WO2025251076A1 - Electrical connections for surgical tools having exchangeable tool tips - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical tool for performing electrosurgical laparoscopic procedures in a patient's body cavity includes a surgical tool handle and a surgical tool shaft having a proximal end rotatably attached to the surgical tool handle. A distal end of the surgical tool shaft detachably attaches to a surgical tool tip, and electrical current is delivered to the surgical tool tip from a first external electrical connector on the surgical tool handle. Current flows from the handle through a rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and then through surgical tool shaft to an end effector on surgical the tool tip.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR SURGICAL TOOLS HAVING EXCHANGEABLE TOOL TIPS

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/654,842, entitled “ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR SURGICAL TOOLS HAVING EXCHANGEABLE TOOL TIPS,” and filed on May 31, 2024, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0003] The disclosed technology relates generally to medical devices and methods. More particularly, disclosed technology relates to surgical tool systems for endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures where a single tool shaft can be used with multiple surgical tool tips.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Laparoscope and other endoscopic surgical procedures are widely used and have replaced many open surgical procedures. Laparoscopic procedures are performed within body cavities, such as the abdomen or thorax, and rely on introducing a shaft through a small incision, trocar or other access point through tissue which provide access into the cavity. In laparoscopic procedures, the shaft manipulates a tool or end effector to perform a surgical protocol while viewing the surgical field within the cavity using a camera. One drawback in performing laparoscopic and other endoscopic procedures is the need to frequently exchange tools through a limited number of access points.

[0005] It has been proposed to increase the efficiency of laparoscopic and other endoscopic procedures by introducing a plurality of surgical tool tips into the surgical field, such as an insufflated abdomen or thorax, and subsequently exchanging tools on a single or limited number of tool shafts, thus avoiding the need to remove and exchange complete tools through the access points. Such surgical tools exchange systems and procedures are described, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0150871 and 2015/0216515, and PCT Publication WO/2023/133519, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 2015/0216515 discloses mechanical and electrical interfaces for connecting interchangeable tool tips to a common shaft and handle assembly. [0006] Background Art. U.S. Patent Publications 2013/0150871, 2015/0216515, and PCT Publication WO/2023/133519 have been described above. See also U.S. Patent Nos.

5,925,002; 6,309,397; and 7,492,116; as well as U.S. Publication Nos. 2003/0114731; U.S. 2005/0043718; U.S. 2005/0209607; U.S. 2006/0041273; U.S. 2007/0198000; U.S.

2008/0108871; U.S. 2008/0147096; US. 2008/0167672; U.S.2008/0275480; U.S 2009/0005638; and U.S. 2013/0066304.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In a first aspect, the disclosed technology provides a surgical tool comprising a surgical tool handle and a surgical tool shaft. A proximal end of the surgical tool shaft is rotatably attached to the surgical tool handle, and a distal end of the surgical tool shaft is configured to detachably attach to a surgical tool tip. Electrical current is delivered to the surgical tool tip from a first external electrical connector on the surgical tool handle and through a first rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft, and the surgical tool shaft is configured to deliver electrical current to the surgical shaft. A first electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft is configured to engage the surgical tool tip when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

[0008] In specific instances, the first rotatable electrical interface comprises a slip ring and a sliding contact. Typically, the slip ring is mounted on the surgical tool shaft and the sliding contact is mounted on the surgical tool handle, but other arrangements are possible. [0009] In other instances, the first rotatable electrical interface may comprise an inner cam tube and a sliding contact, optionally further comprising a rotary detent that engages a ball plunger electrically coupled to the first external electrical connector to provide indexed rotational positioning of the shaft relative to the handle.

[0010] For bipolar procedures, a second external electrical connector may be provided on the surgical tool handle, and a second rotatable electrical interface may be disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft. The second rotatable electrical interface may be configured to deliver electrical current from the second external electrical connector to a separate electrical pathway in the surgical shaft (electrically isolated from the first), and a second electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft may be configured to engage the surgical tool tip when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft. For bipolar operation, each of the second external electrical connector, the second rotatable electrical interface, and the second electrical contact is electrically insulated from each of the first external electrical connector, the first rotatable electrical interface, and the first electrical contact so that the first and second electrical contacts can be electrically connected to a bipolar surgical tool tip.

[0011] In a second aspect, the disclosed technology provides a surgical tool system comprising a surgical tool, as above, in combination with a plurality of surgical tool tips. Each surgical tool tip includes at least a first electrical terminal configured to engage the first electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

[0012] For bipolar procedures, the surgical tool tips of the surgical tool systems may each include at least a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal. The first and second electrical terminals are each configured to engage the first and second electrical contacts on the distal end of surgical tool shaft when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

[0013] In specific instances of the surgical tool systems, at least some of the surgical tool tips are configured to perform electrosurgery.

[0014] In specific instances of the surgical tool systems, at least some of the surgical tool tips are configured to perform electrocautery procedures.

[0015] In specific instances of the surgical tool systems, at least some of the surgical tool tips comprise opposed jaws. For example, at least some of the surgical tool tips may comprise opposed jaws in electrical contact and configured to perform monopolar procedures. Alternatively, at least some of the surgical tool tips may comprise electrically isolated opposed jaws configured to perform bipolar procedures.

[0016] In a third aspect, the disclosed technology provides surgical tool tips configured for detachable connection to a distal end of a surgical tool shaft having at least one electrical contact. The surgical tool tips may comprise a tool tip body having an attachment end and an effector end. At least a first electrical terminal on the attachment end is typically configured to engage the at least one electrical contact on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft when said attachment end is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft, and at least a portion of the tool tip body is typically electrically conductive and forms an electrically conductive pathway from the first electrical terminal to the effector end of the tool tip body. While referred to as “attachment” and “effector” ends, respectively, in some instances, either or both of the ends may have characteristics which allow both attachment and performing a surgical function. This, for a particular tool tip, it is possible that one end or both ends could allow for both attachment and performing a surgical function., depending on which end is actually attached.

[0017] For bipolar procedures, surgical tool tip will further include a second electrical terminal on the attachment end where electrical terminal is configured to engage the at least a second electrical contact on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft when said attachment end is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft and where the tool tip body comprises a first electrically conductive pathway from the first electrical terminal to a first polarity region on the effector end of the tool tip body and a second electrically conductive pathway from the second electrical terminal to a second polarity region on the effector end of the tool tip body. [0018] In specific instances, the surgical tool tip may comprise a pair of jaws, where the jaws are electrically isolated and a first jaw comprises the first polarity region and a second jaw comprises the second polarity region.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the disclosed technology provides a method for performing a laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure in a patient’s body cavity. A surgical tool comprising a handle and a shaft is provided, and a plurality of surgical tool tips as previously described is positioned in the patient’s body cavity, and a distal end of a surgical tool shaft into the patient’s body cavity. An external power source is connected to an external connector on the handle of the surgical tool, and a distal end of the surgical tool shaft is connected to the attachment end of the tool tip body to electrically couple a first electrical terminal on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft with an electrical terminal on the attachment end of the tool tip body. The surgical tool handle is manipulated to engage the end effector end of the surgical tool tip against target tissue, and the external power source is energized to deliver electrical current to the end effector though an electrically conductive pathway comprising a first rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft and an electrically conductive inner and/or outer portion of the surgical tool shaft. [0020] In specific instances, the electrical pathway delivers current from a single pole of the external power source to perform a monopolar laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure. [0021] In other instances, the electrical pathway delivers current from two poles of the external power source through two electrical pathways of the surgical tool to perform a bipolar laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure.

[0022] In specific instances, the effector end comprises a pair of jaws and the electrical current is delivered to tissue clamped between the jaws.

[0023] All of the methods and apparatuses described herein, in any combination, are herein contemplated and can be used to achieve the benefits as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the methods and apparatuses described herein will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical tool having a shaft and a handle incorporating the disclosed technology.

[0026] FIG. 1 A is a detailed view of a distal end of the shaft of the surgical tool taken along line lA-lA ofFIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a section of the surgical tool of FIG. 1 with portions broken away to show a rotatable electrical interface which electrically connects an electrical connector on the handle with an electrical contact on a distal end of the shaft.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a detailed, isolated view of the rotatable electrical interface of FIG. 2 configured for monopolar current delivery.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a detailed, isolated view of a rotatable electrical interface of configured for bipolar current delivery.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a surgical tool tip adapted to be interchangeably attached to the distal end of the shaft of the surgical tool of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a detailed, isolated view of an alternative rotatable electrical interface configured for monopolar current delivery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, a surgical tool 10 constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology comprises a handle 12 and a shaft 14. The shaft 14 has a distal end 20 and a proximal end 22and comprises a drive shaft 30 and an outer shaft 32. The handle comprises a shell 36, a fixed grip 38, a thumb lever 40, a mode selector 42, a ratchet assembly 44, and a rotatable hub 46. The proximal end 22 of the shaft 14 is attached to the rotatable hub 46 to allow a user to selectively rotate an attached tool tip 100 (FIG. 5) relative to the handle 12 while performing a procedure. As seen in FIG. 1 A, the distal end 20 of the drive shaft 30 comprises a split nose cone 50 that allows a cam lobe 52 to emerge as the drive shaft is manually advanced by closing the fixed grip 38 and the thumb lever 40.

Advancement of the cam lobe 52, in turn, actuates the tool tip, e.g., opens and closes a pair of gripper jaws 120 and 122, as shown in FIG. 5. As described thus far, construction of the handle 12 and shaft 14 is described in commonly owned PCT Publication WO2023/133519, the full disclosure of which has been previously incorporated by reference. [0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the surgical tool 10 of the disclosed technology includes at least one external electrical connector 60 on the shell 36, preferably located on the top to avoid interference with the mode selector 42, grips 38 and 40, and other controls on the sides and bottom of the shell. The external electrical connector 60 may be a common “banana” connector as illustrated or any other connector configured for connection to a “monopolar” electrosurgical power supply (not shown). Monopolar power supplies will typically have one pole configured to be connected to an electrode structure of an interventional device, such as jaws 120 and 122 as described hereinafter, and a second pole configured to be connected to a dispersive electrode or “pad” (not shown) which is placed on the patient’s back to complete a circuit.

[0034] The external electrical connector 60 delivers electrical current to the distal end 20 of the shaft 14 of the surgical tool 10 as will now be described. A wire 63 or other electrical conductor connects the external connector 60 to a stationary contact 64 located within the handle shell 36, as shown in FIG. 2. The stationary contact 64 is disposed to engage a rotary connector, such as slip ring or other rotary connector 62, to allow connection to the rotatable shaft 14. Usually, the stationary connector 64 will be a spring-loaded connector, such as a “pogo pin.” The rotary connector 62 may be mounted on a proximal end of the hub 46, as illustrated, or could be mounted further within the hub or elsewhere in the shaft assembly. In all cases, however, the rotary connector 62 will rotate together with the shaft 14 as the shaft is being rotated relative to the handle 12. While the shaft 14 and rotary connector 62 are rotated, the stationary connector 64 will maintain a spring-loaded contact with the rotary connector at all times.

[0035] As best seen in FIG. 3, a conductive extension 66 connects the rotary connector 62 to the outer tube 32 of shaft 14 with a fixed or other contact 68 that engages or is coupled to the outer tube. The outer tube 32 of shaft 14 will be at least partly electrically conductive, typically being metal tubing with an external insulating layer formed over any portions which might come in unintentional contact with other portions of the handle and shaft. The outer tube 32 thus provides an electrically conductive path to the distal end of the shaft 14 where it can be connected to a detachable tool tip 100, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0036] As described thus far, the surgical tool 10 has been configured for connection to a monopolar electrosurgical power supply. In many instances, however, it will be desired to connect a bipolar electrosurgical surgical power supply to a surgical tool. Referring now to FIG. 4, bipolar power may be delivered a surgical tool of the disclosed technology by providing a second external connector 70, preferably being aligned with the first electrical connector 60, shown in FIG. 4. A second slip ring or other rotary connector 72 may be connected to the external connector 70 by a second wire 73 and second stationary contact 74. The second rotary connector 72 preferably comprises a second slip ring having a second conductive extension 76 which delivers current to the drive shaft 30 using a second contact 78 as the drive shaft 30 will be rotating to engage the jaws 120 and 122 (FIG. 5). The drive shaft 30 will be insulated from the outer tube 32 at all points where they could come in contact, including but not limited to the internal passage of the outer tube. This way, positive and negative current paths may be brought from the external connectors 60 and 70, respectively, to a distal end of the shaft 14 where the bipolar current is available to a connected tool tip.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, surgical tool tip 100 is configured to be detachably attached to the distal end 20 of the shaft 14 of the surgical tool 10. Physical attachment, without electrical conduction, may be accomplished as generally described in commonly owned PCT Publication WO2023/133519, the full disclosure of which has been previously incorporated by reference. For monopolar connection, the cam lobe 52 of the drive shaft 30 can electrically couple with mechanical link 110 which opens and closes jaws 120 and 122. The current can flow to either or both jaws 120 and 122 depending on how the components are or are not electrically insulated.

[0038] Bipolar connection is established by delivering a first polarity of the current to a first jaw 120 and a second polarity of the current to a second jaw 122. The first current polarity can be delivered through of the drive shaft 30 to the first jaw by insulating the link 110 and second jaw 122 from the first current polarity flow path. The second polarity current can then be delivered form the outer tube 32 via a pick-up connector 114 which engages an exterior of the outer tube when the distal end 20 of the shaft 14 is locked into the surgical tool tip 100, as shown in FIG. 5. Further connection to the second jaw 122 can be established by properly insulating components of the tool tip 100 and/or by providing separate, insulated wiring to effect connection.

[0039] As an alternative to the wire conductor 63 illustrated above, current may be passed from the external electrical connector 60 to the nose cone 50/cam lobe 52 assembly using a sliding electrical contact provided by an inner cam tube assembly as shown in FIG. 6. An external electrical connector 160 is connected to a ball plunger 164 which contacts a rotary detent 162 fixed to an inner cam tube 166. A toothed washer 168 is fixed to an inner wall of the inner cam tube 166 by outer teeth or extensions 168a and is electrically coupled to the drive shaft 130 by inner teeth or extensions 168b. The inner teeth or extensions 168b will slide over the outer surface of the drive shaft 130 as it is rotated and translated during use while maintaining electrical contact to pass current to the drive shaft. The inner cam tube 166 is mounted within the handle 12 using a rotatable hub 46 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the outer bearing surface of the rotary detent 162. In use, the drive shaft will rotate and translate within the inner cam tube 166 following the cam profiles along the inner cam tube.

[0040] While preferred embodiments of the disclosed technology have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosed. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be employed. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosed technology and that methods and structures within this scope and their equivalents be covered by the claims herein.

[0041] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and may be used to achieve the benefits described herein.

[0042] The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0043] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature. [0044] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as "/".

[0045] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0046] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0047] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatuses including device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0048] In general, any of the apparatuses and methods described herein should be understood to be inclusive, but all or a sub-set of the components and/or steps may alternatively be exclusive, and may be expressed as “consisting of’ or alternatively “consisting essentially of’ the various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps. [0049] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the value " 10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that "less than or equal to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value" and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value "X" is disclosed the "less than or equal to X" as well as "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0050] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth in the claims. [0051] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0052] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0053]

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A surgical tool comprising: a surgical tool handle; a surgical tool shaft having a proximal end attached to the surgical tool handle and a distal end configured to detachably attach to a surgical tool tip; a first external electrical connector on the surgical tool handle; a first rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft and configured to deliver electrical current from the external electrical connector to the surgical shaft; and a first electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft, said first electrical contact configured to engage the surgical tool tip when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

2. The surgical tool as in claim 1, wherein the surgical tool shaft is rotatably attached to the surgical tool handle.

3. The surgical tool as in claim 1, wherein the first rotatable electrical interface comprises a slip ring and a sliding contact.

4. The surgical tool as in claim 3, wherein the slip ring is mounted on the surgical tool shaft and the sliding contact is mounted on the surgical tool handle.

5. The surgical tool as in claim 1, wherein the first rotatable electrical interface comprises a cam tube and a sliding contact.

6. The surgical tool as in claim 5, wherein the first rotatable electrical interface further comprises a rotary detent that engages a ball plunger electrically coupled to the first external electrical connector.

7. The surgical tool as in claim 1 to 6, further comprising: a second external electrical connector on the surgical tool handle; a second rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft and configured to deliver electrical current from the external electrical connector to the surgical shaft; and a second electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft, said second electrical contact configured to engage the surgical tool tip when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft. wherein each of the second external electrical connector, the second rotatable electrical interface, and the second electrical contact is electrically insulated from each of the first external electrical connector, the first rotatable electrical interface, and the first electrical contact so that the first and second electrical contacts can be electrically connected to a bipolar surgical tool tip.

8. A surgical tool system comprising: a surgical tool as in claim 1 to 6; and a plurality of surgical tool tips, wherein each surgical tool tip includes at least a first electrical terminal configured to engage the first electrical contact on the distal end of surgical tool shaft when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

9. A surgical tool system comprising: a surgical tool as in claim 1 to 6; and a plurality of surgical tool tips, wherein each surgical tool tip includes at least a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, wherein said first and second electrical terminals are each configured to engage the first and second electrical contacts on the distal end of surgical tool shaft when said surgical tool tip is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft.

10. The surgical tool system as in claim 8 or 9, wherein at least some of the surgical tool tips are configured to perform electrosurgery.

11. The surgical tool system as in claim 8 to 10, wherein at least some of the surgical tool tips are configured to perform electrocautery procedures.

12. The surgical tool system as in claim 8 to 11 wherein at least some of the surgical tool tips comprise opposed jaws.

13. The surgical tool system as in claim 10 or 11, wherein at least some of the surgical tool tips comprise opposed jaws in electrical contact and configured to perform monopolar procedures.

14. The surgical tool system as in claim 10 or 11, wherein at least some of the surgical tool tips comprise electrically isolated opposed jaws configured to perform bipolar procedures.

15. A surgical tool tip configured for detachable connection to a distal end of a surgical tool shaft having at least one electrical contact, said surgical tool tip comprising: a tool tip body having an attachment end and an effector end; and at least a first electrical terminal on the attachment end, which first electrical terminal is configured to engage the at least one electrical on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft when said attachment end is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft; wherein at least a portion of the tool tip body is electrically conductive and forms an electrically conductive pathway from the first electrical terminal to the effector end of the tool tip body.

16. The surgical tool tip as in claim 15, further comprising: a second electrical terminal on the attachment end, which electrical terminal is configured to engage the at least a second electrical contact on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft when said attachment end is attached to the distal end of the surgical tool shaft; wherein the tool tip body comprises a first electrically conductive pathway from the first electrical terminal to a first polarity region on the effector end of the tool tip body and a second electrically conductive pathway from the second electrical terminal to a second polarity region on the effector end of the tool tip body.

17. The surgical tool tip as in claim 16, wherein the end effector comprises a pair of jaws, wherein the jaws are electrically isolated and a first jaw comprises the first polarity region and a second jaw comprises the second polarity region.

18. A method for performing a laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure in a patient’s body cavity, said method comprising: providing a surgical tool comprising a handle and a shaft; positioning a plurality of surgical tool tips as in any one of claims 12 to 14 in the patient’s body cavity; percutaneously introducing a distal end of a surgical tool shaft into the patient’s body cavity; connecting an external power source to an external connector on the handle of the surgical tool; connecting a distal end of the surgical tool shaft to the attachment end of the tool tip body to electrically couple a first electrical contact on the distal end of the surgical tool shaft with an electrical terminal on the attachment end of the tool tip body; manipulating the surgical tool handle to engage the end effector end of the surgical tool tip against target tissue; and energizing the external power source to deliver electrical current to the end effector though an electrically conductive pathway comprising a first rotatable electrical interface disposed between the surgical tool handle and the surgical tool shaft and an electrically conductive inner and/or outer portion of the surgical tool shaft.

19. The method as in claim 18, wherein the electrical pathway delivers current from a single pole of the external power source to perform a monopolar laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure.

20. The method as in claim 18, wherein the electrical pathway delivers current from two poles of the external power source through two electrical pathways of the surgical tool to perform a bipolar laparoscopic electrosurgical procedure.

21. The method as in claim 18 to 20, wherein the effector end comprises a pair of jaws and the electrical current is delivered to tissue clamped between the jaws.