MEDICAL CUTTING DEVICES HAVING A BLADE WORKING BODY THAT DEFINES AN OPENING FOR EMITTING COOLANT THEREFROM AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

Medical cutting devices having a working blade body that defines an opening for emitting coolant therefrom and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a cutting device a static casing. The cutting device also includes a blade working body attached to the static casing and including a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to operatively connect to a source of movement. The second end includes a cutting component. The blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and defines one or more openings at the second end for emitting coolant, such as a gas, through the interior channel.

Claims

1. A cutting device comprising: a blade working body including a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to operatively connect to a source of movement, the second end including a cutting component, wherein the blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and defines one or more openings at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the interior channel.

2. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the opening is proximate a blade edge of the blade working body.

3. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the one or more openings include a first opening, and wherein the blade working body defines a second opening that is fluidly connected to the interior channel for emitting coolant.

4. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the cutting component comprises a curved cutting portion.

5. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade working body defines at least one other interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and wherein the blade working body defines at least one other opening at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the at least one other interior channel.

6. The cutting device of claim 1, further comprising a static casing attached to the source of movement and substantially stationary with respect to the source of movement.

7. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade working body is substantially flat with a first surface and a second surface.

8. The cutting device of claim 7, wherein the one or more openings are positioned on one of the first surface or the second surface of the blade working body.

9. The cutting device of claim 7, wherein the blade working body defines a plurality of openings including the one or more openings, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged as an array on one of the first surface and the second surface of the blade working body.

10. The cutting device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged as a first array and a second array on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, of the blade working body.

11. The cutting device of claim 1, further comprising an inlet attached to the working blade body and defining a pivot point for rotational movement of the working blade body, wherein the inlet is fluidly connected to the interior channel for movement of coolant through the inlet, into the interior channel, and out of the one or more openings.

12. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the cutting component defines a blade edge, and wherein the one or more openings are positioned at the blade edge.

13. A method comprising: providing a cutting device comprising a blade working body including a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to operatively connect to a source of movement, the second end including a cutting component, wherein the blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and defines one or more openings at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the interior channel; and using the interior channel for moving coolant through the interior channel and out the one or more openings.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the opening is proximate a blade edge of the blade working body.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more openings include a first opening, and wherein the blade working body defines a second opening that is fluidly connected to the interior channel for emitting coolant.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the blade working body defines at least one other interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and wherein the blade working body defines at least one other opening at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the at least one other interior channel.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the blade working body is substantially flat with a first surface and a second surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more openings are positioned on one of the first surface or the second surface of the blade working body.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the blade working body defines a plurality of openings including the one or more openings, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged as an array on one of the first surface and the second surface of the blade working body.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged as a first array and a second array on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, of the blade working body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cutting device having a blade working body that defines openings for emitting coolant therefrom in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the blade working body shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a cross-sectional, top perspective view and a top view, respectively, of the blade working body shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with internal channels shown with broken lines;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the blade working body shown in FIGS. 1-4;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another example working blade body that defines openings for emitting coolant therefrom in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a top perspective view and a cross-sectional, top view, respectively, of the blade working body shown in FIG. 6 with an internal channel shown with broken lines;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a zoomed-in, top view of the cutting end of the blade working body;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the cutting end of the blade working body;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side cross-section view of the cutting end of the blade working body that is more zoom-in than the view of FIG. 10; and

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the blade working body shown in FIGS. 7-11.

SUMMARY

[0025] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to medical cutting devices having a working blade body that defines an opening for emitting coolant therefrom and related methods. According to an aspect, a cutting device a static casing. The cutting device also includes a blade working body having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to operatively connect to a source of movement. The second end includes a cutting component. The blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and defines one or more openings at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the interior channel.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method includes providing a cutting device comprising a blade working body including a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to operatively connect to a source of movement. The second end includes a cutting component. the blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between the first end and the second end, and defines one or more openings at the second end for emitting coolant moved through the interior channel. The method also includes using the interior channel for moving coolant through the interior channel and out the one or more openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following detailed description is made with reference to the figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosure, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations in the description that follows.

[0028] Articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means at least one element and can include more than one element.

[0029] “About” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical endpoint by providing that a given value may be “slightly above” or “slightly below” the endpoint without affecting the desired result.

[0030] The use herein of the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the elements listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional elements. Embodiments recited as “including,” “comprising,” or “having” certain elements are also contemplated as “consisting essentially of” and “consisting” of those certain elements.

[0031] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range is stated as between 1%-50%, it is intended that values such as between 2%-40%, 10%-30%, or 1%-3%, etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0033] As referred to herein, the term “cutting device” can be any suitable component movable for cutting into or generally transforming a material (e.g., bone). The cutting device can include a blade that operates through large or small (e.g., vibrations) mechanical motion. The motion can be in a specific direction(s). For example, the cutting device can be moved in an oscillating manner, flexing, bending, rotating, torsionally, longitudinally, and the like.

[0034] In accordance with embodiments, a cutting device includes a blade working body that defines a cutting end. Further, the blade working body defines an interior channel that extends between its ends, and defines one or more openings at a distal end for emitting coolant moved through the interior channel. The coolant can be a suitable fluid for cooling a workspace or material being cut or transformed, such as bone. In another example, the coolant may be a gas, which can be a colorless or less visually opaque alternative to liquid cooling. It is noted that gas is used in various medical procedures such as laparoscopically to insufflate the abdominal space and has the advantage of being able to propagate everywhere into any space it occupies. Gas pressurized into adjacent bone within the cutting plane can actively pre-cool it prior to contact with the working surface of the blade.

[0035] Gas as a coolant can be emitted from opening in the top surface and/or bottom surface of the working blade body. Coolant can be stored within cutouts, reservoirs, or reliefs where gas can be pressurized into the bone as the blade translates into the cutting plane. This concept would use something like CO.sub.2 to help actively cool the blade and bone throughout the cutting process through convention. The gas can be continuously pumped so that there can be a constant flow of the gas along the channels throughout the procedure. In another embodiment, gas can be brought to the front of the blade through an internal channel (as opposed to from the base of the blade and shot forward to the cutting plane-like in the previous concept). This can provide the benefit that the cooling works internal to the blade and is also immediately exposed at the cutting edge. This can provide a more targeted method of cooling the blade from the front edge itself. In a further iteration, the cutting device can be used to deliver therapeutics in a more controlled manner since it works from the blade edge as it cuts through the bone itself.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a cutting device 100 having a blade working body 102 that defines openings 104 for emitting coolant therefrom in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the cutting device 100 includes a handle 103 and a housing 106. Although not shown, the cutting device 100 may include a static casing positioned adjacent to the blade working body 102 (e.g., either to the top or bottom) for supporting the blade working body 102 as will be understood by those of skill in the art. Although these components are not shown in FIG. 1, the housing 106 may contain in an interior space therein for components, such as any suitable transducer or motor, to produce a desired mechanical motion with a cutting end, generally designated 108. It is noted that in this example the device 100 is described as being an oscillating saw blade, but it may alternatively be of any other suitable type (e.g., such as an ultrasonic transducer driving the blade through piezoelectric elements and smaller vibrations). The oscillating motor, which may be suitably powered to produce motion through the working surface of the blade to its blade edge, can be operatively attached to an end of the blade working body 102 that is closest to the housing 106. Oscillatory motion produced by the transducer/motor can propagate along a main body of the blade working body 108 towards an end of the blade working body 108 that opposes the end of the blade working body 108 that is attached to the oscillatory transducer/motor. It is noted that any other suitable motion may be produced alternative to mechanical oscillations such as those produced by traditional bone saws (e.g., such as those produced by ultrasonic cutting devices that use smaller scale vibrations).

[0037] The cutting end 108 can be a blade tip configured to cut, ablate, abrade or otherwise transform, for example, bone or other tissue. The cutting end 108 includes a top surface 110 and an opposing bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 1). The cutting end 108 defines at least one blade edge 112. In this example, the blade edge 112 has serrations for cutting, ablating, abrading, or otherwise transforming bone or other tissue. In the alternative, the blade edge 112 is a continuous, planar arc, and sharpened along its entirety for cutting, ablating, abrading, or otherwise transforming bone or other tissue.

[0038] The blade working body 102 may be made of a material suitable for biomedical applications, such as titanium, stainless steel or the like.

[0039] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the blade working body 102 may define one or more internal channels therein for routing cooling gas or other coolant to the openings 104. The cooling gas is then emitted from the openings 104 towards a workspace or other area near the blade edge 112. For example, the cooling gas can be directed towards an area of bone that is being cut by the blade edge 112 for cooling of the bone and/or the cutting end 108.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the blade working body 102 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the blade working body 102 includes an attachment end 200 for releasably attaching to the housing 106 (shown in FIG. 1) and the source of movement. When the source of movement is activated, the cutting end 108 can move back-and-forth rotationally about an axis 202. The rotational movement of the cutting end 108 is generally in the directions indicated by double arrow 204.

[0041] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, an inlet component 206 is positioned along the axis 202 such that the blade working body 102 rotates about it. Further, the inlet component 206 defines an opening 208 for receipt of the cooling gas. The opening 208 is fluidly connected to the internal channel. The cooling gas received in the opening 208 can be moved through the internal channels and out of openings 104.

[0042] Openings 104 shown in this embodiment are arranged as an array on the top surface 110 and also on the bottom surface of the blade working body 102. Although, it should be noted that the openings may be alternatively positioned, sized, and shape depending on the application. Further, any suitable number of openings may be provided.

[0043] Emission of cooling gas via openings 104 provides a “gas exchange boundary” for targeting cooling in a released manner depending on the size, shape and positioning of openings 104 adjacent material (e.g., bone) being transformed or cut. This can occur during cutting for active cooling.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a cross-sectional, top perspective view and a top view, respectively, of the blade working body 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with internal channels 300 shown with broken lines. Referring to FIG. 3, internal channels 300 form a pathway for cooling gas entering the opening 208 to move through the cutting blade body 102, and exit openings 104. FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the blade working body 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with internal channels 300 shown with broken lines.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the blade working body 102 shown in FIGS. 1-4. Referring to FIG. 5, this figure shows a cross-section of one of the internal channels 300.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a a top perspective view of another example working blade body 600 that defines openings 602 for emitting coolant therefrom in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the working blade body 600 can be suitably attached to a housing and a handle (not shown) similar to the working blade body 102 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Further, a proximal end 604 can be attached to a source of movement, such as a transducer or motor, to produce a desired mechanical motion with a cutting end, generally designated 606. The cutting end 606 is a distal end.

[0047] The cutting end 606 can define a blade edge 608 that is planar arc in shape. Alternatively, the blade edge 608 may be any other suitable shape and size.

[0048] Although not shown in FIG. 6, the blade working body 600 may define one or more internal channels therein for routing cooling gas or other coolant to the openings 602. The cooling gas can then be emitted from the openings 602 towards a workspace or other area near the blade edge 608. For example, the cooling gas can be directed towards an area of bone that is being cut by the blade edge 608 for cooling of the bone and/or the cutting end 606. An opening 610 can be defined on a side of the cutting device 600 for introduction of the cooling gas into the internal channels.

[0049] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a top perspective view and a cross-sectional, top view, respectively, of the blade working body 600 shown in FIG. 6 with an internal channel 700 shown with broken lines. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the internal channel 700 forms a pathway for cooling gas entering the openings 602 to move through the cutting blade body 600, and exit openings 602. FIG. 9 is a zoomed-in, top view of the cutting end 606 of the blade working body 600. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the cutting end 606 of the blade working body 600. FIG. 11 is a side cross-section view of the cutting end of the blade working body 600 that is more zoom-in than the view of FIG. 10.

[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the blade working body 600 shown in FIGS. 7-11. Referring to FIG. 12, this figure shows a cross-section of the internal channel 700.

[0051] It is noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are described as producing or having ultrasonic movement produced by a piezoelectric transducer or any other suitable source for motion or movement. It is noted that in the alternative the movement may be any suitable type of movement produced by any suitable source (e.g., large/macro based motions similar to more traditional bone cutting devices). Further, cutting may be applied to any suitable material or technical field. Suitable mechanical sources could include anything from piezoceramics, electro-mechanical motors, user generated hand motion, etc. However, its important to note that all types of mechanisms can produce equivalent types of movements. These could include, but are not limited to, axial motion, bending motion, torsional motion, flexural motion, etc. It is also feasible that the source of mechanical motion can combine all of these modes of motion to create more complex movements. Regardless of the motion and/or the manner in which it is produced, there would be a resultant motion at the end of the functional device/blade edge. This motion would, under the claims of this patent, be captured within the bounds of the static casing/rails which function to share load, decouple motion, and prevent heat transfer to the functional working surfaces. Examples include oscillating/sagittal/reciprocating medical bone cutting saws, medical rotary drills, medical rotary burs, construction hammer drills, construction rotary hammer, wood cutting axes, construction oscillating multi-tools, oscillating medical cast saws, cutting saws, etc. The principles of the claims presented in this patent could be applied to all of these devices with equivalently realized benefits.

[0052] While the embodiments have been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.