U.S. patent application number 15/829148 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for surgical instruments and end effectors therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ethicon LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Raymond M. Banks, Steve G. Bernath, Timothy G. Dietz, Jason L. Harris, Zhifan F. Huang, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, David A. Witt.
Application Number | 20180125571 15/829148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44121270 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180125571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Witt; David A. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2018 |
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS THEREFOR
Abstract
An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first
jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end
effector between an open configuration and an approximated
configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may
also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The
camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a
first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and
a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming
portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming
assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least
partially disposed between the first camming member and the second
camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to
the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and
the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated
configuration.
Inventors: |
Witt; David A.; (Maineville,
OH) ; Huang; Zhifan F.; (Mason, OH) ; Dietz;
Timothy G.; (Wayne, PA) ; Banks; Raymond M.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; Aldridge; Jeffrey L.; (Lebanon,
OH) ; Bernath; Steve G.; (San Martin, CA) ;
Norvell; David K.; (Monroe, OH) ; Weizman; Patrick
A.; (Liberty Township, OH) ; Harris; Jason L.;
(Lebanon, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ethicon LLC |
Guaynabo |
PR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44121270 |
Appl. No.: |
15/829148 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15274154 |
Sep 23, 2016 |
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15829148 |
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14171035 |
Feb 3, 2014 |
9456864 |
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15274154 |
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12781243 |
May 17, 2010 |
8685020 |
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14171035 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/126 20130101;
A61B 2018/0063 20130101; A61B 2018/1455 20130101; A61B 18/148
20130101; A61B 18/1445 20130101; A61B 2017/2933 20130101; A61B
2018/1412 20130101; A61B 2017/2945 20130101; A61B 18/1485 20130101;
A61B 2017/00867 20130101; A61B 2017/2934 20130101; A61B 2017/2926
20130101; A61B 17/32 20130101; A61B 17/295 20130101; A61B 2018/1465
20130101; A61B 2018/1432 20130101; A61B 2017/320044 20130101; A61B
2017/003 20130101; A61B 17/3209 20130101; A61B 2017/00738
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/14 20060101
A61B018/14 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A surgical instrument comprising: a shaft having a proximal end
and a distal end, a longitudinal axis being defined between the
proximal and distal ends; a wrist having a proximal end and a
distal end, the proximal end of the wrist being coupled to the
distal end of the shaft, the wrist being movable in pitch and yaw
degrees of freedom, wherein the pitch degree of freedom is defined
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the yaw degree of
freedom is defined orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and to the
pitch degree of freedom; a surgical end effector coupled to the
wrist, the surgical end effector comprising a jaw mechanism and a
translating component, the translating component being movable
lengthwise relative to the jaw mechanism; a jaw mechanism drive
element extending through the wrist and coupled to the jaw
mechanism; and a translating component drive element extending
through the wrist and coupled to the translating component of the
surgical end effector, the translating component being configured
to move lengthwise relative to the jaw mechanism in response to the
translating component drive element translating along the
longitudinal axis.
23. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the jaw mechanism
comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member opposing the
first jaw member.
24. The surgical instrument of claim 23, wherein the jaw mechanism
is configured to move between open and closed positions in response
to a motion of the jaw mechanism drive element.
25. The surgical instrument of claim 22, further comprising a
transmission mechanism at a proximal portion of the surgical
instrument, the transmission mechanism being configured to receive
one or more inputs and, in response to receiving the one or more
inputs, transmit force to translate the translating component drive
element and transmit torque to rotate the jaw mechanism drive
element.
26. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the translating
component drive element is flexible in the pitch and yaw degrees of
freedom at least at the wrist.
27. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the translating
component drive element extends through a center lumen of the shaft
and the wrist from the proximal end of the shaft to the end
effector.
28. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the jaw mechanism
comprises an electrode configured to deliver energy sufficient to
fuse tissue.
29. The surgical instrument of claim 28, wherein the jaw mechanism
is configured to grip tissue in a closed position with a sufficient
pressure to permit fusing of the tissue during delivery of the
energy in the closed position.
30. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the translating
component drive element includes a wire.
31. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the translating
component comprises a cutting member.
32. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the surgical
instrument is configured to interface with a power source.
33. The surgical instrument of claim 22, further comprising a
transmission mechanism at a proximal portion of the surgical
instrument, the transmission mechanism being configured to transmit
force along the shaft to move the wrist in at least one of the
pitch and yaw degrees of freedom.
34. A surgical instrument comprising: a shaft having a proximal end
and a distal end, a longitudinal axis being defined between the
proximal and distal ends; an articulation member having a proximal
end and a distal end, the proximal end of the articulation member
being coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the articulation
member being movable in pitch and yaw degrees of freedom, wherein
the pitch degree of freedom is defined orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis, and wherein the yaw degree of freedom is defined
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and to the pitch degree of
freedom; a surgical end effector coupled to the articulation
member, the surgical end effector comprising a jaw mechanism and a
translating component, the translating component being movable
lengthwise relative to the jaw mechanism; a jaw mechanism drive
element extending through the articulation member and coupled to
the jaw mechanism; and a translating component drive element
extending through the articulation member and coupled to the
translating component of the surgical end effector, the translating
component being configured to move lengthwise relative to the jaw
mechanism in response to the translating component drive element
translating along the longitudinal axis.
35. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the jaw mechanism
comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member opposing the
first jaw member.
36. The surgical instrument of claim 35, wherein the jaw mechanism
is configured to move between open and closed positions in response
to a motion of the jaw mechanism drive element.
37. The surgical instrument of claim 34, further comprising a
transmission mechanism at a proximal portion of the surgical
instrument, the transmission mechanism being configured to receive
one or more inputs and, in response to receiving the one or more
inputs, transmit force to translate the translating component drive
element and transmit torque to rotate the jaw mechanism drive
element.
38. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the translating
component drive element is flexible in the pitch and yaw degrees of
freedom at least at the articulation member.
39. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the translating
component drive element extends through a center lumen of the shaft
and the articulation member from the proximal end of the shaft to
the end effector.
40. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the jaw mechanism
comprises an electrode configured to deliver energy sufficient to
fuse tissue.
41. The surgical instrument of claim 40, wherein the jaw mechanism
is configured to grip tissue in a closed position with a sufficient
pressure to permit fusing of the tissue during delivery of the
energy in the closed position.
42. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the translating
component drive element includes a wire.
43. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the translating
component comprises a cutting member.
44. The surgical instrument of claim 34, wherein the surgical
instrument is configured to interface with a power source.
45. The surgical instrument of claim 34, further comprising a
transmission mechanism at a proximal portion of the surgical
instrument, the transmission mechanism being configured to transmit
force along the shaft to move the articulation member in at least
one of the pitch and yaw degrees of freedom.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application claiming
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/274,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS
THEREFOR, filed Sep. 23, 2016, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2017/0105787, which is a continuation application
claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/171,035, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND
END EFFECTORS THEREFOR, filed Feb. 3, 2014, which issued on Oct. 4,
2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,864, which is a continuation
application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/781,243, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS THEREFOR, filed May 17, 2010, which
issued on Apr. 1, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,685,020, the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various embodiments are directed to surgical instruments
that may be used, for example, in open and minimally invasive
surgical environments.
[0003] In various circumstances, a surgical instrument can be
configured to apply energy to tissue in order to treat and/or
destroy the tissue. In certain circumstances, a surgical instrument
can comprise one or more electrodes which can be positioned against
and/or positioned relative to the tissue such that electrical
current can flow from one electrode, through the tissue, and to the
other electrode. The surgical instrument can comprise an electrical
input, a supply conductor electrically coupled with the electrodes,
and/or a return conductor which can be configured to allow current
to flow from the electrical input, through the supply conductor,
through the electrodes and the tissue, and then through the return
conductor to an electrical output, for example. Alternatively, the
surgical instrument can comprise an electrical input, a supply
conductor electrically coupled with the electrodes, and/or a return
conductor which can be configured to allow current to flow from the
electrical input, through the supply conductor, through the active
electrode and the tissue, and to the return electrode through the
return conductor to an electrical output. In various circumstances,
heat can be generated by the current flowing through the tissue,
wherein the heat can cause one or more hemostatic seals to form
within the tissue and/or between tissues. Such embodiments may be
particularly useful for sealing blood vessels, for example. The
surgical instrument can also comprise a cutting member that can be
moved relative to the tissue and the electrodes in order to
transect the tissue.
[0004] By way of example, energy applied by a surgical instrument
may be in the form of radio frequency ("RF") energy. RF energy is a
form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 300
kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, RF surgical
instruments transmit low frequency radio waves through electrodes,
which cause ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive
heating, increasing the temperature of the tissue. Since a sharp
boundary is created between the affected tissue and that
surrounding it, surgeons can operate with a high level of precision
and control, without much sacrifice to the adjacent normal tissue.
The low operating temperatures of RF energy enables surgeons to
remove, shrink or sculpt soft tissue while simultaneously sealing
blood vessels. RF energy works particularly well on connective
tissue, which is primarily comprised of collagen and shrinks when
contacted by heat.
[0005] Further, in various open and laparoscopic surgeries, it is
necessary to coagulate, seal or fuse tissues. One preferred means
of tissue-sealing relies upon the application of electrical energy
to captured tissue to cause thermal effects therein for sealing
purposes. Various mono-polar and bi-polar RF jaw structures have
been developed for such purposes. In general, the delivery of RF
energy to a captured tissue volume elevates the tissue temperature
and thereby at least partially denatures proteins in the tissue.
Such proteins, including collagen, are denatured into a
pertinacious amalgam that intermixes and fuses together as the
proteins denature or form new cross links. As the treated region
heals over time, this biological "weld" is reabsorbed by the body's
wound healing process.
[0006] In a typical arrangement of a bi-polar radiofrequency (RF)
jaw, the face of each jaw comprises an electrode. RF current flows
across the captured tissue between electrodes in opposing jaws.
Most commercially available bi-polar jaws provide a low tissue
strength weld immediately post-treatment.
[0007] During some procedures, it is often necessary to access
target tissue that requires severe manipulation of the end
effector. In such applications, it would be desirable to have a
curved and/or articulatable end effector arrangement to improve
access and visualization of the surgical area by the surgeon.
[0008] The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate
various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at
the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim
scope.
SUMMARY
[0009] In accordance with various non-limiting embodiments, there
is provided an electrosurgical instrument that includes an elongate
shaft that has a distal end and defines a first longitudinal axis.
An end effector may be operably coupled to the distal end of the
elongate shaft. The end effector may comprise a first jaw that has
a first elongate portion and a first curved distal end. The end
effector may further include a second jaw that has a second
elongate portion and a second curved distal end. The first elongate
portion of the first jaw may be movably coupled to the second
elongate portion of the second jaw. The first and second elongate
portions may define a second axis that is offset from the first
longitudinal axis.
[0010] In accordance with various other non-limiting embodiments of
the present invention, there is provided a surgical instrument that
may include an elongate shaft that defines a longitudinal axis. The
surgical instrument may further include an end effector that is
operably supported at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end
effector may comprise a first jaw that has a first proximal portion
that is coaxially aligned with the elongate shaft. The end effector
may include a second jaw that has a second proximal portion that is
coaxially aligned with the elongate shaft. The first and second
jaws may be selectively movable between open and closed positions.
The instrument may further include an actuation system that
interfaces with the first and second jaws for selectively moving at
least one other portion of the first jaw and at least one other
portion of the second jaw out of axial alignment with the elongate
shaft.
[0011] In accordance with still other various non-limiting
embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an
electrosurgical instrument that may include a first jaw that has a
first tapered distal end portion. The instrument may further
include a second jaw that has a second tapered distal end portion
wherein the first and second jaws are selectively movable between
open and closed positions and wherein the first tapered end and the
second tapered end converge to form a substantially conical end
effector tip when the first and second jaws are in a closed
position. The instrument may further include an axially
translatable reciprocal member that is supported for axial
reciprocal travel within the first and second jaws. The axially
translatable reciprocal member may comprise a first flange that is
configured for axial movable engagement with said first jaw. The
first flange may have a first distal-most edge. The instrument may
further include a second flange that is coupled to the first flange
by a central web portion. The second flange may be configured for
axial movable engagement with the second jaw. The second flange may
further have a second distal-most edge that protrudes distally
beyond said first distal-most edge of the first flange. A cutting
edge may be formed on a distal end of the central web that extends
from the second distal-most edge to the first distal-most edge.
[0012] In accordance with other various non-limiting embodiments of
the present invention, there is provided a surgical instrument that
comprises a handle and an elongate shaft that is coupled thereto
such that a least a portion of the elongate shaft is selectively
movable in more than two directions. An end effector may be coupled
to the elongate shaft.
[0013] In accordance with other non-limiting embodiments of the
present invention, there is provided an electrosurgical instrument
that may comprise an elongate shaft and a flexible electrode
assembly that is movably coupled to a distal end of the elongate
shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Various features of the embodiments described herein are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various
embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of
operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in
accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings as follows.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the handle depicted in FIG. 1 with
a portion of the housing thereof omitted to illustrate various
handle components;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of an end effector according to one
non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the end effector
embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 in an open position;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a
translatable member according to one non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention with an alternative flexed position shown in
phantom;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a translatable
member according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a
translatable member according to another non-limiting embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of an end effector of
another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention in an open
position;
[0024] FIG. 10 is another partial perspective view of the end
effector of FIG. 9 in a closed position;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of
FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top diagrammatical view of the end effector of
FIGS. 9 and 10 with alternative flexed positions being shown in
phantom;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of the handle depicted in FIG. 13
with a portion of the housing thereof omitted to illustrate various
handle components;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an end effector
according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention with the jaw members thereof in a closed position;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of
FIG. 15 in an open position;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a top diagrammatical view of the end effector of
FIGS. 15 and 16 with alternative flexed positions being shown in
phantom;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of another end
effector according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of another end
effector according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of another end
effector according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of the end effector embodiment of
FIG. 20 being used to dissect tissue;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector
depicted in FIG. 22 in a closed position;
[0038] FIG. 24 is a top cross-sectional view of the lower jaw of
the end effector of FIG. 23 in a partially articulated
position;
[0039] FIG. 25 is another top cross-sectional view of the lower jaw
of FIG. 24 in a straight position;
[0040] FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of an end effector
according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention with a portion of a translatable member thereof shown in
phantom;
[0041] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a portion of the
translatable member depicted in FIG. 26 with the end effector jaw
portions shown in phantom;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of a portion of an
articulatable elongate shaft according to a non-limiting embodiment
of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a spine segment according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the spine segment of
FIG. 30;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a partial side elevational view of the
articulatable elongate shaft depicted in FIGS. 29-31 attached to an
end effector;
[0047] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of an electrosurgical
instrument according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the end effector
depicted in FIG. 33, with alternative positions illustrated in
phantom;
[0049] FIG. 35 is another side elevational view of the end effector
of FIG. 34 engaging tissue;
[0050] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an end effector according
to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0051] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the end
effector of FIG. 36 taken along line 37-37 in FIG. 36.
[0052] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one
form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Various embodiments are directed to apparatuses, systems,
and methods for the treatment of tissue. Numerous specific details
are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall
structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as
described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such
specific details. In other instances, well-known operations,
components, and elements have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting
examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein may be
representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may
be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0054] Reference throughout the specification to "various
embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," or "an
embodiment", or the like, means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some
embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment", or the
like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily
all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular
features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular
features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described
in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in
part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or
more other embodiments without limitation.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the terms "proximal" and
"distal" may be used throughout the specification with reference to
a clinician manipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a
patient. The term "proximal" refers to the portion of the
instrument closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to
the portion located furthest from the clinician. It will be further
appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as
"vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with
respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, surgical
instruments may be used in many orientations and positions, and
these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.
[0056] Various embodiments of systems and methods of the invention
relate to creating thermal "welds" or "fusion" within native tissue
volumes. The alternative terms of tissue "welding" and tissue
"fusion" may be used interchangeably herein to describe thermal
treatments of a targeted tissue volume that result in a
substantially uniform fused-together tissue mass, for example, in
welding blood vessels that exhibit substantial burst strength
immediately post-treatment. The strength of such welds is
particularly useful for (I) permanently sealing blood vessels in
vessel transaction procedures; (ii) welding organ margins in
resection procedures; (iii) welding other anatomic ducts wherein
permanent closure is required; and also (iv) for performing vessel
anastomosis, vessel closure or other procedures that join together
anatomic structures or portions thereof. The welding or fusion of
tissue as disclosed herein is to be distinguished from
"coagulation", "hemostasis" and other similar descriptive terms
that generally relate to the occlusion of blood flow within small
blood vessels or vascular zed tissue. For example, any surface
application of thermal energy can cause coagulation or
hemostasis--but does not fall into the category of "welding" as the
term is used herein. Such surface coagulation does not create a
weld that provides any substantial strength in the treated
tissue.
[0057] At the molecular level, the phenomena of truly "welding"
tissue as disclosed herein may result from the thermally-induced
penetration of collagen and other protein molecules in a targeted
tissue volume to create a transient liquid or gel-like pertinacious
amalgam. A selected energy density is provided in the targeted
tissue to cause hydrothermal breakdown of intra- and intermolecular
hydrogen crosslink's in collagen and other proteins. The denatured
amalgam is maintained at a selected level of hydration--without
desiccation--for a selected time interval which can be very brief.
The targeted tissue volume is maintained under a selected very high
level of mechanical compression to ensure that the unwound strands
of the denatured proteins are in close proximity to allow their
intertwining and entanglement. Upon thermal relaxation, the
intermixed amalgam results in protein entanglement as re-cross
linking or repatriation occurs to thereby cause a uniform
fused-together mass.
[0058] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide electrosurgical
jaw structures adapted for transecting captured tissue between the
jaws and for contemporaneously welding the captured tissue margins
with controlled application of RF energy. The jaw structures of
certain embodiments can comprise first and second opposing jaws
that carry positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or resistance
bodies for modulating RF energy delivery to the engaged tissue.
[0059] FIG. 1 shows an electrosurgical instrument 100 according to
a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Electrosurgical
instrument 100 comprises a proximal handle 105, a distal end
effector 200, and an introducer or elongate shaft member 106
disposed in-between. In various embodiments, end effector 200
comprises a set of operable-closeable jaws 220A and 220B. The end
effector 200 may be adapted for capturing, welding, and transecting
tissue, for example. First jaw 220A and second jaw 220B may close
to thereby capture or engage tissue therebetween. First jaw 220A
and second jaw 220B may also apply compression to the tissue. In
alternative embodiments, the end effector may be comprised of one
or two movable jaws.
[0060] Moving now to FIG. 2, a side view of the handle 105 is shown
with half of a first handle body 106A (see FIG. 1) being removed to
illustrate some of the components within second handle body 106B.
Handle 105 may comprise a lever arm 128 which may be pulled along a
path 129. Lever arm 128 may be coupled to a translatable member 140
that is disposed within the elongate shaft 106 by a shuttle 146
that is operably engaged to an extension 127 of lever arm 128. The
shuttle 146 may further be connected to a biasing device, such as
spring 141. The spring 141 may also be connected to the second
handle body 106B, to bias the shuttle 146 and thus the translatable
member 140 in a proximal direction, thereby urging the jaws 220A
and 220B to an open position as seen in FIG. 1. Also, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2, a locking member 131 (see FIG. 2) may be moved by a
locking switch 130 (see FIG. 1) between a locked position, where
the shuttle 146 is substantially prevented from moving distally as
illustrated, and an unlocked position, where the shuttle 146 may be
allowed to freely move in the distal direction, toward the elongate
shaft 106. The handle 105 can be any type of pistol-grip or other
type of handle known in the art that is configured to carry
actuator levers, triggers or sliders for actuating the first jaw
220A and second jaw 220B. Elongate shaft 106 may have a cylindrical
or rectangular cross-section and can comprise a thin-wall tubular
sleeve that extends from handle 105. Elongate shaft 106 may have a
bore extending therethrough for carrying actuator mechanisms such
as, for example, translatable member 140, for actuating the jaws
220A, 220B and for carrying electrical leads for delivery of
electrical energy to electrosurgical components of end effector
200.
[0061] The elongate shaft member 106 along with first jaw 220A and
second jaw 220B may, in some embodiments, be continuously rotatable
in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as shown by
arrow 117 (FIG. 1), relative to handle 105 through, for example, a
rotary triple contact. First jaw 220A and second jaw 220B can
remain operable-closeable and openable while being rotated. First
jaw 220A and second jaw 220B may be coupled to the electrical
source 145 and controller 150 through electrical leads in cable 152
to function as paired bi-polar electrodes with a positive polarity
(+) and a negative polarity (-) or alternatively monopolar
electrodes with positive (+) polarity and a remote grounding pad
with a negative (-) polarity.
[0062] The first jaw 220A may have a first elongate portion 221A
that is pivotally coupled to a second elongate portion 221B of the
second jaw 220B by, for example, pins, grunions, or other known
attachment arrangement such that the first jaw 220A may be pivoted
toward and away from the second jaw 220B as represented by arrow
251 in FIG. 4. Further, the first jaw 220A and second jaw 220B may
each have tissue-gripping elements, such as teeth 243, disposed on
the inner portions of first jaw 220A and second jaw 220B. First jaw
220A may comprise a first jaw body 231A with a first outward-facing
surface 232A and a first energy delivery surface 235A. Second jaw
220B may comprise a second jaw body 231B with a second
outward-facing surface 232B and a second energy delivery surface
235B. First energy delivery surface 235A and second energy delivery
surface 235B may, for example, both extend in a "U" shape about the
distal end of working end 200.
[0063] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the elongate shaft 106
defines a first longitudinal axis A-A. In various non-limiting
embodiments, the first and second elongate portions 221A, 221B of
the first and second jaws 220A, 220B, respectively are aligned
along a second axis B-B that is offset from the first axis A-A. As
can be further seen in FIG. 4, the first jaw body 231A may have a
curved distal portion 222A and the second jaw body 231B may have a
curved distal portion 222B. FIG. 3 is a top view of the end
effector 200 and illustrates an embodiment wherein the first jaw
220A and the second jaw 220B have substantially matching shapes. As
used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantially the same"
refer to characteristics or components that are otherwise
identical, but for the normal manufacturing tolerances commonly
experienced when manufacturing such components. As can be further
seen in FIG. 3, the distal tip portion 224A of the jaw body 231A as
well as the distal tip portion 224B of the second jaw body 231B are
preferably located within the diameter "D" or "footprint FP" (for
elongate shafts 106 that do not have a circular cross-sectional
shape) of the elongate shaft 106 such that the end effector 200 may
be inserted through an opening that can accommodate the elongate
shaft 106. The offset nature of the end effector 200 enables the
jaws 220A, 220B to be provided with a curved or irregular portion
that is curved relatively sharper than other jaw embodiments
wherein the jaws are axially aligned with the elongate shaft 106.
It will be understood that the jaws 220A, 220B may have various
curved portions, provided that no portion of the jaws 220A, 220B
protrude laterally outward beyond the diameter "D" or footprint FP
of the elongate shaft 106 for a distance that might otherwise
prevent the insertion through a lumen such as, for example, a
trocar or the like unless it is deflectable thereby allowing
insertion through such a lumen.
[0064] FIGS. 3-5 show a portion of translatable, reciprocating
member or reciprocating "I-beam" member 240. The lever arm 128 of
handle 105 may be adapted to actuate translatable member 240 which
also functions as a jaw-closing mechanism. For example,
translatable member 240 may be urged distally as lever arm 128 is
pulled proximally along path 129. The distal end of translatable
member 240 comprises a flanged "I"-beam that is configured to slide
within slots 242 in jaws 220A and 220B. See FIG. 4. Translatable
member 240 slides within slots 242 to open and close first jaw 220A
and second jaw 220B. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 5,
the distal end of translatable member 240 comprises an upper flange
244 and a lower flange 246 that are separated by a web portion 248
that has a sharpened distal end 250 for cutting tissue. In various
embodiments, the translatable member 240 may be fabricated from,
for example, stainless steel or similar elastic materials or
alternatively from the class of superelastic materials such as
Nitinol or the like. In various embodiments, the upper flange 244
and the lower flange 246 of translatable member 240 may each be
optionally provided with cutout portions 252. The cutouts 252 may
be substantially V-shaped with their narrowest portion adjacent the
web 248 and their widest portion opening at the lateral edge of the
flange as shown in FIG. 5. The cutouts 252 in the upper flange 244
may be substantially aligned with like cutouts 252 in the lower
flange 246. To facilitate relatively tight bending of the
translatable member 240 (as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG.
5), the cutouts 252 may be oriented relatively close together. Such
translatable member arrangements enable the translatable member to
flex around the curved slots 242 in the first and second jaws 220A,
220B. Thus, as the translatable member 240 is advanced distally by
actuating the lever 128, the upper and lower flanged portions 244,
246 engage the first jaw 220A and the second jaw 220B to cam the
jaws 220A, 220B together to clamp and cut tissue therebetween.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates another translatable member 240' that is
similar to translatable member 240 described above, except that a
tissue-cutting wire 260 is provided between the upper and lower
flanges for tissue cutting purposes. The wire 260 may be fabricated
from, for example, stainless steel or the like and be mounted in
tension between the upper flange 244 and the lower flange 246. The
wire 260 may also be used in connection with a translatable member
240 that does not have the cutouts 252 in its flanges 244, 246. In
an alternative embodiment, the wire 260 may be connected to the RF
power source either directly or indirectly to cut electrically.
[0066] In various embodiments, the translatable member 240 may be
provided with the cut outs 252 as described above and be fabricated
from, for example, a relatively flexible or super elastic material
or alloy such as Nitinol, NiTi or other alloys with similar
properties. In other embodiments, the translatable member may be
fabricated out of Nitinol, NiTi or similar material and have the
shape of an I-beam without the cut outs 252 in the flanges. See
FIG. 7.
[0067] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate another electrosurgical instrument 300
that employs another non-limiting end effector embodiment 400 of
the present invention. The electrosurgical instrument 300 may be
identical in construction and operation as electrical surgical
instrument 100 except for the differences noted below. Turning to
FIGS. 9 and 10, it can be seen that the end effector 400 includes a
first jaw 420A and a second jaw 420B. The first jaw 420A may be
pivotally coupled to the second jaw 420B to enable the first jaw
420A to pivot between an open position (FIG. 9) and a closed
position (FIG. 10). First jaw 420A may comprise an upper first jaw
body 431A that is formed from a series of vertically laminated
layers 432A of material. In various embodiments, the laminated
layers 432A may be fabricated from materials that comprise a
thermal and/or electrical insulator, for example, zirconium,
partially stabilized zirconium, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride,
alumina-chromic, hydroxyapatite, other non-conductive glass
materials, or other non-conductive ceramic materials. Other
non-conductive glass-ceramic materials may also be employed. The
layers 432A may be vertically laminated together by an
electrometric material 434A such as, for example, polyisoprene,
silicone, etc. See FIG. 11. The laminated layers 432A may serve to
define a slot 442A for accommodating a translatable member 240 or
240' in the manner described above. The first jaw body 431A has an
upper first outward-facing surface 433A and an upper first energy
delivery surface 435A. As used herein, the term "vertically
laminated" means that the layers of material extend perpendicular
to a plane along with the energy delivery surface lies. Second jaw
420B may comprise a lower second jaw body 431B that is formed from
another series of vertically laminated layers 432B that may be
fabricated and laminated from the various materials described
above. The second jaw body 431B may have a lower second
outward-facing surface 433B and a lower second energy delivery
surface 435B. First energy delivery surface 435A and second energy
delivery surface 435B may both extend in a "U" shape about the
distal end of the end effector 200.
[0068] As seen in FIG. 11, electrosurgical energy may be delivered
through current paths 477 between first energy delivery surface
435A and second energy delivery surface 435B. Translatable member
240 may comprise an insulating layer to prevent member 240 from
functioning as a conductive path for current delivery. Opposing
first and second energy delivery surfaces 435A and 435B may carry
variable resistive positive temperature coefficient (PTC) bodies or
matrices that are coupled to electrical source 145 and controller
150 in series and parallel circuit components. First energy
delivery surface 435A and the corresponding PTC body can have a
negative polarity (-) while second energy delivery surface 435B and
the corresponding PTC body can have a positive polarity (+). PTC
materials will "trip" and become highly resistive or non-conductive
once a selected trip temperature is exceeded. First energy delivery
surface 435A and second energy delivery surface 435B can carry any
of the PTC matrix and electrode components disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,929,644 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL JAW STRUCTURE FOR CONTROLLED
ENERGY DELIVERY and U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,072 entitled
ELECTROSURGICAL JAW STRUCTURE FOR CONTROLLED ENERGY DELIVERY, the
respective disclosures of which are each fully incorporated herein
by reference. The use of PTC materials in electrosurgical
instruments is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,201 entitled
ELECTROSURGICAL JAW STRUCTURE FOR CONTROLLED ENERGY DELIVERY, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,929,622 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL JAW STRUCTURE FOR
CONTROLLED ENERGY DELIVERY, and U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2010/0036370 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW STRUCTURE
WITH CUTTING TIP, the respective disclosures of which are each
fully incorporated herein by reference. In various embodiments,
however, the first energy delivery surface 435A and the second
energy delivery surface 435B are each fabricated from layers that
are laminated together by, for example, adhesive or mechanical
means.
[0069] FIG. 12 is a top diagrammatical view of the end effector 400
and an actuating system 491 that may be employed to flex the end
effector 400 between the three positions illustrated therein. As
can be seen in that Figure, the actuating system 491 may comprise
at least one "first" cable 492 attached to each of said first and
second jaws 420A, 420B. That is at least one first cable 492 is
attached to the first jaw 420A and at least one other first cable
492 is attached to the second jaw 420B. Likewise, at least one
"second" cable 496 is attached to each of the first jaw 420A and
the second jaw 420B. That is, at least one second cable 496 is
attached to the first jaw 420A and at least one other second cable
496 is attached to the second jaw 420B. Such actuation system 491
enables the clinician to "pull" portions of the first jaw 420A and
portions of the second jaw 420B out of axial alignment with the
elongate shaft 106. That is, for example, the first cables 492 may
be used to pull portions of the first and second jaws 420A, 420B to
the left of axis 125 and the second cables 496 may be used to pull
portions of the first and second jaws 420A, 420B to the right of
the axis 125. The first cables 492 may extend through the hollow
elongated shaft 106 to be coupled to a first actuation member 494
that is operably supported by the handle 105. See FIG. 12.
Similarly, the second cables 496 may extend through the hollow
elongated shaft 106 to be coupled to a left actuation member 498
that is operably supported by the handle 105. For example, each
actuation member 494, 498 may comprise a lever arm, button, etc.
that is movably supported on the handle 105 and coupled to the
corresponding cables 492, 496 such that movement of the actuation
member 494 in one direction applies tension to the cables 492 to
cause the end effector to flex to one side of axis 125. Movement of
the actuation members 494, 498 in other directions permits the
cables 492, 496 to assume positions wherein the end effector 400
can assume a relatively coaxial orientation with the elongated
shaft member 106 to permit insertion of the end effector 400
through a lumen that will accept the hollow elongated shaft member
106. Similarly, movement of the actuation member 498 in one
direction applies tension to the cables 496 to flex the end
effector 400 to another side of axis 125. The actuation members
494, 498 may be selectively lockable in the various positions using
known locking arrangements. In still other embodiments, one or more
motors may be employed to apply tension to and relieve tension from
the cables to effectuate a desired flexing or bending of the end
effector 400. It will be understood that the end effector 400 may
otherwise operate in the various manners disclosed herein and that
the unique and novel design of the translatable member 240 or 240'
may flex or bend to travel through the respective slots 442A,
442B.
[0070] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate an electrosurgical instrument 500
according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment may employ a handle 105' that is
somewhat similar to handle 105 described above. However, the
electrosurgical instrument 500 does not employ a translatable
member that is designed to cut tissue and close the jaws 520A and
520B of the end effector 510. In this embodiment, the second jaw
520B is coupled to a spine member 530 that extends through the
hollow elongate tube 106 and is attached to the handle 105'. The
proximal end of the hollow elongate tube 106 interfaces with a
shuttle member 146 that is movably supported in handle 105' and
interfaces with the lever 128 such that pivotal movement of the
lever arm 128 along path 129 will cause the shuttle 146 and
elongate tube 106 to move axially relative to the handle 105' and
the spine member 530 as represented by arrow 523. See FIGS. 14 and
15. Such closure arrangements are generally known in the art
relating to other forms of surgical instruments, such as, for
example, endocutters and the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
7,588,176 entitled SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED
CLOSURE SYSTEM and U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,647 entitled SURGICAL
CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICE WITH CLOSURE APPARATUS FOR LIMITING
MAXIMUM TISSUE COMPRESSION FORCE, the disclosures of which are
herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 15, the first jaw 520A is pivotally
coupled to the second jaw 520B for selective pivotal travel
relative to the second jaw 520B (represented by arrow 521) upon the
axial movement of the elongate tube 106 represented by arrow 523.
First jaw 520A may comprise an upper first jaw body 531A that is
formed from a series of vertically laminated layers 532A. See FIG.
16. In various embodiments, the laminated layers 532A may be
fabricated from materials that comprise a thermal and/or electrical
insulator, for example, zirconium, partially stabilized zirconium,
aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, alumina-chromic, hydroxyapatite,
other non-conductive glass materials, or other non-conductive
ceramic materials. Other non-conductive glass-ceramic materials may
be employed. The layers 532A may be laminated together by an
elastomeric material such as, for example, polyisoprene, silicone,
etc. The first jaw body 531A has an upper first outward-facing
surface 533A and an upper first energy delivery surface 535A.
Second jaw 520B may comprise a lower second jaw body 531B that is
formed from another series of laminated layers 532B that may be
fabricated and laminated from the various materials described
above. The second jaw body 531B may have a lower second
outward-facing surface 533B and a lower second energy delivery
surface 535B. First energy delivery surface 535A and second energy
delivery surface 535B may both extend in a "U" shape about the
distal end of the end effector 510 and comprise vertical laminated
layers of material. As discussed above, electrosurgical energy may
be delivered through current paths between first energy delivery
surface 535A and second energy delivery surface 535B. The first
energy delivery surface 535A and the second energy delivery surface
535B may be configured to contact tissue and deliver
electrosurgical energy to engaged tissue which is adapted to seal
or weld the tissue. Opposing first and second energy delivery
surfaces 535A and 535B may carry a variable resistive positive
temperature coefficient (PTC) layer 540 that is coupled to
electrical source 145 and controller 150 in series and parallel
circuit components. First energy delivery surface 535A and the
corresponding PTC layer 540 can have a negative polarity (-) while
second energy delivery surface 535B and the corresponding PTC body
540 can have a positive polarity (+). PTC materials will "trip" and
become substantially more resistive or non-conductive once a
selected trip temperature is exceeded. First energy delivery
surface 535A and second energy delivery surface 435B can carry any
of the PTC matrix and electrode components in a laminated
arrangement. Controller 150 can regulate the electrical energy
delivered by electrical source 145 which in turn delivers
electrosurgical energy to first energy delivery surface 535A and
second energy delivery surface 535B. The energy delivery may be
initiated by activation button 124 operably engaged with lever arm
128 and in electrical communication with controller 150 via cable
152. As mentioned above, the electrosurgical energy delivered by
electrical source 145 may comprise radio frequency "RF" energy.
[0072] To facilitate flexible travel of the end effector 510 in the
manners, for example, depicted in FIG. 17, an actuating arrangement
600 of the type described above may be employed. In particular, the
actuating arrangement may comprise left cables 602 and right cables
606 that are attached to the first jaw 520A and the second jaw 520B
to essentially enable the clinician to "pull" the first jaw 520A
and second jaw 520B to the left and right of the axis 125. The
right cables 606 may extend through the hollow spine member 530 to
be coupled to a right actuation member 608 that is operably
supported by the handle 105'. See FIGS. 13 and 17. Similarly, the
left cables 602 may extend through the hollow spine member 530 to
be coupled to a left actuation member 604 that is operably
supported by the handle 105'. For example, each actuation member
604, 608 may comprise a lever arm, button, etc. that is movably
supported on the handle 105' and coupled to the corresponding
cables 602, 606 such that movement of the actuation member 604, 608
in one direction applies tension to the cables 602, 606 and
movement of the actuation member 604, 608 in another direction
permits the cables 602, 606 to assume positions wherein the end
effector 510 can assume a relatively coaxial orientation with the
elongated member 106 to permit insertion of the end effector 510
through a lumen that will accept the hollow elongated member 106.
The actuation members 604, 608 may be selectively lockable in the
various positions using known locking arrangements. In still other
embodiments, one or more motors may be employed to apply tension to
and relieve tension from the cables to effectuate a desired flexing
of the end effector 510.
[0073] FIG. 18 illustrates an end effector 700 according to another
non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. End effector 700
may comprise a flexible end effector of the type described above or
it could be essentially rigid. The end effector 700 has a first jaw
720A that is movably supported relative to a second jaw 720B. In
various non-limiting embodiments, for example, the first jaw 720A
may be pivotally coupled to or is otherwise pivotable relative to a
second jaw 720B by means of the axial displacement of the elongate
tube 106 in the various manners described above. As with various
other embodiments described above, the first jaw 720A has a first
jaw body 731A that has a width "W", an upper first outward-facing
surface 733A, an upper first energy delivery surface 735A and a
distal end 737A. Second jaw 720B may comprise a lower second jaw
body 731B that also has a width "W" which may or may not be
identical to width "W" of the first jaw body 731A and thus enable
the end effector 700 to be conveniently inserted through a trocar
or other lumen. The second jaw body 731B may have a second
outward-facing surface 733B, a second energy delivery surface 735B
and a second distal end 737B. First energy delivery surface 735A
and second energy delivery surface 735B may both extend in a "U"
shape about the distal end of the end effector 700. The energy
delivery surfaces 735A, 735B may otherwise operate in the various
manners described above. In this embodiment, to assist the surgeon
with dissecting the target tissue to be cauterized, a distally
extending blunt tip 760 may be provided on one or both of the first
and second jaws 735A, 735B. The blunt tip 760 may be relatively
smooth or in other embodiments, the blunt tip 760 may be coated
with or otherwise provided with fibrous structures 761 to allow
better non-powered dissection. As can be seen in FIG. 18, the blunt
tip 760 may have a diameter or width "D" that is less than the
widths "W", "W" to enable the tip 760 to be more easily inserted
into areas in which the jaws 720A, 720B could not otherwise enter.
In still other embodiments, an electrode (not shown) may be
provided in the tip 760 such that it is configured to work as a
monopolar dissector or alternatively a bipolar dissector.
[0074] In other non-limiting embodiments, the end effector 700' may
have a blunt tip portion 760' that is pivotally coupled to an
extension 764 that protrudes from one or both of the first and
second jaws 720A, 720B. See FIG. 19. The blunt tip portion 760' may
be pivotally coupled to the extension 764 by a hinge 766 that will
frictionally retain the blunt tip portion 760' in a desired
articulated position. For example, the surgeon may bring the blunt
tip portion 760' into contact with tissue or other structure to
pivot the blunt tip portion 760' to a desired position about a
vertical axis VA-VA that is substantially transverse to a
longitudinal axis LA-LA. The blunt tip portion 760' may be retained
in that position by friction between the components of the hinge
766. While FIG. 19 illustrates that the blunt tip portion is
attached to the extension 764 for pivotal travel about a vertical
axis, the blunt tip portion 760' may be attached to the extension
764 for selective pivotal travel about a horizontal axis (not
shown). In still other non-limiting embodiments, the blunt tip
portion 760' may be movably coupled to the extension by a
"universal" hinge arrangement that facilitates pivotal positioning
of the blunt tip portion 760' about a horizontal axis and a
vertical axis and thereafter retained in such desired position by
friction. In still other non-limiting embodiments, the blunt tip
portion 760 may be attached to extension 764 by a plurality of
hinges and intermediate tip portions to further enable the blunt
tip portion to be positioned in a desired orientation for
dissection purposes. Alternatively, the blunt tip portion may be
formed on the jaw members(s) and be constructed of a malleable
material that allows the user to pre-sect the shape prior to
insertion into the patient or after insertion with the use of
another instrument.
[0075] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an end effector 800 of another
non-limiting embodiment of the present invention that may be
identical to the end effector 700 except for the differences noted
below. End effector 800 may comprise a flexible end effector of the
type described above or it could be essentially rigid (not capable
of flexing out of axial alignment with the elongate tube 106). The
end effector 800 has a first jaw 820A that is pivotally coupled to
or is otherwise pivotable relative to a second jaw 820B by means of
the axial displacement of the elongate tube 106 in the various
manners described above. As with various other non-limiting
embodiments described above, the first jaw 820A has a first jaw
body 831A that has a first outward-facing surface 833A and a first
energy delivery surface 835A. Second jaw 820B may comprise a lower
second jaw body 831B that has a second outward-facing surface 833B
and a second energy delivery surface 835B. First energy delivery
surface 835A and second energy delivery surface 835B may both
extend in a "U" shape about the distal end of the end effector 800.
The energy delivery surfaces 835A, 835B may otherwise operate in
the various manners described above. In this embodiment, to assist
the surgeon with dissecting or otherwise separating the target
tissue to be cauterized, a distally extending first tip 860A may be
provided on the first jaw 820A and a distally extending second tip
860B may be provided on the second jaw 820B. The first tip 860A may
have a tapered outwardly facing surface 861A and a relatively
planar inwardly facing surface 862A. Tissue gripping grooves 865A
or bumps or other structures may be provided on the outer facing
surface 861A and or inwardly facing surface 862A. Similarly, the
second tip 860B may have a tapered outwardly facing surface 861B
and a relatively planar inwardly facing surface 862B. Tissue
gripping grooves 865B or bumps or other structures may be provided
on the outer facing surface 861B and/or the inwardly facing surface
862B.
[0076] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first and second
tips 860A, 860B are not powered. In other non-limiting embodiments,
however, the tip 860A comprises a portion of the first energy
delivery surface 835A or otherwise has an electrode portion
therein. Likewise, the second tip 860B comprises a portion of the
second energy delivery surface 835B or otherwise has an electrode
portion therein. When powered, the energy may arc from tip to tip
in a bipolar configuration or tip to tissue in a monopolar
configuration. FIG. 21 illustrates one potential use of the end
effector 800 to separate or dissect tissue "T".
[0077] FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an electrosurgical instrument 900
according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention. This non-limiting embodiment may employ a handle 105'
that is somewhat similar to handle 105 described above. However,
the electrosurgical instrument 900 does not employ a translatable
member that is designed to cut tissue and close the jaws 920A and
920B of an end effector 910. In this embodiment, the second jaw
920B is coupled to a spine member 930 (FIG. 23) that extends
through the hollow elongate tube 106 and is attached to the handle
105' in the manner described above. Axial travel of the elongate
tube 106 causes the first jaw 920A to pivot relative to the second
jaw 920B. Other jaw closing mechanisms may also be employed.
[0078] First jaw 920A may comprise a series of pivotally
interconnected first body segments 922A as shown in FIGS. 23-25.
The first body segments 922A are coupled together by a ball and
socket-type joint arrangement 923A such that they may pivot
relative to each other about a vertical axis VA-VA as shown in FIG.
23. Each first body segment 922A may be fabricated from, for
example, a thermal and/or electrical insulator. For example,
zirconium, partially stabilized zirconium, aluminum oxide, silicon
nitride, alumina-chromic, hydroxyapatite, other non-conductive
glass materials, other non-conductive ceramic materials, and other
non-conductive glass-ceramic materials may be employed. Each first
body segment 922B further has a first energy delivery electrode
935A mounted therein.
[0079] Similarly, the second jaw 920B may comprise a series of
pivotally interconnected second body segments 922B that are
pivotally interconnected by a ball and socket-type joint
arrangement 923B as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The second body
segments 922B are coupled together such that they may pivot
relative to each other about the vertical axes VA-VA as shown in
FIG. 23. Each second body segment 922B corresponds to a first body
segment 922A and may be fabricated from, for example, the same or
different material comprising the corresponding first body segment
922A. Each second body segment 922B further has a second energy
delivery electrode 935B mounted therein that corresponds to, and is
substantially vertically aligned with, the first energy delivery
electrode 935A in the corresponding first body segment 922A. The
first energy delivery electrodes 935A and the second energy
delivery electrodes 935B may be configured to contact tissue and
deliver electrosurgical energy to engaged tissue which is adapted
to seal or weld the tissue. Opposing first and second energy
delivery electrodes 935A and 935B may be coupled to electrical
source 145 and controller 150 in series and parallel circuit
components. First energy delivery electrode 935A and the first body
segment 922A can have a negative polarity (-) while second energy
delivery surface 935B and the corresponding second body segment
922B can have a positive polarity (+) or vice versa. The first and
second body segments 922A, 922B materials may "trip" and become
resistive or non-conductive once a selected trip temperature is
exceeded. Controller 150 can regulate the electrical energy
delivered by electrical source 145 which in turn delivers
electrosurgical energy to the first energy delivery electrodes 935A
and the second energy delivery electrodes 9353B. The energy
delivery may be initiated by activation button 124 operably engaged
with lever arm 128 and in electrical communication with controller
150 via cable 152. As mentioned above, the electrosurgical energy
delivered by electrical source 145 may comprise radio frequency
"RF" energy and may be either monopolar or bipolar in nature.
[0080] In various non-limiting embodiments, once the first body
segments 922A are oriented in a desired orientation relative to
each other, friction between the ball and socket components 923A
serve to retain the first body segments 922A in that position.
Similarly, once the second body segments 922B are oriented in a
desired orientation relative to each other, friction between the
ball and socket components 923B retain the second body segments
922B in that position. Optionally, a first locking cable 929A may
extend from a locking mechanism on the handle 105' through each
first body segment 922A to the distal-most body segment 922A. Once
the body segments 922A have been moved to a desired orientation,
the surgeon may apply tension to the first locking cable 929A by
means of the locking mechanism to pull the first body segments 922A
together to thereby lock them in place. Likewise, a second locking
cable 929B may extend from the locking mechanism 940 or another
locking mechanism on the handle 105' through each body segment 922B
to the distal-most body segment 922B. Once the body segments 922B
have been moved to the desired orientation, the surgeon may apply
tension to the second locking cable 929B to pull the second body
segments 922B together to thereby lock them in place.
[0081] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a portion of an end effector 1000
of another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention that
includes a first jaw 1020A and a second jaw 1020B. The first jaw
1020A may have a first tapered distal end portion 1021A and the
second jaw 1020B may have a second tapered distal end portion 1021B
that converges with the first tapered distal end portion 1021A to
form a substantially conical end effector tip 1022 that is
particularly well-suited for dissection purposes. The embodiment
may further include a reciprocating I-beam member 1040 that may be
identical in construction and operation as the I-beam members
described above, except for the following differences. More
specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 27, the I-beam member 1040 has
an upper flange 1042 and a lower flange 1044 that are
interconnected by a central web portion 1046. The central web
portion 1046 extends through aligned slots (not shown) in the first
jaw member 1020A and the second jaw member 1020B in the manner
described above. The upper flange 1042 may ride in a groove, slot
or recessed area in the first jaw member 1020A and the lower flange
1044 may ride in a groove, slot or recessed area in the second jaw
member 1020B such that, as the I beam member 1040 is distally
advanced through the first and second jaw members 1020A, 1020B, the
upper and lower flanges 1042, 1044 pivot the first and second jaws
1020A, 1020B together in the manner described above. As can be most
particularly seen in FIG. 27, the lower flange 1044 protrudes
further in the distal direction than does the upper flange 1042.
The portion of the central web 1046 that extends from the
distal-most edge of the lower flange 1044 to the distal-most edge
of the upper flange 1042 has a cutting edge 1047 formed thereon. In
various embodiments, the cutting edge 1047 may have an arcuate
profile when viewed from the side. See, for example, FIG. 27. Such
"recessed" I-beam arrangement, with an arcuate cutting surface, in
combination with the tapered distal tip of the end effector, allows
some compression of the first and second jaws 1020A, 1020B without
transecting the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws
1020A, 1020B. Stated another way, as the I-beam is advanced
distally within the end effector, the portion of the cutting
surface that protrudes out of the slot in the second jaw 1020B is
proximal to the distal most end of the portion of I-beam advancing
through the second jaw 1020B. In various applications, the jaws can
be actuated to add surface coagulation to cutting for tissue laying
on the extended portion of the lower jaw, for example. In still
other non-limiting embodiments, the distal edge of the web (i.e.,
edge 1047) may have a "C" shape or "U" shape. Stated another way,
when viewed from the side, the edge 1047 may form a substantially
horizontal "U" shape. Such unique I-beam configurations facilitate
the compression of tissue between the jaws which serves to drive
out water from the tissue. Current is then applied to the
compressed tissue before it is ultimately cut with the advancing
cutting edge. As a result, more robust seals are generally
attained.
[0082] FIGS. 28-31 illustrate an electrosurgical instrument 1100
according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention.
Electrosurgical instrument 1100 comprises a proximal handle end
105'', a distal end effector 1200 and an introducer or elongate
shaft member 1106 disposed in-between. In this non-limiting
embodiment, however, the elongate shaft member 1106 includes a
flexible spine assembly 1110 that is enclosed in a flexible hollow
sheath 1112.
[0083] FIGS. 29-31 illustrate various spine assembly components. In
particular, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, the spine
assembly 1110 may be fabricated from a plurality of interconnected
spine segments 1120. As can be seen in FIGS. 30 and 31, each spine
segment 1120 has a hollow body 1122 that is somewhat cylindrical in
shape. One end of the hollow body 1122 has an outwardly protruding
ball member 1124 formed thereon. The other end of the body 1122 has
a socket 1126 that is sized to rotatably receive and retain the
ball member 1124 of an adjacent segment 1120 therein. In various
embodiments, the proximal-most segment 1122 may be non-movably
attached to actuator wheel 107 rotatably supported on the handle
105''. See FIG. 28. Thus, rotation of the actuator wheel 107 will
cause the spine assembly 1110 to rotate about axis 125. The
distal-most spine segment 1120 is attached to the end effector
1200. In one embodiment, the end effector 1200 may include a set of
operable-closeable jaws 1220A and 1220B. The end effector 1200 may
be adapted for capturing, welding and transecting tissue. First jaw
1220A and second jaw 12206 may close to thereby capture or engage
tissue therebetween. First jaw 1220A and second jaw 1220B may also
apply compression to the tissue. The second jaw 1220B may be
attached to the distal-most spine segment 1120 and the first jaw
1220A may be pivotally or otherwise movably coupled to the second
jaw 1220B. In one embodiment, for example, the end effector 1200
may be identical in construction and operation to end effector 200
described in detail above.
[0084] The electrosurgical instrument 1110 may also employ a
translatable, reciprocating member or reciprocating "I-beam" member
240. The lever arm 128 of handle 105'' may be adapted to actuate a
flexible translatable member 240 which also functions as a
jaw-closing mechanism. For example, translatable member 240 may be
urged distally as lever arm 128 is pulled proximally along path
129. The distal end of translatable member 240 comprises a flexible
flanged "I"-beam that is configured to interface with the first and
second jaw members 1220A, 1220B in the manner described above. The
flexible translatable member 240 extends through the lumen 1130
provided through each spine segment 1120. See FIG. 31. The distal
end of the flexible translatable member 240 interfaces with the
first and second jaws 1220A, 1220B in the manner described above.
Wires for powering the end effector 1200 may also extend through
the lumen 1130 or extend through other passages (not shown) in the
spine segments 1120. The unique and novel aspects of the spine
assembly 1110 may also be employed with a host of other end
effector arrangements. For example, the lumens 1130 in the spine
segments 1120 may accommodate a variety of different actuator
arrangements, wires, cables etc. that may be used to control and
actuate the end effector.
[0085] The spine assembly 1110 may be effectively flexed in more
than two directions (some of which are represented by arrows 1111
in FIG. 29) by a control assembly generally designated as 1300. In
various embodiments, for example, control assembly 1300 may
comprise at least one actuation member 1310 that extends through
corresponding aligned hollow lugs 1130 formed on the perimeter of
the hollow body 1122 of each spine segment 1120. In the depicted
embodiment, the actuation members 1310 comprise four control
cables. In alternative embodiments, however, three control cables
could be employed to essentially achieve the same degrees of motion
achieved with four cables. U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,563, entitled
ENDOSCOPIC TRANSLUMENAL ARTICULATABLE STEERABLE OVERTUBE, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses
other steerable tubular arrangements that may be employed. In
alternative embodiments, the control members 1310 may also comprise
electrical conductors that communicate with the RF source to carry
the RF energy to the end effector.
[0086] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each spine
segment 1122 has four diametrically opposed lugs 1130 formed
thereon. Each of the control cables 1310 extend through the hollow
sheath 1106 and into the handle 105'' to interface with
articulation control mechanism 1400. In the depicted embodiment,
the articulation control mechanism 1400 comprises a joy stick
arrangement 1402 that is operably supported by the handle 105''.
Thus, movement of the joy stick arrangement 1402 will apply tension
to one or more of the cables 1310 to thereby cause the spine
assembly 1110 to articulate. Other cable control arrangements could
also be employed.
[0087] FIGS. 33-35 illustrate a monopolar electrosurgical
instrument 1500 according to another non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention. Electrosurgical instrument 1500 comprises a
proximal handle 105, a distal end effector 1600, and an introducer
or elongated shaft member 106 disposed in-between. The end effector
1600 in conjunction with a return pad (not shown) may be adapted
for controlled surface ablation in Barrett's esophagus, liver or
endometriosis procedures. As will be discussed in further detail
below, the end effector 1600 is movable relative to the elongate
shaft 106 which makes it particularly well-suited for laparoscopic
or open procedural use.
[0088] Handle 105 may comprise a lever arm 128 which may be pulled
along a path 129. The handle 105 can be any type of pistol-grip or
other type of handle known in the art that is configured to carry
actuator levers, triggers, etc. Elongate shaft 106 may have a
cylindrical or rectangular cross-section and can comprise a
thin-wall tubular sleeve that extends from handle 105. Elongate
shaft 106 may be fabricated from, for example, metal such as
stainless steel or plastics such as Ultem.RTM., or Vectra.RTM.,
etc. In still other embodiments, the elongate shaft 106 may
comprise a polyolefin heat shrunk tube and have a bore extending
therethrough for carrying actuator cables or members as well as for
carrying electrical leads for delivery of electrical energy to
electrosurgical components of end effector 1600. The elongate shaft
member 106 along with the end effector 1600 may, in some
embodiments, be rotatable a full 360.degree. about an axis 125,
relative to handle 105 through, for example, a rotary triple
contact.
[0089] The end effector 1600 may comprise a pad support 1602 that
is pinned or otherwise movably coupled to a distal end 107 of the
elongate shaft 106. In various embodiments, the pad support 1602
may be fabricated from relatively flexible material such as, for
example, poly carbonate or a relatively high durometer silicone
elastomer. However, other materials may be employed. Attached to
the flexible pad support 1602 is a conductor or electrode element
1604 and a flexible pad member 1606 that is fabricated from
positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material. For example, the
flexible pad member 1604 may be fabricated from that PTC material
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,072, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL JAW
STRUCTURE FOR CONTROLLED ENERGY DELIVERY, the disclosure of which
is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The conductor
or electrode element 1604 may be fabricated from, for example,
metals such as stainless steel or copper and be coupled to an RF
source 145 and controller 150 through electrical leads in cable
152. Such end effector 1600 includes an activation control button
131 that facilitates the application of controlled energy to
tissue. The energy delivery may be initiated by activation button
131 in electrical communication with controller 150 via cable 152.
As mentioned above, the electrosurgical energy delivered by
electrical source 145 may comprise radio frequency "RF". Lever 128
can provide control of the pad support 1602 relative to the
elongate shaft 106 for better alignment and approximation of the
pad 1602 to the tissue. The lever 128 may alternatively control
articulation of the elongate shaft proximal the distal end of the
elongate shaft 107.
[0090] This embodiment of the present invention provides the
ability to supply current/power to targeted tissue at a
predetermined critical temperature level. This is accomplished when
the applied RF energy to the tissue reaches the point in time that
the PTC pad 1606 is heated to its selected switching range.
Thereafter, current flow from the conductive electrode 1604 through
the flexible pad 1606 will be terminated due to the exponential
increase in the resistance of the PTC to provide instant and
automatic reduction of RF energy. Thus, the end effector 1600 can
automatically modulate the application of energy to tissue between
active RF heating and passive conductive heating to maintain a
target temperature level. In various embodiments, the PTC pad 1606
is engineered to exhibit a dramatically increasing resistance above
a specific temperature of the material. The energy delivery
electrode 1604 is applied internally to the patient's body. A
grounding pad applied externally to the patient's body completes
the circuit. The PTC material 1606 will "trip" and become resistive
or non-conductive once a selected trip temperature is exceeded. As
can be seen in FIG. 35, the flexible nature of the end effector
components enables the end effector to somewhat conform to
irregular tissue "T". These various embodiments may be employed to
treat tissues, such as, for example, liver tissue, lung tissue
cardiac tissue, prostate tissue breast tissue vascular tissue, etc.
by the application of radio frequencies thereto. The device can be
constructed for laparoscopic or open procedures. The flexible end
effector can be designed to allow access through an access port
such as a trocar. Further, the end effector can effectively apply
controlled energy to the tissue. The term "controlled" refers to
the ability to provide current/power to targeted tissue at a
predetermined critical temperature level. This may be accomplished
when the RF energy is applied to the tissue reaches the point in
time that the PTC material is heated to is selected switching
range. Thereafter, current flow from the conductive electrode
through the flexible engagement surface may be terminated due to
the exponential increase in the resistance of the PTC to provide
instant and automatic reduction of RF energy. Thus, the flexible
end effector can automatically modulate the application of energy
to tissue between active RF heating and passive conduct heating to
maintain a target temperature level.
[0091] FIGS. 36 and 37 depict another end effector 1600' that is
similar to end effector 1600 described above except for the
differences noted below. As can be seen in FIG. 36, the elongate
shaft 106 is attached to a yoke 109. The elongate shaft 106 may be
fabricated from an insulator material such as Ultem.RTM., Vectra,
etc. or a conductive material such as stainless steel. In other
embodiments, for example, the elongate shaft 106 may be fabricated
from a polyolefin heat shrunk tube. Yoke 109 may be fabricated from
an elastomer such as, for example, polyurethane or a shrink
material such as a polyolefin, polyvinylchloride (PVC) or Neoprene.
Yoke 109 is pivotally attached to a rigid pad portion 1620 that may
be fabricated from, for example, polycarbonate or a high durometer
silicone elastomer. The rigid pad portion 1620 is attached to a
flexible pad portion 1622 by, for example, an elastomeric adhesive
or overmolding process. Flexible pad portion 1622 may be fabricated
from polyisoprene or silicone. The flexible pad portion 1622 may
also be fabricated from closed or open cell Neoprene or silicone
foam. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 36, two (conductive) made
from stainless steel, copper, etc.) electrodes 1630 are attached to
the flexible pad portion 1622 by, for example, an elastomeric
adhesive and are attached to the controller and source of RF energy
by cables that extend through the elongate shaft 106 and handle. In
one non-limiting embodiment, the two electrodes 1630 may serve as
the source and return of the electrical circuit, as in a bipolar
instrument. In another non-limiting embodiment, the two electrodes
may be electrically connected and serve as a single source with an
external patient return as in a monopolar instrument. In other
embodiments, a single conductive electrode which may be
substantially coextensive with the flexible pad portion may be
employed. A flexible PTC member 1640 may be attached to the
electrode(s) 1630 by, for example, adhesive or mechanically
attached. This embodiment may be operated in the manner described
above.
[0092] The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed
of after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple
times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for
reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include a
combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by
cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent
reassembly. In particular, the device may be disassembled, and any
number of particular pieces or parts of the device may be
selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning
and/or replacement of particular parts, the device may be
reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility,
or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of different
techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly.
Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are
all within the scope of this application.
[0093] Preferably, the various embodiments of the devices described
herein will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used
instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can
then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument
is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or
TYVEK.RTM. bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a
field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma
radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills
bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized
instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed
container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the
medical facility. Other sterilization techniques can be done by any
number of ways known to those skilled in the art including beta or
gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, and/or steam.
[0094] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in
whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the
incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions,
statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this
disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as
explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material
incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof,
that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which
conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other
disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to
the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated
material and the existing disclosure material.
* * * * *