Attachment portions for surgical instrument assemblies

• US 9,808,249 B2
• Filed: 08/23/2013
• Issued: 11/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, IV, Frederick E.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRUONG, THANH K
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wittenschlaeger, Thomas
• Application Number:
  US13/974,205
• Publication Number:
  US 20150053740A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,537 Days
• Field of Search: 403322, 403325, 403327, 403328, 403348, 403349, 403350, 403353, 403354, 604 22, 604167, 604180
• 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
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 : for use with different instruments
• 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 connection portion for attaching a disposable loading unit to the shaft of a surgical instrument. The connection portion can include a rotatable collar, which can be rotated relative to the disposable loading unit and the shaft. The connection can include a spring for biasing the collar and/or the disposable loading unit into a locked orientation.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler assembly, comprising:

a disposable end effector comprising a distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion comprises;

a lock notch; and

a longitudinal guide rail; and

a surgical instrument, comprising;

a proximal attachment portion structured to receive said distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion is moveable between a non-inserted position and an inserted position relative to said proximal attachment portion, and wherein said proximal attachment portion comprises a longitudinal guide slot configured to receive said longitudinal guide rail as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position; and

a rotatable collar that is rotatable relative to said proximal attachment portion between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein said collar is biased toward said locked position and is structured to rotate from said locked position to said unlocked position, wherein said distal attachment portion causes said rotatable collar to rotate from said locked position to said unlocked position when said distal attachment portion moves from said non-inserted position toward said inserted position, and wherein said collar comprises a detent structured to move into said lock notch when said collar rotates from said unlocked position to said locked position and when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

2. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 1, wherein said guide rail and said guide slot are structured to prevent rotation of said distal attachment portion relative to said proximal attachment portion as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position.

3. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 1, wherein said disposable end effector comprises a firing element, wherein said surgical instrument comprises a firing rod, and wherein said firing rod is coupled to said firing element when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

4. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 3, wherein said distal attachment portion comprises a key, wherein said firing rod comprises a rotator, and wherein said key is structured to engage said rotator as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position.

5. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring structured to bias said collar toward said locked position.

6. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 1, wherein said disposable end effector further comprises a distal articulation control, wherein said surgical instrument further comprises a proximal articulation control, and wherein said proximal articulation control rotates into engagement with said distal articulation control when said collar rotates from said unlocked position to said locked position and when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

7. A surgical stapler assembly comprising:

a disposable end effector comprising a distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion comprises;

a firing element;

a lock notch;

a key; and

a longitudinal guide rail; and

a surgical instrument, comprising;

a firing rod comprising;

a rotator;

a proximal attachment portion structured to receive said distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion is moveable between a non-inserted position and an inserted position relative to said proximal attachment portion, and wherein said proximal attachment portion comprises a longitudinal guide slot configured to receive said longitudinal guide rail as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position, wherein said guide rail and said guide slot are structured to prevent rotation of said distal attachment portion relative to said proximal attachment portion as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position, and wherein said firing rod is coupled to said firing element when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position; and

a rotatable collar that is rotatable relative to said proximal attachment portion between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein said collar is biased toward said locked position and is structured to rotate from said locked position to said unlocked position when said distal attachment portion moves from said non-inserted position toward said inserted position, wherein said collar comprises a detent structured to move into said lock notch when said collar rotates from said unlocked position to said locked position and when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position, wherein said key is structured to engage said rotator as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position, wherein said collar comprises a groove engaged with said rotator, and wherein said rotator is structured to rotate said collar to said unlocked position when said key engages said rotator.

8. A surgical stapler assembly, comprising:

a disposable end effector comprising a distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion comprises;

a key; and

a lock notch;

a surgical instrument, comprising;

a proximal attachment portion structured to receive said distal attachment portion, wherein said distal attachment portion is moveable along a longitudinal axis relative to said proximal attachment portion between a non-inserted position and an inserted position;

a firing rod comprising a rotator, and wherein said key is structured to engage said rotator as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position; and

a rotatable collar that is rotatable relative to said longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a spring is structured to bias said rotatable collar toward said locked position, and wherein said collar comprises;

a groove engaged with said rotator, wherein said rotator is structured to rotate said collar to said unlocked position when said key is engaged with said rotator; and

a detent structured to move into said lock notch when said collar rotates from said unlocked position to said locked position and when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

9. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 8, wherein said disposable end effector comprises a firing element, and wherein said firing rod is coupled to said firing element when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

10. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 8, further comprising a spring structured to bias said collar toward said locked position.

11. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 8, wherein said distal attachment portion comprises a guide rail, wherein said proximal attachment portion comprises a guide slot, and wherein said guide slot is structured to receive said guide rail as said distal attachment portion moves along said longitudinal axis between said non-inserted position and said inserted position.

12. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 11, wherein said guide rail and said guide slot are structured to prevent rotation of said distal attachment portion relative to said proximal attachment portion as said distal attachment portion moves between said non-inserted position and said inserted position.

13. The surgical stapler assembly of claim 8, wherein said disposable end effector comprises a distal articulation control, wherein said surgical instrument comprises a proximal articulation control, and wherein said proximal articulation control rotates into engagement with said distal articulation control when said collar rotates from said unlocked position to said locked position and when said distal attachment portion is in said inserted position.

14. A surgical instrument system, comprising:

a surgical instrument comprising a shaft and a shaft axis;

an end effector comprising a connection portion and an end effector axis, wherein said end effector is configured to be assembled to said shaft by aligning said shaft axis with said end effector axis and moving at least one of said shaft and said end effector toward the other without rotating said end effector about said end effector axis or said shaft about said shaft axis; and

rotatable means for automatically coupling said end effector to said shaft when said connection portion is engaged with said shaft, wherein said rotatable means moves from a locked position to an unlocked position when said connection portion is engaged with said shaft.