System and device for heating or cooling shape memory surgical devices

Abstract

A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device. The system includes a sealed, sterilizable housing, a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, the thermal probe being connected with the housing, and a printed circuit board positioned within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to the thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via the thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from the feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that the power circuit distributes to the thermal probe. The control circuit includes an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to the thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

1 . A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device, said system comprising: 
 a sealed, sterilizable housing;    a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, said thermal probe being connected with said housing; and    a printed circuit board positioned within said housing, said printed circuit board including a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to said thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via said thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from said feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that said power circuit distributes to said thermal probe.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said control circuit further comprises an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to said thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more digital microprocessors for determining a proper temperature and time to heat the shape memory surgical device so that the temperature generated in the shape memory surgical device does not exceed a predetermined maximum value, wherein said one or more digital microprocessors are in cooperation with said control circuit.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said thermal probe is an electrode for applying an electric current to the shape memory surgical device.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising current sensing wires joined with said thermal probe, wherein said current sensing wires are configured to measure a conductivity between a tip of said thermal probe and the shape memory surgical device.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a digital or analog readout for indicating a condition of the shape memory surgical device.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said electrode is formed from one of gold, aluminum, silver, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said electrode is formed from one of carbon, graphite, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second thermal probe and a resistive wire or ribbon joined with and extending between said thermal probe and said second thermal probe.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for supplying heating power automatically when said thermal probe is brought into contact with the shape memory surgical device.  
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sealed, sterilizable handheld unit from which said thermal probe extends.  
   
   
       12 . A system according to  claim 11 , wherein said handheld unit and said thermal probe are connected with said housing via a cord.  
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing is configured to be handheld and said thermal probe extends from said housing.  
   
   
       14 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for supplying heating power.  
   
   
       15 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include batteries positioned within said housing and joined with said power circuit.  
   
   
       16 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein said housing is configured to be handheld and said thermal probe extends from said housing.  
   
   
       17 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include a power cord for providing heating power in the form of a line current to said power circuit.  
   
   
       18 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include a chemical source for providing heating power to said power circuit.  
   
   
       19 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include a radio frequency electrosurgical generator for providing heating power to said power circuit.  
   
   
       20 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include an ultrasonic generator for providing heating power to said power circuit.  
   
   
       21 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein said means include an alternating magnetic field for providing heating power to said power circuit.  
   
   
       22 . A system for heating or cooling a thermally transformable shape memory surgical device, said system comprising: 
 a sealed, sterilizable housing;    a thermal probe for heating or cooling the shape memory surgical device, said thermal probe being connected with said housing; and    a printed circuit board positioned within said housing, said printed circuit board including a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of a heating power or a cooling agent to said thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via said thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from said feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of said heating power or said cooling agent that said power circuit distributes to said thermal probe.    
   
   
       23 . A system according to  claim 22 , wherein said cooling agent is a compressed gas.  
   
   
       24 . A system according to  claim 22 , wherein said cooling agent is generated from a thermoelectric cooler.  
   
   
       25 . A system according to  claim 22 , wherein said control circuit further comprises an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to said thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.  
   
   
       26 . A device for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device, said device comprising: 
 a sealed, sterilizable housing;    a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, said thermal probe being connected with said housing;    means for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to said thermal probe;    means for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via said thermal probe; and    means for receiving data from said feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that said power circuit distributes to said thermal probe.