Robotic surgical tool with ultrasound cauterizing and cutting instrument
A surgical instrument for enhancing robotic surgery generally includes an elongate shaft with an ultrasound probe, an end effector at the distal end of the shaft, and a base at the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasound probe tip and the surgical instrument is generally configured for convenient positioning of the probe tip within a surgical site by a robotic surgical system. Ultrasound energy delivered by the probe tip may be used to cut, cauterize, or achieve various other desired effects on tissue at a surgical site. In various embodiments, the end effector also includes a gripper, for gripping tissue in cooperation with the ultrasound probe tip. The base is generally configured to removably couple the surgical instrument to a robotic surgical system and to transmit forces from the surgical system to the end effector, through the elongate shaft. A method for enhancing robotic surgery generally includes coupling the surgical instrument to a robotic surgical system, positioning the probe tip in contact with tissue at a surgical site, and delivering ultrasound energy to the tissue.
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This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/126,499 filed on Apr. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of prior provisional application No. 60/285,485, filed on Apr. 19, 2001, under 37 CFR §1.78(a)(4), the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to surgical apparatus and methods. More specifically, the invention relates to a surgical instrument and method for use with a robotic surgical system, the instrument including an ultrasonic probe.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques generally reduce the amount of extraneous tissue damage during surgical procedures, thereby reducing patient recovery time, discomfort, and deleterious side effects. One effect of minimally invasive surgery, for example, is reduced post-operative hospital recovery times. Because the average hospital stay for a standard surgery is typically significantly longer than the average stay for an analogous minimally invasive surgery, increased use of minimally invasive techniques could save millions of dollars in hospital costs each year. Patient recovery times, patient discomfort, surgical side effects, and time away from work can also be reduced by increasing the use of minimally invasive surgery.
In theory, a significant number of surgical procedures could potentially be performed by minimally invasive techniques to achieve the advantages just described. Only a small percentage of procedures currently use minimally invasive techniques, however, because certain instruments, systems and methods are not currently available in a form for providing minimally invasive surgery.
Traditional forms of minimally invasive surgery typically include endoscopy, which is visual examination of a hollow space with a viewing instrument called an endoscope. One of the more common forms of endoscopy is laparoscopy, which is visual examination and/or treatment of the abdominal cavity. In traditional laparoscopic surgery a patient's abdominal cavity is insufflated with gas and cannula sleeves are passed through small incisions in the musculature of the patient's abdomen to provide entry ports through which laparoscopic surgical instruments can be passed in a sealed fashion. Such incisions are typically about ½ inch (about 12 mm) in length.
The laparoscopic surgical instruments generally include a laparoscope for viewing the surgical field and working tools defining end effectors. Typical surgical end effectors include clamps, graspers, scissors, staplers, and needle holders, for example. The working tools are similar to those used in conventional (open) surgery, except that the working end or end effector of each tool is separated from its handle by a long extension tube, typically of about 12 inches (about 300 mm) in length, for example, so as to permit the surgeon to introduce the end effector to the surgical site and to control movement of the end effector relative to the surgical site from outside a patient's body.
To perform a surgical procedure, a surgeon typically passes the working tools or instruments through the cannula sleeves to the internal surgical site and manipulates the instruments from outside the abdomen by sliding them in and out through the cannula sleeves, rotating them in the cannula sleeves, levering (i.e., pivoting) the instruments against the abdominal wall and actuating the end effectors on distal ends of the instruments from outside the abdominal cavity. The instruments normally pivot around centers defined by the incisions which extend through the muscles of the abdominal wall. The surgeon typically monitors the procedure by means of a television monitor which displays an image of the surgical site captured by the laparoscopic camera. Typically, the laparoscopic camera is also introduced through the abdominal wall so as to capture the image of the surgical site. Similar endoscopic techniques are employed in, for example, arthroscopy, retroperitoneoscopy, pelviscopy, nephroscopy, cystoscopy, cisternoscopy, sinoscopy, hysteroscopy, urethroscopy, and the like.
Although traditional minimally invasive surgical instruments and techniques like those just described have proven highly effective, newer systems may provide even further advantages. For example, traditional minimally invasive surgical instruments often deny the surgeon the flexibility of tool placement found in open surgery. Difficulty is experienced in approaching the surgical site with the instruments through the small incisions. Additionally, the added length of typical endoscopic instruments often reduces the surgeon's ability to feel forces exerted by tissues and organs on the end effector. Furthermore, coordination of the movement of the end effector of the instrument as viewed in the image on the television monitor with actual end effector movement is particularly difficult, since the movement as perceived in the image normally does not correspond intuitively with the actual end effector movement. Accordingly, lack of intuitive response to surgical instrument movement input is often experienced. Such a lack of intuitiveness, dexterity and sensitivity of endoscopic tools has been found to be an impediment in the increased the use of minimally invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive robotic (or “telesurgical”) surgical systems have been developed to increase surgical dexterity as well as to permit a surgeon to operate on a patient in an intuitive manner. Telesurgery is a general term for surgical operations using systems where the surgeon uses some form of remote control, e.g., a servomechanism, or the like, to manipulate surgical instrument movements, rather than directly holding and moving the tools by hand. In such a telesurgery system, the surgeon is typically provided with an image of the surgical site on a visual display at a location remote from the patient. The surgeon can typically perform the surgical procedure at the location remote from the patient whilst viewing the end effector movement on the visual display during the surgical procedure. While viewing typically a three-dimensional image of the surgical site on the visual display, the surgeon performs the surgical procedures on the patient by manipulating master control devices at the remote location, which master control devices control motion of the remotely controlled instruments.
Typically, such a telesurgery system can be provided with at least two master control devices (one for each of the surgeon's hands), which are normally operatively associated with two robotic arms on each of which a surgical instrument is mounted. Operative communication between master control devices and associated robotic arm and instrument assemblies is typically achieved through a control system. The control system typically includes at least one processor which relays input commands from the master control devices to the associated robotic arm and instrument assemblies and from the arm and instrument assemblies to the associated master control devices in the case of, e.g., force feedback, or the like. One example of a robotic surgical system is the DAVINCI™ system available from INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC. of Mountain View, Calif.
Just as robotic surgical systems have been found advantageous, so too has use of ultrasound energy in surgery been found beneficial. A number of patents disclose ultrasonic treatment instruments for both open surgery and manually-performed endoscopic surgery. These patents include U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,735 issued May 2, 2000, entitled “Ultrasound Treatment System”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,151 issued May 23, 2000, entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,561 issued Oct. 31, 2000, entitled “Ultrasonic Medical Instrument”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,191 issued Dec. 26, 2000, entitled “Ultrasonic Treating Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,709 issued Feb. 27, 2001, entitled “Ultrasonic Treatment Apparatus”. The full disclosure of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.
A typical ultrasound treatment instrument for manual endoscopic surgery is the SonoSurg® instrument model T3070 made by OLYMPUS OPTICAL Co., LTD., of Tokyo, Japan. Other examples of manually operated ultrasound treatment instruments are the Harmonic Scalpel® LaparoSonic® Coagulating Shears, made by ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., of Cincinnati, Ohio; and the AutoSonix® Ultra Shears® made by UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION of Norwalk, Conn. Such an ultrasound treatment instrument may comprise ultrasonic transducers for generating ultrasonic vibrations; a handpiece including the ultrasonic transducers and serving as an operation unit; a generally elongate probe connected to the ultrasonic transducers and serving as a vibration conveyer for conveying ultrasonic vibrations to a distal end effector member or tip used to treat a living tissue; a sheath serving as a protective member for shielding the probe. The instrument typically includes a movable holding, grasping or gripping end effector member pivotally opposed to the distal tip and constituting a movable section which clamps a living tissue in cooperation with the distal tip; an operating mechanism for moving the grasping member between a closed position in which the grasping member engages the distal tip of the vibration transmitting member and an open position in which the grasping member is separated from distal tip portion. The operating mechanism includes handle portions for manipulation and actuation by a surgeon's hands.
Surgical ultrasound instruments are generally capable of treating tissue with use of frictional heat produced by ultrasonic vibrations. For example, the heat may be use to cut and/or cauterize tissue. With many currently available instruments, tissue may first be grasped by an ultrasound surgical device and then ultrasound energy may be delivered to the tissue to cut, cauterize or the like. Ultrasound instruments provide advantages over other cutting and cauterizing systems, such as reduced collateral tissue damage, reduced risk of unwanted bums, and the like. Currently, however, ultrasound instruments for use with a robotic surgical system are not available.
Therefore, a need exists for a surgical instrument, for use with a robotic surgical system, that provides ultrasound energy at a surgical site. Such an instrument would allow the advantages of ultrasound and minimally invasive robotic surgery to be combined.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSurgical apparatus and methods for enhancing robotic surgery generally include a surgical instrument with an elongate shaft having an ultrasound probe, an end effector at the distal end of the shaft, and a base at the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasound probe tip and the surgical instrument is generally configured for convenient positioning of the probe tip within a surgical site by a robotic surgical system. Ultrasound energy delivered by the probe tip may be used to cut, cauterize, or achieve various other desired effects on tissue at a surgical site. By providing ultrasound energy via a robotic surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system, the apparatus and methods of the present invention enable the advantages associated with ultrasound to be combined with the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery.
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method of performing a robotic surgical procedure on a patient. Generally, the method includes coupling a surgical instrument with a robotic surgical system, the surgical instrument having a distal end with an ultrasound probe tip, positioning with the robotic surgical system the ultrasound probe tip in contact with tissue at a surgical site in the patient, and delivering ultrasound energy to the tissue with the ultrasound probe tip. Optionally, the distal end of the surgical instrument further includes a gripping member. In embodiments including a gripping member, the method further includes transmitting at least one force from the robotic surgical system to the gripping member and moving the gripping member with the at least one force to hold a portion of the tissue between the gripping member and the ultrasound probe tip.
In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting the at least one force from an interface member on the robotic surgical system to a first rotatable shaft on the surgical instrument, the first rotatable shaft being coupled to a second rotatable shaft by a cable, the cable being coupled to an actuator rod, and the actuator rod being coupled to the gripping member, wherein the at least one force causes the first shaft, the second shaft and the cable to rotate, causing the actuator rod to move the gripping member. In other embodiments, the method further includes releasing the portion of tissue after delivering a desired amount of ultrasound energy to the portion of tissue. In various embodiments, the method also includes using the ultrasound probe tip to cut the tissue, cauterize the tissue, or both.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system. Generally, the surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate shaft including an ultrasound probe, an end effector disposed at the distal end, the end effector including an ultrasound probe tip of the ultrasound probe, and a base disposed at the distal end for connecting the surgical instrument to the robotic surgical system. Optionally, the elongate shaft may be configured to rotate in relation to the base about an axis drawn from the proximal end to the distal end.
Also optionally, the base of the surgical instrument may include: at least two shafts rotatably mounted within the base, each of the shafts having two ends, at least one of the ends of one of the shafts protruding from the base to engage a corresponding interface member on the robotic surgical system; at least two spools, each spool being mounted on one of the shafts; at least one cable for connecting two of the spools; and a rotating member coupled to the cable and to the elongate shaft, the rotating member being configured to rotate the elongate shaft in response to movements of the interface member, the at least two shafts, the at least two spools and the at least one cable.
In some embodiments, the end effector of the surgical instrument includes a gripping member hingedly attached to the end effector for gripping tissue in cooperation with the ultrasound probe tip. In those embodiments, the surgical instrument may optionally include at least one force transmitting member for transmitting one or more forces between the robotic surgical system and the gripping member to move the gripping member. In various embodiments, the transmitting member may include: at least two shafts rotatably mounted within the base, each of the shafts having two ends, at least one of the ends of one of the shafts protruding from the base to engage a corresponding interface member on the robotic surgical system; at least two spools, each spool being mounted on one of the shafts; at least one cable for connecting two of the spools; and an actuator rod coupled to the cable and to the gripping member and extending through the elongate shaft, the actuator rod being configured to move the gripping member in response to movements of the interface member, the at least two shafts, the at least two spools and the at least one cable.
In some embodiments, the base of the surgical instrument includes an ultrasound source connector for connecting the ultrasound probe to an external ultrasound source. In other embodiments, the base includes an internal ultrasound source for providing ultrasound energy to the ultrasound probe.
Generally, the ultrasound probe of the surgical instrument may include various components. For example, in one embodiment the probe includes an ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasonic vibrations and one or more amplifying horns for amplifying the ultrasonic vibrations.
In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe assembly may be arranged to be axially movable within the elongate shaft, and the proximal portion of the probe may be mechanically coupled to one or more movable interface members so that the probe is movable in a reciprocating manner in response to movement of the interface member. The distal portion of the probe assembly may be coupled to the grip member, so that the grip opens or closes as the probe moves axially. In this manner the movable probe assembly may serve the function of a grip actuator rod in addition to transmitting ultrasound energy to the surgical site.
Certain exemplary surgical instrument embodiments having aspects of the invention may be described or characterized in general terms as comprising an instrument probe assembly having a distal end configured to be insertable into a patient's body through a small aperture, such as a minimally invasive surgical incision or the like, typically defined by a cannula or trocar. The instrument probe assembly comprises a proximal end coupled to an instrument base. The instrument probe assembly typically is elongate, having an axis extending between the distal and proximal probe ends, and may have a generally straight or shaft-like medial portion. In alternative embodiments, the medial probe portion may be curved and/or may be flexible in shape relative to the axis. The instrument base includes an instrument interface assembly which is engagable to a robotic surgical system. Preferably, the instrument interface assembly is removably engageable to the robotic surgical system, and may include a latch mechanism permitting quick connection and disconnection.
The instrument interface assembly is engagable with provides for one or more instrument actuation inputs from the robotic surgical system in response to an input by an operator (i.e., an activation input to the instrument, being an activation output from the robotic surgical system, which in turn is a response by the robotic control system to an operator control input). Preferably the one or more instrument activation inputs include an input to activate at least one degree of freedom of motion of the all or a portion of the instrument probe assembly relative to the instrument base. The activation input may be a mechanical input, an electrical input, a magnetic input, a signal input, an optical input, a fluidic input, a pneumatic input, and the like, or a combination of these, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In certain exemplary embodiments of surgical instruments having aspects of the invention, at least one activation input includes an operative engagement of a rotatable interface body (activation interface body) of the robotic surgical system with a corresponding rotatable shaft (instrument interface body or instrument interface shaft) of the instrument interface assembly in the instrument base. The rotatable shaft is in turn mechanically coupled by one or more drive elements to all or a portion of the to the instrument probe assembly, so as to impart a corresponding degree of freedom to all or a portion of the instrument probe assembly relative to the base.
As described above, in alternative embodiments another type of activation modality may be substituted for the rotatable interface body of the robotic surgical system. For example, an electrical power/control interface (e.g., including a multi-pin connector) may be included in the interface assembly to transmit electrical power and/or control signals from the robotic surgical system to actuate a motor pack mounted in the instrument base, the motor pack output may in turn may be coupled to the instrument probe assembly so as to impart one or more corresponding degrees of freedom to all or portions of the instrument probe assembly relative to the base. The motor pack may include one or more electrical motors, transmission gearing, position encoders, torque sensors, feedback sensors, and the like, and may transmit feedback or sensor signals to the robotic surgical system via the interface.
In certain exemplary embodiments of surgical instruments having aspects of the invention, the at least one degree of freedom of motion in response to an activation input from the robotic surgical system includes the pivotal activation of a clamp or grip member of an end effector coupled to the distal probe end. In certain exemplary embodiments, the at least one degree of freedom of motion includes the axial rotation of at least the major portion of the instrument probe assembly about its axis relative to the instrument base.
In alternative embodiments other types of degrees of freedom of motion of all or a portion of the instrument probe assembly may be activated by engagement of the robotic surgical system. For example, the instrument probe assembly may include at least one distal joint to controllably orient the distal probe end relative to the probe axis, such as a wrist-like rotational or pivotal joint supporting a distal end effector. In another example, the probe medial portion may have a flexible section which is controllably variable in shape by one or more degrees of freedom, being driveable by longitudinal tendon members extending within the instrument probe assembly.
In these alternative embodiments, the instrument interface assembly is coupled to drive members of the instrument probe assembly to activate such degrees of freedom and is engagable with the robotic surgical system to receive activation inputs to activate such drive members. Further examples of alternative instrument embodiments include instrument probe assemblies having controllable shape-memory components, movable piezo-electric drive elements, hydraulic drive elements, and the like, or combinations of these. As describe above, the robotic activation input may include a corresponding activation modality suitable for any of these instrument probe assembly movement modalities, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
To reduce costs and for manufacturing convenience, the instrument may include OEM parts. For example, the instrument probe assembly may include parts or components generally similar or identical to parts or components (OEM components) of current or future commercially-available endoscopic instruments for surgical or diagnostic uses (OEM medical systems), including manually operated instruments. The surgical instruments of the invention may perform some or all of the functions of such OEM medical systems. For example, the instrument probe assembly of the surgical instruments of the invention may include OEM components of ultrasound treatment probes, electrocautery probes, ultrasound diagnostic probes, diagnostic imagery probes. In further examples, the instrument probe assembly may include suitable OEM components of biopsy probes, suction probes, substance injection probes, surgical accessory application probes, stapler probes, tissue grasping and cutting probes, and the like. Likewise, the instrument probe assembly may combine more than one of the medical functions of the above described instruments.
In certain exemplary embodiments of surgical instruments having aspects of the invention, the instrument probe assembly comprises a distally disposed end effector coupled to the probe distal end to engage tissue employing a medical energy modality. For example, the instrument probe assembly may include a conduction element or conduction core coupled to the end effector; and extending along the probe axis. The conduction element may be configured and composed to communicate the medical energy between the end effector and a medical energy source. For example, the instrument may include one or more energy connector devices coupled to the conduction element, the connector devices being engagable operatively communicate to a power, signal and/or control system external to the instrument to enable medical functions of the instrument (medical energy system).
The medical energy system may include a power, signal and/or control system which is distinct from the robotic surgical system, such as the power, signal and/or control system of an OEM medical system. Such medical energy systems may likewise be responsive to a control input of an operator. For example, instrument embodiments of the invention may include a cable connector configured to connect to an OEM surgical ultrasound generator, an OEM electrocautery generator, and the like.
Optionally, the energy connector device of the instrument may be configured for “wireless” engagement with the medical energy system, so that operative reception and/or transmission of the medical energy signal may be by non-contact communication with the medical energy system.
In a further option, the medical energy system may be integrated with the robotic surgical system. Optionally, the respective energy connector devices may be integrated with the instrument interface assembly, and optionally operator input devices of the medical energy system may be integrated with the operator input devices of the robotic surgical system.
In the particular instrument examples shown in the figures, the medical energy modality is ultrasound energy for tissue treatment, and the instrument probe assembly comprises an ultrasonic treatment assembly or ultrasonic treatment probe. The ultrasonic treatment probe includes a transducer coupled to an ultrasonic acoustical conduction core, the transducer preferably being supported at least partially by the instrument base. The medical energy system comprises an OEM ultrasonic generator. The interface connector device includes a cable connector mounted to the base and engagable with a cable to communicate with an OEM ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic treatment probe includes a probe tip coupled to the conduction core and configured to engage tissue and controllably transmit ultrasound energy to the engaged tissue.
As described above, in alternative embodiments an instrument probe assembly employing another type of medical energy modality may be included. For example, the instrument probe assembly may comprise an electrosurgical treatment probe including a electrical conduction element coupled to an end effector, and the base may include a connector interface coupled to the electrocautery treatment probe, and configured to be connectable to an OEM electrosurgical generator. In further examples, the instrument probe assembly may include a conduction element for communicating a diagnostic energy modality, e.g., signals to and/or from an end effector having an diagnostic ultrasound transducer or other diagnostic sensor and or transmitter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention provides robotic surgical apparatus and methods for applying ultrasound energy in robotic surgery. In various embodiments, the invention includes a robotic surgical apparatus for use with a robotic surgical system. The apparatus typically incudes an elongate shaft with an end effector at one end and a base at the opposite end. In some embodiments, the end effector includes an ultrasound tip and a gripper for gripping tissue and the like between the gripper and the ultrasound tip. Optionally, the gripper may also pivot around one or more axes in relation to the apparatus. The tool base is generally configured to engage the robotic surgical system and to transmit forces from the robotic surgical system to the gripper, for example to pivot the gripper. Use of ultrasound in robotic surgery, as provided by apparatus and methods of the present invention, will allow for more precise, safe cutting and cauterization of tissues as well as other advantages typically seen with ultrasound.
Referring now to
Control station 12 is generally coupled to cart 20 such that command from master controls may be transmitted to cart 20. In use, cart 20 is positioned adjacent a patient requiring surgery and is then normally caused to remain stationary until a surgical procedure to be performed by means of surgical system 10 is complete. Cart 20 typically has wheels or castors to render it mobile. Control station 12 is typically positioned remote from cart 20 and in some embodiments may be separated from cart 20 by a great distance, for example miles away, but will typically be used within an operating room with cart 20.
In various embodiments, cart 20 includes at least three robotic arm assemblies 22, 26, 26, one of which is configured to hold an image capture device 24 and the others of which are configured to hold surgical instruments 28. Alternatively, cart may include more or fewer than three robotic arm assemblies and the robotic arm assemblies may be configured to hold any suitable tool, instrument, imaging device and/or the like. Image capture device 24 may include any suitable device, such as an endoscope, fiber optic camera, or the like. Image capture device 24 generally includes an object viewing end 24.1 at a remote end of an elongate shaft configured to enable viewing end 24.1 to be inserted through an entry port in a patient's body to capture an image of a surgical site. Coupling of cart 20 to control station 12 generally enables display module 14 to display an image captured by image capture device 24.
Coupling of cart 20 to control station 12 also typically allows each of master controls on control station 12 (not shown) to control one robotic arm assembly 26 and one surgical instrument 28. In various embodiments, each master control may alternatively be used to control more than one robotic arm assembly 26 and/or more than one surgical instrument 28.
Surgical instruments 28 on the robotic arm assemblies 26 typically include elongate shafts, with proximal and distal ends. End effectors are generally mounted on wrist-like mechanisms pivotally mounted on the distal ends of the shafts, for enabling the instruments 28 to perform one or more surgical tasks. Generally, the elongate shafts of surgical instruments 28 allow the end effectors to be inserted through entry ports in a patient's body so as to access the internal surgical site. Movement of the end effectors is generally controlled via master controls on control center 12.
Referring now to
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The horn 244, which is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 243, amplifies ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer 243 and enlarges its amplitude to a first phase. The distal end of the horn 244 is formed having an internal-thread portion to which the probe unit 203 is attached.
A connecting member 247 is attached to the distal end of the cover 242. The member 247 connects the vibrator unit 204, along with the probe unit 203 combined therewith, to the handle unit 202. More specifically, the connecting member 247 is provided with an engaging ring (C-shaped ring) 248 having a semicircular profile. The vibrator unit 204 is connected to the handle unit 202 as the ring 248 is caused elastically to engage an engaging groove 211a of a vibrator connecting section 211 (mentioned later) of the unit 202.
As shown in
The ultrasonic vibration from the probe ultrasonic transducer 243, amplified by the horns 244, 251d and 251b, is transmitted to the distal end portion 251a, whereupon the end portion 251a vibrates. Further, the distal end portion 251a, along with a distal acting section 205 (mentioned later) of the handle unit 202, constitutes a treatment section 210 of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus 201.
As shown in
The operating section 206 includes an operating section body 212, a fixed handle 213 formed integrally with the body 212, and a movable handle 214. The operating section body 212 is provided with the vibrator connecting section 211 on its proximal end. The vibrator unit 204 is removably connected to the connecting section 211. The movable handle 214 is rockably mounted on the operating section body 212 (fixed handle 213) by means of a handle pivot 217. In this case, the handle pivot 217 is situated on the opposite side of the longitudinal central axis of the insertable sheath section 231 from the fixed handle 213. Thus, the movable handle 214 is rocked around a fulcrum that is situated above the longitudinal central axis of the sheath section 231. Further, the handle 214 has engaging pins 219 on or near the central axis of the sheath section 231. The pins 219 can engage a transmitting member 258 (see
As shown in detail in
The annular vibrator connecting section 211 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the interpolative member 212b by screwing and/or an adhesive such as glue. The engaging groove 211a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting section 211. The groove 211 has a conical engaging surface 211b on its proximal end side. The engaging surface 211b is designed to fit the curved outer peripheral surface of the engaging ring 248 that is attached to the connecting member 247 of the vibrator unit 204.
A cylindrical rotary knob 232 is attached to the nut 212d by means of a V-groove on the nut 212d and a cone-point setscrew. The proximal end portion of the sheathing tube 220 of the insertable sheath section 231 is inserted in a bore of the knob 232. An end member 220a is fitted on the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the tube 220 in the bore of the knob 232. The distal end portion of a connecting cylinder 220b is fitted and fixed on the outer periphery of the end member 220a by adhesive bonding. A thread portion 224 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the cylinder 220b. The distal end portion of the rotating member 212c, which extends in the bore of the rotary knob 232, is screwed on the thread portion 224. Further, the proximal end side of the connecting cylinder 220b is inserted into a bore of the rotating member 212c, and is held between the member 212c and the distal end portion of the transmitting member 258 in a manner such that it can move back and forth. The position (or longitudinal movement) of the cylinder 220b in the member 212c can be adjusted by rotating a nut 220c, which is screwed on the thread portion 224 of the cylinder 220b and engages the distal end of the member 212c. The connecting cylinder 220b has an engaging groove 220d on its proximal end. As a positioning pin 220e that protrudes from the transmitting member 258 engages the engaging groove 220d, the cylinder 220b is restrained from rotating relatively to the member 258.
As shown in
The open-close member 275 can hold a living organism in cooperation with the distal end portion 251a of the vibration transmitting member 251 so that the organism is pressed against the distal end portion 251a that is undergoing the ultrasonic vibration. Thus, vibration energy can be transmitted from the distal end portion 251a to the organism. The member 275 also functions as an exfoliating forceps for exfoliating living organisms.
As shown in
A slit 234 is defined between the side walls 275a and 275b, and a grasping member 282 is located in the slit 234 for rocking motion. The member 282 can grasp the living organism in cooperation with the vibration transmitting member 251. More specifically, the grasping member 282 is connected integrally to a jaw 278 by means of a cylindrical collar member 277a so that the jaw 278 is held between the members 282 and 277a. Further, an attachment portion 282a of the member 282, which is situated in the slit 234, is rockably attached to the open-close member 275 by means of a pivot pin 277. In this case, the collar member 277a penetrates the attachment portion 282a of the grasping member 282 in the slit 234 and the jaw 278, while the pin 277 is passed through the member 277a. The width of the slit 234 is made greater than that of the attachment portion 282a of the grasping member 282 that is fitted in the slit 234.
Referring now to
Generally, ultrasound probe tip 85b is configured to delivery ultrasound energy at a surgical site for cutting, cauterization or any other suitable purpose. As such, ultrasound probe may be designed to have any suitable configuration. For example, ultrasound probe tip 85b may comprise a cylindrical probe with a rounded tip, as in
According to an aspect of the present invention, gripper 82 is configured to be movable at hinge 83 such that the distal end of gripper 82 may be moved toward ultrasound probe tip 85, 85b to grip tissue or other substances between gripper 82 and probe tip 85b, and may be moved away from probe tip 85b to release tissue. For example, gripper 82 may be used to grip tissue and position it in contact with ultrasound probe tip 85b to enable cutting or cauterization by probe tip 85b. As such, gripper 82 may have any suitable configuration for holding, gripping or otherwise moving tissue against probe tip 85b. For example, gripper 82 may include teeth, as in
According to another aspect of the invention, one or more axes for freedom of motion of end effector 81 may be included in the distal portion. For example, in one embodiment, shaft 84 is configured to rotate with sheath 86, enabling end effector 81 to rotate about the long axis of the surgical instrument. In another embodiment, a wrist-like mechanism at the connection of shaft 84 to end effector 81 allows hinge-like movement of end effector 81 in relation to shaft 84. In another embodiment, as already described, hinge 83 allows movement of gripper 82. Any suitable combination of such hinges, wrist-like mechanisms, rotational devices and the like are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to
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Referring now to
According to one aspect of the present invention, gripper 82 of end effector 81 is movable by one or more actuator rods housed within shaft 86. The motive force for actuating the rod is supplied by actuator spool 95 which engages an interface member (not shown) on a robotic surgical system. A cable loop 102 wraps around spool 95 and also around idler spool 95b in a closed loop extending in a longitudinal direction generally parallel as spaced apart on the right side of shaft 86. The inner portion of loop 102 is fixed to the right end 104b of pivot bar or rod 104, the left hand end of bar 104 is pivoted at pivot pin 105 on the left hand side of shaft 86. The bar 104 (also referred to as a “square hole rod”) extends above, below and across shaft 86, and contacts actuator assembly 110 at a medial portion of bar 104 above and below shaft 86.
Referring now to
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As discussed further below with respect to
According to another aspect of the invention, rear connector 97 on base 90 is generally configured to connect to a transducer driver to permit ultrasound energy to be transmitted through probe core 85 housed within shaft 86. In other embodiments, base 90 may include an internal ultrasound source, such that surgical instrument 80 may contain its own source of ultrasound energy.
It should be noted that much of the description above with respect to the robotic instrument embodiment 80 of
For convenience and to minimize manufacturing costs, selected OEM components of commercially available instruments may optionally be included in the instrument 300 described herein.
The instruments described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,407 include, among other things, a transducer portion, an ultrasonic core (vibration coupler) portion, a shaft/distal end effector portion, and an ultrasonic power supply/controller suitable for employment as parts of the instrument embodiment of
For convenience, an excerpt of U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,407, from column 11, line 50, to column 14, line 55, is included below. This excerpt includes description of
Referring also to FIGS. 28A-C, a clamp 460 is operably connected to adaptor 457. Clamp 460 preferably includes a pair of longitudinally extending rows of teeth 462 which are spaced from each other a distance which permits cutting jaw 458 to be positioned between the rows of teeth 462. Teeth 462 function to grip tissue when the jaw assembly 432 is in a closed position to prevent tissue from moving with respect to cutting jaw 458 during vibration of the cutting jaw.
Pivot members or pins 466 are formed at the proximal end of clamp 460 and are configured to be received within open ended slots 468 in the distal end of outer tube 442. Slots 468 are open on one side thereof to permit clamp 460 to be retained therein. A longitudinally extending guide slot 470 formed in adaptor 457 is dimensioned to slidably receive pivot pin 466 and permit relative movement between adaptor 457 and clamp 460. A pair of camming members 472 are also formed on clamp 462 and are positioned to be received in cam slots 474 formed in the adaptor in 457.
Cutting jaw 458 includes blade surface 459 which is flat and angled downwardly toward its distal end to define a fixed acute angle .theta. of from about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion 424 and to the axis of vibration. The angled blade surface provides for good visibility at the surgical site. Preferably, angle .theta. is about 12 degrees, but greater angles such as 20 to 30 degrees are also envisioned. Alternately, blade surface 459 may be other than flat, e.g., sharpened, rounded, etc.
Clamp 460 is movable relative to cutting jaw 458 from an open position in which tissue contact surface 464 of clamp 460 is spaced from blade surface 459 to a closed or clamped position in which tissue contact surface 464 is in juxtaposed closer alignment with blade surface 459. In the clamped position, note the positioning of tissue contact surface 464 with respect to blade surface 459. Actuation of clamp 460 from the open position to the clamped position will be described in detail below.
Referring to
Coupling member 498 operatively connects movable handle 436 to actuator tube 446 and is preferably formed from molded half-sections 498a and 498b to define a throughbore 500 dimensioned to slidably receive the proximal end of vibration coupler 450. Coupling member 498 has an inner distally located annular groove 502 dimensioned to receive annular flange 448 of actuator tube 446 and an outer proximally located annular groove 504 positioned to receive an annular projection 506 formed on the internal wall of swivel member 508. The projection 506 of swivel member 508 is movable through groove 504 to permit relative longitudinal movement between coupling member 498 and swivel member 508. A spring 463 is positioned between coupling member 498 and swivel member 508 to bias the swivel member 508 proximally with respect to coupling member 498. Swivel member 508 is preferably formed from molded half-sections 508a and 508b and permits rotation of coupling member 498 relative to movable handle 436. Protrusions 490 project outwardly from sidewalls of swivel member 508 and extend through cam slots 488 of movable handle 436.
Rotation knob 434 is preferably formed from molded half-sections 434a and 434b and includes a proximal cavity 510 for slidably supporting coupling member 498 and a distal bore 512 dimensioned to receive outer tube 442. An annular groove 514 formed in bore 512 is positioned to receive annular flange 444 of outer tube 442. The outer wall of knob 434 has a proximally located annular ring 516 dimensioned to be rotatably received within annular slot 518 formed in housing 422, and a scalloped surface 522 to facilitate gripping of rotatable knob 434. Annular ring 516 permits rotation of knob 434 with respect to housing 422 while preventing axial movement with respect thereto. A pair of rods or pins 524 extend between half-sections 434a and 434b through a rectangular opening 526 formed in coupling member 498. Rods 524 engage a pair of flattened surfaces 528 formed on vibration coupler 450, such that rotation of knob 434 causes rotation of vibration coupler 450 and thus rotation of blade 458 and clamp 460. Alternately, to provide additional surface contact, instead of pins 524, a C-clip shown generally as 580 in
A retainer ring (not shown) may be mounted on ribs 492 of housing 422 to provide additional support for actuator tube 446. In this embodiment, tube 446 would extend proximally past ribs 492.
Referring to
Elongated body portion 424 can be freely rotated with respect to housing 422 by rotating rotation knob 434. Rotation of knob 434 in the direction indicated by arrow “J” causes rotation of jaw assembly 432 in the direction indicated by arrow “K”. Knob 434 is positioned adjacent housing 422 to facilitate one handed operation of both movable handle 436 and rotation knob 434.
Returning to
In reference to
The removable treatment assembly 310 is retained in its mounted position by a latching mechanism, which in the example shown includes a pair of latches 337a and 337b mounted to base 330. The latches 337a and 337b each include a spring-loaded slidable finger 338a, 338b, oriented generally perpendicular to the axis 311. Fingers 338a and 338b are urged by springs 338a and 338b towards the axis 311 by springs 339a and 339b, the fingers overlapping adaptor 313 to bear on rear-facing surface 314 of adaptor 313, thus securing the treatment assembly 310 by preventing axial motion of the adaptor 313 relative to the receiver 335. For insertion or removal of the treatment assembly, the latch fingers 338a and 338b may be retracted by moving the finger against spring forces. In the example shown, for example shown, finger extension 341 protrudes upwardly through slot 342, permitting the finger to be manually retracted. The fingers do not interfere with rotational motion of the receiver and treatment assembly combination about axis 311.
Other conventional latching mechanisms known in the mechanical arts may be used to secure the treatment assembly 310 to the receiver 313. For example, a latching mechanism may be included in the receiver 335, removably coupling to adaptor 313. Alternatively, the contact surface between the receiver lumen 340 and the adaptor 313 may be configured as a threaded joint, to allow disassembly.
The roll barrel 336 of instrument 300 functions in generally the same manner as the roll barrel of instrument 80 shown in
Alternatively, a separate roll spool may be axially coupled with instrument interface member 344, in the manner shown in the instrument 80 of
It should also be noted that in the instruments examples of the invention shown in
As shown in
The interior of housing halfportion 313a of the adaptor housing 313 defines half of the internal volume 315, here denoted as 315a. Internal volume 315 holds and mounts the ultrasound conducting core assembly 320. The internal volume 315 is shaped and sized so as to permit the core assembly 320 to move axially through a selected range of motion, as shown by Arrows A in
The adaptor housing mounts the outer sheath 312, which may comprise a tubular structure, such as the outer tube 442 identified in
The core assembly 320 includes components corresponding in function and general structure to the following components described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,407 and identified in
As shown in
As each paddle shaft is rotated (Arrow D), the respective paddle plate pushes against the pushplate 324 (clockwise as shown in
Through the coupling of the core assembly to the grip 303 (see example of
The materials of the surface of paddles 350 and pushplate 324 may be selected to have a low frictional coefficient, so that sliding contact of the surfaces permits the treatment assembly to be rotated about axis 311 (by engagement of the pivotally mounted instrument roll interface member 344) when the grip 303 is in either an open position or a closed position. The paddles 350 may be biased by a torsion spring or like member to have a clearance from pushplate 324 when actuator torque of the robotic system is not being applied to the actuation interface member 353.
While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method of performing a robotic surgical procedure on a patient, the method comprising:
- coupling a surgical instrument with a robotic surgical system, the surgical instrument having a distal end having an ultrasound probe tip;
- positioning, with the robotic surgical system, the ultrasound probe tip in contact with tissue at a surgical site in the patient; and
- delivering ultrasound energy to the tissue with the ultrasound probe tip.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the surgical instrument further includes a gripping member, the method further comprising:
- transmitting at least one force from the robotic surgical system to the gripping member; and
- moving the gripping member with the at least one force to hold a portion of the tissue between the gripping member and the ultrasound probe tip.
3. A method as in claim 2, wherein the transmitting and moving steps further comprise transmitting the at least one force from an interface member on the robotic surgical system to a first rotatable shaft on the surgical instrument, the first rotatable shaft being coupled to a second rotatable shaft by a cable, the cable being coupled to an actuator rod, and the actuator rod being coupled to the gripping member, wherein the at least one force causes the first shaft, the second shaft and the cable to rotate, causing the actuator rod to move the gripping member.
4. A method as in claim 2, further comprising releasing the portion of tissue after delivering a desired amount of ultrasound energy to the portion of tissue.
5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising using the ultrasound probe tip to cut the tissue, cauterize the tissue, or both.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 4, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2005
Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc., A Delaware corporation (Sunnyvale, CA)
Inventors: Stephen Anderson (Northampton, MA), Christopher Julian (Los Gatos, CA)
Application Number: 10/912,305