Device For Suction-Assisted Lipectomy And Method Of Using Same

Abstract

A device is described which allows simultaneous application of suction or vacuum for evacuation of fat with application of energy to the fat inside an opening in a cannula. A pair of electrodes is situated within the cavity of the cannula just under the surface of cannula tip opening(s) or as part of the walls of such openings. The electrodes are spaced to allow coagulation of fat entering the cannula. Irrigation may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous or intermittent stream within the cannula to cool the tip and facilitate removal of suctioned tissue and prevent buildup of debris on electrodes. A method for using the cannula to remove adipose tissue or fat destroyed by the energy application through the use of suction with mechanical motion of the cannula, with energy application and optionally with the use of irrigation is also disclosed.

1 . A device for removing tissue from a body, said device comprising
 a hollow cannula having at least one opening in the distal end and means for connecting the cannula to a negative pressure source at the proximal end;   a handle, operatively connected to the cannula, for use by a surgeon to direct and control the distal end of the device in a surgical site and advance the cannula into and withdraw the cannula from the surgical site with the required control and force;   a laser fiber having a light output operably positioned proximate the opening for transferring energy for transferring energy to tissue drawn into the cannula through the at least one opening;   a suction channel formed in the cannula;   means, operatively connected to the cannula, for delivering irrigation fluid to the vicinity of the laser fiber light output and the opening;   means, operatively connected to the cannula, for applying suction to the vicinity of the laser fiber light output and the opening;   means, operatively connected to the laser fiber, for applying laser energy to the laser fiber during the advancement and withdrawal of the cannula; and   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 means for varying the strength of the suction according to individual surgeon preference and individual patient requirements.   
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein means for varying the strength of the suction is adapted to provide suction between about ten (10) and about seven hundred sixty (760) millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg) of negative pressure. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the means for applying laser energy is adapted to provide sufficient energy to coagulate tissue so that it may be sucked into the opening without damaging skin or the tissue surrounding the device. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a thermistor disposed proximal to the opening in the tip of the cannula;   means for operating the means for applying laser energy responsive to the thermistor such that tip temperature is maintained below about forty (40) degrees Centigrade (C).   
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the means for delivering irrigation fluids comprise a reservoir including sterile aqueous solutions of saline, lactated Ringer's solution, water, lidocaine, epinephrine, bupivucaine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride or combinations of any of the above.