Coupling arrangements and methods for attaching tools to ultrasonic surgical instruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic surgical instrument that has a waveguide that protrudes distally from the handpiece and a surgical tool that is configured to be coupled to the waveguide. The waveguide may have a distal end that is sized to be inserted into a cavity in a proximal end of the surgical tool and then selectively expanded to retain the distal end within the cavity to couple the surgical tool to the waveguide.

Term
Projected expiry 20 May 2030.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Projected expiry
39 claims: 11 independent, 28 dependent
- 1Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico compreende:uma ferramenta cirúrgica tendo uma extremidade proximal com uma cavidade em seu interior;e um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do cabo e interagindo com o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, sendo que o dito guia de ondas tem uma porção de extremidade distai dimensionada de modo a ser inserida na dita cavidade existente na dita extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica e ser seletivamente expandida até engatar-se retentivamente com a mesma.
- 2Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, em que a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas é seletivamente e radialmente expansível.
- 3Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, compreendendo, adicionalmente, um elemento atuador suportado operacionalmente pelo dito guia de ondas.
- 4Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 3, em que o dito elemento atuador compreende uma haste atuadora axialmente móvel.
- 5Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 4, em que a dita porção de extremidade distai tem pelo menos duas patilhas formadas sobre a mesma.
- 6Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 5, em que a dita cavidade tem porções de parede afuniladas para engatar as ditas patilhas.
- 7Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 4, em que a dita haste atuadora móvel compreende:uma porção de haste apoiada de maneira móvel no interior de uma fenda no dito guia de ondas;e uma porção de atuação estendendo-se radialmente, a qual se 2/10 projeta através de uma porção do cabo.
- 8Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, em que a dita ferramenta cirúrgica é selecionada do grupo de ferramentas cirúrgicas que consiste em:lâminas retas e curvas, ganchos afiados, ganchos de dissecção, coaguladores em esfera e coaguladores de pinça.
- 9Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, o qual compreende:um cabo dotado de um compartimento;pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico suportado operacionalmente no dito compartimento e operacionalmente acoplado a um gerador de sinal ultrassônico;um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do dito compartimento e interagindo com o dito pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, sendo que o dito guia de ondas tem uma porção de extremidade distai seletivamente expansível;uma haste atuadora apoiada de maneira móvel no interior do dito guia de ondas e de maneira móvel entre uma primeira posição na qual a dita porção de extremidade distai está expandida e uma segunda posição na qual a dita porção de extremidade distai está não-expandida;e uma ferramenta cirúrgica que tem uma porção de extremidade proximal, sendo que a dita porção de extremidade proximal tem, dentro da mesma, uma cavidade destinada a receber em seu interior a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas.
- 10Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 9, em que a dita porção de extremidade distai tem pelo menos duas patilhas formadas sobre a mesma.
- 11Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 10, em que a dita cavidade tem porções de parede afuniladas para engatar as ditas patilhas.
- 12Método para acoplar, de maneira removível, uma ferramenta cirúrgica a um guia de ondas de um instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, sendo que o dito método compreende:3/10 obter uma cavidade em uma porção de extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica;inserir uma extremidade distal do guia de ondas no interior da cavidade;e expandir a extremidade distal do guia de ondas para engatar retentivamente pelo menos uma porção de uma parede da cavidade.
- 13Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 12, em que a dita expansão compreende avançar axialmente um elemento de atuação entre porções radialmente móveis da extremidade distal do guia de ondas.
- 14Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 12, compreendendo, adicionalmente:fazer funcionar o instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico para completar um procedimento cirúrgico com o uso da ferramenta cirúrgica;descontinuar o funcionamento do instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico;contrair a extremidade distal do guia de ondas;e remover o guia de ondas da cavidade.
- 15Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 13, o qual compreende, adicionalmente:fazer funcionar o instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico para completar um procedimento cirúrgico com o uso da ferramenta cirúrgica;descontinuar o funcionamento do instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico;retrair axialmente o elemento de atuação para permitir que as porções radialmente móveis se contraiam para dentro;e remover o guia de ondas da cavidade.
- 16Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico compreende:um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do cabo e interagindo operacionalmente com o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico;e 4/10 uma ferramenta cirúrgica que tem uma porção de acoplamento configurada para ser acoplada a uma extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas de modo que, mediante a aplicação de energia térmica a uma dentre a dita extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas ou a dita porção de acoplamento da dita ferramenta cirúrgica, a dita ferramenta cirúrgica fique acoplada ao dito guia de ondas e, ao se descontinuar a aplicação da dita energia térmica, a dita ferramenta cirúrgica possa ser separada do dito guia de ondas.
- 17Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 16, em que o dito guia de ondas é fabricado a partir de pelo menos um primeiro material, de modo que pelo menos uma porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas tenha um primeiro coeficiente de expansão térmica, sendo que a dita porção de acoplamento da dita ferramenta cirúrgica compreende uma porção de extremidade proximal fabricada a partir de pelo menos um segundo material, de modo que a dita porção de extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica tenha um segundo coeficiente de expansão térmica que é menor que o dito primeiro coeficiente de expansão térmica, sendo que a dita porção de extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica tem, dentro da mesma, uma cavidade destinada a receber em seu interior a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas, sendo a dita cavidade dimensionada e formatada em relação à dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas de modo que, mediante a aplicação da dita energia térmica à dita porção de extremidade distai quando esta é recebida na dita cavidade, a dita porção de extremidade distai se expanda para reter a dita porção de extremidade distal no interior da dita cavidade.
- 18Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 17, o qual compreende, adicionalmente, um aplicador de calor em comunicação com o dito guia de ondas.
- 19Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 18, em que o dito aplicador de calor selecionado do grupo de aplicadores de calor que consiste essencialmente em:uma espiral de indução por radiofrequência ou um elemento de calor termoelétrico resistive.
- 20Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivin 5/10 dicação 17, em que a dita cavidade está na dita extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas, sendo dimensionada e formatada para receber em seu interior a dita porção de extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica, e sendo que o dito segundo coeficiente de expansão térmica é maior que o dito primeiro coeficiente de expansão térmica.
- 21Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 16, em que a dita disposição de acoplamento compreende:uma porção de extremidade proximal configurada para encaixar-se com a dita extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas;e pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível na dita ferramenta cirúrgica, configurado para engatar-se retentivamente a uma porção correspondente do dito cabo, de modo a reter a dita extremidade distai da dita ferramenta cirúrgica em engate de acoplamento com a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas mediante a aplicação de um sinal de atuação ao dito pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível.
- 22Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 21, em que a dita porção correspondente do dito cabo compreende uma superfície cônica configurada para interagir com o dito pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível de modo que, quando o dito pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível se expande para entrar em contato com a dita superfície cônica, a dita extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica é forçada a um engate de acoplamento com a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas.
- 23Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 22, em que o dito pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível é montado em uma porção de invólucro que se estende proximamente, acoplada à dita ferramenta cirúrgica.
- 24Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, o qual compreende, adicionalmente:pelo menos um contato elétrico apoiado na dita porção de invólucro que se estende proximamente e eletricamente acoplado ao dito pelo 6/10 menos um elemento de trava expansível;e pelo menos um contato de ativação apoiado sobre o dito cabo e em comunicação elétrica com uma fonte de corrente elétrica, estando o dito pelo menos um contato de ativação orientado de modo a se engatar ao dito pelo menos um contato elétrico quando a dita ferramenta cirúrgica é movida para uma posição acoplada, de modo a permitir que a dita corrente elétrica flua para o dito pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível, a partir da dita fonte da dita corrente elétrica.
- 25Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que a dita ferramenta cirúrgica pode ser desacoplada da dita extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas, ao ser descontinuado o fluxo de corrente elétrica para cada um dos ditos pelo menos um elementos de trava seletivamente expansíveis.
- 26Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 21, em que cada um dos ditos pelo menos um elemento de trava seletivamente expansível é fabricado a partir de uma liga com memória de formato.
- 27Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico compreende:um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do cabo e interagindo operacionalmente com o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico de modo que, mediante a ativação do dito pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, o dito guia de ondas transmita energia térmica e vibratória a uma porção de extremidade distal do mesmo, sendo que a dita porção de extremidade distai compreende um material de liga passível de fusão;e uma ferramenta cirúrgica dotada de uma porção de extremidade proximal que tem uma cavidade dimensionada para receber, dentro da mesma, a dita porção de extremidade distai de modo que, mediante a ativação do dito pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, quando a dita porção de extremidade distai é recebida no interior da dita cavidade, a dita liga passível de fusão forme uma conexão soldada entre a dita ferramenta cirúrgica e o 7/10 dito guia de ondas.
- 28Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 27, em que o dito pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico é ativado em um nível predeterminado de energia durante um período de tempo predeterminado, sendo que o dito nível predeterminado de energia é maior que um nível de energia normal usado durante o funcionamento do dito instrumento cirúrgico.
- 29Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico compreende:meios alongados para transmissão de energia ultrassônica a partir do pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico;uma ferramenta cirúrgica;e meios para acoplamento da dita ferramenta cirúrgica aos ditos meios alongados, mediante a aplicação de um sinal de acoplamento a um dos ditos meios alongados e à dita ferramenta cirúrgica, estando os ditos meios de acoplamento configurados para permitir que a dita ferramenta cirúrgica seja desacoplada dos ditos meios alongados quando a dita aplicação do dito sinal de acoplamento é descontinuada.
- 30Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que o dito sinal de acoplamento compreende a aplicação de corrente elétrica a pelo menos um meio de travamento apoiado em um dentre a dita ferramenta cirúrgica e os ditos meios alongados.
- 31Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que o dito sinal de acoplamento compreende a aplicação de energia térmica a um dentre os ditos meios alongados e a dita ferramenta cirúrgica.
- 32Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico compreende:um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do cabo e interagindo operacionalmente com o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, 8/10 sendo o dito guia de ondas fabricado a partir de pelo menos um primeiro material, de modo que pelo menos uma porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas tenha um primeiro coeficiente de expansão térmica;e uma ferramenta cirúrgica tendo uma porção de extremidade proximal, sendo a dita ferramenta cirúrgica fabricada a partir de pelo menos um segundo material, de modo que pelo menos a porção de extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica tenha um segundo coeficiente de expansão térmica que é menor que o dito primeiro coeficiente de expansão térmica, sendo que a dita porção de extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica tem, dentro da mesma, uma cavidade destinada a receber em seu interior a dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas, sendo a dita cavidade dimensionada e formatada em relação à dita porção de extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas de modo que, mediante a aplicação de energia térmica à dita porção de extremidade distai quando esta é recebida na dita cavidade, a dita porção de extremidade distai se expanda para reter a dita porção de extremidade distal no interior da dita cavidade.
- 33Método para acoplamento de uma ferramenta cirúrgica a um guia de ondas de um instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente, dentro do mesmo, pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico que interage operacionalmente com o guia de ondas, sendo que o dito método compreende:posicionar uma extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica em contato de acoplamento com uma extremidade distal do guia de ondas;aplicar um sinal de acoplamento a um dentre o guia de ondas e a extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica, para fazer com que a extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica seja acoplada à extremidade distai do guia de ondas;e descontinuar a aplicação do sinal de acoplamento para permitir que a ferramenta cirúrgica seja desacoplada da extremidade distal do guia de ondas.
- 34Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 33, em que a dita aplicação de um sinal de acoplamento compreende aplicar energia térmica a 9/10 um dentre o guia de ondas e a ferramenta cirúrgica.
- 35Método para acoplamento de uma ferramenta cirúrgica a um guia de ondas de um instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um compartimento que suporta operacionalmente, dentro do mesmo, pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico que interage operacionalmente com o guia de ondas, sendo que o dito método compreende:posicionar uma extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica em contato de acoplamento com uma extremidade distal do guia de ondas;e fazer funcionar o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em um nível de energia predeterminado que é maior que um nível normal de energia operacional durante um período de tempo suficiente para fazer com que pelo menos uma porção da extremidade distal do guia de ondas fique soldada à extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica e, em seguida fazer funcionar o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico no nível normal de energia operacional para completar uma tarefa cirúrgica com a ferramenta cirúrgica.
- 36Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico dotado de um cabo que suporta operacionalmente pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico em seu interior, sendo que o dito instrumento cirúrgico compreende:um guia de ondas projetando-se distalmente a partir do cabo e interagindo operacionalmente com o pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, sendo que o dito guia de ondas tem uma extremidade distai que tem, dentro da mesma, uma cavidade receptora de ferramentas;uma ferramenta cirúrgica tendo uma porção de extremidade proximal configurada para ser recebida no interior da dita cavidade receptora de ferramentas na dita extremidade distal do dito guia de ondas mediante a aplicação de energia térmica à dita extremidade distai e uma porção de invólucro circundando a dita extremidade proximal e projetando-se proximamente a partir da mesma;uma disposição de acoplamento para reter seletivamente a extremidade proximal da ferramenta cirúrgica dentro da dita cavidade receptora de ferramentas, sendo que a dita disposição de acoplamento compreende: um elemento travante apoiado sobre a dita extremidade distai 10/10 do dito guia de ondas adjacente à dita cavidade, sendo que o dito elemento travante é configurado para expandir-se a partir de um estado nãoexpandido para um estado expandido quando uma energia ultrassônica é aplicada ao dito guia de ondas a partir do dito pelo menos um transdutor ultrassônico, e para retornar ao estado não-expandido quando a dita aplicação de energia ultrassônica é descontinuada;e pelo menos uma unidade geradora de calor e resfriamento acoplada de maneira móvel ao dito cabo e interagindo com o dito elemento travante, estando a dita pelo menos uma unidade geradora de calor e resfriamento configurada apra engate e desengate travante com as porções correspondentes do dito invólucro.
- 37Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 36, em que quando o dito elemento travante está no dito estado não-expandido, a dita extremidade proximal da dita ferramenta cirúrgica não pode ser encaixada no interior da dita cavidade receptora de ferramentas.
- 38Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 36, em que cada uma das ditas pelo menos uma unidade geradora de calor e resfriamento está acoplada de forma pivotante ao dito cabo, estando configurada para articular-se em contato friccional com o dito elemento travante conforme as ditas porções correspondentes do dito invólucro são colocadas em engate de montagem axial com a dita pelo menos uma unidade geradora de calor e resfriamento.
- 39Instrumento cirúrgico ultrassônico, de acordo com a reivindicação 36, em que cada uma dentre as ditas pelo menos uma unidade geradora de calor e de resfriamento contém um líquido evaporativo.
Independent claims39
103 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS FOR FIXING TOOLS TO ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to coupling arrangements and methods for attaching a surgical tool to an ultrasonic surgical instrument.
BACKGROUND
Ultrasonic surgical instruments are used for the safe and effective treatment of many medical problems. These instruments commonly include a cable that is attached to an ultrasonic signal generator*. The instruments also include an end actuator that receives the ultrasonic vibrations. Ultrasonic vibrations, when transmitted to organic tissues at appropriate energy levels and using a suitable end actuator, can be used to cut, dissect, lift or cauterize tissues, or to separate muscle tissue from bone. Ultrasonic instruments using solid-core technology are particularly advantageous due to the amount of ultrasonic energy that can be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer, through a waveguide, and up to the surgical end actuator. These instruments can be used for open procedures or minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, where the end actuator is passed through a trocar to reach the surgical site.
Typically, an ultrasonic vibration is induced in the surgical end actuator by electrical excitation of a transducer housed within the cable. The transducer may be constructed from one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements. The vibrations generated by the transducer section are transmitted to the surgical end actuator via an ultrasonic waveguide extending from the transducer section to the surgical end actuator. Waveguides and
2/26 End actuators are designed to resonate at the same frequency as the transducer. Therefore, when an end actuator is attached to a transducer, the frequency of the system as a whole is the same as the frequency of the transducer itself.
Solid-core ultrasonic surgical instruments can be divided into two types: single-element end-actuator devices and multi-element end-actuator devices. Single-element end-actuator devices include instruments such as scalpels and ball coagulators. The use of multi-element end-actuator devices, such as forceps coagulators, includes a mechanism for pressing tissues against an ultrasonic blade. Ultrasonic forceps coagulators result in an enhanced ultrasonic surgical instrument for cutting/coagulating tissues, particularly loose and unsupported tissues, where the ultrasonic blade is used in conjunction with forceps to apply a compressive or displacement force to the tissue, in order to obtain rapid coagulation and cutting of tissues, with less attenuation of blade movement. Surgical elevators are instruments used to help facilitate the lifting and removal of soft tissues during surgery. Surgical elevators are generally used to separate muscles from bones. Cobb or curette-type surgical elevators are used in spinal surgery, especially to help gain posterior access for removing muscle tissue from bones.
Regardless of the type of end actuator employed, it must be effectively coupled to the waveguide. In some devices, the end actuator is permanently coupled to the waveguide, for example, by welding. In other arrangements, the end actuator is removablely coupled to the waveguide by means of a threaded arrangement. These end actuators are often equipped with a torque wrench which, when properly used, is intended to ensure that the end actuator is secured to the waveguide by an appropriate amount of torque.
3/26 at the same time as avoiding the possibility of damage or failure to the device due to the application of excessive torque to the end actuator. These keys can be designed to form an interface with an end or distal portion of the end actuator. In some key arrangements, the key is placed at the distal end of the end actuator; the clinician applies torque to the key until an audible click is heard, and then the key can be removed from the end actuator.
Although the use of these torque wrenches can effectively ensure that an acoustically safe connection has been established between the waveguide and the end actuator, the torque wrenches can be lost or stored in the wrong place during the preparation of surgical tools and the operating room. Furthermore, torque wrenches are typically used to separate the end actuator from the cable, which requires the clinician to locate the torque wrench or other tool after the surgical procedure is complete. Furthermore, if the clinician fails to use the torque wrench properly, there is a risk that the connection between the end actuator and the waveguide will be insufficient to transmit the desired amount of acoustic movement to the end actuator to obtain the best results.
It would be desirable to obtain an ultrasonic surgical instrument that overcomes some of the shortcomings of current coupling arrangements between instruments and end-actuators. Several modalities of ultrasonic surgical instruments overcome these shortcomings.
SUMMARY
In general terms, the various modalities refer to an ultrasonic surgical instrument equipped with a handle that operationally supports at least one ultrasonic transducer. The surgical instrument includes a surgical tool that has a proximal end equipped with a cavity inside. A waveguide projects distally 30 degrees from the handle and interacts with at least one ultrasonic transducer. The waveguide has a distal end portion that is sized to be inserted into the cavity at the proximal end of the ferrule.
4/26 surgical menthol, being selectively expanded until a retention attachment is obtained.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, an ultrasonic surgical instrument is presented that includes a cable equipped with a compartment that operationally supports at least one ultrasonic transducer inside. The ultrasonic transducers are operationally coupled to an ultrasonic signal generator. A waveguide projects distally from the compartment and interacts with the ultrasonic transducers. The waveguide has a selectively expandable distal end portion 10. An actuating rod is movably supported inside the waveguide, and can move between a first position, in which the distal end portion is expanded, and a second position in which the distal end portion is not expanded. The surgical instrument also includes a surgical tool that has a proximal end portion with a cavity inside, designed to receive the distal end portion of the waveguide.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, a method is presented for removablely coupling a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument. In several versions, the method includes forming a cavity in a proximal end portion of the surgical tool, and inserting into said cavity a distal end of the waveguide. The method also includes expanding the distal end of the waveguide to retentively engage at least a portion of a cavity wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The innovative features of the various embodiments are presented in detail in the attached claims. However, the various embodiments, with regard to both organization and methods of operation, along with their additional objectives and advantages, can be better understood by reference to the description presented below, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, as set forth below:
5/26
Figure 1 illustrates a multi-mode ultrasonic system of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 2A illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 2B illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 3A is another view of the coupling arrangement of Figure 3, with a portion of the waveguide in an expanded condition;
Figure 3B illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 5 is another view of the coupling arrangement of Figure 4, with a portion of the surgical tool housing shown in cross-section and the locking elements in non-expanded conditions;
Figure 6 is another view of the coupling arrangement of Figure 4, with the locking elements in an expanded condition;
Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the cable of the present invention;
Figure 8 is an end view of the cable from Figure 7;
6/26
Figure 9 is an end view of another embodiment of a surgical tool of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a side view of the surgical tool shown in Figure 9;
Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic instrument, with the casing portion of the surgical tool shown in cross-section;
Figure 12 is another cross-sectional view of the coupling arrangement of Figure 11, taken along a different cutting line and showing the locking elements thereof in an expanded condition;
Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;
Figure 14 illustrates an energy vs. time curve shape for the coupling arrangement mode represented in Figure 13;
Figure 15 is a partially exploded assembly view of a cable and surgical tool embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the cable and a portion of the surgical tool shown in cross-section;
Figure 16 is another partially exploded cross-sectional assembly view of the cable and surgical tool of Figure 25 16, in a coupling orientation;
Figure 17 is another partially exploded cross-sectional assembly view of the cable and surgical tool of Figures 15 and 16, in a coupled orientation;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a heating and cooling unit of the coupling arrangement shown in Figures 15 to 17;
Figure 19 is another cross-sectional view of the unit.
7/26 of heating and cooling of Figure 18, as the surgical tool housing is being installed on it;
Figure 20 is another cross-sectional view of the heating and cooling unit of Figures 18 and 19, with the housing in a retentive engagement with it;
Figure 21 illustrates a multi-mode ultrasonic system of the present invention;
Figure 22 illustrates one embodiment of the coupling arrangement of the present invention, intended to couple a surgical tool to a waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical instrument, wherein the distal end of the waveguide is in retentive engagement with the surgical tool; and
Figure 23 illustrates the coupling arrangement shown in Figure 22, prior to the expansion of the distal end of the waveguide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before explaining the various embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited in their applications or use to the construction details and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments of the invention may be implemented or incorporated into other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. For example, the surgical instruments and surgical tool configurations shown below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit their scope or application. Furthermore, except where otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions used in the present invention have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit their scope.
The various modalities generally refer to ultrasonic surgical instruments and, more particularly, to coupling arrangements for attaching a surgical tool to the ultrasonic energy source in these instruments. Examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments
8/26 are presented in US Patents Nos. 5,322,055 and 5,954,736, and in combination with ultrasonic surgical blades and instruments presented in US Patents Nos. 6,309,400 B2, 6,278,218 B1, 6,283,981 B1 and 6,325,811 B1, for example, are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. Also incorporated by way of reference, in their respective entireties, are the copending common property patent application with serial number US 11/726,625, entitled ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS and filed on March 22, 2007, as well as the common property patent application entitled THERMALLY ACTIVATED COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS FOR ATTACHING TOOLS TO ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, Summary No. END6494USNP1/080596, filed on the same date as the present application.
Figure 1 illustrates an ultrasonic system 10 comprising an ultrasonic signal generator 12 with an ultrasonic transducer 14, cable 16 and surgical tool 100, which can be employed according to various embodiments of the present invention. The various aspects of this type of system are described in further detail in US patent publication No. 2008/0234709 A1, the description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The ultrasonic transducer 14, which is known as a Langevin stack, may generally include a transducer portion 18, a first resonator or rear bell 20, and a second resonator or front bell 22, as well as auxiliary components. The ultrasonic transducer 14 is preferably an integer half the wavelengths of the system (ηλ/2). An acoustic assembly 24 may include the ultrasonic transducer 14, the support 26, and the speed transformer 28.
The distal end of the posterior bell 20 is connected to the proximal end of the transduction portion 18, and the proximal end of the anterior bell 22 is connected to the distal end of the transduction portion 18. The anterior bell 22 and the posterior bell 20 have a length determined by a number of variables, including the thickness of the transduction portion 18, the density, and the modulus of elasticity of the material.
9/26 used to manufacture the posterior bell 20 and the anterior bell 22, and the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 14.
The transducer can be constructed from one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument's handle 16. Ultrasonic vibration is induced in the surgical tool 100, for example by electrically exciting a transducer, which can be constructed from one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument's handle. The vibrations generated by the transducer section are transmitted to the surgical tool 100 by means of an ultrasonic waveguide 28 that extends from the transducer section to the surgical tool 100.
In the illustrated embodiment, the transducer is constructed with piezoelectric elements 40. The piezoelectric elements 40 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as lead zirconate-titanate, lead meta-niobate, lead titanate, or other piezoelectric crystal material. Each of the positive electrodes 42, negative electrodes 44, and piezoelectric elements 40 has a hole extending through the center. Positive and negative electrodes 42 and 44 are electrically coupled to wires 46 and 48, respectively. Wires 46 and 48 are enclosed inside cable 50 and are electrically connectable to the ultrasonic signal generator 12 of the ultrasonic system 10.
The ultrasonic transducer 14 of the acoustic assembly 24 converts the electrical signal from the ultrasonic signal generator 12 into mechanical energy, resulting in a primarily longitudinal vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 14 and the surgical tool 100 at ultrasonic frequencies. A suitable generator is available under model number GEN04 from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. When acoustic assembly 24 is energized, a standing wave of vibratory motion is generated through it. The amplitude of the vibratory motion at any point along acoustic assembly 24 may depend on the location along the assembly where the vibratory motion is measured. A minimum or a zero crossing in the standing wave of vibratory motion is generally called a node (i.e., the point where the motion is usually minimal).
10/26 (maximum), and an absolute maximum value, or peak, in the standing wave is generally called an antinode. The distance between an antinode and its nearest node is one-quarter of the wavelength (λ/4).
Wires 46 and 48 transmit the electrical signal from the ultrasonic signal generator 12 to the positive electrodes 42 and the negative electrodes 44. The piezoelectric elements 40 are energized by an electrical signal supplied by the ultrasonic signal generator 12 in response to a foot switch 60 to produce an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic assembly 24. The electrical signal causes disturbances in the piezoelectric elements 40, in the form of small, repeated displacements, resulting in large compressive forces within the material. These small, repeated displacements cause the piezoelectric elements 40 to expand and contract continuously along the geometric axis of the stress gradient, producing longitudinal waves of ultrasonic energy. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the surgical tool 100 through the acoustic assembly 24.
In order for the acoustic assembly 24 to transmit energy to the surgical tool 100, all components of the acoustic assembly 24 need to be acoustically coupled to the surgical tool 100. The components of the acoustic assembly 24 are preferably acoustically tuned so that the length of any assembly is an integer equal to half the wavelengths (ηλ/2), wherein the wavelength λ is the wavelength of a pre-selected or functional longitudinal vibration drive frequency fd of the acoustic assembly 24, and where n is any positive integer. It is also contemplated that the acoustic assembly 24 may incorporate any suitable arrangement of acoustic elements. As this Detailed Description goes on, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the system 10 described above is only one example among a myriad of ultrasonic surgical systems that may employ various unique and innovative advantages of the embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a coupling arrangement 110 of an embodiment of the present invention, intended to couple the tool.
11/26 Surgical 100 to Waveguide 28. Surgical tool 100 is illustrated as a blade having a generally smooth outer surface, which is suitable for coagulation and tissue reformatting applications. However, for use in the present invention, the term surgical tool may encompass any end actuator, tool or surgical blade that can be operationally coupled to an ultrasonic surgical cable or any other ultrasonic energy source in a surgical context and includes, but is not limited to, straight and curved blades, sharp hooks, dissecting hooks, ball coagulators, forceps coagulators, etc. Exemplary blade configurations are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,423,082, by Houser et al., the description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Examples of forceps coagulator arrangements are presented in U.S. Patent No. 6,254,623, the description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
In the embodiment represented in Figures 1 and 2, the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28 is configured to be coupled to a coupling portion 101 which, in several embodiments, comprises a cavity with complementary shape 114 disposed in the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100. For example, the distal end 29 may have a frusto-conical shape and be dimensioned to be received inside the cavity 14. Waveguide 28, or at least the distal end portion 29 of waveguide 28, is manufactured from a first material 15 that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE1). Surgical tool 100, or at least the proximal end portion 112 of surgical tool 100, is manufactured from a second material 103 that has a second coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE2), smaller than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore: CTE2 < CTE1
The distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28 is dimensioned and shaped in relation to the cavity 114 existing in the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100, so that a sliding fit or a quantity of clearance C is created between the portion
12/26 of the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28 and the cavity 114, when the waveguide 28 and the surgical tool 100 are approximately at the same temperature.
In several embodiments, the waveguide 28, or at least the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28, may be manufactured, for example, from aluminum, which has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 0.696 pm/m/°C (13.7 x 10<sup>-6</sup> in/in/grade F), while the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 can be manufactured, for example, from titanium, which has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 0.22 pm/m/°C (4.34 x 10<sup>-6</sup> in/in/degree F). In this type of configuration, the clearance C can be approximately 12.7 microns (0.0005 inches).
To attach the surgical tool 100 to the waveguide 28, the clinician positions the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28 in the cavity 114 of the surgical tool 100, as illustrated in Figure 2. Thermal energy (i.e., heat) is then applied to the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28 to increase the outer diameter or parametric shape of the distal end portion 29 by means of thermal expansion. Since CTE1 > CTE2, the outer diameter or parametric shape of the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 14 will expand to a greater extent compared to the inner diameter or shape of the cavity 114, so as to establish an interference fit between them, as illustrated in Figure 2A. Heat or thermal energy can be applied to the waveguide 28 by a radio frequency (RF) induction loop 120 mounted around the waveguide 28, adjacent to the distal end portion 29. In other embodiments, a resistive thermoelectric heat element 130 can be used. See Figure 2B. Heat is applied until a sufficient interference fit is established between the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 and the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28. Then, the heat applicator 120, 130 needs to remain energized to maintain the interference fit throughout use. After the surgical procedure is completed, the heat applicator 120, 130 can be de-energized. Once
13/26 that the temperature of the proximal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28 returns to approximately the temperature of the proximal end 114 of the surgical tool 100, said surgical tool can be separated from the waveguide 28.
In the embodiment of Figure 3, the distal end portion 29' of the waveguide 28' has a portion 140 that is manufactured from a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. For example, portion 140 can be manufactured, for example, from aluminum, while the remaining portion of the waveguide 28' can be manufactured from steel. Under normal room temperature (i.e., in an unheated state), portion 140 may have a diameter, or other parametric shape, equal to that of the distal end portion 29' of the waveguide 28', to allow portions 29' and 140 to be inserted into the cavity 114' existing in the proximal end portion 112' of the surgical tool 100'. Thus, there is a predetermined amount of clearance C between portion 140 and the cavity wall 114', before the application of heat or thermal energy to the distal end portion 29' by the heat applicator 120 or 130 (whichever is the case). To attach the surgical tool 100' to the waveguide 28', the heat applicator 120 or 130 is energized to cause portion 140 to expand at a rate greater than that of the distal end portion 112' of the surgical tool 100', so as to create an interference fit between them. See Figure 3A.
Figure 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a cavity 114 is created at the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28, and the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 is sized to be received inside the cavity 114. In this embodiment, the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28 is manufactured from a first material 15 that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE1), and the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 is manufactured from a second material 103 that has a second coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE2) greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore:
14/26
CET2 > CET1
To attach the surgical tool 100 to the waveguide 28, the clinician positions the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 in the cavity 114 of the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28, as illustrated in Figure 3B. Thermal energy (i.e., heat) is then applied to the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 to increase the outer diameter or parametric shape of the proximal end portion 112 by means of thermal expansion. Since CTE1 < CTE2, the external diameter or parametric shape of the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 will undergo a greater expansion, compared to the internal diameter or shape of the cavity 114, to establish an interference fit between them. Heat, or thermal energy, may be applied to the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 by a heat applicator 120 which may comprise a radiofrequency (RF) induction coil or a resistive heater 120 mounted on the proximal end portion 112. Energy may be supplied to it from the cable via suitable connections. For example, the heating element 120 can be mounted on the surgical tool 100, and when the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 is inserted into the cavity 114, the heat applicator 120 can be coupled to wires (not shown) projecting from the handle to supply power to the heat applicator 120. Heat is applied until a sufficient interference fit is established between the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 and the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28. Then, the heat applicator 120 can be de-energized and/or removed, and the system can be used. Once the temperature of the proximal end portion 112 of the surgical tool 100 returns to approximately the temperature of the distal end portion 29 of the waveguide 28, the surgical tool 100 can be separated from the waveguide 28.
Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the use of another coupling arrangement 310 of various embodiments of the present invention to couple
15/26 in a removable manner a reusable surgical tool 300 to a waveguide 228 of a cable 216 which is similar, in terms of construction and operation, to the aforementioned cable 16, except for the differences indicated below. In some embodiments, for example, the distal end 229 of the waveguide 228 may have a tapered or frusto-conical shape to be received inside a cavity 314 with a complementary shape formed in a proximal end portion 312 of the surgical tool 300. In this embodiment, the surgical tool 300 includes a compartment or sheath portion 320 that supports, inside, the distal end portion 312. In several embodiments, the distal end portion 312 may be supported inside a support 26 that facilitates the acoustic excitation of the distal end portion 312 relative to the housing 320. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 320 has, inside it, a cavity 330 to receive inside it the distal end portion 218 of the cable 216. The housing 320 additionally has an axial passage 332 to allow the waveguide 228 to extend through it and engage with the proximal end portion 312 of the surgical tool 300. As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6, the distal end portion 218 of the cable 216 has a tapered portion 220 formed thereon. When the distal end portion 218 is received inside the cavity 330 of the casing 320, the tapered portion 220 coincides with at least one selectively expandable locking element 350 mounted inside the housing 320. The one or more locking elements 350 may be manufactured, for example, from a shape memory alloy (SMA) and may be coupled to one or more corresponding tool contacts 352 mounted inside the housing 320. For example, a locking element 350 can be manufactured in the form of a ring or circle of NiTi (nickel-titanium), CuZnAl or CuAINi, among others, and be coupled to the contact 352 by means of one or more contact strips 354. As can also be seen in Figures 4 to 6, an activation contact 230 is mounted on the distal end portion 218 of the cable 216. In various embodiments, the activation contact 230 may comprise an annular ring or one or more ring segments formed from electrically conductive material (e.g., beryllium-copper) and which is in electrical communication (e.g., wired) with an electrical power source 240. The electrical power source 240 may comprise, for example, a battery or an alternating current source, and may be integrated into the aforementioned generator assembly.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a method for coupling surgical tool 300 to waveguide 228 of cable 216. To initiate the coupling process, the distal end portion 218 of the cable is inserted into the cavity 330 in the compartment 320 of the surgical tool 300, as shown in Figure 5, so that the activation contact 230 makes electrical contact with the tool contact 352, thereby allowing the electric current (actuation signal) to energize one or more locking elements 350. In various embodiments, a switch 244 can be used in the electrical line/wire 242 that couples the actuating contact 230 to the electrical power source 240. The switch 244 can, for example, be located on the cable or generator. Thus, when the surgical tool 300 is coupled to the waveguide 228, as shown in Figure 5, and the switch 244 is activated, the latch 350 will be energized and will begin to expand against the tapered portion 220. Those skilled in the art will understand that engaging the lock 350 with the tapered portion 220 causes the tool 300 to be pulled into a retentive engagement with the waveguide 228, so as to obtain an acoustically sufficient connection between the distal end portion 229 of the waveguide 228 and the proximal end portion 312 of the surgical tool 300. See Figure 6.
Figures 7 to 12 illustrate another coupling arrangement 510 of various embodiments of the present invention for removablely coupling a reusable surgical tool 500 to a waveguide 428 of a cable 416 that is similar, in terms of construction and operation, to the aforementioned cable 216, except for the differences indicated below. In this embodiment, at least one and preferably four contact tabs 450 project outwards from the distal end 418 of the
17/26 cable, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. One or more of the contact tabs 450 are connected by wire to an electrical power source 240. As in other embodiments, a switch 244 can be used to control the current flow from the source 240 to the contact tabs 450. The tool 500 has a tool housing 520 with corresponding tongue slots 570 inside, which are adapted to receive one of the corresponding contact tongues 450 so as to allow the housing 520 to be slid over the handle 416 to the position shown in Figure 11. Next, the clinician rotates the housing 520 relative to the cable 416 so that each of the contact tabs 450 is received inside a corresponding locking area 572, at the end of each slot 570. An electrical contact 574 may be positioned inside, or adjacent to, each locking area 572, so as to make electrical contact with the corresponding contact tab 450 when it is engaged within the locking area 572. The electrical contact 574 is in electrical communication with one or more corresponding expandable locking element segments 550, supported inside the housing 520. The locking element segments 550 are situated so that, when the tool 500 is fitted onto the handle and the contact tabs 450 are received in their respective locking areas 572, the locking element segments 550 are positioned to engage with the tapered position 420 of the handle 416.
To initiate the coupling process, the distal end portion 418 of the cable is inserted into the cavity 530 in the housing 520 of the surgical tool 500, as shown in Figure 11, so that the contact tabs 450 are received in their corresponding slots 570. The clinician rotates cable 416 relative to surgical tool 500 to cause the contact tabs 450 to engage with their corresponding locking areas 572 and come into contact with the corresponding electrical contact 574 inside. If switch 244 is closed, an electric current is then allowed to flow through the electrical contacts 574 and up to the segments of the expandable locking element 550. As
18/26 the current flows to the segments of the expandable locking element 550, the locking element segments 550 expand and pull the proximal end 512 of the tool 500 into a retentive engagement with the distal end 429 of the waveguide 428.
Figures 13 and 14 illustrate another coupling arrangement 110' of various embodiments of the present invention, for permanently coupling a surgical tool 100 to a waveguide 28 of a cable 16. In this embodiment, the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28 is dimensioned to be received inside a cavity 114 in the proximal end portion 114 of the surgical tool 100. Positioned inside the cavity 114 is some fusible alloy material 115. In several embodiments, the fusible alloy material may comprise, for example, copper-aluminum. In this embodiment, the clinician inserts the distal end 29 of the waveguide 28 into cavity 114, so that it comes into contact with the fusible alloy material 115. The clinician then activates the generator 12 to provide the waveguide 28 with a power charge sufficient, in terms of magnitude and duration, to cause the fusible alloy material 115 to weld the waveguide 28 to the tool 100. As illustrated in Figure 14, once the welding is complete, the clinician reduces the power to the normal operating magnitude. For example, the normal power magnitude might be 5 watts. To ensure that the fusible material 115 sufficiently welds the waveguide 28 to the tool 100, the clinician may need to increase the power to, for example, 50 watts, for approximately 5 seconds (time). The magnitude and duration of this increase may depend on the type of fusible material 115 used, and the transducer arrangement. In each case, however, the magnitude and duration of the energy increase must be less than a magnitude and duration that would ultimately result in damage to the transducers or other system components.
Another coupling arrangement 710 is illustrated in Figures 15 to 20, for removablely coupling a reusable surgical tool 700 to a waveguide 628 of a cable 616 which is similar, in terms of construction and operation, to the aforementioned cable 16, except for pe19/26
The differences indicated below. For example, the distal end 629 of the waveguide 628 may have, inside, a frustoconical cavity 630 to receive a complementary proximal end portion 712 of a surgical tool 700. In this embodiment, the surgical tool 700 includes a housing 720 that supports, inside, a proximal end portion 712. In various embodiments, the housing 720 can be manufactured, for example, from titanium 64, while the proximal end portion 712 can be supported inside a support 26 that facilitates the acoustically generated movement of the proximal end portion 712 relative to the housing 720. As can be seen in Figures 15 and 16, the housing 720 has, inside it, an annular cavity 730 to receive inside it the distal end portion 618 of the cable 616. The housing 720 additionally has an axial passage 732 to allow the waveguide 628 to extend through it and engage with the proximal end portion 712 of the surgical tool 700.
As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the distal end 618 of cable 616 movably supports a release ring 640 having diametrically opposed rod portions 642 and 644, which extend through corresponding slots 646 and 648, respectively, in the distal end portion 618 of cable 616. The purpose of the release ring 640 will be explained in more detail below. As can also be seen in Figures 15 and 16, the distal end portion 629 of the waveguide 628 is also provided with an annular groove 650 which is configured to receive within it a locking ring 652. The locking ring 652 can be manufactured from a shape memory alloy (SMA) such as NiTi (nickel-titanium), CuZnAl or CuAINi, among others. The locking ring 652 may also be supported by at least two, and preferably four, heat and cooling generating units 660 which are pivotally attached by the corresponding pins 661, or are otherwise pivotally coupled to the wall 619 of the distal end of the cable 616.
Figures 15 to 18 illustrate one form of generating unit.
20/26 of heat/cooling 660 of an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, each heat/cooling generating unit 660 has a body portion 663 that can be manufactured, for example, from aluminum or engineering plastics, such as polycarbonate, and be configured so as to have, inside, an upper chamber area 664 and a lower chamber area 666 that are separated by a wall 668 provided with a passage for fluid return 670 through it. The outer perimeter has a retention protrusion 672 formed thereon for retentive engagement with one or more locking protrusions 740 (Figures 19 and 20) formed in the casing 720 of the surgical tool 700, as will be discussed in more detail below. A return opening bar 676 extends in a sliding manner through a passage 675 present in the body portion 663 defined by a sponge element 680 and the wall 668. The sponge element 680 may be supported on another wall portion 682, as shown. The return opening bar 676 has an orifice 678 through it which may be coaxially aligned with the fluid return passage 670 to allow fluid/steam passage between the lower chamber 666 and the upper chamber 664. A bellows or lever arrangement 684 can be used in the upper chamber 664 to obtain a sliding engagement with the return opening bar 676, so that the bellows 684 serves to seal the passage 675 when the return opening bar 676 has not been axially advanced into the upper chamber 664. A heating/cooling means 686 is placed in the lower chamber 666. In several embodiments, the heating/cooling medium 686 may comprise, for example, a liquid that has a relatively low boiling point, such as acetone.
A method for coupling a surgical tool 700 to a handle 616 will now be described. Figure 15 illustrates the positions of various components on the handle 616 and the surgical tool 700 before the distal end 618 of the handle is inserted into the sheath 720 of the surgical tool 700. To begin the coupling process, the clinician inserts the distal end 618 of the handle 616 into the sheath 720 of the surgical tool.
21/26
700. Refer to Figure 16. At this point, cable 616 and surgical tool 720 are essentially at room temperature. As the distal end of cable 618 enters the annular cavity 730 within the housing 720, a power activation switch 690, mounted on the distal end portion 618 of cable 616, allows current to flow to the generator so as to energize the transducers. In several embodiments, when the waveguide 628 and the locking ring 652 supported inside it are at room (neutral) temperature, the locking ring 652 is contracted around the distal end of the waveguide 628, so that the cavity 630 inside it cannot fully accept the proximal end with frusto-conical shape 712 of the surgical tool 700. However, activation of the transducers causes the waveguide 628 to heat the locking ring 652 and cause it to expand to a point where the proximal end 712 of the surgical tool can be properly fitted into the cavity 630. As the coupling process begins, the locking protrusion 740 (Figure 19) rotates each of the heat/cooling generating units 660 around their respective pins, so that they come into light contact with the vibrating waveguide 628, to facilitate heat generation around the locking ring. This pivoting action is represented by arrows A in Figure 16. When the proximal end 712 is fully engaged inside the cavity 630, the locking protrusion 740 engages by pressure onto the retaining protrusion 672 in the heat/cooling generating units 660, as shown in Figures 17 and 20. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as the locking protrusion 740 engages by pressure on the retaining protrusions 672, the clinician may receive tactile feedback and/or an audible click to indicate that the surgical tool 700 has been properly advanced to the engaged position. The locking protrusion 740 allows the heat/cooling generating units to rotate back to a neutral or non-articulated position, in which the locking protrusion 740 and the retaining protrusions still retain the surgical tool 700 in the coupled position.
22/26
When the docked position is as shown in Figures 17 and 20, the distal end 721 of the housing 720 activates the power deactivation switch 689, which interrupts the flow of electrical current to the transducers. The docking procedure is now complete. The clinician is now free to use the system. It will be further understood that the additional operation of the transducers will cause the locking ring 652 to expand again, but the locking protrusion 740 and the retaining protrusions 672 serve to keep the coupling engaged between the surgical tool 700 and the cable 616.
Now, with regard to Figures 18 to 20, it is desirable that the locking ring 652 be warm during the initial coupling process, to allow the proximal end 712 of the tool 700 to be inserted into the cavity 630. During this heating process, the liquid 686 resides in the sponge 680 and the upper chamber 664. As can be seen in Figure 20, when in the locked position, the heat generating and cooling units 660 are adjacent to a heat dissipating ring 692 mounted inside the enclosure wall 720. This arrangement helps to dissipate heat from the heat generating/cooling units 660. When the locking protrusion 740 is in the retention position (Figures 17 and 20) and the transducers have been deactivated, it is desirable that the locking ring 652 cool down to further secure the distal end of the waveguide 629 to the proximal end 712 of the tool 700. The advancement of the locking protrusion 740 to the locked position forces the return opening bar 676 to cause the orifice 678 in the bar 676 to align with the return passage 670, so as to allow the fluid 686 in the upper chamber 664 to flow into the lower chamber 666. As liquid 686 flows out of the upper chamber 684, it comes into contact with the hot surfaces of the lower chamber 666 and evaporates to cool those surfaces and, ultimately, the locking ring 652.
To separate the surgical tool from the cable 616, the clinician moves the release ring 640 to activate the activation contact or switch.
23/26
689, which causes the transducers to initiate the vibration process and begin the heating cycle. As the heat/cooling generating units 660 begin to heat up, the locking ring 652 begins to expand to allow the clinician to pull the surgical tool and separate it from the handle 616. Once the parts have been separated, the power activation switch interrupts the power supply to the transducers, after the power activation switch is no longer activated by the distal end 721 of the tool housing 720. Those skilled in the art will understand that a variety of switches, switching arrangements, and microprocessor-controlled contacts, among others, can be used to activate and deactivate transducers during the tool coupling process, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, power activation switches may comprise proximity-sensing switches or contacts, which are coupled to a microprocessor housed inside the generator or mounted adjacent to it.
Figures 21 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the surgical tool system 800 of the present invention, which includes a generator 12 and a cable 816 that is substantially similar, in terms of design and construction, to the cable 16 described above, except for the differences indicated below. For example, the distal end 829 of the waveguide 826 is selectively radially expandable, to allow the distal end 829 to be effectively coupled to the proximal end 912 of the surgical tool 900. As can be seen more particularly in Figures 22 and 23, the distal end 829 of the waveguide 826 has two opposing tabs 830, which are configured to engage retentively with a cavity 930 present in the proximal end 912 of the surgical tool 900. The cavity 930 may have tapered walls 932, so that when the tabs 830 are inserted into the cavity 930 and then moved radially (arrows R), the tabs 830 serve to pull the tool 900 into a retentive engagement with the distal end 829 of the waveguide 826, as shown in Figure 23. In various embodiments, the waveguide
24/26 wave 826 can be manufactured, for example, from 7075-T6 aluminum.
Various embodiments may include an axially movable actuating rod 850 which is movably supported within a slot 840 in the waveguide 826. The actuating rod 850 may be made, for example, from PEI, having a distal end 852 which is dimensioned to extend between tabs 830 and, when advanced distally between the tabs 830, causes them to move radially. As can be seen in Figure 21, the actuating rod 850 may have a radially extending portion 854, which extends through slots 842 and 817 in the waveguide 826 and cable 816, respectively. The radially extending portion 854 may terminate in a button portion 856 that facilitates actuation of the rod 850 by the clinician.
Thus, to attach the surgical tool 900 to the handle 816, the clinician inserts the tabs 830 into the cavity 930 while the actuating rod 850 is in a non-actuated position (Figure 22). Once the tabs 830 are inserted into the cavity 930, the clinician can slide the button portion 856 in the distal direction DD, so that the distal end 852 of the actuator rod 850 moves axially between the tabs 830 to cause the tool to move radially and engage with the tapered walls of the cavity 930 (Figure 23).
Several devices presented in the present invention may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing particular parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of particular parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed, in any combination. During cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use at a refurbishment facility or by a surgical team immediately prior to a procedure.
25/26 surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of this patent application.
Ideally, the various methods described here will be performed prior to surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and cleaned if necessary. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. Radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sterile container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened at the medical facility.
It is preferable that the device be sterilized. This can be accomplished by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art, including beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.
Although several embodiments have been described herein, many modifications and variations of those embodiments may be implemented. For example, different types of end effectors may be employed. Also, where materials are presented for certain components, other materials may be used. The aforementioned description and the following claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and variations.
Any patent, publication, or other descriptive material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated into the present invention by reference, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other descriptive material set forth in this description. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the description as explicitly given herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein.
26/26 Reference Title. Any material, or portion thereof, that is considered to be incorporated by reference in the present invention, but which conflicts with definitions, statements, or other existing descriptive material specified herein, shall be incorporated herein only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated material and the existing descriptive material.
Contents5
12 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12
14 members in 8 offices
Priority claims5
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12469308 | United States of America | – | |
| 12469293 | United States of America | – | |
| 46930809 | United States of America | A | |
| 46929309 | United States of America | A | |
| 2010035530 | United States of America | W |
Members14
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2762831A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US2010298743A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2010298851A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2010135502A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU2010249539A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| US2012059289A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2432403A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN102458271A | China | A | |
| JP2012527325A | Japan | A | |
| CN102458271B | China | B | |
| US9700339B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2017209167A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| BRPI1013003A2This record | Brazil | A2 | |
| US10709906B2 | United States of America | B2 |
2 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Patent lapsed as no evidence of payment of the annual fee has been furnished to inpi [chapter 8.11 patent gazette]LapsedB08K | B08K | |
| Application dismissed because of non-payment of annual fees [chapter 8.6 patent gazette]B08F | B08F |
Numbers
- Publication
- PI1013003
- Application
- 10130039
Titles2
- Portuguese
- "DISPOSIÇÕES DE ACOPLAMENTO E MÉTODOS PARA FIXAÇÃO DE FERRAMENTAS A INSTRUMENTOS CIRÚRGICOS ULTRA-SÔNICOS"
- English
- "coupling arrangements and methods for attaching tools to ultrasonic surgical instruments"
Classification
- CPC, 7
- A61B17/22004
- A61B2017/00477
- A61B2017/22014
- A61B2017/00473
- A61B2017/320089
- A61B2017/320069
- A61B2017/320073
- IPC, 3
- A61B17 22
- A61B17 32
- A61B17 00