FIRING MEMBER RETRACTION DEVICES FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20150053739A1
• Filed: 08/23/2013
• Published: 02/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Morgan, Jerome R., Swayze, Jeffrey S., Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Schellin, Emily A., Hall, Steven G.
• Granted Patent: US 9,700,310 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/175.2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• 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 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00123 and automatic shutdown
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00137 Details of operation mode
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00154 pulsed
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0019 Means for setting or varying the pulse width
• 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 2017/00367 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 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00402 Piezo electric actuators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00407 Ratchet means
• 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 2017/00486 : Adaptors for coupling parts with incompatible geometries
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• 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 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2901 : Details of shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• 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 2017/2929 : with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2941 : Toggle linkages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/252 : indicating steps of a surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/254 : being adapted depending on the stage of the surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/256 : having a database of accessory information, e.g. including context sensitive help or scientific articles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/035 : preventing further rotation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0804 : Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0807 : Indication means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0808 : for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus
• 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 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/372 : Details of monitor hardware
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 : of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/10 : Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/25 : User interfaces for surgical systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 : Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/74 : Manipulators with manual electric input means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/76 : Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/03 : Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/37 : Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 : Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/96 : using barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/60 : Protecting data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 : Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 : Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 : using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 : Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 : for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/60 : Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/14 : Display of multiple viewports
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 : relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 : Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 : Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 : Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/342 : The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging with circuits for polarity protection H02J7/0034
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 : for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96062 : with tactile or haptic feedback
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A surgical instrument that includes a motor-powered drive unit that drives a portion of a firing member assembly in an axial direction to actuate a surgical end effector coupled to the instrument. The instrument may further include a retraction system configured to interact with the firing member assembly to permit a clinician to manually retract the portion of the firing member assembly should it become jammed or inadvertently stopped during a firing process. The surgical instrument includes a locking arrangement that interfaces with the retraction system and the motor-powered drive unit to prevent the transfer of the retraction forces generated by the retraction system to the motor shaft without physically separating portions of the motorized drive unit.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising:

a firing member assembly including a portion supported for selective axial movement in a distal direction and a proximal direction;

a drive unit, comprising;

a motor including a motor shaft; and

a gear assembly drivingly coupled to the motor shaft and including an output shaft assembly configured to interface with the firing member assembly such that upon rotation of the motor shaft in a first rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the distal direction and upon rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the proximal direction and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises;

a retraction assembly interfacing with the firing member assembly for manually applying other rotary motions to the firing member assembly in the second rotary direction when the motor is deactivated; and

locking means interfacing with the retraction assembly and the drive unit for preventing transfer of the other rotary motions to the motor shaft during operation of the retraction assembly and while the gear assembly remains drivingly coupled to the motor shaft.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a housing and wherein the motor includes a motor housing and wherein the gear assembly includes a gear box housing non-movably coupled to the motor housing, the motor housing and the gear box housing being supported within the housing for rotation relative thereto as a unit upon application of the other rotary motions to the firing member assembly.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2 wherein the locking means comprises a movable locking pawl assembly being movable from a locked position wherein said locking pawl assembly lockingly engages a portion of the gear box housing to prevent rotation thereof relative to the housing to an unlocked position wherein the gear box housing is free to rotate relative to the housing.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the movable locking pawl assembly is configured to interface with the retraction assembly such that actuation of the retraction assembly causes the locking pawl assembly to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1 further comprising a housing and wherein the motor includes a motor housing that is non-movably supported within the housing and wherein the gear assembly comprises:

a gear box housing coupled to the motor housing;

a gear train assembly operably supported within the gear box housing in driving engagement with the motor shaft; and

a lockable ring gear rotatably supported by the gear box housing and in driving engagement with the gear train assembly and the output shaft assembly and wherein said lock means comprises a movable shift ring assembly being movable from a locked position wherein said shift ring assembly lockingly engages the lockable ring gear to prevent rotation thereof relative to the gear box housing to an unlocked position wherein the lockable ring gear is free to rotate relative to the gear box housing.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 5 wherein the movable shift ring assembly is configured to interface with the retraction assembly such that actuation of the retraction assembly causes the shift ring assembly to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 5 wherein the movable shift ring assembly comprises:

a shift ring operably coupled to a portion of the retraction assembly, the shift ring being supported for axial movement relative to the drive unit in response to movement of the portion of the retraction assembly; and

at least one locking member coupled to said shift ring and configured for locking engagement with the rotatable ring gear.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 5 wherein the locking means comprises at least one ring gear locking member supported for locking engagement with the lockable ring gear to prevent rotation thereof and wherein the movable shift ring assembly comprises:

a shift ring operably coupled to a portion of the retraction assembly, the shift ring being supported for axial movement relative to the drive unit in response to movement of the portion of the retraction assembly; and

at least one shift ring actuator portion coupled to the shift ring for travel therewith such that when the shift ring is in the locked position, the at least one shift ring actuator moves the at least one ring gear locking member into locking engagement with the lockable ring gear and when the shift ring is in the unlocked position, the at least one ring gear locking member is configured to disengage the lockable ring gear.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8 wherein the at least one ring gear lock member comprises at least one biasing member configured to bias the at least one ring gear lock member out of locking engagement with the lockable ring gear when the shift ring is in the unlocked position.

10. A surgical instrument comprising:

a drive unit for generating firing and retraction motions;

a surgical end effector configured to perform at least one surgical function in response to an application of at least one of the firing and retraction motions thereto;

firing member assembly comprising;

a proximal firing member portion operably interfacing with the drive unit and configured to operably receive rotary actuation motions therefrom;

a distal firing member portion supported distal to the proximal firing member portion and being configured to transmit the firing and retraction motions to the surgical end effector; and

a retraction assembly operably coupled to the proximal firing member portion and the distal firing member portion and being selectively movable between an unactuated position wherein the retraction assembly is configured to transfer the firing and retraction motions from the proximal firing member portion to the distal firing member portion and an actuated position wherein the distal firing member portion is axially moved relative to the proximal firing member portion.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein the distal firing member portion is axially spaced from the proximal firing member portion a retraction distance.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the surgical end effector comprises a drive member supported for movable travel between a starting position and an ending position that is spaced a firing distance from the starting position within the surgical end effector and wherein the retraction distance is greater than or equal to the firing distance.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein the retraction assembly comprises a retraction linkage coupled to the proximal firing member and the distal firing member and supported therebetween.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the retraction assembly comprises a retraction linkage coupled to the proximal firing member portion and the distal firing member portion and supported therebetween such that actuation of the retraction linkage to the actuated position axially moves a proximal end of the distal firing member portion towards a distal end of the proximal firing member portion.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein the distal firing member portion includes a passage therein in a proximal end thereof that is configured to receive a distal end of the proximal firing member portion therein when the retraction assembly is actuated to move the distal firing member portion to a retracted position.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15 wherein the retraction assembly comprises a retraction latch operably coupled to the proximal end of the distal firing member portion and being configured to move between an unlatched position wherein the proximal end of the distal firing member portion is axially movable on the distal end of the proximal firing member portion and a latched position wherein the distal firing member portion is locked to the proximal firing member portion such that the distal and proximal firing members axially move as a unit.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 15 wherein the distal firing member portion is movably supported on the proximal firing member portion and is axially retractable thereon a retraction distance.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 17 wherein the surgical end effector comprises a drive member supported for movable travel between a starting position and an ending position that is spaced a firing distance from the starting position within the surgical end effector and wherein the retraction distance is greater than or equal to the firing distance.

19. A surgical instrument comprising:

a handle housing;

an elongated shaft assembly operably coupled to the handle housing and including an axially movable firing rod therein;

a loading unit operably coupled to the elongated shaft and configured to interface with the firing rod;

a drive tube rotatably supported within the handle housing and operably interfacing with the firing rod;

a motor including a motor shaft and being operably supported within the handle housing and operably coupled to a power source;

a gear assembly drivingly coupled to the motor shaft and including an output shaft assembly configured to interface with the drive tube such that upon rotation of the motor shaft in the first rotary direction by the motor, the drive tube drives the firing rod in a distal direction and upon rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotary direction by the motor, the drive tube drives the firing rod in a proximal direction;

a retraction assembly interfacing with the drive tube for manually applying other rotary motions thereto in the second rotary direction when the motor is deactivated; and

locking means interfacing with the retraction assembly and the gear assembly for preventing transfer of the other rotary motions to the motor shaft while the gear assembly remains drivingly coupled to the motor shaft.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 19 wherein the loading unit is configured to cut and staple tissue.

21. A surgical instrument comprising:

a firing member assembly including a portion supported for selective axial movement in a distal direction and a proximal direction;

a drive unit, comprising;

a motor including a motor shaft; and

a gear assembly drivingly coupled to the motor shaft and including an output shaft assembly configured to interface with the firing member assembly such that upon rotation of the motor shaft in a first rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the distal direction and upon rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the proximal direction;

a retraction assembly interfacing with the firing member assembly for manually driving the firing member in the proximal direction; and

torque reduction means for reducing the torque required to operate the gear assembly without disengaging the gear assembly from the firing member assembly during operation of the retraction assembly.

22. The surgical instrument of claim 21, wherein the torque reduction means comprises rotation means for rotating at least a portion of the gear assembly.

23. A surgical instrument comprising:

a firing member assembly including a portion supported for selective axial movement in a distal direction and a proximal direction;

a drive unit, comprising;

a motor including a motor shaft; and

a gear assembly drivingly coupled to the motor shaft and including an output shaft assembly configured to interface with the firing member assembly such that upon rotation of the motor shaft in a first rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the distal direction and upon rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotary direction, the portion of the firing member assembly is axially driven in the proximal direction and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises;

a retraction assembly interfacing with the firing member assembly for manually applying other rotary motions to the firing member assembly in the second rotary direction when the motor is deactivated; and

means for selectively interrupting the transmission of torque between the firing member assembly and the motor shaft while maintaining operable connection between the motor shaft and the firing member assembly.