Robotic surgical instruments for irrigation, aspiration, and blowing
In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument may include a housing, a flow control system, a hollow tube, and one or more hose fittings. The housing to couple the instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system mounted in the housing includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids. The hollow tube has a first end mounted in the housing coupled to the flow control system. A second end of the hollow tube has one or more openings to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site. The hose fittings have a first end coupled to the flow control system and a second end to couple to hoses.
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“This non-provisional United States (U.S.) patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent Application No. 60/696,482 entitled “IRRIGATION, ASPIRATION, AND BLOWING FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY” filed on Jun. 30, 2005 by inventors Paul Millman et al.
FIELDThe embodiments of the invention relate generally to surgical instruments for robotic surgery. More particularly, the embodiments of the invention relate to irrigation/aspiration/blowing devices for surgery.
BACKGROUNDDuring surgery on a patient, it is often desirable to irrigate a surgical site with a fluid, such as water, to clean or clear away blood, tissue, or other items obscuring the vision of a surgeon in the surgical site. Suction or aspiration in the surgical site may also be used to vacuum away blood, tissue, or other items obscuring the vision of the surgeon in the surgical site.
Hand held surgical instruments have typically been used to provide irrigation and/or aspiration. The surgeon typically does not operate the hand held surgical instrument that provides irrigation and/or aspiration. An assistant surgeon or nurse handling such instruments may provide irrigation and/or aspiration of the surgical site. The surgeon gives verbal instructions to the assistant surgeon or nurse to provide irrigation and/or aspiration of the surgical site. If the surgeon could both control the surgical instruments and the irrigation and aspiration of the surgical site, verbal instructions could be reduced and surgical procedures may be more efficient.
BRIEF SUMMARYThe embodiments of the invention are summarized by the claims that follow below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the invention.
The embodiments of the invention include a method, apparatus, and system for robotically controlled irrigation/aspiration/blowing of an internal or external surgical area or site where robotic surgery is being performed. Aspiration may also be referred to as suction.
In one embodiment of the invention a robotic surgical system is provided including a master control console, a surgical manipulator, a first hose, and a first pump. The master control console is used to generate control signals to cause one or more fluids to flow into or out of a surgical site. The surgical manipulator is coupled to the master control console to receive the control signals. The surgical manipulator includes at least one robotic arm to manipulate at least one robotic surgical instrument, and a surgical instrument coupled to the robotic arm. The surgical manipulator controls the surgical instrument in response to the control signals to control the flow of the one or more fluids into or out of the surgical site. The surgical instrument has a first robotically controlled valve responsive to the surgical manipulator and a hollow tube having an opening at one end to direct the flow of one or more fluids in the surgical site. The first robotically controlled valve has a first port and a second port and the hollow tube has a first end coupled to the second port of the first robotically controlled valve. The first hose has a first end coupled to the first port of the first robotically controlled valve. The first hose transports a first fluid to the first robotically controlled valve. The first pump has a port coupled to a second end of the first hose. The first pump pumps a first fluid through the first hose to the first robotically controlled valve of the surgical instrument.
In another embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical system is provided including a master control console, a surgical manipulator, and a first pump. The master control console generates control signals to cause a fluid to flow into or out of a surgical site. The surgical manipulator is coupled to the master control console to receive the control signals. The surgical manipulator includes at least one robotic arm to manipulate at least one surgical instrument. A surgical instrument is coupled to the robotic arm to control the flow of a fluid into or out of the surgical site. The surgical instrument has a first hose, a first robotically controlled pinch valve, and a hollow tube. The first hose is flexible and has a first end and a second end. The first robotically controlled pinch valve receives the first hose. The first robotically controlled pinch valve squeezes and pinches closed the first hose and releases and opens the first hose. The hollow tube has a first end to couple to the first end of the first hose. The first pump has a port coupled to the second end of the first hose.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided. The method includes generating a first control signal to control a robotic surgical instrument; coupling the first control signal into the robotic surgical instrument; and opening a first valve in the robotic surgical instrument to flow a first fluid over a surgical site in response to the first control signal.
In another embodiment of the invention, another method is provided. The method includes mounting an irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical manipulator; coupling at least one hose from the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument to at least one pump; inserting a tip of a hollow tube of the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument into a patient near a surgical site; controlling a flow of a fluid between the surgical site and the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument; and monitoring a level of the flow of the fluid between the surgical site and the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument includes a housing, a flow control system mounted in the housing, a hollow tube having a first end mounted in the housing, and one or more hose fittings having a first end coupled to the flow control system. The housing can couple the robotic surgical instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids through the robotic surgical instrument. The first end of the hollow tube couples to the flow control system. The one or more hose fittings have a second end to respectively couple to one or more hoses.
In still another embodiment of the invention, another robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site.
The robotic surgical instrument includes an interface base, a hollow tube having a proximal end mounted to the interface base, a three-way coupler having a first port coupled to the proximal end of the hollow tube, a first robotically controlled valve coupled to the interface base, and a second robotically controlled valve coupled to the interface base. The interface base can mechanically and electrically couple to an end of a robotic arm. The hollow tube further has a distal end for placement in a surgical site to allow the flow of fluids into and out of a surgical site. The three-way coupler further has a second port and a third port to couple the first port, the second port, and the third port together to flow fluids there-between. The first robotically controlled valve having a first port to couple to a first hose and a second port coupled to the second port of the three-way coupler. The first robotically controlled valve controls the flows of a first fluid. The second robotically controlled valve having a first port to couple to a second hose and a second port coupled to the third port of the three-way coupler. The second robotically controlled valve controls the flows of a second fluid.
Robotic surgery generally involves the use of a robot manipulator that has multiple robotic manipulator arms. One or more of the robotic manipulator arms often support a surgical tool which may be articulated (such as jaws, scissors, graspers, needle holders, micro dissectors, staple appliers, tackers, suction/irrigation tools, clip appliers, or the like) or non-articulated (such as cutting blades, cautery probes, irrigators, catheters, suction orifices, or the like). One or more of the robotic manipulator arms are often used to support a surgical image capture device such as an endoscope (which may be any of a variety of structures such as a laparoscope, an arthroscope, a hysteroscope, or the like), or, optionally, some other imaging modality (such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, or the like). Typically, the arms will support at least two surgical tools corresponding to the two hands of a surgeon and one image capture device.
Robotic surgery may be used to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures, including but not limited to open surgery, neurosurgical procedures (such as stereotaxy), endoscopic procedures (such as laparoscopy, arthroscopy, thoracoscopy), and the like.
Robotic Surgical System Referring now to
A user or operator O (generally a surgeon) performs a minimally invasive surgical procedure on patient P by manipulating input devices at a master control console 150. A computer 151 of the console 150 directs movement of robotically controlled endoscopic surgical instruments (generally numbered 101), effecting movement of the instruments using a robotic surgical manipulator 152. The robotic surgical manipulator 152 may also be referred to as robotic patient-side cart system or simply as a cart. The robotic surgical manipulator 152 has one or more robotic arms 153. Typically, the robotic surgical manipulator 152 includes at least three robotic manipulator arms 153 supported by linkages, with a central arm supporting an endoscopic camera and the robotic arms 153 to left and right of center supporting tissue manipulation tools and the irrigation/aspiration/blowing robotic surgical tool 101A such as the robotic manipulator arm 153C.
An assistant A may assist in pre-positioning of the robotic surgical manipulator 152 relative to patient P as well as swapping tools or instruments 101 for alternative tool structures, and the like, while viewing the internal surgical site via an assistant's display 154. The image of the internal surgical site shown to A by the assistant's display 154 and operator O by surgeon's console 150 is provided by one of the surgical instruments 101 supported by the robotic surgical manipulator 152.
Generally, the robotic arms 153 of robotic surgical manipulator 152 include a positioning portion and a driven portion. The positioning portion of the robotic surgical manipulator 152 remains in a fixed configuration during surgery while manipulating tissue. The driven portion of the robotic surgical manipulator 152 is actively articulated under the direction of the operator O generating control signals at the surgeon's console 150 during surgery. The actively driven portion of the arms 153 is herein referred to as an end effector 158. The positioning portion of the robotic arms 153 that are in a fixed configuration during surgery may be referred to as positioning linkage and/or “set-up joint” 56, 56′.
To support the irrigation/aspiration/blowing robotic surgical tool 101A, the robotic surgical system may further include one or more pumps 102A-102C, one or more inline filters 104A-104C, and one or more hoses 106A-106C. For irrigation, the pump 102A is a sterile fluid pump and may be an intravenous (IV) pump with an input port or inlet coupled to an IV bag 108 through a hose 106D. The output port or outlet of the pump 102A may couple to the robotic surgical instrument 101A directly or through the inline filter 104A. The IV bag 108 may have a pressure cuff. For aspiration, the pump 102B is a vacuum pump 102B with an output port 110 exhausting to atmosphere and an input port coupling to a suction canister 105 through the inline filter 104B. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, suction may be provided to rooms at a wall inlet to isolate the noise of the vacuum pump 102B. For blowing, the pump 102C is a gas compressor with an input port coupled to a source of gas 111, such as oxygen or air, and an output port coupled to the instrument 101A through the inline filter 104C.
The one or more hoses 106A-106C may be joined together along a portion of their length and into one end to couple to the instrument 101A for ease of coupling and to readily manage a plurality of hoses as one unit at the robotic manipulator 152. Towards the opposite end, the one or more hoses 106A-106C may separate to couple to the inline filters, the pumps, the canister 105, or other pipe fittings as the case may be.
In one embodiment of the invention, the master control console 150 may control the one or more pumps 102A-102C and any valves thereat in order to control fluid flow between the pumps and the instrument 101A into and out of the surgical site. One or more control signal lines 109A-109C may couple between the computer 151 and the one or more pumps 102A-102C and any valves thereat in order that they may be controlled by control signals from the master control console 150. In which case, the hoses 106A-106C may simply couple to a coupler within the instrument 101A as is discussed further below with reference to
Referring now to
The robotic surgical manipulator 152 generally has dimensions suitable for transporting between operating rooms. It typically can fit through standard operating room doors and onto standard hospital elevators. The robotic surgical manipulator 152 may have a weight and a wheel (or other transportation) system that allows the cart to be positioned adjacent an operating table by a single attendant. The robotic surgical manipulator 152 may be sufficient stable during transport to avoid tipping, and to easily withstand overturning moments that may be imposed at the ends of the robotic arms during use.
Referring now to
The robotic arm provides further degrees of freedom of movement to the robotic surgical tool 101A. Along an insertion axis 215C, parallel to the central axis of the shaft 216 of the robotic surgical tool 101A, the robotic surgical tool 101A may slide into and out from a surgical site. The robotic surgical tool 101A can also rotate about the insertion axis 215C. As the robotic surgical tool 101A slides along or rotates about the insertion axis 215C, the center point 215 is relatively fixed with respect to the base 218. That is, the entire robotic arm is generally moved in order to maintain or re-position back to the center point 215.
The linkage 212 of the robotic arm 153 is driven by a series of motors 217 therein in response to commands from a processor or computer. The motors 217 in the robotic arm are also used to rotate and/or pivot the robotic surgical tool 101A at the point 215 around the axes 215A-215C. If a robotic surgical tool 101 further has end effectors to be articulated or actuated, still other motors 217 in the robotic arm may be used to do so. A flow control system in the IAB robotic surgical tool 101A may be actuated by these other motors in the robotic arm 153. However, alternative means may also be used to actuate or control the flow control system in the IAB robotic surgical tool 101A. Additionally, the motion provided by the motors 217 may be mechanically transferred to a different location such as by using pulleys, cables, gears, links, cams, cam followers, and the like or other known means of transfer, such as pneumatics, hydraulics, or electronics.
For endoscopic surgical procedures, the end effector 158 of the robotic arm 153 is often fitted with a hollow cannula 219. The shaft or tube of the robotic surgical tool 101 may be inserted into the hollow cannula 219. The cannula 219, which may be releasably coupled to the robotic arm 153, supports the shaft or tube of the robotic surgical tool 101, preferably allowing the tool to rotate around the axis 215C and move axially through the central bore of the cannula along the axis 215C.
The robotic surgical tools 101 are generally sterile structures, often being sterilizable and/or being provided in hermetically sealed packages for use. As the robotic surgical tools 101 will be removed and replaced repeatedly during many procedures, a tool holder could potentially be exposed to contamination if the interface directly engages the tool holder. To avoid contamination to a tool holder and possible cross contamination between patients, an adaptor for coupling to robotic surgical tools 101 is provided in a robotic arm of the robotic surgical manipulator.
Referring now to
The robotic surgical arm 153 may include an adapter 228 to which the IAB robotic surgical tool 101A or other surgical tool 101 may be mounted.
The interface base 412 may further include one or more electrical contacts or pins 424 to electrically couple to electrical connector 242 of the adapter 228. The interface base 412 may further include a printed circuit board 425 and one or more integrated circuits 426 coupled thereto and to the one or more pins 424. The one or more integrated circuits 426 may be used to identify the type of robotic surgical tool coupled to the robotic arm, so that it may be properly controlled by the master control console 150.
The adapter 228 includes one or more rotatable drivers 234 rotatably coupled to a floating plate 236. The rotatable drivers 234 are resiliently mounted to the floating plate 236 by resilient radial members which extend into a circumferential indentation about the rotatable drivers. The rotatable drivers 234 can move axially relative to floating plate 236 by deflection of these resilient structures.
The floating plate 236 has a limited range of movement relative to the surrounding adaptor structure normal to the major surfaces of the adaptor. Axial movement of the floating plate helps decouple the rotatable drivers 234 from a robotic surgical tool 101 when its release levers 416 are actuated.
The one or more rotatable drivers 234 of the adapter 228 may mechanically couple to a part of the surgical tools 101. Each of the rotatable drivers 234 may include one or more openings 240 to receive protrusions or pins 422 of rotatable receiving members 418 of the robotic surgical tools 101. The openings 240 in the rotatable drivers 234 are configured to accurately align with the rotatable receiving elements 418 of the surgical tools 101.
The inner pins 422A and the outer pins 422B of the rotatable receiving elements 418 respectively align with the opening 240A and the opening 240B in each rotatable driver. The pins 422A and openings 240A are at differing distances from the axis of rotation than the pins 422B and openings 240B so as to ensure that rotatable drivers 234 and the rotatable receiving elements 418 are not aligned 180 degrees out of phase from their intended position. Additionally, each of the openings 240 in the rotatable drivers may be slightly radially elongated so as to fittingly receive the pins in the circumferential orientation. This allows the pins 422 to slide radially within the openings 240 and accommodate some axial misalignment between the tool and the adapter 228, while minimizing any angular misalignment and backlash between the rotatable drivers 234 and the rotatable receiving elements 418. Additionally, the interaction between pins 422 and openings 240 helps restrain the robotic surgical tool 101 in the engaged position with the adapter 228 until the release levers 416 along the sides of the housing 401 push on the floating plate 236 axially from the interface so as to release the tool 101.
When disposed in a first axial position (away from the tool side 230) the rotatable drivers are free to rotate without angular limitation. The one or more rotatable drivers 234 may rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise to further actuate the systems and tools of the robotic surgical instruments 101. However, as the rotatable drivers move axially toward the tool side 230, tabs (extending radially from the rotatable drivers) may laterally engage detents on the floating plates so as to limit the angular rotation of the rotatable drivers about their axes. This limited rotation can be used to help engage the rotatable drivers the rotating members of the tool as the pins 422 may push the rotatable bodies into the limited rotation position until the pins are aligned with (and slide into) the openings 140 in the rotatable drivers.
While rotatable drivers 234 are described here, other types of drivers or actuators may be provided in the adapter 228 to actuate systems or tools of the robotic surgical instruments 101. The adapter 228 further includes an electrical connector 242 to electrically couple to surgical instruments 101.
The mounting of robotic surgical tool 101A to the adapter 228 generally includes inserting the tip or distal end of the shaft or hollow tube of the robotic surgical tool through the cannula 219 and sliding the interface base 412 into engagement with the adapter 228, as illustrated in
The range of motion of the rotatable receiving elements 418 in the robotic surgical tool may be limited. To complete the mechanical coupling between the rotatable drivers of the adapter and the rotatable receiving elements 418, the operator O at the surgical master control console 150 may turn the rotatable drivers in one direction from center, turn the rotatable drivers in a second direction opposite the first, and then return the rotatable drivers to center. Further, to ensure that the pins 422 enter openings 240 of adapter 228, the adapter 228 and tool 101A mounted thereto may be moved along the axis 215C. The adapter 228 and tool 101A mounted thereto may be moved to an initial position so that the tip or distal end of the shaft or hollow tube is disposed within the cannula 219.
To dismount and remove the robotic surgical tool 101A, the release levers 416 may be squeezed pushing out on the mountable housing 401 to release the pins 422 from the holes 240 and the catch 244 from the back end of the interface base. The mountable housing 401 is then pulled up to slide the interface base 412 up and out from the adapter 228. The mountable housing 401 is continually pulled up to remove the tip or distal end of the shaft or hollow tube out from the cannula 219. After the robotic surgical tool 101A is dismounted, another robotic surgical tool may be mounted in its place, including a new or freshly sterilized IAB robotic surgical tool 101A.
As previously discussed, the robotic surgical tool 101A may include one or more integrated circuits 426 to identify the type of robotic surgical tool coupled to the robotic arm, such that it may be properly controlled by the master control console 150. However, the robotic surgical system may determine whether or not the robotic surgical tool is compatible or not, prior to its use.
The system verifies that the tool is of the type which may be used with the robotic surgical system 100. The one or more integrated circuits 426 may signal to the computer 151 in the master control console 150 data regarding compatibility and tool-type to determine compatibility as well as control information. One of the integrated circuits 426 may include a non-volatile memory to store and read out data regarding system compatibility, the tool-type and the control information. In an exemplary embodiment, the data read from the memory includes a character string indicating tool compatibility with the robotic surgical system 100. Additionally, the data from the tool memory will often include a tool-type to signal to the master control console how it is to be controlled. In some cases, the data will also include tool calibration information. The data may be provided in response to a request signal from the computer 151.
Tool-type data will generally indicate what kind of tool has been attached in a tool change operation. For example, the tool-type data might indicate that an IAB robotic surgical instrument 101A has been mounted to the robotic arm. The tool-type data may include information on wrist axis geometries, tool strengths, grip force, the range of motion of each joint, singularities in the joint motion space, the maximum force to be applied via the rotatable receiving elements 418, the tool transmission system characteristics including information regarding the coupling of rotatable receiving elements 418 to actuation or articulation of a system within the robotic surgical instrument.
Instead of storing all of the tool-type date in the one or more integrated circuits 426, most of the tool-type data may optionally be stored in memory or a hard drive of the computer 151 in the robotic surgical system 100. An identifier may be stored in the one or more integrated circuits 426 to signal the computer 151 to read the relevant portions of data in a look up table store in the memory or the hard drive of the computer. The tool-type data in the look-up table may be loaded into a memory of computer 151 by the manufacturer of the robotic surgical system 100. The look-up table may be stored in a flash memory, EEPROM, or other type of non-volatile memory. As a new tool-type is provided, the manufacturer can revise the look-up table to accommodate the new tool-specific information. It should be recognized that the use of tools which are not compatible with the robotic surgery system, for example, which do not have the appropriate tool-type data in an information table, could result in inadequate robotic control over robotic surgical tool by the computer 151 and the operator O.
In addition to the tool-type data, tool specific information may be stored in the integrated circuit 426, such as for reconfiguring the programming of computer 151 to control the tool. There may be calibration information, such an offset, to correct a misalignment in the robotic surgical tool. The calibration information may be factored into the overall control of the robotic surgical tool. The storing of such calibration information can be used to overcome minor mechanical inconsistencies between tools of a single type. For example, the tool-type data including the tool-specific data may be used to generate appropriate coordinate transformations and servo drive signals to manipulate the robotic arm and rotate the rotatable drivers 234.
Additionally, some robotic surgical tools have a limited life span. Tool life and cumulative tool use information may also be stored on the tool memory and used by the computer to determine if the tool is still safe for use. Total tool life may be measured by clock time, by procedure, by the number of times the tool has been loaded onto a holder, and in other ways specific to the type of tool. Tool life data is preferably stored in the memory of the tool using an irreversible writing process.
Referring now to
The computer 151 may include one or microprocessors 302 to execute instructions and a storage device 304 to store software with executable instructions that may be used to generate control signals to control the robotic surgical system 100. The master control console 150 generates the control signals to control the fluid flows through the embodiments of the IAB robotic surgical instruments into and out of a surgical site.
The viewer 312 has at least one display where images of a surgical site may be viewed to perform minimally invasive surgery. As discussed further below, the viewer 312 may be used to provide user-feedback to the operator O as to the control of the fluid flow through the IAB robotic surgical instruments into and out of a surgical site The arm support 14 can be used to rest the elbows or forearms of the operator O (typically a surgeon) while gripping touch sensitive handles 325 (see
When using the master control console, the operator O typically sits in a chair, moves his or her head into alignment with the binocular viewer 312, and grips the touch sensitive handles 325 of the control input wrists 352, one in each hand, while resting their forearms against the arm support 314. This allows the touch sensitive handles to be moved easily in the control space 316 in both position and orientation to generate control signals.
Additionally, the operator O can use his feet to control the foot-pedals to change the configuration of the surgical system and generate additional control signals to control robotic surgical instruments.
To ensure that the operator is viewing the surgical site when controlling the robotic surgical tools 101, the master control console 150 may include the viewing sensor 320 disposed adjacent the binocular display 312. When the system operator aligns his or her eyes with the binocular eye pieces of the display 312 to view a stereoscopic image of the surgical worksite, the operator's head sets off the viewing sensor 320 to enable the control of the robotic surgical tools 101. When the operator's head is removed the area of the display 312, the viewing sensor 320 can disable or stop generating new control signals in response to movements of the touch sensitive handles in order to hold the state of the robotic surgical tools.
The computer 151 with its microprocessors 302 interprets movements and actuation of the touch sensitive handles 325 (and other inputs from the operator O or other personnel) to generate control signals to control the robotic surgical instruments 101 in the surgical worksite. In one embodiment of the invention, the computer 151 and the viewer 312 map the surgical worksite into the controller workspace 316 so it feels and appears to the operator that the touch sensitive handles 325 are working over surgical worksite.
Referring now to
The control input wrist 352 includes first, second, and third gimbal members 362, 364, and 366. The third gimbal member is rotationally mounted to a control input arm (not shown).
The touch sensitive handle 325 includes a tubular support structure 351, a first grip 350A, and a second grip 350B. The first grip and the second grip are supported at one end by the structure 351. The touch sensitive handle 325 can be rotated about axis G illustrated in
The touch sensitive handle 325 is rotatably supported by the first gimbal member 362 by means of a rotational joint 356g. The first gimbal member 362 is in turn, rotatably supported by the second gimbal member 364 by means of the rotational joint 356f. Similarly, the second gimbal member 364 is rotatably supported by the third gimbal member 366 using a rotational joint 356d. In this manner, the control wrist allows the touch sensitive handle 325 to be moved and oriented in the workspace 316 using three degrees of freedom.
The movements in the gimbals of the control wrist 352 to reorient the touch sensitive handle in space can be translated into control signals to control the robotic surgical manipulator 152 and the robotic surgical tools 101. In particular, the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 about axis G in
The movements in the grips 350A,350B of the touch sensitive handle 325 can also be translated into control signals to control the robotic surgical manipulator 152 and the robotic surgical tools 101. In particular, the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B over their freedom of movement indicated by arrows Ha,Hb or H, may be used to control the flow of fluids through the IAB robotic surgical tools.
In embodiments of the invention, one or a combination of both the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 and the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used to control the flow of fluids through the IAB robotic surgical tools. For example, the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 may be used for the control of irrigation while the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used for controlling suction in a surgical site.
To sense the movements in the touch sensitive handle and generate controls signals for the IAB robotic surgical tool, sensors can be mounted in the handle 325 as well as the gimbal member 362 of the control input wrist 352. Exemplary sensors may be a Hall effect transducer, a potentiometer, an encoder, or the like.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
To sense a squeezing motion in the grips 350A,350B of the touch sensitive handle 325, a remote sensing assembly 386 may be included by the gimbal member 362. The first and second grips 350A,350B are adapted to be squeezed together by a hand of an operator O so as to define a variable grip separation. The grip separation may be determined as a function of a variable grip angle with an axis or as a function of a variable grip separation distance, or the like. Alternative handle actuations, such as movement of a thumbwheel or knob may also be provided in the handle to control the robotic surgical instruments 101.
In the exemplary embodiment, the remote sensor assembly 386 includes a circuit board 394 on which a first and a second Hall effect sensors, HE1, HE2 are mounted. A magnet 396 is disposed distally beyond the circuit board 394 and the Hall effect sensors. A magnetic mass 398 is axially coupled to the proximally oriented surface 390 of a push rod 84. Thus, the magnetic mass 398 moves (as shown by Arrow J) with the push rod 384 and varies the magnetic field at the Hall effect sensors in response actuation of the grips 350A,350B.
To translate the squeezing action of the grips 350A,350B to the sensor 386, the gimbal member 362 includes a push rod 384 within the tubular handle structure 351. Each of the grips 350A, 350B pivot about a respective pivot 334a, 334b in the tubular handle structure 351. Urging links 335a, 335b respectively couple between the grips 350A,350B and a first end of the push rod 384. The squeezing action of the grips 350A,350B is translated into a linear motion on the push rod 384 by means of urging links 335a,335b as shown by arrow A in
A biasing mechanism such as spring 392 applies a force against the squeezing motion of the grips to return them to full open when the grips are released. The biasing spring 392 may be a linear or non-linear elastic device biasing against the depression of grips 350A, 350B, e.g., a single or multiple element assembly including springs or other elastic members. For example, spring 392 may comprise a concentric dual spring assembly whereby one spring provides a “softer” bias response as the grips 350A, 350B are initially depressed, and a second spring provides a superimposed “firm” bias response as the grips 350A, 350B approach a fully depressed state. Such a non-linear bias may provide a pseudo force-feedback to the operator.
It should be noted that a wide variety of alternative sensing arrangements may be used to translate the mechanical actuation of the touch sensitive handle and control input wrist into control signals. While Hall effect sensors are included in the exemplary embodiment, alternative embodiments may include encoders, potentiometers, or a variety of alternative optical, electrical, magnetic, or other sensing structures.
Irrigation/Aspiration/Blowing Robotic Surgical InstrumentA number of embodiments of irrigation/aspiration/blowing (IAB) robotic surgical tools that can be mounted to a robotic arm in a robotic surgical system are now described.
Referring to
The IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 includes a mountable housing 401 at a proximal end and a hollow tube 404 coupled together as shown in
The hollow tube 404 is elongated and has an opening 424 at its tip 406, the distal end of the instrument 400. The hollow tube 404 may also be referred to as a hollow instrument shaft or a hollow probe. The hollow tube 404 may be reusable or disposable. The hollow tube 404 may be coupled to the interface base 412 for additional support. Alternative, the hollow tube 404 may couple directly to a modular disposable valve subassembly and avoid coupling to the interface base such that it too is disposable.
In one embodiment of the invention, the hollow tube 404 is a hollow circular cylindrical shape. Fluids (e.g., gas, liquid, with or without solids) may flow in the hollow tube 404 and into or out from a surgical site through the opening 424 at the tip 406. The hollow tube 404 may further include one or more smaller openings 422 around its circumference substantially near the tip 406 to further allow fluid to flow into and out of a surgical site. The diameter of the opening 424 may be substantially same as the inner diameter of the tube 404. In one embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the hollow tube 404 may be between 5 mm and 8 mm. The hollow tube 404 may be formed out of metal, plastic or other rigid material that can be hollow to allow fluid to flow therein while being positioned within a patient's body at a surgical site or over a surgical area.
The interface base 412 is used to mount the instrument 400 to a robotic arm of a surgical robotic manipulator. The interface base 412 both mechanically and electrically couples the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 to a robotic arm of the surgical robotic manipulator 152. The release levers 416 are located at the sides of the mountable housing and may be used to release the robotic surgical instrument 400 from a robotic arm.
A first end of the one or more tube fittings 410A-410C may respectively couple to the one or more hoses 106A-106C, respectively. The one or more tube fittings 410A-410C may be barb fittings, luer fittings, or other types of hose or tube fittings. A second end of the one or more tube fittings 410A-410C couples to a flow control system 417 within the mountable housing 401. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more hoses 106A-106C may directly couple to the flow control system without the one or more tube fittings 410A-410C. The end of the hollow tube 404 opposite the tip 406, also couples to the flow control system 417.
The flow control system 417 controls the flow of fluids, including any solids that may be transported by the fluid, between the surgical site and the one or more hoses 106A-106C through the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400. The flow control system 417 may include one or more valves of a valve subassembly to control the flow of fluids and any solids that may be transported by the fluid. Note that a fluid may be a liquid, a gas, a vacuum, or any combination thereof. The flow control system 417 may be controlled by control signals generated by an operator O at the master control console 150 to control the fluid flow through the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400. In addition to robotic control, a number of embodiments of the invention include an optional manual actuation of the valves of the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400. In which case, either an assistant A can manually operate the flow control system 417 and control the fluid flow or the operator O at the master control console 150 may robotically operate the flow control system 417 to control the fluid flow through the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400. The operator O at the master control console 150 can position the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 where the operator wants it within the surgical site. Then, to free up the operator's hands to perform some other task at the master control console, the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 may be controlled manually by an assistant, remaining attached to a robotic arm. The operator can then give verbal instructions to the assistant to manually control the irrigation/suction/blowing in the surgical site selected by the operator.
The cover 414 covers over to protect the flow control system 417 such as a valve subassembly from damage and to maintain a sterile surgical environment during surgery. As the surgical instrument 400 is used during an operation or surgery at a surgical site of human patient, it is important that its components be sterilized.
As body fluids of a human patient will be flowing through the surgical instrument 400 during use, it may be desirable to re-sterilize the IAB robotic surgical tool for reuse. However, it may be difficult to re-sterilize portions of the flow control system 417, such as valves, within the IAB robotic surgical tool 400. Thus, portions of the flow control system 417 may be replaced instead of sterilized after usage. If components forming the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 are relatively inexpensive, the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400 may be discarded in its entirety instead of re-sterilzing or replacing components.
The interface base 412 further includes an array of electrical connecting pins 424 and one or more integrated circuits 426 coupled to a printed circuit board 425 within the mountable housing 401. As the interface base 412 is backward compatible to the adapter 228, it may be mechanically actuated by pre-existing driver motors found in the robotic surgical manipulator 152. While the interface base 412 has been described herein with reference to mechanical and electrical coupling elements, it should be understood that other modalities may be used, including infrared coupling, magnetic coupling, inductive coupling, or the like.
Referring now to
The valve subassembly 506 includes a first two-way two-position valve 510A and a second two-way two-position valve 510B. After use, the valve subassembly 506 may be removed and replaced by a new sterilized valve subassembly for reuse of the tool 500A. The valves are a component of the tool that is more difficult to clean and sterilize for reuse.
Each of the two way valves 510A-510B includes two ports. A first port couples to the three-way coupler 508 while a second port couples to the fittings 509A or 509B, respectively. A three-way coupler 508 includes three ports one of which is coupled to the hollow tube 504. The second port of the three-way coupler couples to a port of the valve 510A. A third port of the three-way coupler 508 couples to a port of the valve 510B.
A fluid may flow in or out of the hollow tube 504 as illustrated by the double-headed arrow near the tip. Either valve 510A or 510B may be open so that a fluid may flow through the hollow tube 504. With valve 510B open and valve 510A substantially closed, a suction may be applied near the tip of the surgical instrument 500A so that a surgical site may be aspirated. With valve 510B substantially closed and valve 510A open, a liquid may flow through the surgical instrument 500A out through the hollow tube 504 into a surgical site so that it may be irrigated. The liquid is coupled to the surgical instrument 500A by the hose 106A.
The three-way valve 516 has three ports. A first port of the three-way valve couples to the proximal end of the hollow tube 504. A second port couples to the tube fitting 509A that may couple to the hose 106A. A third port of the valve 516 couples to the tube fitting 509B that may in turn couple to hose 106B.
The three-way valve 516 has three-positions of operation. In a closed position, the valve is completely shut off so that no fluid flows through the hollow tube 504. In a second position suction is shut off, the first port and the second port of the valve couple together such that the surgical site may be irrigated by a liquid flowing through valve 516 and into the hollow tube 504. In a third position irrigation is shut off, the first port and the third port of the valve couple together such that a vacuum or a suction may flow through valve 516 and a surgical site may be aspirated at the tip of the hollow tube 504.
The single four-way valve 526 includes four ports. A first port of the four-way valve 526 couples to the proximal end of the hollow tube 504. A second port of the valve 526 couples to one end of the tube fitting 509A. A third port of the valve 526 couples to an end of the tube fitting 509B. A fourth port of the valve 526 couples to an end of the tube fitting 509C. Hoses 106A-106C may respectively couple to the tube fittings 509A-509C. In this manner three of the four ports of valve 526 may receive a liquid for irrigation, a vacuum for suction and a pressurized gas for blowing, respectively.
The four-way valve 526 has four positions of operation. In a closed position, the valve is completely shut off so that no fluid flows through the hollow tube 504. In a second position suction/blowing are shut off, the first port and the second port of the valve couple together such that the surgical site may be irrigated by a liquid flowing through valve 526 and into the hollow tube 504. In a third position irrigation/suction are shut off, the first port and the third port of the valve couple together such that a pressurized gas may flow through valve 516 and out through the tip of the hollow tube 504 to blow a surgical site with a pressurized gas. In a fourth position irrigation/blowing are shut off, the first port and the fourth port of the valve couple together such that a vacuum may provide suction through the valve 516 and the hollow tube 504 to a surgical site to remove fluids and solids transported therein at the tip of the hollow tube 504.
In place of the four-way valve 526 illustrated in
Each of the two way two position valves 510A-510C includes two ports. A first port of each couples to respective ports of the four-way coupler 538 while a second port of each couples to the fittings 509A, 509B or 509C, respectively. The four-way coupler 538 includes four ports one of which is coupled to the hollow tube 504. The second port of the four-way coupler 538 couples to a port of the valve 510A. A third port of the four-way coupler 538 couples to a port of the valve 510B. A fourth port of the four-way coupler 538 couples to a port of the valve 510C.
Valve subassembly 536 may be replaceable with a sterile component while the other elements mounted in the housing 501D may be separately sterilized and reused with a new valve subassembly 536.
Various types of valves may be used as part of the flow control system 417 in the IAB robotic surgical instrument 400, 101A to control the flow of fluids to provide irrigation, aspiration, or blowing. For example, a linear motion type of valve (“linear valve”) may be used such as a spool-type valve, a trumpet-type valve, a piston-type valve, a poppet-type valve, or a sliding-plate-type valve. Alternatively, a rotational motion type of valve (“rotatable valve”) may be used such as a ball-type valve, a screw-type valve, a gate-type valve, a disc-type valve, a cock-type valve, a globe-type valve, or a rotary-plate-type valve. Additionally, the various types of valves within the IAB robotic surgical instrument may be actuated in different ways by the robotic surgical manipulator 152. While three-way and two-way valves have been separately shown and described, any mixed combination of one or more two-way valves and one or more three-way valves, or other multi-port valve, may be used within an IAB robotic surgical instrument with different types of couplers to provide a flow control system therein. For example, an IAB robotic surgical instrument may include a three-way valve 516 for gas pressure and suction and a two-way valve 510A for irrigation by a liquid coupled to a three-way coupler 508, which is in turn coupled to the tube 504.
Moreover, the valves used in the flow control system may be automatically returned to a closed position so that no fluid flows through the IAB robotic surgical tool when it is dismounted from the robotic arm or when the modular valve assembly is not mounted in the housing of the tool. That is, the valves may be spring loaded by a spring to return to a closed or fully off position when they are not actuated.
Referring now to
In
In
In
To change positions of the valve using the linkage 620, the rotatable receiving element 418C may be moved counter clockwise, while the valve rotates clockwise. If the rotatable receiving element 418C moves clockwise, the linkage 620 causes the valve to rotate counter clockwise. To actuate the rotatable valve, the rotatable receiving element 418C couples to the rotatable driver 234 by means of the pins 422A-422B coupling into the opening 240A-240B respectively.
In
The push rod 702 may be linearly actuated in robotic arm in a number of ways including, but not limited to, pneumatically, hydraulically, electromechanically, or electrically. For example, a solenoid 701 may be used to linearly actuate the push rod 702 to linearly move the valve 704A to an open position. When the push rod 702 is not actuated, the force of the spring 706 may push back on the push rod 702 and return the plunger of the valve to a closed plunger position 705 to shut off the first and second ports and stop a flow of a fluid. The spring 706 may also retain the plunger of the valve in a closed plunger position 705 to shut off the first and second ports when the IAB robotic surgical tool is dismounted.
In
In
Referring now to
A spring may be coupled between an end of the rack 801 and a stop in order to linearly push on the rack and rotate and maintain the valve in a closed position when the IAB robotic surgical tool is dismounted.
In addition to being robotically controlled from the master control console 150, the valves of the flow control system 417 of the IAB robotic surgical tools may also be manually controlled. Manual actuators may be provided that extend external to the housing so that a user's hand may open and/or close the valves.
Referring now to
The rotatable receiving element 418D of the IAB robotic surgical tools is coupled to the cam 902. For robotic control from the master control console 150, the rotatable receiving element 418D couples to the rotatable driver 234 by means of the pins 422A-422B within the openings 240A-240B, respectively.
The cam 902 includes a cam lobe 904 that pushes on the cam follower 903 to a position 903′ so that the plunger 705 is moved to an open position 705′. In the open position 705′, the plunger allows the first and second ports to couple together and allow a fluid to flow there-between. As the cam rotates to move the cam lobe to a different position so that the cam follower can move back to its original position 903, the spring 706 pushes on the plunger 705 to move it back into the closed position to close the valve 704A.
The cam 902 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise so that the cam follower transforms a rotational motion into a linear motion to open and close the valve 704A. In this manner, a rotational actuation within the robotic surgical tool 400, 101A may be converted to linear actuation and actuate a linear motion valve, such as the trumpet valve 704A. A coil spring may be coupled around the shaft of the cam 901 in order to rotate it so that the valve can close when the IAB robotic surgical tool is dismounted.
With the cam 902 rotated to a position so that the valve 704A is closed, the valve may be manually operated. To manually operate valve 704A, a user pushes on the manual push arms 913,923 extending from the housing. With the manual push arms 913,923 being coupled to the cam follower 903, the force applied thereto manually forces open the valve 704A. This decouples the cam follower 903 from the cam 902. To close the valve 704A, a user releases the force applied to the manual push arms 913,923 which allows the spring 706 to push back out the plunger 705 into a closed position and shut off the valve.
Referring now to
In
The rotary pinch valve 1004A is coupled to a shaft of the rotatable receiving element 418E to receive a rotational actuation. The rotatable receiving element 418E may couple to the rotatable driver 234 in a similar fashion as previously described with pins 422A-422B inserted into the respective openings 240A-240B.
The rotary pinch valve 1004A includes a rotatable pinch arm 1020 and a pinch roller 1022 coupled to the distal end of the rotatable pinch arm 1020. The rotary pinch valve 1004A may further include a spring 1006 coupled to the rotatable receiving element 418E in order to bias the pinch valve to a closed position and pinch off the hose when the surgical tool 101A, 400 is dismounted.
In the closed position, the pinch roller 1022 pinches off the hose 1002 against the backstop 1005. In rotating the pinch valve 1004A and the rotatable pinch arm from the closed position to a position 1020′, the pressure against the hose 1002 is released such that it flexes open and allows fluid to flow therein.
In
A push rod 702 may be provided in the robotic arm 153 to provide linear actuation of the linear pinch valve 1004B. The push rod 702 pushes on a button 1013 to a position 1013″, compressing a spring 1016, and linearly moving the linear pinch valve 1004B and a linear pinch arm 1030 to position 1030′ to release the hose 1002 from the backstop 1015. With the linear pinch arm 1030 in the open position 1030′, the linear pinch valve is open and fluid can flow within the hose 1002′. Upon releasing the linear force provided by the push rod 702 within the robotic arm 153, the spring 1016 forces back the linear pinch arm 1030 of the linear pinch valve 1030 to squeeze the hose 1002 against the backstop 1015. In this manner, a linear actuating motion of the push rod 702 can activate a linear pinch valve 1004B.
Referring now to
With a solid valve body, the flow control system 417 of the IAB robotic surgical tool 1100 is relatively inexpensive to manufacture such that the flow control system 417 may be discarded after use, instead of cleaned or sterilized. The remaining components of the tool 1100 may be cleaned and re-sterilized. Alternatively, the IAB robotic surgical tool 1100 is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture such that it may be discarded in its entirety after usage.
A first port of the solid valve body 1101 couples to the proximal end of the hollow tube 404. Second and third ports of the solid valve body 1101 may couple to the hose fittings 410A-410B. The hose fittings 410A-410B may respectively couple to hoses 106A-106B. The solid valve body 1101 includes a three-way passage 1106 coupled between the proximal end of the hollow tube 404 and first ports of rotatable valves 1104A-1104B. The solid valve body 1101 further includes passages 1108A-1108B coupled between second ports of the rotatable valves 1104A-1104B and the hose fittings 410A-410B, respectively. The rotatable valves 1104A-1104B are two-way two-position valves and each have an open flow channel that can be rotated and switched open or closed between the ports to the respective passages 1108A-1108B and the ports to the three-way passage 1106.
Although a third valve and a third set of passages are not illustrated in
The hollow tube 404 is mechanically supported in the mountable housing by having an end coupled into the first port of the solid valve body 1101. The hollow tube 404 may be further supported mechanically by being inserted into a bushing that is supported within the collar 1102 of the interface base 412. As previously discussed, the hollow tube 404 has an opening 424 at its tip 406. The hollow tube 404 may further have openings around its circumference near its tip 406.
The solid valve body 1101 may be fitted to the interface base 412 so that it is readily replaceable. The hollow tube 404 may be fitted with a quick release fitting to the solid valve body 1101 so that it can be readily re-sterilized and reused.
Referring now to
Coupled to one end of a cylindrical shaft 1105 of each of the rotatable valves 1104A-1104B is a rotatable receiving element 418 with pins 422A-422B. The rotatable receiving element 418 of the rotatable valves 1104A-1104B may further include a tab 1114 to abut against a stop within the interface base 412.
Elements of the rotatable valves 1104A-1104B may be molded together as one piece to further lower the cost of manufacture of the flow control system. As valves 1104A-1104B are substantially similar, a further detailed description of valve 1104A is only provided with valves 1104A-1104B being collectively referred to as valves 1104.
In the cylindrical shaft 1105 of the valves 1104 is the flow channel 1110. The flow channel 1110 of the rotatable valves 1104 may be a slanted opening through the cylindrical shaft. The flow channel 1110 of the rotatable valves 1104 may be a slanted opening through the cylindrical shaft. Wrapped around the cylindrical shaft are one or more seals 1112 to seal off the flow channel 1110 within the valve body 1101. A slanted seal 1113 may be provided above the slanted opening of the flow channel 1110. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an additional slanted seal 1113 may be provided below the slanted opening of the flow channel 1110. The cylindrical shaft 1105 has circumferential channels to respectively receive a portion of the one or more seals 1112. The cylindrical shaft 1105 has one or more slanted channels in its cylindrical surface to respectively receive a portion of the one or more slanted seals 1113. The channels in the shaft 1105 keep the seals in position as the valve is moved.
Referring now to
The cylindrical shaft 1105 includes the flow channel 1110. The flow channel 1110 has a first port 1110A at one end and a second port 1110B at a second end. As discussed previously, the flow channel 1110 may be slanted from the first port 1110A to the second port 1110B. As valve 1104 is in a closed position in
The slanted seal 1113 around the cylindrical shaft 1105 allows for relaxed tolerances between the rotatable valve 1104 and the solid valve body 1101. In particular, the slanted seal 1113 allows for a larger radial gap between the cylindrical shaft 1105 of the valve 1104 and the solid valve body 1101 while maintaining a leak-less seal. While the top and bottom seals 1112 seal the valve 1404 with respect to the valve body, the slanted seal 1113 seals the flow of fluids through the channel 1110. The slanted seal 1113 seals the flow of fluids through the channel 1110 over the range of positions of the valve 1104, from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The slanted seal 1113 particularly prevents leakage when the valve 1104 is in the closed position.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the channel 1110 in the cylindrical shaft 1105 is replaced by narrowing the center diameter portion of the cylindrical shaft 1105 between the slanted seal 1113 and the bottom seal 1112, such as into an hour glass shape, to form a channel for fluid flow when the valve 1104 is moved from a closed position. In this case, the slanted seal 1113 forms an end portion of the channel.
The hollow tube 404 couples to a port of the three-way passage 1106. The hose fittings 410A, 410B couple to the passages 1108A, 1108B, respectively. The hose fittings 410A, 4101B and the hollow tube 404 may be press fitted into the solid valve body 1101 or have threads to be screwed into and mate with threads in passages 1106, 1108A, 1108B of the solid valve body 1101.
Referring now to
In comparison with
The rotatable valves 1104A and 1104B may operate in the same rotational direction or in opposite rotational directions. That is, each rotatable valve may operate to open in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Alternatively, rotatable valve 1104A may open using a counterclockwise rotation while rotatable valve 1104B opens using a clockwise rotation, for example.
With a solid valve body 1101 and one piece rotatable valves 1104, the flow control system 417 can be made relatively inexpensive such that it can be readily discarded with or without other components of the surgical tool 1100.
As discussed previously, the valves of the flow control system 417 of the IAB robotic surgical tools may also be manually controlled with manual actuators. Additional manually controlled valves may also be provided in parallel with robotically controlled valves in the flow control system in order to both manually and robotically control the fluid flows through an IAB robotic surgical instrument. Manual actuators are coupled to the manually controlled valves to extend external to the housing of the IAB robotic surgical tools so that a user's hand may open and/or close the valves.
Referring now to
To support the valves 1124A-1124B, the two way passages 1108A-1108B and the three way passage 1106 in the solid valve body 1101 illustrated in
Otherwise, the modified solid valve body 1101′, including the structure and function of the valves 1104A-1104B, is similar to that of the solid valve body 1101 illustrated by
Referring now to
The modular valve subassembly includes a first rotatable valve 1204A and a second rotatable valve 1204B. Each of the valves 1204A-1204B are two-way, two-position valves having a pair of ports. The valves 104A-104B may be trumpet valves, ball cock style valves, or other rotatable type of valve used to control the flow of gases or fluids. Coupled to the first ports of each valve 1204A-1204B are the hose fittings 410A-410B, respectively. Coupled to a second port of each of the valves 1204A-1204B are first ends of the respective coupling hoses 1208A-1208B. Second ends of the hoses 1208A-1208B respectively couple to a pair of ports of a three-way coupler 1206. A third port of the coupler 1206 couples to the hollow tube 404.
Shafts of the valves 1204A-1204B can be coupled to and decoupled from a pair of rotatable receiving elements 418. The modular valve subassembly 1201 is replaceable. After being used, the modular valve subassembly 1201 is dismounted from the interface base with shafts of the used valves 1204A-1204B being decoupled from the rotatable receiving elements 418. Similarly, shafts of new unused valves 1204A-1204B may be coupled to the rotatable receiving elements 418 when mounting a new modular valve subassembly to the interface base.
Coil springs may be wrapped around the shafts of the valves 1204A-1204B and coupled to the pair of rotatable receiving elements 418 in order to spring load the valves 1204A-1204B to automatically close so that neither suction nor irrigation are activated when the instrument housing is not mounted onto the robotic arm, or modular valve subassembly is not mounted to the interface base 412 in the mountable housing 401.
The hollow tube 404 is supported by the interface base. A bushing 1202 may be inserted over the hollow tube 404 and pressed into the collar 1102 of the interface base 412.
The printed circuit board 425 may also be mounted to the interface base 412. Electrical pins 424 may couple to the printed circuit board 425 to provide an electrical connection to the adaptor 228. The integrated circuit 426 is mounted to the printed circuit board may be reprogrammed to indicate that the tool 1200 has been re-sterilized and its components replaced.
In order to reuse the IAB robotic surgical tool 1200, the modular valve subassembly 1201 and the coupling hoses 1208A-1208B are removed and discarded. A new valve subassembly 1201 and new hoses 1208A-1208B are installed and mounted in the robotic surgical tool. The remaining components including the interface base 412, the three-way coupler 1206 and the hollow tube 404 are re-sterilized prior to fitting a new modular valve subassembly 1201 and new hoses 1208A-1208B.
After re-sterilization, the integrated circuit 426 may be programmed to indicate that the tool 1200 has been re-sterilized and its components replaced.
Referring now to
To control the flow of fluids through the robotic surgical tool 1300, a pair of flexible coupling hoses 1302A-1302B are coupled to a pair of hose fittings 410A-410B at a first end and a pair of ports of a three-way coupler 1206 at a second end. The third port of the three-way coupler 1206 is coupled to the proximal end of the hollow tubing 404. To pinch off hoses 1302A-1302B, the tool 1300 includes a rotatable pinch valves 1304A-1304B rotatably mounted to the interface base 412. Each of the pinch valves 1304A-1304B is coupled to a rotatable receiving element 418. As discussed previously, the rotatable receiving element 418 may couple to a rotatable driver 234.
Each of the rotatable pinch valves 1304A-1304B may include a coil spring 1306, a rotatable pinch arm 1320, a pinch wheel 1322 coupled to the end of the rotatable pinch arm 1320, a tab 1324, and a handle 1330. In
At a pinch point 1302B′, a pinch wheel 1322 presses the hose 1302B against the backstop 1315B of bulkhead 1310. The hose 1302B collapses to a diameter of zero so that no fluid can flow through it at the pinch point 1302B′. The rotatable pinch valve 1304A may utilize the backstop 1315A of bulkhead 1310 to close and pinch off hose 1302A. The operation of a rotatable pinch valve is further discussed herein with reference to
In order to readily collapse and pinch off the flow of fluids, the hoses 1302A-1302B may be silicon hoses that are flexible with the capability of expanding to an open non-collapsed diameter from a collapsed state at the pinch point in response to opening the rotatable pinch valves. The pinch wheel 1322 rotates along the hose as its being pinched off so as to avoid damaging the hose and cause leeks.
The coil spring 1306 wrapped around the shafts of the pinch valves 1304A-1304B may be used to spring load the valves 1204A-1204B to automatically close and pinch off the hoses 1302A-1302B when the instrument housing is dismounted from the robotic arm or otherwise not being actuated.
While the IAB robotic surgical tool 1300 is typically under control of the master control console 150, the handles 1330A-1330B allow for manual use of the IAB robot surgical tool 1300 when it is not mounted to a robotic arm. The handles 1330A-1330B are respectively coupled to the shafts 1330A-1330B of the rotatable pinch valves 1304A-1304B in order to manually rotate them open and closed by hand. When the IAB robot surgical tool 1300 is not mounted to a robotic arm so that the rotatable receiving elements 418 are not engaged with the rotatable drivers 234, the assistant surgeon or nurse may manually operate the IAB robotic surgical tool 1300 to control the fluid flows by using the handles 1330A-1330B. Furthermore, the handles 1330A-1330B allow for cleaning the flow control system as is described further below.
Referring now to
Additionally, the handle 1330A includes a clip 1332 that may be swung around and fitted into a groove 1334 of the handle 1305B. With the clip 1332 within the groove 1334, both handles 1330A-1330B are open such that neither hose 1302A nor hose 1302B is pinched closed. The handles are clipped together in the open position during a cleaning of the flow control system of the robotic surgical tool 1300 and to ease replacement of the hoses.
To clip the handles together, the handle is rotated to the open position and the clip 1332 is swung to position 1332′. The handle 1330B is rotated to position 1330B′ so that the clip 1332′ may be inserted into its groove 1334. In this position, the pinch valves are both open and the hoses 1302A-1302B are not pinched off but are open so that they can be cleaned.
Referring now to
In contrast, the coupling hoses 1302A-1302B of the tool 1300 require cleaning and sterilization after each use of the tool 1300 in order for it to be reused. In tool 1400, the hoses 106A-106B are not cleaned, but replaced after each usage with new sterile hoses so that the tool 1400 may be reused. With the rotatable pinch valves open, the interface base 412 is formed with bulkhead 1410 to allow the hoses 106A-106B to be readily replaceable and coupled to the three-way coupled 1206.
The tool 1400 includes the rotatable pinch valves 1304A-1304B with their pinch arms 1320 and pinch rollers 1322 coupled thereto to pinch off the hoses 106A-106B and stop the flow of fluids. The rotatable pinch valves are rotatably mounted to the interface base 412. The shaft of each rotatable valve is coupled to the rotatable receiving element 418.
In
As discussed previously, the replaceable hoses 106B-106A are directly coupled to two of the three ports of the three-way coupler 1206. The third port of the three-way coupler 1206 is coupled to the proximal end of the hollow tube 404. The hollow tube 404 may be further supported by the interface base 412 by inserting a the hollow tube into a bushing mounted in the collar 1102.
The IAB robotic surgical tools, including tool 1400, may further include the printed circuit board 425 with one or more pins 424 and one or more interrelated circuits 426 coupled thereto to indicate its tool type, whether its new or refurbished, and if refurbished, the number of prior uses.
Referring now to
Even though fluid flow is externally controlled, the IAB robotic surgical tools 1500A-1500B are mounted to a robotic arm of the robotic surgical manipulator 152 and can facilitate the flow of fluids into and out of a surgical site through couplers and the hollow tube 404.
In
In
Cleaning and sterilization of the IAB robotic surgical tools 1500A-1500B is fairly easy as there are no valves. To reuse the tools 1500A-1500B, used hoses 106A-106C are removed. The remaining portions of the tools 1500A and 1500B, such as the couplers and the hollow tube 404, are then sterilized and then fitted with new sterile hoses 106A-106C so that they may be reused.
While IAB robotic surgical tools 1500A-1500B have been shown and described to include couplers 1206, 1506, respectively, the couplers can be removed and provided externally to the surgical tools 1500A-1500B. In which case, a single hose would be routed from the external coupler to the IAB robotic surgical tool. The single hose may couple to a hose fitting, that in turn would be coupled to the hollow tube 404. Alternatively, the proximal end of the hollow tube could be formed as a hose fitting and directly couple to an end of the hose. In this manner, reuse of the IAB robotic surgical tool may further simplified with fewer components to sterilize and a single hose to replace.
User ControlTypically, irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site are manually controlled by an assisting surgeon or nurse using manual surgical tools. By allowing tele-operated or remote control and actuation of an IA or IAB robotic surgical instrument, the primary surgeon can now control irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site.
The flow control system of the IAB robotic surgical instrument may be controlled by the operator O seated at the robotic surgical master control console 150 in a number of ways. For example, master axes of movement in a control handle that is normally used for controlling a wristed robotic surgical instrument may be used to activate irrigation, aspiration, and or blowing through an IAB robotic surgical instrument over a surgical site. As previously discussed, one or a combination of both the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 and the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used to control the flow of fluids through the IAB robotic surgical tools. For example, the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 may be used for the control of irrigation while the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used for controlling suction in a surgical site.
The rotational motion of the handle 325 may typically control wrist motors in the robotic surgical manipulator 152 to control a wrist motion of a robotic surgical tool. In this case, the wrist motors in the robotic surgical manipulator 152 may be adapted for use to control one or move valves in the IAB robotic surgical instruments in response to the rotational motion of the handle 325.
In another embodiment of the invention, a gripping or squeezing motion (“master grip”) on the grips 350A-350B of the touch sensitive handle 325 may be used to control the flow of fluids through IAB robotic surgical instruments. For example, squeezing the grip of touch sensitive handle may be used to turn on the suction of the I/A/B surgical instrument and the grip released to turn off the suction. In which case, the touch sensitive handle may include one or more springs 306A-306C to provide differing spring constants or a single spring 306 with a progressive rate spring constant as the positions of the grips 350A-350B change. An explanation as to how the touch sensitive handle 325 functions was previously describe with reference to
The position of the grips 350A-350B can vary over a range of positions in order to control suction, blowing and irrigation of a surgical site such as from a fully released or fully open position to a fully squeezed or fully closed position.
With the grips 350A-350B in the fully released or fully open position, both suction and irrigation are turned off. As the grip is initially squeezed, suction is turned on and irrigation remains turned off. As the grip position changes from fully-open to half-way closed, curve 1701 illustrates the flow of vacuum change from zero to one hundred percent. As the grip reaches half way, suction may be fully turned on with a negligible amount of irrigation. As the operator O squeezes further still, past the half-way closed position, the vacuum flow tapers off toward zero and the irrigation begins from zero around the three-fourths closed position, as is illustrated by curves 1701 and 1710.
In another embodiment of the invention, both the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 and the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used to control the flow of fluids through the IAB robotic surgical tools.
In addition to the touch sensitive handle 325 and its grips 350A-350B, foot pedals 18 of the surgeons master control console 150, as illustrated in
Alternatively, the touch sensitive handle 325 may be modified to include buttons to activate irrigation, aspiration, and or blowing when an IAB robotic surgical tool is mounted to the robotic surgical manipulator 152
To avoid using a touch sensitive handle, the foot pedals 18 of the surgeons master control console 150 may be used to fully control the suction and irrigation provided by an IAB robotic surgical tool. In one embodiment of the invention, a first foot pedal 18A may be used to control suction and a second foot pedal 18B may be used to control the irrigation provided by an IA or IAB surgical instrument.
With knowledge of other surgical instruments that are to be controlled by some of the foot pedals, foot pedals on the right side of the footrest may be used, for example. Two pedals and a toggle switch on the master control console or the control handle may be used to control a variety of actuations in a plurality of surgical instruments knowing the context of the robotic surgical system in advance. Additionally, foot pedals normally used for cautery (or another energy device) may be switched to activate irrigation, aspiration, and or blowing when an IAB robotic surgical tool is mounted to the robotic surgical manipulator 152.
To avoid any use of hands or feet in controlling the I/A surgical instrument, voice activation may be used to activate irrigation, aspiration, and or blowing when an IAB robotic surgical tool is mounted to the robotic surgical manipulator 152. In this case, an operator's voice or speech may be used to control the suction, irrigation, and or blowing provided by an IA or IAB surgical instrument. For example, spoken voice commands such as “suction ON”, “suction OFF”, “suction lightly”, “irrigation ON”, “irrigation OFF”, and “irrigate lightly” may be used to control the suction and irrigation provided by the IA or IAB surgical instrument.
To recognize the voice commands, the master control console 150 includes a microphone 315 and a speech recognizer 317. The speech recognizer 317 may generate the control signals that are provided to the IA or IAB surgical instrument.
While various control means have been individually described here, two or more of these control means may be combined in order to control the flow of fluids through an IAB robotic surgical tool. For example, the rotational motion of the touch sensitive handle 325 may be used for the control of irrigation while the squeezing motion of the grips 350A,350B may be used for controlling suction in a surgical site.
User FeedbackWithin a surgical site it may be difficult to determine if a valve is open and providing suction, blowing, or irrigation. User feedback may be provided to the surgeon at the console to provide information to him/her such as suction is on and at what level—high, medium, low, or otherwise off. User feedback information may also be provided regarding blowing and irrigation—whether its off or on, and if on at what level—high, medium, or low. However, it typically is easier to visually determine when a liquid is flowing for irrigation than when suction is provided for aspiration or a pressurized gas for blowing.
Referring now to
In
In
In comparison with the light emitting diodes 1801-1802 at the tip, the light pipe 1812 provides a light that may be visible along the entire length of the hollow tube 404 so that it can be seen, regardless of the position of the tip. Additionally, the light emitting diode 1811 is protected under the cover of the mountable housing 401.
Referring now to
Without any flow of fluids within the tool 400C, a tip 1822 of the sliding sleeve 1820 may completely cover over the visible scale 1824. With maximum fluid flow in the tool 400C, the sliding sleeve 1820 may be slid into the housing 401 such that its tip moves to a position 1822′ to fully reveal the visible scale 1824. The opposite end 1823 of the sliding sleeve 1820 moves inward to position 1823′. In this manner, the level of fluid flow in the tool 400C may be provided to a user by mechanical means.
The sliding sleeve 1820 may be pulled into the housing 401 and pushed back out in a variety of ways. A spring may used to apply a force against the retraction of the sliding sleeve 1820 into the housing so that it can push it back out after the pulling force is released. A cable with one end coupled to and wrapped around a take up drum may be coupled to the sleeve 1820 through a pulley in order to pull the sleeve into the housing 401. A gearing system may alternatively be used. A pinion gear may couple to a rotatable receiving element 418 and to a rack coupled to the sleeve 1820. Alternatively, a ball screw and a lead screw may be used. A slider with a crank or lever arm may be used. An electrical means may also be used, such as a solenoid to pull in on the sliding sleeve 1820.
Referring now to
In
For rotational purposes, the rotatable sleeve 1820′ includes a drum 1854 that extends from the bearing assembly 1852 into the housing 401. There are a number of ways to couple a rotational movement from the surgical manipulator to the rotatable sleeve 1820′. In one embodiment of the invention, the tool 400D is backward compatible and includes a spool 1830 rotatably mounted to the interface base 412. A rotatable receiving element 418 of the IAB robotic surgical tool is coupled to the spool 1830. For robotic control from the master control console 150, the rotatable receiving element 418 couples to the rotatable driver 234 by means of the pins 422A-422B within the openings 240A-240B, respectively.
Coupled between the spool 1830 and the drum 1854 of the rotatable sleeve are a top cable 1832 and a bottom cable 1834. One end of each cable couples to the spool 1830. The opposite end of each cable couples to the drum 2854. Alternatively, a single cable may be used by appropriately wrapping it around the drum 2834 and the spool 1830. The top cable and the bottom cable wrap different from each other around the spool. They also wrap different from each other around the drum 1854. In this manner, one cable is being let out while the other cable is being taken in by the rotation of the spool 1854. If the spool 1854 is turning clockwise as indicated by arrow F2, the cable 1832 is taken in, the cable 1834 is let out, and the sleeve 1820′ rotates counter clockwise as illustrated by the letter G2. If the spool 1854 is turning counter-clockwise as indicated by arrow F1, the cable 1832 is let out, the cable 1834 is let out, and the sleeve 1820′ rotates clockwise as illustrated by the letter G1.
There rotational movement of the receiving element 418 may be transmitted by other means to the rotatable sleeve 1820′. For example, a gear system may be used. In which case, a first worm gear may be used in place of the spool 1830 and a second worm gear coupling to the first may be used in place of the drum 1854.
The flow control system provided by the solid valve bodies 1101,1101′ and their valves was previously described with reference to
Referring now to
In one position of the sleeve 1820A′, no color stripe or a color stripe representative of fluid flow being completely shut off is located within a window opening 1840. This corresponds to all the valves being closed to shut off the fluid flow through the IAB robotic surgical tool. Rotating the sleeve 1820A′ from a shut off position, a first or second color stripe may begin to be revealed, such as illustrated in
The different color stripes 1842 indicate the flow of different fluids through the IAB robotic surgical. For example, a red color stripe may indicate that all fluid flows are fully shut off. A green color stripe may indicate pressurized gas flow. A blue color stripe may indicate irrigation, An orange color stripe may indicate suction or aspiration.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As the sleeve 1820C′ rotates, the level of fluid flow can be indicated by the amount of color triangular stripe 1862 that is exposed in the window opening 1860. As discussed previously, the type of fluid flow may be indicated by the different colors.
The type of user feedback previously disclosed was implemented by the IAB robotic surgical tool. Alternatively, user feedback may be provided by the master control console 150, such as through an electronic visual display of a graphical icon or image.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As the one or more icons 2010R in the viewer 312A are provided in a single viewfinder of the stereo viewer, they are displayed as two-dimensional icons. However, three dimensional images of the icons may be provided and overlaid onto stereo left and right images of the surgical site.
In
In order to use the IAB robotic surgical tools, it is first undergoes an initial setup prior to surgery. The IAB robotic surgical instrument is mounted to a robotic arm 153 of the robotic surgical manipulator 152. One or more hoses 160A-160C are coupled from the IAB robotic surgical instrument to one or more pumps 102A-102C. The robotic surgical manipulator 152 is oriented with the patient P so that the tip of the hollow tube of the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument may be inserted into the patient near the desired surgical site. During the surgery, the operator O may control the flow of fluids between the surgical site and the IAB robotic surgical instrument from the master control console 150 using the flow control system 417 of the IAB robotic surgical tool. Alternatively or conjunctively, the operator may also control the flow of fluids between the IAB robotic surgical instrument and the one or more pumps. To control the flow of fluids, the operator O at the master control console 150 may generate one or more control signals to control the IAB robotic surgical instrument. The one or more control signals may be directly or indirectly coupled into the IAB robotic surgical instrument. For example, the one or more control signals may be electrical signals that are directly coupled into the IAB robotic surgical instrument to electrically control one or more valves. Alternatively, the one or more control signals may be electrical signals that are translated into a mechanical motion. In this case, the mechanical motion may be directly coupled into IAB robotic surgical instrument while the electrical control signals are indirectly coupled into the IAB robotic surgical instrument. In any case, one or more valves in the IAB robotic surgical instrument may be opened to flow one or more fluids over a surgical site in response to the control signals. Similarly, one or more valves in the IAB robotic surgical instrument may be closed to reduce the flow of the one or more fluids over the surgical site in response to the control signals.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the control of the flow of fluids between the surgical site and the IAB robotic surgical instrument is provided by controlling the one or more pumps. In which case, the control signals are coupled to the pumps and/or flow control valves located external to the IAB robotic surgical instrument. The IAB robotic surgical instrument may include a coupler to couple between the hoses from the one or more pumps and the hollow tube that is inserted into a patient.
The one or more control signals may be generated in various ways including in response to movement of a touch sensitive handle of a master control console, squeezing of a grip of the touch sensitive handle, rotation of the touch sensitive handle, movement of a foot pedal, or a spoken command at the master control console.
The level of flow of the fluids and the control thereof may be monitored between the surgical site and the IAB robotic surgical instrument through the user-feedback means previously described. One user-feedback means is one or more light emitting diodes coupled near the tip of the hollow tube of the IAB robotic surgical instrument. The one or more light emitting diodes generate a visible light in response to the control of a flow of a fluid through the IAB robotic surgical instrument. Another user-feedback means is a light pipe coupled along the length of the hollow tube of the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument with a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode couples photons into the light pipe and generates a visible side light in response to the control of a flow of a fluid through the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument. Still another user-feedback means is a sliding sleeve coaxial with the hollow tube and a scale coupled to the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument. The sliding sleeve slides along the hollow tube and reveals the scale in response to the control of a flow of a fluid through the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument.
After the using the IAB robotic surgical instrument, it is removed from the patient and can then be dismounted from the robotic arm of the robotic surgical manipulator 152. If the IAB robotic surgical instrument is to be reused, a modular valve assembly and one or more hoses of the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument may be discarded and the remaining components of the IAB robotic surgical instrument sterilized for reuse. In the case that the IAB robotic surgical instrument includes a flow control system with an inexpensive valve subassembly, the irrigation-aspiration robotic surgical instrument can be removed from the patient; dismounted from the robotic arm; and then discarded.
While certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the embodiments of the invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. For example, while an irrigation/aspiration/blowing robotic surgical instrument has been shown and described in a number of embodiments of the invention, it may be modified into an irrigation robotic surgical instrument with a single valve to provide irrigation only or it may be modified into an aspiration robotic surgical instrument with a single valve to provide aspiration only. Furthermore, while aspiration or suction has been described as being provided by a vacuum pump, one would recognize that a pressurized gas may be provided instead, such as air by an air pump. The pressurized gas may be used to blow debris or cut tissue, if sufficient pressure is provided. Rather, the embodiments of the invention should be construed according to the claims that follow below.
Claims
1. A robotic surgical instrument comprising:
- a first robotically controlled valve having a first port and a second port, the first robotically control valve to control a flow of a first fluid in response to first control signals;
- a hollow tube having a first end coupled to the second port of the first robotically controlled valve, the hollow tube having an opening at a second end to direct the flow of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site; and
- a first hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the first robotically controlled valve, the first hose to transport the first fluid to the first robotically controlled valve.
2. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising:
- a second robotically controlled valve having a first port and a second port, the second robotically control valve to control a flow of a second fluid in response to second control signals;
- a three-way coupler coupled between the second ports of the first and second robotically controlled valves and the first end of the hollow tube; and,
- a second hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the second robotically controlled valve.
3. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve is a three-way valve having a third port to further control a flow of a second fluid in response to the first control signals; and,
- the robotic surgical instrument further comprises a second hose having a first end coupled to the third port of the first robotically controlled valve.
4. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve to couple the first port and the second port together to allow the first fluid to flow, and
- the first robotically controlled valve to couple the first port and the third port together to allow the second fluid to flow.
5. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve is a four-way valve having a third port and a fourth port to further control a flow of a second fluid and a third fluid in response to the first control signals; and,
- the robotic surgical instrument further comprises a second hose having a first end coupled to the third port of the first robotically controlled valve; and a third hose having a first end coupled to the fourth port of the first robotically controlled valve.
6. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising:
- a second robotically controlled valve having a first port and a second port, the second robotically control valve to control a flow of a second fluid in response to second control signals;
- a third robotically controlled valve having a first port and a second port, the third robotically control valve to control a flow of a third fluid in response to third control signals;
- a four-way coupler coupled between the second ports of the first, second, and third robotically controlled valves and the first end of the hollow tube;
- a second hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the second robotically controlled valve; and
- a third hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the third robotically controlled valve.
7. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve to couple the first port and the second port together to allow the first fluid to flow in response to the first control signals,
- the second robotically controlled valve to couple the first port and the second port together to allow the second fluid to flow in response to the second control signals, and
- the third robotically controlled valve to couple the first port and the second port together to allow the third fluid to flow in response to the third control signals.
8. A robotic surgical instrument for robotic control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site, the robotic surgical instrument comprising:
- an interface base to mechanically and electrically couple to an end of a robotic arm;
- a hollow tube having a proximal end mounted to the interface base and a distal end for placement in a surgical site, the hollow tube to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site;
- a three-way coupler having a first port coupled to the proximal end of the hollow tube, the three-way coupler further having a second port and a third port, the three-way coupler to couple the first port, the second port, and the third port together to flow fluids there-between;
- a first robotically controlled valve coupled to the interface base, the first robotically controlled valve having a first port to couple to a first hose and a second port coupled to the second port of the three-way coupler, the first robotically controlled valve to control the flows of a first fluid; and
- a second robotically controlled valve coupled to the interface base, the second robotically controlled valve having a first port to couple to a second hose and a second port coupled to the third port of the three-way coupler, the second robotically controlled valve to control the flows of a second fluid.
9. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the three-way coupler, the first and second ports of the first robotically controlled valve, and the first and second ports of the second robotically controlled valve are hollow passages formed within a three-dimensional solid body; and
- the three-dimensional solid body further has a first opening to receive the first robotically controlled valve and a second opening to receive the second robotically controlled valve.
10. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein
- the three-dimensional solid body is polyhedron shaped.
11. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising:
- a first hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the first robotically controlled valve; and
- a second hose having a first end coupled to the first port of the second robotically controlled valve.
12. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 11, further comprising:
- a first hose fitting coupled between the first end of the first hose and the first port of the first robotically controlled valve; and
- a second hose fitting coupled between the first end of the second hose and the first port of the second robotically controlled valve.
13. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the interface base has an electrical connector interface,
- and the robotic surgical instrument further comprises
- an integrated circuit coupled to the electrical connector interface, the integrated circuit to signal that the robotic surgical instrument is an irrigation/aspiration surgical instrument for control of the first robotically controlled valve and the second robotically controlled valve.
14. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein
- the electrical connector interface is an array of connecting pins.
15. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the robotic surgical instrument is a sterile surgical instrument that is replaceable and disposable after one surgery.
16. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising:
- a first spring coupled between the first robotically controlled valve and the interface base, the first spring to bias the first robotically controlled valve to a closed position, and
- a second spring coupled between the second robotically controlled valve and the interface base, the second spring to bias the second robotically controlled valve to a closed position.
17. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein
- the first spring is a first coiled spring around the first robotically controlled valve, and
- the second spring is a second coiled spring around the second robotically controlled valve.
18. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve and the second robotically controlled valve are linear motion valves.
19. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 18, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve and the second robotically controlled valve are selected from the group consisting of a spool-type valve, a trumpet-type valve, a piston-type valve, a poppet-type valve, a sliding-plate-type valve, etc.
20. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve and the second robotically controlled valve are rotatable valves.
21. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 20, wherein
- the first robotically controlled valve and the second robotically controlled valve are selected from the group consisting of a ball-type valve, a screw-type valve, a gate-type valve, a disc-type valve, a cock-type valve, a globe-type valve, and a rotary-plate-type valve.
22. The robotic surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein
- the three-way coupler is a y-branch fitting or a T-fitting.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 27, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 4, 2007
Applicant: Intuitive Surgical INC. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Inventors: Paul Millman (San Jose, CA), David Bailey (Redwood City, CA), Dean Hoornaert (San Jose, CA), David Mintz (Sunnyvale, CA), David Larkin (Menlo Park, CA)
Application Number: 11/341,004
International Classification: A61M 1/00 (20060101);
