Bur irrigation system

Abstract

An irrigation system for a surgical tool piece is provided. The irrigation system comprises an irrigation unit and a housing unit. The irrigation unit has a body comprising a tool channel configured to receive the surgical tool piece and an irrigation channel which opens into the tool channel to allow the supply of irrigation fluid from an external source to the tool channel or removal of irrigation fluid from the tool channel to an outlet. The housing unit is configured to receive the irrigation unit and the surgical tool piece, such that when the irrigation unit is received within the housing unit, the surgical tool piece may be inserted into the housing unit and into the tool channel to secure the irrigation unit into the housing unit.

Description

[0001] Bur Irrigation System

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an irrigation system for surgical tool-pieces. In particular, but without limitation, this disclosure relates to housing units and irrigation units for surgical tool pieces, such as burs.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] During surgical procedures, it is often necessary to cut bones or other tissues. To this end, pneumatically or electrically powered surgical drills and rotary burs may be utilised. These surgical tools often comprise a handpiece and a surgical tool piece (e.g. a bur or a drill bit) to be driven by the handpiece.

[0006] It is often necessary to replace the surgical tool piece during operation as it may become contaminated and the cutting portion maybe dulled. Accordingly, the handpiece may comprise a coupling mechanism into which the surgical tool piece can be coupled.

[0007] If the handpiece comprises a coupling mechanism, this allows the surgical tool piece to be replaced once used to avoid contamination. This also allows the same handpiece to drive a variety of different types of interchangeable surgical tool pieces, each having a different function.

[0008] Different surgical tool pieces may have different cutting ends. For instance, a surgical tool piece may have a drill head or a bur at its end. Different surgical tool pieces may also have different sized cutting ends for use in different procedures. Furthermore, different surgical tool pieces may have a different lengths of shafts, depending on the location of the intended surgical site and the surgical procedure being performed.

[0009] A handpiece may be configured to drive a variety of different surgical tool pieces. To enable this, different housing units may be connected to the handpiece for receiving different surgical tool pieces. A housing unit may be referred to as a “nose” of the handpiece. An irrigation unit may be provided for supplying irrigation fluid to the surgical tool piece or removing irrigation fluid from the surgical tool. The irrigation unit may be connected to a pump for supplying fluid to or removing fluid from the irrigation unit.

[0010] Different irrigation units may have different functions. For instance, the irrigation unit may be connected to a pump having a suction / aspiration function to remove debris generated during operational procedures resulting from cutting to keep the operation site clear and visible. Alternatively, the irrigation unit may be connected to a pump having pumping function to supply irrigation fluid to lubricate a site of operation and / or to remove heat energy generated through friction at the site of operation.

[0011] Certain conventional irrigation systems can be wasteful or difficult to use. For instance, conventional irrigation units can often be integrated into the replaceable surgical tool piece. This can be wasteful due to the irrigation units being single-use components, and can increase the cost of the replaceable surgical tool piece. Furthermore these systems can be more difficult to use when switching surgical tool pieces, as they require the irrigation system of the previous surgical tool piece to be disconnected from the pump and a new irrigation system for the new surgical tool piece to be connected to the pump. As surgeries can often require surgeons to repeatedly swap between different surgical tool pieces, this can be time-consuming and wasteful.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, made by way of example only and taken in conjunction with drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a side view of surgical tool comprising an irrigation system according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the irrigation system and surgical tool piece uncoupled from the handpiece;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the surgical tool piece uncoupled from the irrigation system;

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an irrigation unit;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of the irrigation unit;

[0019] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a housing unit;

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing unit; FIG. 8 shows a side view of the surgical tool piece;

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a tip of the surgical tool piece;

[0022] FIG.10 shows a cross-sectional view of a coupling portion of the surgical tool piece;

[0023] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the housing unit disconnected from the irrigation unit;

[0024] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional diagonal view of the housing unit disconnected from the irrigation unit;

[0025] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the irrigation system coupled in with the surgical tool;

[0026] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a centre part of the irrigation system; FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing unit with a pin-lock mechanism; and FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of an irrigation system with the pin-lock mechanism.

[0027] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0028] According to first aspect of the invention there is provided an irrigation system for a surgical tool piece. The irrigation system comprises an irrigation unit and a housing unit. The irrigation unit has a body comprises a tool channel and an irrigation channel. The tool channel is configured to receive the surgical tool piece. The irrigation channel opens into the tool channel to allow the supply of irrigation fluid from an external source to the tool channel or removal of irrigation fluid from the tool channel to an outlet. The housing unit is configured to receive the irrigation unit and the surgical tool piece, such that when the irrigation unit is received within the housing unit, the surgical tool piece may be inserted into the housing unit and into the tool channel to secure the irrigation unit into the housing unit.

[0029] Embodiments provide an irrigation system that reduces wastage and provides a simple mechanism for securing the irrigation system to the housing. By not integrating the irrigation system into the surgical tool piece, the cost for the surgical tool piece can be reduced, and wastage can be avoided. Having an irrigation system with separate irrigation and housing units allows for different surgical tool pieces and irrigation units to be combined together in different combinations, increasing the flexibility of the overall system. In addition, separate irrigation and housing units allow the surgical tool piece to be connected and disconnected from the irrigation system without requiring the irrigation unit or housing unit to be dismantled.

[0030] Furthermore, embodiments provide a housing unit and irrigation unit that be connected together through a simple mechanism in which the irrigation unit is secured within the housing unit by the surgical tool piece as the surgical tool piece is received into the housing unit. This provides an easy to use securing mechanism that provides simpler and more hygienic operation of the irrigation system during surgical procedures.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the housing unit further comprises a longitudinal cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to receive a coupling portion of the surgical tool piece, and a transverse cavity that extends along a transverse axis to intersect and communicate with the longitudinal cavity and is configured to receive the irrigation unit, wherein, the irrigation system is configured such that, when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity, the tool channel aligns with the longitudinal cavity such that the receipt of the surgical tool piece into the longitudinal cavity and transverse cavity secures the irrigation unit into the housing unit. This can help efficiently secure the irrigation unit and surgical tool piece into correct positions while ensuring channels through which irrigation fluid may flow are correctly aligned to prevent leakage.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the body of the irrigation system is substantially annular. This can allow the surgical tool piece to be inserted in a number of orientations.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the irrigation system further comprises a securing mechanism configured to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the housing unit. This can help at least partially secure the irrigation system in place in the absence of the surgical tool piece (e.g. while the surgical tool piece is being positioned prior to insertion into the housing unit). In addition, this can provide more secure coupling between the irrigation unit and the housing unit and help maintain them in position even during operations that produce high vibrational movements and kinetic energy that may transfer throughout the system.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the securing mechanism further comprises one or both of (i) a resilient member and a locking member forming part of one of the housing unit and irrigation unit, and an indent within the other of the housing unit and irrigation unit, wherein the resilient member is configured to bias the locking member into the indent when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the transverse cavity, and (ii) a locking protrusion forming part of one of the housing unit and irrigation unit, and a channel within the other of the housing unit and irrigation unit, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to be secured within the channel when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the transverse cavity.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the housing unit further comprises a button channel extending between the transverse cavity and the outside of the housing unit; and the irrigation unit further comprises at least one button protruding from the body such that when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity, the button is positioned in the button channel and is exposed to the outside of the housing unit such that it may be pressed to assist in the removal of the irrigation unit from the transverse cavity. This can allow easy and efficient ejection of the irrigation system.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the irrigation unit further comprises an irrigation tube connected to the body and communicating with the irrigation channel at a first end.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, wherein the irrigation tube comprises a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the second end comprises a connector for connecting to an external source of irrigation fluid or an outlet for irrigation fluid.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the surgical tool piece comprises a cutting end and a longitudinal irrigation channel for channelling irrigation fluid between the coupling portion and the cutting end.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the coupling portion comprises one or more openings communicating between the longitudinal irrigation channel and the outside of the surgical tool piece, such that when the surgical tool piece is positioned within the housing unit and within the tool channel of the irrigation unit, irrigation fluid can pass between the irrigation unit and the longitudinal irrigation channel via the one or more openings. According to a further embodiment, the coupling portion of the surgical tool piece comprises a peripheral channel running around the outside of the coupling portion for channelling irrigation fluid from the irrigation unit to the one or more openings.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the irrigation system further comprises one or more seals configured to form a seal between the coupling portion and the housing unit and about the one or more openings, when the surgical tool piece is positioned within the tool channel, to channel irrigation fluid between the irrigation channel of the irrigation unit and the one or more openings of the surgical tool piece.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the surgical tool system comprises the irrigation system, a securing mechanism for securing the surgical tool piece within the housing unit, and a motor configured to drive the securing mechanism to drive the surgical tool.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the housing unit, securing mechanism and motor form part of a handpiece.

[0043] Embodiments described herein provide a novel coupling and uncoupling mechanism that provides modularity to each component such that it may be efficiently removed, exchanged or inserted without requiring dismantling or discarding the entire system. Embodiments achieve this whilst ensuring that when in place all the components are securely locked in place. In doing so it is ensured that irrigation fluid is sealed and transported while maintaining sterility of the system and hygiene of the environment.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Embodiments described herein provide an improved irrigation system that allows repeated and easy use with multiple surgical tool pieces. An irrigation unit is provided that is separate from the surgical tool piece. This reduces waste and cost by allowing the irrigation unit to be used with different surgical tool pieces. Furthermore, the irrigation systems described herein can be easily secured within the housing unit by the insertion of the surgical tool piece into the housing unit. This provides a single action for securing both the surgical tool piece and the irrigation unit into the housing unit. FIG. 1 shows a side view of surgical tool 10 comprising an irrigation system 300 according to an embodiment. The surgical tool 10 comprises a handpiece 100, a power cable 200, an irrigation system 300 and a tool piece 600.

[0046] The handpiece 100 may act as a holding component to allow the operator to manipulate the surgical tool 10 during surgery. The handpiece 100 may include a motor and a driving portion (both not shown) for driving the surgical tool piece 600. Power may be provided to the motor via the power cable 200, which may be configured to be connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0047] The irrigation system 300 includes an irrigation unit 400 and a housing unit 500. The housing unit 500 (otherwise known as a “nose”) may be configured to be releasably attached to the handpiece 100. This allows different shaped housing units 500 to be attached to the handpiece 100 (e.g. to accommodate different shaped surgical tool pieces).

[0048] The irrigation unit 400 is received in the housing unit 500 along a transverse cavity (or transverse channel). The surgical tool piece 600 is received in the housing unit 500 along a longitudinal cavity (or longitudinal channel). The irrigation unit 400 is configured to provide irrigation fluid to / from the surgical tool piece 600 (e.g. through connection to a pump). The particular arrangement of the irrigation system 300 and surgical tool piece 600 shall be described in more detail below.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows the irrigation system 300 and surgical tool piece 600 uncoupled from the handpiece 100.

[0050] The irrigation unit 400 may be received in a transverse channel of the housing unit 500. The irrigation unit 400 may comprise a tool channel 410 for receiving the surgical tool piece 600 (see FIG. 4).

[0051] The housing unit 500 comprises a longitudinal channel into which the surgical tool piece 600 may be received. The housing unit 500 has a generally cylindrical shape. A rear end of the surgical tool piece 600 may be received at a front end of the housing unit 500, may pass through the longitudinal channel, and may protrude at least partially out of a rear end of the housing unit 500. When the irrigation unit 400 is positioned in the housing unit 500, the surgical tool piece 600 may pass through the tool channel 410 of the irrigation unit 400 to secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500.

[0052] The rear end of the housing unit 500 may comprise a coupling portion configured to couple to the handpiece 100. The rear end of the surgical tool piece 600 may comprise a coupling portion configured to couple to the driving portion of the handpiece 100.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows the surgical tool piece 600 uncoupled from the irrigation system 300. When the surgical tool piece 600 is not positioned within the housing unit 500 (e.g. is removed from the housing unit 500), the irrigation unit 400 may be free to be removed from the housing unit 500.

[0054] The interaction between the surgical tool piece 600 and the irrigation unit 400 acts to provide a simple and easy to use mechanism for securing the irrigation unit 400 and surgical tool piece 600 within the housing unit 500 in one motion. This makes it easy for the user to swap out irrigation units and surgical tool pieces during surgery. Furthermore, as the irrigation unit 400 is not integrated into the housing unit 500 or the surgical tool piece 600, the overall system is modular, allowing each component to be swapped out for another either to change function or to replace damaged or contaminated components, whilst reducing the overall cost and wastage of the system.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the irrigation unit 400. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of the irrigation unit 400. The irrigation unit 400 comprises a body having a tool channel 410 configured to receive the surgical tool piece 600, and an irrigation channel 420 configured to deliver irrigation fluid to / from the tool channel 410.

[0056] The body of the irrigation unit 400 comprises side walls that at least partially surround the tool channel 410, such that when the surgical tool piece 600 is inserted into the tool channel 410 (e.g. along a longitudinal axis of the tool channel 410), the surgical tool piece 600 may not be removed transversally (e.g. the surgical tool piece 600 may only be removed by passing the surgical tool piece 600 along the longitudinal axis of the tool channel 410).

[0057] In the present embodiment, the body of the irrigation unit 400 has a generally annular shape and the body of the irrigation unit 400 fully surrounds the surgical tool piece 600 when the surgical tool piece 600 is inserted into the tool channel 410. Having said this, the body of the irrigation unit 400 may have an alternative shape and / or may include one or more gaps in the side wall, provided that body at least partially surrounds the surgical tool piece 600 when it is inserted into the tool channel 410.

[0058] The irrigation channel 420 allows fluid to be provided to / from the tool channel 410. The irrigation channel 420 passes through the body of the irrigation unit 400 and opens into the tool channel 410 at one end. At an opposite end of the irrigation channel 420, an opening is provided for connection to an irrigation pipe 430. The irrigation pipe 430 may be connected to an irrigation pump (not shown) to provide irrigation fluid to the irrigation unit 400 or to remove irrigation from the irrigation unit 400.

[0059] The irrigation channel 420 may comprise a transverse channel 421 and a longitudinal channel 422. The transverse channel 421 may open into the tool channel 410 and the longitudinal channel 422 may provide the opening into which the irrigation pipe 430 is received. The longitudinal channel 422 and the transverse channel 421 may intersect to form a continuous channel for the passage of irrigation fluid. The longitudinal channel 422 may run parallel to the longitudinal axis. The transverse channel 421 may run in a transverse direction, in that it may run in a direction that crosses the longitudinal channel 422. In the present case, the transverse channel 421 is angled so that a projection along the same direction as the transverse channel 421 but beyond its opening into the tool channel 410 would not intersect with the opposite side of the body of the irrigation unit 400. This allows the transverse channel 421 to be more easily manufactured.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the irrigation unit 400 comprises an aligner 440. The aligner 440 may be received along a similarly shaped channel in the housing unit 500 to guide the irrigation unit 400 into the correct orientation within the housing unit 500.

[0061] The outer surface of the irrigation unit 400 (e.g. along the outer face of the aligner 440) may include one or more grips for assisting the user in holding the irrigation unit 400. This one or more grips may be positioned on one or more portions of the irrigation unit 400 that are exposed when the irrigation unit 400 is fully inserted into the housing unit 500. This may allow the user to grip the irrigation unit 400 to help remove the irrigation unit 400 from the housing unit 500. Each of the one or more grips may comprise raised portions (e.g. ridges and / or dimples) for providing the user with improved grip. According to an embodiment, the irrigation unit 400 comprises an indentation (e.g. a d- dent) 450 (see FIG. 5) configured to interact with a protrusion in the housing unit 500 to at least partially secure the irrigation unit 400 into the housing unit 500.

[0062] A button 460 may protrude from the body of the irrigation unit 400. The button 460 may be positioned within a corresponding channel in the housing unit 500, and exposed to the outside of the housing unit 500, when the irrigation unit 400 is fully inserted into the housing unit 500. The button 460 may be pressed to push the irrigation unit 400 out of the housing unit 500 after the surgical tool piece 600 has been removed. The button 460 may be a protrusion from the body of the irrigation unit 400, and need not be movable relative to the body of the irrigation unit 400. In an alternative embodiment, the button 460 may not be provided (see, for instance, FIG. 15).

[0063] FIG 6 shows a side view of the housing unit 500. The housing unit 500 comprises a longitudinal cavity 510 that extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to receive a coupling portion 620 of the surgical tool piece 600 (see FIG. 6). A transverse cavity 520 extends along a transverse axis of the housing unit 500 to intersect and communicate with the longitudinal cavity 510. The transverse cavity 520 is configured to receive the irrigation unit 400. In the present embodiment, the housing unit 500 further comprises a button cavity 530 configured to receive the button 460.

[0064] The transverse axis of the housing unit 500 may be a radial axis. Whilst in the present embodiment, the transverse axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, this is not essential, provided that the transverse axis intersects with (e.g. is not parallel to) the longitudinal axis.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal cavity 510 may have a wider (rear) portion 511 configured to couple with the handpiece 100, and a narrower (front) portion 512 for receiving the surgical tool piece 600. The housing unit 500 may also have an uneven outer surface for providing grip.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the housing unit 500 taken along the longitudinal axis. The housing unit 500 comprises a tool piece securing mechanism configured to at least partially secure the surgical tool piece 600 within the housing unit 500. The tool piece securing mechanism comprises one or more resilient members (in this case, holding o- rings 540) and one or more protrusions (in this case holding balls 550), wherein the protrusions are configured to be urged into the longitudinal cavity 510 by the one or more resilient members to at least partially secure the surgical tool piece 600 within the irrigation system 300.

[0067] The tool piece securing mechanism may only partially secure the surgical tool piece 600 within the housing unit 500, in that the surgical tool piece 600 may be maintained within the housing unit 500 under relatively small forces. The primary securing mechanism for the surgical tool piece 600 may be provided in the handpiece 100. That is, the tool piece securing mechanism may be configured to secure the tool piece 600 within the housing unit 500, but allow may the tool piece 600 to be removed from the housing unit 500 if a removing force greater than a threshold is applied to the surgical tool piece 600 (and provided that the handpeice 100 has been decoupled from the surgical tool piece 600).

[0068] The housing unit 500 may further comprise an irrigation unit 400 securing mechanism to at least partially secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500. The irrigation unit 400 securing mechanism comprises one or more resilient members (in this case, o- ring 560) and one or more protrusions (in this case, ball 570) wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to be urged into the transverse cavity 520 by the one or more resilient members to at least partially secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500. The one or more protrusions may be received into the indentation 450 of the irrigation unit 400 when the irrigation unit 400 is fully inserted into the transverse cavity 520.

[0069] The irrigation unit 400 securing mechanism may only partially secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500, in that the irrigation unit 400 may be maintained within the housing unit 500 under relatively small forces. The primary securing mechanism for the irrigation unit 400 may be provided by the interaction with the surgical tool piece 600. Once the surgical tool piece 600 is no longer located within the housing unit 500, the irrigation unit 400 may still be removed, if a sufficient removing force is provided. That is, the irrigation unit 400 securing mechanism may be configured to secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500, but allow the irrigation unit 400 to be removed from the housing unit 500 if a removing force greater than a threshold is applied to the irrigation unit 400 (and if the surgical tool piece 600 is not securing the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500). This can make it easier for the user to swap out surgical tool pieces without accidentally dislodging the irrigation unit 400, whilst still allowing the irrigation unit 400 to be removed.

[0070] When the irrigation unit 400 is fully inserted into the transverse cavity 520, the button 460 may be positioned within the button cavity 530 and exposed to the outside of the housing unit 500. When the surgical tool piece 600 has been fully removed from the longitudinal cavity 510 (or at least, has cleared the transverse cavity 520), the user may press the button 460 to provide a removing force for removing the irrigation unit 400 from the housing unit 500.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the surgical tool piece 600. The surgical tool piece 600 comprises a shaft 610 passing through a sheath 630. The sheath 630 surrounds the shaft 610. The sheath 630 comprises the coupling portion 620 configured to couple with the housing unit 500. Specifically, indentations are provided in the coupling portion 620 into which the one or more protrusions of the tool piece securing mechanism may be received.

[0072] The sheath 630 provides an irrigation passage 635 (see FIGs. 9 and 10) from the housing coupling portion 620 of the surgical tool piece 600 towards a tip 640 of the surgical tool piece 600. The sheath 630 is generally cylindrical. The tip 640 is connected to the end of the shaft 610. The tip 640 includes a cutting portion. In the present embodiment the cutting portion is a bur, but this may be a different form of cutting portion, such as a drill. The shaft 610 is configured to rotate within the shaft 630 around a longitudinal axis of the tool piece 600.

[0073] At an opposite end of the shaft 610 to the tip 640, a handpiece coupling portion is provided. The handpiece coupling portion is configured to couple to the handpiece 100 and to provide a position for the handpiece 100 to drive the shaft 610 to rotate within the sheath 630. The handpiece coupling portion 615 comprises indentations for receiving protrusions of a driving portion of the handpiece 100 for securing the surgical tool piece 600 within the handpiece 100 and for driving the surgical tool piece 600.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section view of the tip 640 of the tool piece 600 taken along a longitudinal axis of the surgical tool piece 600. The sheath 630 comprises a first irrigation opening 631 to allow fluid (e.g. irrigation fluid) to pass from the irrigation passage 635 and exit through the first irrigation opening 631 or to pass from the first irrigation opening 631 into the irrigation passage 635. This allows fluid to be provided from the irrigation passage 635 towards the tip 640 or to be removed from the tip, via the irrigation passage 635. The tip 640 may be driven to rotate to provide a cutting action. A bushing 641 is provided to help the tip 640 rotate smoothly.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the coupling portion 620 of the surgical tool piece 600. The coupling portion 620 is configured to couple to the housing unit 500. The coupling portion 620 of the surgical tool piece 600 may comprise a second irrigation opening 621 passing through the housing unit 500 for allowing fluid to pass to / from the irrigation passage 635. The irrigation passage 635 provides a fluid channel between the first irrigation opening 631 and second irrigation opening 621. The irrigation passage 635 extends down the length of the surgical tool piece 600. The irrigation opening 621 passes from the irrigation passage 635 to an outer channel 622. The outer channel 622 runs around the outside of the coupling portion 620 (e.g. around a circumference of the coupling portion 620). The outer channel 622 channels irrigation fluid to / from the second irrigation opening 621. When the surgical tool piece 600 is positioned within the irrigation unit 400 the outer channel 622 may align with the transverse channel 421 of the irrigation unit 400. By providing an outer channel 622 that runs around the outside of the coupling portion 620, surgical tool piece 600 may be positioned in a variety or orientations within the irrigation unit 400 whilst still allowing fluid to be channelled between the irrigation unit 400 and the irrigation passage 635 of the surgical tool piece 600.

[0076] The outer channel 622 is surrounded on both sides by seals (in this case, o-rings 623). These provide corresponding seals between the coupling portion 620 of the surgical tool piece 600 and the irrigation unit 400 (e.g. inner walls of the tool channel 410).

[0077] There may be at least one coupling o-ring 624 positioned on the coupling portion 620 for providing a seal with the housing unit 500.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the irrigation system 300 when the housing unit 500 and the irrigation unit 400 are uncoupled from each other, while FIG. 12 shows a crosssection view of the arrangement of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of cross section view of the irrigation system 300 and surgical tool piece 600 in a coupled configuration, while FIG. 14 shows a central view of FIG. 13. In both FIGs. 13 and 14, the irrigation unit 400 and the housing unit 500 are also in coupled configuration.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the system may be assembled by coupling the housing unit 500 to the handpiece 100. The irrigation unit 400 is then coupled to the housing unit 500 through interaction with the surgical tool piece 600. The surgical tool piece 600 in turn is coupled within the system through a connection to the handpiece 100.

[0080] To couple in the irrigation unit 400 and the housing unit 500, the irrigation unit 400 is positioned along the transverse axis below the transverse cavity 520 of the housing unit 500. The irrigation unit 400 is inserted along the transverse cavity 520 until the tool channel 410 of the irrigation unit 400 aligns with the longitudinal cavity 510 of the housing unit 500. The irrigation unit 400 may then be secured within the housing unit 500 through insertion of the surgical tool piece 600 long the longitudinal cavity 510 and into the tool channel 410. The surgical tool piece 600 may be locked in place through interaction with a locking / driving portion of the handpiece 100.

[0081] The irrigation unit 400 may be partially secured within the housing unit 500 through the irrigation unit 400 securing mechanism. In this case, a protrusion (in the form of ball 570) in the housing unit 500 is urged into a cavity 450 in the irrigation unit 400.

[0082] The aligner 440 of the irrigation unit 400 may ensure the correct orientation of the irrigation unit 400 in the housing unit 500 through interaction with a corresponding channel in the housing unit 500. This may ensure that the button 460 enters through the button channel 530 and is exposed to the outside of the housing unit 500.

[0083] According to an embodiment the irrigation system 300 may comprise no moving mechanisms, such as any latches, for securing the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500.

[0084] According to an embodiment, to uncouple surgical tool piece 600 from the irrigation system 300, the surgical tool piece 600 can be decoupled from the handpiece 100 and then pulled out of the irrigation system 300 in a direction opposite to the handpiece 100. The button 460 may be provided for helping to remove the irrigation unit 400 from the housing unit 500 after the surgical tool piece 600 has been removed from the irrigation unit 400. The button 460 may be positioned within the button channel 530 and exposed to the outside of the housing unit 500 such that a user may access the button 460 to push the irrigation unit 400 out of the housing unit 500.

[0085] When fully assembled, the handpiece 100 may drive the shaft 610 of the surgical tool 600 to rotate to cause the cutting portion of the surgical tool 600 to cut a surgical site. During this process, irrigation fluid may be provided to or from the surgical site through the irrigation system. When providing irrigation fluid to the surgical site, the fluid is pumped through the irrigation tube 430, down the irrigation channel 420 of the irrigation unit 400, into the outer channel 622 of the surgical tool piece 600, through the second opening 621 , along the irrigation passage 635 and out the first irrigation opening 631. When removing fluid from the surgical site, this path may be reversed through the pump providing suction. The seals 623 positioned on either side of the outer channel 622 form a fluid-tight seal ensuring that irrigation fluids does not leak or escape into the housing unit 500.

[0086] FIG. 15 shows a housing unit 500 with a pin-lock mechanism for securing the irrigation unit 400, while FIG. 16 shows an assembled irrigation system 300 with the pin-lock mechanism wherein the surgical tool piece 600 is coupled within the irrigation system 300. The embodiment of FIGs. 15 and 16 is similar to that of FIGs. 1-14, however the irrigation system securing mechanism is different. Instead of including ball 570 and an o-ring 560, the housing unit 500’ includes a pin 570’ that is located within the transverse channel 520’ at an opposite end of the transverse channel 520’ to its opening. The irrigation unit 400’ includes locking cavity 450’ shaped to receive the pin 570’.

[0087] The pin 570’ may be urged into the locking cavity 450’ in the housing unit 500 and at least partially secured within the locking cavity 450’ in the resilience of one or both of the locking cavity 450’ and the pin 570’ and / or through an interference fit.

[0088] In light of the above, various embodiments are provided which provide reduce wastage by implementing an irrigation system 300 with a separate housing unit 500 and irrigation unit 400. This provides improved flexibility with regard to the attachments that may be used, whilst also minimising wastage when disposable parts, such as the surgical tool piece, are discarded. Furthermore, an improved securing mechanism is provided in which the surgical tool piece 600 itself is used to secure the irrigation unit 400 within the housing unit 500. This provides a simple and easy to use securing mechanism.

[0089] While certain embodiments have been described, the embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The inventive concepts described herein may be implemented in a variety of other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions and changes to the specific implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An irrigation system for a surgical tool piece, the irrigation system comprising: an irrigation unit having a body comprising: a tool channel configured to receive the surgical tool piece; and an irrigation channel which opens into the tool channel to allow the supply of irrigation fluid from an external source to the tool channel or removal of irrigation fluid from the tool channel to an outlet; a housing unit configured to receive the irrigation unit and the surgical tool piece, such that when the irrigation unit is received within the housing unit, the surgical tool piece may be inserted into the housing unit and into the tool channel to secure the irrigation unit into the housing unit.

2. The irrigation system of claim 1 wherein the housing unit comprises: a longitudinal cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to receive a coupling portion of the surgical tool piece; and a transverse cavity that extends along a transverse axis to intersect and communicate with the longitudinal cavity and configured to receive the irrigation unit, wherein, the irrigation system is configured such that, when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity, the tool channel aligns with the longitudinal cavity such that the receipt of the surgical tool piece into the longitudinal cavity and transverse cavity secures the irrigation unit into the housing unit.

3. An irrigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the body of the irrigation system is substantially annular.

4. An irrigation system according to any preceding claim comprising a securing mechanism configured to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the housing unit.

5. An irrigation system according to claim 4 wherein the securing mechanism comprises one or both of:a resilient member and a locking member forming part of one of the housing unit and irrigation unit, and an indent within the other of the housing unit and irrigation unit, wherein the resilient member is configured to bias the locking member into the indent when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the transverse cavity; and a locking protrusion forming part of one of the housing unit and irrigation unit, and a channel within the other of the housing unit and irrigation unit, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to be secured within the channel when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity to at least partially secure the irrigation unit in place within the transverse cavity.

6. An irrigation system according to any preceding claim wherein: the housing unit further comprises a button channel extending between the transverse cavity and the outside of the housing unit; and the irrigation unit further comprises at least one button protruding from the body such that when the irrigation unit is positioned within the transverse cavity, the button is positioned in the button channel and is exposed to the outside of the housing unit such that it may be pressed to assist in the removal of the irrigation unit from the transverse cavity.

7. An irrigation system according to any preceding claim wherein the irrigation unit further comprises an irrigation tube connected to the body and communicating with the irrigation channel at a first end.

8. An irrigation system according to claim 7 wherein the irrigation tube comprises a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the second end comprises a connector for connecting to an external source of irrigation fluid or an outlet for irrigation fluid.

9. An irrigation system according to any preceding claim, further comprising the surgical tool piece, wherein the surgical tool piece comprises: a cutting end; and a longitudinal irrigation channel for channelling irrigation fluid between the coupling portion and the cutting end.

10. An irrigation system according to claim 9 wherein the coupling portion comprises one or more openings communicating between the longitudinal irrigation channel and the outside of the surgical tool piece, such that when the surgical tool piece is positioned within the housing unit and within the tool channel of the irrigation unit, irrigation fluid can pass between the irrigation unit and the longitudinal irrigation channel via the one or more openings.

11. An irrigation system according to claim 10 wherein the coupling portion of the surgical tool piece comprises a peripheral channel running around the outside of the coupling portion for channelling irrigation fluid from the irrigation unit to the one or more openings.

12. An irrigation system according to claim 10 or claim 11 further comprising one or more seals configured to form a seal between the coupling portion and the housing unit and about the one or more openings, when the surgical tool piece is positioned within the tool channel, to channel irrigation fluid between the irrigation channel of the irrigation unit and the one or more openings of the surgical tool piece.

13. A surgical tool system comprising: an irrigation system according to any preceding claim; a securing mechanism for securing the surgical tool piece within the housing unit; and a motor configured to drive the securing mechanism to drive the surgical tool.

14. A surgical tool system according to claim 13 wherein the housing unit, securing mechanism and motor form part of a handpiece.

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