Medical suction and irrigation device hand piece

WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540

MEDICAL SUCTION AND IRRIGATION DEVICE HANDPIECE

Cross Reference to Related Applications [001] This international application claims the priority of earlier filed UnitedStates Provisional Patent Application No. 60/720,933, filed September 27, 2005,under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). The entire disclosure of that provisional application isincorporated by reference herein.

Field of the Invention [002] The invention relates generally to medical devices, such as, forexample, medical devices that provide suction and irrigation during a medicalprocedure. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to hand-heldmedical devices having features that enhance the maneuverability and/or thecomfort of use by an operator.

Background of the Invention [003] A wide variety of hand-held medical devices are known in the medicalfield. Certain devices, such as surgical suction and irrigation devices, are intendedfor relatively long-term hand-held usage. The ease of use, maneuverability, andcomfort of use for such devices to the user, therefore, becomes an importantconsideration in their design. For example, some medical procedures can berelatively lengthy, requiring prolonged handling of certain standard medical devices.Often an operator may have a need to grasp a device alternatively with both the rightor left hand. Similarly, an operator may have a need to grasp a device alternativelyin positions where the user’s hand is oriented in different configurations relative tothe handle.

[004] The construction of such devices, therefore, both in terms of itsoperation as well as the ergonomics of their handling, can have a substantial effecton the successful performance of a medical procedure and its results. Prolongedhandling of uncomfortable medical devices can impact the level of precision anoperator employs during a medical procedure. As a result, the design andergonomics of a medical device can have a significant impact on the underlying -1 - WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 safety and effectiveness of a medical procedure. Accordingly, there is a need in themedical field, particularly the surgical field, for hand-held devices (e.g., suction-irrigation devices) having features that provide enhanced comfort of use,maneuverability, provide a variety of hand-held options to the user, and which stillcontain the desired performance and operational structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to improved hand-heldmedical devices, and related methods of use that obviate one or more of thelimitations and disadvantages of the prior art medical devices. One embodiment ofthe invention is directed to a handpiece for a medical device, comprising anattachment structure along a front end of the handpiece configured for removablycoupling to a medical instrument and a housing. The housing comprises a topsurface defining at least one hole for receiving at least one button for controlling afunction of the medical device, a bottom base, and an extension portion connected tothe base and extending downwardly therefrom. The extension portion includes ashoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neck portion and wherein the base,the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portion define a concave shaped surfacecapable of receiving an operator’s finger.

[006] In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more ofthe following additional features: wherein the housing includes a rear protrusionlocated along a rear portion of the shoulder; wherein the rear protrusion includeswire retention structure extending upwardly from a top surface of the rear protrusion;wherein the wire retention structure comprises prongs configured to releasablyengage a wire; wherein an exterior surface of the handpiece has a substantiallysymmetrical configuration relative to an imaginary plane that bisects the handpiecethrough the middle of the top surface, such that the handpiece accommodates anoperator’s grip in the same manner regardless of whether an operator grasps thehandpiece in a right hand or a left hand; wherein a front portion of the handpieceincludes indentations located above the base on left and right sides of thehandpiece; further comprising a medical instrument, and wherein a proximal portionof the medical instrument includes a rotatable element configured to control the -2- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 angular orientation of the medical instrument, the rotatable element positioned topermit rotation by a finger of an operator’s hand positioned proximate an indentation;wherein the rotatable element comprises a rotatable collar including a plurality offingertip tabs extending radially away from the collar; wherein a portion of an exteriorsurface of the housing includes a grip panel extending along a left side, a right side,and a back end of the housing, the grip panel being comprised of a material having agreater friction-enhancing property than a material of a portion of the housingadjacent the grip panel; wherein a rear portion of the housing is configured toaccommodate suction and irrigation tubing; wherein the at least one buttoncomprises a suction control button and an irrigation control button; wherein the atleast one button comprises an electrocautery actuation button; wherein the suctioncontrol button, the irrigation control button, and the electrocautery actuation buttonare located along substantially the same linear path along the top surface of thehousing; wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons are located along a firstlinear path, and wherein the electrocautery actuation button includes two buttonslocated along a second linear path substantially perpendicular to the first linear pathalong the top surface of the housing; wherein the width of the housing decreasestoward a proximal end of the housing; and wherein the shoulder has an undersidesurface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface.

[007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a handpiece for amedical device, comprising an attachment structure along a front end of thehandpiece configured for removably coupling to a medical instrument and a housing.The housing comprises a top surface defining at least one hole for receiving at leastone button for controlling a function of the medical device and a grip panelextending along a left side, a right side, and a back end of the housing. The grippanel is comprised of a material having a greater friction-enhancing property than amaterial of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel. An exterior surface ofthe handpiece exhibits a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to animaginary plane that bisects the handpiece through the middle of the top surface,such that the handpiece accommodates an operator’s grip in the same mannerregardless of whether an operator grasps the handpiece in a right hand or a lefthand. -3- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 [008] In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more ofthe following additional features: a bottom base and an extension portion connectedto the base and extending downwardly therefrom, the extension portion including ashoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neck portion and wherein the base,the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portion define a concave shaped surfacecapable of receiving an operator's finger; wherein the handpiece includes a rearprotrusion located along a rear portion of the shoulder; wherein the rear protrusionincludes wire retention structure extending upwardly from a top surface of the rearprotrusion; wherein the wire retention structure comprises prongs configured toreleasably engage a wire; wherein a front portion of the handpiece includesindentations located above the base on left and right sides of the handpiece; furthercomprising a medical instrument, and wherein a proximal portion of the medicalinstrument includes a rotatable element configured to control the angular orientationof the medical instrument, the rotatable element positioned to permit rotation by afinger of an operator’s hand positioned proximate an indentation; wherein therotatable element comprises a rotatable collar including a plurality of fingertip tabsextending radially away from the collar; wherein a rear portion of the housing isconfigured to accommodate suction and irrigation tubing; wherein the at least onebutton comprises a suction control button and an irrigation control button; whereinthe at least one button comprises an electrocautery actuation button; wherein thesuction control button, the irrigation control button, and the electrocautery actuationbutton are located along substantially the same linear path along the top surface ofthe housing; wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons are located along afirst linear path, and wherein the electrocautery actuation button includes two buttonslocated along a second linear path substantially perpendicular to the first linear pathalong the top surface of the housing; wherein the width of the housing decreasestoward a proximal end of the housing; and wherein the shoulder has an undersidesurface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface.

[009] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprising providing amedical device comprising a medical instrument connected to a front end of ahandpiece, the handpiece including an attachment structure along a front endthereof configured for removably coupling to the medical instrument. The handpiece -4- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 further comprises a housing having a top surface defining at least one hole forreceiving at least one button for controlling a function of the medical device, a bottombase, and an extension portion connected to the base and extending downwardlytherefrom, the extension portion including a shoulder connected to the base by anarrowed neck portion. The base, the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portiondefine a concave shaped surface capable of receiving an operator’s finger. Themethod further comprising grasping the handpiece with one of a left hand or a righthand such that the operator’s thumb rests over the control button, and an operator’sfinger rests on the concave shaped surface, and wherein the handpiece is capable ofbeing grasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner. The methodfurther comprises positioning the medical instrument and actuating the control buttonto perform a medical procedure.

[010] In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of the following additional features: wherein actuating the control button comprises one ofsupplying suction or irrigation to the medical instrument; wherein actuating thecontrol button comprises providing electric current to the medical instrument; andwherein a proximal portion of the medical instrument includes a rotatable elementconfigured to control the angular orientation of the medical instrument, the methodfurther comprising rotating the rotatable element with a finger of the same hand usedto grasp the handpiece in order to change the angular orientation of the medicalinstrument relative to the handpiece.

[011] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprising providing amedical device comprising a medical instrument connected to a front end of ahandpiece and a handpiece including an attachment structure along a front endthereof configured for removably coupling to the medical instrument. The handpiecefurther comprises a housing including a top surface defining at least one hole forreceiving at least one button for controlling a function of the medical device, a grippanel extending along a left side, a right side, and a back end of the housing, thegrip panel being comprised of a material having a greater friction-enhancing propertythan a material of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel. An exteriorsurface of the handpiece exhibits a substantially symmetrical configuration relative toan imaginary plane that bisects the handpiece through the middle of the top surface. -5- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540

The method further comprises grasping the handpiece with one of a left hand or aright hand such that the operator’s thumb rests over the control button, and anoperator’s finger rests on the concave shaped surface, the handpiece capable ofbeing grasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner. The methodfurther comprises positioning the medical instrument and actuating the control buttonto perform a medical procedure.

[012] In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein the handpiece includes a base and anextension portion connected to the base and including a shoulder having anunderside surface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface, and whereingrasping the handpiece comprises receiving the concave shaped, curved surface ofthe shoulder within an operator’s palm within a valley between an operator’s thumband index finger; wherein actuating the control button comprises one of supplyingsuction or irrigation to the medical instrument; wherein actuating the control buttoncomprises providing electric current to the medical instrument; and wherein aproximal portion of the medical instrument includes a rotatable element configured tocontrol the angular orientation of the medical instrument, the method furthercomprising rotating the rotatable element with a finger of the same hand used tograsp the handpiece in order to change the angular orientation of the medicalinstrument relative to the handpiece.

[013] Another embodiment of the invention is a handpiece for a medicaldevice including a right half and a left half configured to be coupled together to forma housing. An exterior surface of the right half is a substantially mirror image of anexterior surface of the left half, the right half and the left half when coupled togetherdefining a first hole in the top surface of the housing for receiving a button of thehandpiece, a second hole in a back end of the housing for receiving a tube, and athird hole in a front end of the housing for receiving a medical instrument.

[014] In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more ofthe following additional features: a bottom base and an extension portion connectedto the base and extending downwardly therefrom, the extension portion including ashoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neck portion and wherein the base,the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portion define a concave shaped surfacecapable of receiving an operator’s finger; the housing further comprising a grip panel -6- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 extending along a left side, a right side, and the back end of the housing, the grippanel being comprised of a material having a greater a friction-enhancing propertythan a material of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel; and wherein thehandpiece accommodates an operator’s grip in the same manner regardless ofwhether an operator grasps the handpiece in a right hand or a left hand.

[015] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprising providing amedical device comprising a medical instrument. The handpiece includes a right halfand a left half configured to be coupled together to form a housing, an exteriorsurface of the right half being a substantially mirror image of an exterior surface ofthe left half, the right half and the left half when coupled together defining a first holein a top surface of the housing for receiving a button of the handpiece, a second holein a back end of the housing for receiving a tube, and a third hole in a front end ofthe housing for receiving the medical instrument. The method further comprisesgrasping the handpiece with one of a left hand or a right hand, the handpiececapable of being grasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner,positioning the medical instrument, and actuating the control button to perform amedical procedure.

[016] In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein the handpiece includes a base and anextension portion connected to the base and including a shoulder having anunderside surface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface, and whereingrasping the handpiece comprises receiving the concave shaped, curved surface ofthe shoulder within an operator’s palm within a valley between an operator’s thumband index finger; wherein actuating the control button comprises one of supplyingsuction or irrigation to the medical instrument; and wherein actuating the controlbutton comprises providing electric current to the medical instrument.

[017] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description,or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. -7- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 [018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[020] FIG. 1 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece havingan instrument connected at a front end thereof, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

[021] FIG. 2 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece havingan instrument spaced from a front end thereof, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

[022] FIG. 3 is a disassembled view of a medical device handpiece and aninstrument, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[023] FIG. 4 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece housing,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[024] FIG. 5 is an bottom view of a medical device handpiece housing,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[025] FIG. 6 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece havingan instrument connected a front end thereof, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

[026] FIG. 7 is a top view of the handpiece housing of the medical devicehandpiece of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[027] FIG. 8 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece havingan instrument connected a front end thereof, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

[028] FIG. 9 is a top view of the handpiece housing of the medical devicehandpiece of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -8- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 [029] FIG. 10 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece havingan instrument connected a front end thereof, according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

[030] FIG. 11A illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to one orientation.

[031] FIG. 11B illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

[032] FIG. 11C illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

[033] FIG. 11D illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

[034] FIG. 12A illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to one orientation.

[035] FIG. 12B illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation.

[036] FIG. 12C illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation [037] FIG. 12D illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[038] Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to referto the same or like parts. For purposes of this disclosure, “distal” refers to the endfurther from the device operator during use and "proximal” refers to the end closer tothe device operator during use.

[039] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a medical device, accordingto the invention, includes a handpiece 10 onto which a medical instrument 20 (shownas a probe), can be removably coupled or uncoupled (see FIG. 2), and into whichtubing 30 (e.g., suction and irrigation tubing) can be attached. While medicalinstrument 20 is depicted as a probe (or alternatively as an electrosurgical probe), -9- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 instrument 20 may comprise a basket, a grasper, a snare, any other retrieval orgrasping mechanism, a tissue cutting instrument, any electrocautery device, aforceps, or any other mechanism for performing an operation in a body that may besuitable for a medical diagnostic or treatment procedure.

[040] In this disclosure, handpiece 10 is primarily described as a handpiecefor use in a medical suction and irrigation device. The device 10 may connect asource of irrigation fluid, such as a saline bag (not shown). The irrigation fluid maybe supplied to the handpiece through tubing 30 via a pump unit (not shown). Thepump unit may include, for example, a motor, impeller, power source, and otherconventional parts known in the art. The device 10 may also connect to a source ofsuction, such as a conventional vacuum source available in a hospital room setting.Suction would be supplied through tubing 30. Device 10 further may connect to asource of electric current via wires 53, for supplying electrocautery to a patient. It isto be understood, however, that some or all of the aspects of the handpiece 10 couldbe used with other types of medical devices.

[041] The handpiece 10 is defined by a housing 11 that includes a front end12, a back end 13, a first (right) half 17, and a second (left) half 19 (see FIGS. 3-4).The housing 11 of handpiece 10 further includes a top surface 16 circumscribed bythe first and second halves 17,19 and the front and back ends 12,13. A lowerportion of the handpiece 10 includes a base 100 circumscribed by the first andsecond halves 17,19 as well as the front and back ends 12,13.

[042] As seen in FIG. 1, the front end 12 of the housing 11 extends to aninstrument attachment structure 200 within housing 11 for removably coupling amedical instrument 20 thereon. In the illustrated example, the attachment structurecomprises an internal threaded element configured for mating with external threadsalong a proximal portion of medical instrument 20. Such a coupling arrangement isexemplary, and other coupling structure is contemplated for structure 200.

Alternative examples of attachment structure 200 include, but are not limited to,adhesives, pin and grooved channel mating structures, friction fit engagementstructures, and releasable resilient male/female mating structures.

[043] In the illustrated embodiment, the handpiece 10 of the medical deviceincludes the additional components of a suction control button 41 and an irrigationcontrol button 42. The top surface of control buttons 41 and 42 may each include a -10- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 concave depression 43 for facilitating reception of an operator’s fingertips foractuation thererof. The control buttons 41 and 42 may have certain characteristics tovisually distinguish one button from the other. For example, as seen in FIG. 1,suction control button 41 may have a knurled pattern 44 along an exterior sidesurface, whereas irrigation control button 42 has a smooth exterior side surface.Other distinguishing characteristics are contemplated, such as a difference in color,for example. In addition, the handpiece 10 of medical device may include additionaloperative mechanisms such as electrical control buttons 51 and 52 for operativecoupling to electrical wiring 53, to permit connection to an additional power source(not shown), for example.

[044] In one embodiment, wiring 53 may connect to a source of electriccurrent and buttons 51 and 52 are actuated to selectively supply current to medicalinstrument 20. The supply of current may be used to assist in cutting and/orcauterizing tissue. The suction and irrigation control buttons 41,42 (and electriccontrol buttons 51 and 52, when included) may be located within holes 54 and 55defined by the top surface 16. In the embodiment of handpiece 10 depicted in FIG. 1, the control buttons 41,42, 51, and 52 are all provided along substantially thesame longitudinal path along the top surface 16. In this location, the control buttonswill be accessible for actuation by an operator’s fingertips, or alternatively by anoperator’s thumb, depending on the operator’s grasping orientation, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

[045] As seen at least FIGS. 1-4, the handpiece 10 contains an inwardarcuate indented portion 60a in a region located between the front end 12 and thefirst (right) half 17 of housing 11. Similarly (as seen in FIG. 4, for example), thehandpiece 10 contains an inward arcuate indented portion 60b in a region locatedbetween the front end 12 and the second (left) half 19. Along the back portion of thehandpiece 10, a contiguous outward arcuate curve 70 may be provided in a regiondefined by the first and second halves 17,19 and the back end 13 of the housing 11.As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, adjacent the back end 13 on both right half 17, and lefthalf 19, the handpiece 10 includes arcuate curved protrusions 80a and 80b.Protrusions 80a and 80b define a hole that accommodates tubing 30 within thehousing 11. -11 - WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 [046] As will be described in more detail below, the handpiece 10 mayfurther include a contiguous grip panel 400 located along the first and second half17,19 and the back end 13 of the housing 11. Alternatively, a grip panel may onlycover certain portions of either side of the housing 11 (e.g. only one side), and notthe back end 13. The color of panel 400 may differ from the color of the remainderof housing 11. The grip panel 400 is composed of a friction-enhancing material tofacilitate gripping of the handpiece 10 by an operator, thereby affording greateraccuracy and precision in the maneuvering and manipulating the medical device.Exemplary materials for the grip panel 400 include, but are not limited to,thermoplastic elasotmeric materials (TPEs), rubber materials, and polymers.

[047] As seen in FIG. 1, a lower portion of handpiece 10 includes a base100 located below the indented portions 60a, 60b and the grip panel 400. The base100 comprises a lower portion of the handpiece 10 and exhibits an inwardly directedcurve on each half 17,19 such that the thickness of the handpiece 10 decreases in adownward direction as compared to a thickness of the handpiece along the grippanel 400, for example. The base 100 is circumscribed by first and second halves17,19 and including the front and back ends 12 and 13.

[048] As seen in FIG. 1, the base 100 of the handpiece housing 11 isconnected to, or continues downwardly to form, an extension portion 101. Theextension portion 101 includes a shoulder portion 102 connected to the remainder ofthe housing 11 by an inwardly curved, narrow neck portion 103. As seen in FIG. 1,the shoulder portion 102 extends below the neck portion 103 and comprises agenerally oblong shape. The shoulder portion 102 includes a front protrusion 106and a rear protrusion 108. As will be described in more detail below with regard toFIG. 5, the shoulder portion 102 has an underside surface 104 (see FIG. 5) having acurve along its longitudinal axis ά (alpha). As will be described, the shoulder portion102 and curve ά afford additional gripping options to the user for the handpiece 10.

[049] The rear protrusion 108 extends from the rear end of the narrowedneck portion 103 and, in one example, includes at least two features foraccommodating wiring 53 associated with handpiece 10. For example, as seen inFIG. 1, when electrical features are included in the medical device, preferably theback end of handpiece 10 further comprises structure for accommodating electricalwire or wires. In the illustrated embodiment, the accommodating structure includes -12- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 both an entrance port 90 leading into the handpiece housing 11, as well as a wireretention structure 91 extending upwardly from the surface of the rear protrusion108. The wire retention structure 91 may comprise left and right prongs that extendupwardly from the surface of the rear protrusion 108 to releasably engage oppositesides of wire 53 (e.g., by virtue of an interference fit). Whereas tubing will typicallybe rigid enough to substantially maintain a predetermined configuration in proximityto the handpiece 10, wiring (such as wiring 53) may be more flexible. The wireretention structure 91 provides the benefit of controlling displacement and migrationof the wire 53 during operation of the device.

[050] As seen in FIG. 1, the front protrusion 106 extends from the front endof the narrowed neck portion 103. The front protrusion 106 extends distally from thenarrowed neck portion by a distance less than the distance rear protrusion 108 itselfextends proximally from the narrowed neck portion 103. In one embodiment, thefront protrusion 106 extends from the narrowed neck portion 103 so as to form aconcave shaped trigger surface 110 along with a front portion of the narrowed neckportion 103 as well as an underside of a front portion of the base 100.

[051] As will be described in more detail below with regard to FIGS. 11A-11B and 12A-12B, the concave surface 110 provides an engagement surfaceparticularly suited for receiving the palm side an operator’s finger, or fingers.Accordingly, the concave shaped trigger surface 110 provides a force reactionsurface configured to receive a palm side of at least one of an operator’s fingers. Asa result, during use, an operator can comfortably and stably grasp the handpiece 10between at least one finger along a front surface of the handpiece 10 and the baseof the operator’s palm along a rear surface of the handpiece 10. As an alternativearrangement, it is contemplated that a tip of the protrusion 106 be connected to anunderside of a front portion of the base 100, thereby forming an aperture for receiptof an operator’s fingers.

[052] FIG. 2 shows an angled side view of a medical device having aninstrument spaced from a front end 12 of the handpiece 10. As noted above, thefront end 12 of the handpiece 10 accommodates an instrument attachment structure200 for removably coupling a medical instrument 20 thereon. As seen in FIGS. 1-3,and with particular reference to FIG. 2, the medical instrument 20 may include aprobe hub assembly 500 structured to removably engage the probe attachment -13- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 structure 200 on the handpiece 10. Upon engagement of the medical instrument 20to the handpiece 10, manipulation of handpiece 10 in turn results in controlledoperation of medical instrument 20. For example, operation of buttons 51,52 maycause electric current to be supplied to the tip of instrument 20. As further examples,operation of buttons 41, 42 may respectively cause suction to be applied throughinstrument 20 and a supply of irrigation fluid through instrument 20. When using aprobe hub assembly 500 that is structured to permit rotation about the longitudinalaxis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20 located on the distal end, the probe hubassembly 500 can comprise a rotatable collar 501 positioned to permit rotation by afinger of the hand wherein the handpiece is held by one hand (as shown in Figures11Band 12B).

[053] FIG. 2 also depicts an embodiment wherein the rotatable collar 501comprises a plurality of fingertip tabs 502 to further facilitate the rotation of theinstrument 20. Finger tabs 502 may comprise relatively flat projections extendingradially outward from the base of the rotatable collar 501. In the illustratedembodiment, there are three equally spaced tabs 502. Three tabs is only exemplary,and more or fewer tabs may be incorporated in assembly 500. Finger tabs 502extend radially from collar 501 in order to be manipulated by an operator’s finger toeffectuate rotation of the instrument 20.

[054] In one embodiment, the medical instrument 20 comprises anelectrocautery probe having an end effector forming a hook 503 configured tomanipulate tissue and provide electrocautery to control patient bleeding duringsurgery, for example. After grasping the handpiece 10, an operator can control theangular orientation of the hook 503 relative to the longitudinal axis β (beta) of themedical instrument 20 with the fingers of the same hand use to grasp handpiece 10.Manipulation of the fingertip tabs 502 via an operator’s fingers is further facilitateddue to the clearance space provided by virtue of the inward arcuate indentedportions 60a and 60b provided along the first and second halves 17,19 of housing 11. Providing the indented portion 60a and 60b on both halves 17,19 of thehandpiece allows manipulation of the fingertip tabs 502 alternatively with fingers ofan operator’s left hand or right hand.

[055] Referring to FIG. 3, a disassembled view of a medical device isdepicted. More particularly, FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the internal and -14- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 external structure of a medical suction and irrigation device. In FIG. 3, the first (right)half 17 is separated from the second (left) half 19. The first and second halves 17and 19 may each be formed through a molding process such that they areconfigured to receive the internal components therebetween. During manufactureand assembly, the first and second halves 17,19 may enclose the internal devicecomponents upon a mating engagement therebetween. For example, the interior ofthe first half 17 may include male pin mating protrusions configured for receipt withinfemale pin apertures forme,d on the interior of the second half 19.

[056] As seen in FIG. 3, the internal components of the handpiece 10 mayinclude the internal electric wiring 53, a manifold assembly 600, irrigation and suctionvalve piston housing chambers 601 and 602 respectively, and an conductingplatform 604 for providing a transmission path for an electric circuit from wiring 53 tothe control buttons 51 and 52. The manifold assembly 600 includes structure forrouting suction and irrigation flow-paths in a predetermined configuration to a distalend of the handpiece where the pathways connect to an appropriate conduit within adistal medical instrument. As illustrated, each housing half may include internalstructure, such as preformed protrusions 606 defining separate chambers within theinside of each housing half, for receiving a particular component of the manifoldassembly 600 and/or the wiring structure 53. For example, the second half 19 mayinclude a protrusion 606 having a portion defining a semicircle configuration 608 forsnugly receiving the exterior portion of the suction piston housing chamber 602.Similarly, the pattern of protrusions may be particularly provided to accommodate thepath of wiring 53 within the handpiece housing 11.

[057] As seen in FIGS. 1 -3, the configuration of the exterior surface of thehandpiece 10 exhibits a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to animaginary plane that bisects the handpiece 10 through the top surface 16. As such,the handpiece 10 will conform in the same manner regardless of whether anoperator grasps the handle in the right hand or the left hand. In addition, in at leastone embodiment, the first and second halves 17,19 of the handpiece housing 11 areconfigured to be coupled together. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of theright half 17 is substantially a mirror image of the exterior surface of the left half 19,the right half 17 and left half 19 when coupled together define holes for receiving thecontrol buttons 41,42, the tubing 30, wiring 53, and attachment structure 200. -15- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 [058] Exemplary mechanical and electrical internal components of the medical device are described in co-pending U.S. Application No._,_filed on _, (the same date as the present application) (Attorney Docket Number 09482.0024-00000), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference. Engagement of the first and second halves 17,19 may be effectuated byvirtue of a snap fit arrangement, the use of suitable medical grade adhesive, or anyother suitable alternative mechanical engagement. Non limiting examples ofmaterials suitable for forming the handpiece housing 11 include, but are not limitedto acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS).

[059] FIG. 4 shows an angled side view of the housing of a medical devicehandpiece. Handpiece housing 11 illustrated in FIG. 4 is identical to the handpiecehousing 11 depicted in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 4, however, the handpiece is depictedwithout the control buttons 41,42, 51, and 52 and various internal and externalcomponents. FIG. 4 illustrates a first imaginary line 71 across the width along thetop portion 16 of the handpiece housing 11. FIG. 4 also depicts a second imaginaryline 72 across the width along a top portion 16 of the handpiece housing. As seen,the first line 71 is located along the top surface 16 adjacent to the front end 12between the first and second halves 17 and 19 and just proximal of the inwardarcuate indentations 60a and 60b. The second line 72 is located adjacent to theback end 13 of the housing 11 and just distal of the outward arcuate curve 70. In theillustrated embodiment, the width of the housing 11 depicted along line 71 is greaterthan the width of the housing depicted along line 72 (see also FIG. 7). Accordingly,in one embodiment, the width of the handpiece housing 11 decreases toward aproximal end of the handpiece housing 11.

[060] FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the housing 11 of a medical devicehandpiece 10 of FIGS. 1-4. As described above, the shoulder portion 102 has anunderside surface 104 having a generally concave shaped, curved surface along itslongitudinal axis ά (alpha). The shoulder portion 102 and concave curved shape ofsurface 104 afford additional gripping options to the user for the handpiece 10. Aswill be described in more detail below with regard to FIGS. 11C-11D and 12C-12D,the concave, curved surface 104 provides an engagement surface particularly suitedfor receipt within an operator’s palm within the valley between an operator’s thumb -16- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 and index finger. In such a grasping position, an operator manipulates the controlbuttons with any of the fingertips while grasping opposite sides of the gripping panel400 between the thumb and a portion of the same hand where the operator’s palmmeets the base of the fingers.

[061] Referring to FIG. 6, there is depicted an angled side view of a medicaldevice having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece. FIG. 6 issimilar to the configuration of FIG. 1, with the exception that the medical instrument20, tubing 30, and wiring 53 are all depicted in broken lines. FIG. 4, like FIG. 1,depicts an embodiment where control buttons 41,42, 51, and 52 are all locatedalong the same linear path along the top surface 16.

[062] Referring to FIG. 7, there is depicted a top view of the handpiece ofthe medical device of FIG. 6. Just as in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 depicts lines 71 and 72,illustrating that the width of the handpiece housing 11 decreases toward a proximalend thereof.

[063] Referring to FIG. 8, there is depicted an angled side view of a medicaldevice having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece. FIG. 8 is

I similar to the configuration of FIG. 1, with the exception that the medical instrument20, tubing 30, and wiring 53 are all depicted in broken lines. FIG. 8, unlike FIG. 1,also depicts an embodiment where control buttons 41 and 42 are located along thesame linear path along the top surface 16, while control buttons 51 and 52 arelocated along a linear path perpendicular to the linear path of control buttons 41 and42.

[064] Referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted a top view of the handpiece ofthe medical device of FIG. 8. Just as in FIG. 4, FIG. 9 depicts lines 71 and 72illustrating that the width of the handpiece housing 11 decreases toward a proximalend thereof. Additionally, FIG. 9 depicts the location of control buttons 51 and 52perpendicular to the linear path of control buttons 41 and 42.

[065] Referring to FIG. 10, there is depicted an angled side view of amedical device having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece. FIG. 10 is similar to the configuration of FIG. 8. FIG. 10, unlike FIG. 8, does notincorporate a gripping panel 400.

[066] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate an operator gripping a medical devicehandpiece in different orientations using the left hand. In the configurations of FIGS. -17- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 11 A-11B, the operator grasps the handpiece 10 such that the operator’s forearm isaligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis longitudinal axis β (beta) of themedical instrument 20. Conversely, in FIGS. 11C-11D, the operator grasps thehandpiece 10 such that the operator’s forearm is aligned substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20.

[067] For example, FIG. 11A is a side view of a medical device according tothe present disclosure with the handpiece held in the left hand. As illustrated, theoperator’s left thumb rests over the control buttons on the top surface. At the sametime, the operator’s left index finger rests on the concave shaped trigger surface 110along the neck portion 103 above the shoulder 102, while the operator’s middlefinger rests below the concave shaped underside surface 104 of the shoulder portion102. In this gripping configuration, an operator can comfortably generate a graspingforce with the index finger against the concave shaped surface 110 to compress thehandpiece 10 comfortably between the index finger and the base of the operator’spalm below the thumb.

[068] Figure 11B depicts a side view of a medical device in an alternativeleft hand gripping configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the operator’s left thumbrests over the control buttons on the top surface. At the same time, the operator’sleft middle finger rests on the concave shaped trigger surface 110 along the neckportion 103 above the shoulder 102, while the operator’s ring finger rests below theconcave shaped underside surface 104 of the shoulder portion 102. In this grippingconfiguration, an operator's index finger is free to manipulate a base of a medicalinstrument such as fingertip tabs 502, as described above. Manipulation of theinstrument via the index finger is further facilitated due to the clearance spaceprovided by virtue of the inward arcuate indented portions 60a and 60b providedalong the first and second halves 17,19 of housing 11. Similar to the configurationof FIG. 11A, in FIG. 11B an operator can comfortably generate a grasping force withthe middle finger against the concave shaped surface 110 to compress thehandpiece 10 comfortably between the middle finger and the base of the operator’spalm below the thumb.

[069] FIGS. 11C and 11D depict a side view of a medical device in anotheralternative left hand gripping configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 11C-11D, thehandpiece 10 is grasped in the operator’s left hand with the concave, curved surface -18- WO 2007/038539 PCT/US2006/037540 104 providing an engagement surface received within the operator’s palm. Moreparticularly, the curved surface 104 is received within the valley between theoperator’s thumb and index finger. In such a grasping position, an operatormanipulates the control buttons with any of the fingertips while grasping oppositesides of the gripping panel 400 between the thumb and a portion of the same handwhere the operator’s palm meets the base of the fingers. Accordingly, in the positionof FIGS. 11C-11D, the operator’s grip is enhanced due to the increased frictiongenerated by virtue of contact between (1) the operator’s thumb and the portion ofgripping panel 400 along the first (right) half 17 of handpiece 10 and (2) theoperator’s palm and the portion of gripping panel 400 along the second (left) half 19.

[070] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate an operator gripping a medical devicehandpiece in different orientations using the right hand. The gripping configurationsof FIGS. 12A-12D are similar in all respects to the configurations of FIGS. 11A-11D,respectively, except the configurations of FIGS. 12A-12D depict manipulation of thehandpiece 10 with an operator’s right hand. As explained above, the configuration ofthe exterior surface of the handpiece 10 can be provided to exhibit a substantiallysymmetrical configuration relative to an imaginary plane that bisects the handpiece10, through the top surface 16. As such, the handpiece 10 will conform to anoperator’s grip in the same manner regardless of whether an operator grasps thehandle in the right hand or the left hand.

[071] The invention has been described with reference to various andspecific embodiments and techniques. It will be understood, however, thatreasonable modifications and variations are possible without substantially departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, additional graspingorientations, in addition to those expressly described above, are contemplated.Accordingly, the above described orientations are not intended to represent anexclusive list of potential gripping configurations.

[072] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the inventiondisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered asexemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by thefollowing claims. -19- □’Ewan , crnxan rwzn ατα inia^n pnow pnszn irn nr “jaoa,ρνιη ηχΏ- paoana ma™ nairmaa np’ioz .ZTLWan ™·Ώ3 Πΐρ^ΠΠ 7-ΊΪ7 QXn“3 ......r. Geo<su«r mnnn Pi? »*···»· · ·* sw J«w\ _ ♦ ^~... 02 fipt2)120135:17 40300 .(moia navin) cras&'an nwa

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