JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20140246477A1
• Filed: 03/01/2013
• Published: 09/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Koch, Robert L. Jr., Baber, Daniel L., Leimbach, Richard L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,326,767 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/180.1
• 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 17/072 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 17/32002 with continuously rotating, oscillating or reciprocating cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/085 Forceps, scissors
• 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 2017/00115 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 2017/320093 : additional movable means performing cutting operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320094 : additional movable means performing clamping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320095 : with sealing or cauterizing means
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

A joy stick control assembly for operating a motor driven surgical instrument. In at least one form, the joystick control assembly comprises a first switch assembly that is movably supported by a housing. The first switch assembly may include a joystick that is movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one motor communicating therewith. The joystick control assembly may further include a second switch assembly that comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to another one of the surgical instrument motors.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of motors supported by the housing;

a joystick control assembly comprising;

a first switch assembly movably supported by the housing and including a joystick movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one of the motors communicating therewith; and

a second switch assembly comprising;

a first sensor; and

a second sensor movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to another one of the motors communicating therewith.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the first switch assembly is selectively axially movable upon application of an axial motion thereto by a user from an unactuated position wherein the second switch is unactuated and the another motor is deactivated and a fully actuated position wherein the another motor is fully activated.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2 wherein the first switch assembly is biased into the unactuated position when the user discontinues the application of axial motion to the first switch assembly.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the first switch assembly includes a third switch that is activated when the first switch assembly is moved to the fully actuated position, the third switch maintaining the transmission of the at least one other control signal to the another one of the motors when the user has discontinued the application of the axial motion to the first switch assembly and discontinues the transmission of the at least one other control signal when the user has applied another axial motion to the first switch assembly to return it to the fully actuated position.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a handle assembly including a pistol grip and wherein the first switch assembly is movably supported by the pistol grip.

6. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate shaft assembly rotatably supported relative to the handle assembly;

a proximal roll motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply proximal rotary motions to the elongate shaft assembly to cause the elongate shaft assembly to rotate relative to the handle assembly about a shaft axis;

a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and being configured to perform a surgical procedure upon application of at least one firing motion thereto;

a firing motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply firing motions to a portion of the elongate shaft assembly for transfer to the surgical end effector; and

a joystick control assembly comprising;

a first switch assembly movably supported by the handle assembly and including a joystick movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to the proximal roll motor; and

a second switch assembly comprising;

a first sensor; and

a second sensor movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to the firing motor.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6 further comprising:

an articulation joint comprising;

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

a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises;

an articulation motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply articulation motions to the articulation joint to cause the distal joint portion to move relative to the proximal joint portion and wherein pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one of the proximal roll motor and the articulation motor.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the end effector is selectively rotatable relative to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal roll motor operably supported by the handle assembly and wherein pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one of the proximal roll motor and distal roll motor.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 7 wherein the end effector is selectively rotatable relative to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal roll motor operably supported by the handle assembly and wherein pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one of the proximal roll motor, articulation motor, and distal roll motor.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the first switch assembly is selectively axially movable upon application of an axial motion thereto by a user from an unactuated position wherein the second switch is unactuated and the firing motor is deactivated and a fully actuated position wherein the firing motor is fully activated.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein the first switch assembly is biased into the unactuated position when the user discontinues the application of axial motion to the first switch assembly.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the first switch assembly includes a third switch that is activated when the first switch assembly is moved to the fully actuated position, the third switch maintaining transmission of the at least one other control signal to the firing motor when the user has discontinued the application of the axial motion to the first switch assembly and the third switch discontinuing the transmission of the at least one other control signal to the firing motor upon application of another axial motion to the first switch assembly to return the first switch assembly to the fully actuated position.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein a rotary speed of the firing motor is dependent upon a rate at which the axial motion is applied to the first switch assembly.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the surgical end effector comprises an endocutter comprising:

a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples therein;

an anvil that is selectively movable relative to the surgical staple cartridge; and

a tissue cutting member that is axially movable within the surgical staple cartridge in response to firing motions applied thereto by the firing motor.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14 wherein initial axial movement of the first switch assembly in an actuation direction from the unactuated position causes the tissue cutting member to apply a closure motion to the anvil without cutting any tissue captured between the anvil and surgical staple cartridge and further axial movement of the first switch assembly in the actuation direction causes the tissue cutting member to move distally through the surgical staple cartridge to cut and staple the tissue captured between the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15 wherein a speed at which the tissue cutting member is distally driven through the surgical staple cartridge is dependent upon a rate at which the first switch assembly is moved from the unactuated position to the fully actuated position.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle housing forming a pistol grip and wherein the first switch assembly is movably supported by the pistol grip.

18. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate shaft assembly rotatably supported relative to the handle assembly;

an articulation joint comprising;

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

a distal joint portion movably coupled to the proximal joint portion and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises;

an articulation motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply articulation motions to the articulation joint to cause the distal joint portion to move relative to the proximal joint portion;

a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and being configured to perform a surgical procedure upon application of at least one firing motion thereto;

a firing motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply firing motions to a portion of the elongate shaft assembly for transfer to the surgical end effector; and

a joystick control assembly comprising;

a first switch assembly movably supported by the handle assembly and including a joystick movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to the articulation motor; and

a second switch assembly comprising;

a first sensor; and

a second sensor movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to the firing motor.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 18 wherein the end effector is selectively rotatable relative to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal roll motor operably supported by the handle assembly and wherein pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one of the articulation motor and the distal roll motor.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 18 wherein the surgical end effector comprises an endocutter comprising:

a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples therein;

an anvil that is selectively movable relative to the surgical staple cartridge; and

a tissue cutting member that is axially movable within the surgical staple cartridge in response to firing motions applied thereto by the firing motor.