THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20140249557A1
• Filed: 03/01/2013
• Published: 09/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• 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.
• Application Number:
  US13/782,338
• Publication Number:
  US 20140249557A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/170
• 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 with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• 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 for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 : for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• 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 thumbwheel control assembly operably supported on the handle assembly of a motor powered surgical instrument. The thumbwheel control assembly communicates with a motor in the handle such that when an actuator portion of the thumbwheel control assembly is pivoted in a first direction, the motor applies a rotary motion to one of an elongate shaft assembly and an end effector coupled thereto in the first direction and when the actuator portion is pivoted in a second direction, the motor applies the rotary motion to one of the elongate shaft assembly and end effector in the second direction.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate shaft assembly operably coupled to the handle assembly and configured for operably attachment to a surgical end effector;

a motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply a rotary motion to one of the elongate shaft or the surgical end effector coupled thereto; and

a thumbwheel control assembly operably supported on the handle assembly and communicating with the motor such that when an actuator portion of the thumbwheel control assembly is pivoted in a first direction, the motor applies a rotary motion to one of the elongate shaft assembly and end effector in the first direction and when the actuator portion is pivoted in a second direction, the motor applies the rotary motion to one of the elongate shaft assembly and end effector in the second direction.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the actuator portion is biased into a neutral position wherein the motor is deactivated.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the thumbwheel control assembly further comprises:

a first sensor operably communicating with the motor;

a second sensor operably communicating with the motor; and

an actuator sensor on the actuator for movable travel therewith such that the actuator sensor is selectively movable between the first and second sensors.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the actuator sensor comprises a magnet and wherein each of the first and second sensors are proximity sensors.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second sensors are configured such that a rotational speed of the motor is related to a speed at which the actuator portion is pivoted in the first and second directions.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the thumbwheel control assembly further comprises:

a first sensor on the actuator for movable travel therewith;

a second sensor on the actuator for movable travel therewith; and

an actuator sensor communicating with the motor and non-movably mounted and centrally located between the first and second sensors and configured to detect the relative positions thereof as the actuator is pivoted relative thereto.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the actuator portion is biased into a neutral position wherein the actuator sensor is positioned substantially equi-distant between the first and second sensors and the motor is deactivated.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the actuator sensor is configured relative to the first and second sensors such that a rotational speed of the motor is related to a speed at which the actuator portion is pivoted in the first and second directions.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle housing including a pistol grip portion and wherein the actuator portion is pivotally coupled to the pistol grip portion.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 7 wherein the actuator portion is biased into the neutral position by a pair of actuator springs.

11. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate shaft assembly rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and configured for operably attachment to a surgical end effector;

a motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply a rotary motion to the elongate shaft assembly for selective rotation about a shaft axis; and

a thumbwheel control assembly comprising;

a thumbwheel actuator member pivotally supported relative to the handle assembly;

a first magnet supported on the thumbwheel actuator member;

a second magnet supported on the thumbwheel actuator member; and

a stationary sensor centrally disposed between the first and second magnets when the thumbwheel actuator member is in an unactuated position, the stationary sensor communicating with the motor such that when the thumbwheel actuator is pivoted in a first direction, the motor applies a rotary motion to the elongate shaft assembly in the first direction and when the thumbwheel actuator member is pivoted in a second direction, the motor applies the rotary motion to the elongate shaft assembly in the second direction.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the thumbwheel actuator member is biased into the unactuated position wherein the motor remains deactivated.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the stationary sensors is configured such that a rotational speed of the motor is related to a speed at which the actuator portion is pivoted in the first and second directions.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle housing including a pistol grip portion and wherein the thumbwheel actuator portion is pivotally coupled to the pistol grip portion.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the actuator portion is biased into the unactuated neutral position by a pair of actuator springs.

16. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate shaft assembly rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and configured for operably attachment to a surgical end effector such that the end effector may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis relative to the elongate shaft assembly;

a motor supported by the handle assembly and configured to apply a rotary motion to the end effector or coupler portion of the elongate shaft assembly to which the end effector is coupled for selective rotation thereof about the shaft axis; and

a thumbwheel control assembly comprising;

a thumbwheel actuator member pivotally supported relative to the handle assembly;

a first magnet supported on the thumbwheel actuator member;

a second magnet supported on the thumbwheel actuator member; and

a stationary sensor centrally disposed between the first and second magnets when the thumbwheel actuator member is in an unactuated position, the stationary sensor communicating with the motor such that when the thumbwheel actuator is pivoted in a first direction, the motor applies a rotary motion to the end effector or coupler position in the first direction and when the thumbwheel actuator member is pivoted in a second direction, the motor applies the rotary motion to the end effector or coupler portion in the second direction.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 16 wherein the thumbwheel actuator member is biased into the unactuated position wherein the motor remains deactivated.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 16 wherein the stationary sensors is configured such that a rotational speed of the motor is related to a speed at which the actuator portion is pivoted in the first and second directions.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 16 wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle housing including a pistol grip portion and wherein the thumbwheel actuator portion is pivotally coupled to the pistol grip portion.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 16 wherein the actuator portion is biased into the unactuated neutral position by a pair of actuator springs.