Combined bipolar scissor and grasper and method of forming thereof

• US 6,206,877 B1
• Filed: 09/30/1999
• Issued: 03/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Kese, Kelly, Regula, Donald W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda C. M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GIBSON, ROY DEAN
• Application Number:
  US09/410,384
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 606/41, 606/45, 606/46, 606/48-52, 606/205-207
• US Class Current: 606/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2812 with a single pivotal connection A61B17/29 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/282 Jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320016 Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3201 Scissors for biopsy A61B10/02
• 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 2017/00353 one mechanical instrument performing multiple functions, e.g. cutting and grasping channel for multiple instruments A61B2017/3445; instrument channel A61B2017/22072; replaceable heads A61B2017/2931; suction A61M1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00136 with polymer
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1432 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1457 having opposing blades cutting tissue grasped by the jaws, i.e. combined scissors and pliers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/146 Scissors

Abstract

A method of forming a combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument. The method has the steps of: providing a predetermined blade configuration of a bipolar scissors surgical instrument, the predetermined blade configuration having first and second jaw members each having a respective first and second cutting edge and first and second pivoting surfaces; defining a first grasping surface on the first jaw member, the first grasping surface being distal to the cutting edge, the first grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration; defining a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface on the second jaw member, the second grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration; providing a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position; and electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member. A further method is provided in which the cutting edges are distal to the grasping surfaces. Also provided are combination scissors/graspers having blade configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-B to 14A-B.

Claims

1. A method of forming a combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a predetermined blade configuration of a bipolar scissors surgical instrument, the predetermined blade configuration having first and second jaw members each having a respective first and second cutting edge and first and second pivoting surfaces;

defining a first grasping surface on the first jaw member, the first grasping surface being distal to the first cutting edge, the first grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration;

defining a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface on the second jaw member, the second grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration;

wherein the predetermined blade configuration conforms to the shape and dimensions of one of a standard Mayo, Metzenbaum or Tenotomy surgical scissor;

providing a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position; and

electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the providing of the pivot pin permits each jaw member to individually pivot in relation to the other jaw member about the pivot pin.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrically isolating step comprises:

disposing an electrically insulating coating on the first cutting surface such that the first cutting surface is electrically isolated from the second cutting surface when the jaw members are in their closed position but which allows electrical conduction between the first and second cutting edges when tissue is present therebetween;

maintaining an insulating gap between the first grasping surface and second grasping surface for permitting electrical conduction between the grasping surfaces when tissue is inserted therebetween but which prevents electrical conduction between the grasping surfaces when tissue is not present therebetween;

disposing an electrically insulating coating on one of the first or second pivoting surfaces; and

preventing electrical conduction from the first jaw member to the second jaw member through the pivot pin.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the if maintaining step comprises disposing an electrically insulating coating on the second grasping surface such that the first grasping surface is electrically isolated from the second grasping surface when the jaw members are in their closed position and tissue is not present therebetween, the electrically insulating coating being disposed on portions constituting less than the entire second grasping surface for permitting electrical conduction between the uncoated portions of the second grasping surface and the first grasping surface when the jaw members are in their closed position and tissue is present therebetween.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the preventing step comprises disposing an insulating coating on the pivot pin.

6. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the preventing step comprises fabricating the pivot pin from an insulating material.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of preventing electrical conduction from portions of the instrument other than the first and second jaw members.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of preventing electrical conduction from portions of the instrument other than the first and second jaw members comprises disposing a nylon coating on portions of the instrument other than substantially all of the first and second jaw members.

9. A method of forming a combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a predetermined blade configuration of a bipolar scissors surgical instrument, the predetermined blade configuration having first and second jaw members each having a respective first and second cutting edge and first and second pivoting surfaces;

defining a first grasping surface on the first jaw member, the first cutting edge being distal to the first grasping surface, the first grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration;

defining a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface on the second jaw member, the second grasping surface being contained within the confines of the predetermined blade configuration;

providing a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position; and

electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the providing of the pivot pin permits each jaw member to individually pivot in relation to the other jaw member about the pivot pin.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electrically isolating step comprises:

disposing an electrically insulating coating on the first cutting surface such that the first cutting surface is electrically isolated from the second cutting surface when the jaw members are in their closed position but which allows electrical conduction between the first and second cutting edges when tissue is present therebetween;

maintaining an insulating gap between the first grasping surface and second grasping surface for permitting electrical conduction between the grasping surfaces when tissue is inserted therebetween but which prevents electrical conduction between the grasping surfaces when tissue is not present therebetween;

disposing an electrically insulating coating on one of the first or second pivoting surfaces; and

preventing electrical conduction from the first jaw member to the second jaw member through the pivot pin.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the maintaining step comprises disposing an electrically insulating coating on the second grasping surface such that the first grasping surface is electrically isolated from the second grasping surface when the jaw members are in their closed position and tissue is not present therebetween, the electrically insulating coating being disposed on portions constituting less than the entire second grasping surface for permitting electrical conduction between the uncoated portions of the second grasping surface and the first grasping surface when the jaw members are in their closed position and tissue is present therebetween.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preventing step comprises disposing an insulating coating on the pivot pin.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preventing step comprises fabricating the pivot pin from an insulating material.

15. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step of preventing electrical conduction from portions of the instrument other than the first and second jaw members.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the step of preventing electrical conduction from portions of the instrument other than the first and second jaw members comprises disposing a nylon coating on portions of the instrument other than substantially all of the first and second jaw members.

17. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first cutting edge being distal to the first grasping surface, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Mayo surgical scissor.

18. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first grasping surface being distal to the first cutting edge, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Mayo surgical scissor.

19. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first cutting edge being distal to the first grasping surface, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Metzenbaum surgical scissor.

20. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first grasping surface being distal to the first cutting edge, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Metzenbaum surgical scissor.

21. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first cutting edge being distal to the first grasping surface, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Tenotomy surgical scissor.

22. A combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument comprising:

a first jaw member having a first cutting edge, a first cutting surface, and a first grasping surface, the first grasping surface being distal to the first cutting edge, the first jaw member further having a first pivoting surface;

a second jaw member having a second cutting edge and second cutting surface opposing the first cutting edge and first cutting surface, the second jaw member further having a second grasping surface opposing the first grasping surface and a second pivoting surface opposing the first pivoting surface and in sliding contact therewith;

a pivot pin pivotally connected to the jaw members wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other jaw member about the pivoting surfaces, the jaw members being capable of pivoting between an open and closed position such that the cutting edges form a scissor and the grasping surfaces form a clamp when the jaw members are in their closed position;

means for supplying electrical energy to the first jaw member and electrical energy of the opposite polarity to the second jaw member for cauterizing tissue therebetween;

isolating means for electrically isolating the first jaw member from the second jaw member; and

actuation means for actuating the jaw members between their open and closed positions;

wherein the grasping surfaces are contained within the shape and size of a standard Tenotomy surgical scissor.