

[0054] 98 and 99, another kit for performing a surgical procedure is shown that includes a packaging enclosure 620 configured to hold a battery-powered lighting device 510, a smoke evacuation assembly 560 that attaches to the lighting device 510, and a handheld electrocautery instrument 100 (such as a BOVIE® pencil) to which the lighting device 510 is attached to illuminate the surgical site without unduly obstructing the surgeon's line of sight. This kit allows the surgeon to perform the electrocautery procedure and evacuate the smoke while illuminating the surgical site.

[0055] 100-107, yet another embodiment of an illumination device including an integrated smoke exhaust assembly also designed for use with a handheld electrosurgical instrument 10 is illustrated, generally designated by the reference numeral 710. The illumination device 710 includes a generally conical housing 702 including integrated left and right smoke exhaust passages 706' and 706". Each smoke exhaust passage has an inlet 708' and 708" for drawing smoke located adjacent or near the distal end of the housing 702, and a barbed outlet 704' and 704" for communication with a smoke exhaust conduit 720 located adjacent or near the proximal end of the housing 702.

[0056] As best shown in FIG. 107 , the illumination device 710 has an internal cavity that contains a conical alignment sleeve 556 and an illumination assembly that includes a printed circuit board 546 with one or more embedded LED light sources and one or more battery cells 544. A lens 540 is disposed at the distal end of the housing 702. In use, performing a surgical procedure with the illumination device 710 includes attaching the illumination device 710 to the distal end of the surgical instrument 10 to activate the LED light source, and then connecting the outlet 704 of one of the smoke exhaust passages 706′ or 706″ to a suction source via a smoke exhaust conduit 720. If necessary, the method further includes the steps of removing the smoke exhaust pipe 720 from one of the smoke exhaust passages 706' or 706" and reattaching the smoke exhaust pipe 720 to the other smoke exhaust passage 706' or 706" as shown in Figures 102 and 103 so that the surgical site is not obstructed by the smoke exhaust pipe 720 during the procedure.

[0057] 108-113, there is shown an illumination device 730 for use with a handheld surgical instrument 10 having three separate mounting locations (it is contemplated that there may be more than three mounting locations) for engagement with an inlet nozzle 506 of a detachable smoke exhaust assembly having an elongated smoke exhaust tube 508 for communication with a smoke exhaust device or pump (not shown). More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 110, a generally conical housing 732 of the illumination device 730 includes a first mounting flange 512 on the right side of the housing 732, a second mounting flange 512' on the left side of the housing 732, and a third mounting flange 512'' on the bottom of the housing 732.

[0058] It is contemplated that the smoke exhaust assembly inlet nozzle 506 may be mounted in any of three or more positions. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 111-113, two or more smoke exhaust assembly inlet nozzles 506 may be mounted on the housing 732 of the lighting device 730 to increase the smoke exhaust efficiency of the system.

[0059] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that changes or modifications can be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A lighting device attached to a handheld electrosurgical instrument, comprising: an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal ends and defining an interior chamber containing a battery-powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site; It is equipped with the lighting device having at least one smoke exhaust passageway associated with the housing extending from an inlet located near the distal end of the housing to an outlet located near the proximal end of the housing for removing smoke generated at the surgical site.

2. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the smoke exhaust passage is located within the housing of the lighting device and separated from the internal chamber by an interior wall of the housing.

3. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the smoke exhaust passage is located outside the housing of the lighting device and separated from the interior chamber by an outer wall of the housing.

4. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the smoke exhaust passage has one of a rectangular cross-sectional configuration, a square cross-sectional configuration, an oval cross-sectional configuration, or a circular cross-sectional configuration.

5. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the smoke exhaust passage extends through a nozzle assembly that is connected to an exterior sidewall of the housing of the lighting device at one or more locations.

6. 6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the nozzle assembly is connected to the exterior sidewall of the housing by a snap connection mechanism including an engaging flange and a pair of deflectable engaging tongues.

7. 6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the nozzle assembly is removably connected to the exterior sidewall of the housing by a sliding tongue-and-groove connection mechanism including a groove portion and a tongue portion.

8. The lighting device of claim 5 , wherein the nozzle assembly is removably connected to an exterior sidewall of the housing by an adhesive strip.

9. 6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the nozzle assembly includes an inlet nozzle, a smoke exhaust tube extending proximally from the inlet nozzle, and a connector at a proximal end of the smoke exhaust tube for connection to a smoke exhaust device.

10. 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein the inlet nozzle includes at least one inlet orifice sized and configured to maximize the range and effectiveness of smoke evacuation.

11. 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein a filter element is located within the passage of the barbed connection fitting.

12. 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein a filter element is located inside the inlet nozzle.

13. 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein a filter element is located inside the smoke exhaust pipe.

14. 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein a coupling device is operably associated with the smoke vent tube for securing the smoke vent tube to a surgical instrument.

15. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein a connection fitting is associated with the outlet of the smoke exhaust passage for connecting the smoke exhaust passage to a smoke exhaust pipe communicating with a suction source.

16. The lighting device of claim 1 , wherein a filter element is located within the smoke exhaust passage.

17. 16. The lighting device of claim 15, wherein a filter element is located inside the smoke exhaust pipe.

18. The lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the battery-powered lighting assembly includes a printed circuit board including at least one LED lighting component, at least one battery cell, and a switch mechanism.

19. 16. The lighting device of claim 15, wherein an activation button is associated with the housing for activating the switch mechanism.

20. 20. The lighting device of claim 18, wherein at least one rotary fan is located within the smoke exhaust passage, the at least one rotary fan being operably connected to the printed circuit board of the battery-powered light assembly.

21. 21. The lighting device of claim 20, wherein the at least one rotary fan is configured to direct a flow of air from the smoke exhaust passage.

22. 21. The lighting device of claim 20, wherein the at least one rotary fan is configured to draw a flow of air into the smoke exhaust passage.

23. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a mechanism or means for selectively attaching the illumination device to the surgical instrument.

24. 24. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the clamping mechanism or means for selectively mounting the lighting device includes a generally U-shaped clamp body having a pair of opposing parallel clamping arms, an adjustable retention screw associated with one clamping arm and an inner surface of the other clamping arm having a compliant plate of material thereon.

25. 24. The lighting device of claim 23, wherein the clamping mechanism is pivotally connected to the elongated housing about a pivot axis that extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

26. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the interior chamber of the housing has a conical bore for receiving a distal end of the surgical instrument.

27. 27. The illumination device of claim 26, wherein the battery-powered illumination assembly is adjusted and configured to activate when the distal end of the surgical instrument is received in the conical bore.

28. 1. A kit for performing a surgical procedure, comprising: a) a packaging enclosure; b) a battery-powered illumination device contained within the packaging enclosure configured to be attached to a handheld surgical instrument; and c) a smoke exhaust nozzle assembly contained within the packaging enclosure configured to be attached to the lighting device; Kit including:

29. 30. The kit of claim 28, further comprising a handheld surgical instrument within the packaging enclosure for performing a surgical procedure.

30. 30. The kit of claim 28, wherein the smoke exhaust nozzle assembly includes an inlet nozzle, a smoke exhaust tube extending proximally from the inlet nozzle, and a fitting at a proximal end of the smoke exhaust tube for connection to a smoke exhaust device.

31. 31. The kit of claim 30, wherein a clamping mechanism is associated with the tube for selectively attaching the tube to a surgical instrument.

32. 1. A method for performing a surgical procedure, comprising: a) attaching a lighting device to a surgical instrument, the lighting device having a smoke exhaust passageway integrally associated therewith or connected thereto; b) connecting the outlet of the smoke exhaust passage to a suction source; A method comprising:

33. performing electrocautery using said surgical instrument.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

34. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of: activating the suction source to effect the evacuation of smoke through the entrance of the smoke evacuation passage.

35. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of attaching the illumination device to the surgical instrument includes automatically activating a light source of the illumination device.

36. automatically shutting off the light source by removing the illumination device from the surgical instrument; 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

37. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of connecting the outlet of the smoke exhaust passage to a suction source includes attaching a smoke exhaust pipe to a first side of the lighting device.

38. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of: removing the smoke exhaust pipe from the first side of the lighting device; and reattaching the smoke exhaust pipe to a second side of the lighting device.

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