Surgical instrument with pivoting coupling to modular shaft and end effector

• US 9,011,471 B2
• Filed: 10/11/2011
• Issued: 04/21/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Timm, Richard W., Moore, Kyle P., Johnson, Gregory W., Schulte, John B., Mumaw, Daniel J., Witt, David A., Trees, Gregory A.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHI, KATHERINE MENGLIN
• Application Number:
  US13/270,667
• Publication Number:
  US 20120116394A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,288 Days
• Field of Search: 606/27, 606/33, 606/45, 606/169, 604/22
• US Class Current: 606/169
• 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 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2812 with a single pivotal connection A61B17/29 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/285 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320068 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320092 with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/12 by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1442 Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
• 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 2017/00084 Temperature
• 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 2017/00473 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 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0084 : low friction A61B2017/00853 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle 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 2017/293 : with means preventing relative rotation between the shaft and the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/294 : Connection of actuating rod to jaw, e.g. releasable
• 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 2017/320094 : additional movable means performing clamping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320095 : with sealing or cauterizing means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00172 : Connectors and adapters therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00178 : Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0019 : vibrating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00589 : Coagulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00595 : Cauterization
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 : Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00607 : Coagulation and cutting with the same instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 : Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00988 : Means for storing information, e.g. calibration constants, or for preventing excessive use, e.g. usage, service life counter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1226 : powered by a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1253 : monopolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/126 : bipolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1412 : Blade
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 : having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/005 : with a lid or cover
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0065 : Peelable cover
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0067 : Types of closures or fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0076 : having additional locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/008 : Pegs inserted, e.g. forced, into openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/3007 : Stackable casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/3008 : having multiple compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/314 : Flexible bags or pouches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 : Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/25 : User interfaces for surgical systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 46/10 : specially adapted for instruments, e.g. microscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/30 : Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for wound clamps A61B17/10; for ligaturing clips A61B17/122; packages or dispensers for surgical gloves or finger-stalls A61B42/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/08 : Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/40 : Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/00 : Ultrasound therapy lithotripsy A61B17/22, A61B17/225; massage using supersonic vibration A61H23/00 ; using ultrasound for introducing media into the body A61M37/0092
• 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: 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 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• 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: H01M 50/247 : specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/531 : Electrode connections inside a battery casing
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 : specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 : Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49005 : Acoustic transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49895 : Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53913 : Aligner or center

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprises a body and a shaft assembly. The body includes an energy source such as an ultrasonic transducer. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector and a transmission member such as an acoustic waveguide. The end effector may include a harmonic blade and a pivoting clamp member. One or both of the body or the shaft assembly includes a pivot feature. The pivot feature is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot feature may include a bar defining a pivot axis about which the shaft assembly pivots to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly. The pivot feature may also include a pivoting cover configured to cover a recess in the body in which a proximal portion of the shaft assembly is received.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

(a) a body; and

(b) a shaft assembly configured to removably couple with the body, wherein the shaft assembly comprises;

(i) an end effector, and

(ii) an acoustic transmission member in communication with the end effector, wherein the acoustic transmission member defines a longitudinal axis;

wherein one or both of the body or the shaft assembly includes a pivot feature, wherein the pivot feature is operable to pivot the shaft assembly about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the acoustic transmission member between an unsecured position and a secured position, wherein the pivot feature in the secured position is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the body such that the acoustic transmission member is positioned to transmit energy to the end effector, wherein the pivot feature in the unsecured position is configured to disconnect the transmission member from the energy source.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an activation member, wherein the activation member includes a button, wherein the body comprises a handle including a grip, wherein the button of the activation member is integral with the handle of the body.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the acoustic transmission member is configured to removably couple to an energy source, wherein the energy source comprises an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, wherein the acoustic transmission member comprises a waveguide, wherein the end effector comprises a ultrasonic blade.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the acoustic transmission member is configured to removably couple to an energy source, wherein the energy source and the acoustic transmission member comprise complementary threading, wherein the body further comprises a torque knob operable to rotate the energy source to couple the energy source with the acoustic transmission member.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the torque knob is further operable to linearly advance the energy source toward the acoustic transmission member to engage threads of the energy source with complementary threads of the acoustic transmission member.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the pivot feature comprises a hook and a bar, wherein the hook is configured to engage the bar and pivot about the bar.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the hook is integral with the shaft assembly, wherein the bar is integral with the body.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the pivot feature comprises a bar and a notch, wherein the notch is configured to receive the bar, wherein the bar is configured to rotate within the notch.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the bar is integral with the shaft assembly, wherein the notch is integral with the body.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the pivot feature comprises a pivoting cover integral with the body, wherein the pivoting cover is configured to retain a proximal portion of the shaft assembly in a recess of the body.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the pivoting cover pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, further comprising a hinge coupling the pivoting cover with the body, wherein the body further comprises a hinge covering feature operable to selectively cover the hinge to thereby retain the pivoting cover in a closed position.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the body comprises:

(i) a first module, wherein the shaft assembly extends distally from the first module, wherein the first module further includes a user input feature operable to actuate a movable component of the end effector and one or more mechanical components coupling the user input feature with the movable component of the end effector, and

(ii) a second module, wherein the second module contains an energy source.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein the first module is removably coupled with the second module via the pivot feature, wherein the first module includes a feature configured to communicate with the energy source upon coupling of the first module with the second module, wherein the second module is provided in a sterile bag.

15. A surgical instrument, comprising:

(a) a body including an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer defines an axis;

(b) a shaft assembly configured to removably couple with the body, wherein the shaft assembly comprises;

(i) an end effector, the end effector including an ultrasonic blade, and

(ii) a waveguide configured to removably couple with the transducer, wherein the waveguide is in communication with the ultrasonic blade, wherein the waveguide is configured to transmit energy from the transducer to the ultrasonic blade, wherein the waveguide defines a longitudinal axis;

wherein one or both of the body or the shaft assembly includes a pivot feature, wherein the body is configured to receive the shaft assembly through an upper receiving portion of the body, wherein the upper receiving portion is shaped to complement the shaft assembly, wherein the pivot feature is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the body by pivoting the shaft assembly about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the waveguide, wherein the shaft assembly is pivotable between a first pivotal position and a second pivotal position, wherein the waveguide is aligned with the axis of the transducer when the shaft assembly is in the first pivotal position, wherein the waveguide is in acoustic communication with the transducer when the shaft assembly is in the first pivotal position, wherein the waveguide is not aligned with the axis of the transducer when the shaft assembly is in the second pivotal position, wherein the waveguide is acoustically decoupled from the transducer when the shaft assembly is in the second pivotal position.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, further comprising a torque knob, wherein the torque knob is configured to linearly advance the transducer within the handle assembly and toward the waveguide.

17. A surgical instrument, comprising:

(a) a body comprising a first portion and a second portion;

(b) an ultrasonic energy source positioned within the first portion of the body; and

(c) a shaft assembly rotatably secured to the second portion of the body, wherein the shaft assembly comprises;

(i) an end effector, and

(ii) an acoustic transmission member in communication with the end effector, wherein the acoustic transmission member defines a longitudinal axis;

wherein one or both of the first portion or second portion of the body includes a pivot feature, wherein the pivot feature is operable to pivot the second portion of the body relative to the first portion of the body about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the acoustic transmission member between an unsecured position and a secured position, wherein the shaft assembly is aligned with the ultrasonic energy source when the pivot feature is in the secured position, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the body together form a housing when the pivot feature is in the secured position, wherein the second portion of the body is decoupled from the first portion of the body when the pivot feature is in the unsecured position.