Surgical multi-tool and method of use

Abstract

Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

1 . A surgical tool comprising:
 a first tip extending distally; and   a second tip extending distally;   wherein the surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as forceps;   wherein the surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as scissors;   wherein the surgical tool has a third configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as a probe.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the third configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first tip and the second tip are configured to abut each other in the third configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first tip comprises a first electrode and the second tip comprises a second electrode. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first tip and the second tip are configured to interact as electrocautery bipolar forceps in the first configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first tip and the second tip comprises an electrode. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first tip and the second tip are configured to interact as an electrical monopolar probe in the third configuration. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first tip and the second tip comprises a plurality of electrodes. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein one of the first tip and the second tip comprises a recess and the other of the first tip and the second tip comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to be received relative to the recess in the second configuration to provide an axis about which the tips can rotate. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanism configured to allow the surgical tool to be ambidextrous. 
     
     
         21 . The surgical tool of  claim 20 , wherein the mechanism comprises a pair of gears and a pair of cogs. 
     
     
         22 . A method of using a surgical tool comprising:
 providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally;   moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, wherein the moving allows for reconfiguration of the tool for use as a probe; and   rotating the first tip and the second tip, wherein the rotating reconfigures the tool for use as scissors.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the moving step occurs before the rotating step. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein when configured for use as a probe, the tool is configured for monopolar electrocautery, monopolar detection, or monopolar stimulation. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein when configured for use as a probe, the tool is configured for multipolar electrocautery, multipolar detection, or multipolar stimulation. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein moving further comprises bringing inner surfaces of the first and second tips into proximity with each other so that longitudinal axes of the first and second tips are generally aligned. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein after rotating the first tip and the second tip, the inner surfaces of the first and second tips are configured to shear past each other. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising applying electrical energy to tissue with the first tip and the second tip. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising applying electrical energy to tissue with only one of the first tip and the second tip. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein rotating the first tip and the second tip further comprises rotating the first tip ninety degrees and rotating the second tip ninety degrees.