U.S. patent application number 16/520064 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-14 for ultrasonic surgical instrument.
The applicant listed for this patent is COVIDIEN LP. Invention is credited to ERIC R. LARSON, ANTHONY B. ROSS, ROBERT B. STODDARD, SCOTT D. UHLRICH.
Application Number | 20190343549 16/520064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63038443 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190343549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UHLRICH; SCOTT D. ; et
al. |
November 14, 2019 |
ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
Abstract
An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided, including a
handpiece, a lever operably coupled to the handpiece and movable
between first, second, and third positions, a shaft assembly
extending distally from the handpiece, and an ultrasonic waveguide
extending through the shaft assembly and defining a fixed jaw
member at a distal end portion thereof. An outlet at the distal end
of the fixed jaw member provides irrigation of fluid. The waveguide
functions as an aspirator well as a transector/dissector of tissue.
A movable jaw member is disposed towards a distal end portion of
the shaft assembly and is operably coupled to the lever such that
movement of the lever between the first, second, and third
positions moves the movable jaw member relative to the fixed jaw
member between a retracted position, an extended open position, and
an extended closed position.
Inventors: |
UHLRICH; SCOTT D.; (FORT
COLLINS, CO) ; ROSS; ANTHONY B.; (BOULDER, CO)
; STODDARD; ROBERT B.; (STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO) ;
LARSON; ERIC R.; (BOULDER, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COVIDIEN LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63038443 |
Appl. No.: |
16/520064 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15428686 |
Feb 9, 2017 |
10368897 |
|
|
16520064 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/2944 20130101;
A61B 2017/32007 20170801; A61B 2017/320084 20130101; A61B
2017/320094 20170801; A61B 2017/320078 20170801; A61B 17/320092
20130101; A61B 2017/00353 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/32 20060101
A61B017/32 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: a handpiece; a
shaft assembly extending distally from the handpiece; and an
ultrasonic waveguide extending through the shaft assembly and
including a fixed jaw member at a distal portion thereon, the fixed
jaw member defining a first aperture adapted to emit irrigation
fluid into a surgical site and a second aperture, independent of
the first aperture, adapted to receive aspirated material from a
surgical site.
22. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the first aperture communicates with a first passageway
extending through the waveguide.
23. The ultrasonic surgical according to claim 21, wherein the
second aperture communicates with a second passageway extending
through the waveguide.
24. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the first aperture communicates with a first passageway
extending through the waveguide and the second aperture
communicates with a second passageway extending through the
waveguide independent of the first passageway.
25. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the second aperture is positioned more-distally relative to
the first aperture.
26. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the first and second apertures are oriented in a
distally-facing direction.
27. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the handpiece further includes a fluid inlet port
communicating with the first aperture and configured to operably
couple to a fluid source.
28. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein the handpiece further includes a suction port communicating
with the second aperture and configured to operably couple to a
source of vacuum.
29. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein at least one of the first or second apertures defines a
substantially teardrop shape.
30. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 21,
wherein both of the first and second apertures define substantially
teardrop shapes.
31. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: a handpiece; a
shaft assembly extending distally from the handpiece; a lever
extending from the handpiece and operably coupled to the shaft
assembly; an ultrasonic waveguide extending through the shaft
assembly and including a fixed jaw member at a distal portion
thereon, the fixed jaw member defining a first aperture adapted to
emit irrigation fluid into a surgical site and a second aperture,
independent of the first aperture, adapted to receive aspirated
material from a surgical site; and a movable jaw member disposed
towards a distal portion of the shaft assembly and operably coupled
to the lever such that actuation of the lever moves the movable jaw
member relative to the fixed jaw member at least between an open
position, wherein the movable jaw member is spaced-apart from the
fixed jaw member, and a closed position, wherein the movable jaw
member is approximated relative to the fixed jaw member.
32. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein the first aperture communicates with a first passageway
extending through the waveguide and the second aperture
communicates with a second passageway extending through the
waveguide independent of the first passageway.
33. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 32,
wherein the handpiece further includes: a fluid inlet port
communicating with the first passageway and configured to operably
couple to a fluid source; and a suction port communicating with the
second passageway and configured to operably couple to a source of
vacuum.
34. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein the second aperture is positioned more-distally relative to
the first aperture.
35. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein the first and second apertures are oriented in a
distally-facing direction.
36. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein at least one of the first or second apertures defines a
substantially teardrop shape.
37. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein both of the first and second apertures define substantially
teardrop shapes.
38. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
further including an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the
handpiece and operably coupled to the waveguide.
39. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 31,
wherein actuation of the lever moves the movable jaw member
relative to the fixed jaw member between a retracted position,
wherein the movable jaw member is positioned proximally of the
fixed jaw member, the open position, and the closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/428,686, filed on Feb. 9, 2017, the
entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, and
more particularly, to an ultrasonic surgical instrument
2. Discussion of Related Art
[0003] Ultrasonic devices for surgical uses are well known.
Ultrasonic devices convert electrical energy into high frequency
mechanical impulses (ultrasonic waves) that are then used to treat
tissue.
[0004] One type of commonly used ultrasonic surgical device is an
ultrasonic aspirator, which typically includes a handpiece, an
elongated probe, and a vibrating tip. Ultrasonic waves emanating
from the vibrating tip treat tissue with high water content (e.g.,
tumors, liver parenchyma) while tissue with low water content
(e.g., nerves, vessels, membranes) is left untreated or minimally
treated. Thus, ultrasonic aspirators demonstrate inherent tissue
selectivity, providing the ability to avoid critical tissue
structures from damage. Ultrasonic aspirators are useful for fine
dissection of soft and calcified tissues such as liver parenchyma
and soft tumors. However, ultrasonic aspirators have limited
hemostatic effect and little ability to dissect other tissues, such
as connective tissue. As a result, ultrasonic aspirators are often
used with other surgical devices, e.g., ultrasonic shears.
[0005] Ultrasonic shears provide good hemostatic effect and are
capable of dissecting connective tissue. Ultrasonic shears usually
include an elongated shaft attached to a handle assembly. The
distal end of the elongated shaft may have a blade and clamp
mechanism capable of grasping, coagulating, and cutting tissue.
However, ultrasonic shears may increase the risk of inadvertently
grasping, coagulating, and cutting critical tissue structures.
Thus, during certain procedures, surgeons often use both devices,
leveraging the strength of each device. For example, in a liver
transection, a surgeon may use an ultrasonic aspirator for fine
dissection of liver parenchyma and then transition to ultrasonic
shears to skeletonize and seal bile ducts. Using several devices
during a procedure may be expensive, cumbersome, and increase
operation time and complexity.
SUMMARY
[0006] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure is an ultrasonic surgical instrument including a
handpiece, a lever operably coupled to the handpiece and movable
between first, second, and third positions, a shaft assembly
extending distally from the handpiece, and an ultrasonic waveguide
extending through the shaft assembly and defining a fixed jaw
member at a distal portion thereof. A movable jaw member may be
disposed towards a distal portion of the shaft assembly and
operably coupled to the lever such that movement of the lever
between the first, second, and third positions moves the movable
jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member between a retracted
position, wherein the movable jaw member is retracted relative to
the fixed jaw member, an extended open position, wherein the
movable jaw member opposes and is spaced-apart from the fixed jaw
member, and an extended closed position, wherein the movable jaw
member opposes and is approximated relative to the fixed jaw
member.
[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fixed jaw member
defines a first aperture adapted to emit irrigation fluid
therefrom.
[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first
aperture communicates with a first passageway extending through the
waveguide or the shaft assembly to the handpiece.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the fixed
jaw member defines a second aperture for receiving aspirated
material from a surgical site.
[0010] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the
second aperture communicates with a second passageway extending
through the waveguide or the shaft assembly to the handpiece.
[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic
transducer is disposed within the handpiece and operably coupled to
the waveguide.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dual
stage button is disposed on the handpiece and coupled to the
ultrasonic transducer for activating the ultrasonic transducer in
each of a low power mode and a high power mode.
[0013] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a drive
assembly is operably coupled between the movable jaw member and the
lever such that movement of the lever between the first, second,
and third positions moves the movable jaw member relative to the
fixed jaw member between the retracted, extended open, and extended
closed positions.
[0014] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the
drive assembly includes an actuation sleeve slidably disposed
within the shaft assembly, the actuation sleeve having a proximal
end portion operatively connected to the lever and a distal end
portion operatively connected to the movable jaw member, wherein
movement of the lever translates the actuation sleeve through the
shaft assembly to move the movable jaw member relative to the fixed
jaw member.
[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an upper pin
and a lower pin are operably associated with the movable jaw
member.
[0016] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the shaft
assembly defines a dual slot arrangement including an upper slot
for receipt of the upper pin, the upper slot having a proximal
longitudinal portion and a distal downward sloping portion, and a
lower slot for receipt of the lower pin, the lower slot having a
proximal longitudinal portion and a distal downward sloping
portion.
[0017] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, in
the retracted position of the movable jaw member, the upper and
lower pins are disposed at proximal end portions of the proximal
longitudinal portions of the respective upper and lower slots.
[0018] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, in the
extended open position of the movable jaw member, the upper pin is
disposed at a transition between the proximal longitudinal portion
and the distal downward sloping portion of the upper slot, and the
lower pin is disposed at a distal end of the distal downward
sloping portion of the lower slot.
[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in the extended
closed position of the movable jaw member, the upper and lower pins
are disposed at distal end portions of the distal downward sloping
portions of the respective upper and lower slots.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dial is
disposed at a distal end portion of the handpiece and operably
coupled to the shaft assembly for selectively rotating the shaft
assembly and the end effector assembly relative to the
handpiece.
[0021] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the
handpiece includes a fluid inlet port configured to operably couple
to a fluid source.
[0022] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the
handpiece includes a suction port configured to operably couple to
a source of vacuum.
[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable jaw
member includes a clamp pad disposed thereon.
[0024] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the clamp
pad further includes teeth configured to facilitate grasping tissue
between the movable jaw member and the fixed jaw member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Objects and features of the present disclosure will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions
thereof are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment
of an ultrasonic surgical instrument provided in accordance with
the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the
ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the
indicated area of detail delineated in FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 3A is a side, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a
proximal end portion of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG.
1 showing a lever in a distal position "D";
[0030] FIG. 3B is a side view of an end effector assembly of the
ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in a retracted position
"R" corresponding to the distal position "D" of the lever;
[0031] FIG. 4A is a side, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the
proximal end portion of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG.
1 showing the lever in a first proximal position "P1";
[0032] FIG. 4B is a side view of the end effector assembly of the
ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in the open position "O"
corresponding to the first proximal position "P1" of the lever;
[0033] FIG. 5A is a side, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the
proximal end portion of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG.
1 showing the lever in a second proximal position "P2";
[0034] FIG. 5B is a side view of the end effector assembly of the
ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in a closed position "C"
corresponding to the second proximal position "P2" of the lever;
and
[0035] FIG. 6 is a side view of the drive assembly of the
ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The ultrasonic surgical instrument of the present disclosure
incorporates the features of ultrasonic aspirators and ultrasonic
shears into a single device. In the ultrasonic aspiration mode, the
device allows for fine dissection of tissue, for example, around
critical structures. In the ultrasonic shears mode, the device
provides the ability to clamp, coagulate, and/or dissect tissue.
These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure are
detailed hereinbelow.
[0037] Referring generally to FIG. 1, an ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 provided in accordance with the present disclosure
generally includes a handpiece 12, a body assembly 14 (FIG. 2), a
dual stage button 15, a dial 70, a shaft assembly 75, an end
effector assembly 80, a lever 90, and a drive assembly 100 (FIG.
6). Aspects and features of ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 not
germane to the understanding of the present disclosure are omitted
to avoid obscuring the aspects and features of the present
disclosure in unnecessary detail.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A, handpiece 12 at least
partially encloses and supports a body assembly 14 including a
transducer 16, e.g., a piezoelectric stack, a horn 18, and a
waveguide 20 that extends distally from handpiece 12 to end
effector assembly 80. A cable 19 electrically couples the
transducer 16 to a source of electrical energy (not shown). In
embodiments, an O-ring (not shown) may be placed onto the proximal
end of the transducer. Electrical energy provided from the
electrical energy source (not shown) is transmitted to electrodes
associated with transducer 16 to drive the transducer 16.
Transducer 16 converts the electrical energy into mechanical
impulses (i.e., ultrasonic waves) which are then transmitted
through horn 18 to waveguide 20. Transducer 16 is configured as a
piezoelectric stack and may operate at a frequency of between 23 Hz
to 55 kHz, although it is also envisioned that any suitable
transducer of any frequency may be used. As will be described in
further detail below (FIGS. 3A-5B), the resulting ultrasonic energy
transmitted via waveguide 20 to end effector assembly 80 allows end
effector assembly 80 to treat tissue. Dial 70 is operably coupled
to body assembly 14 so as to enable selective rotation of shaft
assembly 75 and end effector assembly 80 relative to handpiece
12.
[0039] Dual stage button 15 may be used to activate ultrasonic
surgical instrument 10 in both an ultrasonic aspiration mode "A"
(FIG. 3B) and an ultrasonic shears mode "B" (FIGS. 4B and 5B), as
described in further detail below. In the ultrasonic aspiration
mode "A" (FIG. 3B), upon a first depression of dual stage button
15, ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may be activated in a low
power mode, which may initiate a tissue selective algorithm, e.g.,
low suction, low amplitude/frequency, and duty cycling. Upon a
second depression of dual stage button 15 in the ultrasonic
aspiration mode "A" (FIG. 3B), ultrasonic surgical instrument 10
may transition from the low power mode to a high power mode,
corresponding to a debulking algorithm, e.g., high suction, high
amplitude, no duty cycling. In the ultrasonic shears mode "B"
(FIGS. 4B and 5B), the first and second depressions of dual stage
button 15 may correspond to low and high power modes, respectively.
In either mode, upon depression of dual stage button 15, ultrasonic
energy is emitted from transducer 16 and transmitted along horn 18
and waveguide 20 to a fixed jaw member 83 defined at a distal end
portion of waveguide 20. The ultrasonic energy causes fixed jaw
member 83 of waveguide 20 to rapidly vibrate such that, when
contacted with tissue, enables the treatment of tissue.
[0040] An irrigation and aspiration fluid housing 38 is disposed
towards the proximal end portion of handpiece 12. A fluid inlet 42
communicates with an annular fluid line 44 defined between an inner
surface of inner tube 76 of shaft assembly 75 and an outer surface
of waveguide 20. Fluid line 44 ultimately communicates with an
irrigation channel 82b (FIG. 3B) defined through body portion 82a
(FIG. 3B) of fixed jaw member 83. Thus, irrigation fluid may be
urged through fluid inlet 42, through annular fluid line 44,
through body portion 82a of fixed jaw member 83, and out a distal
opening 82c of irrigation channel 82b, as indicated by arrow "IR"
(FIG. 2A). Outer tube 77 of shaft assembly 75 surrounds inner tube
76, with actuation shaft 110 of drive assembly 100 (FIGS. 2 and 6)
disposed therebetween. Irrigation channel 82b may include a
polyimide tube (not shown) extending at least partially
therethrough. Further, a flue (not shown) of any suitable shape,
size, or material may be placed around distal opening 82c.
[0041] An aspiration channel 81b extends longitudinally from a
distal opening 81c defined within body portion 81a of fixed jaw
member 83 to an axial passage 58 defined within waveguide 20. An
outlet conduit 62 communicates with axial passage 58 to enable the
aspiration of irrigation fluid and emulsified tissue adjacent to
end effector assembly 80. Fluid inlet 42 and outlet conduit 62 may
be coupled separately to a pump source (not shown) and a vacuum
source (not shown), respectively, for enabling irrigation and
aspiration, or may be coupled to a combined pump/vacuum source (not
shown). Thus, emulsified tissue and irrigation fluid may be
aspirated, e.g., vacuumed or pumped, as indicated by arrow "AS"
(FIG. 2A), into distal opening 81c and aspiration channel 81b
through axial passage 58 and out of outlet conduit 62.
[0042] Shaft assembly 75 extends distally from handpiece 12 and
includes end effector assembly 80 (FIGS. 1-5) disposed at a distal
end portion thereof. Outer tube 77 of shaft assembly 75 defines a
slot arrangement 120 (FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B) towards the distal end
portion thereof. End effector 80 includes fixed jaw member 83
defined at the distal end portion of waveguide 20 and a movable jaw
member 84. Movable jaw member 84 includes a body 84a and two pins
84b, 84c operably coupled to body 84a, which are engagable and/or
movable within slot arrangement 120 (FIGS. 3B-5B), as detailed
below, to manipulate movable jaw member 84 relative to fixed jaw
member 83.
[0043] Movable jaw member 84 defines a jaw member body 84a and two
pins disposed thereon: an upper pin 84b and a lower pin 84c. Upper
pin 84b and lower pin 84c, in relation to each other, may be
configured in a longitudinally offset arrangement. Movable jaw
member 84 is slidably and pivotably mounted relative to fixed jaw
member 83 and shaft assembly 75 via receipt of pins 84b, 84c within
slot arrangement 120 of shaft assembly 75. As will be described
below, in addition to the ultrasonic aspiration mode "A" (FIGS. 3A
and 3B) in which fixed jaw member 83 is utilized to treat, e.g.,
dissect, tissue, fixed jaw member 83 may be used in conjunction
with movable jaw member 84 in an ultrasonic shears mode "B" (FIGS.
4A-4B) to selectively grasp and treat, e.g., coagulate and dissect
tissue.
[0044] Movable jaw member 84 may include a clamp pad 85 (FIG. 4B)
disposed thereon. Claim pad 85 may define teeth 86 (FIG. 4B) to
provide traction against movement of tissue disposed between jaw
members 83, 84. Clamp pad 85 (FIG. 4B) may also include tread
patterns or other suitable patterns for this purpose, and may be
formed from TEFLON.TM. or the like to reduce friction. Fixed jaw
member 83 may have a Gaussian cross-sectional profile or other
suitable cross-sectional profile to provide the best surface area
for distribution of ultrasonic energy and for adequate tissue
contact. In addition, the Gaussian cross-sectional profile
maximizes displacement with minimal stress. Body portion 82a of
fixed jaw member 83 provides a sharp edge, e.g., for the dissection
and sealing of tissue.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, lever 90 is disposed on and
extends into handpiece 12. Lever 90 is movable between a distal
position "D" (FIG. 3A), a first proximal position "P1" (FIG. 4A),
and a second proximal position "P2" (FIG. 5A) and is operably
connected to drive assembly 100 (FIG. 6). Drive assembly 100
includes an actuation shaft 110 that extends between inner tube 76
and outer tube 77 of shaft assembly 75 and is operably coupled to
jaw member 84. As detailed below, movement of lever 90 translates
actuation shaft 110 to move movable jaw member 84. The retention of
pins 84b, 84c within slot arrangement 120 allows movable jaw member
84 to be movable between a retracted position "R" (FIG. 3B), an
open position "O" (FIG. 4B), and/or closed position "C" (FIG. 5B)
in response to movement of lever 90. When movable jaw member 84 is
in the retracted position "R" (FIG. 3B), ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 is in the "ultrasonic aspiration mode "A" (FIGS. 3A
and 3B). When jaw member 84 is in the open position "O" or closed
position "C" (FIGS. 4B and 5B, respectively), ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 is in the ultrasonic shears mode "B" (FIGS. 4A-5B)
and can be utilized in conjunction with fixed jaw member 83 to
enable the selective grasping, coagulation, and dissection of
tissue.
[0046] With particular reference to FIG. 6, drive assembly 100
generally includes, in addition to actuation shaft 110, an upper
bar 101, a lower bar 102, and a cross bar 103 disposed between
upper and lower bars 101, 102 and interconnecting upper and lower
bars 101, 102. A distal end portion 102a of lower bar 102 is
operatively connected to lever 90 while a proximal end portion 102b
of lower bar 102 is operatively connected, e.g., pivotably coupled,
to a lower end 103a of cross bar 103. A proximal end portion 101b
of upper bar 101 is operatively connected, e.g., pivotably coupled,
to an upper end 103b of cross bar 103, while a distal end portion
101a of upper bar 101 is operatively connected, e.g., pivotably
coupled, to actuation shaft 110. A middle portion 103c of cross bar
103 is operatively connected, e.g., pivotably coupled, to body
assembly 14. Actuation shaft 110 is slidably mounted relative to
handpiece 12 and shaft assembly 75 for movement in an axial
direction (e.g., distally and proximally).
[0047] Lever 90 extends into and is pivotably coupled within
handpiece 12 to enable lever 90 to pivot upon a fixed point within
handpiece 12 between the three positions described above ("D,"
"P1," and "P2," (FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, respectively)). Since lever 90
is operatively connected to drive assembly 100, which is
operatively connected to actuation shaft 110, movement of lever 90
urges actuation shaft 110 distally or proximally in the axial
direction depending on the position of lever 90. More specifically,
pivoting of lever 90 distally urges actuation shaft 110 proximally,
while pivoting of lever 90 proximally urges actuation shaft 110
distally. A distal end portion of actuation shaft 110 (FIG. 2) is
operatively connected to movable jaw member 84.
[0048] Referring back to FIGS. 3A-5B, slot arrangement 120 includes
an upper slot 121 and a lower slot 122 defined within outer tube 77
of shaft assembly 75. Upper slot 121 has a longitudinal portion
121a that transitions into a downward sloping distal portion 121b.
Lower slot 122 has a longitudinal portion 122a that transitions
into a downward sloping distal portion 122b. Distal portion 121b
and/or distal portion 122b may be linear or may define curved
configurations. Upper pin 84b of movable jaw member 84 is slidably
disposed within upper slot 121, while lower pin 84c of movable jaw
member 84 is slidably disposed within lower slot 122. The relative
positioning of pins 84b, 84c on movable jaw member 84 and the
configuration and relative positioning of slots 121, 122 provides a
configuration whereby pivoting of lever 90 moves movable jaw member
84 between its three positions, as detailed below. Although
ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is shown as a "pencil-style"
device, it should be appreciated that ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 could be implemented with a pistol grip or any other
suitable configuration. Ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may also
be operatively connected to a computing device (not shown), such
that the operation of ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may be
monitored and/or adjusted before or during a procedure. Ultrasonic
surgical instrument 10 may also be provided in a battery powered
and/or cordless configuration.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 is shown in the ultrasonic aspiration mode "A." The
ultrasonic aspiration mode "A" is achieved when lever 90 is moved
to a distal most position "D." In ultrasonic aspiration mode "A,"
end effector 80 of ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may be used,
for example, to finely/precisely dissect tissues around critical
structures.
[0050] In ultrasonic aspiration mode "A," jaw member 84 is in a
retracted position "R" such that it does not obstruct the surgeon's
view during a procedure or interfere with fine dissection of
tissue. Suction and/or irrigation are operable in the ultrasonic
aspiration mode "A." For example, irrigation fluid is ejected from
distal opening 82c of irrigation channel 82b to wash the
transection plane and tissue particles from the surgical site such
that the surgeon's view remains unobstructed. Additionally,
irrigation fluid from distal opening 82c of irrigation channel 82b
may cool fixed jaw member 83 to prevent burning or charring of
tissue. Fluid flowing into and through ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 may also prevent ultrasonic surgical instrument 10
from failure caused by overheating. Likewise, fragmented bits of
tissue as well as irrigation fluid and other fluids are aspirated
from the surgical site through distal opening 81c of aspiration
channel 81b. Distal openings 81c, 82c may have a substantially
teardrop shape to facilitate, e.g., the aspiration and irrigation
of tissue.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3B, with movable jaw member 84 in the
retracted position "R," upper pin 84b and lower pin 84c are
disposed at the most proximal ends of upper slot 121 and lower slot
122, respectively. In this retracted position "R," clamp pad 85 of
jaw member 84 is not in contact with jaw member 83 as shown by gap
"G" (FIG. 3B).
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, ultrasonic surgical
instrument 10 is shown in the ultrasonic shears mode "B." In the
ultrasonic shears mode "B," ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 can
be used to treat (e.g., coagulate and/or dissect) tissue. The
ultrasonic shears mode "B" may be achieved when lever 90 is moved
from the distal position "D" (FIG. 3A) to a first proximal position
"P1" (FIG. 4A), which causes movable jaw member 84 to extend and
pivot from the retracted position "R" (FIG. 3B) to the extended,
open position "O" (FIG. 4B). As shown in FIG. 5A, further proximal
movement of lever 90 causes it to reach its proximal most position,
or second proximal position "P2," which causes jaw member 84 to
pivot towards jaw member 83 into a closed position "C" (FIG. 5B).
Thus, in ultrasonic shears mode "B," tissue disposed between jaw
members 83, 84 can be grasped and treated.
[0053] In order to move movable jaw member 84 from the retracted
position "R" (FIG. 3B) to the extended, open position "O" (FIG.
4B), as noted above, lever 90 is pivoted proximally from the distal
position "D" to the first proximal position "P1." In response to
this movement of lever 90, actuation shaft 110 (FIGS. 2 and 6) is
moved distally such that lower pin 84c of jaw member 84 is moved to
the most distal position of distal portion 122b of lower slot 122,
while upper pin 84b is moved to the transition point between
longitudinal portion 121a and distal portion 121b of slot 121. This
movement of pins 84b, 84c within slots 121, 122 guides movable jaw
member 84 to move distally and pivot to the extended, open position
"O," whereby lower pin 84c in the distal most position of distal
portion 122b of lower slot 122 acts as a pivot point for jaw member
84. In open position "O," upper pin 84b and lower pin 84c may be
longitudinally aligned, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in order to pivot movable jaw
member 84 from the open position "O" (FIG. 4B) to the closed
position "C" (FIG. 5B), as noted above, lever 90 is pivoted
proximally from the first proximal position "P1" (FIG. 4A) to the
second proximal position "P2" (FIG. 5A). In response to this
movement of lever 90, actuation shaft 110 (FIGS. 2 and 6) is moved
further distally such that upper pin 84b and lower pin 84c of jaw
member 84 are guided into the distal most position of distal
portion 121b of upper slot 121 and the distal most position of
distal portion 122b of lower slot 122, respectively. To achieve the
closed position "C," upper pin 84b and lower pin 84c of jaw member
body 84a and jaw member 84 are urged distally and through the
downwardly sloping distal portions 121b, 122b of slots 121, 122,
causing clamp pad 85 of jaw member 84 to contact and engage with
jaw member 83, thereby eliminating gap "G." However, it is also
contemplated that, rather than entirely eliminating the gap "G," a
smaller gap be provided in the closed position "C."
[0055] The travel distance of jaw member 84 between the retracted
position "R," open position "O," and/or closed position "C" may be
relatively small. To give a user appropriate tactile feedback
between the actuation of lever 90 and the resulting travel of jaw
member 84 within slot arrangement 120, the boomerang-shape-like
configuration of cross bar 103 allows for maximum travel of lever
90, such that the travel of lever 90 from each position (e.g., "D"
to "P1" or "D to "P2," "P1" to "D" or "P1" to "P2," "P2" to "D" or
"P2" to "P1") is amplified versus the actual travel distance of jaw
member 84, resulting in an appropriate level of tactile
feedback.
[0056] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present
disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and variances. The embodiments described with
reference to the attached drawings are presented only to
demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements,
steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different
from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also
intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *