Lighted medical instruments and related systems and methods

Abstract

A medical instrument can include a cable configured to be coupled with a control unit. The medical instrument can further include a hub element coupled with the cable, the hub element being configured to remain at an exterior of a patient when the medical instrument is in use within the patient. The hub element can include a display region that is formed of ceramic and is configured to permit light to pass therethrough. The medical instrument can further include a light source positioned within and physically spaced from the hub element such that when light emanates from the light source, at least a portion of the light passes directly through at least a portion of the display region of the hub element.

Description

LIGHTED MEDICAL INSTRUMENTSAND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Certain embodiments described herein relate generally to medical instruments and related systems and methods, including handheld medical instruments and / or medical instruments having elongated cables for connection to a control unit, while further embodiments relate more particularly to radiofrequency probes, including radiofrequency probes insertable into radiofrequency needles, and related systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] Examples of known medical radiofrequency probes can be used with radiofrequency needles for neurotomies or other procedures. In some instances, a probe can include an electrode that is inserted into a needle such that electrical contact between the electrode and the needle provides radiofrequency energy to the needle. Such radiofrequency probes may suffer from a variety of drawbacks or limitations, which can be overcome by certain embodiments described herein. Other medical instruments, including, for example, handheld instruments, autoclavable medical instruments, and / or medical instruments having elongated cables for connection to a control unit likewise can benefit from the arrangements and advantages disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an autoclavable medical instrument, specifically a radiofrequency probe;

[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the radiofrequency probe taken along the view line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

[0006] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a strain-relief member that is compatible with embodiments of the radiofrequency probe of FIG. 1 ;

[0007] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the strain-relief member taken along the view line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an indicator band that is compatible with embodiments of the radiofrequency probe of FIG. 1 ;

[0009] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an alignment core that is compatible with embodiments of the radiofrequency probe of FIG. 1 ;

[0010] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the alignment core taken along the view line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A;

[0011] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hub element that is compatible with embodiments of the radiofrequency probe of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hub element taken along the view line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a system in which multiple radiofrequency probes are connected to an embodiment of a generator, each probe displaying a different color of light that corresponds with a respective one of four different colors that identify four different channels of the generator;

[0014] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a system such as that depicted in FIG. 7 that further includes radiofrequency needles that are couplable with the radiofrequency probes;

[0015] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a radiofrequency probe; and

[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a radiofrequency probe, such as the view depicted in FIG. 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Embodiments of medical devices, including, for example, lighted medical devices, autoclavable medical devices, handheld medical devices, and / or medical devices that include an elongated cable for connection to a control unit, are described herein. For example, embodiments of radiofrequency probes and related systems and methods are described herein. Some embodiments of the radiofrequency probes are particularly well suited for use with needles that are inserted into a body of a patient for radiofrequency neurotomy procedures. In some instances, the needles may be of one or more of the varieties disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,736,688 of Wright et al., titled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORRADIO FREQUENCY NEUROTOMY, which issued on August 11, 2020, and in U.S. Patent No. 10,716,618 of Wright et al., titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TISSUE ABALATION, which issued on July 21 , 2020. The entire contents of each of the foregoing patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Certain embodiments may be particularly well suited for use with the NIMBUS® Multitined Expandable Electrode, available from STRATUS® Medical, LLC of Magnolia, Texas, which is available in a variety of sizes and configurations.

[0018] Moreover, in some embodiments, the radiofrequency probes are capable of delivering colored light in a visually perceptible manner to a user to provide information to a user. In some instances, the colored light can deliver information to a user regarding a channel of a radiofrequency generator to which the radiofrequency probe is attached. In some embodiments, a color of the light generated by the radiofrequency probe can match a color of a light associated with the channel of the radiofrequency generator. The light associated with the channel of the radiofrequency generator may be produced by a lighted region of the generator that is separate from a display screen of the generator and / or may be produced by a portion of the display screen itself. Various embodiments of radiofrequency probes disclosed herein can serve as or replace certain varieties of probes described in, or otherwise can be incorporated into certain systems described in, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 449,045, titled MULTI-INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed on February 28, 2023; WIPO International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 017775, titled MULTIINSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed on February 28, 2024, and published as International Publication No. WO 2024 / 182573 on September s, 2024; and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 312,295, titled MULTI-INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed on August 27, 2025, and published as US 2025 / 0387195 on December 25, 2025. The entire contents of the foregoing patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0019] As further described below, certain embodiments of a radiofrequency probe include a handle that comprises a display region through which light may pass. In some embodiments, the display region may diffuse the light that passes therethrough. In further embodiments, a hub element that includes the display region may be formed entirely of ceramic. For example, in some embodiments, thehub element may be machined from, be formed as, or otherwise comprise a unitary piece of ceramic. In some embodiments, the hub element may permit multiple cycles of autoclaving without discoloration. In some embodiments, the hub element may be sufficiently robust to withstand breakage from ordinary use, inadvertent drops from approximately a height of a user, multiple autoclaving cycles, and / or other aspects or potential aspects of ordinary use thereof. In some embodiments, the hub element may be secured to remaining portions of the probe at least in part via an alignment core. One or more of these and / or other advantages of embodiments of the radiofrequency probe will be further discussed herein and / or otherwise apparent from the present disclosure.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, a radiofrequency probe 100 can include a connector 102, a cable 104, a handle 106, and an electrode 108. The radiofrequency probe 100 may alternatively be referred to as a radiofrequency probe assembly or, more generally, as a medical probe, medical instrument, or handheld medical instrument.

[0021] The connector 102 may be of any suitable variety configured for coupling with certain embodiments of generators, such as discussed, for example, with respect to FIG. 7 below. For example, in some embodiments, the connector 102 can include a suitable number of sockets and / or pins to communicatively and / or electrically couple with corresponding pins and / or sockets of a channel of the generator in a manner that permits the generator to deliver control signals to componentry of the probe 100. The control signals may, for example, include one or more pulse-width-modulation signals to control a color of light displayed at the handle 106.

[0022] The cable 104 can be of any suitable variety and can include therein one or more leads 107a, 107b (see FIG. 2), which may be communication and / or electrical lines. The leads 107a, 107b can deliver electrical and / or communication signals to the handle 106 (e.g., to circuitry positioned within the handle 106) and / or to the electrode 108. Only two such leads 107a, 107b are depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, but more such leads may be present (e.g., as discussed below with respect to FIG. 9).

[0023] In some embodiments, the handle 106 can include multiple elements joined together in any suitable variety. The handle 106 may alternatively be referred to as a handle assembly. In other or further instances, the handle 106 may bereferred to as a hub, and the hub may be formed of multiple components. The handle 106 may be manipulated by a user during use of the probe 100, such as when inserting the electrode 108 portion of the probe 100 into a radiofrequency needle.

[0024] The electrode 108 may be of any suitable variety and configuration, such as an elongated metallic element used in radiofrequency neurotomies. For example, as noted elsewhere, the electrode 108 may be configured to receive electrical energy from a control unit 302 (see FIG. 7) and transmit, via physical contact with the sidewall of a needle, the electrical energy to a needle into which the electrode 108 has been inserted. The electrode 108 may be provided in a variety of lengths in various embodiments, such as lengths that are suitable for use with radiofrequency needles. For example, in embodiments, the electrode 108 can have an exposed length (e.g., can extend beyond a distal end of the handle 106 for a distance) of about 5, 10, or 15 centimeters. Other lengths are contemplated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrode 108 includes a temperature sensor 111 (see FIG. 9), which in further embodiments, is positioned at a distal end of the electrode 108. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor 111 can include a thermocouple, thermistor, and / or resistance temperature detector. In certain embodiments, the temperature sensor can be used to monitor temperatures in the vicinity of the distal tip of the electrode 108. For example, the sensed temperature can be communicated to a control unit, which can use this information in determining an amount and / or duration of electrical energy to deliver to the electrode 108 to achieve a desired radiofrequency neurotomy within a patient P (see FIG. 8).

[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the handle 106 can include a strain-relief member 120, an indicator band 122, an alignment core 124, a hub element 126, a circuit board 128 (e.g., a printed circuit board, or “PCB”), and a light source 130. In some embodiments, the handle 106 can further receive or house a proximal end of the electrode 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 130 includes one or more arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 128 is physically directly connected to a proximal end of the electrode 108, which in some instances may advantageously provide for a compact arrangement. In other embodiments, the circuit board 128 may be physically spaced from the electrode 108.

[0027] In some embodiments, the circuit board 128 can be electrically coupled to the electrode 108 and the temperature sensor 111 so as to deliver radiofrequency electrical energy thereto. For example, in some embodiments, one or more electrical leads (e.g., 107a, 107b) extend between the connector 102 and the circuit board 128 so as to communicate electrical energy or signals between the connector 102 and the circuit board 128, and the circuit board 128 communicates those signals to and / or from the electrode 108 and / or the temperature sensor 111 via one or more electrical couplings between the circuit board 128 and the electrode 108 and / or the temperature sensor 111.

[0028] In other embodiments, the circuit board 128 is not electrically coupled with, or is electrically isolated from, the electrode 108 and / or the temperature sensor 111. For example, in some embodiments, one or more electrical leads (e.g., 107a, 107b) extend between the connector 102 and electrode 108 and / or the temperature sensor 111. The electrical leads 107a, 107b may physically and / or electrically bypass the circuit board 128 so as to be directly physically and / or electrically connected with the electrode 108 and / or the temperature sensor 111. Each electrical lead thus may communicate electrical energy or signals directly between the connector 102 and the electrode 108 and / or directly between the connector 102 and temperature sensor 111.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 2-3B, the strain-relief member 120 can be configured to assist with sustained attachment between the handle 106 and the cable 104. The strain-relief member 120 can include a tapered proximal end 200 that is directly attached to the cable 104 and that can extend over a significant length of the distal end of the cable 104. The strain-relief member 120 can be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, silicone.

[0030] The strain-relief member 120 can include a connection interface 202 for coupling with the alignment core 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 202 comprises a raised band or ring 204, or a constriction band or ring, that extends radially inward from a sidewall of the strain-relief member 120. As further discussed below, the ring 204 can interface with a proximal portion of the alignment core 124, which can assist in assembly of the probe 106 and / or assist in maintaining the probe 106 in an assembled state.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the indicator band 122 can be substantially shaped as a short cylindrical hollow tube defining a lumen therethrough.The lumen can be sized to permit insertion of a distal end of the alignment core 124 therethrough during assembly. The indicator band 122 can be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, silicone. In various embodiments, the indicator band may be colored in a manner that indicates to a user a physical or operational aspect of the probe 106. For example, in some embodiments, a color of the indicator band 122 can indicate to a user a size (e.g., length) of the electrode 108.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 2, 5A, and 5B, the alignment core 124 can include a connection interface 232 for coupling with the strain-relief member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 232 comprises a raised band or ring 234. The ring 234 extends radially outward relative to a sidewall of the alignment core 124. The ring 234 can be sized to interface with the ring 204 of the strain-relief member 120, which can assist in assembly of the probe 106 and / or assist in maintaining the probe 106 in an assembled state.

[0033] In some embodiments, the strain-relief member 120 and the alignment core 124 are formed separately and subsequently assembled together into the arrangement shown in FIG. 2. For example, in some embodiments, the alignment core 124 is inserted proximally into the strain-relief member 120. The strain-relief member 120 may be resiliently deformable such that the ring 204 can expand sufficiently to pass over the ring 234 of the alignment core 124 during assembly and then return to a smaller configuration in which the rings 204 / 234 interfere with each other to maintain or assist in maintaining the strain-relief member 120 and the alignment core 124 in a coupled state (see FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the strainrelief member 120 may be formed of a material that is overmolded onto the alignment core 124.

[0034] With continued reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the illustrated embodiment, the alignment core 124 includes a plurality of resiliently flexible arms 236. Each arm 236 includes a catch 238 at a distal end thereof. Each catch 238 includes a ramped surface at a distal end thereof and a substantially planar proximal end, the plane thereof being substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the alignment core 124. The ramped surface can assist during assembly to compress the flexible arms 236 inward as the alignment core 124 is advanced into a cavity of the hub element 126. Upon reaching an appropriate insertion depth within the hub element 126, the arms 236 can flex outwardly to return to a natural or undeflectedstate and thereby retain the alignment core 124 in a secure attachment to the hub element 126, as further discussed below. Any suitable number of arms 236 is contemplated. The arms may be formed, in some instances, via longitudinal cuts. In some embodiments, two arms are formed from a single longitudinal cut through a full diameter of the alignment core 124. In other embodiments, four arms are formed via two crosswise longitudinal cuts, each through a full diameter of the alignment core 124.

[0035] The alignment core 124 may be formed of any suitable material. For example, in various embodiments, the alignment core 124 is formed of metal or a plastic, such as any suitable thermoplastic (e.g., polyetherimide, such as, for example, ULTEM®). The material may be rigid, so as to generally be nonexpandable in a longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the material may further be resiliently flexible, such as when formed into longitudinal arms as previously discussed, thus permitting flexion of such arms during assembly of the handle 106 with an automatic or natural resilient return to a resting state in which the arms maintain the handle in an assembled state. In certain embodiments, the material can desirably be autoclavable.

[0036] In the assembled probe 100, the alignment core 124 can maintain the strain-relief member 120, the indicator band 122, and the hub element 126 in longitudinal alignment. Stated otherwise, the alignment core 124 can inhibit or prevent bending of the assembled handle 106 in a matter that would cause a face seal between the strain-relief member 120 and the indicator band 122 and / or a face seal between the indicator band 122 and the hub element 126 to break due to lateral bending of the handle 106. Stated otherwise, the alignment core 124 can provide sufficient internal rigidity to the handle 106 to inhibit or prevent bending of the handle 106 and thereby inhibit or prevent components that form an outer housing of the handle 106 to split or separate from one another. In some embodiments, the face seals may be formed by silicon bonding among abutting components.

[0037] In some embodiments, the alignment core 124 may be positioned relative to the light source 130 such that it blocks delivery of at least some of the light from the light source 130 directly to the hub element 126. For example, as shown in FIG.2, in the illustrated embodiment, the arms 236 of the alignment core 124 are positioned to block light that emanates from the light source 130 directly toward the proximal end of the hub element 126.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 2, 6A, and 6B, in certain embodiments, the hub element 126 can include a body 250 that includes a proximal extension or protuberance 252. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface of the body is shaped substantially as a cylinder, although other configurations are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end of the cylinder sharply slopes inwardly to the protuberance 252, which is substantially frustoconical in shape. The body 250 can define an internal cavity 254. The internal cavity 254 may be at a proximal end of a lumen 256 that extends through a full longitudinal length of the hub element 126. The hub element 126 may also be referred to as a housing, sheath, or cap.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the hub element 126 includes a connection interface 262 via which the alignment core 124 interacts with the hub element 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 262 comprises a groove 264 into which the catches 238 at the distal ends of the resilient arms 236 can spring into (see FIGS. 2, 5A, and 5B). As previously noted, such an arrangement can maintain or assist in maintaining the hub element 126 in a fixed longitudinal relationship with other components of the handle 106, such as the strain-relief member 120. In some embodiments, the resilient arms 236 apply very little or do not apply any radial outward forces to the hub element 126 when received within the connection interface 262, and when the arms 236 are in an unbent, unstrained, or natural state (see FIG.2). Such an arrangement can inhibit or prevent undue radial stresses on the hub element 126 which, in some embodiments, could tend to weaken portions of the hub element 126 over time or use and / or potentially lead to cracking, shattering, or other breakage.

[0040] The groove 264 may also be referred to as a receptacle. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 262 comprises a single groove the extends around a full periphery of the hub element 126. In other embodiments, rather than a single groove that receives all of the catches 238, a plurality of indents or receptacles are present, each of which may receive one or more of the catches 238. In some embodiments, the receptacles may be formed by removing material from a sidewall of the hub element 126. In various embodiments, it may be said that the receptacles are regions of an internal surface of the hub element 126 at which the radial dimension is expanded relative to one or more regions of that surface that are adjacent thereto.

[0041] Any other suitable connection interfaces are contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, one or more portions of the sidewall of the hub element 126 may extend radially inwardly. For example, in some embodiments, the sidewall can include catches that interface with receptacles on the alignment core 124. For example, connecting portions of the illustrated embodiments of the hub element 126 (e.g., the receptacle or groove 264) and the alignment core 124 (e.g., the catches 238) may be reversed. Interaction of receptacles and catches, or other connection configurations, can inhibit or prevent the hub element from being longitudinally displaced in a distal direction relative to the alignment core 124.

[0042] The internal cavity 254 can be sized to receive therein at least a portion of the circuit board 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire circuit board 128 fits within the internal cavity 254, including a portion of the circuit board 128 that includes the array of LEDs 132. The array of LEDs 132 may be described as being fully surrounded, encircled, circumscribed, or encompassed by the body 250 of the hub element 126.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 2, the array of LEDs is directed outwardly away from a central longitudinal axis of the handle 106 or of the hub element 126. Stated otherwise, the array of LEDs is positioned such that the LEDs deliver or project light outwardly from the circuit board 128. The circuit board 128 may be planar and may restrict delivery of light from the LEDs to a region that is at only one side of the plane. The central longitudinal axis of the handle 106 or hub element 126 may extend through this plane or may be parallel to this plane. Stated otherwise, the circuit board 128 may inhibit delivery of light beyond an angle (e.g., beam angle) of 180 degrees. In other or further embodiments, the array of LEDs 132 may have a beam angle that is less than 180 degrees. The beam angle may have a maximum, a nadir, or a central axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the hub element 126.

[0044] In some embodiments, despite the array of LEDs 132 being directed substantially in a lateral direction (e.g, substantially away from a central longitudinal axis of the probe 100) that projects at least a majority of, or even in some instances, substantially all light to only a portion of a sidewall of the hub element 126 — the portion being restricted to only one side of a plane the longitudinally bifurcates the hub element 126 — the light, after having been thusly projected, may nevertheless be reflected, refracted, and / or diffused by or through the sidewall of the hub element126 sufficiently such that portions of the emitted light exit from the hub element 126 substantially around a full periphery or circumference of the hub element 126. For example, in some instances, an internal surface of the hub element 126 that defines the cavity 254 can reflect portions of the light. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light that passes through the internal surface may be reflected (e.g., totally internally reflected) by the outer surface of the hub element 126. In some embodiments, the internal body of the sidewall, which may be defined as the portion of the sidewall of the hub positioned between the inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall, can refract, scatter, and / or diffuse light such that the light is mixed upon exiting the hub element 126 and, in further instances, such that the light exits the hub element 126 over a far greater beam angle than is initially provided by the array of LEDs 132.

[0045] The beam angle may be defined as the angle over which light is projected from an object. Thus, a beam angle a of an array of LEDs 132 may represent an angle of a cone or other shape of light that projects away from the circuit board 128. The beam angle a may be measured along a plane that passes orthogonally through a central longitudinal axis of the probe 100. A beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 may be an angular spread over which light is emitted from the hub element 126. This angle likewise may be measured along the same plane that passes orthogonally through the central longitudinal axis of the probe 100. In some embodiments, a beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is no less than about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, or 100 percent larger than a beam angle a of the array of LEDs 132 that is positioned within the hub element 126. In some embodiments, the array of LEDs 132 produces a beam a that is less than 90 degrees or less than 180 degrees, whereas light exits the hub element 126 at a beam angle (3 that is greater than 180 degrees or greater than 270 degrees, respectively. In some embodiments, the beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is greater than 180, 210, 240, 270, or 300 degrees. In some embodiments, the beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is a full 360 degrees.

[0046] In various embodiments, the beam angle a of an array of LEDs 132 can include a central axis. In some arrangements the central axis of the beam angle a may be oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hub element 126. Other orientations of the central axis of the beam angle a are contemplated, including others discussed elsewhere herein.

[0047] In various embodiments, the hub element 126 itself may act as a diffuser of light that is delivered to it from the light source 130. In some embodiments, the hub element 126 may be the only light diffuser that serves to blend, scatter, or redirect light from the light source 130. In some embodiments, there may be no optical elements between the circuit board 128, (e.g., between an outer surface of the circuit board 128, including a conformal coating) or between the light source 130 and all optical components dedicated thereto, and the inner surface of the hub element 126. In other or further embodiments, there can be a physical gap, such as an air gap, between the light source 130 and the inner surface of the hub element 126.

[0048] In some embodiments, the circuit board 128 is conformally coated. The outer surface of the coating may be spaced from the inner surface of the hub element 126. For example, a significant air gap may be present between the coated circuit board 128 or coated light source 130 and the inner surface of the hub element 126.

[0049] The hub element 126 can include a display region 270, which may also be referred to as a lighted region. The display region 270 can represent that portion of the hub element 126 that is lighted, or from which light is delivered (e.g., toward a user), when the light source 130 is active. In some embodiments, due to reflections from an interior surface of the hub element 126, reflections within the sidewall of the hub element 126, refractions, etc., a substantial portion of the hub element 126 may include the display region 270. In some embodiments, the display region 270 includes, or is coextensive with, at least an external surface of the proximal cylindrical portion of the hub element 126, and in further embodiments, includes an entire external surface of the hub element 126.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the display region 270 may be defined by at least a portion of the hub element 126. In some embodiments, such as for example, where the light does not extend around a full periphery of the hub element 126 (e.g., along a plane through a central longitudinal axis thereof), the display region 270 is defined by only that portion of the hub element 126 through which light passes when the light source 130 is illuminated. In some embodiments, such as, for example, when the hub element 126 is formed of a unitary monolithic piece of material, a seamless transition exists between the display region 270 of the hub element 126 and at least a portion of the hub element 126 that is adjacent thereto.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 130 is directed toward the sidewall of the hub element 126. Certain light that is delivered from the light source 130 passes directly through the sidewall. Stated otherwise, this light passes directly through the display region 270.

[0052] In other embodiments, the display region 270 may represent only a portion of the hub element 126. For example, in some embodiments, the display region 270 may comprise a transparent or translucent window, and in further embodiments, the neighboring portions of the hub element 126 may be opaque and / or may have an opaque layer applied thereto.

[0053] In some embodiments, the hub element 126 comprises a monolithic, unitary piece of ceramic. In some embodiments, the ceramic is turned, milled, or otherwise subjected to a material-removal process to achieve its final configuration, as incorporated into the probe 100. In other embodiments, the ceramic may be cast into its final configuration, as incorporated into the probe 100. In various embodiments, the ceramic comprises a glass-mica ceramic, such as a very high-temperature glass-mica ceramic. In some embodiments, the ceramic is white and may readily emanate colored light or glow in a certain color. In some instances, the hub element 126 may glow or otherwise emanate light at a color that substantially matches a color of light projected from the light source 130 that is inside of the hub element 126. The hub element 126 may be formed of a material and / or may be of a suitable thickness such that the hub element 126 is sufficiently translucent to permit light to pass therethrough while nevertheless obscuring componentry housed within the hub element 126, for example, in ambient lighting conditions and / or when the internally positioned light source 130 is not illuminated.

[0054] In various embodiments, the hub element 126 comprises a sidewall having a thickness that is sufficiently large to render the hub element 126 robust, so as to be able to withstand numerous autoclave cycles, inadvertent drops, sustained use, and / or other wear and / or so as to obscure componentry housed within the hub element 126, yet sufficiently thin to permit a desired amount of light to pass therethrough, such as, for example, to be readily observable to a user. In some embodiments, a thickness of the sidewall may be selected to permit a desired amount of light to pass therethrough and to additionally provide a desired amount of scattering, diffusion, refraction, reflection, and / or other optical properties to yield a desired look when the light source is active, such as a desired amount of dispersion,beam angle, reduction of hot spots, sufficient light mixing, etc. In some embodiments, a thickness of the sidewall may be within a range of from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches, from about 0.060 inches to about 0.080 inches, or from about 0.065 inches to about 0.075 inches, or may be about 0.07 inches when an outer diameter of the sidewall is within any of a range of from about 0.2 inches to about 0.5 inches, from about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches, or from about 0.325 inches to about 0.375 inches, or is about 0.34 inches. In other or further embodiments, the foregoing ranges may be present when a length of the body 250 is within any of a range of from about 0.5 inches to about 0.8 inches, from about 0.6 inches to about 0.7 inches, or from about 0.625 inches to about 0.675 inches, or is about 0.65 inches. Other suitable sizes and dimensions are contemplated.

[0055] In various embodiments, the probe 100 is autoclavable. In some embodiments, the hub element is well suited for numerous autoclave cycles without or with minimal effects on its performance, or with effects on its performance that are imperceivable to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the hub element 126 is configured to undergo at least 20, 50, or 100 autoclave cycles without any perceptible discoloration by a user.

[0056] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict different operational states of a system 300 that includes a control unit 302, such as a radiofrequency generator. The control unit 302 can include multiple channels accessible via respective ports 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d to which probe connectors can be attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 302 includes four channels. The system 300 can be the same as or otherwise resemble systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2025 / 0387195, which was previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0057] Each of the channels of the control unit 302 includes an indicator light 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d that surrounds a connector for that channel. In some embodiments, on a display screen of the control unit 302, each channel is graphically represented in a separate region of the display screen. In some implementations, each indicator light 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d around the respective connectors and, moreover, that matches the color displayed through the hub elements 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d of the respective radiofrequency probes 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d that are coupled with the respective ports 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d. In some embodiments, the electrodes 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d of the probes 100a,100b, 100c, 100d can be inserted into radiofrequency needles 350a, 350b, 350c, 350d, such as discussed previously herein and as further discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2025 / 0387195, which was previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0100] Each port 314a-d can be configured to physically connect with a connector 102a-d of any of the probes 100a-d (see FIG. 8). For example, the port 314a and the connector 102a can be complementary to each other. In some instances, one of the ports 314a-d or the connectors 102a-d includes a plurality of electrical contacts or electrodes 403a-h (see FIG. 9), e.g., in the form of pins and / or sockets, and the other of the ports 314a-d or the connectors 102a-d includes a plurality of complementary electrical contacts or electrodes in the form of sockets and / or pins, that mate therewith. The ports and connectors can include any suitable electrode (e.g., socket, pin, and / or other electrical contact) arrangement to achieve electrical connection. In some embodiments, a connector 102a includes a number of sockets and / or pins that may typically be used to power and / or control a radiofrequency probe and thermocouple (e.g. two sockets) and may include an additional number of sockets and / or pins (e.g., one, two, three, four, or five sockets) to provide supplemental power and / or controls to additional componentry associated with the probe 100a-d. In some instances, at least some of the supplemental power and / or controls can power and / or control an identification feature of the probe 100a-d.

[0101] FIG. 9 provides a schematic diagram of components of another embodiment of a probe 400 that resembles other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, like components are identified with like reference numerals, and disclosures relative to such components are applicable to all associated embodiments. The diagram depicts multiple communication lines 107a-h that are in communication with the electrical contacts 403a-h of the connector 102. As depicted schematically, certain of the communication lines 107a-h pass through a length of a cable 104. Proximal to the cable 104 is the memory device 405, which in the illustrated embodiment is a single-wire EEPROM. Distal to the cable 104 is the circuit board 128, and more distal still are the radiofrequency electrode 108 and the temperature sensor 111, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a thermocouple. The light source 130 resides on the circuit board 128, and in the illustrated embodiment, the light source 130 includes two LED arrays 433a, 433b. In other embodiments, more or fewer LED arrays may be used.

[0102] The electrical contacts 403a-h are configured to couple with any of the ports 314a-d to establish key communications with the control unit 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 403a-h are configured to provide for or permit the following couplings:

[0103] 403a: coupling to an isolated direct current power supply at +5V provided by the control unit 302;

[0104] 403b: coupling to the red legs of the LED arrays 433a, 433b, with 2V pulse width modulation being provided by the control unit 302;

[0105] 403c: coupling to the green legs of the LED arrays 433a, 433b, with 3.3V pulse width modulation being provided by the control unit 302;

[0106] 403d: coupling to the blue legs of the LED arrays 433a, 433b, with 3.3V pulse width modulation being provided by the control unit 302;

[0107] 403e: coupling to the negative branch of a T-type thermocouple 111 (constantan);

[0108] 403f: an isolated ground provided by the control unit 302;

[0109] 403g: a radiofrequency signal (0-150V) provided by the control unit 302 to the radiofrequency electrode 108; and

[0110] 403h: coupling of the communication line of the single-wire EEPROM 405 with the control unit 302.

[0111] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a probe 500 that resembles other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, like components are identified with like reference numerals, and disclosures relative to such components are applicable to all associated embodiments. In some embodiments, the circuit board 128 is potted within the hub element 126 by way of potting material 505. For example, in some embodiments, a clear silicone is used to retain the circuit board 128 within the hub element 126. The potting material 505 can be substantially transparent or translucent. In further embodiments, the potting material 505 can be configured to assist in diffusing light from the light source 130. For example, in some embodiments, the potting material 505 can include reflective, refractive, diffusive, scattering, and / or other components. In some embodiments, the potting material 505 includes glass beads embedded within a silicone or other polymeric substance. In other embodiments, the circuit board 128 may be glued into place or otherwise retained within the handle 106 and / or the hub element 126.

[0058] In various embodiments, the hub element 126 itself may act to blend, scatter, refract, reflect, or otherwise redirect light that is delivered to it from the light source 130 in manners such as previously described. In certain embodiments, the potting material 505 may additionally blend, scatter, refract, reflect, or otherwise redirect light from the light source 130.

[0059] In some embodiments, the potting material 505 can enlarge a beam angle (3 of light that exits from the hub element 126, as compared with a beam angle (3 that is achievable in the absence of the potting material 505. In some embodiments, a beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is no less than about 20, 40, 60, 100, or 120 percent larger than a beam angle a of the array of LEDs 132 that is positioned within the hub element 126. In some embodiments, the beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is greater than 180, 210, 240, 270, or 300 degrees. In some embodiments, the beam angle (3 of the hub element 126 is a full 360 degrees.

[0112] In various embodiments of the probes 100, 400, 500, multiple arrays of LEDs 132 may be present. In some embodiments, the arrays may be directed in different directions. For example, in some embodiments, at least two arrays may be directed in opposite directions, such as in diametrically opposite directions along a plane that is orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the probe 100, 400, 500. In some embodiments, more than two arrays may be used, and each may be directed in a different angular orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis. In other or further embodiments, one or more LED arrays may be directed obliquely or non-orthogonally relative to the central longitudinal axis and / or relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more LED arrays may be directed proximally or distally along the central longitudinal axis or along one or more planes that are parallel to the central longitudinal axis.EXAMPLES

[0060] The present paragraph recites illustrative examples of systems, kits, and methods that correspond with various embodiments of the foregoing written description and / or the illustrative drawings.Example 1. A medical instrument (e.g., 100) comprising:a cable (e.g., 104) configured to be coupled with a control unit (e.g., 302);a hub element (e.g., 126) coupled with the cable, the hub element being configured to remain at an exterior of a patient when the medical instrument is in use within the patient, the hub element comprising a display region (e.g., 270) that is formed of ceramic and is configured to permit light to pass therethrough; anda light source (e.g., 130) positioned within and physically spaced from the hub element such that when light emanates from the light source, at least a portion of the light passes directly through at least a portion of the display region of the hub element.Example 2. The medical instrument of Example 1, wherein an entirety of the hub element is formed of ceramic.Example 3. The medical instrument of Example 2, wherein a seamless transition exists between the display region of the hub element and at least a portion of the hub element that is adjacent thereto.Example 4. The medical instrument of Example 2 or Example 3, wherein the display region comprises at least an entire outer surface of the hub element.Example 5. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, further comprising strain-relief member (e.g., 120) coupled to each of the cable and the hub element. Example 6. The medical instrument of Example 5, wherein the strain-relief member is coupled to the hub element at least partially via an alignment core (e.g., 124).Example 7. The medical instrument of Example 6, wherein the hub element comprises an internal connection interface that interacts with the alignment core. Example 8. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, further comprising an alignment core that maintains or assists in maintaining the hub element coupled with the cable.Example 9. The medical instrument of Example 8, wherein the alignment core comprises a plurality of resilient arms (e.g., 236).Example 10. The medical instrument of Example 9, wherein the hub element defines one or more receptacles (e.g., 262) configured to receive therein one or more portions of the resilient arms.Example 11. The medical instrument of Example 9 or Example 10, wherein each of the plurality of resilient arms comprises a catch (e.g., 238) that interacts with the hub element to prevent the hub element from being longitudinally displaced in a distal direction relative to the alignment core.Example 12. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the light source is positioned within the hub element such that when the light emanates from the light source, a further portion of the light is internally reflected by the hub element.Example 13. The medical instrument of Example 12, wherein the further portion of the light passes through the display region of the hub element after being internally reflected by the hub element.Example 14. The medical instrument of Example 13, wherein said being internally reflected comprises being reflected from an internal surface of the hub element.Example 15. The medical instrument of Example 13, wherein said being internally reflected comprises undergoing total internal reflection within a sidewall of the hub element.Example 16. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the display region extends about a full outer periphery of the hub element along a plane that is orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the hub element.Example 17. The medical instrument of Example 16, wherein when the light emanates from the light source, the display region directs light radially outwardly at each point along the full outer periphery of the hub element.Example 18. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element.Example 19. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the display region extends along substantially a full length of the hub element.Example 20. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element along substantially a full length of the hub element.Example 21. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element along a full length of the hub element.Example 22. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the ceramic comprises a glass-mica ceramic.Example 23. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the light source comprises an array of light emitting diodes (e.g., 132).Example 24. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the light source has a beam angle of less than 180 degrees, and wherein the light source isdirected such that a central axis of the beam angle is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hub element.Example 25. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the medical instrument is autoclavable.Example 26. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, wherein the hub element is configured to undergo at least 20 autoclave cycles without any perceptible discoloration.Example 27. The medical instrument of Example 26, wherein the hub element is configured to undergo at least 50 autoclave cycles without any perceptible discoloration.Example 28. The medical instrument of any preceding Example, further comprising an electrode configured for use in radiofrequency neurotomy procedures.

[0061] Any suitable combination of the various features of the various embodiments disclosed herein is contemplated. Moreover, any suitable combination of the various features of the various embodiments disclosed herein and those of the aforementioned U.S. patents and patent application are also contemplated.

[0062] The term “coupled to” can mean connected to in any suitable fashion, whether that coupling is direct or indirect. Separate components may be coupled to each other. Moreover, in some instances, where separately identified components are integrally formed from a unitary piece of material, or stated otherwise, are included together in a monolithic element, those elements may also be said to be coupled to one another.

[0063] Although the foregoing detailed description contains many specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details can be made and are considered to be included herein. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0064] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description. These additional embodiments are determined by replacing the dependency of a given dependent claim with the phrase “any one of claims [x] through the immediately preceding claim,” where the bracketed term “[x]” is replaced with the number of the most recently recited independent claim. For example, for the first claim set that begins with independent claim 1 , claim 3 can depend from either of claims 1 and 2, with these separate dependencies yielding two distinct embodiments; claim 4 can depend from any one of claims 1 , 2, or 3, with these separate dependencies yielding three distinct embodiments; claim 5 can depend from any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, with these separate dependencies yielding four distinct embodiments; and so on.

[0065] Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements specifically recited in means-plus-function format, if any, are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Elements not presented in requisite means-plus-function format are not intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A medical instrument comprising:a cable configured to be coupled with a control unit;a hub element coupled with the cable, the hub element being configured to remain at an exterior of a patient when the medical instrument is in use within the patient, the hub element comprising a display region that is formed of ceramic and is configured to permit light to pass therethrough; anda light source positioned within and physically spaced from the hub element such that when light emanates from the light source, at least a portion of the light passes directly through at least a portion of the display region of the hub element.

2. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein an entirety of the hub element is formed of ceramic.

3. The medical instrument of claim 2, wherein a seamless transition exists between the display region of the hub element and at least a portion of the hub element that is adjacent thereto.

4. The medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the display region comprises at least an entire outer surface of the hub element.

5. The medical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a strain-relief member coupled to each of the cable and the hub element.

6. The medical instrument of claim 5, wherein the strain-relief member is coupled to the hub element at least partially via an alignment core.

7. The medical instrument of claim 6, wherein the hub element comprises an internal connection interface that interacts with the alignment core.

8. The medical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an alignment core that maintains or assists in maintaining the hub element coupled with the cable.

9. The medical instrument of claim 8, wherein the alignment core comprises a plurality of resilient arms.

10. The medical instrument of claim 9, wherein the hub element defines one or more receptacles configured to receive therein one or more portions of the resilient arms.

11. The medical instrument of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of resilient arms comprises a catch that interacts with the hub element to prevent the hubelement from being longitudinally displaced in a distal direction relative to the alignment core.

12. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the light source is positioned within the hub element such that when the light emanates from the light source, a further portion of the light is internally reflected by the hub element.

13. The medical instrument of claim 12, wherein the further portion of the light passes through the display region of the hub element after being internally reflected by the hub element.

14. The medical instrument of claim 13, wherein said being internally reflected comprises being reflected from an internal surface of the hub element.

15. The medical instrument of claim 13, wherein said being internally reflected comprises undergoing total internal reflection within a sidewall of the hub element.

16. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the display region extends about a full outer periphery of the hub element along a plane that is orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the hub element.

17. The medical instrument of claim 16, wherein when the light emanates from the light source, the display region directs light radially outwardly at each point along the full outer periphery of the hub element.

18. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element.

19. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the display region extends along substantially a full length of the hub element.

20. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element along substantially a full length of the hub element.

21. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the display region extends about a full circumference of the hub element along a full length of the hub element.

22. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the ceramic comprises a glassmica ceramic.

23. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an array of light emitting diodes.

24. The medical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the light source has a beam angle of less than 180 degrees, and wherein the light source is directed such that a centralaxis of the beam angle is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hub element.

25. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical instrument is autoclavable.

26. The medical instrument of claim 25, wherein the hub element is configured to undergo at least 20 autoclave cycles without any perceptible discoloration.

27. The medical instrument of claim 25, wherein the hub element is configured to undergo at least 50 autoclave cycles without any perceptible discoloration.

28. The medical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an electrode configured for use in radiofrequency neurotomy procedures.

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