ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ROTATION AND ARTICULATION MECHANISMS
An electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector comprising two movable jaws for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaws connect to an electrosurgical energy source to deliver energy through tissue between the jaws to effect a seal. The jaws include a knife channel to reciprocate a knife therealong for severing tissue held between the jaws. A two-stage articulation joint is coupled to the end effector and to articulation bands configured to articulate the end effector. The two-stage articulation joint includes an outer cut metal tube comprising a plurality of sections and a solid but flexible inner core positioned within the outer cut metal tube. The electrosurgical instrument also may include a rotatable closure ring and a closure link operatively coupled to the rotatable closure ring, a rotatable coupling joint coupled to the articulation section, and/or a hollow flexible tube coupled to the knife and an active rod extending longitudinally therethrough.
The present application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/364,624, titled ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ROTATION AND ARTICULATION MECHANISMS, filed Mar. 26, 2019, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0282288, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/616,267, titled ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ROTATION AND ARTICULATION MECHANISMS, filed Feb. 6, 2015, which issued on Apr. 2, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,095, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
INTRODUCTIONThe present disclosure is related generally to electrosurgical devices with various mechanisms for clamping and treating tissue. In particular, the present disclosure is related to an electrosurgical device with jaw opening and closing mechanisms. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to an electrosurgical device with jaw opening and closing mechanisms and an articulating shaft.
While several devices have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the device described in the appended claims.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed that comprises an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween, wherein at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy may be selectively communicated through tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal; at least one of the first or second jaw members including a knife channel defined therein configured to reciprocate a knife therealong for severing tissue held between the first and second jaw members; and a two-stage articulation joint coupled to the end effector, the two-stage articulation joint operatively coupled to first and second articulation bands configured to articulate the end effector, the two-stage articulation joint comprises an outer cut metal tube comprising a plurality of articulation sections with hinge and locking features that closes and opens the first and second jaw members; and a solid but flexible inner core positioned within the outer cut metal tube.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a two-stage rotatable coupling joint.
The articulation bands of the electrosurgical instrument may be operatively coupled to at least one of the first or second jaw members through the two-stage rotatable coupling joint.
The two-stage rotatable coupling joint of the electrosurgical instrument may comprise a rotatable closure ring and a closure link coupled to the rotatable closure ring, and the outer tube may be attached to the rotatable closure ring.
The link of the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to pull the at least one of the first or second jaw members open relative to the other jaw member and the rotatable closure ring is configured to push the at least one of the first or second jaw members closed relative to the other jaw member.
The end effector of the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to simultaneously rotate and articulate.
The end effector of the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to rotate when the end effector is in an articulated position.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a knife configured to reciprocate within the knife channel and rotate when the end effector is rotated.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a flexible hollow cable and a knife tube, wherein the flexible hollow cable is coupled between the knife and the knife tube such that the knife can be pushed through the articulation section and wherein the flexible hollow cable is located over an electrical conductor.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a rotatable pivot, wherein the articulation bands are coupled to at least one of the first or second jaw members through the rotatable pivot.
In another embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed that comprises an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween, wherein at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy may be selectively communicated through tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal; at least one of the first or second jaw members including a knife channel defined therein configured to reciprocate a knife therealong for severing tissue held between the first and second jaw members; a rotatable closure ring; and a closure link operatively coupled to the rotatable closure ring, wherein the rotatable closure ring and the link are configured to rotate the end effector.
The rotatable closure ring of the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to transmit a closure force to the first and second jaw members while the first and second jaw members are rotated relative to the outer tube at any angle.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a knife configured to reciprocate within the knife channel and rotate when the end effector is rotated.
The knife of the electrosurgical instrument may be connected to a knife tube located within the outer tube.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise an outer tube comprising an articulation section coupled to the end effector, the articulation section operatively coupled to first and second articulation bands configured to articulate the end effector.
In another embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed that comprises an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween; at least one of the first or second jaw members including a knife channel defined therein configured to reciprocate a knife therealong for severing tissue held between the first and second jaw members; at least one articulation band; an articulation section coupled to the end effector, the articulation section operatively coupled to the at least one articulation band configured to articulate the end effector; and a rotatable coupling joint coupled to the articulation section.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise at least a second articulation band, wherein the first and second articulation bands are coupled to the rotatable coupling joint.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise a closure tube and a handle assembly operably coupled to the end effector, wherein the first jaw member is movable with respect to the second jaw member, and wherein the first jaw member is coupled to the closure tube and the second jaw member is coupled to the hand assembly.
The at least one articulation band of the electrosurgical instrument may be coupled to the second jaw member through the rotatable coupling joint.
In another embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed that comprises an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween; a knife; at least one of the first and second jaw members including a knife channel defined therein configured to reciprocate the knife therealong for severing tissue held between the jaw members; an outer tube coupled to the end effector; a rotatable coupling joint coupled to the end effector; a hollow flexible tube coupled to the knife, the hollow flexible tube defining a space therein; and an active rod that extends longitudinally within the hollow space defined by the hollow flexible tube.
The hollow flexible tube of the electrosurgical instrument may be rotatably coupled to the end effector and is configured to rotate the end effector through the knife.
The active rod of the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to electrically couple to one electrical pole of an energy source.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise at least one jaw electrode electrically coupled to at least one of the first or second jaw members, wherein the at least one jaw electrode is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy may be selectively communicated through tissue held between the first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal, wherein the at least one jaw electrode defines at least one aperture.
The electrosurgical instrument may further comprise at least one stop member located on at least one of the first or second jaw members, wherein the stop member in configured to protrude through the at least one aperture of the at least one jaw electrode and to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
The novel features of the embodiments described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation may be better understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols and reference characters typically identify similar components throughout the several views, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented here.
The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
Before explaining the various embodiments of the surgical devices having an articulating shaft mechanism in detail, it should be noted that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. Rather, the disclosed embodiments may be positioned or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications thereof, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, embodiments of the surgical devices disclosed herein are illustrative in nature and are not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not to limit the scope thereof. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more of the disclosed embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and/or examples thereof, can be combined with any one or more of the other disclosed embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and/or examples thereof, without limitation.
Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Terminology used herein is not meant to be limiting insofar as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations. The various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
Turning now to the figures, where
The surgical instrument 100 comprises a handle assembly 104. The shaft assembly 212 comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the shaft assembly 212 is coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly 104. The articulation control knob 108 and the rotation control knob 120 are operatively coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly 104 and are configured to receive and couple to the proximal end of shaft assembly 212. The end effector 210 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 212. The handle assembly 104 comprises a pistol grip 118. The handle assembly 104 comprises a left handle housing shroud 106a and a right handle housing shroud 106b. The trigger assembly 107 comprises a trigger 109 actuatable towards the pistol grip 118. The rotatable shaft knob 120 is configured to rotate the shaft assembly 212 with respect to the handle assembly 104. The handle assembly 104 further comprises an energy button 122 configured to provide electrosurgical energy to one or more electrodes in the end effector 210.
The shaft assembly 212 comprises a closure/jaw actuator, a firing/cutting member actuator, and an outer sheath. In some embodiments, the outer sheath comprises the closure actuator. The outer sheath comprises one or more contact electrodes on a distal end configured to interface with the end effector 210. The one or more contact electrodes are operatively coupled to the energy button 122 and an energy source (not shown).
The energy source may be suitable for therapeutic tissue treatment, tissue cauterization/sealing, as well as sub-therapeutic treatment and measurement energy source. The energy button 122 controls the delivery of energy to the electrodes. As used throughout this disclosure, a button refers to a switch mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine or a process. The buttons may be made out of a hard material such as usually plastic or metal. The surface may be formed or shaped to accommodate the human finger or hand, so as to be easily depressed or pushed. Buttons can be most often biased switches, even though many un-biased buttons (due to their physical nature) require a spring to return to their un-pushed state. Terms for the “pushing” of the button, may include press, depress, mash, and punch.
In some embodiments, an end effector 210 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 212. The end effector 210 comprises a first jaw member 216a and a second jaw member 216b. The first jaw member 216a is pivotally coupled to the second jaw member 216b. The first jaw member 216a is pivotally moveable with respect to the second jaw member 216b to grasp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member 216a may be referred to as the upper jaw or upper jaw member. In some embodiments, the second jaw member 216b is fixed. The second jaw member 216b may be referred to as the lower jaw or lower jaw member. In other embodiments, the first jaw member 216a and the second jaw member 216b are pivotally movable. In one example, at least one of the jaw members 216a, 216 is fixed relative to the shaft 212 assembly. In another example both jaw members 216a, 216b are movable relative to the shaft assembly 212. In the illustrated example, the first jaw member 216a is movable relative to shaft assembly 212 and the second jaw member 216b is fixed relative to the shaft assembly 212. The jaw members 216a, 216b are movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween.
At least one of the jaw members 216a, 216b is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy may be selectively communicated through tissue held between the jaw members 216a, 216b to effect a tissue seal. At least one of the jaw members 216a, 216b of the end effector 210 comprises at least one electrode 254 adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and configured to deliver energy to tissue held between the jaw members 216a, 216b to effect a tissue a seal. The electrosurgical energy source may comprise, for example, a radiofrequency (RF) energy source, a sub-therapeutic RF energy source, an ultrasonic energy source, and/or other suitable energy source. Where multiple energy sources are used, the energy may be delivered either independently or in combination. In some embodiments, a cutting member (not shown) is receivable within a longitudinal slot defined by the first jaw member 216a and/or the second jaw member 216b. The cutting member is configured to cut tissue grasped between the first jaw member 216a and the second jaw member 216b. In some embodiments, the cutting member comprises an electrode for delivering energy, such as, for example, RF, ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof that can be delivered independently or in combination.
In certain instances, as described above, the surgical instrument 100 may include an automatic energy lockout mechanism. The energy lockout mechanism can be associated with a closure mechanism of the surgical instrument 100. In certain instances, the energy lockout mechanism can be configured to permit energy delivery to the end effector 210 when the energy delivery button 122 is actuated if the jaw members 216a, 216b are in an open configuration. In certain instances, an energy lockout mechanism may be configured to deny energy delivery to the end effector 210 when the energy delivery button 122 is actuated if the jaw members 216a, 216b are in a closed configuration. In certain instances, the energy lockout mechanism automatically transitions from permitting the energy delivery to denying the energy delivery when the jaw members 216a, 216b are transitioned from the closed configuration to the open configuration, for example. In certain instances, the energy lockout mechanism automatically transitions from denying the energy delivery to permitting the energy delivery when the jaw members 216a, 216b are transitioned from the open configuration to the closed configuration, for example.
The single trigger 109 closes the jaws in the first ˜13 degrees of stroke. The trigger plate 124 is configured to interface with the trigger plate 124 during rotation of the trigger 109 from an initial position to a first rotation, which is ˜13 degrees of stroke, for example. The trigger plate 124 is operably coupled to the firing plate 128. In certain instances, the firing plate 128 may include a first slot 128a and a second slot 128b. The first slot 128a receives a drive pin 148 fixedly coupled to the trigger plate 124. The pin 148 slidably moves within the first slot 128a. Rotation of the trigger plate 124, while the pin 148 is slidably received within the first slot 128a, drives rotation of the firing plate 128. The teeth 131 of the sector gear engage and rotate the first pinion 133, which in turn drives the second pinion 134, which drives the rack 136 distally to fire the knife, or knife, but only when the knife lockout is unlocked, released, or disabled.
The single trigger 109 fires the knife in the last ˜29 degrees of stroke. Rotation of the trigger plate 124 beyond a predetermined rotation such as, for example, the first rotation, causes rotation of the firing plate 128. Rotation of the firing plate 128 deploys a cutting member within the end effector 210. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the firing plate 128 comprises a sector gear operably coupled to a rack 136 through the first and second pinions 133, 134. The firing plate 128 comprises a plurality of teeth 131 configured to interface with the first pinion 133. Rotation of the firing plate 128 rotates the first and second pinions 133, 134, to drive the rack 136 distally. Distal movement of the rack 136 drives the cutting member actuator distally, causing deployment of the cutting member (e.g., knife) within the end effector 210.
The shaft assembly 212 comprises a closure/jaw actuator and a firing/cutting member actuator. The closure/jaw actuator comprises a yoke 132 and toggle clamp 145 assembly operatively coupled to a closure actuator 212 which acts on a closure spring 114 coupled to a spring-to-bar interface element 127 and a closure bar 116. In one instance the closure bar is operatively coupled to the jaw members 216a, 216b via at least one linkage. The firing/cutting member actuator comprises a rack 136 operatively coupled to a firing bar, which is slidably received within the closure actuator 212 and the closure spring. The firing bar is coupled to a knife pusher block and a flexible knife band comprising multiple flexible bands fastened together and a knife at the distal end. Advancing the rack 136 in the distal direction advances the knife band distally through a channel or slot formed in the jaw members 216a, 216b.
In connection with the embodiments of the electrosurgical instrument described in
First and second articulation bands 208a, 208b are located inside the closure tube 202 and function to articulate the outer tube 202 at the articulation joint 204. The articulation joint 204 comprises a plurality articulation section 206. Each articulation band 208a, 208b comprises a distal end 218a, 218b that is configured to couple to the sides of a non-rotatable closure ring 230. The non-rotatable closure ring 230 comprises a flat portion 231a on one side and a similar flat portion 231b (not shown) on the opposite side. The distal ends 218a, 218b of the articulation bands 208a, 208b are coupled to the corresponding flat portions 231a, 231b (not shown) of the non-rotatable closure ring 230. Although various techniques may be employed to couple the articulation bands 208a, 208b to the non-rotatable closure ring 230, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends 218a, 218b of the articulation bands 208a, 208b are connected to the flat portions 231a, 231b (not shown) on either side of the non-rotatable closure ring 230.
A two-stage articulation joint 204 comprises an outer sectioned or cut (e.g., laser cut or simply cut) metal tube comprising a plurality of articulation sections 206 cut into the outer tube 202 with hinge and locking features that closes and opens the jaw members 216a, 216b and a solid but flexible inner core 220 positioned within the outer cut metal tube. The two stage articulation joint 204 guides the knife 224 and articulation bands 208a, 208b through the articulation joint 204. Having the outer metal articulation sections 206 closing and opening the jaw members 216a, 216b frees up space on the inside for more features such as jaw rotation, among others. The internal solid but flexible inner core 220 joint allows for consistent articulation radius R. The internal solid but flexible inner core 220 can be made of plastic or other solid but flexible materials.
Turning now briefly to the end effector 210 portion of the surgical instrument 100, the end effector 210 comprises a first jaw member 216a and a second jaw member 216b. The first jaw member 216a is pivotally coupled to the second jaw member 216b. The first jaw member 216a can rotatably move between open and closed positions by the outer tube 202 about a pivot pin 252. A link 236 is operatively coupled to the first jaw member 216a and to the outer tube 202 by link pins 234a, 234b. A jaw electrode 254 is located on the second jaw member 216b and is employed to conduct RF energy through tissues clamped between the first and second jaw members 216a, 216b. The jaw electrode 254 is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor 238, which is electrically coupled to an active rod 213. The active rod 213 is electrically coupled to an energy source. The second jaw member 216b comprises a neck 240, which includes a groove 233 at a proximal end thereof. The neck 240 slidably receives the rotatable closure ring 232. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the groove 233 is circumferential, in other embodiments the groove 233 does not need to extend about the diameter of the neck 240. The rotatable closure ring 232 is slidably located over the neck 240 of the second jaw member 216b such the proximal end of the rotatable closure ring 232 is located distally past the circumferential groove 233. A distal end of the non-rotatable closure ring 230 is slidably located over a circumferential ring 233 such that slots 229a, 229b (not shown) formed on the non-rotatable closure ring 230 are aligned with the circumferential groove 233. Once in place, inserts 228a, 228b are located through the slots 229a, 229b (not shown) such that they engage the groove 233. Thus, the non-rotatable closure ring 230 is fixedly coupled to the neck 240 of the second jaw member 216b. Although various techniques may be employed to join the non-rotatable closure ring 230 to the second jaw member 216a, in the illustrated embodiment, the inserts 228a, 228b are connected in place.
In one embodiment, the end effector 210 comprises a two-stage rotatable coupling joint comprising a rotatable closure ring 232 and a closure link 236 combination. A non-rotatable closure ring 230 attaches to the rotatable closure ring 232 and the closure link 236 combination. The rotatable closure ring 232 attaches to the neck 240 of the end effector 210. The combination of the rotatable closure ring 232 and the link 236 can rotate with the end effector 210 jaw members 216a, 216b. Pushing on the rotatable closure ring 232 closes the first jaw member 216a through a camming action (cam tube closure) and pulling on the link 236 opens the first jaw member 216a. The two-stage rotatable closure ring 232 allows the jaw members 216a, 216b closure force to be transmitted to the jaw members 216a, 216b while the jaw members 216a, 216b are rotated relative to the shaft 202 at any angle. Separating the opening and closing mechanisms provides precision closing and opening of the jaw members 216a, 216b. Closing the first jaw member 216a with a cam tube closure mechanism provides good mechanical advantage, while opening the first jaw member 216a with the link 236 provides precise control of the jaw members 216a, 216b (e.g., for dissection). The rotatable closure ring 232 is capable of rotatable relative to the non-rotatable closure ring 230 and forms a rotatable coupling joint. Whereas the longitudinal movement of the rotatable closure ring 232 and the non-rotatable closure ring 230 is synchronized, the closure 232 rotates independently of the non-rotatable closure ring 230.
The articulation bands 208a, 208b are attached to the rotatable coupling joint comprising the rotatable closure ring 232 and the closure link 236. The rotatable coupling joint allows the jaw members 216a, 216b to rotate after the articulation angle is set and still have the jaw member 216a closed no matter what angle the jaw members 216a, 216b are rotated to. The rotatable coupling mechanism disables rotation all of the articulation, knife firing, and jaw closure components through the articulation joint 204, only the active rod 213 and the knife tube 214 rotate. The rotatable coupling joint attached to the articulation bands 208a, 208b allows the second jaw member 216b to be grounded to the handle assembly 104 (
The first and second jaw members 216a, 216b comprise slots to slidably receive a knife 224 therethrough. At least one of the jaw members 216a, 216b includes a knife channel od slot defined therein configured to reciprocate a knife or cutting member therealong for severing tissue held between the jaw members 216a, 216b. In the illustrated example, the first and second jaw members 216a, 216b comprise a slot 256 to reciprocate the knife 224 therein to sever tissue held between the jaw members 216a, 216b. The jaw electrode 254 also comprises a slot 258 to slidably receive the knife 224. At least one stop member 259a, 259b, 259c is provided to define a predetermined gap between the first and second jaw member 216a, 216b and to electrically isolate the first and second jaw members 216a, 216b to prevent the jaw members 216a, 216b from electrically shorting. The jaw electrode 258 defines apertures 257a, 257b, 257c to receive the stop members 259a, 259b, 259c therethrough.
The proximal end of the knife 224 is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the adapter 222. The proximal end of the adapter 222 is fixedly coupled to a distal end of a hollow flexible knife cable 211. The proximal end of the hollow flexible knife cable 211 is fixedly coupled to a distal end of a knife tube 214. The hollow flexible knife cable 211 is slidably movable within the flexible neck 220, which is located within the articulation joint 204 of the outer tube 202. The distal end of the active rod 213 is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor 238 and the proximal end of the active rod 213 is electrically coupled to an energy source. The active rod 213 is located within the knife tube 214, the hollow flexible knife cable 211, and the adapter 222. The distal end of the active rod 213 is connected to the electrical conductor 238.
The hollow flexible tube 222 is connected to the knife 224 and the active rod 213 that runs through its center. The hollow flexible tube 222 can be rotated to rotate the jaw members 216a, 216b through the knife 224. The active rod 213 travels down the center of the hollow flexible tube 222 for one of the electrical poles of the RF energy path. Positioning the active rod 213 in the center of the shaft 202 enables the active rod 213 to freely rotate and bend in any direction. The active rod 213 and the hollow flexible tube 222 components are configured to rotate and articulate in any direction to enable the jaw members 216a, 261b to rotate and the shaft 202 to articulate.
A spacer tube 217 is located between the articulation bands 208a, 208b and over the knife tube 214. A distal end 226 of the spacer tube 217 is located over the hollow flexible knife cable 211. The spacer tube 217 guides the hollow flexible knife cable 211 and separates the knife tube 214 from the articulation bands 208a, 208b.
The link 236 operatively couples the first jaw member 216a to the rotatable closure ring 232 via the first and second link pins 234a, 234b. The first link pin 234a is received though a proximal opening in the link 236 and an opening in the rotatable closure ring 232. The first link pin 234a rotatably couples the link 236 to the rotatable closure ring 232. The distal end of the link 236 defines another opening to receive the second link pin 234b. The second link pin 234b rotatably couples the first jaw member 216a to the link 236. The first jaw member 216a pivotally coupled to the pivot pin 252. Accordingly, as the outer tube 202 pushes distally on the rotatable closure ring 232, the first jaw member 216a closes shut. As the outer tube 202 is pulled proximally through the link 236 the first jaw member 216a opens.
With reference back to
At least one stop member 259a, 259b, 259c may be disposed on either the first or second jaw member 216a, 216b, or both, to control the gap distance between the opposing jaw members 216a, 216b relative to one another. In the illustrated example, the stop members 259a, 259b, 259c are located on the second jaw member 216b and protrude through corresponding apertures formed in the jaw electrode 254. In the illustrated example, one stop member 259a is positioned at the distal end of the slot 258 and two stop members 259b, 259c are disposed laterally on either side of the slot 258.
The stop members 259a, 259b, 259c are formed from an electrically insulative material such as plastic, ceramic, glass, or any suitable electrically insulative material. The stop members 259a, 259b, 259c limit the movement of the two opposing jaw members 216a, 216b relative to one another. Preferably, the stop members 259a, 259b, 259c are made from an insulative material and are dimensioned to limit opposing movement of the jaw members 216a, 216b within a gap range (e.g., about 0.001 to about 0.006 inches) and apply a desired force to seal the tissue, at least one jaw member 216a, 216b.
The distal end of the hollow flexible knife cable 211 is attached to the adapter 222 which is then attached to the proximal end of the knife 224. The active rod 213 is inserted through the hollow flexible knife cable 211 and the adapter 222. The active rod 213 is then fed through the non-rotatable closure ring 230 and the rotatable closure ring 232 and the distal end of the active rod 213 is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor 238.
The rotatable closure ring 232 is then slipped over the neck 240 while the proximal end of the link 236 is located in a slot 243 defined by the rotatable closure ring 232. The first link pin 234a is then inserted through a hole 274 defined in rotatable closure ring 232 and a hole 268 defined at the proximal end of the link 236. The first link pin 234a is then connected to the rotatable closure ring 232.
The non-rotatable closure ring 230 is then slipped over the neck 240 until the slots 229a, 229b (not shown) are aligned with the groove 233 defined on the neck 240. The inserts 228a, 228b are then inserted through the slots 229a, 229b (not shown) such that they catch the groove 233. The inserts slots 228a, 228b are then connected to the non-rotatable closure ring 230 and the neck 240.
In connection with the embodiments of the electrosurgical instrument described in
In some embodiments, the end effector 310 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 312. The end effector 310 comprises first and second jaw members 316a, 316b. The first jaw member 316a is pivotally coupled to the second jaw member 316b. The first jaw member 316a is pivotally moveable with respect to the second jaw member 316b to grasp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member 316a may be referred to as the upper jaw or upper jaw member. In some embodiments, the second jaw member 316b is fixed. The second jaw member 316b may be referred to as the lower jaw or lower jaw member. In other embodiments, the first jaw member 316a and the second jaw member 316b are pivotally movable. In one example, at least one of the jaw members 316a, 316b is fixed relative to the shaft assembly 312 assembly. In another example both jaw members 316a, 316b are movable relative to the shaft assembly 312. In the illustrated example, the first jaw member 316a is movable relative to shaft assembly 312 and the second jaw member 316b is fixed relative to the shaft assembly 312. The jaw members 316a, 316b are movable relative to one another from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in
At least one of the jaw members 316a, 316b is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy may be selectively communicated through tissue held between the jaw members 316a, 316b to effect a tissue seal. At least one of the jaw members 316a, 316b of the end effector 310 comprises at least one electrode adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and configured to deliver energy to tissue held between the jaw members 316a, 316b to effect a tissue a seal. Energy delivered by the electrode may comprise, for example, radiofrequency (RF) energy, sub-therapeutic RF energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or other suitable forms of energy, either independently or in combination. In some embodiments, a cutting member (not shown) is receivable within a longitudinal slot defined by the first jaw member 316a and/or the second jaw member 316b. The cutting member is configured to cut tissue grasped between the first jaw member 316a and the second jaw member 316b. In some embodiments, the cutting member comprises an electrode for delivering energy, such as, for example, RF, ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof that can be delivered independently or in combination.
As further illustrated in
The knife is slidably movable distally and proximally by actuating the knife tube 317. When the jaw members 316a, 316b are closed, the knife can be advanced to cut tissue clamped between the jaw members 316a, 316b by pushing the knife tube 317 distally in direction E′. The knife can be retracted by pulling knife tube 317 proximally in direction E.
The end effector 310 is rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by rotatable the knife tube 317 in a similar direction. For example, the end effector 310 can be rotated clockwise by rotatable the knife tube 317 clockwise and the end effector 310 can be rotated counterclockwise by rotatable the knife tube 317 counterclockwise. It should be noted that the end effector 310 can be rotated in either direction regardless of whether the jaw members 316a, 316b are in an open or a closed position.
Energy is delivered to a jaw electrode located in the end effector 310 though an active rod 313 positioned within the jaw tube 314. The active rod is electrically coupled on the proximal end to an energy source and on a distal end is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor 328, which is electrically coupled to the jaw electrode. The second jaw member 316b comprises a jaw electrode 354 that is coupled to the active rod 313 via the electrical conductor. The jaw electrode 354 includes a slot 358 to receive the knife. The knife is advanced by advancing the knife tube 317 distally in direction E′ and is retracted proximally by pulling the knife tube 317 in direction E.
The electrical conductor 328, which is electrically coupled to the jaw electrode 354 (
The first, movable, jaw member 316a is pivotally movable about the pivot pin 352 relative to the second, fixed, jaw member 316b between open and closed positions. The first jaw member 316a is movable relative to the second jaw member 316b by actuating the jaw actuation bands 315a, 315b. For example, as the jaw actuation bands 315a, 315b are pushed distally, the proximal end of the linkages 338a, 338b and the pin 334a slide distally in a slot 342 defined in the neck section 340 of the second jaw member 316b. As the proximal end of the linkages 338a, 338b translate distally in the slot 342, the distal end of the linkages 338a, 338b are driven in a downwardly direction and cause the first jaw member 316a to pivot about the pivot pin 352 to an open position as shown in
The bottom or second jaw member 316b includes an electrode 354 to deliver energy to tissue grasped between the first and second members 316a, 316b. The electrode 354 is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor 328 which is electrically coupled to the active rod 313. As previously discussed the active 313 is adapted to couple to an energy source and acts as one pole of the electrical circuit. The first jaw member 316a is coupled to a second pole of the electrical circuit. Thus, when tissue is grasped between the first and second jaw members 316a, 316b energy can be applied to the tissue to effect a seal. The end effector 310 includes at least one stop member 359a, 359b, 359c may be disposed on either the first or second jaw member 316a, 316b, or both, to control the gap distance between the opposing jaw members 316a, 316b relative to one another. In the illustrated example, the stop members 359a, 359b, 359c are located on the second jaw member 316b and protrude through corresponding apertures formed in the jaw electrode 354. In the illustrated example, one stop member 359a is positioned at the distal end of the slot 358 and two stop members 359b, 359c are disposed laterally on either side of the slot 358.
The stop members 359a, 359b, 359c are formed from an electrically insulative material such as plastic, ceramic, glass, or any suitable electrically insulative material. The stop members 359a, 359b, 359c limit the movement of the two opposing jaw members 316a, 316b relative to one another. Preferably, the stop members 359a, 359b, 359c are made from an insulative material and are dimensioned to limit opposing movement of the jaw members 316a, 316b within a gap range (e.g., about 0.001 to about 0.006 inches) and apply a desired force to seal the tissue, at least one jaw member 316a, 316b. Once the tissue is sealed, the knife 324 is configured to reciprocate within the slots 356, 358 to sever the tissue.
It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.
Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be employed. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.
Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be employed. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. A surgical system, comprising:
- an end effector, comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position; and an electrode configured to apply radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw;
- an outer tube comprising an articulation section;
- a non-rotatable member coupled to the end effector;
- an articulation system coupled to the non-rotatable member, wherein the articulation system is configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation section; and
- a rotatable closure member coupled to the outer tube, wherein the rotatable closure member is configured to rotate the first jaw toward the closed position; and
- a link coupled to the rotatable closure member and the first jaw, wherein the link is configured to rotate the first jaw toward the open position.
26. The surgical system of claim 25, further comprising;
- a knife; and
- a knife tube configured to drive the knife.
27. The surgical system of claim 26, further comprising:
- a conductor electrically coupled to the electrode; and
- a rod electrically coupled to the conductor and an energy source, wherein the rod extends through the knife tube.
28. The surgical system of claim 26, wherein the outer tube defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the end effector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the knife tube.
29. The surgical system of claim 25, wherein the articulation system comprises:
- a first articulation band coupled to the non-rotatable member; and
- a second articulation band coupled to the non-rotatable member, wherein the end effector is configured to rotate about the articulation section based on movement of the first articulation band in a first direction and movement of the second articulation band in a second direction opposite the first direction.
30. The surgical system of claim 29, further comprising a core positioned within the outer tube, wherein the first articulation band and the second articulation band extend between the outer tube and the core.
31. The surgical system of claim 30, wherein the outer tube comprises:
- a first tab configured to engage a first recess of the core; and
- a second tab configured to engage a second recess of the core.
32. The surgical system of claim 25, wherein the second jaw comprises a neck extending proximally therefrom, and wherein the rotatable closure member and the non-rotatable member are configured to receive the neck.
33. The surgical system of claim 25, wherein the end effector further comprises a stop member configured to define a gap between the first jaw and the second jaw based on the first jaw being in the closed position.
34. The surgical system of claim 33, wherein the electrode defines an aperture configured to receive the stop member.
35. The surgical system of claim 25, wherein the articulation section comprises a first articulation member and a second articulation member rotatably coupled to the first articulation member.
36. A surgical system, comprising:
- an end effector, comprising: a first jaw defining a first slot; a second jaw defining a second slot, wherein the first jaw is moveable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position; and an electrode configured to apply radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw;
- a knife configured to move through the first slot and the second slot;
- a tube comprising an articulation section;
- a non-rotatable member coupled to the end effector;
- an articulation system coupled to the non-rotatable member, wherein the articulation system is configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation section; and
- a rotatable closure member coupled to the tube, wherein the rotatable closure member is rotatable relative to the non-rotatable member, and wherein the rotatable closure member is configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position.
37. The surgical system of claim 36, further comprising a link coupled to the rotatable closure member, wherein the link is configured to move the first jaw toward the open position.
38. The surgical system of claim 36, wherein the tube defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the end effector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the knife.
39. The surgical system of claim 36, wherein the articulation system comprises:
- a first articulation band coupled to the non-rotatable member; and
- a second articulation band coupled to the non-rotatable member, wherein the end effector is configured to rotate about the articulation section based on movement of the first articulation band in a first direction and movement of the second articulation band in a second direction opposite the first direction.
40. A surgical system, comprising:
- an end effector, comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position; and an electrode configured to conduct radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw;
- a tube comprising an articulation section;
- an articulation member coupled to the end effector;
- an articulation system coupled to the articulation member, wherein the articulation system is configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation section; and
- a closure member coupled to the tube, wherein the closure member is rotatable relative to the articulation member, and wherein the closure member is configured to rotate the first jaw toward the closed position; and
- a link coupled to the closure member and the first jaw, and wherein the link is configured to rotate the first jaw toward the open position.
41. The surgical system of claim 40, wherein the articulation system comprises:
- a first articulation band coupled to the articulation member; and
- a second articulation band coupled to the articulation member, wherein the end effector is configured to rotate about the articulation section based on movement of the first articulation band in a first direction and movement of the second articulation band in a second direction opposite the first direction.
42. The surgical system of claim 40, further comprising;
- a knife; and
- a knife tube configured to drive the knife.
43. The surgical system of claim 42, further comprising:
- a conductor electrically coupled to the electrode; and
- a rod electrically coupled to the conductor and an energy source, wherein the rod extends through the knife tube.
44. The surgical system of claim 42, wherein the tube defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the end effector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the knife tube.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 11, 2022
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2022
Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 17/717,324