GB2365775A

GB2365775A - Waveguide output for a torsionally vibratable ultrasonic cutting/coagulating tool having a proximally facing hook shaped or re-entrant cutting edge

Info

Publication number: GB2365775A
Application number: GB0111405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Radley Young; Stephen Michael Radley Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-21
Filing date: 2000-04-20
Publication date: 2002-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-20
Also published as: GB0216137D0; GB2374290A; GB2374290B; GB0111405D0; GB2365775B

Abstract

A waveguide output for a torsionally vibratable ultrasonic cutting/coagulating tool comprises at least one substantially planar member having a proximally facing hook shaped or re-entrant cutting edge. In an embodiment, the waveguide output may have two such edges, one diametrically opposed to the other (figure 2). The planar member can slide between the sheets of tissue. The hooked or re-entrant shape of the cutting edge allows the tool to collect individual vessels. As the rearward facing edge of the hooked blade is pulled proximally, the vessel is cauterised and cut by virtue of the torsional energy supplied to the blade.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> IMPROVED WAVEGUIDE OUTPUT CONFIGURATIONS The present invention relates to improved waveguide output configurations for torsionally vibratable ultrasonic cutting and coagulating tools.

Such tools are known from British Patent number 2333709B and from our co-pending International Patent Application number PCT/GB99/00162.

The above identified patent and application describe a surgical tool comprising means to generate ultrasonic torsional mode vibrations, a waveguide operatively connected at a proximal end to said generating means and extending a distance therefrom of n),T/2 (where 4 is the wavelength of ultrasonic vibration in the material of the waveguide) to a distal end provided with cutting and/or coagulating means. A number of configurations of the waveguide output or of a jaw which cooperates therewith are discussed.

It has now been found that further improvements in the tools described may be made by choosing novel appropriately shaped waveguide outputs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such improved configurations for waveguide outputs.

According to the present invention there is provided a waveguide output for an ultrasonically vibratable cutting/coagulating tool which comprises at least one substantially planar member having a proximally facing hook shaped or re-entrant cutting edge.

There may be two such edges, one diametrically opposed to the other.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a hook-type output; Figure 2 is a plan view of a hook-type output as shown in Figure 2, in which the output has a double hook blade; and Figure 3 is a plan view of a hook-type output with a single hook blade.

Referring now to the drawings there are shown various alternative configurations of torsional waveguide output.

Torsional mode vibration provides concentric motion about the axis of the waveguide and a vibrating blade. Sections of the blade non-parallel with the motion provide vibrating faces capable of imparting energy directly into tissue brought to bear on such a face rather than cause friction as in conventional, parallel motion devices. The face may be normal to the

motion or at an intermediate angle thereto, i.e. any angle between 1 - l79 , although 60 - 120 is preferred, and 90 may be most advantageous.

The speed and ease of cutting and/or blood coagulation will depend on the mode and amplitude of the vibration and the geometry of the blades, designed to utilise the torsional mode of the vibrating blade.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a "hook-type" output. Such an output is substantially planar and is adapted to slide between the sheets of tissue and collect individual vessels between. The hooked or re-entrant shape of the cutting edge allows the tool to collect individual vessels, and coagulate and cut them as the head is moved outwardly. No jaw is needed to cooperate with such an output.

Figures 2 and 3 show plan views of two variants of the hook-shaped output of Figure 1. That shown in Figure 2 has two diametrically opposed hook blades, while that shown in Figure 3 has a single hook blade. As may be seen from Figure 3, a vessel is caught by the rearward facing edge of the hooked blade and as it is pulled proximally, the vessel is cauterised and cut by virtue of the torsional energy supplied to the blade.

As stated above, the waveguide output systems described herein are ideally adapted for use with torsionally vibratable ultrasonic haemostatic cutting tools as described in more detail in our co-pending applications.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A waveguide output for a torsionally vibratable ultrasonic cutting/coagulating tool which comprises at least one substantially planar member having a proximally facing hook shaped or re-entrant cutting edge.
2. A waveguide output as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are provided two such edges, one diametrically opposed to the other.
3. A waveguide output for a torsionally vibratable ultrasonic cutting/coagulating tool substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.