Single-handed electrosurgical device and methods thereof

Inventors

Palko, Joel • RAI, Ali • BUDARIS, Maryam • Robinson, Justin • SANDERS, Dakota • WESTFALL, Sarah

Abstract

Various examples are provided related to electrosurgical devices which can be used during ab interno canaloplasty or pupilloplasty surgery. In one example, a suture tensioning and electrocautery device includes a casing; suture grips protruding out of a proximal end of the casing; a suture tensioning and retracting system connected to the suture grips; and a suture electrocautery system. In another example, a method includes affixing ends of a suture to respective suture grips protruding out of a proximal end of a suture tensioning and electrocautery device; tying the ends of the suture and tensioning the suture by rotating the suture grips to dilate Schlemm's canal; and heating the tied ends of the suture to maintain the tensioning of the suture thereby sustaining dilation of the Schlemm's canal.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a single-handed suture tensioning and electrocautery device for ab interno canaloplasty or pupilloplasty surgery. The device includes a casing with a proximal end and a distal end, and suture grips that protrude out of the proximal end of the casing. A suture tensioning and retracting system is connected to the suture grips, and a suture electrocautery system is provided for electrocautery of the suture.

The suture tensioning and retracting system includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The outer shaft is adjustable to allow axial translation of the suture grips to protrude or retract away from the proximal end of the casing, and the inner shaft is adjustable to allow for axial rotation of the suture grips so that the suture grips twist suture ends of a suture together and produce tension in the suture.

In addition, the suture grips include first and second grips having curved hooks configured to attach to ends of a suture. The electrocautery system thermally ligates the ends of the tensioned suture, with the tensioned suture retracted into an insulated chamber near a heating element, and the described structure supports performing electrocautery to maintain or sustain Schlemm’s canal dilation and reduce intraocular pressure.

Claims Coverage

The partial content provides two independent claims. Both claims cover a combined suture tensioning and electrocautery device for ab interno canaloplasty or pupilloplasty, and the inventive content centers on suture grips, axial translation and axial rotation, and electrocautery of the suture.

Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is for a combined device with a casing, proximal suture grips, a suture tensioning and retracting system, and a suture electrocautery system. The inventive features are the curved-hook grips that twist suture ends to produce tension and the shaft arrangement that provides axial translation and axial rotation.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications