Patent Application
20240008876
This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to surgical systems and methods for preparing an anatomic site for surgery. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present application relates to systems and methods for delivering surgical material, such as hemostat material, to a surgical site to inhibit or stop bleeding.
Many surgical procedures involve the treatment or removal of target tissue, e.g., diseased, potentially diseased or otherwise unwanted tissue, located inside of a patient. As such, some of these procedures require access to the internal anatomy of the patient via an open procedure or through a smaller opening in minimally invasive (e.g., laparoscopic) procedures. In some endoscopy cases, the patient anatomy is accessed through the mouth or anus, as well as any natural orifice as can be used in urology, gynecology, ear-nose-throat (ENT) procedures, without producing an opening or incision in the patient to reach an internal cavity or duct within the patient, such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These endoscopy procedures can be referred to as endolumenal procedures because the procedures take place inside a tube, duct or hollow organ in the body. Some endolumenal procedures involve the removal of tissue from a tissue wall forming the duct or cavity. As such, it can be desirable in these and other applications to administer a hemostat material, such as a powdered or liquid clotting agent, to limit or stop bleeding to facilitate performance of the procedure and healing of the patient.
The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that problems to be solved with hemostat delivery devices include the difficulty in providing simple to use systems that provide a user-friendly experience. For example, some hemostat materials comprise liquids that are delivered with difficult-to-use, manually operated syringes. Some hemostat powder delivery systems operate with a pump that is located at the hospital or facility at which the procedure is performed. However, such pumps require a large initial expenditure by the procedure provider. Some hemostat delivery systems operate using pressurized air or CO2 provided by the facility. However, the pressures at which these gases operate can fluctuate based on building conditions, such as how much of the gas other functions of the facility are using at the time of the procedure. Additionally, other handheld hemostat powder delivery devices utilize compressed gas cartridges that provide pressurized gas over a wide range of pressures. For example, the cartridge can provide an initially high pressure that gradually tapers off as propellant in the cartridge diminishes. The initially high pressure can often be too high, resulting in excessive spray of the hemostat powder onto areas where it is not intended to reach, such as anatomy away from the bleeding or a scope being used in the procedure, thereby potentially obstructing lenses and lumens of the scope. Additionally, the present inventors have recognized that even with the use of a pressure limiting valve, the performance of the compressed gas canister still diminishes over time and provides an inconsistent user experience.
In summary, two major issues persist with the use of pressurized gas cartridges for delivery of clotting agents, such as hemostat powder: 1) The initial pressure can be too high causing powder to fill the lumen of the anatomy and loss of visibility due to powder being dispersed in the air and obstructing lenses (which physician refers to as a “white-out”); and 2) the powder can attach itself to places that it is not intended to attach such as the endoscope or areas of the bowel that do not need to be treated. The present inventors have recognized that, as the pressure in the propellant cartridge reduces, the physician can have better control and can direct the hemostat to the appropriate area, but the continuously decreasing pressure can affect a consistent user experience. Thus, the present inventors have recognized that it is desirable for a hemostat delivery device to provide a consistent pressure over a period of time to allow for delivery at an appropriate level in a predictable manner. Furthermore, the present inventors have recognized that it is desirable to be able to control the trajectory of hemostat material to better apply the material to a desired treatment area without undesirably covering other areas.
The present subject matter can provide solutions to these problems and other problems, such as by providing surgical substance or surgical material delivery devices and systems, such as hemostat material delivery devices and systems, that provide a cost-effective, user-friendly experience. In examples, the surgical substance can comprise hemostat material, such as hemostat powder or hemostat liquid or fluid. In additional examples, the surgical substance can comprise collagen, medicants, therapeutic substances, dyes or coloring agents, adhesives, and other substances that can be used for therapeutics, diagnostics and other applications. In particular, the present subject matter can provide a hemostat delivery system that can deliver hemostat material, such as a powder, via an electrostatic guide system that can guide hemostat material to a target anatomic site, which thereby eliminates or reduces the “white-out” effect and reduces instances of the powder attaching to unintended or undesirable locations including other anatomic areas and the hemostat delivery system. The delivery system can apply a charge to hemostat material emitted from a delivery instrument, such as a catheter, to thereby draw the charged hemostat material to an oppositely charged or neutral target anatomy site. The hemostat material can thus be delivered at pressures below where white out conditions occur and at a level, e.g., volume, so that the hemostat material can be delivered in a consistent manner over a prolonged period of time where the user intends the material to be delivered. Furthermore, the electrically-charged hemostat material can be directionally oriented or aimed such that only a desired target area receives hemostat material rather than an entire anatomic area. Directionally orienting surgical material can reduce the amount of surgical material that is undesirably used and can reduce the time it takes to apply surgical material to the desired location, thereby saving costs associated with performing a procedure.
In an example, a surgical material delivery system can comprise an elongate insertion shaft comprising a passageway extending at least partially through the elongate insertion shaft and a discharge opening fluidly connected to the passageway, a first electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to surgical material flowing through the passageway, and a second electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to tissue in contact with the second electrode.
In another example, a method for delivering a surgical material to an internal lumen of a patient can comprise inserting a delivery device into an anatomic area, coupling a surgical material delivery system to the delivery device, the surgical material delivery system having a reservoir of a surgical material, positioning an anatomic electrode relative to the anatomic area, applying a first charge to the anatomic electrode, dispensing surgical material from the delivery device, applying a second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device, the second charge opposite the first charge, and delivering charged surgical material to the anatomic area proximate the anatomic electrode via a directional-oriented electrostatic field.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
Hemostat material delivery system 200 can be configured to deliver a hemostat material, such as a clotting agent, to patient 206 via catheter 214. As discussed with reference to
Generator 216 can generate an electric field between leads 218A and 218B. Generator 216 can comprise a generator used to perform other surgical functions, such as providing energy for ablation or cauterization. In examples, generator 216 can comprise an electrosurgical unit (ESU) monopolar generator, such as an ESG-400 commercially available from Olympus Surgical Technologies.
Catheter 214 can be inserted directly into patient 206 in an open procedure or inserted into patient 206 using an endoscope in a minimally invasive procedure. Catheter 214 can be connected to a device for propelling or pushing hemostat material through catheter 214, such as a pump, including motive device 124 of
Imaging and control system 12 can comprise control unit 16, output unit 18, input unit 20, light source unit 22, fluid source 24 and suction pump 26. Imaging and control system 12 can additionally include hemostat material delivery system 200 and electrostatic guide system 202 of
Imaging and control system 12 can include various ports for coupling with endoscopy system 10. For example, control unit 16 can include a data input/output port for receiving data from and communicating data to endoscope 14. Light source unit 22 can include an output port for transmitting light to endoscope 14, such as via a fiber optic link. Fluid source 24 can include a port for transmitting fluid to endoscope 14. Fluid source 24 can comprise a pump and a tank of fluid or can be connected to an external tank, vessel or storage unit. Suction pump 26 can comprise a port used to draw a vacuum from endoscope 14 to generate suction, such as for withdrawing fluid from the anatomical region into which endoscope 14 is inserted. Output unit 18 and input unit 20 can be used by an operator of endoscopy system 10 to control functions of endoscopy system 10 and view output of endoscope 14. Control unit 16 can additionally be used to generate signals or other outputs from treating the anatomical region into which endoscope 14 is inserted. In examples, control unit 16 can generate electrical output, acoustic output, a fluid output and the like for treating the anatomical region with, for example, cauterizing, cutting, freezing and the like. Additionally, control unit 16 can be couplable to leads 218A and 218B of
Endoscope 14 can comprise insertion section 28, functional section 30 and handle section 32, which can be coupled to cable section 34 and coupler section 36. Coupler section 36 can be connected to control unit 16 to connect to endoscope 14 to multiple features of control unit 16, such as input unit 20, light source unit 22, fluid source 24 and suction pump 26. Insertion section 28 can extend distally from handle section 32 and cable section 34 can extend proximally from handle section 32. Insertion section 28 can be elongate and include a bending section, and a distal end to which functional section 30 can be attached. The bending section can be controllable (e.g., by pull wires connected to control knob 38 on handle section 32) to maneuver the distal end through tortuous anatomical passageways (e.g., stomach, duodenum, kidney, ureter, colon, etc.). Knob 38 and such pull wires can additionally be used to aim hemostat material using the hemostat delivery systems and hemostat guide systems described herein, such as by bending the shaft of hemostat delivery devices to aim the trajectory of the hemostat material. Insertion section 28 can also include one or more working channels (e.g., an internal lumen) that can be elongate and support insertion of one or more therapeutic tools of functional section 30, such medical instrument 106 of
Handle section 32 can comprise knob 38 as well as port 40A. Knob 38 can be coupled to a pull wire, or other actuation mechanisms, extending through insertion section 28. Port 40A, as well as other ports, such as port 40B (
Imaging and control system 12, according to examples, can be provided on a mobile platform (e.g., cart 41) with shelves for housing light source unit 22, suction pump 26, image processing unit 42 (
Functional section 30 can comprise components for treating and diagnosing anatomy of a patient. Functional section 30 can comprise an imaging device, an illumination device and an elevator. Functional section 30 can comprise imaging and illuminating components configured for end-viewing, e.g., viewing distally or axially beyond of functional section 30, such as is described further with reference to camera module 70 of
Image processing unit 42 and light source unit 22 can each interface with endoscope 14 (e.g., at functional section 30) by wired or wireless electrical connections. Imaging and control system 12 can accordingly illuminate an anatomical region, collect signals representing the anatomical region, process signals representing the anatomical region, and display images representing the anatomical region on output unit 18, which can comprise a cathode ray tube, an LCD display, an LED display and other graphical user interfaces. Imaging and control system 12 can include light source unit 22 to illuminate the anatomical region using light of desired spectrum (e.g., broadband white light, narrow-band imaging using preferred electromagnetic wavelengths, and the like). Imaging and control system 12 can connect (e.g., via an endoscope connector) to endoscope 14 for signal transmission (e.g., light output from light source, video signals from imaging system in the distal end, diagnostic and sensor signals from a diagnostic device, and the like).
Fluid source 24 (
Treatment generator 44 can be configured to generate energy for the performance of medical procedures and hemostat material guide systems. For example, treatment generator 44 can generate acoustic or electrical generator for ablating or cauterizing tissue. Treatment generator 44 can be configured to generate alternating current or direct current power for charging leads 218A and 218B (
In the example of
As can be seen in
Endoscope camera module 70 can also include a photosensitive element, such as a charge-coupled device (“CCD” sensor) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) sensor. In either example, imaging unit 87 can be coupled (e.g., via wired or wireless connections) to image processing unit 42 (
As described herein, working channel 74 can be used to deliver medical instrument 106 to target tissue. Working channel 74 can additionally be used to deliver retractable anatomy electrode 302 of
In examples, hemostat instrument 108 can comprise catheter 214 of
Medical instrument 106 can be inserted into working channel 110 to obtain tissue from the patient. Thus, medical instrument 106 can cause bleeding of target tissue T. Hemostat instrument 108 can be inserted into hemostat channel 112 to deliver a hemostat material to target tissue T. Hemostat instrument 108 can be used to stop bleeding in target tissue T caused by medical instrument 106 or from other causes. Pad 148 can be positioned proximate target tissue T and can be located outside of anatomic duct D. Pad 148 can comprise pad 220A or pad 220B of
Objective lens 114 can be configured similarly as objective lens 80 of
Elongate shaft 122 of endoscope 104 can additionally be provided with steering capabilities as is described with reference to endoscope 14. For example, elongate shaft 122 can include pull wires that can be coupled to an actuation device to impart curvature to elongate shaft 122, thereby allowing endoscope 104 to aim the trajectory of hemostat material emanating from hemostat instrument 108.
Working channel 110 and hemostat channel 112 can be configured to receive a working tool, such as medical instrument 106, and a hemostat delivery system, such as hemostat instrument 108, respectively. Working channel 110 and hemostat channel 112 can extend from distal end face 120 to a proximal portion of elongate shaft 122. For examples, proximal ends of working channel 110 and hemostat channel 112 can each be coupled to a port, such as ports similar to port 40A of
Medical instrument 106 can comprise a tissue retrieval device such as a forceps or any other device suitable for separating, retrieving or collecting sample biological matter. Medical instrument 106 can comprise shaft 130 and tissue separators 132. Shaft 130 of medical instrument 106 can comprise a pliable body that can allow tissue separator 132 to be angled out of elongate shaft 122. Shaft 130 can additionally accommodate passage of control features, such as actuation wires, to tissue separator 132 to facilitate actuation of tissue separator 132 to collect tissue.
Hemostat instrument 108 can be configured to deliver a hemostat material, e.g., a clotting agent, such as a gas, liquid or powder, stored in hemostat material reservoir 126. Hemostat instrument 108 can comprise elongate body 140, such as a tube or hose having a lumen through which hemostat material can flow or be dispensed. In examples, elongate body 140 can be open at a distal end to allow hemostat material to flow freely therefrom. In example, hemostat instrument 108 can comprise dispenser 142. Dispenser 142 can comprise a device for controlling or shaping flow of hemostat material from elongate body 140, such as a nozzle and the like. Examples of dispenser 142 are discussed in greater detail with reference to
In examples, hemostat instrument 108 can be omitted and hemostat substance can be provided by hemostat material delivery system 102 directly to hemostat channel 112. In such examples, hemostat channel 112 can comprise a leak-proof passage such as a tube or conduit that can convey liquid or powder hemostat material from hemostat material reservoir 126 to dispenser 142.
In examples, hemostat instrument 108 can be provided on the exterior of shaft 122 and hemostat channel 112 can be omitted.
In various examples of delivering hemostat material to the distal end portion of elongate body 140, an electrostatic guide system can be used to charge the hemostat material before or after exiting elongate body 140. Conductor 144A can extend along elongate body 140. In examples, conductor 144A can extend within a passage internal to elongate body 140. In examples, conductor 144A can extend along the exterior of elongate passage and can be attached thereto by various means such as straps, bands or a sheath.
Conductor 144A can be used to deliver electrification to one or more location of elongate body 140 or along a length of elongate body 140. Conductor 144A can be connected to one or both of electrode 146 and dispenser 142 to charge hemostat material travelling through elongate body 140. Thus, as the hemostat material can have a charge when leaving orifice 143 of dispenser 142 (
In examples, hemostat instrument 108 can be configured to generate an electric polarity within anatomy similarly as devices described in Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 11,020,166 to Batchelor et al., titled “Multifunctional Medical Device,” which is assigned to Gyrus ACMI, Inc., the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
In additional examples, hemostat material can be charged via triboelectric charging effects. In such examples, hemostat material can be charged via friction of the hemostat material with the hemostat material passageway within elongate body 140. In examples, the hemostat material passageway can be made from or lined with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to facilitate the generation of charge. Elongate body 140 can be grounded to prevent charge accumulating on hemostat instrument 108. Hemostat instrument 108 can be grounded via coupling to control unit 16. Triboelectrically charged particles can be used in conjunction with grounded target anatomy or oppositely charged target anatomy.
Pad 148 can function similarly as pads 220A and 220B of
With particular reference to
Distal electrode device 400 can comprise body 404, conductor 406, side port 408, rim 410 and opening 412. Scope 402 can comprise working channel 414, objective lens 416, illumination lens 418, shaft 420 and end face 422. Scope 402 can be configured similarly as endoscope 104 of
Body 404 can be configured as an annular body sized to fit over shaft 420. Thus, opening 412 can be approximately the same size or slightly larger than the size of shaft 420. In examples, opening 412 and shaft 420 comprise circular cross-sectional areas. Body 404 can be configured to be positioned along shaft 420, such as by sliding. Rim 410 can be positioned within opening 412 to limit the amount that distal electrode device 400 can be slid proximally away from end face 422. As such end face 424 of body 404 can be positioned a fixed distance away from end face 422. Thus, when end face 424 is pushed against tissue, as shown in
Conductor 406 can be attached to body 404 in any suitable fashion such that electricity can be conducted from conductor 406 to body 404. Body 404 can be fabricated of a conducting material, such as metal or stainless steel. In additional examples, body 404 can be fabricated of plastic impregnated with metallic flakes or fibers. Conductor 406 can be electrified, such as by being connected to generator 216 (
Trocar device 441 can be placed through incision 450 in patient P to reach body cavity 452. Trocar device 441 can comprise tubular body 454 having an internal passage that allows scope 444 to be passed into and through trocar device 441 while holding incision 450 in an open position.
Trocar device 442 can be placed through incision 456 in patient P to reach body cavity 452. Trocar device 442 can comprise tubular body 458 and tubular body 460. Tubular body 460 can be inserted into a passage extending through tubular body 458. Tubular body 458 can include an internal passage to receive instrument 462. Tubular body 460 can include an internal passage to receive hemostat instrument 446. Instrument 462 can comprise a clamp forceps or hemostat.
Tubular body 454 and tubular body 458 can include rims or flanges to prevent passage into incisions 450 and 456, respectively. Tubular body 454 and tubular body 458 can further comprise internal sealing means to allow passage of instruments into tubular body 454 and tubular body 458 but inhibit or prevent the passage of biological fluid out of tubular body 454 and tubular body 458.
Either or both of trocar devices 441 and 442 can be connected to treatment generator 44 to provide electrification to adjacent anatomy. Thus, stronger electrical field strength can be produced in tissue adjacent trocar devices 441 and 442. Since trocar devices 441 and 442 can be placed in proximity to target tissue, such as body organ BO, where it can be desirable to use hemostat material, trocar devices 441 and 442 can be used, together or individually, to directionally orient or aim dispensed hemostat material.
Electrode mat 480 can include various couples for connecting to leads 218A and 218B of
The devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure can utilize various substances and compositions as the hemostat substance. A variety of formulations are possible and could be in the form of a liquid, gel, or powder. Attributes of the hemostat substance can comprise:
Suitable formulations for the hemostat material can comprise those commonly used as clotting agents, including granules of one or more of a mineral, such as zeolite, and a chitosan. In examples, the hemostat material can comprise a commercially available hemostat agent. In examples, the hemostat material can comprise a polymer, such as adhesive hemostatic polymers. In examples, the hemostat material can comprise a starch, such as a polysaccharide.
In examples, clotting agents suitable for use as hemostat materials for use herein are described in Khoshmohabat, Hadi et al. “Overview of Agents Used for Emergency Hemostasis.” Trauma monthly vol. 21,1 e26023. 6 Feb. 2016, doi:10.5812/traumamon.26023.
In examples, clotting agents suitable for use as hemostat materials for use herein are described in Pub. No. US 2018/0361011 to Norowski Jr., titled “CARBOXYMETHYL CHITOSAN SPONGE FORMULATION,” which is assigned to Gyrus ACMI, Inc., the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
Examples of procedures that can be performed using the systems, devices and methods of the present disclosure include Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) procedures. Exemplary ESD procedures are described in Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,683 to Yamano et al., titled “Submucosal layer dissection instrument, submucosal layer dissection system, and submucosal layer dissection method,” which is assigned to Olympus Corporation, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. Although, other types of procedures can be used with the methods, systems and devices of the present disclosure. For example, hemostat material can be applied in emergency bleeding situations in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.
Example 1 is a surgical material delivery system comprising: an elongate insertion shaft comprising: a passageway extending at least partially through the elongate insertion shaft; and a discharge opening fluidly connected to the passageway; a first electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to surgical material flowing through the passageway; and a second electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to tissue in contact with the second electrode.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the first electrode comprises a first conductor extending along the elongate insertion shaft for coupling to an electrical generator.
In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes wherein the first electrode further comprises a ring attached to the elongate insertion shaft.
In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-3 optionally include wherein the first electrode further comprises a metallic spray tip connected to the discharge opening.
In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 optionally includes wherein the metallic spray tip is configured to produce a variable diameter spray pattern of the surgical material.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein the second electrode extends from the elongate insertion shaft distally of the discharge opening.
In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 optionally includes wherein the second electrode is retractable proximally of the discharge opening.
In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 optionally includes wherein the second electrode comprises: a wire having an extension portion and a distal tip; and an insulation jacket extending along the extension portion to leave the distal tip exposed.
In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includes wherein the distal tip includes a collapsible pad.
In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 6-9 optionally include wherein the second electrode comprises a cap couplable to a distal end face of the elongate insertion shaft.
In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includes wherein the cap comprises: a cylindrical body configured to circumscribe the elongate insertion shaft; and a side port extending through the cylindrical body to allow surgical material to pass therethrough.
In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 6-11 optionally include wherein the elongate insertion shaft comprises an endoscope.
In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12 optionally include wherein the second electrode comprises a trocar device.
In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the trocar device comprises a tubular body into which the elongate insertion body is inserted.
In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally include a third electrode comprising a pad connectable to an electrical generator via a third conductor.
In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 optionally includes wherein the pad comprises a plurality of conducting zones, each conducting zone independently activatable to produce an electric field.
In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-16 optionally include wherein the pad comprise a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape configured to correspond to an anatomic shape.
In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-17 optionally include wherein the passageway of the elongate insertion shaft is lined with PTFE.
In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-18 optionally include a conducting gel comprising electrically chargeable particles.
In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-19 optionally include an electrical generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode to impart opposite charges to the first electrode and the second electrode; a surgical material reservoir fluidly connected to the passageway; and a propulsion system fluidly connected to the surgical material reservoir.
Example 21 is a method for delivering a surgical material to an internal lumen of a patient, the method comprising: inserting a delivery device into an anatomic area; coupling a surgical material delivery system to the delivery device, the surgical material delivery system having a reservoir of a surgical material; positioning an anatomic electrode relative to the anatomic area; applying a first charge to the anatomic electrode; dispensing surgical material from the delivery device; applying a second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device, the second charge opposite the first charge; and delivering charged surgical material to the anatomic area proximate the anatomic electrode via a directional-oriented electrostatic field.
In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 optionally includes wherein applying the second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device comprises electrifying a conductor extending along the delivery device.
In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 optionally includes wherein applying the second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device further comprises electrifying a ring electrode disposed on the delivery device.
In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-23 optionally include wherein applying the second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device further comprises electrifying a spray nozzle disposed on the delivery device.
In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 optionally includes modulating a spray diameter of surgical material exiting the delivery device with the spray nozzle.
In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-25 optionally include inserting the anatomic electrode into an electrode channel in the delivery device configured to receive the anatomic electrode.
In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includes extending the anatomic electrode distally of the delivery device; and retracting the anatomic electrode proximally of the delivery device.
In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 optionally includes wherein extending the anatomic electrode from an endoscope in which the delivery device is disposed comprises: sliding a wire having an extension portion and a distal tip toward the anatomic area; and insulating the wire from the internal lumen with a jacket.
In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 optionally includes deploying an expandable pad attached to the distal tip of the wire.
In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-29 optionally include attaching the anatomic electrode to a distal end face of the delivery device.
In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 optionally includes wherein the anatomic electrode comprises a cap comprising: a cylindrical body configured to circumscribe the delivery device; and a side port extending through the cylindrical body.
In Example 32, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-31 optionally include inserting the delivery device into an endoscope.
In Example 33, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-32 optionally include inserting the anatomic electrode into an incision in anatomy.
In Example 34, the subject matter of Example 33 optionally includes wherein the anatomic electrode comprises a trocar device comprising a tubular body.
In Example 35, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-34 optionally include wherein applying the first charge to the anatomic electrode comprises electrifying a pad disposed outside of the internal lumen.
In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 optionally includes wherein positioning the anatomic electrode relative to the anatomic area comprises extending a contour of the anatomic electrode along an anatomic contour.
In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-36 optionally include wherein electrifying the pad disposed outside of the internal lumen comprises electrifying less than all of a plurality of conducting zones distributed within the pad.
In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 25-37 optionally include wherein applying the first charge to the anatomic electrode comprises applying a conducting gel to a position inside the internal lumen.
In Example 39, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-38 optionally include electrostatically charging the surgical material within the delivery device using friction.
In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-39 optionally include activating a propulsion system connected to the delivery device; and pushing surgical material from a surgical material reservoir fluidly connected to the delivery device.
Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/367,965, filed Jul. 8, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63367965 | Jul 2022 | US |
