TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter relates primarily to a medical device, and in particular, to a hemorrhoid treatment device.

BACKGROUND

[002] Hemorrhoids are a common problem caused due to swelling of veins of the anorectal region. The swollen veins or the hemorrhoids are generally caused due to an imbalance of venous and arterial blood flow. The hemorrhoid blood is predominantly arterial, thus indicating that the problem generally exists due to improper venous drainage. Some commonly used methods for treating hemorrhoids include injection sclerotherapy, photocoagulation, and rubber band ligation. The rubber band ligation method is the most commonly used procedure for treating hemorrhoids due to its effectiveness, simplicity, relative safety, and low equipment cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[003] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components:

[004] Fig. la illustrates an exemplary hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[005] Fig. lb illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[006] Fig. lc illustrates a rear cross-sectional view of handle of the hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [007] Fig. Id illustrates a rear view of the hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[008] Fig. 2a illustrates an exemplary hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[009] Fig. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hemorrhoid treatment device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in anal canal region. The veins generally swell under excessive pressure conditions, thus resulting in the formation of the hemorrhoids. The veins that swell inside the anal canal form internal hemorrhoids and the veins that swell near the opening of anus form external hemorrhoids. Over the years, various processes for the treatment of hemorrhoid have been devised and used. The processes for treatment generally vary depending on the size and location of the hemorrhoid. For instance, conservative management may be used for treating smaller grade hemorrhoids. While surgical intervention may be used for treating higher grade external hemorrhoids. The conservative management treatment generally involves making changes in daily diet of a patient. The surgical intervention method generally involves surgery for cutting and removing the hemorrhoid tissue. However, the hemorrhoids are of generally an intermediate severity, i.e., the hemorrhoids are neither advanced enough to mandate surgical intervention nor severe enough to resolve on their own from lifestyle and dietary changes. Such hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with simple non-surgical procedures. Some of the commonly used non-surgical intervention methods for treating hemorrhoids are injection sclerotherapy, photocoagulation, and rubber band ligation.

[0011] Rubber band ligation is the most commonly used method of treatment of hemorrhoids owing to its effectiveness, simplicity, relative safety, and low equipment cost. The method involves deploying a rubber band at the neck of the hemorrhoid tissue to stop blood from flowing into the hemorrhoid tissue, thus eventually turning the hemorrhoid tissue into a dead skin, also referred to as a thrombosed tissue that shreds off after certain time. In order to locate and operate on the hemorrhoid tissue, a surgeon initially performs a digital rectal exam that involves non-visually locating the hemorrhoid tissue through tactile palpation. An examination of the anal canal is then performed using a proctoscope inserted into the anus. Once the proctoscope is inserted and held securely by the surgeon, the surgeon inserts a band ligating instrument in the anal canal, through the proctoscope. The band ligating instrument is applied such that a front end, which has a holding channel, covers most or all of the hemorrhoid tissue. With the band ligating instrument in place, the hemorrhoid tissue is aspirated and pulled away from the rectum for deploying the rubber band. The hemorrhoid tissue is aspirated due to vacuum created at front end of the band ligating instrument. The vacuum is generally created using an external negative pressure source, such as a suction machine or a wall outlet for suction operated by an assistant of the surgeon. The negative pressure holds the hemorrhoid tissue inside the holding channel of the band ligating instrument in a stretched condition. This results in the creation of a neck between the hemorrhoid tissue and the rectal wall to which the hemorrhoid tissue is attached. The surgeon may then deploy the rubber band over the neck by pressing a trigger on the band ligating instrument.

[0012] Once the rubber band is applied, the assistant controlling the suction may deactivate the negative pressure. The vacuum is thus turned off and the band ligating instrument and, subsequently, the proctoscope are safely removed from the anal canal. The rubber band will constrict the hemorrhoid tissue and prevent blood flow thorough the hemorrhoid tissue. Preventing the blood flow causes the hemorrhoid tissue to thrombose and it eventually sloughs off and gets passed out with stool. Further, an external light source may also be used to illuminate the anal canal as the surgeon looks through the proctoscope during the procedure. Since the surgeon's hands are occupied by the proctoscope and the band ligating instrument, the external light source is to be held and manipulated by the assistant.

[0013] Over the years, various devices for performing rubber band ligation have been developed. The devices generally require an external suction device to aspirate the hemorrhoid tissue. Since external suction devices are not readily available in outpatient departments (OPD) and clinics, the hemorrhoid treatment has to be carried out in specific locations where the external suction devices are readily available, for example, an operation theater or a treatment room. Although, some devices do provide inbuilt suction devices, the operator is required to apply a considerable amount of external force to generate the suction. This becomes a limiting factor for performing the treatment as it may cause fatigue due to repeated use.

[0014] Further, since four separate devices, i.e., a light source, the proctoscope, the suction device, and the band ligating instrument are utilized for the hemorrhoid treatment, handling and operating the instruments involves a significant amount of coordination between the surgeon and a technician assisting the surgeon. Furthermore, since at some points the surgeon may have to use two devices, say the light source and the proctoscope simultaneously, the surgeon may not be able to clearly see the operating region as the devices may occlude the operating region. Additionally, it may become difficult to illuminate and examine the operating region simultaneously. Further, the technician may have to set up the procedure apparatus before beginning with the surgery, thus increasing the time involved in the surgery. Moreover, the devices are generally non-reusable, which leads to greater material wastage and drives up costs for treatment.

[0015] Photocoagulation for treating hemorrhoids involves the use of a phototherapy device for coagulating blood supply of the hemorrhoid tissue. The phototherapy device produces non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that may be used to treat various skin diseases. A front end of the phototherapy device is placed on the hemorrhoid tissue through the proctoscope. The surgeon then uses the phototherapy device to transmit electromagnetic radiations at the neck of the hemorrhoid tissue, thus heating the hemorrhoid tissue up to a temperature of 80°C. The heat causes the blood supply of the hemorrhoid tissue to thrombose. The thrombosis causes the hemorrhoid tissue to eventually slough off and get passed in stool by the patient.

[0016] Generally, phototherapy devices, which are used for treating smaller hemorrhoids, are large and bulky. A standard phototherapy unit consists of a base unit and an operating unit connected to the base unit. The operating unit itself is large and cumbersome to use. Although the phototherapy units are effective in treating hemorrhoids, they are often not used due to bulky nature of equipment and process.

[0017] The present subject matter describes a hemorrhoid treatment device according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The hemorrhoid treatment device is a single unit that can be operated by a single person for the entire hemorrhoid treatment process without utilizing external resources and power. According to an embodiment, the hemorrhoid device integrates various components utilized for hemorrhoid treatment that were previously available as separate devices. The hemorrhoid treatment device includes the various components in a single housing that can be single-handedly operated by an operator.

[0018] In one implementation, the hemorrhoid treatment device may be used for performing rubber band ligation. The hemorrhoid treatment device includes a ligation unit, a pressure generation system, a control switch, and an actuator. The ligation unit and the pressure generation system may be reusable and detachably connected to a handle of the device. The handle may be ergonomically designed to allow an operator to hold the device comfortably during treatment and also while inserting the ligation unit into the body of a patient.

[0019] The ligation unit includes a ligation unit tip, which is loaded with a ligature and is placed over a hemorrhoid tissue. The ligation unit tip is fluidly connected to a suction channel for aspirating the hemorrhoid tissue into the ligation unit tip. The ligation unit also includes a ligation element coupled to the ligation unit tip for deploying the ligature on a neck of the hemorrhoid tissue, exposed due to aspiration of the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0020] The hemorrhoid treatment device may further include an inbuilt visualization system. The visualization system can be used to have a clear visual of the anal canal for locating the hemorrhoid tissue, deploying the hemorrhoid treatment device, and while performing the treatment.

[0021] In operation, once the hemorrhoid tissue, hereinafter tissue, has been located, the operator may place the ligation unit tip of the hemorrhoid treatment device on the tissue. The operator may subsequently create a partial vacuum inside the suction channel to aspirate and draw the tissue away from wall of the anal canal and into the ligation unit tip. The tissue is aspirated by applying a controlled pressure, such as a negative pressure. In one implementation, the pressure is generated by the pressure generation system fluidly coupled to the ligation unit. The pressure generation system may generate the pressure by mechanical or electrical means, which may be actuated by the control switch. The controlled pressure, thus generated, may create the partial vacuum within the suction channel to aspirate the tissue, thus exposing the neck of the tissue.

[0022] When the tissue is aspirated, the operator may press the actuator to actuate the ligation element for deploying the ligature on the neck of the tissue. In one example, the ligature may be an elastic rubber band. Ligating the hemorrhoid tissue causes the hemorrhoid tissue to thrombose. The thrombosed hemorrhoid tissue eventually falls off and gets passed through stool, giving relief to the patient.

[0023] The present hemorrhoid treatment device thus helps in performing the hemorrhoid treatment procedure in a fast, efficient, and simple manner. The hemorrhoid treatment device eliminates the need for an external suction component or a separate light source component, as both components are embedded in the hemorrhoid treatment device itself. The embedded components thus enable the operator to carry out the hemorrhoid treatment even in resource constrained settings, such as OPD or out-reach clinics. The device also includes detachable components, such as pressure generation system, ligation unit, light transmission rod, etc., which can be disposed of after use and the device may be reused by attaching a new pressure generation system, ligation unit, or light transmission rod.

[0024] Further, the hemorrhoid treatment device can be single handedly operated. Since no additional resources are needed, there is no longer a need for an additional active operator, such as an assistant. Additionally, suction mechanism of the hemorrhoid treatment device can be pre -primed and works on stored energy, and hence no further efforts are required for providing energy during the treatment. Further, the hemorrhoid treatment device is easy to operate as it contains a single control element that controls release of the stored energy and deployment of the ligature on the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0025] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of described systems for a single hand operated hemorrhoid treatment device can be implemented in any number of different systems, environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system(s).

[0026] Further, the present subject matter has been explained in the context of figures that depict a device for hemorrhoid treatment as an example, it will be understood that the subject matter may be extended for treatment of other biological tissues by using the same or similar principles as described herein.

[0027] Fig. la illustrates a hemorrhoid treatment device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The hemorrhoid treatment device 100, interchangeably referred to as a device 100, is devised for treating hemorrhoids in anorectal region. The hemorrhoid treatment device 100 includes a handle 102 by which an operator can comfortably hold and operate the hemorrhoid treatment device 100. The handle 102 is further connected to a ligation unit 104, which is inserted into the body of a patient for performing hemorrhoid ligation. In one embodiment, the ligation unit 104 may be detachably coupled to the handle 102. In one implementation, the ligation unit 104 may be coupled to the handle 102 by a rotary mechanism to allow the ligation unit 104 to be rotated freely about the handle 102.

[0028] The ligation unit 104 may include a ligation unit tip 106, a suction channel, a ligation element, as will be described and discussed in detail later, with reference to figure lb. In one implementation, the ligation unit tip 106 may be placed over a hemorrhoid tissue, interchangeably referred to as tissue, to perform the hemorrhoid ligation. The tissue may be aspirated and drawn into the ligation unit tip 106 using a partial vacuum created in the suction channel. The partial vacuum may be generated by a pressure generation system, which may be detachably attached to the handle 102. In one embodiment, the pressure generation system may have one or more mechanical means, such as a plunger (not shown in this figure), a cylinder (not shown in this figure), and a spring (not shown in this figure).

[0029] In one implementation, the pressure generation system may be pre -primed by the operator before inserting the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 in the patient's body. In another implementation, the pressure generation system may be factory pre- primed. The pressure generation system may be primed by pushing a trigger (not shown in figure) present in the handle 102 to produce and store energy in the handle 102. Pushing the trigger compresses the spring until the spring gets locked in a compressed state by a ratchet mechanism. Once the ligation unit 104 is inserted into the anal canal, either directly or through a proctoscope, the operator may actuate the pressure generation system.

[0030] In operation, the operator may use a control switch (not shown in figure) located on the handle 102 to actuate the pressure generation system to release the spring and in turn the energy in a controlled manner to create the partial vacuum in the suction channel. Creating the partial vacuum helps in pulling a loose end of the hemorrhoid tissue into the ligation unit 104. Once the hemorrhoid tissue gets drawn and clamped into the ligation unit tip 106 of the ligation unit 104, a ligature, such as an elastic rubber band, is deployed on the hemorrhoid tissue. The ligature may be ligated on the aspirated tissue by pressing an actuator 108, which actuates the ligation element in a forward direction to deploy the ligature on the neck of the aspirated tissue.

[0031] Further, the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 may include a visualization system (not shown in figure) to facilitate the operator in continuously viewing and monitoring the operating region, i.e., the hemorrhoid tissue. The visualization system may further include a light source (not shown in this figure) using which the operator may illuminate the operating region during the hemorrhoid treatment procedure.

[0032] Fig. lb illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hemorrhoid treatment device 100. As previously described, the handle 102 may include the pressure generation system that can be pre-primed to produce and store energy in the handle 102. In one embodiment, the pressure generation system of the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 includes the trigger 110, the spring 112, the plunger 114, and the cylinder 116 to act as the mechanical means. The spring 112 is coupled to the plunger 114 such that a proximal end of the spring 112 is coupled to a proximal end of the plunger 114 and a distal end of the spring 112 is coupled to a distal end of the plunger 114. Further, the proximal ends of the spring 112 and the plunger 114 are coupled to the trigger 110 provided at the bottom end of the handle 102. The spring 112, the plunger 114, and the trigger 110 are coupled such that, when the trigger 110 is pressed, the plunger 114 gets displaced into the cylinder 116. As the plunger 114 comes into contact with a top end of the cylinder 116, the spring 112 gets compressed at which point the spring 112 gets locked by the ratchet mechanism. Compressing the spring 112 causes the spring 112 to get energized. [0033] The energy stored by the compression of the spring 112 can be used to aspirate the hemorrhoid tissue into the suction channel 118 by creation of a partial vacuum in the suction channel 118. In one implementation, a connector 120 connects the cylinder 116 to the suction channel 118 to facilitate creation of the partial vacuum in the suction channel 118 using the air drop created in the cylinder 116. As will be understood, the partial vacuum may be created by release of the spring 112 from its compressed state, thus making the plunger 114 to move downwards in the cylinder 116, which in turn creates vacuum in the cylinder 116 through the connector 120. Further, the ligation unit 104 is attached to the handle 102 from one end and has the ligation unit tip 106 at the other end in which the hemorrhoid tissue is aspirated.

[0034] The handle 102 is further provided with the control switch 122 for releasing the spring 112 from its locked position, thus decompressing the spring 112 for aspirating the hemorrhoid tissue. In one embodiment, the control switch 122 is coupled to a lever 124 that has a pawl at one end. The pawl engages with ridges provided on the plunger 114 to form a ratchet mechanism. On pressing the control switch 122 intermittently, the lever 124 disengages with the ridges and thereby allowing the spring to expand and the plunger to displace downwards in the cylinder 116 for generating the partial vacuum.

[0035] In one embodiment, the pressure generation system includes an electric motor (not shown in figure) and a vacuum apparatus (not shown in figure). The electric motor may be connected to a power source (not shown in figure). On pressing the control switch 122, the electric motor may rotate a motor shaft, which is coupled to the motor. The rotation of the motor shaft may be used to drive the vacuum apparatus for generating a negative pressure.

[0036] Further, the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 may have visualization system, which provides a continuous visual of area of operation. In one implementation, the visualization system includes the light source 126, and a power source (not shown in figure) connected to the light source 126. The light source 126, such as an LED, laser, and the like, is provided to illuminate the operating region so that the operator can clearly view the hemorrhoid tissue during the treatment procedure. In an embodiment, the light source 126 may be incorporated in the handle 102. The device 100 may also include a plurality of cables, such as optical fiber, to transmit the light from the light source 126 to the area of operation, i.e., the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0037] In one embodiment, the visualization system may include a camera 128 and a control unit (not shown in figure). The camera 128 may be a tip type camera provided near the ligation unit tip 106. The control unit may be implemented as one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, microcomputers, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. A memory unit (not shown in figure) may also be provided in the device 100 for storing data related to images captured by the camera 128. Further, in one embodiment, a communication unit, such as a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, may be provided for wirelessly communicating with an external device or through wired connections using standard communication protocols.

[0038] In one embodiment, the external device can be a smartphone or a specialized custom made device. The external device may be used to control the components of the visualization system through the communication unit. In an example, the external device may capture video data in real time with the help of the visualization system. Additionally, the external device may have telecommunication capabilities to store and transmit the video data. In one implementation, the visualization system is powered and controlled by a power source and a processing unit which may be housed in the handle 102. In an example, the power source may obtain its power from either a built in power storage device or through an external source, such as an AC source.

[0039] In operation, an operator, such as a surgeon or other such medical personnel, may initially pre -prime the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 by pressing the trigger 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may pre -prime the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 before beginning with the treatment procedure when the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 is outside a patient's body. Pressing the trigger 110 causes the spring 112 to compress, which in turn pushes the plunger 114 coupled to the spring 112, into the cylinder 116. As the plunger 114 hits the cylinder 116, the spring 112 gets compressed and locked around the plunger 114 by the ratchet mechanism and energy is stored in the compressed spring 112. Further, the trigger 110 also gets locked within the cylinder 116 owing to the locking of the spring 112 and the plunger 114.

[0040] Once the trigger 110 gets locked in the cylinder 116, the operator of the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 may locate the hemorrhoid tissue using the visualization system. The operator may further place the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 such that that the ligation unit tip 106 comes in contact with the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0041] The operator may subsequently press the control switch 122 to aspirate the hemorrhoid tissue into the suction channel 118. As the control switch 122 is actuated, the trigger 110 gets released from its locked position and moves downwards owing to which the spring 112 gets released from its compressed state. Subsequently, the spring 112 expands due to the stored energy thus displacing the plunger 114 within the cylinder 116. In an embodiment, the movement of the trigger 110 and the decompression of the spring 112 can be controlled by a user with the help of the control switch 122. The displacement of the plunger 114 further creates a drop in pressure inside the cylinder 116, hence generating a partial vacuum in the suction channel 118. The partial vacuum is maintained in the suction channel 1 18 as the ligation unit tip 106 is held against the hemorrhoid tissue. As a result of the partial vacuum, the hemorrhoid tissue is pulled inside the suction channel, due to which the hemorrhoid tissue is pulled from within the rectum, thus exposing the neck through which the hemorrhoid tissue attaches to the anal canal. In an embodiment, the user can control the amount of hemorrhoid tissue that is aspirated into the suction channel 118 using the control switch 122.

[0042] The operator may subsequently press the actuator 108 to deploy the ligature, such as elastic rubber band, at the neck of the hemorrhoid tissue. The ligature may be pre-loaded at the ligation tip unit 106, such that on pressing the actuator 108, the ligation element 130 is actuated to deploy the ligature around the neck of the hemorrhoid tissue. Once the ligature has been deployed to ligate the hemorrhoid tissue, a release mechanism may be activated to release the negative pressure. In one implementation, the release mechanism may be a small port (not shown in figure) provided at back end of the hemorrhoid treatment device 100. Once the vacuum is released, the ligation unit 104 is withdrawn from the rectum. The ligated hemorrhoid tissue will, by virtue of the natural processes of the body, thrombose, shrink, slough off, and get passed in stool of the patient in a few days. The actuator 108 may thus be used to aspirate and ligate the hemorrhoid tissue, making the hemorrhoid treatment device 100 more versatile and simple to use.

[0043] Figs, lc and Id illustrate rear views of the handle 102 and the hemorrhoid treatment device 100, respectively.

[0044] Fig. 2a illustrates the hemorrhoid treatment device 200 in accordance to another embodiment. The hemorrhoid treatment device 200, interchangeably referred to as a second hemorrhoid treatment device 200, is devised for treating hemorrhoids in anorectal region using the method of photocoagulation. The hemorrhoid treatment device 200 includes a handle 202 by which an operator can comfortably hold and operate the hemorrhoid treatment device 200. The handle 202 is further connected to a light transmission rod 204 by an attachment point 206. The attachment point 206 allows the handle 202 and the light transmission rod 204 to rotate independently of each other. The light transmission rod 204 may be used to transmit electromagnetic radiation to a hemorrhoid tissue for performing hemorrhoid treatment procedure. In one implementation, the electromagnetic radiation may be emitted by an electromagnetic energy source (not shown in the figure) provided in the handle 202. The electromagnetic radiation may be transmitted to the hemorrhoid tissue through a tip 208 of the light transmission rod 204. In one implementation, the tip 208 may be tapered or bent to allow an easy access to the operating region. While operating, the operator may use a control switch (not shown in the figure) located on the handle 202 to enable the electromagnetic energy source to release energy in the form of visible light. The visible light helps in illuminating the operating area and identifying the hemorrhoid tissue to be treated. Once the hemorrhoid tissue is illuminated and identified, the electromagnetic radiations are produced and transmitted to the hemorrhoid tissue. In one implementation, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiations may be controlled using the control switch. One possible means of controlling the intensity would be to use standard means of modulating the power output of the electronic circuit driving the electromagnetic energy source

[0045] Further, the light transmission rod 204 may include optical devices, such as a lens, to focus and collimate the electromagnetic radiation to concentrate on the operating region, i.e., the hemorrhoid tissue. The hemorrhoid treatment device 200 may further include the visualization system (not shown in this figure) to allow the operator to have a clear view of the operating region during the hemorrhoid treatment procedure.

[0046] Fig. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hemorrhoid treatment device 200 in accordance to the other embodiments. The handle 202 of the hemorrhoid treatment device 200 has an ergonomic shape so as to provide maximum comfort to a user while using the hemorrhoid treatment device 200. Further, the handle 202 may house an energy source 210, such as a cell or a battery to operate the hemorrhoid treatment device 200. The handle 202 may further include a control circuit 212, a driver 214, and cables to assist operation of the energy source 210. In an embodiment, the handle 202 may include a feedback loop, whereby the power output of an electromagnetic energy source 216 may be automatically modulated through a feedback obtained from temperature readings of the heated hemorrhoid tissue. The electromagnetic energy source 216 may be provided in the handle 202. In an implementation, the electromagnetic energy source 216 may be a combination of light emitting diode (LED) and laser or alternative light sources. In another implementation, the electromagnetic energy source 216 may be rechargeable. The electromagnetic energy source 216 is capable of producing both visible light and electromagnetic radiation. The visible light may be used for illuminating and visualizing an operating region. The electromagnetic radiation is for coagulating a hemorrhoid tissue. Since the electromagnetic energy source 216 serves the purpose of illuminating the field of operating and transmitting electromagnetic radiation for treating the hemorrhoid tissue, requirement of two separate devices is eliminated. In an implementation the electromagnetic energy source 216 can be thermally managed so as to prevent overheating.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hemorrhoid treatment device 200 may include a control switch 218 embedded on the handle 202 to control the production of the visible light and the electromagnetic radiation. The control switch 218 may have multiple modes of operation. In an embodiment, a first mode may enable the electromagnetic energy source 216 to operate in low power mode and produce the visible light to illuminate and visualize the area of operation. Further, a second mode may enable the electromagnetic energy source 216 to operate in high power mode and transmit the electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation produced as a result, can then be focused on the hemorrhoid tissue in order to coagulate blood supply of the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0048] Further, the light transmission rod 204 maybe used to transmit the electromagnetic radiation produced by the electromagnetic energy source 216 to the hemorrhoid tissue. In one embodiment, the light transmission rod 204 may be constructed in a way so as to minimize loss of energy when the electromagnetic radiation is being transmitted through the light transmission rod 204. In another embodiment, the light transmission rod 204 is suitably optimized according to different types of light that are passed through the light transmission rod 204. Further, the light transmission rod 204 may vary in type, shape and size, depending on area of application. In an implementation, the light transmission rod 204 may be rigid. In another implementation, the light transmission rod 204 may be flexible. Further, internal area of the light transmission rod 204 is a specially constructed optical channel 220. The optical channel 220 has the optical devices for focusing and collimating the electromagnetic radiation produced by the electromagnetic energy source 216 on the hemorrhoid tissue to be treated. The construction of the optical channel 220 depends on nature of the electromagnetic energy source 216.

[0049] Further, the light transmission rod 204 is attached to the handle 202 from one end by the attachment point 206. In one embodiment, the attachment point 206 may be fixed. In another embodiment, the attachment point 206 may be interchangeable. Furthermore, the light transmission rod 204 and the handle 202 are coupled by a flange 222. The flange 222 is specially designed so that the light transmission rod 204 and the handle 202 can rotate independently of each other. In another embodiment, a user may rotate the handle 202 or the light transmission rod 204 through electromechanical means. Additionally, the flange 222 is designed in such a way so that negligible energy is lost when the electromagnetic radiation propagates through the flange 222.

[0050] Further, the tip 208 of the light transmission rod 204 transmits the visible light and the electromagnetic radiations to the hemorrhoid tissue. Shape and size of the tip 208 may vary, depending on nature of application. In one exemplary implementation, the light source can be placed on the tip 208 for illuminating the area of application. Moreover, the tip 208 and the handle 202 can be configured to be used differently on different kinds of biological tissues.

[0051] Additionally, the visualization system, similar to the visualization system described in Fig. lb, can be incorporated into the hemorrhoid treatment device 200. The visualization system can be used to precisely transmit electromagnetic radiation at the area of application. In an embodiment, the visualization system can be present on the tip 208. In another embodiment, the visualization system can be incorporated in the handle 202.

[0052] In operation, an operator, such as a doctor or other such medical personnel, may hold and operate the hemorrhoid treatment device 200 by the handle 202. The first mode of the control switch 218 is activated by pressing the control switch 218. This enables the electromagnetic energy source 216 to work in the low power mode. In the low power mode, the electromagnetic energy source 216 produces visible light that may be used to illuminate the field of operation. The operator may then place the tip 208 on the hemorrhoid tissue and press the control switch 218. This enables the electromagnetic energy source 216 to work in high power mode. As a result, electromagnetic radiation is released from the electromagnetic energy source 216. In one implementation, the electromagnetic radiation is focused and collimated with the help of the optical devices present in the optical channel 220 to obtain electromagnetic energy sufficient enough to coagulate or cauterize the hemorrhoid tissue.

[0053] Although, the hemorrhoid treatment devices 100 and 200 have been described in relation to the specific constructional features as illustrated in the Fig. 1 a-2b, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the hemorrhoid treatment device may be manufactured in varying shapes and sizes. Further, some or all of the components may be suitably modified without departing from the scope of the present subject matter and hence the present subject matter is intended to cover all such modifications as will be evident to a person skilled in the art from the description covered herein.

[0054] In yet another embodiment, the hemorrhoid treatment device may be incorporated into a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be either an open instrument, such as scalpel, or an endoscopic/laparoscopic instrument. Such devices can be used in procedures, such as rubber band ligation of esophageal varices, rubber band ligation of vessels, laparoscopic ligation of fallopian tube for sterilization, and the like.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the hemorrhoid treatment device may use the suction mechanism to hold the hemorrhoid tissue in a stretched manner for giving a specific treatment other than rubber band ligation. The hemorrhoid treatment device may be used to safely cauterize the hemorrhoid tissue by transmitting electromagnetic energy from a light source. The hemorrhoid treatment device may also be used for providing a sclerosant in injection sclerotherapy for treating hemorrhoids.

[0056] Although embodiments for a single hand operated hemorrhoid treatment device have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments for the hemorrhoid treatment device.