U.S. patent application number 13/785320 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for anvil grasper.
This patent application is currently assigned to COVIDIEN LP. The applicant listed for this patent is COVIDIEN LP. Invention is credited to Lou Gonzalez, Thomas R. Hessler, Lee Olson, Eric Taylor.
Application Number | 20140257370 13/785320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50190330 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140257370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Eric ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
Anvil Grasper
Abstract
A surgical grasping instrument is provided which includes a body
portion having an elongate tubular member extending from the body
portion and a jaw assembly movably mounted on a distal end of the
elongate tubular member. The jaw assembly includes first and second
jaws having arcuate grasping portions for securely grasping a
circular surgical stapler anvil shaft. The jaw assembly is mounted
on a movable head portion which is movable relative to a
longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member to rotate and
articulate the jaw assembly relative to the longitudinal axis to
manipulate the anvil within the body of a patient.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Eric; (East Hampton,
CT) ; Gonzalez; Lou; (Raleigh, NC) ; Olson;
Lee; (Wallingford, CT) ; Hessler; Thomas R.;
(Bethel, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COVIDIEN LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COVIDIEN LP
Mansfield
MA
|
Family ID: |
50190330 |
Appl. No.: |
13/785320 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/282 20130101;
A61B 2017/2927 20130101; A61B 17/11 20130101; A61B 2017/2936
20130101; A61B 2017/1132 20130101; A61B 2017/1125 20130101; A61B
2017/2926 20130101; A61B 17/1155 20130101; A61B 17/29 20130101;
A61B 2017/2945 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/207 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/28 20060101
A61B017/28 |
Claims
1. A jaw assembly for use with a surgical grasping instrument
comprising: a first jaw having a first arcuate gripping portion and
a first arm extending from the first arcuate gripping portion; and
a second jaw having a second gripping portion and a second arm
extending from the second gripping portion, the first and second
arms being relatively movably connected.
2. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the second
gripping portion is arcuate.
3. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein at least one of
the first and second arcuate gripping portions is
semi-cylindrical.
4. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein both the first
and second arcuate gripping portions are semi-cylindrical.
5. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
arcuate gripping portion includes radially inwardly directed
teeth.
6. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the radially
inwardly directed teeth terminate in flats.
7. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and
second arms are movably connected by a pivot point, the first and
second jaws movable from an open condition with the first arcuate
gripping portion and second gripping portion spaced apart to a
closed condition with the first arcuate gripping portion and the
second gripping portion in close cooperative alignment to capture
an object.
8. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein at least one of
the first and second arms includes a base portion having an angled
drive slot.
9. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein both the first
and second arms include base portions having angled drive
slots.
10. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and
second arms are movably connected by a flexible member.
11. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the flexible
member is a living hinge.
12. The jaw assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and
second jaws are integrally formed.
13. A surgical grasping instrument for gripping a cylindrical
object comprising: a body portion having a stationary handle and a
pivotal handle movably mounted on the body portion; an elongate
tubular member extending distally from the body portion; and a jaw
assembly movably mounted relative to a distal end of the elongate
tubular member and including a first jaw having a first arcuate
gripping portion and a second jaw having a second arcuate gripping
portion, the first and second arcuate gripping portions movable
between an open condition spaced apart to a closed condition in
close cooperative alignment.
14. The surgical grasping instrument as recited in claim 13,
wherein the first and second arcuate gripping portions are
semi-cylindrical.
15. The surgical grasping instrument as recited in claim 14 wherein
the first and second arcuate gripping portions include radially
inwardly extending teeth.
16. The surgical grasping instrument as recited in claim 14,
wherein the jaw assembly is connected to the distal end of the
elongate tubular member by a movable head position.
17. The surgical grasping instrument as recited in claim 16,
wherein the head portion is movable to articulate the jaw assembly
relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member.
18. The surgical grasping instrument as recited in claim 16,
wherein the head portion is movable to rotate the jaw assembly
relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member.
19. A method of grasping a cylindrical surgical object comprising:
providing a surgical instrument including a first jaw having a
first arcuate gripping portion and a second jaw having a second
arcuate gripping portion; positioning the first jaw relative to the
second jaw such that the concavities of the first and second
arcuate gripping portions face each other in an open condition;
positioning the first and second arcuate gripping portions about a
cylindrical object to be grasped; and moving the first and second
gripping portions to a closed condition in contact with the
cylindrical object.
20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the first and second
gripping portions contact the cylindrical object with radially
inwardly extending teeth.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a surgical grasping
instrument. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
surgical grasping instrument having a jaw assembly with arcuate
gripping portions to securely grasp a cylindrical surgical
object.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] During certain surgical procedures, it is often necessary to
remove damaged section of tubular tissue sections and reconnect the
healthy free ends. This is often accomplished with the use of a
circular surgical stapler. The circular surgical stapler has a
removable anvil assembly which is positioned within one of the free
ends of the healthy tubular tissue. The anvil assembly includes a
staple clinching anvil head or cap and an anvil shaft extending
from the anvil cap.
[0005] The circular surgical stapler is positioned within the other
free end of healthy tubular tissue and the anvil shaft is connected
to the stapler. The anvil cap is drawn adjacent to a staple
containing head of the stapler and the stapler is fired to form a
circular ring of staples reconnecting the healthy free ends of the
tubular tissues. Thereafter, a circular knife blade cores away any
tissue remaining radially inwardly of the ring of staples and the
circular surgical stapler including the anvil assembly is removed
as a single unit.
[0006] In order to position the anvil assembly within the body of a
patient and into a free end of tubular tissue, the anvil assembly
is grasped and manipulated into position by a grasping instrument
at the anvil shaft. Grasping instruments have a jaw assembly
including first and second jaws with flat grasping surfaces. When
engaged by the flat grasping surfaces of the jaw assembly, the
anvil shaft can skew sideways, slip or slide relative to the flat
grasping surfaces of the jaws making it difficult to grasp the
anvil assembly, manipulate it into position and reattach it to the
circular stapler. The round anvil can also easily drop out of the
flat jaws of the grasping instrument. This quite often extends the
time of the surgical operation and leads to increased frustration
levels for the surgeon.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a jaw assembly configured to
firmly grasp the round shaft of a circular surgical anvil assembly.
There also exists a need for a surgical grasping instrument capable
of firmly grasping the round shaft of a circular surgical anvil
assembly and manipulate it into position to be reconnected to a
circular surgical stapler.
SUMMARY
[0008] There is disclosed a jaw assembly for use with a surgical
grasping instrument. The jaw assembly generally includes a first
jaw having a first arcuate gripping portion and a first arm
extending from the first arcuate gripping portion and a second jaw
having a second gripping portion and a second arm extending from
the second gripping portion. The first and second arms are movably
connected such that the first arcuate gripping portion and second
gripping portion are spaced apart in the open condition.
[0009] In one embodiment, the second gripping portion is also
arcuate. In a specific embodiment, at least one of the first and
second arcuate gripping portions is semi-cylindrical. In a more
specific embodiment both the first and second arcuate gripping
portions are semi-cylindrical.
[0010] The first arcuate gripping portion includes radially
inwardly directed teeth to increase friction between the first
arcuate gripping portion and a cylindrical object to be grasped.
The radially inwardly directed teeth terminate in flats to further
increase the frictional contact with the object. The flat ends of
the jaws do not necessarily touch, but they are very close.
[0011] The first and second arms are movably connected by a pivot
point such that the first and second jaws are movable from an open
condition with the first arcuate gripping portion and second
gripping portion spaced apart to a closed condition with the first
arcuate gripping portion and the second gripping portion in close
cooperative alignment to capture the object.
[0012] At least one of the first and second arms includes a base
portion having an angled drive slot. In a specific embodiment, both
the first and second arms include base portions having angled drive
slots.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first and second arms are movably
connected by a flexible member. In a specific embodiment, the
flexible member is a living hinge. In this embodiment, the first
and second jaws are integrally formed.
[0014] There is also disclosed a surgical grasping instrument for
gripping a cylindrical object which generally includes a body
portion having a stationary handle and a pivotal handle movably
mounted on the body portion. An elongate tubular member extends
distally from the body portion and a jaw assembly is movably
mounted relative to a distal end of the elongate tubular member.
The jaw assembly includes a first jaw having a first arcuate
gripping portion and a second jaw having a second arcuate gripping
portion. The first and second arcuate gripping portions are movable
between an open condition spaced apart to a closed condition in
close cooperative alignment. The first and second arcuate gripping
portions are semi-cylindrical and include radially inwardly
extending teeth along inner surfaces thereof to increase the grip
on the object. The jaw assembly is connected to the distal end of
the elongate tubular member by a movable head portion. The head
portion is movable to articulate and rotate the jaw assembly
relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member.
[0015] There is further disclosed a method of gripping a
cylindrical surgical object by providing a surgical instrument
including a first jaw having a first arcuate gripping portion and a
second jaw having a second arcuate gripping portion. The first jaw
is positioned relative to the second jaw such that the concavities
of the first and second arcuate gripping portions face each other
in an open condition and the first and second arcuate gripping
portions are positioned about a cylindrical object to be grasped.
The surgical instrument is then actuated to move the first and
second gripping portions to a closed condition in contact with the
cylindrical object. In a specific version of the disclosed method,
the first and second gripping portions contact the cylindrical
object with radially inwardly extending teeth to enhance the grip
on the object.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed anvil grasper
are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a surgical grasping instrument incorporating one
embodiment of a pair of anvil grasping jaws;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the anvil grasping jaws of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top plan view, with parts separated, of the
anvil grasping jaws of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view, with parts separated, of the pair of
anvil grasping jaws and a drive rod;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a distal end of the surgical
grasping instrument of FIG. 1 with the pair of surgical grasping
jaws in an open position;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 with an outer tubular
member of the surgical grasping instrument removed;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view similar to FIG. 7 with the pair of
anvil grasping jaws in a closed position;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a pair
of anvil grasping jaws;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partially shown in section,
of a distal end of a surgical grasping instrument incorporating the
pair of anvil grasping jaws of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view of the distal end of the surgical
grasping instrument of FIG. 10 with the pair of anvil grasping jaws
moved to a closed position;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side view, partially shown in section, of the
distal end of the surgical grasping instrument of FIG. 1 with the
pair of anvil grasping jaws positioned about a shaft of a surgical
stapler anvil;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 12 with the pair of
anvil grasping jaws closed about the shaft of the surgical stapler
anvil;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the distal end of the surgical
grasping instrument of FIG. 1 holding the surgical stapler
anvil;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 14 with the
surgical stapler anvil articulated relative to the outer tubular
member in a first direction;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 15 with the
surgical stapler anvil articulated in a second direction;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the distal end of the
surgical grasping instrument of FIG. 1 with the pair of anvil
grasping jaws positioned about the shaft of the surgical stapler
anvil;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side plan view similar to FIG. 17 with the
surgical stapler anvil rotated relative to a long axis of the outer
tubular member;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a side plan view similar to FIG. 18 with the
surgical stapler anvil rotated 90.degree. relative to the position
of FIG. 17;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a side plan view of a further alternate
embodiment of a pair of anvil grasping jaws;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the anvil grasping jaws of
FIG. 20; and
[0037] FIG. 22 is a side plan view, partially shown in section, of
the embodiment of FIG. 20 positioned about the shaft of the
surgical stapler anvil.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical grasping
instrument incorporating a pair of anvil grasping jaws will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like
numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of
the several views. As is common in the art, the term `proximal"
refers to that part or component closer to the user or operator,
i.e. surgeon or physician, while the term "distal" refers to that
part or component further away from the user.
[0039] Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a surgical
grasping instrument 10 incorporating one embodiment of a pair of
anvil shaft grasping jaws or grasping jaw assembly 12 for use in
grasping and manipulating a shaft of a circular surgical stapler
anvil (see FIG. 14) or other cylindrical object in a manner
described in more detail hereinbelow. Surgical grasping instrument
10 generally includes a body portion 14 having an elongate tubular
member 16 extending distally from body portion 14. A movable jaw
mount or head portion 18 is movably mounted on a distal end 20 of
elongate tubular member 16 and is provided to rotate and articulate
grasping jaw assembly 12 relative to a longitudinal axis x-x of
elongate tubular member 16.
[0040] Body portion 12 includes a stationary handle 22 and a
pivotal handle 24 movably mounted on stationary handle 22. Pivotal
handle 24 is operable to open and close grasping jaw assembly 12 in
a manner described hereinbelow. Body portion 12 additionally
includes a rotation knob 26 to rotate head portion 18, and thus
grasping jaw assembly 12, relative to longitudinal axis x-x and an
articulation trigger 28 to angulate or articulate head portion 18
relative to longitudinal axis x-x to better position grasping jaw
assembly 12 and manipulate structure retained in grasping jaw
assembly 12. An example of a surgical instrument having rotational
and articulation capabilities is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,314,424, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0041] Grasping jaw assembly 12 generally includes a first jaw 30
having a first curved or arcuate gripping portion 32 and a second
jaw 34 having a second curved or arcuate gripping portion 36. First
and second gripping portions 32 and 36 include respective first and
second inner gripping surfaces 38 and 40, the concavities of which
face inwardly towards each other. First jaw 30 further includes a
first proximal base portion 42 and a first arm 44 extending between
first base portion 42 and first gripping portion 32. Similarly,
second jaw 34 includes a second proximal base portion 46 and a
second arm 48 extending between second proximal base portion 46 and
second gripping portion 36. First and second jaws 30 and 34 are
pivotally mounted to head portion by a pivot pin 50. Each of the
first and second jaws 30 and 34 desirably have a flat distal end
that engages one another. First jaw 30 has flat distal end 30a and
second jaw 34 has flat distal end 34a.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, pivot pin 50 extends through
pin holes 52 and 54 formed through first and second head portions
42 and 46. First and second head portions 42 and 46 of first and
second jaws 30 and 34 overlap each other and have reduced
thicknesses relative to the remainder of their respective jaws.
With specific reference to FIG. 3, first head portion 42 has a
thickness Wh1 which is less than a thickness Wa1 of first arm 44 of
first jaw 30. Likewise, second head portion 46 has a thickness Wh2
which is less than a thickness Wa2 of second arm 48 of second jaw
34.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, longitudinally extending
distal tips 56 and 58 extend distally from first and second
gripping portions 32 and 36 to better guide grasping jaw assembly
into engagement with a surgical stapler anvil. First and second
inner surfaces 38 and 40 of first and second gripping portions 32
and 326 are semi-circular having constant radii r1 and r2,
respectively. While first and second inner surfaces 38 and 40 are
disclosed as having constant radii, it is also contemplated that
one or both surfaces may have varying radii depending on the
configuration of the anvil shaft to be grasped.
[0044] In order to better grasp a cylindrical object, such as, for
example an anvil shaft, first and second inner surfaces 38 and 40
of first and second gripping portions 32 and 36 of first and second
jaws 30 and 34 are treated or include structure to increase
friction between first and second inner surfaces 38 and 40 and an
anvil shaft. In this embodiment, first and second inner surfaces 38
and 40 include respective radially inwardly directed teeth 60 and
62. Teeth 60 and 62 extend cross-wise across first and second inner
surfaces 38 and 40 (See FIG. 3). In order to avoid damage to an
anvil shaft grasped, and provide a greater contact surface, teeth
60 and 62 are provided with relatively flat or rounded ends 64 and
66.
[0045] First and second jaws 30 and 34 are movable between an open
or spaced apart condition and a closed gripping or adjacent
condition wherein first and second jaws 30 and 34 are in close
cooperative alignment to grasp structure. In order to move first
and second jaws 30 and 34 between the open and closed conditions,
first and second proximal base portions 42 and 46 of first and
second jaws 30 and 34 include respective angled drive slots 68 and
70.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, the anvil grasper includes a drive rod
72 for moving first and second jaws 30 and 34 between the open and
closed conditions in response to movement of pivot handle 24 (FIG.
1). Specifically, angled drive slots 68 and 70 receive a cross-wise
extending drive pin 74 provided on a distal end 76 of drive rod 72.
A proximal end 78 of drive rod 72 is operably connected to pivot
handle 24. Movement of drive pin 74 proximally within drive slots
68 and 70 cams first and second jaws 30 and 34 to the closed
condition as discussed in more detail hereinbelow. In any of the
embodiments disclosed herein, the drive rod 72 can be moved
distally, rather than proximally, to close the first and second
jaws, and the drive slots can be oriented accordingly.
[0047] First and second jaws 30 and 34 may be formed from a variety
of materials including metals, such as, for example, titanium,
stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, first and second jaws 30 and
34 may be formed from other materials, such as, polymeric
materials, ceramics, etc. Methods of formation may include forging,
molding, machining, etc.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6-8, and initially with regard
to FIG. 1, the operation of grasping jaw assembly 12 will now be
described. Initially first and second jaws 30 and 34 are in an open
condition spaced apart from each other to receive structure. Pivot
handle 24 is in an initial position spaced from stationary handle
22.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 6, and while not specifically shown, an
internal bias spring maintains grasping jaw assembly 12 in the open
condition by exerting a distal bias to drive rod 72. In the initial
or open condition, drive pin 74 is in a distal most position within
drive slots 68 and 70 formed in first and second proximal base
portions 42 and 46 of respective first and second jaws 30 and
34.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, to actuate movement of
first and second jaws 30 and 34, pivotal handle 24 is moved in the
direction of arrow A toward stationary handle 22 (FIG. 1). As
pivotal handle 24 is swung toward stationary handle 22, pivotal
handle 24 draws proximal end 78, and thus drive rod 72, proximally
in the direction of arrow B within elongate tubular member 16
against the bias of the spring. Proximal movement of drive rod 72
draws drive pin 74 proximally within drive slots 68 and 70 of first
and second jaws 30 and 34 camming or forcing first and second jaws
30 and 34 to rotate inwardly in the directions of arrows C and D
about pivot pin 50.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, as drive pin 74 of drive rod 72 is
drawn to its proximal most position within drive slots 68 and 70,
first and second jaws 30 and 34 are brought to the closed condition
with first and second distal tips 56 and 58 in abutting relation to
cause first and second gripping portions 32 and 36 to close about a
structure to be grasped. When the jaws close, the flat distal ends
30a and 34a touch and engage one another without interfering with
the shaft of the anvil. Thus, the first jaw and second jaw
substantially enclose the shaft of the anvil. Even if the ends do
not touch, the shaft is substantially enclosed.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, and initially with regard to FIG.
9, there is disclosed an alternative grasping jaw assembly 80 for
use with surgical grasping instrument 10. Grasping jaw assembly 80
includes first and second jaws 82 and 84 which are substantially
similar to first and second jaws 30 and 36 described hereinabove
including respective first and second arcuate gripping portions 86
and 88. First and second gripping portions include teeth 90 and 92
formed along first and second inner surfaces 94 and 96 of first and
second jaws 82 and 84 respectively. Similar to jaws 30 and 34
described hereinabove, first and second jaws 82 and 84 include
distal tips 98 and 100 extending distally from first and second
gripping portions 86 and 88 and first and second arms 102 and 103
extending proximally from first and second gripping portions 86 and
88, respectively.
[0053] In contrast to first and second jaws 30 and 36, which are
initially biased apart by a spring (not shown) acting on drive rod
72 (FIG. 6), proximal ends 106 and 108 of respective first and
second jaws 86 and 88 are connected to a flexible connector or
living hinge 110 which maintains first and second jaws 86 and 88
biased to the open condition spaced apart from each other.
Specifically, living hinge 110 includes first and second ends 112
and 114 which are connected to proximal ends 106 and 108 of first
and second arms 102 and 104 of first and second jaws 86 and 88.
First and second ends 112 and 114 of living hinge 110 are
integrally formed with proximal ends 106 and 108 by molding,
machining, forging, etc. or, alternatively, may be affixed thereto
by known methods such as, for example, welding, gluing, etc. First
and second jaws 86 and 88 also have flat distal ends 86a and 88a,
as discussed above.
[0054] First and second ends 112 and 114 of living hinge 110 extend
from a curved, flexible center portion 116. Curved center portion
116 may be formed from a variety of flexible materials such as, for
example, stainless or spring steel, polymeric materials, etc. and
need not necessarily be formed from the same material as first and
second jaws 86 and 88. Curved center portion 116 biases first and
second jaws 86 and 88 of jaw assembly 80 to an initial open
condition.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the operation of jaw
assembly 80 will now be described. In this embodiment, drive rod 72
is fixed stationary to stationary handle 22 and elongate tubular
member 16 is longitudinally movable relative to stationary handle
22 in response to movement of handle 24. This is accomplished
through various methods known in the art, for example, the closure
mechanism associated with linear surgical stapling devices wherein
an outer member is longitudinally movable to cam an anvil closed
against a staple cartridge. Curved center portion 116 is positioned
against drive pin 50 which remains stationary. Curved center
portion 116 is held in place by a retention pin 118 on drive rod 72
as shown. It should be noted that, in the biased open condition,
the concavities of first and second arcuate gripping portions 96
and 94 face each other.
[0056] Initially, first and second jaws 86 and 88 are in an open
condition space apart from each other. Upon actuation of pivotal
handle 24, elongate tubular member 16 is driven distally relative
to drive rod 72 in the direction of arrow E. As elongate tubular
member 16 travels distally, a distal end 120 of elongate tubular
member 16 rides up on and cams against outer surfaces 122 and 124
of first and second arms 102 and 102 thereby camming first and
second jaws 86 and 88 together to capture a cylindrical structure
between first and second curved gripping portions 94 and 96. The
first and second jaws 86 and 88 substantially surround the shaft of
the anvil.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 12-19, and initially with
regard to FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, the use of surgical grasping
instrument 10 will now be described. Initially, pivotal handle 24
is in a proximal most position spaced from stationary handle 22
(FIG. 1). First and second jaws 30 and 34 of grasping jaw assembly
12 are in the open condition spaced apart from each other. As
shown, in the initial or open condition, the concavities of first
and second arcuate gripping portions 32 and 36 face inwardly toward
each other.
[0058] Surgical grasping instrument 10 is manipulated to position
first and second jaws 30 and 34 about an object to be grasped, such
as, for example, cylindrical object 126 (FIG. 12). Thereafter,
pivotal handle 24 is moved in the direction of arrow A toward
stationary handle 22 (FIG. 1) thereby forcing first and second jaws
30 and 34 to move to the closed condition about cylindrical object
126.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 14-16, surgical grasping instrument 10 is
specifically designed to grasp and manipulate a surgical stapler
anvil, such as, for example, circular surgical stapler anvil
assembly 130. Anvil assembly 130 generally includes an anvil head
132 for clinching surgical staples (not shown) and a cylindrical
anvil shaft 134 extending from anvil head 132. Anvil shaft 134 may
include one or more circumferential, enlarged diameter bosses 136,
138 and 140 for engagement with a circular surgical stapler.
[0060] Anvil assembly 130 is grasped in the manner described
hereinabove with regard to cylindrical object 126. Should a surgeon
desire to move anvil assembly 130 side to side, articulation
trigger 28 on stationary handle 22 (FIG. 1) is operated to move
head portion 18, and thus grasping jaw assembly 12 (FIGS. 15 and
16) relative to longitudinal axis X of elongate tubular member 16.
Trigger 28 is really the release grasp trigger, since the jaws will
lock when clamped down. There is no articulation knob shown, but it
would be placed further back on the handle.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, anvil assembly 130 can be rotated
about longitudinal axis X by rotating rotation knob 26 on
stationary handle 22 (FIG. 10). Rotation of rotation knob 26
rotates head portion 18, and thus grasping assembly 12, about
longitudinal axis X to thereby rotate anvil assembly 130 to a
desired position.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 20-22, there is disclosed a further
embodiment of a grasping jaw assembly 150 for use with surgical
grasping instrument 10. Grasping jaws assembly 150 is similar to
grasping jaw assembly 80 and generally includes first and second
jaws 152 and 154 connected by a living hinge 156. First and second
jaws 152 and 154 include respective first and second arcuate
gripping portions 158 and 160. However, unlike the prior
embodiments, in the open or biased condition the concavities of
first and second arcuate gripping portions 158 and 160 face
outwardly away from each other (FIG. 20) rather than inwardly
toward each other.
[0063] As best shown in FIG. 21, in order to form a circle to
capture a cylindrical object, second jaw 154 includes a
longitudinally extending slot 162 formed through second gripping
portion 160. First gripping portion 158 is sized to pass through
slot 162 in second gripping portion 160.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 22, in use, first and second jaws 152 and
154 are initially compressed together causing first gripping
portion 158 to pass through slot 162 in second gripping portion 160
thereby forming a space 164. Grasping jaw assembly 150 is
manipulated such that it is positioned about a cylindrical object
or anvil shaft 166. Thereafter, compression is reduced on first and
second jaws 152 and 154 causing first and second gripping portions
158 and 160 to move outwardly due to the bias of living hinge 156
and grasp anvil shaft 166.
[0065] Thus, the disclosed grasping jaw assemblies are able to
grasp, rotate and articulate a surgical anvil shaft without the
shaft sliding out of the jaws of the jaw assemblies.
[0066] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the disclosed
gripping portions may be of other shapes, such as, for example,
semi oval, rectangular, etc to prevent the grasped object from
skewing from side to side. Further, the disclosed jaw assemblies
may include only one arcuate gripping portion on a single jaw.
Additionally, other method of enhancing the friction of the
grasping portions against a grasped object may be provided, such
as, for example, cross-hatching, stippling, etc. the inner
surfaces. Therefore, the above description should not be construed
as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other
modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *