CLOSURE INDICATOR SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20150053749A1
• 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: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Schellin, Emily A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,445,813 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/181.1
• 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 system can comprise a surgical instrument and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a distal end, a proximal connection portion configured to attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, a first jaw, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation. The end effector can further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of the second jaw and an array of indicators configured to simulate the orientation of the second jaw.

Claims

1. An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, said end effector comprising:

a distal end;

a proximal connection portion configured to attach said end effector to the surgical instrument;

a first jaw;

a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position;

at least one sensor configured to detect the position of said second jaw;

a first indicator configured to indicate when said second jaw is in said open position;

a second indicator configured to indicate when said second jaw is in said partially-closed position; and

a third indicator configured to indicate when said second jaw is in said closed position, wherein said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator are positioned distally with respect to said proximal connection portion.

2. The end effector of claim 1, wherein said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator are arranged in an array approximating the movement of said second jaw.

3. The end effector of claim 2, wherein said array comprises an angular array.

4. The end effector of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to supply power to said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator.

5. The end effector of claim 1, wherein said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator each comprise a green light emitting diode and a red light emitting diode.

6. The end effector of claim 5, wherein the green light emitting diode of one of said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator is configured to be activated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument.

7. The end effector of claim 5, further comprising a staple cartridge and a plurality of staples removably stored in said staple cartridge, wherein the green light emitting diode of one of said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator is configured to be illuminated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument if said staples have not yet been fired from said staple cartridge.

8. The end effector of claim 7, wherein the red light emitting diode of at least one of said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator is configured to be illuminated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument if at least one staple has already been fired from said staple cartridge.

9. The end effector of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein said plurality of electrical contacts are configured to engage electrical contacts on the surgical instrument when said end effector is properly assembled to the surgical instrument.

10. An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, said end effector comprising:

a distal end;

a proximal connection portion configured to attach said end effector to the surgical instrument;

a first jaw;

a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable between an open angle, a partially-closed angle, and a closed angle;

at least one sensor configured to detect the angle of said second jaw; and

an array of indicators configured to display the angle of said second jaw, wherein said array of indicators is positioned distally with respect to said proximal connection portion.

11. The end effector of claim 10, wherein said array of indicators simulates the movement of said second jaw.

12. The end effector of claim 10, wherein said array of indicators comprises an angular array.

13. The end effector of claim 10, further comprising a battery configured to supply power to said array of indicators.

14. The end effector of claim 10, wherein each indicator in said array of indicators comprises a green light emitting diode and a red light emitting diode.

15. The end effector of claim 14, wherein the green light emitting diode of one of said indicators is configured to be activated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument.

16. The end effector of claim 14, further comprising a staple cartridge and a plurality of staples removably stored in said staple cartridge, wherein the green light emitting diode of one of said indicators is configured to be illuminated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument if said staples have not yet been fired from said staple cartridge.

17. The end effector of claim 16, wherein the red light emitting diode of at least one of said indicators is configured to be illuminated when said end effector is attached to the surgical instrument if at least one staple has already been fired from said staple cartridge.

18. The end effector of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein said plurality of electrical contacts are configured to engage electrical contacts on the surgical instrument when said end effector is properly assembled to the surgical instrument.

19. A surgical instrument system, comprising:

a surgical instrument;

an end effector, comprising;

a distal end;

a proximal connection portion configured to attach said end effector to said surgical instrument;

a first jaw;

a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation; and

at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of said second jaw; and

an array of indicators configured to incrementally display a ratio of complete closure of said second jaw.

20. The surgical instrument system of claim 19, wherein said surgical instrument further comprises a controller, wherein said at least one sensor and said array of indicators are in signal communication with said controller, and wherein said controller is configured to selectively illuminate an indicator in said array of indicators to indicate the orientation of said second jaw based on at least one input signal from said at least one sensor.

21. The surgical instrument system of claim 19, wherein said end effector further comprises a staple cartridge and a plurality of staples removably stored in said staple cartridge.

22. The surgical instrument system of claim 19, wherein said controller is configured to detect when a staple has been fired from said staple cartridge.

23. The surgical instrument system of claim 19, wherein said array of indicators comprises a first indicator configured to indicate when said second jaw is in said open orientation, a plurality of indicators configured to indicate when said second jaw is in a plurality of partially-closed orientations, and a second indicator configured to indicate when said second jaw is in said closed orientation.

24. The surgical instrument system of claim 19, wherein said array comprises an angular array.