Electric heating – Heating devices – Tool or instrument
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-14
2001-07-31
Hoang, Tu Ba (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Heating devices
Tool or instrument
C219S201000, C219S221000, C219S227000, C219S230000, C606S078000, C606S194000, C606S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268589
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to devices for heating and closing heat-retractable shape memory clamps used in surgery applications.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for heating and closing nickel/titanium alloy clamps known as “hot clamps”. Such clamps are initially open at ambient temperature, for purposes of placement. A quantity of heat is then provided to close the positioned clamp and thus provide tissue support.
In practice, the ergonomic and economic standardization of surgical constraints requires such clamps to be manufactured to extremely restrictive specifications.
In this context, it is important for the device to be able to close all types of clamps, whether they be mono-cortical or bicortical, bipode or quadripode clamps, and irrespective of their section. It is also important for the device to include a reliable and effective safety system to prevent accidental bone necroses due to the heat applied by the device. It is also important for the device to have a heating cord that can be sterilized in an autoclave or disinfected in a bath.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Such goals are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a device for heating and closing heat-retractable shape memory clamps used in surgery applications which is generally comprised of a unit which contains an electronic power and control circuit and a heating unit.
The electronic power and control circuit is preferably comprised of a current supply, a controller and an adjustment circuit which combine to deliver several predetermined quantities of heat, each corresponding to a given size of clamp.
Primarily for purposes of safety, the adjustment circuit is configured (calculated) so that the amount of heat delivered to a given clamp does not cause the temperature of the clamp to exceed a maximum value, such as 55° C. Also for purposes of safety, the electronic circuit further includes an automatic cut-out circuit for discontinuing the application of heating current at the end of a predetermined maximum time, such as 5 seconds, and a sound signalling circuit for emitting a first sound as a signal during the application of heat to the clamp (the heating time) and a second sound which differs from the first sound as a signal that the maximum heating time has been exceeded.
The heating unit is preferably constructed as a sterilizable unit. One end of the heating unit has a plug which can be plugged into a corresponding outlet of the device and the other end of the heating unit has a sleeve which includes a pair of heating electrodes and a control switch. The sterilizable unit is fully sealed and the several elements which comprise the sterilizable unit are selected to withstand the conditions of an autoclave. In its preferred embodiment, the control switch is provided with pressure-sensitive contacts.
The present invention shall be more readily understood from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3868956 (1975-03-01), Alfidi et al.
patent: 4485816 (1984-12-01), Krumme
patent: 4550870 (1985-11-01), Krumme et al.
patent: 4665906 (1987-05-01), Jervis
patent: 5067957 (1991-11-01), Jervis
patent: 5190546 (1993-03-01), Jervis
patent: 5597378 (1997-01-01), Jervis
patent: 2747911 (1997-10-01), None
patent: WO 9616603 (1996-06-01), None
Cohen Gary M.
Hoang Tu Ba
M.B.A., S.A.
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