Surgical instrument with coupler assembly

• US 10,575,868 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2016
• Issued: 03/03/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Hall, Steven G., Baber, Daniel L., Leimbach, Richard L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lopez, Michelle
• Application Number:
  US15/074,296
• Publication Number:
  US 20160270780A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,446 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320068 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320092 with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/085 Forceps, scissors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00026 Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00039 Electric or electromagnetic phenomena other than conductivity, e.g. capacity, inductivity, Hall effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00075 Motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00123 and automatic shutdown
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00128 related to intensity or progress of surgical action
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 : Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 : with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00367 : Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00393 : with means for switching between functions
• 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 2017/00464 : for use with different instruments
• 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 2017/00482 : with a code
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0069 : with universal joint, cardan joint
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07278 : characterised by its sled or its staple holder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2903 : transferring rotary motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 : Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2929 : with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2943 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320069 : for ablating tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320071 : with articulating means for working tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320089 : node location
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320094 : additional movable means performing clamping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320097 : with stapling means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00607 : Coagulation and cutting with the same instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00619 : Welding
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 : Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 : having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/742 : Joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/033 : Abutting means, stops, e.g. abutting on tissue or skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 : for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 : for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/065 : for measuring contact or contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 : for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 : Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/74 : Manipulators with manual electric input means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 : Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04777 : with additional push or pull action on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/04796 : for rectilinear control along the axis of the controlling member

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and an articulation joint extending distally from the elongate shaft assembly. The articulation joint includes a proximal joint portion coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector including an anvil and a staple cartridge. At least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other one of the anvil and the staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween. A first interface extends distally from the distal joint portion and the first interface is distal to the articulation joint. A second interface extends proximally from the end effector and the second interface is configured to releasably couple the end effector to the first interface.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

an elongate shaft assembly extending distally from the housing;

an articulation joint extending distally from the elongate shaft assembly, wherein the articulation joint comprises;

a proximal joint portion coupled to the elongate shaft assembly; and

a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion;

an end effector, comprising;

an anvil; and

a staple cartridge, wherein at least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other one of the anvil and the staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween;

a first interface extending distally from the distal joint portion, wherein the first interface is distal to the articulation joint; and

a second interface extending proximally from the end effector, wherein the second interface is configured to replaceably attach the end effector to the first interface.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises an articulation drive member, and wherein the distal joint portion is configured to interface with the articulation drive member to receive articulation motions therefrom.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the distal joint portion is configured to pivot relative to the proximal joint portion upon application of rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member of the elongate shaft assembly.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the articulation joint further comprises an articulation drive link operably coupled to the distal joint portion, the articulation drive link interfacing with the articulation drive member and being constrained to move axially relative to the articulation joint in response to the application of the rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the articulation drive link threadably engages the articulation drive member.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the housing comprises a motor configured to generate the rotary articulation motions.

7. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

an elongate shaft assembly extending distally from the housing;

an articulation joint extending distally from the elongate shaft assembly, wherein the articulation joint comprises;

a proximal joint portion coupled to the elongate shaft assembly; and

a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion;

a end effector, comprising;

an anvil; and

a staple cartridge, wherein at least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other one of the anvil and the staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween;

a coupler assembly, comprising;

a first coupler extending distally from the distal joint portion; and

a second coupler extending proximally from the end effector, wherein the first coupler is connectable to the second coupler to releasably attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, and wherein the coupler assembly is positioned between the end effector and the articulation joint when the end effector is attached to the surgical instrument.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises an articulation drive member, and wherein the distal joint portion is configured to interface with the articulation drive member to receive articulation motions therefrom.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the distal joint portion is configured to pivot relative to the proximal joint portion upon application of rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member of the elongate shaft assembly.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the articulation joint further comprises an articulation drive link operably coupled to the distal joint portion, the articulation drive link interfacing with the articulation drive member and being constrained to move axially relative to the articulation joint in response to the application of the rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the articulation drive link threadably engages the articulation drive member.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a motor configured to generate the rotary articulation motions.

13. A surgical tool adapted for connection to a replaceable end effector including an anvil and a staple cartridge, the surgical tool comprising:

a housing;

an elongate shaft assembly extending distally from the housing;

an articulation joint extending distally from the elongate shaft assembly, wherein the articulation joint comprises;

a proximal joint portion coupled to the elongate shaft assembly; and

a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion; and

an interface extending distally from the distal joint portion, wherein the interface is distal to the articulation joint, and wherein the interface is adapted for releasable attachment to the replaceable end effector.

14. The surgical tool of claim 13, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises an articulation drive member, and wherein the distal joint portion is configured to interface with the articulation drive member to receive articulation motions therefrom.

15. The surgical tool of claim 14, wherein the distal joint portion is configured to pivot relative to the proximal joint portion upon application of rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member of the elongate shaft assembly.

16. The surgical tool of claim 15, wherein the articulation joint further comprises an articulation drive link operably coupled to the distal joint portion, the articulation drive link interfacing with the articulation drive member and being constrained to move axially relative to the articulation joint in response to the application of the rotary articulation motions to the articulation drive member.

17. The surgical tool of claim 16, wherein the articulation drive link threadably engages the articulation drive member.

18. The surgical tool of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises a motor configured to generate the rotary articulation motions.