Robotic arm DLUs for performing surgical tasks

• US 6,827,712 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2001
• Issued: 12/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Toso, Kenneth E., Tovey, H. Jonathan, Hinchliffe, Peter W. J., Ratcliff, Keith
• Primary Examiner(s): FLANAGAN, BEVERLY MEINDL
• Application Number:
  US09/804,531
• Publication Number:
  US 20010014801A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,366 Days
• Field of Search: 606/1, 606/130, 600/102
• US Class Current: 606/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0233 Pointed or sharp biopsy instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0469 Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0491 Sewing machines for surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/062 Needle manipulators
• 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 17/1285 for minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32053 Punch like cutting instruments, e.g. using a cylindrical or oval knife A61B17/326 takes precedence; trepans A61B17/1695; for use on the cornea A61F9/007
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3211 Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00247 Making holes in the wall of the heart, e.g. laser Myocardial revascularization
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00778 Operations on blood vessels A61B2017/22097, A61B2017/320741 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06047 located at the middle of the needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0609 having sharp tips at both ends, e.g. shuttle needle alternately retained and released by first and second facing jaws of a suturing instrument MIS suturing instruments A61B17/0469; jaws of MIS forceps A61B2017/2926
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00392 Transmyocardial revascularisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/305 Details of wrist mechanisms at distal ends of robotic arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 : Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/70 : Manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/76 : Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback

Abstract

Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

Claims

1. A disposable loading unit configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task, the disposable loading unit comprising:

a) an attachment platform having at least one connector for releasably engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for attaching the disposable loading unit to the robotic arm and for establishing an electrical connection for receiving or transmitting at least one electrical signal;

b) a head portion connected to the attachment platform and adapted for electro-mechanical coupling to the robotic arm, the head portion being mounted for articulating movement with respect to a longitudinal axis of the robotic arm; and

c) at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical assembly for performing the at least one surgical task.

2. A disposable loading unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one surgical tool member is selected from a group consisting of a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

3. A disposable loading unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for endoscopic surgical tasks.

4. A disposable loading unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for laparoscopic surgical tasks.