U.S. patent application number 16/571137 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for surgical instrument with stopper assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is COVIDIEN LP. Invention is credited to VICTOR APPEL, SIMRANJEET BHAGAT.
Application Number | 20200008864 16/571137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54360323 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200008864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BHAGAT; SIMRANJEET ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH STOPPER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated member
that extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal
axis, an end effector assembly coupled to a distal portion of the
elongated member, and a stopper assembly operably coupled to the
proximal portion of the outer shaft member. The stopper assembly is
disposed within one or more cavities defined within the housing.
The stopper assembly is configured to prevent longitudinal movement
of the outer shaft member along the longitudinal axis and to rotate
within the one or more cavities upon rotation of the elongated
member about the longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
BHAGAT; SIMRANJEET; (PUNJAB,
IN) ; APPEL; VICTOR; (Lynchburg, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COVIDIEN LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54360323 |
Appl. No.: |
16/571137 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14574693 |
Dec 18, 2014 |
10463422 |
|
|
16571137 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/2946 20130101;
A61B 17/29 20130101; A61B 2017/2903 20130101; A61B 17/295 20130101;
A61B 2018/1455 20130101; A61B 2017/0046 20130101; A61B 2018/00297
20130101; A61B 18/1445 20130101; A61B 2090/034 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/14 20060101
A61B018/14 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; an
elongated shaft extending from the housing and defining a lumen
therethrough; an end effector assembly disposed at a distal portion
of the elongated shaft and configured to deliver electrosurgical
energy to tissue; a key slot including a pair of openings defined
through opposing sides of an outer surface of the elongated shaft;
and a key member having a length greater than an outermost diameter
of the elongated shaft, the key member received through the lumen
via the key slot such that opposing ends of the key member extend
outwardly from the opposing sides of the outer surface of the
elongated shaft to prevent longitudinal movement of the elongated
shaft.
22. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 21, wherein
the housing defines an interior cavity defined between a distal
wall and a proximal wall, each of the proximal and distal walls
defining an annular clearance therethrough.
23. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 22, wherein a
proximal portion of the elongated shaft extends through the annular
clearance of each of the proximal and distal walls.
24. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 22, wherein
the key member is rotatable within the cavity about a longitudinal
axis defined by the elongated shaft upon rotation of the elongated
shaft about the longitudinal axis.
25. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 22, further
comprising a spindle disposed on a proximal portion of the
elongated shaft and disposed within the annular clearance defined
through the proximal wall, the spindle including a distal portion
disposed within the cavity distal to the annular clearance defined
by the proximal wall and a proximal portion disposed proximal to
the annular clearance defined by the proximal wall.
26. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 25, wherein
the key member is configured to engage at least one of the distal
wall of the cavity or the distal portion of the spindle to prevent
longitudinal movement of the elongated shaft.
27. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 25, further
comprising a spring disposed on the elongated shaft and configured
to compress against the proximal portion of the spindle.
28. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 25, wherein a
diameter of the proximal and distal portions of the spindle is
greater than a diameter of the annular clearance defined by the
proximal wall.
29. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 21, wherein
the key member is secured within the key slot via a friction fit
between the key member and the elongated shaft.
30. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 21, wherein
the key member is received through the lumen via the key slot along
an axis defined transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the
elongated shaft.
31. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; an
elongated shaft having a proximal portion disposed within the
housing and defining a longitudinal axis; a pair of opposing jaw
members disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft and
configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue; a key slot
including a pair of openings defined through opposing sides of an
outer surface of the proximal portion of the elongated shaft; and a
key member having a length greater than an outermost diameter of
the elongated shaft, the key member received through the elongated
shaft via the key slot along an axis defined transverse to a the
longitudinal axis such that opposing ends of the key member extend
outwardly from the opposing sides of the outer surface, the
opposing ends of the key member configured to contact a portion of
the housing to prevent movement of the elongated shaft along the
longitudinal axis.
32. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 31, wherein
the opposing ends of the key member are configured to contact the
portion of the housing to prevent distal movement of the elongated
shaft along the longitudinal axis.
33. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 31, wherein
the housing defines an interior cavity defined between a distal
wall and a proximal wall, each of the proximal and distal walls
defining an annular clearance therethrough.
34. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 33, wherein
the proximal portion of the elongated shaft extends through the
annular clearance of each of the proximal and distal walls.
35. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 33, wherein
the key member is rotatable within the cavity about the
longitudinal axis upon rotation of the elongated shaft about the
longitudinal axis.
36. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 33, further
comprising a spindle disposed on a proximal portion of the
elongated shaft and disposed within the annular clearance defined
through the proximal wall, the spindle including a distal portion
disposed within the cavity distal to the annular clearance defined
by the proximal wall and a proximal portion disposed proximal to
the annular clearance defined by the proximal wall.
37. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 36, wherein
the key member is configured to engage the distal wall of the
cavity to prevent distal longitudinal movement of the elongated
shaft and engage the distal portion of the spindle to prevent
proximal longitudinal movement of the elongated shaft.
38. A stopper assembly for preventing longitudinal movement of an
elongated shaft of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a key
slot including a pair of openings defined through opposing sides of
an outer surface of an elongated shaft of an electrosurgical
instrument; and a key member received through a lumen defined
through the elongated shaft via the key slot such that opposing
ends of the key member extend outwardly from the opposing sides of
the outer surface of the elongated shaft, the opposing ends of the
key member configured to engage a portion of the electrosurgical
instrument to prevent longitudinal movement of the elongated
shaft.
39. The stopper assembly according to claim 38, wherein the key
member is secured within the key slot via a friction fit between
the key member and the elongated shaft.
40. The stopper assembly according to claim 38, wherein the key
member is received through the lumen via the key slot along an axis
defined transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated
shaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/574,693 filed on Dec. 18, 2014, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
surgical instruments. In particular, the disclosure relates to an
endoscopic electrosurgical forceps having a housing including a
mechanism disposed therein that prevents longitudinal movement of
an elongated member extending from the housing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electrosurgical forceps are commonly used in open and
endoscopic surgical procedures to coagulate, cauterize and seal
tissue. Such forceps typically include a housing and a pair of jaws
disposed on a distal portion of an elongated member extending from
the housing. The pair of jaws can be controlled by a surgeon to
grasp targeted tissue, such as, e.g., a blood vessel. The jaws may
be approximated to apply a mechanical clamping force to the tissue,
and are associated with at least one electrode to permit the
delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue. The combination
of the mechanical clamping force and the electrosurgical energy has
been demonstrated to join adjacent layers of tissue captured
between the jaws. When the adjacent layers of tissue include the
walls of a blood vessel, sealing the tissue may result in
hemostasis, which may facilitate the transection of the sealed
tissue. A detailed discussion of the use of an electrosurgical
forceps may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,697 to Dycus et al.
[0004] Operation of the electrosurgical forceps typically involves
longitudinal actuation of the internal components of the elongated
member as well as rotational actuation of the elongated member.
During use, longitudinal actuation of such internal components may
result in inadvertent longitudinal movement of the elongated member
relative to the housing. Thus, the elongated member must be
prevented from longitudinal movement while its rotational actuation
functionality is maintained.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument that
includes a housing, an elongated member that extends distally from
the housing and defines a longitudinal axis, an end effector
assembly coupled to a distal portion of the elongated member, and a
stopper assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the
outer shaft member. The elongated member is configured to rotate
about the longitudinal axis and includes an outer shaft member
having a proximal portion disposed within the housing. The end
effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members moveable
relative to each other to grasp tissue therebetween. At least one
of the jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical
energy source for conducting electrosurgical energy through grasped
tissue. The stopper assembly is disposed within at least one cavity
defined within the housing. The stopper assembly is configured to
prevent longitudinal movement of the outer shaft member along the
longitudinal axis and to rotate within the at least one cavity upon
rotation of the elongated member about the longitudinal axis.
[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
at least one annular member coupled to an outer surface of the
outer shaft member and includes at least one slot defined through
the annular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0007] Additionally or alternatively, the outer shaft member
defines at least one groove therein perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, the at least one groove configured to align with
the at least one slot of the at least one annular member.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one groove of
the outer shaft member and the at least one slot of the annular
member are configured to receive a clip therein to couple the at
least one annular member to the outer shaft member.
[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the outer
shaft member is less than a diameter of the at least one annular
member.
[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one cavity is
defined by a distal wall and a proximal wall each defining an
annular clearance configured to receive the outer shaft member
therethrough.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the at least
one annular member is greater than a diameter of the annular
clearance of at least one of the distal wall or the proximal wall
such that the at least one annular member engages at least one of
the distal wall or the proximal wall.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively, at least one annular member
includes an inner surface defining at least one rib configured to
engage a longitudinal slot defined through the proximal portion of
the outer shaft member.
[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
a first annular member and a second annular member, the first
annular member restricting proximal longitudinal movement of the
outer shaft member along the longitudinal axis and the second
annular member restricting distal longitudinal movement of the
outer shaft member along the longitudinal axis.
[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
at least one surface structure protruding from an outer surface of
the outer shaft member, the at least one surface structure
configured to engage at least one wall defining the at least one
cavity.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
a key member disposed within a key slot extending through the
proximal portion of the outer shaft member, at least a portion of
the key member protruding from the outer shaft member and
configured to engage at least one wall defining the at least one
cavity.
[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
surgical instrument that includes a housing having at least one
cavity defined therein, an elongated member that extends distally
from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis, an end effector
assembly coupled to a distal portion of the elongated member, and a
stopper assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the
outer shaft member. The elongated member is configured to rotate
about the longitudinal axis and includes an outer shaft member
having a proximal portion disposed within the at least one cavity.
The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members
moveable relative to each other to grasp tissue therebetween. At
least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to an
electrosurgical energy source for conducting electrosurgical energy
through grasped tissue. The stopper assembly is rotatable within
the at least one cavity upon rotation of the elongated member and
about the longitudinal axis. The stopper assembly is configured to
engage at least one wall defining the at least one cavity to
prevent longitudinal movement of the outer shaft member along the
longitudinal axis.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
at least one lance protruding from the outer shaft member.
[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
surgical instrument that includes a housing at least one cavity
defined therein, an elongated member that extends distally from the
housing and defines a longitudinal axis, an end effector assembly
coupled to a distal portion of the elongated member, and a stopper
assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the outer
shaft member. The at least one cavity in the housing is defined by
a distal wall and a proximal wall each defining an annular
clearance. The elongated member is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis and includes an outer shaft member having a
proximal portion disposed within the annular clearance of the
distal and proximal walls. The end effector assembly includes a
pair of opposing jaw members moveable relative to each other to
grasp tissue therebetween. At least one of the jaw members is
adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source for
conducting electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. The
stopper assembly is rotatable within the at least one cavity upon
rotation of the elongated member about the longitudinal axis. The
stopper assembly includes a diameter that is greater than a
diameter of at least one of the annular clearances defined by one
of the distal wall or the proximal wall such that the stopper
assembly is configured to engage at least one of the distal wall or
the proximal wall to prevent longitudinal movement of the outer
shaft member along the longitudinal axis.
[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly is
configured to be welded to the outer shaft member.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the stopper assembly includes
at least one surface structure protruding from an outer surface of
the outer shaft member and configured to engage the distal wall to
prevent longitudinal movement of the outer shaft member along the
longitudinal axis.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
stopper assembly includes a key member disposed within a key slot
extending through the proximal portion of the outer shaft member,
at least a portion of the key member protruding from the outer
shaft member and configured to engage the distal wall to prevent
longitudinal movement of the outer shaft member along the
longitudinal axis.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a diameter of the outer shaft
member is less than a diameter of the at least one annular
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description
of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of
the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electrosurgical forceps
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including a
housing, an elongated member, and an end effector assembly;
[0025] FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of the end effector
assembly of FIG. 1A;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a partial, side view of a proximal portion of the
electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 1 including a housing having a
stopper assembly disposed therein;
[0027] FIG. 3A is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 2 including an annular member coupled to
an outer shaft member of the elongated member;
[0028] FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of the annular
member of FIG. 3A;
[0029] FIG. 4A is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 2 including an annular member clipped to
the outer shaft member;
[0030] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the outer shaft member and
the stopper assembly of FIG. 4A with parts separated;
[0031] FIG. 5A is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 2 including two annular members removably
fixed to the outer shaft member;
[0032] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the outer shaft member and
the stopper assembly of FIG. 5A with parts separated;
[0033] FIG. 6A is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 2 including surface structures disposed on
an outer surface of the outer shaft member;
[0034] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of the outer
shaft member of FIG. 6A showing the surface structures disposed on
the outer surface thereof;
[0035] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the outer shaft member
of FIG. 6B taken along section line 6C-6C of FIG. 6B;
[0036] FIG. 7A is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 2 including a key member inserted into a
key slot defined through the outer shaft member;
[0037] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the outer shaft member of
FIG. 7A with the key member separated from the key slot; and
[0038] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a portion of the outer
shaft member of FIG. 7A showing the key member inserted into the
key slot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical system,
instruments, and methods will now be described in detail with
reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the
several views. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to that
portion of the surgical instrument or components thereof, farther
from the user, while the term "proximal" refers to that portion of
the surgical or components thereof, closer to the user.
[0040] The present disclosure generally provides for a surgical
instrument having an end effector assembly, an elongated member
defining a longitudinal axis, and a housing. The elongated member
includes an outer shaft member having a proximal portion secured
within the housing. A stopper assembly is disposed on the proximal
portion of the outer shaft member and prevents longitudinal
movement of the outer shaft member with respect to the housing
while allowing the elongated member, including the outer shaft
member, to freely rotate about the longitudinal axis defined by the
elongated member.
[0041] In some embodiments, the stopper assembly includes one or
more annular members fixed to the outer shaft member and disposed
within a cavity defined within the housing. In some embodiments,
the stopper assembly includes surface structures (e.g.,
protrusions, recesses, grooves, slots) formed on the outer shaft
member using a machining process.
[0042] In some embodiments, the stopper assembly includes a key
member disposed within a key slot defined through the outer shaft
member such that the key member is disposed within a cavity defined
within the housing.
[0043] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an
electrosurgical forceps 10 generally includes a housing 12 coupled
to a proximal portion 16b of an elongated member 16. The housing 12
supports various actuators for remotely controlling an end effector
assembly 14 coupled to a distal portion 16a of the elongated member
16. The end effector assembly 14 includes a pair of opposing jaw
members 30, 32 mechanically coupled to the elongated member 16
about a pivot 44. Although this configuration is typically
associated with instruments for use in laparoscopic or endoscopic
surgical procedures, various aspects of the present disclosure may
be practiced with traditional open instruments and in connection
with endoluminal procedures as well.
[0044] The housing 12 is constructed of a right housing half 12a
and a left housing half 12b. The left and right designation of the
housing halves 12a, 12b refer to the respective directions as
perceived by an operator using the forceps 10. The housing halves
12a, 12b may be constructed of sturdy plastic, and may be joined to
one another by adhesives, ultrasonic welding or other suitable
assembly methods.
[0045] To mechanically control the end effector assembly 14, the
housing 12 supports a stationary handle 20, a movable handle 22,
and a rotation knob 28. The movable handle 22 is movable relative
to the stationary handle 20 to move the end effector assembly 14
between an open configuration (FIGS. 1A and 1B) wherein the jaw
members 30, 32 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one
another, and a closed configuration (not shown) wherein the jaw
members 30, 32 are approximated.
[0046] A trigger 26 is supported by the housing 12 and is operable
to extend and retract a knife 70 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) through the end
effector assembly 14 when the end effector assembly 14 is in the
closed configuration. The rotation knob 28 serves to rotate the
elongated member 16 and the end effector assembly 14 about a
longitudinal axis "A-A" defined by the elongated member 16.
[0047] To electrically control the end effector assembly 14, the
housing 12 supports a switch 36 thereon, which is operable by the
user to initiate and terminate the delivery of electrosurgical
energy to the end effector assembly 14. The switch 36 is in
electrical communication with an electrosurgical energy source,
such as, for example, a generator 40 (see FIG. 1) or a battery (not
shown) supported within the housing 12. The generator 40 may
include devices such as the LIGASURE.RTM. Vessel Sealing Generator
and the Force Triad.RTM. Generator as sold by Covidien LP. A cable
42 extends from the housing 12 to the generator 40 to electrically
couple the end effector assembly 14 to the generator 40. More
specifically, the jaw members 30, 32 are electrically coupled to
the generator 40 (e.g., via suitable wiring extending through the
elongated member 16 and the housing 12) to provide an electrical
pathway to a pair of electrically conductive, tissue sealing
surfaces 48, 50 disposed on the jaw members 30, 32, respectively.
Sealing surfaces 48 and 50 may be electrically coupled to terminals
of opposite polarity, e.g., positive (+) and negative (-),
associated with the generator 40 to deliver bipolar energy to
tissue grasped between jaw members 30, 32. Alternatively, the
sealing surfaces 48 and 50 may be configured to deliver monopolar
energy to tissue. In a monopolar configuration, one or both sealing
plates 48 and 50 deliver electrosurgical energy from a positive (+)
terminal and a return pad (not shown) is placed on a patient to
provide a return path to the negative (-) terminal.
[0048] Electrosurgical energy may be delivered to tissue clasped
between the jaw members 30, 32 through the sealing surfaces 48, 50
to effect a tissue seal. Once a tissue seal is established, the
knife 70 may be advanced distally to transect the sealed tissue.
The knife 70 is depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B as extending from the
elongated member 16 while the end effector assembly 14 is in an
open configuration. In some embodiments, a mechanism (not shown)
may be provided to prevent advancement of the knife 70 through the
jaw members 30, 32 when the end effector assembly 14 is in the open
configuration.
[0049] The elongated member 16 includes various longitudinal
components that operatively couple the end effector assembly 14 to
the various actuators supported by the housing 12. Referring now to
FIG. 2, an outer shaft member 60 defines an exterior surface of the
elongated member 16 and supports movement of other components
therethrough as described below. A spindle 90 is disposed within
the housing 12 and serves to secure at least a portion of the outer
shaft member 60 within the housing 12. The spindle 90 includes an
annular throughbore (not shown) defined therethrough, through which
the proximal portion 60b of the outer shaft member 60 extends,
thereby ensuring proper alignment of the elongated member 16
relative to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the outer shaft
member 60 may rotate about the longitudinal axis "A-A" relative to
the spindle 90. In other embodiments, outer shaft member 60 may be
fixedly coupled to spindle 90 such that rotation of outer shaft
member 60 about the longitudinal axis "A-A" translates
corresponding rotation of spindle 90. A spring 19 is disposed about
the outer shaft member 60 within housing 12 and is caused to
compress against a proximal surface 90b of spindle 90 when trigger
26 is actuated (not shown) to induce advancement of the knife 70
along the longitudinal axis "A-A" and through the jaw members 30,
32. Specifics of the operation of the trigger 26 to induce
advancement of the knife 70 through the jaw members 30, 32 is
described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130296922,
the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0050] A stopper assembly 62 coupled to the proximal portion 60b of
the outer shaft member 60 is disposed within a cavity 13 defined
within housing 12 between a distal interior wall 21a and a proximal
interior wall 21b (see, e.g., FIG. 3A). As described below with
reference to the various embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-7C, the
stopper assembly 62 serves to prevent longitudinal movement of the
outer shaft member 60 along the longitudinal axis "A-A".
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one embodiment of a
stopper assembly 162 is shown and includes an annular member 164
disposed on the proximal portion 60b of the outer shaft member 60.
Annular member 164 includes a diameter "D2" that is larger than a
diameter "D1" of the outer shaft member 60. An inner surface 164a
of the annular member 164 defines a through hole 166 configured to
receive outer shaft member 60 therethrough such that an outer
surface 61 of outer shaft member 60 engages the inner surface 164a
of annular member 164. Annular member 164 may be fixed to outer
shaft member 60 using various suitable methods such as, for
example, friction fit, adhesives, and welding. Annular member 164
defines a pair of opposing slots 168a, 168b therethrough
perpendicular to longitudinal axis "A-A" and extending between
outer surface 164b and inner surface 164a to define a pair of
corresponding inner surfaces 167a, 167b. Welding materials or
adhesive may be applied to the inner surfaces 167a, 167b to couple
annular member 164 to the outer surface 61 of the outer shaft
member 60. While annular member 164 is shown in FIG. 3B to include
a pair of slots 168a, 168b, in some embodiments annular member 164
may include a single slot or, alternatively, three or more slots.
In some embodiments, annular member 164 may be welded to outer
shaft member 60 through slots 168a, 168b, via welding, laser
welding, or any other suitable welding method. An advantage of
welding the annular member 164 to outer shaft member 60 through the
slots 168a, 168b is that welding materials used in the welding
process (e.g., metal, thermoplastic, etc.) remain within slots
168a, 168b instead of on the outer surface 164b of annular member
164 or around the outer perimeter of the annular member 164.
[0052] Annular member 164 is free to rotate within cavity 13 upon
rotation of elongated member 16 about longitudinal axis "A-A" and
is prevented from distal longitudinal movement by engagement with
distal wall 21a and proximal longitudinal movement by a distal
surface 90a of spindle 90. Spindle 90, in turn, is prevented from
proximal longitudinal movement by engagement of distal surface 90a
with proximal wall 21b. Distal wall 21a defines an annular
clearance "C" through which outer shaft member 60 longitudinally
extends. Since annular member 164 is fixedly coupled to outer shaft
member 60 and the diameter "D2" of annular member 164 is greater
than the diameter of annular clearance "C", distal longitudinal
movement of outer shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is
prevented. Due to the engagement of annular member 164 with the
distal surface 90a of spindle 90, proximal longitudinal movement of
outer shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is
prevented.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of a
stopper assembly 262 is shown and includes an annular member 264
disposed around the proximal portion 60b of the outer shaft member
60. Annular member 264 defines a pair of opposing slots 268a, 268b
therethrough perpendicular to longitudinal axis "A-A" and extending
between an outer surface 264b and an inner surface 264a of annular
member 264. Slots 268a, 268b are configured to receive free-ends
202a, 202b of a generally U-shaped clip member 200. In this
embodiment, the proximal portion 60b of outer shaft member 60
includes a pair of opposing grooves 64a, 64b formed
circumferentially within a portion of outer surface 61. Outer shaft
member 60 is disposed through annular member 264 such that slots
268a, 268b of annular member 264 are disposed in general alignment
with grooves 64a, 64b of outer shaft member 60. Thus, free-ends
202a, 202b may be received within slots 268a, 268b and grooves 64a,
64b. Free-ends 202a, 202b are biased inwardly toward each other to
aid in maintaining the clip member 200 within slots 268a, 268b and
grooves 64a, 64b.
[0054] As substantially described above with respect to annular
member 164 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, annular member 264 is disposed
within and is free to rotate within cavity 13 upon rotation of
elongated member 16 about longitudinal axis "A-A". Since annular
member 264 is coupled to outer shaft member 60 and a diameter "D3"
of annular member 264 is greater than the diameter of annular
clearance "C", distal longitudinal movement of outer shaft member
60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is prevented. Due to the
engagement of annular member 264 with the distal surface 90a of
spindle 90, proximal longitudinal movement of outer shaft member 60
along longitudinal axis "A-A" is prevented.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another embodiment of a
stopper assembly 362 is shown and includes a distal annular member
364 disposed within cavity 13 and a proximal annular member 374
disposed within a cavity 15 defined within housing 12 proximal to
cavity 13. Proximal and distal annular members 364, 374 each
include a diameter "D4" that is larger than the diameter "D1" of
outer shaft member 60. Distal annular member 364 prevents distal
and proximal longitudinal movement of outer shaft member 60 and
proximal annular member 374 prevents distal longitudinal movement
of outer shaft member 60. Distal annular member 364 includes an
inner surface 364a defining two pairs of opposing ribs 365a, 365b
configured to engage a distal portion of longitudinal slots 63a,
63b, respectively, in a friction-fit manner. Likewise, proximal
annular member 374 includes an inner surface 374a defining two
pairs of opposing ribs 375a, 375b configured to engage a proximal
portion of slots 63a, 63b, respectively, in a friction-fit
manner.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 5B, each of longitudinal slots 63a,
63b include a widened middle portion (only viewable with respect to
longitudinal slot 63a) to aid in coupling and decoupling of distal
and proximal annular members 364, 374 with outer shaft member 60.
Specifically, distal and proximal annular members 364, 374 may be
coupled to outer shaft member 60 by inserting the pairs of ribs
365a, 365 and 374a, 374b into corresponding longitudinal slots 63a,
63b at the widened middle portion. Distal annular member 364 may
then be translated distally such that the pairs of ribs 365a, 365b
friction-fit into the distal portion of the respective longitudinal
slots 63a, 63b. Similarly, proximal annular member 374 may then be
translated proximally such that the pairs of ribs 375a, 375b
friction-fit into the proximal portion of the respective
longitudinal slots 63a, 63b.
[0057] As substantially described above with respect to annular
member 164 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, distal annular member 364 is
disposed within and is free to rotate within cavity 13 upon
rotation of elongated member 16 about longitudinal axis "A-A". As
referring to FIG. 5A, since distal annular member 364 is coupled to
outer shaft member 60 and diameter "D4" of distal annular member
364 is greater than the annular clearance "C", distal longitudinal
movement of outer shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is
prevented. Due to the engagement of distal annular member 364 with
the distal surface 90a of spindle 90, proximal longitudinal
movement of outer shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is
prevented. Distal longitudinal movement of outer shaft member 60 is
also prevented due to the engagement of proximal annular member 374
with proximal surface 90b of spindle 90.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, another embodiment of a
stopper assembly 462 having a protruded portion 450 that includes a
plurality of lances, for example lances 464a, 464b, and 464c,
extending from the outer surface 61 of the proximal portion 60b of
outer shaft member 60. In constructing outer shaft member 60 to
include lances (e.g., lances 464a, 464b, 464c) as shown in FIGS.
6A-6C, stamping, punching, or other suitable processes may be
employed to initially generate a flat blank of material (e.g.,
sheet metal) that includes a suitable profile. Thereafter, openings
may be formed through the flat blank of material by any suitable
equipment (e.g., metal-working equipment) and the flat blank of
material pulled by a tool at the openings or pushed outward by a
suitable expansion tool at the openings to create outward extending
lances.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 6C, lances 464a-c effectively increase the
diameter "D1" of outer shaft member 60 at the protruded portion 450
to diameter "D5". The protruded portion 450 of outer shaft member
60 is disposed within and is free to rotate within cavity 13 upon
rotation of elongated member 16 about longitudinal axis "A-A".
Since the diameter of the annular clearance "C" is less than the
diameter "D5" of protruded portion 450, outer shaft member 60 is
prevented from distal longitudinal movement along longitudinal axis
"A-A" by engagement of the protruded portion 450 with distal wall
21a. Outer shaft member 60 is prevented from proximal longitudinal
movement along longitudinal axis "A-A" by engagement with distal
surface 90a of spindle 90. Spindle 90, in turn, is prevented from
proximal longitudinal translation along longitudinal axis "A-A" by
proximal wall 21b.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-C, another embodiment of a stopper
assembly 562 is shown and includes a key slot 66 extending through
outer shaft member 60 and configured to receive a key member 564
therein in a friction fit manner. Key member 564 includes a length
"L1" that is greater than the diameter "D1" of outer shaft member
60. As such, when key member 564 is inserted into key slot 66, as
shown in FIG. 7C, end portions 564a, 564b of key member 564
protrude from opposite sides of outer shaft member 60. Referring to
FIG. 7A, key member 564 is disposed within and free to rotate
within cavity 13 upon rotation of elongated member 16 about
longitudinal axis "A-A." Since key member 564 is fixedly coupled to
outer shaft member 60 and the length "L1" is greater than the
diameter of the annular clearance "C," distal longitudinal movement
of outer shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is prevented
due to engagement of the protruding end portions 564a, 564b of key
member 564 with distal wall 21a. Similarly, due to engagement of
the end portions 564a, 564b of key member 564 with the distal
surface 90a of spindle 90, proximal longitudinal movement of outer
shaft member 60 along longitudinal axis "A-A" is prevented. Spindle
90, in turn, is prevented from proximal longitudinal movement along
longitudinal axis "A-A" by proximal wall 21b. As would be
understood by those of skill in the art, internal components of
elongated member 16 (e.g., knife 70) may be configured with a
suitable feature (e.g., slot, recess, aperture) to accommodate key
member 564 therethrough such that key member 564 does not impede
longitudinal motion of these internal components along longitudinal
axis "A-A".
[0061] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown
in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope
as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but merely as examples of particular embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the
scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
[0062] The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be
configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is
commonly referred to as "Telesurgery." Such systems employ various
robotic elements to assist the surgeon in the operating room and
allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical
instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys,
electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this
purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to
assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment.
Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems,
automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical
systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical
systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated
surgical systems, etc.
[0063] The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or
more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in
a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses
may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical
system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while
another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the
instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated,
a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in
multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can
be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a
series of patients.
[0064] The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically
coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles
can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of
the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end
effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement
the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The
movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working
ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or
larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the
surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so
that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of
the surgical instrument(s).
[0065] The master handles may include various sensors to provide
feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or
conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or
otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue,
tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated,
such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback
simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also
include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue
manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability
to mimic actual operating conditions.
[0066] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity
or understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and
modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended
claims.
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