Articulation and firing force mechanisms

• US 10,022,124 B2
• Filed: 06/02/2016
• Issued: 07/17/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Viola, Frank J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US15/171,277
• Publication Number:
  US 20160310135A1
• Time in Patent Office: 775 Days
• Field of Search: 227 19, 2271751, 2271761, 2271781, 2271801, 606139, 606151, 606153, 606213, 606219
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets A61B18/00 takes precedence; contraceptive devices, pessaries, or applicators therefor A61F6/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00407 Ratchet means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2902 characterized by features of the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2917 with flexible part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2937 with flexible part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2943 Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 Guides for cutting instruments

Abstract

There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.

Claims

1. A method for operating a surgical instrument, the method comprising:

directing a drive force through a proximal portion of an elongate tubular member of the surgical instrument;

redirecting the drive force through a transfer device supported in an articulation portion of the elongate tubular member;

transferring the drive force from the transfer device to a transfer bar disposed in a distal portion of the elongate tubular member while the distal portion is articulated relative to the proximal portion; and

engaging the transfer bar with an actuator positioned in the distal portion to operate an end effector associated with the surgical instrument.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating the drive force with a drive element positioned in the proximal portion.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating a gear mounted at a point of articulation in the articulation portion.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising releaseably engaging a drive tooth of the transfer bar with at least one abutment of the actuator.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising sequentially engaging a plurality of abutments of the actuator with the transfer bar to ratchet the actuator and sequentially actuate the end effector.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating at least one wheel mounted at a point of articulation in the articulation portion.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising passing a flexible cable around the at least one wheel.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the drive force is a firing force that facilitates firing of the surgical instrument.

9. A method for operating a surgical instrument, the method comprising:

directing a drive force through a proximal portion of an elongate tubular member of the surgical instrument;

redirecting the drive force through a transfer device supported in an articulation portion of the elongate tubular member;

transferring the drive force from the transfer device to a transfer bar disposed in a distal portion of the elongate tubular member while the distal portion is articulated relative to the proximal portion;

rotating a gear mounted at a point of articulation in the articulation portion; and

axially moving a rack positioned in the proximal portion to rotate the gear about the point of articulation.

10. A method for operating a surgical instrument, the method comprising:

directing a drive force through a proximal portion of an elongate tubular member of the surgical instrument;

redirecting the drive force through a transfer device supported in an articulation portion of the elongate tubular member;

transferring the drive force from the transfer device to a transfer bar disposed in a distal portion of the elongate tubular member while the distal portion is articulated relative to the proximal portion;

rotating a gear mounted at a point of articulation in the articulation portion; and

axially moving the transfer bar within the distal portion in response to rotation of the gear.