Suction tube holder for a laser handpiece for extracting smoke in a fashion synchronous with movement

(42) Date of commencement of the patent: 15. 7.1995 (45) Date of issue: 26. 2. 1996 (56) Documentation:

US 4683884A (51) Int. Cl.⁶ : A61B 17/36 (73) Patentee:

HOME KURT DR.

A-6020 INNSBRUCK, TIROL (AT).

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(54) SUCTION TUBE MOUNT FOR ON LASER HANDPIECE FOR MOTION SYNCHRONOUS SMOKE SUCTION

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AT 400 666 (57) Special suction tube holder for attachment to a (CO2) laser handpiece (13) for more efficient smoke extraction. A bendable spacer (2) containing a suction tube guide (6) at the distal end is attached to a laser handpiece (13) via a ring piece (1 of different size depending on the handpiece). The suction tube end thus follows exactly every movement of the handpiece (FIG. 13) and thus the place of smoke development. By Einpunkthalterung the spacer (2) (and the use of a curved suction tube (8)) embracing the handpiece (13) is not affected by the practitioner. The spacer can be angled by a hinge (17) with stop member (18) and the angle with a screw (3) fine-regulate, a spring (5) holds the set position. The suction pipe (8) can versc in the suction pipe guide (6) of the spacer (2) along the Saugrohrachse be lifted.

This allows the suction tube (8) laterally, as close as possible and at a suitable angle to the smoke stove (11) are brought, so adapted to the treatment situation, most efficient, the laser beam (12), Spülgasfluß (14) and treatment not obstructive suction of the Smoke (10) take place.

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AT 400 666 B

Various skin changes (eg genital warts or cancer (previous stages) in the outer genitals) can today be excellently treated with a CO-2 laser beam.

In the treatment, however, the vaporization (vaporization) effect on the tissue causes a significant development of smoke. This smoke is an odor nuisance and visual disability, moreover, it is at least potentially harmful effects assumed (especially Virus particles, irritants) (ref. 1,2,3). It must therefore be for the protection of patient, therapist and staff for effective Smoke extraction and smoke filtration are ensured. When laser therapy with a so-called handpiece (most common form of laser beam application) so far static or manually tracked suction devices are used, but not always guarantee optimal smoke extraction jo and also often require additional assistance.

An additional device to such a handpiece is now on the one hand to ensure optimal and safe smoke extraction in every treatment situation, to follow every movement of the practitioner and to save on assistant staff. The practitioner himself should not be hindered by this device, in addition must be given full sterility.^{, F!}

The additional device consists in a handpiece (13) mounted special suction tube holder (Fig. 1 and 2). About a ring piece (1) a bendable spacer (2) of about 5 cm on the handpiece (13) is fixed. By a Screwing device (3), a stop member (18) and a corresponding joint (17) can be the pivot angle (4) (fine) regulate and there is a stop. By a spring (5) the set position (resp. the angulation (4)) maintained, but it can also be manually changed at any time by pressure from above at any time and then springs back into the set position against the stop of the screw (3) on the stop part (18) of the joint back. At the distal end of the spacer (2) a suction tube guide (6) is inserted, in which a commercially available sterilized, at the end (usually) bent suction tube (8) is inserted and fixed with a screw (7). The distance of the suction tube end to the tissue (laser focus / smoke development) (11) can also be adjusted by pushing forward or backward in this guide.

Overall, by this additional device, the Saugrohrende in variable optimal distance to the laser d be brought (in at least 2 levels) and the smoke (10) from the side immediately from the laser beam path (12) is eliminated. In addition, the suction tube end follows exactly every movement of the handpiece and thus the place of smoke development. By the spacer (and the use of a curved suction tube (8)) embracing the handpiece (13) is not affected by the practitioner.

The attachment is largely made of metal and therefore steam sterilizable in the usual way.

In conjunction with the sterile suction tube (8) is given a complete sterility.

This device can (even subsequently) be attached to handpieces of various manufacturers. ^l! the. '// ·

The smoke can not be extracted by the handpiece itself, as this would interfere with the flushing gas flow (14) and laser beam (12) coming from the handpiece (flushing gas prevents especially the penetration of smoke particles in the handpiece (13) and contamination of the lens (15)).

In addition, the suction effect of Umluftrauchabsauggeräten has recently by the requirement ^: several filter devices impaired or weakened the effectiveness of existing suction devices (especially so-called bells or suction pipes with a larger cross-section). This suggests on the one hand a reduced suction tube diameter (with increased suction speed), on the other hand an improved coordination / synchronization of smoke generation and suction. Both are achieved by the described device.