WO2010091811A1

WO2010091811A1 - Connecting apparatus for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, electrosurgical device, filter adapter for the releasable connection to an electrosurgical instrument, method for controlling an electrosurgical device

Info

Publication number: WO2010091811A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/000633
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefanie Schmidt; Ralf KÜHNER
Original assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-02-12
Filing date: 2010-02-03
Publication date: 2010-08-19
Also published as: DE102009008698B4; WO2010091811A8; DE102009008698A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting apparatus for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, in particular an APC probe, to an inert gas source of an electrosurgical device, wherein the connecting apparatus comprises: a line for providing an inert gas from the inert gas source for the electrosurgical instrument; a receiving unit for receiving an exchangeable filter that is arranged on the line for preventing a contamination of at least one section of the line; wherein the receiving unit is designed for the releasable fixation of the filter; a detection unit, designed for recognizing a presence and/or a physical state of the filter and for emitting a detection signal, by means of which use of the electrosurgical device can be prevented. Thus, a connecting apparatus for an electrosurgical instrument is provided, in particular for an APC probe that provides a secure operation of the instrument with low maintenance effort.

Description

Connection device for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, electrosurgical device, filter adapter for detachable connection to an electrosurgical instrument, method for controlling an electrosurgical device

description

The invention relates to a connection device for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, an electrosurgical device, a filter adapter and a method for controlling an electrosurgical device. Electrosurgical devices are used to cut and coagulate biological tissue and are known to those skilled in the art. The supply of inert gas to the surgical field can improve the treatment outcome. In particular, the coagulation can be accomplished without contact by means of a plasma, ie an electrically conductive gas. For this purpose, argon is used in everyday clinical practice, which is ionized in a generic device via an applied high-frequency high voltage from an RF device. The now available free charge carriers, ie electrons and Ar atomic fuselages serve as conductors for the electrosurgical current in the tissue.

To supply the instrument with gas, a gas line must be routed from the RF device or, if the gas source is separate, from the separate gas source to the instrument. In contrast to the electrically conductive line of the HF flow, the gas line is a line that is suitable for transporting matter. This is problematic in that this line does not form a one-way street; Body fluid, blood, mucus, and other potentially contaminated secretions can pass through the instrument into the gas line and eventually to the unit, where cleaning is difficult or impossible. In particular, this danger arises when insufflation occurs during endoscopic operations and thus there is a pressure gradient with respect to the surgical atmosphere, which drives the secretions into a gas channel of the instrument and further into the gas line. It is state of the art to equip connecting devices with filters for these cases.

Thus, DE 102 28 791 A1 describes a connection device for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, in which a permanently installed filter is guided in the gas path next to the electrical line. This connector has one connection each to the inert gas source and to the instrument. Furthermore, the entire connector is disposed of after a single use, and thus the built-filter, if the intended use requires.

However, it can not be prevented that such a connector is simply omitted or used several times against the intended use. There is a risk of contaminating a patient with substances, especially with pathogens of a previous patient. In particular, this danger exists with fittings that are reusable, as they are not intended to be discarded with the hospital waste. Although connecting devices of this type can be processed, but there is the problem that filters, contrary to the intent of the manufacturer, accidentally or deliberately used several times.

The document WO 01/18616 A2 describes a device for a surgical, in particular electrosurgical system, in which the multiple use of instruments used on the patient is restricted. For this purpose, the only once or otherwise limited part to be used in a set supplied with a memory card. The memory card carries a unique number that is read by a reader, forwarded to a controller and stored on the device. If the same card is inserted again, the multiple use is detected and the system is not released depending on the internal settings. Memory card and instrument are physically completely separate units.

The separate Vorhalte a memory card, however, is logistically complex and not effective.

It is therefore the object to provide a connection device for electrosurgical instruments, in particular for argon plasma coagulation, which reliably avoids contamination. This object is achieved by a connection device according to claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by an electrosurgical device according to claim 7, a filter adapter according to claim 8 and a method according to claim 12. Further preferred embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

In particular, the object is achieved by a connecting device for connecting an electrosurgical instrument to an inert gas source of an electrosurgical device, wherein the connecting device comprises:

a conduit for providing inert gas from the inert gas source for the electrosurgical instrument;

a receiving means for receiving a replaceable filter disposed on the conduit for preventing contamination of at least a portion of the conduit; wherein the receiving device is designed for releasably securing the filter;

- A detection device, which is designed for detecting a presence and / or a use state of the filter and for outputting a detection signal, on the basis of which a use of the electrosurgical device can be prevented.

An essential aspect of the invention is thus to recognize the presence of a filter and / or its state of use and to process it accordingly.

The connecting device according to the invention thus comprises corresponding sensor means which are suitable for detecting the presence of the filter in the receiving device. This is particularly advantageous because it may be a replaceable filter that is releasably secured in the receiving device. Thus, the filter can and should be replaced before or after each treatment. In any case, it is important to avoid contamination of the pipe that is difficult or impossible to clean. Once this line is contaminated, it can lead to the spread of disease already described. The patient being treated with the appropriate Argon Plasma Coagulation Probe (APC Probe) may be harmed due to contamination. Because of the detection device, an erroneous start-up of the electrosurgical instrument can be detected without a filter and then reacted accordingly. For example, a corresponding warning message can be discontinued or an associated supply device (eg HF generator and inert gas source) can be deactivated. This purpose is served by the detection signal, which may be a mechanical, optical, electrical or digital signal. For example, the line can be closed mechanically or a display can be activated.

The detection device may comprise an electrical switching or resistance device which is designed to detect the presence or the use state of the filter.

The identification device may comprise an electrical switch and / or switch and / or a light barrier and / or a reed contact. Insertion of the filter can thus close a circuit and thus activate a supply device or the electrosurgical instrument. In the simplest case, this is achieved with a button or a switch, which is actuated by the filter is pushed into the receptacle provided, plugged or inserted. In another embodiment, the detection of a filter can also take place via a light beam. For this purpose, the detection device is equipped with one that takes over the role of just mentioned switch or button. The arrangement is connected so that, for example, the interruption of the light barrier indicates the presence of a filter. The filter interrupts the photoelectric barrier when inserting. Likewise, the filter or a corresponding filter adapter can be equipped with a magnet and recognized by means of a reed contact.

The connecting device can be designed for releasably securing an adapter to the filter and a memory device, and the identification device comprises a reading device for reading out the memory device. Preferably, therefore, the filter is designed in the form of an adapter, which performs the filter function and further comprises a memory device. These two components are preferably integrally connected to each other. A memory device in the sense of the present invention comprises both digital memories (eg a ROM) as well as physical memories (eg a lettering or a membrane). The named lettering can be detected, for example, by a corresponding image sensor. Alternatively, it is conceivable, the memory device in the form of a punched card (eg by a punching of the filter) form. Individual perforations can be coded by punched holes. The punched holes can be detected by appropriate mechanical sensors or photosensors.

The memory device is preferably a digital data memory, wherein the identification device is designed to read out and / or write to the data memory. For example, a status information can be stored on the digital data memory, which is changed when first inserting the filter in the corresponding recording device such that a repeated use of the filter is not possible. Alternatively, identification codes may be read out and stored avoiding repeated use of the same filter. By using digital data storage, it is conceivable to implement an algorithm in which a filter can only be used for a certain period of time. On the one hand, it is possible to avoid the accidental "consuming" of a filter by a trial use, on the other hand, too long use of the same filter can be avoided - without replacement procedure - in the former case, it is possible to reuse the electrosurgical device even after inserting the filter For example, a filter can be assigned a lifetime of about one hour, which can effectively prevent accidental reuse of the same filter.

The connecting device may comprise a guide, in particular a groove cooperating with the adapter for positioning the filter and / or the storage device in a predetermined position relative to the detection device. In order to ensure efficient access to the memory device, in particular the data memory on or in the filter, it may be necessary to position the filter according to a predetermined orientation in the receiving device. A corresponding guide can force a suitable orientation mechanically.

The above object is further achieved by an electrosurgical device for operating an electrosurgical instrument, the device comprising: - A connection device according to one of the preceding claims;

a controller connected to the detection means for detecting a presence and / or a use state of the filter, and arranged such that the control prevents use of the electrosurgical instrument when there is no filter or a filter in use.

The connecting device according to the invention is intended to ensure that the filter is replaced in good time, preferably after each use. The receiving device is, as already described, designed so that the filter change is easy vornehmbar. Furthermore, the detection device is provided, which detects the presence of a filter and / or its state of use. The corresponding data or signals are passed on to the control device which, depending on these data, enables the instrument or a corresponding supply device or the entire electrosurgical device for operating the APC probe. The activation takes place only if a filter is detected in the receiving device. If necessary, the filter must also be unused. Otherwise the instrument will be deactivated.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a filter adapter for detachable connection to an electrosurgical instrument and / or a connecting device for the electrosurgical instrument, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filter adapter comprises a filter, preferably a disposable filter and a memory device for marking the filter ,

The storage device may store information relating to the use of the filter in conjunction with the filter. An integral connection of the storage device with the filter ensures easy handling of the filter adapter. The present memory device may also be a digital or mechanical or optical memory device. The filter adapter can be designed as a disposable device.

For example, the storage device may comprise a mechanically destructible element, in particular a membrane, which is arranged and designed in such a way that it is destroyed or punctured when the filter adapter is used for the first time. Thus, a correspondingly formed recognition device can recognize the filter and at the same time invalidate it. The membrane thus serves as a use seal. The storage device may alternatively or additionally comprise a digital memory, in particular a writable digital memory, for storing at least one status and / or one identification, in particular an identification number (ID). This may be at least one ROM and / or EPROM and / or one RFID unit. These electronic elements can store an identification number of the filter, which can be read by an electrosurgical device according to the invention. It may come to a caching of these identification numbers. To activate the APC probe, for example, only the filters or filter adapters with identification numbers unknown to the electrosurgical unit may be allowed.

Furthermore, the recognition device can store data on a writable part of the filter, so that about the time, when and how long the filter was inserted in the receiving device, is detected. In addition, type designations may be deposited on the memory device to ensure that a suitable filter adapter is used in conjunction with a corresponding electrosurgical device or APC probe.

The given object is also achieved by a method for controlling an electrosurgical device, in particular as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

a recognition by means of a recognition device, whether a filter, in particular disposable filter, inserted into a receiving device of the device and / or whether the filter has already been used; outputting a detection signal when the detection means indicates that no or a used filter has been inserted.

In this method, it can prove to be particularly advantageous that an indication of the absence of the disposable filter, if this is not inserted.

Furthermore, the method may be characterized in that a readout of data indicating whether a particular disposable filter has already been used is performed, wherein the electrosurgical device or instrument is deactivated when the data indicates that the filter has already been used. For example, the identification number described above can be read out. The invention will be described with reference to some embodiments, which are explained in more detail by means of illustrations. Hereby show:

1 shows a fluid connection with a filter adapter and a probe plug of an APC probe; Fig. 2 shows the fluid connection of Fig. 1 with a button for detecting the

Filter adapter; 3 shows a fluid connection with a button for detecting and invalidating a filter adapter;

4 shows a fluid connection with an RFID reader; and

Fig. 5 shows the schematic structure of a supply unit for an APC probe.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

APC devices for operating APC probes 10 (see Fig. 1) for argon-plasma coagulation are known, although other inert gases can be used instead of argon. Corresponding electrosurgical devices have an APC probe 10 which can be detachably connected to a supply device 5 (see Fig. 5). To supply the APC probe 10 with a suitable HF current and a suitable amount of inert gas, the supply device 5 comprises an HF generator 20 and an argon source 30. These are controlled and controlled by a controller 40 by means of sensors and actuators. For connecting the APC probe 10 to the supply device 5, this further has an HF connection 22 and a fluid connection 50.

A cross-section through a fluid connection 50 can be taken from FIG. This has a fluid connection socket 51, which is supplied via a fluid line 52 with the argon gas. The fluid connection socket 51 further has a thread that can be screwed to a filter adapter 60, more precisely a first filter adapter connection 66 of the filter adapter 60. The filter adapter 60 serves as an intermediate piece between a probe connector 12 of the APC probe 10 and the fluid connection 50 and has a built-in filter. The filter adapter 60 thus has the function of a barrier which is intended to prevent contamination of the supply device 5, in particular of the fluid line 52, from taking place. After a one-time contamination sterilization of the supply device 5 due to their complicated structure is only partially possible. To the spread of germs Therefore, it would be necessary, after a one-time contamination, to safely replace the entire supply device 5. The associated cost is unreasonable.

The screw-on filter adapter 60 effectively prevents the entry of germs into the fluid line 52, whereby a flow of the inert gas through the filter adapter 60 is ensured. For attaching the probe plug 12, this has a corresponding thread on a second filter adapter connection 66 '.

It turns out to be a problem that there are fluid connection sockets 51 that can be directly coupled to the probe connector 12. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to determine whether a corresponding filter is provided between the supply device 5 and the APC probe 10.

For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, the fluid port 50 is equipped with a button 52. The button 52 is actuated when the filter adapter 60 is screwed onto the fluid connection socket 51. The button 52 thus closes or opens a circuit that can be monitored by the controller 40. The release or activation of the APC probe 10 takes place only when a corresponding signal from the button 52 is given.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter adapter 60 according to the invention is composed of a round filter receptacle 65 and the mutually arranged filter adapter connections 66, 66 '. The filter holder 65 takes the filter not shown here permanently. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the filter holder 65 is designed such that it activates the button 72 when it is correctly seated on the fluid connection 50.

Furthermore, when using APC probes there is the problem that the replacement of the filter or of the filter adapter 60 can be forgotten in the stressful daily routine of the surgery. That is, the same filter adapter 60 is used in a plurality of operations. Although a contamination of the supply device 5 can be excluded due to the existing filter, however, there is a risk of infection for the patient since the filter and possibly the filter adapter 60 are contaminated. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the filter adapter 60 according to the present invention may be provided with a memory means which prevents repeated use of the same filter adapter 60 after disassembling or detaching. The filter adapter 60 has for this purpose a membrane 61, which is arranged such that it or its presence can be detected by the button 72. The button 72 has a mandrel 73 which is biased by a spring 74 against the diaphragm 61. The spring 74 and the membrane 61 are matched to one another such that when the filter adapter 60 is inserted into the fluid connection 50, first an actuation of the pushbutton 72 occurs, then the mandrel 73 comes through the spring force and the membrane 61. The control 40 can thus detect a brief actuation of the button 72. When a corresponding signal occurs, the filter adapter 60 is classified as an unused filter adapter 60 and the APC probe 10 is released. If there is no corresponding signal, the APC probe 10 is not released. If, for example, one attempts to place a filter adapter 60 with already pierced membrane 61 on the fluid connection 50, then the pushbutton 72 is not actuated. The APC probe 10 remains deactivated. If not only this short operation, but a continuous operation of the button 72 is determined, as would happen when replacing the membrane by any means, the APC probe is also disabled. There may be provided further sensor means to detect the correct fit of the filter adapter and / or its status.

The connection between fluid connection 50 and filter adapter 60 takes place in this example via a plug connection. To ensure that the membrane 66 is in the correct position relative to the mandrel 73, the filter adapter 60 comprises a coding nose 63 which interacts with a recess 53 of the fluid connection 50 in such a way that the filter adapter 60 can only be inserted in one position.

In the foregoing embodiments, the presence and the frequency of use of the filter adapter 60 were detected mechanically. A "devaluation" of a filter adapter takes place in the latter embodiment by the piercing of a membrane 60th

According to the invention, the recognition device can also be configured digitally. That is, the filter adapter 60 includes a digital memory which is read from a corresponding receiving unit at the fluid port 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the filter adapter 60 may include an RFID tag or RFID transponder 68 that is read by an RFID reader 80. Furthermore, the filter adapter 60 may comprise an EPROM, which is connected to the controller 40 when the filter adapter 60 is inserted into the fluid connection socket 51 becomes. The controller can then read corresponding information from the EPROM. This information may, for example, include an identification number which is stored in a long-term memory within the supply device 5. Each identification number of a filter adapter 60 may only be used once in this constellation. Thus, the repeated use of the same filter adapter 60 can be effectively avoided.

Alternatively or additionally, status information can be stored in the EPROM or the RFID transponder 68. Thus, in another embodiment, a Boolean value can be stored, which indicates whether a corresponding filter adapter 60 has already been used. Upon initial insertion of the filter adapter 60, this Boolean value is set such that upon repeated use, the controller 40 denies activation of the APC probe.

Alternatively, an expiration date may be stored on the EPROM in the filter adapter 60. When first inserting the filter adapter 60, the controller 40 determines that this filter adapter 60 is usable, for example, for the next four hours. After expiration of these four hours, there is a deactivation of the APC probe 10. Furthermore, the APC probe 10 remains deactivated when the corresponding filter adapter 60 is re-inserted into the fluid port 50 after this period.

Bezuαszeichen

5 supply device

10 APC probe

12 probe plugs

20 HF generator

22 RF connection

30 argon sources

40 control

50 fluid connection

51 fluid connection socket

52 fluid line

53 recess 60 filter adapters

61 membrane

63 coding nose

65 filter holder

66, 66 'Filter adapter connection

68 RFID transponders

72 push buttons

73 thorn

74 spring

80 RFID reader

Claims

claims

A connection device for connecting an electrosurgical instrument, in particular an APC probe (10), to an inert gas source (30) of an electrosurgical device, wherein the connection device comprises:

- a conduit (52) for providing inert gas from the source of intergas (30) for the electrosurgical instrument;

a receiving means (51) for receiving a replaceable filter disposed on the conduit (52) for preventing contamination of at least a portion of the conduit (52); wherein the receiving means (51) is adapted for releasably securing the filter;

- Detection means (72) adapted to detect a presence and / or a use state of the filter and to output a detection signal, on the basis of which use of the electrosurgical apparatus can be prevented.

2. Connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device comprises an electrical switching or resistance device, in particular an electrical switch (72) and / or switch and / or a light barrier and / or a reed contact.

3. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, e e n e c e s e d e rc h an adapter (60) containing the filter and a memory device (68), wherein the detection means (72) comprises a reading device (80) for reading the memory device (68).

4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3, dadu rc hgekennzeichnet that the storage device (68) comprises a mechanically destructible element, in particular a membrane, which is arranged and designed so that they in the first use of the filter and / or the adapter (60) destroyed, in particular pierced.

5. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3 or 4, d a d c e c h e c e n c e s, the detection device (72) is designed for reading and / or writing a digital data memory.

6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of claims 3 to 5, GE nn ke zen et du rc h a guide (53), in particular a cooperating with the adapter (60) groove, for positioning of the filter and / or the storage device in a predetermined position relative to the recognition device (72).

7. An electrosurgical device for operating an electrosurgical instrument, in particular an APC probe, comprising:

- A connection device according to one of the preceding claims;

- A controller which is connected to the detection means (72) to detect a presence and / or a use state of the filter, and is designed such that the controller prevents use of the electrosurgical instrument when no or a filter used is present ,

8. Filter adapter for detachable connection to an electrosurgical instrument, in particular with an APC probe (10), and / or a connecting device (5) for an electrosurgical instrument, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

a filter;

- A memory device for marking the filter.

9. Filter adapter according to claim 8, dadu rc hge ke nnzeichnet that the storage device comprises a mechanically destructible element, in particular a membrane (61), which is arranged and designed such that it is destroyed during the first use of the filter adapter, in particular pierced ,

10. The filter adapter according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the memory device comprises a digital memory, in particular a writable digital memory for storing at least one status and / or one identification.

11. The filter adapter according to claim 8, wherein the storage device comprises at least one ROM and / or one EPROM and / or one RFID unit.

12. A method for controlling an electrosurgical device (5), in particular according to claim 7, g e ke n e c e n e d d e rc h

- Detection by means of a recognition device (72), whether a filter, in particular disposable filter, inserted into a receiving device of the electrosurgical device (5) and / or whether the filter has already been used;

- Outputting a detection signal when the detection means (72) indicates that no or a used filter has been inserted.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the absence of the filter is indicated when not in use.

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a data read indicating whether a particular filter has already been used to output the detection signal is read out.