Method of emergency retraction for electro-mechanical surgical devices and systems

• US 10,117,654 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2014
• Issued: 11/06/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Ingmanson, Michael, Snow, Josh, Wingardner, Thomas, McCuen, David, Irka, Philip
• Primary Examiner(s): Weeks, Gloria R
• Application Number:
  US14/285,856
• Publication Number:
  US 20140367446A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,628 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751, 2271752, 2271753, 2271754, 2271761, 2271777, 2271781, 2271791
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0812 indicating loosening or shifting of parts of an instrument, signaling maladjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/03 Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical surgical system and methods for use thereof including a surgical instrument having a controller, and an end effector selectively and removably connectable to the surgical instrument, wherein the controller enters an emergency retraction mode when at least one input element of the surgical system is incapable of providing control signals to the controller to operate a motor, wherein the emergency retraction mode activates the motor to withdraw a drive assembly from any advanced position thereof.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an electromechanical surgical system that includes a hand-held surgical instrument selectively and removably supporting an end effector, wherein the surgical instrument includes a motor, a controller in electrical communication with the motor, a battery in electrical communication with at least one of the motor and the controller, and at least one input element actuatable by a user to send control signals to the controller to operate the motor;

and wherein the end effector includes a jaw assembly, a drive assembly at least partially located within the jaw assembly and operatively connectable to the motor when the end effector is connected to the surgical instrument for actuation by the motor, the method comprising;

monitoring the at least one input element;

removing the battery from the surgical instrument;

re-inserting the battery into the surgical instrument;

entering an emergency retraction mode in response to the removal and re-insertion of the battery into the surgical instrument; and

activating the motor during the emergency retraction mode to withdraw the drive assembly from any advanced position thereof.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

detecting, by the controller, that the end effector is connected to the surgical instrument, and

wherein the emergency retraction mode includes re-booting the controller.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein entering the emergency retraction mode includes automatically retracting the drive assembly.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising opening the jaw assembly concomitantly with the retraction of the drive assembly to a fully retracted position.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein entering the emergency retraction mode includes:

pressing and holding of a safety button supported on the surgical instrument prior to re-insertion of the battery into the surgical instrument.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

detecting, by the controller, that the end effector is connected to the surgical instrument, and

wherein the emergency retraction mode includes re-booting the controller.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes automatically retracting the drive assembly.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising opening the jaw assembly concomitantly with the retraction of the drive assembly to a fully retracted position.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising following retraction of the drive assembly, and following a release of the safety button, the controller awaits user input prior to advancing the drive assembly.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes reclosing the jaw assembly following a release of the safety button and re-pressing and holding of the safety button.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes articulating the end effector.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes re-booting the controller.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising detecting, by the controller, that the end effector is connected to the surgical instrument.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes automatically retracting the drive assembly.

15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

entering the emergency retraction mode upon the removal of the battery from the surgical instrument;

pressing and holding of a safety button that is supported on the surgical instrument prior to re-insertion of the battery into the surgical instrument.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

re-booting the controller during the emergency retraction mode; and

detecting, by the controller, that the end effector is connected to the surgical instrument.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the emergency retraction mode includes:

automatically retracting the drive assembly; and

opening the jaw assembly to a fully retracted position.