DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20140263565A1
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Lytle, Thomas W. IV, Leimbach, Richard L., Kerr, Wendy A., Swensgard, Brett E., Sackett, Kevin D., Overmyer, Mark D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,629,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/180.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• 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 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• 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 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• 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 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00123 and automatic shutdown
• 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 2017/00389 Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00393 with means for switching between functions
• 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 2017/00464 for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• 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 2017/00716 simulating physical properties
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• 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 2017/2903 : transferring rotary motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2913 : cams or guiding means
• 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 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2943 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00172 : Connectors and adapters therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00297 : Means for providing haptic feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00303 : active, e.g. with a motor creating vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 : having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2059 : Mechanical position encoders
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 : for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/067 : for measuring angles
• 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 34/30 : Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/76 : Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/145 : influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields see G01R33/06

Abstract

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include at least one drive system that is configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof. At least one drive system defines an actuation axis. The surgical instrument may further include at least one interchangeable shaft assembly that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A lockout assembly may interface with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

at least one drive system configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof and defining an actuation axis;

at least one interchangeable shaft assembly configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled to said interchangeable shaft assembly; and

a lockout assembly interfacing with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the at least one drive system is operably supported in a handle of a handheld surgical instrument.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the at least one drive system comprises a portion of a robotic system.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein one of the at least one drive systems comprises an attachment member configured to operably engage a corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member on the attachment member that is biased into locking engagement with a locking portion of the surgical instrument prior to operably engaging the attachment member with the corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein movement of the corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly into operable engagement with the attachment member results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the locking portion of the surgical instrument.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the at least one drive systems is operably supported by a frame and wherein at least one of the interchangeable shaft assemblies includes a shaft attachment portion configured for removable operable engagement with a portion of the frame and wherein one of the at least one drive systems comprises an attachment member configured to operably engage a corresponding yoke portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member on the attachment member that is biased into locking engagement with a locking portion of the frame prior to operably engaging the shaft attachment portion with the portion of the frame and wherein movement of the shaft attachment portion into operable engagement with the frame portion results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the locking portion of the surgical instrument.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein one of the at least one drive systems comprises an attachment member configured to operably engage a corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member that is biased into locking engagement with the attachment member prior to operably engaging the attachment member with the corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein movement of the corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly into operable engagement with the attachment member results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the attachment member.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the at least one drive systems is operably supported by a frame and wherein at least one of the interchangeable shaft assemblies includes a shaft attachment portion configured for removable operable engagement with a portion of the frame and wherein one of the at least one drive systems comprises an attachment member configured to operably engage a corresponding yoke portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly and wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member movably supported by the frame and biased into locking engagement with the attachment member prior to operably engaging the shaft attachment portion with the portion of the frame and wherein movement of the shaft attachment portion into operable engagement with the frame portion results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the attachment member.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1 wherein the surgical end effector of at least one of the at least one interchangeable shaft assemblies comprises:

a surgical staple cartridge; and

an anvil movably supported relative to the surgical staple cartridge between open and closed positions relative to the surgical staple cartridge in response to opening and closing motions applied thereto by a portion of the one interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto and in operable engagement with a corresponding one of the at least one drive systems.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8 wherein the one of the at least one interchangeable shaft assemblies further comprises a firing member comprising:

a proximal firing member portion configured for operable engagement with another one of the at least one drive systems for applying a firing motion thereto; and

a distal firing member portion operably coupled to the proximal firing member portion and including a tissue cutting portion.

10. A surgical instrument including a shaft assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a surgical staple cartridge; and

an anvil, wherein one of the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge is movable relative to the other of the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge upon the application of an opening motion and a closing motion;

a movable closure shaft assembly configured to apply the opening motion and the closing motion;

a shaft attachment frame operably supporting a portion of the movable closure shaft assembly thereon;

a frame member configured for removable operable engagement with the shaft attachment frame;

a closure drive system operably supported by the frame member and defining an actuation axis, the closure drive system configured for operable engagement with the closure shaft assembly in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis when the shaft attachment frame is in operable engagement with the frame member; and

a lockout assembly interfacing with the closure drive system for preventing actuation of the closure drive system unless the closure shaft assembly is in operable engagement with the closure drive system.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10 wherein the closure drive system comprises an attachment member that is movable in response to actuation motions applied thereto and wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a closure attachment yoke operably coupled to the movable closure shaft assembly and configured to removably operably engage a portion of the attachment member when the shaft attachment frame is moved into operable engagement with the frame member.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the lockout assembly comprises a lock slot in the frame member in locking engagement with the portion of the shaft attachment member when the portion of the shaft attachment member is not operably coupled to the closure attachment yoke.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12 wherein a portion of the shaft attachment frame is configured to move the attachment member to a position wherein the portion of the shaft attachment member is moved out of locking engagement with the lock slot in the frame when the shaft attachment frame member is in operable engagement with the frame member.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member that is biased into locking engagement with the attachment member prior to operably engaging the attachment member with the closure attachment yoke and wherein movement of the closure attachment yoke into operable engagement with the attachment member results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the attachment member.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the lockout assembly comprises a locking member movably supported by the frame member and biased into locking engagement with the attachment member prior to operably engaging the shaft attachment frame with the frame member and wherein movement of the shaft attachment frame into operable engagement with the frame member results in movement of the locking member out of locking engagement with the attachment member.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the closure drive system further comprises an actuator slide member movably supported on a portion of the frame member and coupled to the attachment member, the actuator slide member including a cavity configured to receive an actuator tab on the closure attachment yoke therein when the shaft attachment frame has been operably coupled to the frame member and wherein the lockout assembly comprises a lock member movably supported in the cavity such that the lock member prevents movement of the actuator slide member relative to the frame member portion unless the actuator tab is seated within the cavity.

17. A surgical system, comprising:

a frame operably supporting at least one drive system therein for generating control motions upon actuation of a control actuator, and wherein at least one of the at least one drive systems define an actuation axis;

a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies wherein each interchangeable shaft assembly comprises;

a shaft attachment frame configured to removably operably engage a portion of the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis;

a first shaft assembly operably supported by the shaft attachment frame and configured for operable engagement with a corresponding one of the at least one drive systems in the direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis; and

a lockout assembly mechanically engaging a portion of the corresponding one of the at least one drive systems and cooperating with the control actuator to prevent actuation of the control actuator until the shaft attachment frame is in operable engagement with the frame portion and the first shaft assembly is in operable engagement with the one of the at least one drive systems.

18. The surgical system of claim 17 wherein the frame comprises a portion of a handheld surgical instrument.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 17 wherein the frame comprises a portion of a robotic system.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 17 wherein at least one of the interchangeable shaft assemblies comprises an end effector operably interfacing with the first shaft assembly and comprising:

a surgical staple cartridge; and

an anvil movably supported relative to the surgical staple cartridge between open and closed positions relative to the surgical staple cartridge in response to opening and closing motions applied thereto by a portion of the first shaft assembly.

21. A surgical instrument, comprising:

at least one drive system configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof and defining an actuation axis;

at least one interchangeable shaft assembly configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled to said interchangeable shaft assembly; and

a lockout assembly comprising interfacing means for interfacing with the at least one drive system and for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.