Minimally invasive irrigator/aspirator surgical probe and method of using same

US5554112A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Birtcher Medical Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Harold J. Walbrink · Laguna Niguel, US
• Roger F. Etherington · Newport Beach, US
• Charles E. Beuchat · Irvine, US
• Vincent Burgess · Ellesmere Port, GB
• Kent D. Richards · Lompoc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 8, 1994
• Grant date: Sep 10, 1996
• Expiry date: Jul 8, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S604/902
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.