Electric surgical tool with vibrating saw blade

Abstract

In general, apparatus, systems and methods are provided for assembling and operating a handheld vibrating surgical saw (100). In exemplary embodiments, the surgical tool includes a handpiece comprising a connecting head (106) including a slot and a magnet (in a magnetic housing 204), wherein the slot is configured to releasably receive a surgical saw blade (108) configured to cut bone, the magnet is configured to magnetically attract the saw blade (108), and the connecting head (106) is configured to move between a first position in which the slot has a first height and the connecting head is configured to selectively receive the surgical saw blade (108) internally and release the surgical saw blade (108) therefrom, and a second position in which the slot has a second height lower than the first height and the connecting head (106) is configured to fixally seat the saw blade (108) internally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrosurgical tool having a vibrating saw blade.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of orthopedic surgery, surgical saws are often used to cut bone in joint replacement procedures such as hip and knee replacements. Electric vibrating saws provide higher accuracy and efficiency than conventional manual bone saws. The saw blade is typically operably connected to a power source to enable the powered vibration of the saw blade that provides the ability to cut bone. The handpiece of an electrosurgical saw can generally be used with a variety of different blades attached, and each blade provides a different geometric shape that can be useful in different surgical applications. However, it can be difficult for a physician or other medical professional to exchange the blade in a safe manner. Ensuring that the blade is properly secured within the surgical tool is key to ensuring accurate cutting by the tool during a surgical procedure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Therefore, there is still a need for an improved electrosurgical tool having a vibrating saw blade.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Generally, devices, systems, and methods for an electrosurgical tool having a vibrating saw blade are provided.

[0005] In one embodiment, a surgical tool is provided, comprising a handpiece including a slot and a connecting head including at least one magnet, wherein the slot is configured to releasably receive a surgical saw blade configured to cut bone, the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically attract the saw blade, and the connecting head is configured to move between a first position in which the slot has a first height and the connecting head is configured to selectively receive the surgical saw blade internally and release the surgical saw blade therefrom, and a second position in which the slot has a second height lower than the first height and the connecting head is configured to fixally seat the saw blade internally.

[0006] The surgical device may have any number of modifications. For example, the connecting head may include a movable lid configured to be in an upper position when the connecting head is in a first position and in a lower position when the connecting head is in a second position. Furthermore, the tool may include an actuator configured to actuate the lid to selectively move between the upper and lower positions. The lid of the tool may include at least one male member extending therefrom, which is configured to engage with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade when the connecting head is in a second position.

[0007] In another example, the tool may include an actuator configured to actuate a coupling head to selectively move between a first position and a second position.

[0008] In yet another example, the slot may be defined by a bottom surface, a top surface, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a distal-facing surface, at least one magnet may be positioned on the distal-facing surface, and a saw blade may be configured to extend distally from the slot. Furthermore, the top surface may be defined by a lid configured to be movable relative to the distal-facing surface in order to move a connecting head between a first position and a second position.

[0009] In another example, a linking head moving from a first position to a second position may be configured to provide feedback to the user indicating that a saw blade is fixed and seated therein, and the feedback may include at least one of visual, audible, and tactile feedback. Furthermore, if the feedback includes at least visual feedback, the tool may also include a saw blade, and the saw blade may include an alignment feature configured to align with the linking head when the linking head is in the second position. Furthermore, if the feedback includes at least audible feedback, the tool may include a saw blade and a magnetic engagement of the saw blade, and at least one magnet may be configured to provide audible feedback. Furthermore, if the feedback includes at least tactile feedback, the tool may include a saw blade, and the interaction between the saw blade and the magnetic field generated by at least one magnet may be configured to provide tactile feedback.

[0010] In yet another example, the tool may include a saw blade, at least one magnet may include a first magnet and a second magnet, the saw blade may include a U-shaped proximal portion including a first arm and a second arm, with the connecting head in a second position, the first arm may be positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the second arm may be positioned adjacent to the second magnet.

[0011] In another embodiment, a surgical method is provided which may include: inserting a surgical saw blade into a slot formed between the base and the lid of a connecting head of a surgical tool; sliding the saw blade proximal within the slot until the saw blade contacts the distal wall of the base and engages with at least one magnet located on the distal wall; and closing the lid of the connecting head to secure the saw blade to the connecting head.

[0012] This method can be modified in any way. For example, a saw blade that engages with at least one magnet can provide the user with at least one of visual, audible, and tactile feedback.

[0013] In another example, closing the cover of the connecting head could include clamping the cover onto the saw blade.

[0014] In yet another example, closing the lid may involve activating an actuator of a surgical tool that moves the lid relative to its base.

[0015] In another example, closing the lid may include engaging at least one male member extending from the lid with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade. Furthermore, this method may include, after closing the lid, reactivating the actuator to move the lid relative to the base, and then removing the saw blade from the slot. In some cases, the saw blade cannot be removed from the slot until the actuator is reactivated.

[0016] In yet another example, the method may include vibrating the saw blade against the bone while the saw blade is fixed to the connecting head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a handheld vibratory saw. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the saw head and saw blade of a handheld vibratory saw. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the saw head and saw blade of a handheld vibratory saw, with the cover of the connecting head of the saw head removed. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is another perspective view of the saw head and saw blade of the handheld vibratory saw device, with the cover of the connecting head of the saw head removed. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting head of a handheld vibratory saw. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cover of the connecting head of the handheld vibratory saw. [Figure 7]Top view of the connecting part of an embodiment of the saw blade. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the saw blade and saw head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the first step of assembly, with the connecting head open and the saw blade not attached. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the saw head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the second step of assembly, with the connecting head open and the saw blade inside the connecting head. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the connecting head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the second step of assembly. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the connecting head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the second stage of assembly of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the saw head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the third step of assembly, with the saw blade locked to the connecting head. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the connecting head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the third step of assembly of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the connecting head of the hand-held oscillating saw instrument of FIG. 1 during the third step of assembly.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] [[ID=**28]] [[ID=**29]]For the purpose of comprehensively understanding the structure, function, manufacture, and use principles of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed in this specification, certain specific exemplary embodiments will now be described. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with an exemplary embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [[ID=**30]] [[ID=**31]]

[0019] [[ID=**32]] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar characteristics, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, each characteristic of each component with a similar name is not necessarily fully described. In addition, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in combination with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that dimensions equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can be easily determined for any geometric shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that even if the dimensions are not exact values, they can be considered to be close to them due to various factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring instruments. The size and shape of systems and devices, and their components, may depend, at least, on the size and shape of the components in which the systems and devices are used.

[0020] In general, devices, systems, and methods for assembling and operating a handheld vibratory surgical saw are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the saw head of the handheld vibratory surgical saw includes a connecting head configured to receive and hold a saw blade inserted into a slot of the connecting head, regardless of whether the connecting head is in an open or closed position. The connecting head includes a plurality of magnets configured to magnetically hold the saw blade within the slot of the connecting head. The connecting head is configured to magnetically hold the saw blade within the connecting head regardless of the orientation of the handheld vibratory surgical saw (for example, with the tip of the saw blade facing downwards). This magnetic retention reduces the possibility of the saw blade coming loose from the saw head before the connecting head is locked in a closed position that locks the saw blade in place.

[0021] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a handheld vibratory surgical saw 100. The surgical saw includes a handpiece 102 configured to be held by a user. The handpiece has a saw head 104 configured to receive a saw blade 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the saw head 104 is fixedly attached to the handpiece 102. However, in alternative embodiments, the saw head and the handpiece may be separable from each other. The saw head 104 includes a coupling head 106 that holds the saw blade 108 in a slot therein (e.g., slot 308 shown in Figure 3). The saw head 104 also includes an actuator, here a knob 110, which is operably coupled to the coupling head 106 to lock the saw blade 108 in place for operation of the handheld vibratory surgical saw 100. The knob 110 rotates 120° to move the coupling head between an unlocked position and a locked position. This operable coupling will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 10 and 14. In some embodiments, the knob may be replaced with another form of actuator, such as a lever or a button.

[0022] To operate the handheld vibrating surgical saw 100, the user activates a second actuator, such as a trigger 112, causing the saw blade 108 to vibrate back and forth along a 4.5° arc. The trigger 112 is operably connected to a controller and motor within the handpiece 102. When the trigger 112 is pressed, a signal is sent to the controller, which controls the motor's operating speed, thereby controlling the vibration speed of the saw blade 108. The trigger 112 has a stroke length of 10 mm, and the movement of the trigger 112 is proportional to the vibration speed of the saw blade 108. A mode switch 114 on the side of the handpiece 102 is a sliding lock that locks the trigger 112 and prevents accidental activation of the device's motor, and therefore the saw blade 108.

[0023] The handpiece 102 and / or saw head 104, as well as other embodiments of the vibratory saw apparatus described herein, may be formed from a rigid biocompatible material such as stainless steel, titanium, or other material. The rigid biocompatible material may provide durability over the process of experiencing vibrations caused by the vibratory saw blade 108 during the performance of one or more surgical procedures.

[0024] Figures 2 to 5 show one embodiment of the saw head 104 of the handheld vibrating surgical saw 100 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the saw head 104 is configured to be connected to the saw blade 108 via a connecting head 106. The connecting head 106 includes a slot 308 (shown in Figure 3) defined by side walls 202a, 202b, a magnetic housing 204, and a bottom surface 306 (also shown in Figure 3). The side walls 202a, 202b, the magnetic housing 204, and the bottom surface 306 form the base of the connecting head 106. The base of the connecting head 106 is covered by a cover 200 which includes a stem 602 (shown in Figure 6) that extends downward through the slot toward the knob 110. The gap between the cover 200 and the base of the connecting head 106 forms a slot. The cover 200 is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the gap between the lid 200 and the bottom surface 306 provides a clearance for the saw blade connecting portion 302 to slide between them. In the second position, the lid 200 is lowered toward the base of the connecting head 106, clamping the saw blade 108 between the lid 200 and the base of the connecting head 106.

[0025] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the saw head 104 with the cover 200 (shown in Figure 2) removed to make the slot 308 and other features of the connecting head 106 more visible. In Figure 3, the saw blade 108 is positioned outside the slot 308. The saw blade 108 includes a connecting portion 302 that can be inserted into the connecting head 106. The connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 is substantially U-shaped with arms 300a, 300b. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 302 is thinner than the rest of the saw blade.

[0026] The saw blade 108 has a cutting portion 310 with teeth 312 at its distal end. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the cutting portion 310 of the saw blade 108 is substantially rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the saw blade can have any number of different structural configurations (e.g., shape, length, size). For example, in some embodiments, the saw blade may have a substantially rectangular body, and in other embodiments, the blade may have a substantially triangular body (e.g., a sector shape such as a radial projection extending outward from the connecting portion so that the teeth of the saw blade are positioned along the arcuate distal portion). Those skilled in the art will understand that the saw blade may have other preferred shapes.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the slot 308 is generally shaped like a rectangular prism and is configured to receive the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108, including the arms 300a and 300b. The side walls 202a and 202b are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface 304 of the magnet housing 204, forming this rectangular shape. The bottom surface 306 extends between the side walls 202a and 202b and the surface 304 of the magnet housing 204, forming the bottom of the slot 308. The slot 308 is configured to accommodate saw blades 108 of various thicknesses, for example, blades having a thickness of 0.4 to 1.47 mm in the connecting portion 302. The slot 308 opens to a height of 1.75 mm between the underside of the lid 200 and the bottom surface 306, providing a gap for inserting the saw blade 108.

[0028] In some embodiments, the slot 308 may have an alternative shape. For example, the side walls 202a and 202b may not be parallel to each other. In such an example, the bottom surface 306 may be trapezoidal, and the side walls 202a and 202b may be closer to each other at the rear of the slot 308 than the opening of the slot 308. In such an embodiment, the connecting portion 302 may have a similar trapezoidal shape. In another alternative embodiment, at least one of the side walls 202a and 202b and / or the surface 304 has a curved shape. In such an alternative embodiment, the connecting portion of the saw blade 108 may have a corresponding curved shape.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the saw head 104 of the handheld vibrating surgical saw 100 of Figure 1, with the saw blade 108 inserted into the slot. The cover 200 (shown in Figure 2) is not shown in Figure 4 so that the inside of the slot 308 can be seen. When the saw blade 108 is inserted into the slot 308, the arms 300a and 300b of the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 come into contact with the surface 304 of the magnet housing 204. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the magnet housing 204 contains two magnets, each enclosed in a cylindrical portion of the magnet housing 204. Each of the two magnets within the magnet housing 204 aligns with one of the arms 300a and 300b parallel to the insertion axis A. During assembly, the lid 200 (shown in Figure 2) is generally in a predetermined position within the connecting head 106 with the stem 602 (shown in Figure 6) of the lid extending downward into the hole 402 at the base of the connecting head 106. As the saw blade 108 is pushed into the slot 308, as indicated by arrow 400, the arms 300a and 300b advance into the slot 308 on both sides of the stem 602 of the lid 200.

[0030] In some embodiments, any suitable number of magnets can be used to engage with the saw blade. For example, instead of the two cylindrical magnets in the embodiment of Figure 4, one larger magnet can be used. In another example, three or more magnets can be used to hold a saw blade that may have any number of arms.

[0031] As the arms 300a and 300b of the saw blade 108 move into the slot 308, the arms 300a and 300b are subjected to a magnetic field generated by the magnets in the magnet housing 204. The pull of the magnets on the arms 300a and 300b generates visual, tactile, and / or audible feedback to the user inserting the saw blade 108. In some embodiments, the audible feedback is the sound of the arms 300a and 300b contacting the magnet housing 204. In some embodiments, the tactile feedback is the pull of the saw blade due to the magnetic field felt by the user inserting the saw blade 108. In some embodiments, the visual feedback is the contact of the arms 300a and 300b with the surface 304 of the magnet housing 204.

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting head 106 of the saw head 104. This cross-sectional view shows the magnet 500 located within the magnet housing. The magnet 500 is a cylindrical neodymium magnet and is one of two magnets within the magnet housing 204, with each magnet corresponding to the positions of the arms 300a and 300b of the saw blade 108 when the saw blade 108 is positioned within the slot 308.

[0033] In some embodiments, instead of a magnet housing 204 containing one or more magnets, the connecting head 106 may contain one or more magnets bonded to a wall. In some embodiments, the rear wall of the connecting head may be made of a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the magnets are sized or selected relative to the thickness or weight of the saw blade.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lid 200 of the connecting head 106 of the handheld vibrating surgical saw 100 of Figure 1. The lid 200 includes an upper part 600 and a stem 602. When the lid 200 is assembled to the connecting head 106, the stem 602 extends into a hole 402 (shown in Figure 4) so ​​as to be fixed when the knob 110 is rotated. The lower surface 604 of the lid 200 includes male members 606a, 606b that connect to female members 404a, 404b (shown in Figure 4) on the saw blade 108. The male members 606a, 606b may be, for example, projections, pins, etc., and the female members may be, for example, notches, holes, etc. In some embodiments, one male member on the lid 200 may connect to one female member on the saw blade 108. In some embodiments, two or more male members on the lid 200 may connect to two or more female members on the saw blade 108. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the male members 606a and 606b positioned on the lower surface 604 of the lid 200 are configured to connect with the female members 706a and 706b of the saw blade 700 shown in Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 7 shows a coupling portion of another embodiment of the saw blade 700. The saw blade 700 includes a coupling portion 702. The coupling portion 702 has U-shaped notches 704 that form arms 708a, 708b and is configured to allow the stem 602 of the lid 200 (shown in Figure 6) to extend through its interior. The coupling portion 702 also includes two female members 706a, 706b configured to couple with male members on the underside of the lid (e.g., the lid 200 shown in Figure 6) (e.g., male members 606a, 606b shown in Figure 6). The patterns of female and male members between the coupling portion of the saw blade and the underside of the lid may be coincident or not (for example, coincident means that each female member of the coupling portion of the saw blade couples with a male member on the underside of the lid, and non-coincident means that the coupling portion of the saw blade has more female members than male members on the underside of the lid).

[0036] In one embodiment, the connecting portion has a width W1 of 20.5 mm and a length L of 20.2 mm. In this embodiment, the U-shaped notch 704 has a width W2 of 9.5 mm, and each arm 708a, 708b has a width W3 of 5.5 mm.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the connecting portion does not include a U-shape. In such alternative embodiments, the connection between the saw blade connecting portion and the slot of the connecting head of the handheld vibrating surgical saw is defined by the thickness and width of the saw blade and the thickness and height of the slot. In such alternative embodiments, the connecting head may include an arm or proximal surface configured to contact a magnetic housing. The arm or proximal surface is subjected to the magnetic field of at least one magnet in the magnetic housing.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the handheld vibratory saw device 1 of Figure 1 during the first stage 800 of connecting a saw blade to the connecting head 106 of the handheld vibratory surgical saw 100. First, the user ensures that the knob 110 is in the unlocked position. In the first position, the cover 200 of the connecting head 106 is lifted above the slot 308 (indicated by arrow 802), thereby allowing the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 to slide within the slot 308, with a gap between the cover 200 and the bottom surface 306 (shown in Figure 3). In the embodiment of Figure 8, the slot 308 opens to a height of 1.75 mm between the underside of the cover 200 and the bottom surface 306, providing a gap for inserting the saw blade 108. With the cover 200 in the first position, the user then inserts the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 into the slot 308 (indicated by arrow 804).

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the handheld vibratory saw device of Figure 1 in the second stage of assembly 900. With the lid 200 in the first position, the user inserts the saw blade 108 into the slot 308. As the user inserts the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 into the slot 308, the arms 300a and 300b of the saw blade 108 are pulled backward by the magnetic force generated by the magnets in the magnet housing 204 (indicated by arrows 902). This backward pull and the contact between the arms 300a and 300b and the surface 304 provide the user with visual, tactile, and / or audible feedback that the saw blade 108 has reached the surface 304 at the rear of the slot 308.

[0040] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the saw head 104 of the handheld vibratory surgical saw 100 with the lid 200 in the raised, unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the lid 200 rises approximately 1.75 mm above the bottom surface 306, providing clearance for inserting the saw blade 108 into the slot 308. Two mechanisms provide an operable connection between the knob 110 and the lid 200 as the knob 110 rotates between the unlocked position (shown in Figure 10) and the locked position (shown in Figure 14). The first mechanism raises the lid 200 as the knob 110 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position. As it moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, a pin (not shown) interacts with the knob 110 to lift a vertical piece 1004. As the vertical piece 1004 moves upward, it contacts the stem 602 of the lid 200, pushing the lid 200 into the open position. The positions of the knob 110, vertical piece 1004, stem 602, and cover 200 in the unlocked position are shown in Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 11 shows an enlarged view 1100 of this second stage of assembly 900. The top surface 1104 of the lid 200 is located above the side walls 202a, 202b, which indicates that the lid 200 (and the knob 110 shown in Figures 9-10) is in the unlocked position. When the saw blade 108 is pushed (by the user) and pulled backward into the slot 308 (by one or more magnets), the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 is positioned within the connecting head 106. The magnetic force acting on the saw blade 108 from the magnets in the magnet housing 204 is sufficient to allow the saw blade 108 to be held within the connecting head 106 when the fixture is oriented so that the saw blade faces downward. This magnetic retention can be achieved with saw blades of various thicknesses and weights, and the magnets in the magnet housing 204 may have strength and size corresponding to the saw blade intended to be used with the fixture.

[0042] The magnetic force also helps to move the saw blade 108 into contact with the magnetic housing 204, where it is positioned to lock into place within the connecting head 106. In this position, the female members 404a, 404b (shown in Figure 4) align with the male members 606a, 606b on the lower surface 604 of the lid 200 (shown in Figure 6).

[0043] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the handheld vibratory saw device of Figure 1 in the third stage of assembly 1200. At the start of the third stage of assembly, the saw blade coupling portion 302 is positioned within the slot 308 and in contact with the surface 304 of the magnet housing 204. The knob 110 is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position (indicated by arrow 1202). By rotating the knob 110 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the lid 200 moves from a first position to a second position (indicated by arrow 1204), clamping the saw blade coupling portion 302 between the bottom surface 306 of the coupling head 106 and the lower surface 604 of the lid 200. The male members 606a and 606b on the lower surface 604 of the lid 200 align with the female members 404a and 404b within the saw blade coupling portion 302 and extend vertically within the female members 404a and 404b. This connection between the male members 606a, 606b and female members 404a, 404b of the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 further helps to hold the saw blade 108 in place within the connecting head 106 by providing mechanical interference against pulling the saw blade 108 out of the slot 308.

[0044] Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view 1300 of the connecting head of the handheld vibratory saw device in Figure 1 during the third stage of assembly in Figure 12. In this assembly stage, the lid 200 is pulled downward from a first position to a second position (indicated by arrow 1302), sandwiching the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108 within the slot 308. As shown in Figure 13, the top surface of the lid 200 is lower in the second position than in the first position, as shown in the second stage of assembly in Figures 9 and 11. In this embodiment, the top surface 1104 of the lid 200 is at the same height as or lower than the side walls 202a, 202b that form part of the boundary of the slot 308. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, after the saw blade 108 is locked in place within the connecting head 106, the handheld vibratory saw device is ready for use in performing surgical procedures.

[0045] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the saw head 104 of the handheld vibratory surgical saw 100 with the lid 200 in the lowered, locked position. As previously described, when the knob 110 rotates between the unlocked position (shown in Figure 10) and the locked position (shown in Figure 14), two mechanisms provide an operable connection between the knob 110 and the lid 200. The first mechanism is described above with respect to Figure 10. The second mechanism lowers the lid 200 when the knob 110 is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position. As it moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, a pin (not shown) interacting with the knob 110 moves the vertical piece 1004 downward toward the knob 110, allowing a spring 1002 to expand and apply a downward force to the cylindrical piece 1006 connected to the stem 602, pulling the lid 200 downward and clamping the saw blade 108 within the slot 308. As described above, when the lid 200 moves downward, the male members 606a and 606b align with the female members 404a and 404b of the connecting portion 302 of the saw blade 108, locking the saw blade 108 in place.

[0046] Although described in the context of handheld surgical tools, those skilled in the art will understand that the surgical tools described herein may be used in robot-assisted surgical applications, such as in which the handpiece is replaced by a tool housing and then coupled to a manipulator arm or other manipulated component of a robotic surgical system. In such embodiments, the saw head and coupling head are mounted within the tool housing.

[0047] The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be discarded after a single use or to be designed for multiple uses. However, in either case, the devices may be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Refurbishment may include any combination of disassembly of the device, subsequent cleaning or replacement of specific components, and subsequent reassembly. Specifically, the device may be disassembled, and any number of specific components or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either in a refurbishment facility or by a surgical team immediately before a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly are available for the refurbishment of the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting refurbished devices are all within the scope of this application.

[0048] The devices described herein can be processed before use. First, new or used instruments are obtained and cleaned if necessary. Then, the instruments can be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instruments are placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. Next, the container and instruments are placed in a field of radiation or toxic gas that can penetrate the container, such as ethylene oxide, gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instruments or inside the container. After this, the sterilized instruments can be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instruments sterile until opened in a medical facility.

[0049] Sterilization can be carried out by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art, such as beta-ray or gamma-ray emission, ethylene oxide, steam, and liquid baths (e.g., cryogenic immersion).

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand the further features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods based on the embodiments described above. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0051] This disclosure is described above for illustrative purposes only, within the context of the entire disclosure provided herein. It will be understood that modifications can be made to the intent and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure.

[0052] [Implementation Method] (1) Handpiece and A saw head operably connected to the handpiece, the saw head comprising a connecting head including a slot and at least one magnet, the slot being configured to releasably receive a surgical saw blade configured to cut bone, and the at least one magnet being configured to magnetically attract the saw blade, A surgical tool wherein the connecting head is configured to move between a first position in which the slot has a first height and the connecting head is configured to selectively receive the surgical saw blade therein and to release the surgical saw blade therefrom, and a second position in which the slot has a second height lower than the first height and the connecting head is configured to fix and seat the saw blade therein. (2) The tool according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connecting head includes a movable lid configured to be in an upper position when the connecting head is in the first position and in a lower position when the connecting head is in the second position. (3) The tool according to Embodiment 2, further comprising an actuator configured to operate to selectively move the lid between a first position and a second position. (4) The tool according to Embodiment 2, wherein the lid includes at least one male member extending from the lid, the male member being configured to engage with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade when the connecting head is in the second position. (5) The tool according to Embodiment 1, further comprising an actuator configured to operate to selectively move the connecting head between the first position and the second position.

[0053] (6) The slot is defined by a bottom surface, a top surface, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a distal surface, The at least one magnet is positioned on the distal-facing surface, The tool according to Embodiment 1, wherein the saw blade is configured to extend distally from the slot. (7) The tool according to Embodiment 6, wherein the upper surface is movable relative to the distal surface and is defined by a lid configured to move the connecting head between a first position and a second position. (8) The tool according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connecting head, which moves from the first position to the second position, is configured to provide feedback to the user indicating that the saw blade is fixed and seated therein, the feedback comprising at least one of visual feedback, audible feedback and tactile feedback. (9) The feedback includes at least the visual feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to embodiment 8, wherein the saw blade includes an alignment feature portion configured to align with the connecting head when the connecting head is in the second position. (10) The feedback includes at least the audible feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to embodiment 8, wherein the magnetic engagement between the saw blade and the magnet is configured to provide the audible feedback.

[0054] (11) The feedback includes at least the tactile feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to embodiment 8, wherein the interaction between the magnetic field generated by the magnet and the saw blade is configured to provide the tactile feedback. (12) Further comprising the saw blade, The aforementioned at least one magnet includes a first magnet and a second magnet, The saw blade includes a U-shaped proximal portion comprising a first arm and a second arm, The tool according to Embodiment 1, wherein, with the connecting head in the second position, the first arm is positioned adjacent to the first magnet, and the second arm is positioned adjacent to the second magnet. (13) Inserting the surgical saw blade into the slot formed between the base of the connecting head of the surgical tool and the lid, The saw blade is slid proximal within the slot until it contacts the distal wall of the base and engages with at least one magnet located on the distal wall. A surgical method comprising closing the lid of the connecting head, thereby fixing the saw blade to the connecting head. (14) The surgical method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the saw blade engaged with the at least one magnet provides the user with at least one of visual feedback, audible feedback, and tactile feedback. (15) The surgical method according to Embodiment 13, wherein closing the lid of the connecting head includes clamping the lid onto the saw blade.

[0055] (16) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein closing the lid involves activating an actuator of the surgical tool that moves the lid relative to the base. (17) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein closing the lid involves engaging at least one male member extending from the lid with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade. (18) The method according to embodiment 16, further comprising, after closing the lid, operating the actuator again to move the lid relative to the base, and then removing the saw blade from the slot. (19) The method according to embodiment 17, wherein the saw blade cannot be removed from the slot until the actuator is activated again. (20) The surgical method according to embodiment 13, further comprising vibrating the saw blade against bone while the saw blade is fixed to the connecting head.

Claims

1. Handpiece and A saw head operably connected to the handpiece, the saw head comprising a connecting head including a slot and at least one magnet, the slot being configured to releasably receive a surgical saw blade configured to cut bone, and the at least one magnet being configured to magnetically attract the saw blade, A surgical tool in which the connecting head is configured to move between a first position in which the slot has a first height and the connecting head is configured to selectively receive the surgical saw blade therein and to release the surgical saw blade therefrom, and a second position in which the slot has a second height lower than the first height and the connecting head is configured to fix and seat the saw blade therein.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the connecting head includes a movable lid configured to be in an upper position when the connecting head is in the first position and in a lower position when the connecting head is in the second position.

3. The tool according to claim 2, further comprising an actuator configured to operate to selectively move the lid between a first position and a second position.

4. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the lid includes at least one male member extending from the lid, the male member being configured to engage with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade when the connecting head is in the second position.

5. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to operate to selectively move the connecting head between a first position and a second position.

6. The aforementioned slot is defined by a bottom surface, a top surface, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a surface facing distally. The at least one magnet is positioned on the distal-facing surface, The tool according to claim 1, wherein the saw blade is configured to extend distally from the slot.

7. The tool according to claim 6, wherein the upper surface is movable relative to the distal surface and is defined by a lid configured to move the connecting head between a first position and a second position.

8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the connecting head, which moves from the first position to the second position, is configured to provide feedback to the user indicating that the saw blade is fixed and seated therein, the feedback comprising at least one of visual feedback, audible feedback and tactile feedback.

9. The feedback includes at least the visual feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to claim 8, wherein the saw blade includes an alignment feature portion configured to align with the connecting head when the connecting head is in the second position.

10. The feedback includes at least the audible feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic engagement between the saw blade and the magnet is configured to provide the audible feedback.

11. The feedback includes at least the tactile feedback, The tool further comprises the saw blade, The tool according to claim 8, wherein the interaction between the magnetic field generated by the magnet and the saw blade is configured to provide the tactile feedback.

12. The saw blade is further provided, The aforementioned at least one magnet includes a first magnet and a second magnet, The saw blade includes a U-shaped proximal portion that includes a first arm and a second arm. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, with the connecting head in the second position, the first arm is positioned adjacent to the first magnet, and the second arm is positioned adjacent to the second magnet.

13. Inserting the surgical saw blade into the slot formed between the base of the connecting head of the surgical tool and the lid, The saw blade is slid proximal within the slot until it contacts the distal wall of the base and engages with at least one magnet located on the distal wall. A surgical method comprising closing the lid of the connecting head, thereby fixing the saw blade to the connecting head.

14. The surgical method according to claim 13, wherein the saw blade, which engages with the at least one magnet, provides the user with at least one of visual feedback, audible feedback, and tactile feedback.

15. The surgical method according to claim 13, wherein closing the lid of the connecting head includes clamping the lid onto the saw blade.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein closing the lid includes activating an actuator of the surgical tool that moves the lid relative to the base.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein closing the lid involves engaging at least one male member extending from the lid with at least one corresponding female member formed on the saw blade.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising closing the lid, then operating the actuator again to move the lid relative to the base, and then removing the saw blade from the slot.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the saw blade cannot be removed from the slot until the actuator is activated again.

20. The surgical method according to claim 13, further comprising vibrating the saw blade against bone while the saw blade is fixed to the connecting head.

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