Surgical instrument with ultrasonic transducer having integral switches

• US 9,782,215 B2
• Filed: 01/28/2016
• Issued: 10/10/2017
• 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: Haberstich, Wells D., Houser, Kevin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cattungal, Sanjay
• Application Number:
  US15/008,530
• Publication Number:
  US 20160206900A1
• Time in Patent Office: 621 Days
• Field of Search: 600437-469, 601 1- 3
• 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 17/2909 Handles
• 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 2018/00178 : 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 2090/0803 : 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 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• 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 device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a removable transducer module. The transducer module includes a waveguide, a locking mechanism, and an electronics assembly including at least one button. The handle assembly includes a trigger assembly configured to actuate the button(s) of the electronics assembly when the transducer module is coupled with the handle assembly. The shaft assembly engages the waveguide of the transducer module and is disposed at the distal end of the handle assembly. The distal end of the shaft assembly includes a harmonic blade. When assembled with the handle assembly, the transducer module is capable of providing ultrasonic energy to the harmonic blade.

Claims

1. A surgical device, comprising:

(a) a detachable module comprising a transducer operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, wherein the detachable module further comprises an electronics assembly, wherein the electronics assembly comprises at least one button, wherein the at least one button is configured to actuate to thereby cause the transducer to convert electrical power into a at least one corresponding level of ultrasonic vibrations;

(b) a body, comprising;

(i) a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the housing is configured to removably receive the detachable module,

(ii) a shaft assembly extending distally from the distal end of the housing, and

(iii) a trigger assembly movably coupled with the housing, wherein the trigger assembly comprises at least one lever member, wherein the at least one lever member is operable to directly engage a corresponding button of the at least one button so as to selectively activate the transducer at an associated level of ultrasonic vibrations; and

(c) a locking feature operable to selectively secure the detachable module to the body.

2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the electronics assembly is operable to adjust a power level of the transducer.

3. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the locking feature comprises a hooked tab extending integrally from the detachable module.

4. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the detachable module comprises a waveguide extending distally from the detachable module.

5. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the detachable module comprises a cable extending proximally from the detachable module.

6. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the detachable module comprises a connection interface disposed on an underside of the detachable module, wherein the connection interface is configured to provide electrical communication between the detachable module and the body.

7. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the detachable module comprises a lower edge sealingly engaged with the housing.

8. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the detachable module and the body together form a substantially flush surface.

9. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the electronics assembly further comprises:

a base portion, and

(ii) a switch member including the first button and the second button.

10. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the base portion further comprises a lip portion disposed along a perimeter of the base portion, the electronics assembly further comprising an overmolded boot portion secured to the lip portion.

11. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the switch member extends perpendicularly from the base portion and the first button and the second button are disposed on a lateral surface of the switch member.

12. A surgical device, comprising:

(a) a detachable transducer module, the detachable transducer module comprising;

(i) one or more piezoelectric elements operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, and

(ii) a switch assembly in communication with the one or more piezoelectric elements, wherein the switch assembly comprises at least one button, wherein the at least one button is operable to selectively activate the one or more piezoelectric elements,

wherein the transducer module is operable to selectively toggle the one or more piezoelectric elements between a first power level and a second power level, wherein the first power level is different from the second power level;

(b) a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the housing is configured to selectively engage the detachable transducer module;

(c) a shaft assembly extending distally from the distal end of the housing, wherein at least part of the shaft assembly is configured to receive ultrasonic vibrations communicated from the detachable transducer module; and

(d) a trigger assembly movably coupled with the housing, wherein a portion of the trigger assembly is operable to selectively directly contact the switch assembly when the detachable transducer module is engaged with the housing to thereby activate the one or more piezoelectric elements.

13. The surgical device of claim 12, wherein at least part of the switch assembly is exposed, wherein the exposed part of the switch assembly comprises a flexible boot, wherein the flexible boot covers the first button and the second button.

14. The surgical device of claim 12, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an end effector having a clamp arm.

15. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a clamp actuating tab fixed to a portion of the shaft assembly, wherein the clamp actuating tab is operable to actuate the clamp arm of the end effector.

16. The surgical device of claim 15, wherein the trigger assembly further includes a lever member, wherein the lever member is operable to selectively directly contact the switch assembly, wherein the lever member is fixed to the clamp actuating tab.

17. A surgical device, comprising:

(a) a detachable module comprising;

(i) a transducer operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, and

(ii) an electronics assembly extending from the transducer, wherein the electronics assembly comprises a first button and a second button, wherein the first button is configured to actuate to thereby cause the transducer to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, wherein the second button is configured to provide at least a first energy level of ultrasonic vibrations; and

(b) a body, comprising;

(i) a housing, wherein the housing is configured to removably receive the detachable module,

(ii) a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and

(iii) a trigger assembly movably coupled with the housing, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a first trigger and a second trigger, wherein the first trigger comprises a first lever member operable to make direct contact with the first button, wherein the second trigger comprises a second lever member operable to make direct contact with the second button.

18. The surgical device of claim 17, wherein the first lever member and the second lever member define a gap, wherein the electronics assembly extends from the transducer into the gap.

19. The surgical device of claim 17, wherein the electronics assembly further comprises a third button configured to provide a second energy level of ultrasonic vibrations.

20. The surgical device of claim 19, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a third trigger, wherein the third trigger comprises a third lever member operable to make direct contact with the third button.