Diathermy tonsillectomy suction and incision device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a tonsillectomy device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tonsillectomy device that can be selectively configured between a use mode of incision, cautery incision, and suction, and a use mode of only suction.

Background Art

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

[0003] One type of tonsillectomy procedure typically involves the use of an elongated cutting blade for tonsil incision that is held in one hand, and forceps are used in the other hand to hold the tonsil.

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

[0005] However, the use of three instruments requires an assistant or, alternatively, requires instrument replacement as needed, making the procedure complex and increasing the procedure time.

[0006] Furthermore, the Yankauer tip allows for the suction of large amounts of fluid but has the drawback of being prone to blockage when the tip is close to tissue or a large blood clot. The surgeon applies a gauze sponge to the tip and suctions the fluid through the gauze to prevent clogging due to blockage.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a tonsillectomy suction incision device that overcomes or substantially improves at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least an alternative device.

[0008] Where any prior art information is referenced herein, it should be understood that such reference is not intended to imply that such information constitutes part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. [Overview of the Initiative]

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

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

[0011] Therefore, the locking mechanism can be used to quickly reconfigure the device between the incision / suction operation mode and the suction-only operation mode. Furthermore, the configuration of the present invention allows for incision and suction with one hand, freeing up the other hand for other tasks such as operating forceps.

[0012] Furthermore, the locking mechanism of the present invention may enable one-handed device reconfiguration, such as by using only the thumb to grip the handle while leaving the index finger free.

[0013] Specifically, the locking mechanism may include a flexible cutting blade member with a locking lever that interlocks a locking portion within an opening that passes through the handle. The cutting blade member may extend from the rear opening of the handle to push forward to an extended position where the locking lever locks within the upper opening. Furthermore, the locking lever is accessible through the upper opening to release the lever and pull it backward to retract the cutting blade member.

[0014] The positioning of the suction port towards the tonsils where bleeding occurs allows for instantaneous suction of blood at the precise bleeding point, thereby minimizing the possibility of blood accumulating in the throat and reducing the risk of blood / blood clot inhalation.

[0015] Furthermore, the position of the blade facing the surgeon ensures precise incision and sufficient visibility of the cutting site at all times, reducing the possibility of inadvertently damaging surrounding tissue and causing further bleeding.

[0016] Furthermore, the configuration of the inhalation ports can substantially reduce or eliminate the blockage problems that may be experienced with Jankauer tips. Specifically, the inhalation ports may be located below the distal cutting end and may be positioned on different faces of the tip end to prevent blockage by pressing against one surface of the tip. Specifically, in embodiments, the inhalation ports may comprise a pair of distally located, opposing, laterally positioned, and downward-facing inhalation ports.

[0017] According to a second embodiment, a diathermy tonsillectomy instrument is provided which similarly comprises a body having a proximal handle and a distal curved tip.

[0018] The cutting instrument may include a diathermy cutting blade member within its body, the diathermy cutting blade member comprising a metal flexible conductive diathermy cutting blade, the diathermy cutting blade being slidably held within a curved slot on the inside of a curved tip. Furthermore, the diathermy cutting blade member may further include an electrical connector socket for electrically connecting the blade.

[0019] Furthermore, the diathermy cutting blade member is equipped with a manually operable, electrically insulated position locking mechanism attached to the blade. The locking mechanism is manually operable through an opening in the body to configure the blade between a retracted position and an extended position, in which case the distal end of the blade extends beyond the tip for diathermy cutting.

[0020] The locking mechanism may be made of plastic to be electrically insulated and is attached to the cutting blade to avoid electrical contact when operating the locking mechanism through the opening.

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

[0022] The lever may include a rear knob located within a large rear opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The opening may further include a small front opening, and the lever may further include a catch with a forward angle to slide below the bridge between the openings so as to engage with the bridge to hold the blade immobile against it in the extended position. To release the blade, the rear knob of the lever is pushed downward within the opening to disengage the catch and allow the locking mechanism to be pulled rearward by the rear knob (in an embodiment, under the action of a compression spring).

[0023] The electrical socket may be formed at the rear of the blade, and its side forms a surrounding portion that forms the socket.

[0024] In this way, an electrical connector having an electrical rod can be inserted into a socket. The socket may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the rod and may have a longitudinally expandable slit so that the socket can expand slightly to accommodate the rod and engage it with friction.

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

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

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

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

[0029] According to one aspect, there is provided a diathermy tonsillectomy aspiration incision device comprising a body having a proximal handle, a distal curved tip, and a diathermy cutting blade member slidably held within the body so as to selectively extend from the tip, wherein the diathermy cutting blade member comprises a flexible metal blade having a proximal electrical connector socket, and a manually operable electrical insulation positioning and locking mechanism attached to the blade, the locking mechanism being manually operable through an opening and, in conjunction with the opening, positioning the diathermy cutting blade member between a retracted position and an extended position and locking the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position.

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

[0031] The blade may include aluminum.

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

[0033] The sides of the blade can form a surrounding area that creates a socket.

[0034] The device may further include an electrical connector having an electrode rod for insertion into a socket.

[0035] The electrical connector socket may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the electrode rod and may feature an expandable longitudinal slit.

[0036] The device may further include a rear-mounted electrical isolation button that conceals the socket.

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

[0038] An electrical connector may have an angled boot that lifts the electrical cable of the electrical connector from the electrode rod at a certain angle.

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

[0040] The locking mechanism may include a locking lever that is pivotably connected.

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

[0042] The locking mechanism can engage with the compression member in such a way that it biases the locking mechanism proximal to the compression member.

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

[0044] The lever may be equipped with a catch that is located within a large opening in the retracted and extended position, and within a small opening in the extended position.

[0045] The catch may include a proximal edge that locks posteriorly to the proximal edge of the small opening in the extended position.

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

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

[0048] The wedge can be flat and can be connected to a blade.

[0049] In another embodiment, a diathermy tonsillectomy procedure using the apparatus described herein is provided, the method comprising connecting power supply leads to the socket of the blade and manually operating a locking mechanism through an opening to position the diathermy cutting blade member in an extended position such that the blade extends from the tip.

[0050] Manual operation of the locking mechanism via an opening for positioning the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position may include pressing the rear insulating button of the diathermy cutting blade member.

[0051] Manual operation of the locking mechanism may further include manual operation of the locking mechanism through an opening for positioning the diathermy cutting blade member in a retracted position, which includes pressing down a knob of the locking mechanism lever within the larger opening of the opening such that the lever catch is released from the proximal edge of the smaller opening of the opening.

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

[0053] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, merely as examples, even if there are any other forms that may fall within the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1]This is a top perspective view of a tonsillectomy suction and incision device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a bottom perspective view of the device. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the device. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the device. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the device. [Figure 6] This is a rear view of the device. [Figure 7] This is a top perspective view of the end of the suction tip of the device. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view of the end of the suction tip. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the end of the suction cup. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the chip of the device. [Figure 11] This is a side cross-sectional view of the end of the chip of the device. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the device. [Figure 13] This figure shows the rearward position of the cutting blade member in the retracted position. [Figure 14] This figure shows the forward position of the cutting blade member in the extended position. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the tip of a diathermy suction and incision device according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of the tip of a diathermy suction dissection device. [Figure 17] These are top and bottom perspective views of the distal end of the metal cutting blade of a diathermy suction incision device equipped with a stabilizing wedge. [Figure 18] These are top and bottom perspective views of the distal end of the metal cutting blade of a diathermy suction dissection device equipped with a stabilizing wedge. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism of a diathermy suction and incision device according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a bottom view of an insulating locking mechanism that can be attached to a conductive blade of a diathermy suction cutting device according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a top perspective view of the insulating locking mechanism. [Figure 22] This figure shows the rear end of a conductive metal cutting blade and an insulating button around an electrical socket. [Figure 23] This diagram shows the rear end of a conductive metal cutting blade and the insulating button around the electrical socket. [Figure 24] This figure shows the connection of power supply lead wires to the socket of a diathermy suction incision device according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure shows the connection of power supply lead wires to the socket of a diathermy suction incision device according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view of the distal end of a diathermy suction incision device with an extended cutting blade, according to one embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of a diathermy suction incision device with an extended cutting blade, according to one embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view of the distal end of the cutting blade of a diathermy suction and incision device according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of the plastic proximal button of a diathermy suction incision device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] The tonsillectomy suction incision device 100 comprises a proximal handle 101 and a distal curved tip 102. The device 100 may also include at least one suction channel 103 that operably connects at least one suction port 104 located at the end of the tip 102 to a vacuum tube connector 105 located on the handle 101.

[0056] In this specification, the orientation axis shown in Figure 1 is used as a reference. In Figure 1, the apparatus 100 has an elongated shape including a proximal end and a distal end, a lateral side, and a top and bottom.

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

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

[0059] During the incision, fluid can be discharged through the suction port 104. At any time, the surgeon can retract the distal cut end 109 using the locking mechanism 108 and extend the distal cut end 109 as needed, using the tip 102 solely for suction.

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

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the handle 101 and tip 102 are integrally formed from plastic. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the cutting blade member 106 is also made of plastic. However, in the embodiment, the cutting blade member 106 may be flexibly formed from metal to be conductive for electrocautery applications, as will be described in more detail below. This enables three functions such as suction, incision and electrocautery, and immediate sealing of bleeding points. Also, using electrocoagulation within the instrument reduces the need to use force to incise scarred tonsils, as electricity dissolves the scar tissue and coagulates while minimal incision force is applied, resulting in more precise incisions, less tissue trauma, and consequently, faster and less painful postoperative healing.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4, the handle 102 may be substantially elongated in shape and therefore may have an elongated shaft, and the tip 102 may curve from a straight line substantially coinciding with the elongated shaft of the handle 101, and at the distal end of the shaft, it may be deflected by about 40° from the shaft. This 40° curve keeps the surgeon's hand away from the outside of the surgical field, ensuring a certain level of visibility, while at the same time, the smooth 40° curve maintains appropriate suction force inside the suction port and prevents blood blockage inside the suction port.

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

[0064] Figure 7 shows the end of the tip 102 in more detail, and shows the cutting blade member 106 in the extended position.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment shown, the cutting blade member 109 has a portion that is flattened within the longitudinal slot 107 and oriented in the width direction, so that it can flex within the slot 107 when moving between an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the cutting blade member 109 may have a width of about 10 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm.

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

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the distal cut end 109 can narrow to a right-angled, straight cut edge 115.

[0068] Furthermore, the cutting edge 115 may be provided with a plurality of saw teeth 116 that run perpendicularly across the cutting edge 115 from top to bottom, and the saw teeth 116 can engage with the tonsil tissue to substantially prevent the cutting blade member 106 from slipping laterally during incision, thereby avoiding damage to the surrounding tissue.

[0069] As best illustrated in Figure 11, the cutting edge 115 is not sharpened to a certain point, thereby limiting the effect of its cutting action, which could inadvertently damage surrounding tissue in an undesirable manner during the procedure, while still being narrow enough to effectively cut the tonsil when necessary. For example, the width of the cutting edge 115 may be about 1 mm. The dimensions of the blade are also optimized to be large enough to make a good incision, and small enough to maintain visibility and allow constant observation of the surrounding tissue to avoid incidental tissue damage.

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

[0071] Referring to Figure 7, the intake port 104 is shown to be located below the cutting blade member 106.

[0072] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the inhalation ports 104 may be located on multiple surfaces of the end of the tip 102, for example distally, laterally, and downward, thereby reducing the possibility of blockage. Specifically, Figure 7 shows an inhalation port comprising a pair of distal inlet ports 104A and a pair of opposing lateral inhalation ports 104B, and Figure 8 shows a downward inlet port 104C.

[0073] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, showing the locking mechanism 100 in more detail. As shown, the cutting blade member 106 may have a proximal end 116 extending from the rear opening 117 of the handle 102. The proximal surface of the proximal end 116 is inclined to close the proximal surface 118 of the handle 102 when it is positioned forward, and to closely overlap with the proximal surface 118.

[0074] The cutting blade member 106 may further comprise a locking lever 119 pivotally connected to an adjacent portion 120 by a live hinge 121. Furthermore, the upper side 122 of the handle 102 may comprise a large rear opening 123 and a small front opening 124, from which the catch 125 of the lever 119 can be selectively moved. The lever 119 may comprise a rear knob 126 accessible through the large opening 123 for pushing the lever 119 down. Furthermore, the lever 119 terminates distally in a buttress 127 that abuts against an opposing wall 128 when the cutting blade member 106 is in the extended position.

[0075] Figure 12 shows the cutting blade member 106 in the retracted position. Therefore, in order to extend the cutting blade member 109 for cutting, the rear end 116 can be pressed forward along the extension axis of the handle 102 with the thumb, typically while gripping the underside of the handle 102 with the index finger. The forward inclined portion 129 of the catch 125 pushes down the lever 109, allowing the catch 125 to move under the intermediate portion 130 between the large opening 123 and the small opening 124 until the catch 125 is positioned within the front small opening 124. In this position, the rear right-angle edge 130 of the catch 125 is pressed against the front edge 131 of the intermediate portion 130, preventing the cutting blade member 106 from sliding backward under pressure. In this extended position, the buttress 127 abuts against the opposing wall 128, thereby limiting the forward movement of the rear end 116.

[0076] Next, in order to retract the cutting blade member 106, the thumb can be inserted into the large opening 123 to substantially push down the lever 119 and at the same time pull it backward relative to the front edge 132 of the knob 126. This disengages the rear surface 130 of the catch 125 from the front edge 131 of the intermediate portion 130, allowing the cutting blade member 106 to slide backward by the action of the thumb.

[0077] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 12, the rear portion 133 of the slot 107 is sufficiently wide to allow the entire cutting blade member 106 to be removed to the rear.

[0078] The locking mechanism 108 may be configured for thumb operation, but the handle 102 may be shaped to enhance the gripping force of the opposing index finger. Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the panel 102 has a flat side wall and a right-angled lower edge 111, thereby forming a non-circular cross-section of the handle 102, which prevents or reduces rotational slippage of the handle 102 in the surgeon's hand.

[0079] Figures 15 to 25 show a diathermy tonsillectomy suction incision device 140. According to this embodiment, the device 140 includes a diathermy cutting blade member 141 equipped with a conductive metal cutting blade 142.

[0080] Figure 20 is a bottom view of a diathermy cutting blade member 141, which includes a conductive metal cutting blade 142 equipped with a connected electrically insulating position locking mechanism 143.

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

[0082] The insulated position locking mechanism 143 may also include a locking lever 119 pivotally connected to the base 144 by a live hinge 121. The base 144 may include a plurality of lower bosses 145 fixed within corresponding openings 146 cut out from the metal cutting blade 142.

[0083] The distal end of the mechanism 143 may include a barrel 147 for holding a compression spring 148 around its circumference 108 for pressing against an opposing wall 149 to bias the position locking mechanism 143 rearward toward the proximal end of the device 140.

[0084] The lever 119 may further include a rear knob 126 that is selectively positioned between the large opening 123 and the small opening 124. Similarly, the lever 119 may include a catch 125 that allows the cutting blade member 141 to slide forward against the compression of the compression spring 108, but has a forward-sloping portion 129 for sliding under the bridge 150 between the openings 123 and 124 to resist the bridge 150 when pressure is applied to the distal end of the cutting blade 142.

[0085] The release of the cutting blade 142, and consequently the retraction of the cutting blade 142, involves pushing down the knob 126 within the large opening 123 to disengage the catch 125 from the bridge 150, and pressing the front surface 151 of the catch 125 to retract the knob 126 backward, and consequently the entire diathermy cutting blade member 141.

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

[0087] As can be understood, the composite structure of the diathermy cutting blade member 141, which includes an insulating position locking mechanism 143 and a metal blade 142 connected therebelow it, prevents electrical contact with the conductive metal blade 142 through the openings 123, 124 of the device 140.

[0088] Figures 22 and 23 show the proximal end of a cutting blade 142 wound on a barrel to form a socket 151 for a diathermy electrical lead wire 152. The diathermy electrical lead wire 152 may include an elongated electrode rod 153 that slides into the socket 151 and frictionally engages therewith. In this regard, the socket 151 may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the electrode rod 153, but may have a longitudinal slit that allows the socket 151 to expand slightly, thereby housing the electrode rod 153 therein during use and frictionally engaging with the electrode rod 153.

[0089] A proximal plastic button 154 may surround the socket 151. The button 154 may have a friction engagement inclined surface 155 that allows the diathermy cutting blade member 141 to take an extended position and a retracted position, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0090] When the electrode rod 153 is engaged within the socket 151, the socket 151 and the electrode rod 153 are hidden from electrical contact. Nevertheless, the rear surface 155 of the proximal button 154 can be pressed down with a finger to allow extension and retraction in the usual manner.

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

[0092] Figures 15 to 18 show the distal end of the cutting blade 142 equipped with a distal wedge 157. The wedge 157 fits between the metal cutting blade 142 and the inner surface of the longitudinal internal slot 107, thereby firmly holding the distal end of the cutting blade 142 during operation.

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

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

[0095] Figure 26 shows an embodiment in which the metal cutting blade 142 is folded back around the substrate 156 at its distal end, and the substrate increases the thickness of the metal cutting blade 142 at its distal end. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of this embodiment. The folded portion 157 may include sufficient length so that its proximal edge 158 is retained within the slot 107 even when stretched.

[0096] The opposing edge bend portion 159 is provided with a plurality of openings 160, thereby forming a substantially serrated edge that is particularly suitable for lateral cutting.

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

[0098] Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment of a one-piece plastic proximal button 154 (in contrast to the branched structures shown in Figures 22 and 23). The plastic proximal button 154 may be held by a downward square boss 162 extending through the opening of the metal cutting blade 142.

[0099] The foregoing description uses certain terminology for the sake of clarity and to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain details are not necessary to carry out the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of certain embodiments of the invention is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible considering the teachings above. The embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and are therefore intended to allow others skilled in the art to make the best use of the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific uses to be considered. The following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A diathermy tonsillectomy suction incision device, wherein the device is A body having a proximal handle, wherein the proximal handle defines an elongated axis, and the body, A distal curved tip having a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the distal curved tip, and the smooth, continuous curve within the distal curved tip is a curve formed along the longitudinal axis, and the curve deflects the longitudinal axis of the distal curved tip from the elongated axis of the proximal handle, A diathermy cutting blade member is slidably held within the main body so as to selectively extend from the distal curved tip, wherein the diathermy cutting blade member extends flexibly along the curvature within the distal curved tip, Equipped with, The diathermy cutting blade member comprises a flexible metal blade with a proximal electrical connector female socket, and a manually operable electrical insulation position locking mechanism attached to the flexible metal blade, the electrical insulation position locking mechanism being manually operable through an opening, and in conjunction with the opening, positioning the diathermy cutting blade member between a retracted position and an extended position, locking the diathermy cutting blade member in the extended position, the opening being provided on the proximal handle, In the extended position, the flexible metal blade extends from the distal curved tip at an angle with respect to the elongated axis of the proximal handle. The proximal electrical connector female socket is located on the proximal end of the flexible metal blade, and the proximal end of the flexible metal blade extends from the rear opening of the proximal handle. The proximal electrical connector female socket is surrounded by an electrical isolation button, the electrical isolation button conceals the proximal electrical connector female socket through it, and the electrical isolation button defines a rear surface for pressing the diathermy cutting blade member toward the extended position. The aforementioned electrical isolation position locking mechanism includes a locking lever having a rear knob and a catch, The aforementioned opening comprises a large proximal opening and a small distal opening. When the electrical insulation position locking mechanism is in the retracted position, the rear knob and the catch are located within the proximal large opening. When the electrical insulation position locking mechanism is in the extended position, the rear knob is located within the proximal large opening, and the catch is located within the distal small opening. The catch comprises an inclined distal surface that slides below the distal edge of the proximal large opening when the diathermy cutting blade member moves toward the extended position, The catch has a proximal edge that locks rearward against the proximal edge of the distal small opening when the electrical insulating position locking mechanism is in the extended position, The device wherein the locking lever is operable to push down the rear knob to disengage it from the proximal large opening in order to remove the diathermy cutting blade member through the rear opening.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible metal blade is planar and located within a rectangular cross-sectional slot, and the rectangular cross-sectional slot is provided in the distally curved tip.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible metal blade is made of aluminum.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the flexible metal blade forms a surrounding portion that forms the female socket of the proximal electrical connector.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an electrical connector having an electrode rod for insertion into the proximal electrical connector female socket.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the proximal electrical connector female socket has a diameter that can be operated to receive the electrode rod therein and is provided with an expandable longitudinal slit.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electrical connector is provided with an angled boot that tilts the electrical cable of the electrical connector relative to the electrode rod.

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

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electrical insulation position locking mechanism comprises a boss for fixing the opening of the flexible metal blade.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electrical insulation position locking mechanism engages with a compression member that biases the electrical insulation position locking mechanism to a proximal position.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restraining wedge at the distal end of the flexible metal blade, wherein the restraining wedge fits between the flexible metal blade and the inner surface of a longitudinal internal slot housing the flexible metal blade, thereby holding the distal end of the flexible metal blade during operation.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the restraining wedge is planar and connected to the flexible metal blade.

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