Surgical instrument handpiece with resiliently biased coupling to modular shaft and end effector

• US 9,375,255 B2
• Filed: 10/12/2011
• Issued: 06/28/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Mumaw, Daniel J., Houser, Kevin L., Worrell, Barry C., Balek, Stephen J., Robertson, Galen C., Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Timm, Richard W., Moore, Kyle P., Johnson, Gregory W., Schulte, John B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Roane, Aaron
• Application Number:
  US13/271,352
• Publication Number:
  US 20120116363A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,721 Days
• Field of Search: 606/1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 17/064 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
• 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 2018/00178 : 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 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• 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 50/271 : Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• 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

An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a body assembly comprising;

i. a housing defining a cavity having a distal cavity portion and a proximal cavity portion, wherein the proximal cavity portion is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer, and

ii. a resilient member, wherein at least a portion of the resilient member is positioned within the distal cavity portion and is configured to selectively move between an engagement position and a disengagement position; and

(b) a transmission assembly comprising;

i. a proximal shaft portion having a proximal end configured to receive the ultrasonic transducer extending proximally therefrom, wherein the proximal shaft portion is configured to be received within the distal cavity portion of the housing,

ii. a coupling feature disposed at the proximal shaft portion,

iii. a distal shaft assembly extending distally relative to the coupling feature, and

iv. an end effector coupled to a distal end of the distal shaft assembly;

wherein the resilient member is configured to selectively engage the coupling feature to mechanically secure at least a part of the transmission assembly to the body assembly in the engagement position, and the resilient member is further configured to selectively disengage from the coupling feature to mechanically release at least the part of the transmission assembly to the body assembly, and

wherein the resilient member in the engagement position extends through the housing and engages the coupling feature such that each of the proximal end of the proximal shaft portion and the proximal cavity portion of the housing remain configured to receive the ultrasonic transducer for operating the surgical instrument.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the body assembly further comprises a user input feature, wherein the resilient member is in communication with the user input feature, and wherein the user input feature is operable to selectively mechanically secure the resilient member to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the transmission assembly further comprises a rotator knob having a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the rotator knob comprises a cylindrical proximal portion.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the coupling feature comprises a recess, and wherein the resilient member of the body assembly comprises a U-shaped spring member, and the U-shaped spring member is configured to be received within the recess.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the U-shaped spring member is defined by a pair of sides connected by an intermediate portion extending therebetween, and wherein the pair of sides are configured to be resiliently spread apart from the engagement to the disengagement positions.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the user input feature is operable to communicate with the pair of sides of the U-shaped spring member, to thereby direct the pair of sides of the U-shaped spring member away from the proximal portion of the rotator knob in the disengagement position.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the recess comprises an annular groove.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) the shaft assembly, including;

(i) an outer sheath;

(ii) a waveguide extending through the outer sheath and operatively connected to the end effector; and

(iii) the proximal end including a rotation knob, the rotation knob having a knob and a cylindrical portion extending therefrom, wherein the knob is connected to the outer sheath and the waveguide such that rotating the knob simultaneously rotates the outer sheath and the waveguide relative to the housing, and wherein the cylindrical portion includes the coupling features.

9. A surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a body housing, wherein the body housing has a distal end defining an opening;

(b) a resilient member having a pair of sides connected by an intermediate portion extending therebetween, the pair of sides and the intermediate portion defining a U-shape, wherein the resilient member is configured to selectively move between an engagement position and a disengagement position, wherein the pair of sides are configured to be resiliently spread apart from the engagement position to the disengagement position; and

(c) a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises;

(i) a distal end, wherein the distal end of the shaft assembly comprises an end effector, and

(ii) a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft assembly is sized and configured for insertion in the opening of the distal end of the body housing, wherein the proximal end includes a coupling feature, wherein the pair of sides of the resilient member are configured to selectively retain the shaft assembly relative to the body housing by simultaneously engaging a pair of opposing lateral sides of the coupling feature in the engagement position, and wherein the pair of sides of the resilient member are configured to selectively release the shaft assembly relative to the body housing by simultaneously spreading apart the pair of sides of the resilient member in order to disengage from the pair of opposing lateral sides of the coupling feature in the disengagement position.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 9, further comprising a user input feature, wherein the user input feature is operable to deform the resilient member to spread the pair of sides apart from each other and thereby disengage the resilient member from the two opposing lateral sides of the coupling feature.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the user input feature is operable to deform the pair of sides of the resilient member outwardly from an axis passing through the coupling feature to thereby disengage the pair of sides of the resilient member from the two opposing lateral sides of the coupling feature.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the proximal end of the shaft assembly further comprises a rotation knob, wherein the rotation knob is operable to rotate the shaft assembly relative to the body housing.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, further comprising a rotation knob having a knob and a cylindrical portion extending therefrom wherein the coupling feature is located on the cylindrical portion of the rotation knob.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein the coupling feature comprises a recess formed in the cylindrical portion of the rotation knob.