ELECTROSURGICAL ASPIRATOR COMBINED WITH A PENCIL

摘要

An aspirator attachment (10) for an electrosurgical pencil (11) has an axis and an electrode (12) at a distal end (13) thereof to transmit vacuum to remove fluid from an operative site. A semi-rigid hollow body (14) extends parallel to the axis and is contoured to fit coextensively against the elongate pencil. A body passage (15) has an opening (16) at its distal part (17) that is about the electrode (12) and facing toward the patient. The part conjugates aft of the electrode (12) for generally fluid tight pencil engagement. The opening (16) is scalloped with opposed edges increasing visibility, decreasing tissue trapping and decreasing electrode (12) temperature. A part port (21) between the conjugating end (18) and its opening (16) communicates with the passage (15) and the opening (16). A connector (22) at the body end opposite the opening (16) is shaped for fluid communication with the passage (15) and vacuum. A body center section, between the port (21) and the connector (22) joins them. An offset transition (27) of the body, adjacent the pencil conjugating end (18), has the passage (15) therethrough for connecting the port (21) and the center section and alignment. The passage (15) has a uniform cross sectional area extending therein. A swivel (23) attached to the connector (22) permits relative rotation between the pencil and a vacuum hose. The center section at the connector (22) has a rib (24) to engage the pencil retaining the opening (16) about the distal end (13) and resisting movement. The passage (15) within the center section has a generally D shaped cross section. The pencil has controls along a side thereof and the body mates with the pencil opposite the controls. Methods of combining and using the pencil and aspirator include steps of engaging and nesting them together.