Fascial elevator for surgical cautery tools

Abstract

Embodiments are directed to a fascial elevator tool configured to protect a medical professional's fingers while an incision is made, the tool including a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, and a connector on the support arm, the connector, configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool.

Description

FASCIAL ELEVATOR FOR SURGICAL CAUTERY TOOLSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 539,771 filed September 21 , 2023, entitled “FASCIAL ELEVATOR FOR SURGICAL CAUTERY TOOLS.” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 539,771 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments are generally related to the field of medicine. Embodiments are also generally related to the field of surgery. Embodiments are further related to medical personal protective equipment for use with surgical tools. Embodiments are further related to sterile protective devices for use with cautery surgical tools. Embodiments are also related to fascial elevator implements for surgical cautery devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] When creating a surgical incision, for example during abdominal surgery or other such medical procedures that require incisions, it is essential that the surgeon only cut through the skin and superficial fascia. Without separating the superficial fascia layer and the muscle layer, the surgeon could easily cut too deep and accidentally damage the muscle layer.

[0004] The present approach to addressing this issue is for the surgeon to insert one finger between the layers which can act as a ’’blocker” and stop the cutting tool from contacting the layers below the finger. Surgeons throughout the world use this technique to ensure that the cut is not made too deep. The downside to this procedure, is that the surgeon may end up cutting into their finger, which is painful.

[0005] FIG. 1 , labeled as “prior art” provides an illustration 100 showing the prior art approach to a surgical incision. As illustrated, the surgeon inserts their finger 105 between the layers in the incision 110, and then uses a tool to make the incision. The finger 105 prevents the tool from cutting too deeply and causing unintended damage or injury to the patient.

[0006] While this method is time tested, it also creates a hazard for the surgeon since it is not uncommon for the surgeon’s finger 105 to be cut by the cutting tool. Furthermore, when the surgeon’s finger is cut, there is an increased risk of biological contamination which is an unnecessary risk both for the surgeon and for the patient.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for systems and methods for preventing a surgical cutting device from cutting too deeply, while also reducing the risk of injury to the surgeon, as further detailed herein.SUMMARY

[0008] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0009] It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide a medical device.

[0010] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide a surgical device.

[0011] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide protective surgical equipment for medical personnel.

[0012] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide systems to prevent a surgeon from making an unnecessarily deep incision.

[0013] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide a fascial elevator implement for use with surgical cautery devices.

[0014] It will be appreciated that the methods and systems can be achieved according to the embodiments disclosed herein. The embodiments are directed to a fascial elevator tool configured to protect a medical professional’s fingers while an incision is made. The tool includes a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue, a support arm connected to the elevator body, and a connector on the support arm, configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool.

[0015] For example, in an embodiment, a system comprises a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, and a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator. Inan embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue. In an embodiment, the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a clip. In an embodiment, the clip further comprises a first curved wing and a second curved wing. In an embodiment, the connector is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.

[0016] In another embodiment, a surgical safety apparatus comprises a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue, a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool, and a switch clip configured to depress an operating button on the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a cross beam, a first arm connected to the cross beam, and a second arm connected to the cross beam. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a first pivot on the first arm and a second pivot on the second arm. In an embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue. In an embodiment, the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a clip, the clip further comprising a first curved wing and a second curved wing.

[0017] In an embodiment, a system comprises a fascial elevator comprising a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue, a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, and a connector on the support arm, the connector comprising a clip with a first curved wing and a second curved wing. In an embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a switch clip configured to depress an operating button on the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a cross beam, a first arm connected to the cross beam, and a second arm connected to the cross beam. In an embodiment, the clip is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts an illustration of prior art means for making incisions;

[0020] FIG. 2A depicts a side perspective view of a surgical fascial elevator system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 2B depicts a side elevation view of a surgical fascial elevator system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2C depicts a front elevation view of a surgical fascial elevator system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 2D depicts a side perspective view of a surgical fascial elevator system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 3A depicts a surgical fascial elevator system connected to a surgical cutting device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of a surgical fascial elevator system connected to a surgical cutting device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a surgical fascial elevator system connected to a surgical cutting device being used to separate tissue as an incision is made, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 5A depicts another embodiment of a surgical fascial elevator systemconnected to a surgical cutting device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 5B depicts the surgical fascial elevator system connected to a surgical cutting device being used to separate tissue as an incision is made, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and

[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a method for safely making an incision using a surgical fascial elevator device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Embodiments and aspects of the disclosed technology are presented herein. The particular embodiments and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied, and are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0031] Reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments are shown are provided herein. The embodiments disclosed can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0035] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0036] It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0037] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

[0038] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or“containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0039] The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAG, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0040] All of the compositions and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0041] The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fascial elevator systems, apparatuses, and methods for preventing an incision from being made through certain tissue layers, while protecting a surgeon or other medical personnel from injury caused by the cutting tool. The embodiments generally comprise a fascial elevator tool which includes a support arm connected to a fascial elevator. The support arm is further configured with a connector selected to attach to a surgical cutting tool, including but not limited to a surgical cautery device, such that the cutting element of the surgical cutting tool is held above the fascial elevator. Once the connector is connected to the surgical cutting tool, the fascial elevator can be inserted between fascial layers. The cutting tool can be used to cut the tissue above the fascial elevator.

[0042] FIGs. 2A-2D illustrate a fascial elevator system 200. The fascial elevator system 200 generally comprises a fascial elevator 205 connected to supporting arm 210. The joint between the fascial elevator 205 and supporting arm 210 can be selected such that the fascial elevator 205 is generally in the same plane as the incision being made in the patient, while allowing the surgeon to comfortably hold the cutting tool at an angle. Although abdominal incisions are an exemplary application for the disclosed systems and methods, the fascial elevator system 200 can be used to aid in the incision for any surgical procedure. In certain embodiments the fascial elevator system 200 can be used to separate any tissue layers. For example, in some embodiments, the fascial elevator system 200 can be used with muscle fascia in orthopedic surgeries.

[0043] The fascial elevator can be configured with a receiver slot 215, which can comprise a slot in the body of the fascial elevator body 220. The receiver slot 215 can be configured to “catch” the end of the cutting instrument (whether it be a blade or cautery tool), thereby preventing the cutting instrument from cutting tissue below the fascial elevator system 200. In certain embodiments, the receiver slot 215 can be coated with an insulator and / or reflective metallic material to prevent damage to the fascial elevator body when it is contacted by the surgical cutting tool.

[0044] The body 220 of the fascial elevator 205 can be tapered such that the connecting end 221 , that connects to the supporting arm 210, is thicker than the sliding end 222. The sliding end 222 can have a rounded or curved point 223 to ease the process of sliding the fascial elevator system 200 between tissue layers, and to prevent the system 200 from cutting, hanging on, or poking the tissue it is passing through.

[0045] The supporting arm 210 is fitted with a connector 225. The connector 225 can, in some embodiments, comprise a clip 230 with a first curved wing 231 and second curved wing 232. The clip 230 is used to non-permanently connect the system 200 to a surgical cutting tool. In other embodiments, other connector designs can be used. The connector 225 design can be selected to match the shape and size of the surgical cutting tool to which it will beconnected.

[0046] The position of the clip 230 on the surgical cutting tool can be adjusted by sliding the system 200 up or down the body of the surgical cutting tool. The position can preferably be selected so that there is sufficient room between the end of the cutting tool and the fascial elevator 205, to allow the desired tissue layers to pass therebetween.

[0047] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate a fascial elevator system 200 connected to a surgical cutting tool 300. The body 305 of the cutting tool 300 is engaged by the connector 225. The cutting tool 300 includes a cutting tip 310 which can be inserted into the receiver slot 215.

[0048] FIG. 3A further illustrates a switch clip assembly 315. The switch clip assembly 315 can be mounted to the cutting tool 300, and can be used to hold down, and then release, the operating button 320 on the cutting tool 300, as the surgeon makes an incision.

[0049] An exploded view of the switch clip assembly 315 is provided in FIG. 3A. In certain embodiments, the switch clip assembly 315 can comprise a cross beam 325 connected to a first leg 330 and second leg 335. In operation, the switch clip assembly 315 can grab the cutting tool, with the first leg 330 and second leg 335. When the tool is in use, the switch clip assembly 315 can slide along the cutting tool 300, such that the cross beam 325 depresses the operating button 320. When cutting is complete the switch clip assembly 315 can slide off the operating button 320.

[0050] In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first leg 330 can be fitted with a first pivot 340 and the second leg 335 and be fitted with a second pivot 345, that allows the cross beam 325 to be rotated into place on the operating button 320. When the cross beam 325 is rotated into position on the operating button 320, the cross beam 325 depresses the operating button 320 on the cutting tool 300. When cutting is complete the cross beam 325 is rotated off the operating button 320.

[0051] FIG. 4 provides a diagram illustrating the operation of the cutting tool 300 andfascial elevator system 200 to safely make an incision 405. FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary tissue layers, and application of the fascial elevator system 200 for a laparotomy. However, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the fascial elevator system 200 can be used for other medical procedures and with other tissues, without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0052] The sliding end 222 of the system 200 can be inserted below the skin 410 and superficial fascia layer 415 of tissue layers 400, and above the muscle and deep fascia layer 420, transversalis fascia 425, extraperitoneal fascia 430, and parietal peritoneum 435 of the tissue layers 400.

[0053] The sliding end 222 of the system 200 can be advanced through the tissue layers 400 to separate the layers, as the cutting tip 310 cuts through the tissue layers 400 creating the incision 405.

[0054] FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of a fascial elevator system 500. In this embodiment, the fascial elevator system 500 includes an elevator 505 connected at one end 510 to a support arm 515. The support arm 515 includes a connector 520 at its connecting end 525. The connector 520 is configured to connect to a cutting tool, such as cutting tool 300, and can comprise first and second wings as illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2D.

[0055] The elevator 505 has a body 560, that includes curvature 530 configured to allow for comfortable finger placement on the elevator 505 and body 560. The distal end 535 is configured to curve into an elevating point 540. The elevating point 540 is configured to ease the process of separating tissue. In operation, the cutting tool 300 contacts the elevating point 540, not the medical professional’s finger 545.

[0056] FIG. 5B illustrates the use of the fascial elevator system 500. It should be appreciated that FIG. 5B illustrates exemplary tissue layers, and application of the fascial elevator system 200 for an exemplary procedure. However, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the fascial elevator system 200 can be used for other medical procedures and with other tissues, without departing from the scope of the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

[0057] As illustrated, the elevator 505 can be inserted beneath the skin layer 550 and superficial fascia layer 555 to separate them from underlying tissue layers. The elevator system 500 is guided with the medical professional’s finger 545, which can be positioned beneath body 560.

[0058] The cutting tool 300 is connected to the fascial elevator system 500 with the connector 520. An incision can be made with the cutting tool 300, while the end of the cutting tool contacts the elevating point 540 of the elevator 505, to prevent injury to the medical professional’s finger 545 underneath.

[0059] In another embodiment, the fascial elevator can comprise a reusable ‘all-in-one’ device. In such an embodiment, the fascial elevator and cautery tool can be provided as a single unit with the fascial elevator 205 connected to the supporting arm extending from the body of the cutting tool. The body of the all-in-one device can be made of reusable plastic or stainless steel.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the all-in-one device can include a hinge with legs attaching the fascial elevator to the cautery tool body. This allows the cautery tool to be used without the facial elevator for certain incisions, and then for the fascial elevator to be rotated into place as necessary.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for safely making an incision using the systems disclosed herein. The method 600 starts at step 605. At step 610, a fascial elevator system can be attached to a cutting tool. In certain embodiments, the cutting tool can comprise a cautery tool, or other such surgical cutting tool. The fascial elevator system can include a connector used to operably connect the fascial elevator system and the cutting tool.

[0062] At step 615, the position of the cutting tool can be adjusted for the surgical application. In certain embodiments, this can include sliding the cutting tool up or down so that the relative position of the cutting tip of the cutting tool is positioned to cut through thedesired tissue above the fascial elevator system body.

[0063] Next, at step 620, the fascial elevator tool can be used to separate the tissue to be cut from the tissue underneath. In certain embodiments, the medical professional can position their finger below the fascial elevator body. In other embodiments, the medical professional can position their finger in front of the tool. This allows the surgeon to separate the tissue as it is cut at step 625, with the cutting tool, without the cutting tool contacting the surgeon’s finger beneath, or in front of, the fascial elevator system body.

[0064] With respect to step 620, it should be appreciated that in some applications, the facial elevator tool can be the leading edge that separates the tissue rather than the surgeon’s finger. In other applications, the surgeon may still use their finger to separate certain tissue. For example, in abdominal surgeries, a surgeon can lead with their finger, so that they can feel the tissue. In such cases, the tool separates the surgeon’s finger from the cutting tool, and protects their finger from the cutting tool. In other cases, such as with muscle fascia, the medical professional may not need to lead with the finger and the tool can lead. The method ends at step 630.

[0065] The systems and methods disclosed herein provide a simple and cost effective means for reducing the hazard a surgeon and patient experience, when the surgeon uses their finger to prevent an incision from being made too deep, since it is not uncommon for the surgeon’s finger to be cut by the cutting tool. The embodiments thus decrease the risk of biological contamination for the surgeon and for the patient, as well as the experience of inadvertently cutting the surgeon’s finger with the cutting tool.

[0066] It should further be appreciated that the system may be configured to be reusable. The reusable device could be of particular value for veterinary applications and for other various human surgery applications.

[0067] Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number of embodiments, preferred and alternative, are disclosed herein.

[0068] In an embodiment, a system comprises a fascial elevator configured to separatelayers of tissue, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, and a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator. In an embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue. In an embodiment, the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end.

[0069] In an embodiment, the connector comprises a clip. In an embodiment, the clip further comprises a first curved wing and a second curved wing. In an embodiment, the connector is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.

[0070] In another embodiment, a surgical safety apparatus comprises a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue, a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool, and a switch clip configured to depress an operating button on the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a cross beam, a first arm connected to the cross beam, and a second arm connected to the cross beam. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a first pivot on the first arm and a second pivot on the second arm.

[0071] In an embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue. In an embodiment, the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a clip, the clip further comprising a first curved wing and a second curved wing.

[0072] In an embodiment, a system comprises a fascial elevator comprising a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue, a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator, a support arm connected to the fascial elevator, and a connector on the support arm, the connector comprising a clip with a first curved wing and a second curved wing. In an embodiment, the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool.

[0073] In an embodiment, the system further comprises a switch clip configured to depressan operating button on the surgical cutting tool. In an embodiment, the switch clip further comprises a cross beam, a first arm connected to the cross beam, and a second arm connected to the cross beam. In an embodiment, the clip is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.

[0074] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, it should be appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A system comprising: a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue; a support arm connected to the fascial elevator; and a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool.

4. The system of claim 2 further comprising: a coating on the receiver slot, the coating comprising at least one of: a reflective coating and; an insulative coating.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises: a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises a clip, comprising a first curved wing and a second curved wing.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.

9. A surgical safety apparatus comprising: a fascial elevator configured to separate layers of tissue; a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator; a support arm connected to the fascial elevator; a connector on the support arm, the connector configured to connect to a surgical cutting tool; and a switch clip configured to depress an operating button on the surgical cutting tool.

10. The surgical safety apparatus of claim 9 wherein the switch clip further comprises: a cross beam; a first arm connected to the cross beam; and a second arm connected to the cross beam.1 1 . The surgical safety apparatus of claim 10 wherein the switch clip further comprises: a first pivot on the first arm; and a second pivot on the second arm.

12. The surgical safety apparatus of claim 9 wherein the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of the surgical cutting tool.

13. The surgical safety apparatus of claim 9 wherein the connector comprises: a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue.

14. The surgical safety apparatus of claim 13 wherein the fascial elevator is tapered from a connecting end to the sliding end.

15. The surgical safety apparatus of claim 9 wherein the connector comprises a clip, the clip further comprising: a first curved wing; and a second curved wing.

16. A system comprising: a fascial elevator comprising a sliding end configured to separate layers of tissue; a receiver slot formed in the fascial elevator; a support arm connected to the fascial elevator; and a connector on the support arm, the connector comprising a clip with a first curved wing and a second curved wing.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the receiver slot is configured to accept a cutting member of a surgical cutting tool.

18. The system of claim 16 further comprising: a switch clip configured to depress an operating button on a surgical cutting tool.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the switch clip further comprises: a cross beam; a first arm connected to the cross beam; and a second arm connected to the cross beam.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein the clip is configured to connect to a cautery surgical cutting tool.

Images