Multi-function surgical device control system
US5712460A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2300/014
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-function control system to control a variety of operations associated with a powered surgical device such as an arthroscopic surgical shaver. The system has an ergonomically designed foot switch which has a plurality of discrete force sensitive transducers arranged in an arcuate pattern. The transducers have no moving parts and have a force sensitive element which produces a variable output which is a function of the force applied by a user. The foot switch is used in conjunction with a control console which enables a user to adjust the force sensitivity threshold of the transducers. The foot switch additionally has physically discrete and tactilely sensible areas enabling a user to activate selected functions with a minimal amount of foot movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.