SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR CLAMP PAD

• US 20120116433A1
• Filed: 10/17/2011
• Published: 05/10/2012
• 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: Houser, Kevin L., Haberstich, Wells D., Miller, Matthew C., Price, Daniel W.
• Granted Patent: US 9,192,428 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• 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 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00128 related to intensity or progress of surgical action
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• 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 2018/00178 : 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 2034/2048 : using an accelerometer or inertia sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/254 : being adapted depending on the stage of the surgical procedure
• 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 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0807 : Indication means
• 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 2090/372 : Details of monitor hardware
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/502 : Headgear, e.g. helmet, spectacles
• 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: 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 transmission assembly extending from a body assembly that is configured to selectively couple to a disposable clamp arm. In some versions the clamp arm may include a tab that is insertable into a slot of an inner member such that actuation of the inner member rotates the clamp arm relative to a blade. In other versions the clamp arm may include a ball recess and the inner member may include a rod and ball. The clamp arm may be configured to snap onto the ball and rod. Alternatively, the clamp arm may include living hinges coupleable to an outer sheath and the inner member. Such living hinges may be unitarily formed with a clamp pad on the clamp arm. Further still, the clamp arm may be part of an end effector configured to couple to the transmission assembly via resilient tabs and slots.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument operable to sever tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a body assembly comprising a transmission assembly extending distally from the body assembly, the transmission assembly comprising;

i. a waveguide,

ii. a blade coupled to a distal end of the waveguide,

iii. an inner member,

iv. an outer sheath disposed about at least a portion of the inner member, and

v. an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the waveguide and operable to oscillate the blade; and

(b) a clamp arm assembly selectively coupled to the transmission assembly and comprising a clamp arm, wherein the clamp arm is operable to pivot relative to the blade;

wherein at least one of the inner member or the outer sheath is configured to actuate longitudinally and wherein the at least one of the inner member or the outer sheath is selectively coupled to the clamp arm.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the clamp arm assembly further comprises an outer sheath portion, wherein the outer sheath portion is configured to selectively couple to the outer sheath of the transmission assembly.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2 wherein the clamp arm comprises a tab, wherein the inner member comprises a slot, wherein the tab is configured to selectively couple the clamp arm to the inner member via insertion of the tab into the slot.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the outer sheath portion comprises threading, wherein the outer sheath comprises complementary threading, wherein the outer sheath portion threadably couples to the outer sheath.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the outer sheath portion comprises a bayonet, wherein the outer sheath comprises a slot.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 3 wherein the inner member is coupled to a trigger, wherein the trigger is pivotable relative to the body assembly.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein the trigger is operable to actuate the inner member from a first position relative to the distal end of the outer sheath to a second position relative to the distal end of the outer sheath.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the inner member comprises a rod having a ball coupled to a distal end of the rod.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8 wherein the clamp arm comprises a ball recess formed in a proximal end of the clamp arm, wherein the ball recess is configured to detachably couple to the ball.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 9 wherein the ball recess comprises detents operable to snap onto the rod.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 9 wherein the outer sheath comprises a slot, wherein the clamp arm comprises a pin extending outwardly from the clamp arm, wherein the inner member is operable to slidably actuate the pin within the slot.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the clamp arm comprises an upper living hinge and a lower living hinge, wherein the upper living hinge is selectively coupled to the outer sheath, and wherein the lower living hinge is selectively coupled to the inner member.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12 wherein the clamp arm further comprises a main body and a clamp pad, wherein the upper living hinge, the lower living hinge, and the clamp pad are formed of a single homogeneous continuum of material.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein the clamp arm further comprises a mold lock formed within the main body, wherein the clamp pad is coupled to the main body via the mold lock.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 12 wherein the upper living hinge comprises an upper slot, wherein the lower living hinge comprises a lower slot, wherein at least a portion of the outer sheath is insertable into the upper slot, and wherein at least a portion of the inner member is insertable into the lower slot.

16. A selectively coupleable clamp arm assembly comprising:

(a) an outer sheath portion selectively coupleable to an outer sheath of a transmission assembly;

(b) a clamp arm hingedly coupled to a distal end of the outer sheath portion, the clamp arm comprising;

i. a clamp portion having a clamp pad coupled thereto, and

ii. an attachment portion having an insertable member;

wherein the insertable member is insertable into a slot formed in an actuation member, and wherein the actuation member is operable to pivot the clamp arm relative to the outer sheath portion via the insertable member.

17. The clamp arm assembly of claim 16 wherein the outer sheath portion comprises a bayonet configured to insert into a slot formed in the outer sheath.

18. The clamp arm assembly of claim 16 wherein the outer sheath portion comprises threading and wherein the outer sheath portion is configured to threadably couple to the outer sheath.

19. A surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a body assembly comprising;

i. an ultrasonic transducer,

ii. a waveguide coupled to the ultrasonic transducer,

iii. a blade coupled to the waveguide at a proximal end of the blade,

iv. a tubular member disposed about at least a portion of the waveguide, the tubular member having a slot formed proximal of a distal end of the tubular member, and

v. an actuator operable to actuate the tubular member distally relative to the blade; and

(b) an end effector comprising a distal member having a resilient tab extending proximally from a proximal end of the distal member and insertable into the slot of the tubular member;

wherein the slot is substantially aligned with the proximal end of the blade when the actuator is in a first position, and wherein the slot is distal of the proximal end of the blade when the actuator is in a second position.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 19 wherein the body assembly further comprises an inner tubular member coaxial to the tubular member and disposed within the tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member comprises a second slot formed proximal of a distal end of the inner tubular member, wherein the end effector further comprises an inner distal member having a second resilient tab extending proximally from a proximal end of the inner distal member and insertable into the second slot of the inner tubular member, and wherein the actuator is further operable to actuate the inner tubular member distally relative to the blade.