AU2014201550A1 - Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU2014201550A1
AU2014201550A1 AU2014201550A AU2014201550A AU2014201550A1 AU 2014201550 A1 AU2014201550 A1 AU 2014201550A1 AU 2014201550 A AU2014201550 A AU 2014201550A AU 2014201550 A AU2014201550 A AU 2014201550A AU 2014201550 A1 AU2014201550 A1 AU 2014201550A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
articulation
wrist
laparoscopic
shaft
jaws
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
AU2014201550A
Inventor
Friedrich Ho
Lawrence Kerver
Ben Nordell
Brian Tang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aesculap AG
Original Assignee
Aesculap AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2009212240A external-priority patent/AU2009212240B2/en
Application filed by Aesculap AG filed Critical Aesculap AG
Priority to AU2014201550A priority Critical patent/AU2014201550A1/en
Publication of AU2014201550A1 publication Critical patent/AU2014201550A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

Method and Apparatus for Articulating the Wrist of a Laparoscopic Grasping Instrument A medical instrument has a set of opposing jaws that can be articulated, both left and right, from centerline. The instrument has a proper bend radius and support for the jaw actuation member and cutter driving member. The bendable support for the drive members comprises tightly wound coil springs. Another embodiment of the invention controls the degree of articulation at the handle of the laparoscopic instrument. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the wrist while the user performs other operations on the device. The locking mechanism also includes an indexing feature with which the user can index and choose the necessary amount of angle between preset angles. WO 2009/100366 PCT/US2009/033443 12 - 25 16 1-8 21 122 ,25 y30 0,24 FIG. 2-

Description

Method and Apparatus for Articulating the Wrist of a Laparoscopic Grasping Instrument BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to medical devices for use during laparoscopic procedures. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery (MIS), band aid surgery, keyhole surgery, or pinhole surgery is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions, usually 0.5-1.5cm, as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities, whereas keyhole surgery performed on the thoracic or chest cavity is called thoracoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery belong to the broader field of endoscopy. The key element in laparoscopic surgery is the use of a laparoscope: a telescopic rod lens system, that is usually connected to a video camera (single chip or three chip). Also attached is a fiber optic cable system connected to a cold light source (halogen or xenon), to illuminate the operative field, inserted through a 5 mm or 10 mm cannula to view the operative field. The abdomen is usually insufflated 1 with carbon dioxide gas to create a working and viewing space. The abdomen is essentially blown up like a balloon (insufflated), elevating the abdominal wall above the internal organs like a dome. The gas used is C02, as it is common to the human body and can be removed by the respiratory system if it absorbs through tissue. It is also non-flammable, which is important due to the fact that electrosurgical devices are commonly used in laparoscopic procedures. Surgery is performed during a laparoscopic procedure with any of various tools that are typically arranged on one end of a long shaft and that are operable by manipulation of a handle or other actuator positioned at the other end of the shaft. One area of laparoscopic surgery that is currently the subject of interest is that of electrocauterization. Electrocauterization, also called electric surgery or electrosurgery, is the process of destroying tissue with electricity and is widely used in modern surgery. The procedure is frequently used to stop bleeding of small vessels, larger vessels being ligated, or for cutting through soft tissue, i.e. abdominal fat in a laparotomy or breast tissue in a mastectomy. One problem with state of the art electrocauterization devices for use during a laparoscopic procedure is the limited range of motion provided by the jaws of such device, and the difficulty encountered by a surgeon in positioning such device, and in operating such device through a range of motion, during a laparoscopic procedure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument. The presently preferred medical instrument has a set of opposing jaws that can be articulated, both left and right, from centerline. The invention also provides a proper bend radius and support for the 2 jaw actuation member and cutter driving member. The bendable support for the drive members in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises tightly wound coil springs. Another embodiment of the invention incorporates a method to control the degree of articulation at the handle of the laparoscopic instrument. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the wrist while the user performs other operations on the device. The locking mechanism also includes an indexing feature with which the user can index and choose the necessary amount of angle between preset angles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective diagram showing the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view showing a wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a top cutaway of a wrist articulation control mechanism according to the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective schematic view showing a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 5 is another perspective view of a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective schematic view of an indexing mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; 3 Figure 7 is a perspective schematic view of a detent mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective schematic view of a detent and indexing mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 9 is a plan schematic view of a step ball detent mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 10 is a perspective schematic view of the step ball detent mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 11 is a second perspective schematic view of the step ball detent mechanism for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 12 is a perspective schematic view of a push lock mechanism for an articulation control in a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 13 is a phantom perspective schematic view of the push lock mechanism for an articulation control mechanism in a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 14 is a perspective schematic view of a grab knob for the push lock mechanism in a articulation control for a laparoscopic grasping instrument according to the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of a laparoscopic device, showing a drive member according to the invention; and Figure 16 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a laparoscopic device 4 blade according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument. The presently preferred medical instrument has a set of opposing jaws that can be articulated, e.g. 45 degrees or otherwise as desired, both left and right, from centerline. The invention also provides a proper bend radius and support for the jaw actuation member and cutter driving member. The bendable support for the drive members in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises tightly wound coil springs. Another embodiment of the invention incorporates a method to control the degree of articulation at the handle of the laparoscopic instrument. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the wrist while the user performs other operations on the device. The locking mechanism also includes an indexing feature with which the user can index and choose the necessary amount of angle between preset angles. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a medical instrument, preferably for performing a laparoscopic procedure, which comprises a set of pivotal vertebra that are connected to each other by pins or by a snap fit. Each vertebra is adapted to pivot in relation to a device shaft and jaw set, thus allowing left and right articulation. The degree of articulation is controlled by wires or cables that run down both sides of a device wrist. The wires are then routed down the shaft and connected in tension to a control mechanism at a device handle. The cables or wires are used to transfer the forces from the handle to the wrist. The vertebra form the proper bend radius to allow for a force transfer member, 5 such as a wire, to pass through the wrist without kinking the wire. Furthermore, in one embodiment a tightly wound coil spring is housed within the wrist joints to route said wire. The tightly wound coil spring provides additional support to the wire, such that when the wire is moved from a proximal to a distal direction, it does not buckle or kink. The control mechanism at the handle consists of a rotating assembly that receives the force transfer members from the wrist. The rotating assembly is pivotally mounted at the handle, and the shape of the control mechanism allows for concentric rotation about the pivot so that the length-wise motion of the wires or cables along the shaft can be controlled, based upon the distance from the pivot to the attachment point of said wires or cables. The angle of articulation is controlled by the distance that the force transfer member moves, which is predetermined by the wrist geometry. There are several embodiments that comprise a locking and indexing feature of the invention: In a first embodiment, a spring steel is formed into a geometry that deflects when a force is applied, as with a leaf spring. The leaf spring is housed within a circular carrier, with only the deflectable portion of the spring accessible and protruding from a circular carrier. A rotating member with a circular portion removed from its pivot area fits over the circular carrier. A tooth pattern is also removed from along the inner diameter of the circular portion of the rotating member. The rotating member includes arms extending from its center body to which the cable or wires are attached. The leaf-like spring protrudes into the indentations created by the tooth pattern. The angle of articulation is controlled by predetermining the distances between the teeth and the distance from the attachment point of the cable or wires to the pivot point. In a second embodiment, a spring plunger is mounted within the circular carrier. 6 The spring plunger mates with the indents created by the tooth pattern. In a third embodiment, the rotating member described above does not have arms extending from its center body. A wing is mounted on top of the rotating member. The wing is then manipulated to control the rotation around the circular carrier. In a fourth embodiment, a living plastic hinge is mounted near the handle. The living plastic hinge uses a V-shape that fits within a slot of an external housing that surrounds the living hinge. The tip of the V-shape protrudes from each slot. There are a series of slots along the length of the external housing. The housing engages with the cable and wires that control articulation of the wrist. The user can adjust and lock the wrist articulation by first pressing down on the living hinge to disengage the current locked position, then moving the external housing from a proximal to a distal position or vice versa, which then locks by re-engaging with the living hinge at any various predetermined distances set by the slots. These distances determine the angle at which the wrist is articulated. In a fifth embodiment, the rotating mechanism described above rotates freely around the pivot. When the user has determined the angle of articulation, a button mounted on top of the pivot is depressed, which locks the wrist angle and the rotating mechanism, thus preventing any further movement of both the rotating mechanism and wrist. This can be accomplished using a wedge-like design that is anchored within the pivot pin, which in this embodiment is a tube. A minimum of a single slot is designed into the pivot pin. When the button is depressed, the inherent spring properties of the button flare from the slot. The flaring material uses friction to prevent movement of the rotating mechanism. The button itself remains in place due to a wedge design at the top. Further to the foregoing discussion, a more detailed explanation of the invention is now provided in connection with Figures 1-14. 7 Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a laparoscopic device according to the invention. Figure 1 is a partial view that shows the main shaft 24 of the device and the jaw assembly 25, which is comprised of an upper jaw 13 and a lower jaw 11 . In this embodiment of the invention, the upper jaw is pivotable away from and toward the lower jaw about a pivot point 17, which, in this embodiment is comprised of a pin or axle. In other embodiments of the invention, the lower jaw may be pivotable as well, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the lower jaw is fixed. Pivoting of the upper jaw is accomplished by transmitting tension to a jaw activation pin 18, which is moveable, in an activation slot 19 . Typically, tension is applied via a cable attached to the jaw activation pin. Thus, movement of the jaws is accomplished. The jaws themselves are configured for such laparoscopic procedures as electrocautery and tissue severing. Accordingly, as shown in the bottom jaw 11, a distal electrode 12 is provided, embedded in the plastic carrier 15. A second, proximal electrode 15 is also shown. A cutting groove 14 is shown for receiving a blade during a sectioning operation. The blade is not shown in Figure 1. During laparoscopic procedures, it is desirable to be able to position the jaws of the device from left to right to achieve the best angle of approach to the tissue to be treated. Key to the invention is the provision of an articulated wrist 22, which is comprised of a plurality of articulation discs or vertebrae 21. The articulation is accomplished by tensioning a pair of cables discussed below and a termination of which is shown in Figure 1 as a wire, which is soldered or crimped in a groove at a cable termination point 20. Further, Figure 1 shows a lock for an outside shaft tube or clamping mechanism to hold the wrist to the tube. This is shown by a clamping slot 23. Figure 2 is a top or plan view of the laparoscopic device showing the jaws 25 and shaft 24. In particular, the articulated wrist 22 is shown in greater detail. In this embodiment a plurality of vertebrae comprises interconnected pivotable, hinged disks, where the discs 21 are articulated with one another and comprise a series 8 of ball-like projections 27, which are engaged in complementary grooves 28. The jaw assembly 25 in this embodiment shows a ball-like projection 29, which is engaged in a groove of the articulation disc and the shaft 24 includes a complementary groove 30 for receiving a ball-like projection of an articulating disc. As can be seen in Figure 2, a cable 31 is shown as well. The cable is a coiled pipe sheath assembly that, in this embodiment, is used to operate a blade within the jaw. The coiled assembly allows the cable to bend with the articulation of the device without kinking, as discussed above. Figure 3 is a partially cutaway side schematic view of an activation mechanism 32 for operating the articulation joint. In Figure 3, a wrist articulation control 33 is shown having two finger-actuated blades to pivot the control about a pivot point 35. This pivoting action respectively applies attention to and draws attention from a pair of control cables 34a/34b, which, in this embodiment of the invention, are pretensioned Nitinol cables. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other cable materials may be used. Operation of the wrist articulation control causes one cable to pull on the jaw assembly 25, thus causing the jaw assembly to move left or right as desired. Key to the invention is the provision of the articulation discs which allow such articulation to occur. In the prior art, it is known that such mechanisms as kerfs or other bending mechanisms can be provided. However, these mechanisms are subject both to stress, which reduces their effectiveness over time, and they retain a memory effect, such that there is a tendency for them to return to their initial position, rather the maintain a position desired by the surgeon using the device. The invention herein avoids both of these deleterious effects of operation of the device. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a laparoscopic device according to the invention showing a housing 43 having a handle 44 and a jaw activation trigger 45 that operates a four-bar linkage or other type of linkage 46 to transmit tension through the main shaft 24 and thereby operate the jaws to open and close them as desired. Also shown in Figure 4 is a blade actuator 42 by which a blade may be 9 drawn through the groove discussed above. A shaft rotator 41 allows the shaft to be rotated about a shaft access, while the wrist articulation control 33 allows the wrist mechanism to be operated. Note in Figure 4 that the wrist articulation control includes a control slot 40 that both guides and contains the travel of the wrist articulation control 33. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention in which the shaft rotator 51 is contained within the housing 57. This embodiment of the invention also includes a blade actuator 52, a wrist articulation control 53, a handle 54, and a jaw activation trigger 55. Figure 6 is a perspective schematic view of the wrist activation control of the laparoscopic device shown in Figure 5. A base portion 66 supports a ring projection 65 which, in turn, accommodates the control 53. Tensioned cables 34a/34b are shown having termination balls, which provide a cable stop 64a/64b. The cables are threaded through the control actuator 53 through respective grooves 63a/63b. An indexing disc 61 includes a plurality of detents 62. A flat spring 61 is arranged to engage within said detents to provide a stop mechanism to secure the jaws in a selected position by preventing movement of the articulation control 53, except when desired by a user of the device. Figure 7 is a perspective schematic view of the base portion of the articulation control 66 showing the spring mechanism 61 sitting in a recess 70 of the ring-like projection 65. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the articulation control 53 showing the detents 62 in greater detail. Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment invention, in which an articulation control 93 includes a plurality of detents 92 formed in a detent indexing disc 97. Operation of the control 93 causes rotation about a pivot point 91 and engages a 10 step ball 95 into one of a plurality of detents 92 formed in the indexing ring. A ball plunger mechanism 94 maintains bias on the step ball 95. The indexing control 93 includes a pair of attachment points 98a/98b, discussed in greater detail below. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the index control mechanism for the articulation mechanism in the laparoscopic device. As shown in Figure 10, a pair of grooves 1 00a/1 00b are provided for receiving control cables (not shown). Figure 11 is a further perspective view of the control mechanism for the articulation wrist in a laparoscopic device according to the invention. Figure 11 shows clearly the arrangement of the articulation control 93 in connection with the indexing ring 97, and in particular shows the attachment there between a pair of pins 98a/98b. Figure 12 is a further embodiment of the invention showing an indexing mechanism comprised of an indexing pin 120, which is engaged in a slot 121. Figure 13 is a cutaway perspective view showing the indexing pin 120 comprising a head portion 131 and a plurality of flared portions 130 which engage or disengage with a locking block 133. Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention comprises a jam lock in which depression of the pin 120 jams the flared portion of the pin 130 into the block 133 and thus prevents rotation of the actuation control mechanism. Figure 14 is a detailed view of the jam mechanism showing the pin 120, head 131, and flares 130 in greater detail. Figure 15 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of a laparoscopic device, showing a drive member according to the invention. The drive members may be made of a round wire (stainless steel or Nitinol), using tightly wound coil springs 11 for support. The drive members may also be flat stainless steel bands 150, as shown in Figure 15 and 16. Figure 15 shows the wrist section of the device, while Figure 16 shows only the components of interest, i.e., the jaw activating band 150, the closing pin 160, and cutting blade 161. This embodiment replaced the round wire with flat bands and supports the bands using the internal structure of the vertebrae. Other embodiments may use flat polymer bands to provide additional support. These bands could be either PTFE (Teflon*) or FEP. The support structure may also involve PTFE or FEP shrink tubing over the blade and/or the jaw actuation band. Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia. 12

Claims (1)

1. A laparoscopic grasping instrument, comprising: an elongated shaft having a set of opposing jaws associated with a distal end thereof and a handle associated with a proximal end thereof; an articulation wrist comprising a plurality of pivotal vertebrae, the articulation wrist positioned between the distal end of said shaft and a proximal end of said set of opposing jaws to effect angular movement of said jaws relative to said shaft, both left and right, from a centerline corresponding to a central longitudinal axis of the shaft; an actuator associated with said handle, the actuator comprising a rotatable assembly rotatably mounted transversely relative to said shaft, the rotatable assembly rotatably operable by an articulation control lever; and at least two force transfer members, said force transfer members being attached to the rotatable assembly at respective attachment points, said force transfer members operably connecting said articulation control lever and said jaws to translate operation of the lever into said angular movement of said set of opposing jaws to control the degree of articulation of said jaws; further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing motion of said articulation wrist while a user performs other operations with said instrument, said locking mechanism further comprising: a rotating member that rotates freely about a pivot pin; a wedge-like, tube-shaped button mounted on top of said pivot pin and anchored within said pivot pin, said button adapted to be depressed into said pivot pin, wherein a portion of said button flares through a slot formed in said pivot pin to lock said articulation wrist angle and said rotating member at a user determined angle of articulation. 13
AU2014201550A 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument Abandoned AU2014201550A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2014201550A AU2014201550A1 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/027,231 2008-02-06
AU2009212240A AU2009212240B2 (en) 2008-02-06 2009-02-06 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument
AU2014201550A AU2014201550A1 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2009212240A Division AU2009212240B2 (en) 2008-02-06 2009-02-06 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2014201550A1 true AU2014201550A1 (en) 2014-04-03

Family

ID=50389650

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2014201550A Abandoned AU2014201550A1 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument
AU2014201547A Abandoned AU2014201547A1 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2014201547A Abandoned AU2014201547A1 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-03-14 Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument

Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (2) AU2014201550A1 (en)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2014201547A1 (en) 2014-04-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2009212240B2 (en) Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument
US8870867B2 (en) Articulable electrosurgical instrument with a stabilizable articulation actuator
US5860995A (en) Laparoscopic endoscopic surgical instrument
JP5090441B2 (en) Surgical instruments
US8801752B2 (en) Articulating surgical device
US9033960B2 (en) Instrument with multiple articulation locks
US8926597B2 (en) Surgical instrument guide device
US20140188159A1 (en) Surgical tool
JP2011245303A (en) Accurate jaw closure force in catheter based instrument
US20110238108A1 (en) Surgical instrument
AU2014201550A1 (en) Method and apparatus for articulating the wrist of a laparoscopic grasping instrument
KR102596872B1 (en) Dual structure laparoscopic surgery instrument

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MK4 Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application