SURGICAL CUTTING APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF A TUMOUR FROM HUMAN TISSUE

Abstract

Surgical cutting apparatus (1) for removal of human tissue tumour. The apparatus (1) comprises a first knife (2) with a circular shaped side wall (5) comprising a cutting edge (6). The first knife (2) being arranged for cutting tissue in a first direction (7). The apparatus (1) comprises a shank (8), wherein the shank (8) has a width (w) of less than 15 millimetres. The first knife (2) has a height (h) of less than 15 millimetres. The shank (8) being a yoke comprising two legs (8a, 8b) interconnected at their respective second shank ends (10a, 10b). The apparatus (1) permitting removal of human tissue tumour by firstly bringing the first knife (2) under the skin through a narrow incision, and secondly cutting the tissue in the first direction (7) axially with the first knife (2), by an axially pressing and rotating movement of the first knife (2).

Claims

1. Surgical cutting apparatus (1) for removal of human tissue tumour, comprising: a first knife (2), comprising a proximal end (3), a distal end (4) and a circular shaped side wall (5) arranged between the proximal end (3) and the distal end (4), wherein the distal end (4) comprising a cutting edge (6) along at least a major portion of the distal end (4), wherein the first knife (2) being arranged for cutting tissue in a first direction (7) axially with the first knife (2), by an axially pressing and rotating movement of the first knife (2), a shank (8), comprising a first shank end (9) and a second shank end (10), wherein the first shank end (9) being connected to the proximal end (3) and having an axial extension away from the first knife (2), wherein the shank (8) being a yoke comprising two legs (8a, 8b) interconnected at their respective second shank ends (10a, 10b), wherein the shank (8) has a width (w) at the first shank end (9) of less than 15 millimetres, wherein the first knife (2) has a height (h) of less than 15 millimetres, a handle (11), comprising a first handle end (24) and a second handle end (25) at a distance from the first handle end (24), wherein the first handle end (24) being connected to the second shank end (10), the apparatus (1) permitting removal of human tissue tumour by firstly bringing the first knife (2) under the skin through a narrow incision, facilitated by the narrow width (w) of the shank (8) and the short height (h) of the knife (2), and secondly cutting the tissue in the first direction (7) axially with the first knife (2), by an axially pressing and rotating movement of the first knife (2).

2. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width (w) of the shank (8) at the first shank end (9) is less than 10 millimetres and preferably between 1-7 millimetres.

3. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first knife (2) has a height (h) of preferably less than 10 millimetres and more preferably between 1-7 millimetres, the apparatus (1) permitting removal of human tissue tumour by firstly bringing the first knife (2) under the skin through a narrow incision, facilitated by the shorth height (h) of the first knife (2), and secondly cutting the tissue in the first direction (7) axially with the first knife (2), by an axially pressing and rotating movement of the first knife (2).

4. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side wall (5) comprises a second knife (13) for cutting in a second direction (14) transverse to the first direction (7).

5. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the side wall (5) comprises an opening (12) arranged to accommodate the second knife (13), and the second knife (13) is rotatable about a first end (15) by that the first end (15) of the second knife (13) is rotatably arranged in close connection to the side wall (5), and a second end (16) of the second knife (13) is arranged to rotate radially inward relative to the first knife (2).

6. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first end (15) of the second knife (13) being fixedly attached to an actuating shaft (17), wherein the actuating shaft (17) being rotatably attached to the shank (8) and extending axially along the first knife (2).

7. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second knife (13) is biased in its position in the opening (12) of the side wall (5), wherein the actuating shaft (17) is connected to a first spring end (19a) of a spring (19), wherein the spring (19) further is attached to the handle (11) or to the shank (8) by means of a second spring end (19b) of the spring (19), whereby a rotation of the actuating shaft (17) in a first rotational direction (A) tensioning the spring (19), and a releasing of the spring (19) causes a rotation of the actuating shaft (17) in a second rotational direction (B), which is opposite to the first rotational direction (A), and by that the rotation of the second knife (13) for cutting in the second direction (14).

8. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the second knife (13) substantially following the shape of the cutting edge (6) of the first knife (2), that is, having a curved shape.

9. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a tension-release device (29) is arranged to tension and to release the biasing force I spring force, for initiating the cutting action of the second knife (13).

10. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two legs (8a, 8b) are interconnected through a handle bracket (22), and the handle (11) being attached to the handle bracket (22) with its first handle end (24).

11. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second knife (13) being connected to an electrical source (31) by a wire (32).

12. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle (11) being formed as a shaft with pencil grip, and whose centre axis substantially coincides with the first knife (2) centre axis.

13. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle (11) comprising grip enhancements (23).

14. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second handle end (25) comprising a knob (26).

15. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shank (8) comprising a grading scale (27).

16. The surgical cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle (11) being hollow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The solution will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting apparatus according to the invention. The cutting apparatus comprising a first knife, a shank and a handle, and is arranged for cutting in a first axial direction.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1. The cutting apparatus according to this embodiment further comprising a second knife and means for using/activating the second knife, arranged for cutting in a second direction, which is a transverse direction relative to the first axial direction. In the figure, the second knife is in a biased pre-surgery position in a side wall of the first knife.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 2. In the figure, the second knife is in a released position inside the first knife.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 2, wherein the second knife is connected to an electrical source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Briefly described, a surgical cutting apparatus is provided, that gives an efficient and well-functioning cutting apparatus, which is easy to handle and also provides a secure and precise removal of a tumour from human tissue through small well-positioned skin incisions. Further, it is easy to get a “clear margin” around the tumour, and since the handling of the tumour is minimized by the unique design of the cutting apparatus, the seeding effect is minimized.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a surgical cutting apparatus 1, for removal of human tissue tumour, which cutting apparatus comprises a first knife 2, a shank 8 and a handle 11, and which is arranged for cutting tissue in a first direction 7. The first knife 2, is designed like a circular, tube-shaped blade, with a proximal end 3, a distal end 4 and a circular shaped side wall 5 arranged between the proximal end 3 and the distal end 4. The distal end 4 comprises a cutting edge 6 along at least a major portion of the distal end 4. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting edge is a sharp edge, running continuously around the entire circumference of the distal end 4. The side wall 5 has preferably a short extension, why the distance between the proximal end 3 and distal end 4 is rather short. This design means that it is possible to get under the skin without the need of creating a large incision in the skin, and it is also easier to adjust the cutting direction during the first cut.

[0043] The proximal end 3 of the first knife 2 is connected to a shank 8. The shank 8 comprises a first shank end 9 connected to the first knife 2 and a second shank end 10 connected to the handle 11. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shank 8 is designed as a yoke which comprises two legs 8a, 8b. The two legs 8a, 8b are preferably positioned opposite each other and are connected to the proximal end 3 of the first knife 2 with respective first shank ends 9a, 9b. Further, the two legs 8a, 8b extends from the first knife 2, and a distance from the first knife 2, they are interconnected at respective second shank ends 10a, 10b through a handle bracket 22. The distance of the shank 8/the legs 8a, 8b is crucial for creating an open area 30 above the first knife 2, only occupied by the two legs 8a, 8b, which preferably are thin, but strong enough for the surgery operation. The open area 30 together with the short extension of the side wall 5, enables good control of the direction of the cut with the first knife 2 in the first direction 7 and minimizes the need of a large incision. At least one of the legs 8a, 8b comprises a grading scale 27 which is crucial for determining the depth of the cut in the first direction 7. The scale and the grading may vary within the scope of invention.

[0044] The handle 11 comprises a first handle end 24 and a second handle end 26 at a distance from the first handle end 24, and the first handle end 24 is connected to the handle bracket 22. The handle 11 is designed as shaft with “pencil grip”, with a centre axis which substantially coincides with the centre axis of the first knife 2. Further, the handle 11 comprises grip enhancements 23 for a better control of the cutting apparatus 1 and a less slippery grip of the same. The grip enhancements 23 may be of any kind for example different patterns of various depth/height and dimensions. For even better control of the surgical cutting apparatus 1, the second handle end 25 comprises a knob 26. The knob 26 may for example have a design as in the preferred embodiment presented in FIG. 1, namely as a rounded knob 26 with larger diameter than the handle 11. The knob 26 forms a support for the palm of the surgeon, during the soft pressing of the cutting apparatus 1 in the first direction 7, as may also be used for a better control of the rotary movement of the cutting apparatus 1. Another possible feature of the handle 11, which is not visible in the figure, is that the handle preferably is hollow. Thus, the total weight of the cutting apparatus 1 gets lower and the cavity enables wiring and the like for use in connection of electrically coupled knifes etc.

[0045] The first knife 2 is thereby arranged for cutting tissue in the first direction 7, which is an axial direction of the surgical cutting apparatus 1. The cutting of tissue in the first direction 7 is performed by an axial pressing of the surgical cutting apparatus 1 in the first cutting direction 7 and simultaneously rotating the first knife 2 in one direction or back and forth.

[0046] FIGS. 2 and 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the surgical cutting apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, which comprises a second knife 13, arranged for cutting tissue in a second direction 14, transverse to the cut in the first direction 7. In this embodiment, the side wall 5 of the first knife 2 comprises an opening 12, arranged to accommodate the second knife 13, which by that extends along the side wall 5. The second knife 13 is formed like the blade of a scythe and follows the form of the circular side wall 5 to be able to substantially fit in the opening 12. The second knife 13 is rotatable about a first end 15 by that the first end 15 is fixedly attached to an actuating shaft 17, which is rotatably attached to one of the legs 8a, 8b of the shank 8, by means of bearings 33. The angle between the actuating shaft 17 and the second knife 13 is preferably perpendicular or near perpendicular. A second end 16, which is a free end of the second knife 13 is arranged to rotate radially inward relative to the first knife 2, when actuated. The actuating shaft 17 extends axially along the leg 8a, 8b and thereby axially relative the first knife 2. Further, it is preferred that the side wall 5 comprises a groove 28, arranged to accommodate at least a part of the cross-section of the actuating shaft 17, such as the actuating shaft 17 do not interfere too much with cut in the first direction 7. The groove 28 ends in the opening 12, and the actuating shaft 17 and the second knife 13 is connected in the opening 12 near the groove 28.

[0047] To perform the cut in the second direction 14 in a manageable manner, the second knife 13 is biased in its position in the opening 12. The biasing of the second knife 13 is made by means of a spring 19, wherein a first spring end 19a of the spring 19 is attached directly or indirectly to the actuating shaft 17. In the preferred embodiment, the first spring end 19a is attached to a tension-release device 29, which comprises a first and a second wheel 20, 21 fixedly attached to the actuating shaft 17. The tension-release device 29 further comprises a hook 18, which is arranged between the wheels 20, 21. One end of the hook 18 is pivotally attached to a short axis 34, which extends between the first and the second wheel 20, 21 near the periphery of the wheels 20, 21. The first spring end 19a is attached to the other end of the hook 18. Further, the spring 19 is attached with a second spring end 19b to the handle 11 or the shank 8, for example to a bracket or the like. To pre-load the second knife 13 with the spring-force, a rotation of the first wheel 20, and thereby the actuating shaft 17, in a first rotational direction A is performed, which causes a tensioning of the spring 19 and thus, the second knife 13 is biased in its position in the side wall 5. In FIG. 2, a rotation of the first wheel 20 in a clockwise rotational direction, causes a rotation of the actuating shaft 17 and thereby also the second knife 13, which will move the second knife 13 from its end position inside the first knife 2 to its position in the side wall 5. At the same time the second knife 13 gets the biased state, since the tensioning of the spring 19 simultaneously occurs when rotating the first wheel 20/the actuating shaft 17 in the first rotational direction A. The rotating of the first wheel 20 in the first rotational direction A continues until the hook 18 passes a locking point, whereby the tension-release device 29 is locked and the second knife 13 is thereby spring-loaded and locked in its position in the side wall 5. Thus, the tension-release device 29 is arranged both for tensioning the spring 19 and for locking the actuating shaft 17/the second knife 13 in the biased position, as well as arranged for releasing the spring 13, to perform the cut in the second direction 14, by means of the second knife 13. The release of the biasing force is initiated by that the surgeon turns the first wheel 20 of the tension-release device 29 in a second rotational direction B, which is an opposite rotational direction relative to the first rotational direction A, whereby the spring-force is released when the locking position is passed, and a springed rotation of the actuating shaft 17 in the second rotational direction B occurs. Thus, the second knife 13 rotates radially inward relative to the first knife 2, and referring to FIG. 2 this is a counter-clockwise direction and passes the centre of the tumour. After the second knife 13 has made the cut in the second direction 14, the first knife 13 is rotated in the first direction 7 (clockwise) to free the tumour completely. After this the tumour may be lifted and the second knife 13 serves as a support during the lifting motion.

[0048] The cutting edge 6 of the first knife 2 as well as the second knife 13, or a cutting edge of the second knife 13, is made of stainless steel of a special type which is common for surgical knives. All other parts of both the first and second knives 2, 13 may be of metal or plastic or the like. For example, the handle 11 with the knob 26, the shank 8 with the legs 8a, 8b and the handle bracket 22, the first knife 2 excluding the cutting edge 6, but including the side wall 5 and proximal end 3, and the actuating shaft 17 with the first and second brackets 18, 22 may be in plastic material. The spring 19 is preferably a standard spring 19 made of metal.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the surgical cutting apparatus 1 of FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the second knife 13 is connected to an electrical source 31, to utilizing the technique of so-called electrocautery knife surgery, for the use of heat to minimize bleeding. The preferred embodiment also comprises electrical wiring by that a wire 32 is connected to the second knife 13 and the electrical source 31 and which wire 32 is arranged inside the hollow handle 11. If the second knife 13 is connected to an electrical source 31, some metal parts of the second knife 13 may have to be isolated with a heat resistant rubber-gasket or the like, in order to decrease the risk of unnecessarily burning human flesh.

[0050] Other possible embodiments (not visible in any figure) could be for example that the cutting edge 6 of the first knife 2 have a wave form, and that the cutting edge 6 is a plurality of shorter cutting edges arranged along the circumference of the distal end 4, and finally that the cutting edge 6 is detachable by a click-function or the like.

[0051] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein but as merely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of the described concept. It will be appreciated that the scope of the presently described concept fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the presently described concept is accordingly not to be limited. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein and are intended to be encompassed hereby.