Suction sleeve and interventional devices having such a suction sleeve

Abstract

A suction sleeve is configured to couple to the shaft of an RF device to evacuate hot gasses, fluids and/or other aspirates. The suction sleeve may be configured to be disposed coaxially around the shaft between the first end of the shaft and the work element (e.g., an RF cutting element) thereof. The suction sleeve defines a suction port and a plurality of openings near the work element, and is configured to enable suction in through the plurality of openings and out through the suction port.

1 . A suction sleeve for a soft tissue interventional device that includes a shaft, the suction sleeve comprising a tapered portion defining a predetermined extent, the tapered portion defining a first external surface and a first internal surface, the first internal surface defining an internal axial lumen spanning the predetermined extent, the internal axial lumen being configured to receive the shaft, the first external surface defining a suction port and a plurality of openings that open to the internal axial lumen.  
     
     
         2 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein tapered portion defines a second external surface disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the first external surface and wherein both the first and second external surfaces define openings that open to the internal axial lumen.  
     
     
         3 . The suction sleeve of  claim 2 , wherein the openings defined within the first external surface overlap with the openings defined within the second external surface.  
     
     
         4 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings are shaped and dimensioned so as to enable free passage of aspirates from a cavity within soft tissue through the internal axial lumen and out through the suction port.  
     
     
         5 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of openings defines a generally cloverleaf shape.  
     
     
         6 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the suction sleeve is at least partially transparent.  
     
     
         7 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered portion includes a first sleeve half and a second sleeve half, the first sleeve half being configured to mate with the second sleeve half.  
     
     
         8 . The suction sleeve of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one integral hinge bridging the first sleeve half to the second sleeve half.  
     
     
         9 . The suction sleeve of  claim 7 , wherein the tapered portion includes at least one sleeve mating assembly.  
     
     
         10 . The suction sleeve of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one sleeve mating assembly is configured to removably mate the first sleeve half to the second sleeve half.  
     
     
         11 . The suction sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being configured to slide coaxially with the first portion to assume a first position in which the sleeve has a first length and second positions in which the length of the sleeve is greater than the first length.  
     
     
         12 . The suction sleeve of  claim 11 , wherein the second portion telescopes within the first portion.