JP2007167644A - Sterile surgical adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterile adaptor with a sterile drape covering a tele-robotic system for remotely controlling a surgical instrument. <P>SOLUTION: A manipulator assembly 4 is further equipped with a sterile drape 70 with such a size as covering substantially the whole manipulator assembly 4. The drape 70 includes a pair of holes 72 and 74, and a pair of the holes 72 and 74 have such a size and arrangement as a list unit adaptor 52 and a cannula adaptor 64 extend through the holes 72 and 74, and a list unit 22 and a cannula 66 can be attached to the manipulator assembly 4. The sterile drape 70 is composed of the material capable of shielding effectively the manipulator assembly 4 from a surgical operating field. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

(Cross-reference to related applications)
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 752,472, filed December 20, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  This application is a continuation-in-part of pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 314,040 filed on Dec. 20, 2005, which is pending on Aug. 19, 2004. This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 922,346, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 004,399, filed on October 30, 2001, which is Continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 406,360, filed on September 28, 1997, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,072, which was issued on November 21, 1997. Continuation of filed US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 975,617, now US Pat. No. 6,132,368, which is a US provisional application filed on December 12, 1996. Number 60/033, 3 And claims priority to No. 1, the entire disclosures of, the present specification are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  This application is also a continuation-in-part of pending US Patent Application Nos. 11 / 240,087 and 11 / 240,113, both filed on September 30, 2005, This disclosure is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  This application is related to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 752,755, filed December 20, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For this purpose, incorporated herein by reference.

(Technical field)
The present invention relates generally to surgical robotic systems, and more particularly to a sterile drape disposable aseptic adapter for covering portions of a surgical robotic system.

(background)
In robot-assisted surgery or telerobotic surgery, the surgeon is typically from a location that may be distal from the patient (eg, across the operating room, in a different room, or completely separate from the patient). A master controller is operated to remotely control the movement of the surgical instrument at the surgical site. The master controller typically includes one or more manual input devices (eg, joysticks, exoskeleton gloves, etc.) that include a servo motor for articulating the instrument at the surgical site. Connected to surgical instruments. Servo motors are typically electromechanical devices or surgical devices that support and control surgical instruments introduced through an open surgical site directly or through a trocar sleeve into a body cavity (eg, a patient's abdomen). Part of a surgical manipulator (“slave”). During surgery, surgical manipulators provide mechanical articulation and control of various surgical instruments (eg, tissue graspers, needle drivers, electrosurgical ablation probes, etc.), each with different functions for the surgeon. (E.g., hold or drive the needle, grasp the blood vessel, or dissect, cauterize or coagulate the tissue)).

  This new way of performing telerobotic surgery through remote control has, of course, created many new challenges. One such challenge arises from the fact that a portion of the electromechanical surgical manipulator is in direct contact with the surgical instrument and is positioned adjacent to the surgical site. Thus, surgical manipulators can become contaminated during surgery and are typically discarded or sterilized during surgery. In terms of cost, it is preferable to sterilize the device. However, the electrical connections required to robotically control servo motors, sensors, encoders, and motors are typically using conventional methods (eg, steam, heat and pressure, or chemicals). It cannot be sterilized. This is because system components are damaged or destroyed in an aseptic process.

  Sterile drapes were previously used to cover surgical manipulators and provided with a hole into which an adapter (eg, a wrist unit adapter or cannula adapter) entered a sterilization field. However, this disadvantageously necessitates removal and sterilization of the adapter after each procedure, and raises the higher chance of contamination through the holes in the drape.

  Yet another challenge with telerobotic surgical systems is that surgeons typically use many different surgical instruments / tools during the procedure. Because the number of manipulator arms is limited due to space limitations and costs, many of these surgical instruments are attached and removed from the same manipulator arm many times during the procedure. In laparoscopic procedures, for example, the number of entry ports into the patient's abdomen is generally limited during surgery due to spatial limitations and hopes to avoid unnecessary incisions in the patient. The Thus, many different surgical instruments are typically introduced through the same trocar sleeve during surgery. Similarly, in open surgery, typically there is not enough room around the surgical site to position more than one or two surgical manipulators, and the surgeon's assistant often removes the instrument from the manipulator arm. Excluding, you are forced to replace it with other surgical tools.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an improved telerobotic system and method for remotely controlling surgical instruments at a patient's surgical site. In particular, these systems and methods should be configured to minimize the need for sterility to improve cost efficiency while protecting the system and surgical patient. Furthermore, these systems and methods should be designed to minimize instrument exchange time and difficulty during surgical procedures. Therefore, aseptic adapters and systems for robotic surgery with improved efficiency and cost efficiency are highly desirable.

(Summary)
The present invention provides a telerobot surgical system comprising a sterile adapter, a sterile drape with an integrated sterile adapter, and a sterile drape having a drape interface. The present invention provides an aseptic device between a sterile surgical field and a non-sterile robotic system while providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals between the robotic arm and the surgical tool in the sterile field. It makes it possible to drape the part of the telerobotic surgical system for maintaining the barrier.

  In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an instrument sterility adapter is provided, which is operatively coupled to an outer surface for operatively coupling to a sterile surgical instrument in a sterile field, a non-sterile manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. And a drape interface for transmitting torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument.

  In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a sterile drape is provided for covering a non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, the sterile drape being an outer surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure; and robotic surgery An inner surface is provided for receiving a non-sterile part of the system. The sterile drape further comprises a sterile adapter, the sterile adapter for providing an interface between the non-sterile manipulator arm of the robotic surgical system and the surgical instrument of the sterile field, the sterile adapter comprising the manipulator A drape interface for transmitting torque from the arm to the surgical instrument is provided.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a robotic surgical system for performing a procedure in a sterile field is provided, the system comprising a non-sterile field manipulator arm; a sterile field surgical instrument; and a sterile drape. Covering the manipulator arm to shield the manipulator arm from the sterile field, the sterile drape comprising a drape interface for transmitting torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument.

  Advantageously, the present invention is an improvement in the placement of surgical instruments and provision of the interface between the surgical instrument and the manipulator arm, improved robustness of the sterilization field, and form fitting features. Provides increased patient visualization by reducing the size of the drape. By providing a disposable adapter, the cost is reduced by the use of less expensive materials, while at the same time increasing the strength and reliability of the device.

  The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section for reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention, and an understanding of further advantages thereof, will be given to those skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference is first made to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described.

  Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be understood that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements shown in one or more drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings may not be drawn to scale if desired.

According to the present invention, the following is provided to achieve the above object.
(Item 1) Aseptic adapter, the following:
An outer surface operably coupled to a sterile surgical instrument in a sterile field;
An inner surface for operably coupling to a non-sterile manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system; and a drape interface for transmitting torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument;
Aseptic adapter comprising.
2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a retaining structure that forms a wedge shape that narrows from a proximal end to a distal end.
3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface is capable of receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input from the surgical instrument.
6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises two rings with a drape section in between.
7. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
(Item 8) The adapter according to item 7, further comprising a retractor plate including the plurality of drape interfaces.
(Item 9) The adapter according to item 8, wherein the retractor plate comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and a drape section exists between them.
10. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising electrical contact for providing an electrical connection between the manipulator arm and the surgical instrument.
11. A sterile drape for covering a non-sterile part of a robotic surgical system, the sterile drape being:
An outer surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure;
An inner surface for receiving a non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system; and a sterile adapter, providing an interface between the non-sterile manipulator arm of the robotic surgical system and the surgical instrument of the sterile field The sterile adapter comprising a drape interface for transmitting torque from a manipulator arm to the surgical instrument;
Aseptic drape.
12. The sterile drape according to item 11, wherein the drape is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and similar elastic durable materials.
13. The sterile drape of claim 11, wherein the drape is a vacuum forming part or another molded part of a larger drape.
14. The sterile drape of claim 11, wherein the drape interface is capable of receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
15. The sterile drape of claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
16. The sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input of the surgical instrument.
17. The sterile drape of claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises two attachment rings for holding a drape section in between.
18. The sterile drape of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
19. The sterile drape of claim 11, wherein the sterile adapter comprises electrical contact to provide an interface with electrical contact on a manipulator arm and electrical contact on a surgical instrument. Aseptic drape.
20. A robotic surgical system for performing a procedure in a sterile field, the system comprising:
Non-sterile field manipulator arm;
A surgical instrument in the sterile field; and a sterile drape, covering the manipulator arm to shield the manipulator arm from the sterile field, wherein the sterile drape transmits torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument Aseptic drape, with a drape interface for
A robotic surgical system comprising:
(Item 21) The system according to item 20, wherein the manipulator arm is a patient-side manipulator arm or an endoscope camera manipulator arm.
(Item 22) The system according to item 20, wherein the drape is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, and polycarbonate.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the surgical instrument is an articulation tool comprising an end effector (eg, jaws, scissors, grasshopper, needle holder, microdisector, staple applier, tucker, suction A system selected from the group consisting of cleaning tools and clip appliers) and non-articulating tools (e.g., cutting blades, cautery probes, cleaners, catheters, and suction orifices).
24. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface can receive input of the surgical instrument and input of the manipulator arm.
25. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.
26. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input from the surgical instrument.
27. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises two attachment rings for holding a drape section in between.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein the sterile drape comprises a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.

  Accordingly, an improved telerobotic system and method for remotely controlling surgical instruments at a patient's surgical site has been provided. A sterile adapter and system for robotic surgery with improved efficiency and cost efficiency has been provided.

(Detailed explanation)
The present invention specifically includes patient-assisted robotic surgery, including open surgical procedures, neurosurgical procedures (eg, stereotactic brain surgery), and endoscopic procedures (eg, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, thoracoscopic, etc.). Multi-component systems and methods for performing the procedures are provided. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful as part of a telerobotic surgical system that allows a surgeon to manipulate a surgical instrument by a servomechanism from a remote location of a patient. To this end, the manipulator device or slave of the present invention is typically driven by a kinematically equivalent master to form a telepresence system with a force reflection. A description of a suitable slave master system can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 517,053 filed Aug. 21, 1995 (the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes). Can be found).

  Reference is made in detail to the drawings. Similar numbers indicate similar elements. The telerobotic surgical system 2 is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the telerobotic system 2 is typically attached to an operating table O to allow the surgeon S to view the surgical site and control the manipulator assembly 4 or One or more surgical manipulator assemblies 4 mounted near the operating table O and a control assembly 6 are provided. The system 2 also includes one or more viewing scope assemblies 19 and a plurality of surgical instrument assemblies 20 configured to be remotely coupled to the manipulator assembly 4 (discussed in detail below). The telerobotic system 2 typically comprises at least two manipulator assemblies 4, preferably three manipulator assemblies 4. The actual number of manipulator assemblies 4 depends on, among other things, the surgical procedure and the spatial limitations within the surgical room. As discussed in detail below, one of the assemblies 4 typically activates the viewing scope assembly 19 (eg, in an endoscopic procedure) to view the surgical site, while The other manipulator assembly 4 operates the surgical instrument 20 to perform various procedures on the patient P.

  The control assembly 6 can be placed on the surgeon's console C, usually located in the same room as the operating table O, and the surgeon can talk to the assistant A and monitor the surgical procedure directly. However, it should be understood that the surgeon S may be located in a different room or completely different building than the patient P. The control assembly 6 generally comprises a support 8, a monitor 10 for showing an image of the surgical site to the surgeon S, and one or more controllers 12 for controlling the manipulator assembly 4. The controller 12 may comprise various input devices (eg, joysticks, gloves, trigger-guns, manual operation controllers, voice recognition devices, etc.). Preferably, the controller 12 is provided with the same degrees of freedom as the associated surgical instrument assembly 20 and the controller 12 is integral with the instrument 20 so that the surgeon has a telepresence or a strong sense that the surgeon directly controls the instrument 20. Gives recognition that there is. Position, force, and tactile feedback sensors (not shown) are also used in the instrument assembly 20 to provide position, force, and tactile feedback so that when the surgeon activates the telerobotic system, the surgical instrument returns to the surgeon's hand. Can convey senses. One suitable system and method for providing telepresence to an operator is described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 517,053 filed Aug. 21, 1995 (which was previously incorporated herein by reference). Incorporated herein by reference).

  The monitor 10 is suitably coupled to the viewing scope assembly 19 such that an image of the surgical site is provided adjacent to the surgeon's hand on the surgeon's console C. Preferably, the monitor 10 shows a reverse image on the display 18 that is oriented so that the surgeon feels directly looking down at the surgical site directly. For this reason, the image of the surgical instrument 20 is substantially positioned by the operator's hand, even though the observation point (ie, endoscope or viewing camera) may not be from the image observation point. Seems to be placed in place. Further, the real-time image is preferably converted to a perspective image so that the operator can manipulate the end effector and hand controls as if viewing the workspace in a substantially true presence. Due to the true presence, the presentation of the image is a true perspective image that simulates the perspective of the operator who is physically operating the surgical instrument 20. Thus, the controller (not shown) is a position where the coordinates of the surgical instrument 20 are recognized such that the perspective image is an image that appears as if the camera or endoscope was placed directly behind the surgical instrument 20. Convert to A suitable coordinate transformation system for providing this virtual image is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 239,086 filed May 5, 1994 (currently US Pat. No. 5,631,973). This disclosure is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a servo mechanism 16 is provided for transferring the mechanical movement of the controller 12 to the manipulator assembly 4. Servo mechanism 16 may be separate from or integral with the manipulator. Servo mechanism 16 typically provides force and torque feedback from surgical instrument 20 to manual operation controller 12. In addition, the servomechanism 16 responds to perceived conditions (eg, exerting excessive force on the patient, “uncontrolled state” of the manipulator assembly 4, etc.), etc. A safety monitoring controller (not shown) is provided that can be pinned or at least suppressed. The servo mechanism preferably has a servo bandwidth with a 3 dB cutoff frequency of at least 10 hz so that the system can respond quickly and accurately to quick hand movements used by the surgeon. In order to operate this system efficiently, the manipulator assembly 4 has a relatively low inertia and the drive motor 170 (see FIG. 8) has a relatively low ratio gear or pulley connection. Any suitable conventional servo mechanism or special servo mechanism may be used in the practice of the invention, and those incorporating force and torque feedback are particularly preferred for telepresence operation of the system.

  Referring to FIG. 7, surgical instrument assembly 20 includes a wrist unit 22 and a surgical tool 24 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) remotely attached to wrist unit 22, respectively. As will be discussed in detail below, each wrist unit 22 generally includes an elongate shaft 56 having a proximal cap 58 and a distal wrist 60 that is pivotally coupled to the surgical tool 24. Each wrist unit 22 is substantially the same and has different or the same surgical tools 24 attached to each wrist unit depending on the requirements of the surgical procedure. Alternatively, wrist unit 22 may have a special wrist 60 designed for individual surgical tools 24 such that wrist unit 22 can be used with conventional tools 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument assembly 20 is typically assembled on a table T or other suitable support adjacent to the operating table O. In accordance with the method of the present invention (described below), the wrist units 22 and their associated surgical tools 24 are quickly replaced during a surgical procedure by connecting and disconnecting the wrist unit shaft 56 from the manipulator assembly 4. Can be done.

  Referring to FIG. 2, each manipulator assembly 4 is preferably attached to the operating table O by an attachment joint 30. The attachment joint 30 provides some degree of freedom (preferably at least 5) to the assembly 4, which allows the brake (shown) to be secured in an appropriate position and orientation relative to the patient. Prepared). The joint 30 is attached to a receptacle 32 for attaching the joint 30 to the operating table O and connecting each manipulator assembly 4 to the servo mechanism 16. In addition, the receptacle 32 connects the joint 30 to other systems (eg, RF power supply, suction-wash system, etc.). The receptacle 32 includes a mounting arm 34 that is slidably disposed along an outer rail 36 of the operating table O. The manipulator assembly 4 can also be positioned on the operating table O along with other mechanisms. For example, the system may incorporate a support system (connected to the operating room ceiling or wall) that moves and holds one or more manipulator assemblies 4 over the patient.

  The manipulator assembly 4 will now be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. The manipulator assembly 4 is a three component device including a non-sterile drive control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool (ie, surgical instrument assembly 20), and an intermediate connector component. The intermediate connector includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool 24 to the drive control component and for transferring movement from the drive component to the surgical tool 24. As shown in FIG. 3B, the drive control components are typically coupled to a drive assembly 40 and a mounting bracket 44 (configured to mount on the mounting joint 30 (FIG. 2)). A robot arm 42 having a degree of freedom is provided. Preferably, drive assembly 40 and robot arm 42 are coupled to bracket 44 so as to be pivotable about the X axis. The X-axis extends through a remote center of spherical rotation 45 (see FIG. 8, discussed in more detail below). The manipulator assembly 4 further includes a forearm assembly 46 secured to the distal end 48 of the arm 42 and a wrist coupled to the forearm assembly 46 for attaching the wrist unit 22 and the surgical tool 24 to the manipulator assembly 4. A unit adapter 52 is provided.

  For endoscopic procedures, the manipulator assembly 4 further comprises a cannula adapter 64 attached to the lower portion of the forearm 46 for attaching the cannula 66 to the manipulator assembly 4. Alternatively, cannula 66 may be an integral cannula (not shown) that is incorporated into forearm assembly 46 (ie, not removable). Cannula 66 may include a force sensing element (not shown) (eg, a strain gauge or force sensing resistor) attached to an annular bearing within cannula 66. The force sensing bearing supports the surgical tool 24 during surgery and allows the tool to rotate and move axially through the central bore of the bearing. In addition, the bearings transmit lateral forces exerted by the surgical tool 24 to the force sensing elements, which are coupled to the servo mechanism 16 for transmitting these forces to the controller 12. . In this manner, the force acting on the surgical tool 24 is detected without interference from forces acting on the cannula 66, such as the tissue surrounding the surgical incision, or weight and inertial forces acting on the manipulator assembly 4. Can be done. This facilitates the use of the manipulator assembly 4 in a robotic system because the surgeon directly senses the force acting on the surgical tool 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the manipulator assembly 4 further comprises a sterile drape 70 sized to substantially cover the entire manipulator assembly 4. The drape 70 includes a pair of holes 72, 74, with the wrist unit adapter 52 and cannula adapter 64 extending through the holes 72, 74 to connect the wrist unit 22 and cannula 66 to the manipulator assembly. 4 is sized and arranged to be attached to 4. Aseptic drape 70 comprises a material configured to effectively shield manipulator assembly 4 from the surgical site, most of the components of assembly 4 (ie, arm 42, drive assembly 40 and forearm assembly 46). Need not be sterilized before or after the surgical procedure.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the wrist unit adapter 52 and cannula adapter 64 extend through the holes 72, 74 of the drape 70, and the forearm assembly 46 and the remainder of the manipulator assembly 4 remain during this procedure. Remain shielded from the patient. In one embodiment, wrist unit adapter 52 and cannula adapter 64 are manufactured as reusable components, and these components are sterilized as they extend into the sterile field at the surgical site. The wrist unit 52 and cannula adapter 64 can be sterilized by conventional methods (ie, steam, heat and pressure, chemicals, etc.). Referring again to FIG. 3B, the wrist unit adapter 52 includes an opening 80 for receiving the shaft 56 of the wrist unit 22. As will be discussed in detail below, the shaft 56 can be urged laterally through the opening 80 and snapped to the adapter 52 so that the unexposed portion of the wrist unit adapter 52 is sterilized. (I.e., remain on the sterile side of drape 70 opposite the sterile field). The wrist unit adapter 52 may also include a latch (not shown) for securing the wrist unit 22 in place. Similarly, cannula adapter 64 includes an opening 82 to snap cannula 66 in place, with the unexposed portion of adapter 64 remaining sterile during the surgical procedure.

  As shown in FIG. 4, wrist unit adapter 52 may also be configured to receive viewing scope 100 for viewing the surgical site. With respect to the endoscopic procedure, the viewing scope 100 may be a conventional endoscope, which typically comprises a rigid elongate tube 102 with a lens system ( And a camera mounter 104. A small video camera 106 may preferably be attached to the camera mounter 104 and connected to the video monitor 10 to provide a video image of the procedure. Preferably, the scope 100 is configured such that a distal end (not shown) allows lateral or angled viewing with respect to the tube 102. The viewing scope can also have a guideable tip that can be deflected or rotated by manipulating an actuator on the proximal end of the tube 102. This type of scope is available from Baxter Healthcare Corp. (Deerfield, Ill.) Or Origin Medsystems, Inc. (Menlo Park, Calif.).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the viewing scope 100 further includes a scope adapter 110 for connecting the viewing scope 100 and the wrist unit adapter 52. The scope adapter 110 is sterilizable (ETO and autoclavable) and includes a plurality of motion feed-throughs for transferring motion from the drive assembly 40 to the scope 100. In a preferred configuration, this movement includes up / down / left / right movement, rotation about the Z-axis, and movement along the Z-axis.

  With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the forearm assembly 46 will be described in further detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the forearm assembly 46 includes a housing 120 fixed to the arm 42 and a movable carriage 122 slidably connected to the housing 120. The carriage 122 slidably attaches the wrist unit adapter 52 to the housing 120 in order to move the wrist unit adapter 52 and the wrist unit 20 in the Z direction. In addition, the carriage 122 defines a number of openings 123 for transmitting operating and electrical signals from the forearm assembly 46 to the wrist unit adapter 52. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of rotatable shafts 124 are mounted within the housing 120 to transfer motion from the arm 42 through the opening 123 to the wrist unit adapter 52 and the wrist unit 22. Rotating the shaft 124 preferably has at least 4 degrees of freedom relative to the wrist unit 22 (left and right up and down movement of the surgical tool 24 around the wrist 60 of the wrist unit 22, rotation of the wrist unit 22 around the Z axis) , And actuation of the tool 24). The system can also be configured to provide greater or lesser degrees of freedom if desired. Actuation of the tool 24 includes various operations such as opening and closing jaws, grasspers or scissors, applying clips or staples, and the like. Movement in the Z-axis direction of the wrist unit 22 and the tool 24 is provided by a pair of carriage cable drives 126 extending between rotatable pulleys 128, 129 at either end of the forearm housing 120. The cable drive 126 functions to move the carriage 122 and the wrist unit 22 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the forearm housing 120.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end 48 of the arm 42 includes a coupling assembly 130 having a plurality of motion feedthroughs 132 to transfer motion from the arm 42 to the forearm assembly 46. In addition, the coupling assembly 130 includes a number of electrical connectors (not shown) for transmitting electrical signals from the arm 42 to the wrist unit 22. Similarly, wrist unit adapter 52 transmits force and torque feedback signals to and from wrist unit 22 for transmitting motion and for transmitting and receiving electrical signals (eg, from the surgical site to controller 12). A plurality of operational feedthroughs (not shown) and electrical connectors (not shown). The elements on either side of the coupling assembly 130 and the wrist unit adapter 52 have a finite range of motion. Usually, this operating range is at least one revolution and preferably more than one revolution. These operating ranges are aligned with each other when the forearm assembly 46 is mechanically connected to the coupling assembly 130 and when the wrist unit adapter 52 is mechanically connected to the forearm 46.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, the wrist unit 22 will now be described in further detail. As shown, the wrist unit 22 includes a hollow shaft 56 that has a cap 58 attached to the proximal end and a wrist 60 attached to the distal end. The wrist 60 includes connections (not shown) for movably connecting various surgical tools 24 to the shaft 56. Shaft 56 is rotatably coupled to cap 58 to provide rotation of shaft 56 and tool 24 about the longitudinal axis of shaft 56 (ie, the Z axis). The cap 58 houses a mechanism (not shown) for transmitting operation from the wrist unit adapter 52 to a drive cable (not shown) in the shaft 56. This drive cable is suitably connected to a drive pulley within shaft 56 to pivot tool 24 about wrist 60 and actuate end effector 140 relative to tool 24. The wrist 60 can also be manipulated by other mechanisms such as differential gears, push rods, and the like.

  Tool 24 is rotatably coupled to wrist 60 of wrist unit 22. Tool 24 preferably comprises an end effector 65 having a tactile sensor array (not shown) for providing tactile feedback to the surgeon (FIGS. 3A and 3B). The tool 24 may include various manufactured tools (eg, jaws, scissors, glass spar, needle holders, microdisectors, staple appliers, tackers, suction cleaning tools, clip appliers), these May include wire connections, eccentric cams, push rods or other mechanisms. Further, the tool 24 may comprise a non-articulated instrument (eg, cutting blade, probe, irrigator, catheter or suction orifice). Alternatively, tool 24 may comprise an electrosurgical probe for ablating, resecting, cutting or coagulating tissue. In the latter embodiment, the wrist unit 22 comprises a conductive element (eg, a rod that extends to the tool 24 through a proximal banana plug or shaft 56 connected to a lead wire).

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, the particular configuration of the drive and control components of the present invention (ie, robot arm 42 and drive assembly 40) is shown in further detail. As explained above, the arm 42 and drive assembly 40 are rotatably connected about a pair of pins 150 extending from the mounting bracket 44. Preferably, the arm 42 is pivotally connected to the drive assembly 40 and bracket 44 for rotation about the distal end 48 connected to the forearm assembly 48 and up, down, left and right (ie, about the X and Y axes). With a substantially rigid elongate body 152 having a proximal end 154 (note that the Y-axis is perpendicular to the page and extends through point 45; see FIG. 8). . The arm 40 may have other configurations, such as an elbow joint arm (similar to a human arm), a prismatic arm (extendable straight), etc. The stationary yaw motor 156 is attached to a mounting bracket 44 for rotating the arm 42 and drive assembly 40 about the X axis. The drive assembly 40 also includes a pitch motor 158 connected to the arm 42 for rotating the arm about the Y axis. A pair of substantially rigid connecting elements 160, 124 extend from the bracket 44 to the robot arm 42 and pivotally connect the arm 42 about the Y axis to the bracket 44. One connecting element 160 is pivotally connected to the arm 42, and the other connecting element 124 is pivotally connected to a third connecting element 164 that extends parallel to the arm 42. Preferably, the robot arm 42 is a rigid element formed in a channel shape and at least partially accommodates this third coupling element 164. The connecting elements 160, 124 and 164 and the arm 42 form a parallelogram type connection. These members are joined together in a parallelogram shape for relative motion only in the plane formed by those members.

  The Z-axis of the wrist unit 22 held at the distal end 48 of the arm 42 intersects the x-axis of the parallelogram connection described above. The wrist unit 22 has a remote center of spherical rotation around the position indicated by equation 45 in FIG. Thus, the distal end of the wrist unit 22 can be rotated about its own axis or about the X and Y axes, while the center of rotation 45 remains in the same position. A more complete description of the off-center positioning device can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 504,301 filed Jul. 20, 1995, now US Pat. No. 5,931,832. The entire disclosure can be found in all purposes for this purpose). It should be noted that arm 42 and drive assembly 40 can be used with a wide variety of positioning devices (eg, stereotactic positioning tools, fixed gimbals, etc.) other than those described above and shown in FIG. It is.

  Referring again to FIG. 8, the drive assembly 40 further includes a plurality of drive motors 170 connected to and rotating the arm 42. Pitch motor 156 and yaw motor 158 control the movement of arm 42 (and drive motor 170) about the X and Y axes, and drive motor 170 controls the operation of wrist unit 22 and surgical tool 24. . Preferably, at least five drive motors 170 are connected to arm 42 to provide wrist unit 22 with at least five degrees of freedom. Preferably, the drive motor 170 includes an encoder (not shown) for responding to the servo mechanism 16 and a force sensor (not shown) for feeding back the transmitted force and torque to the surgeon S. As discussed above, the five degrees of freedom preferably provides movement of the carriage 122 and wrist unit 22 in the Z-axis direction, rotation of the wrist unit 22 about the Z-axis, and surgical tools 24 around the wrist 60. Including up / down / left / right rotation and operation of the tool 24.

  As shown, the cables 172 extend from the motor 170, around the motor drive pulley 174 in the arm 42, around the idler pulley 176, and along the relatively large pot capstan 178 to provide a friction torque for the cable 172. Minimize impact. Each of these cables 172 extend around another idler pulley 180 at the distal end 48 of the arm 42, around the connecting drive pulley 182, and back to the motor 170. Preferably, these cables 172 are tensioned and moored there at motor drive pulley 174 and coupling drive pulley 182. As shown in FIG. 8, the coupling drive pulley 182 is connected to a plurality of smaller pulleys 184 via a plurality of cables 186 within the coupling assembly 130 to transfer motion from the motor 170 to the wrist unit adapter 52. To do.

  A method for performing a surgical operation on a patient according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment joint 30 is attached to a receptacle 32, which is attached to the operating table O by sliding an attachment arm 34 along a rail 36. Each manipulator assembly 4 is then attached to a respective attachment joint 30 and articulated to the correct position and orientation relative to the patient P. The receptacle 32 is then connected to the servo mechanism 16 and other systems that may be required during surgery (eg, RF power supply, suction / cleaning system, etc.). A sterile drape 70 is placed over the manipulator assembly 4 before, during or after the patient is anesthetized (FIG. 3A). To prepare for the surgery, the manipulator assembly 4 may or may not be chemically cleaned before they are covered with the drape 70. The wrist unit adapter 52, cannula adapter 64 and scope adapter 110 are snapped onto the forearm assembly 46 of the manipulator assembly 4 (see FIGS. 3B and 5). The number and relative position of the scope adapter 110 and wrist unit adapter 52 will, of course, depend on the individual surgery (eg, cannula adapter 64 may not be required for open surgical procedures).

  During the surgical procedure, the surgical instrument assembly 20 is coupled to the respective manipulator assembly 4 by pushing each individual wrist unit shaft 56 laterally through the opening 80 of the wrist unit adapter 52. Each wrist unit 22 has suitable identification means (not shown) to quickly and easily indicate which type of tool 24 is connected to the wrist unit 22. If the surgeon wishes to change the surgical tool 24, the surgeon will manipulate the controller 12 so that the carriage 122 moves to the highest or proximal position of movement along the forearm assembly 46 (FIG. See 3B). In this position, surgical tool 24 is within cannula 66 or is removed from the surgical site during the open procedure. Assistant A then pulls upward against wrist cap 58 to release its latch (not shown), thereby sliding wrist unit 22 up and out of cannula 66. Next, the assistant A pulls the wrist unit 22 to the side to remove the wrist unit 22 from the wrist unit adapter 52. When the wrist unit 22 is no longer connected to the adapter 52, the control mechanism understands that the system is in "tool change mode" and if it has not yet been moved to the proximal position by the surgeon, the carriage 122. To its proximal position.

  In order to connect another surgical instrument assembly 20 to the manipulator assembly 4, the assistant A grips the other assembly 20 from the table T and moves the wrist unit shaft 56 laterally into the opening 80 of the wrist unit adapter 52. Advance and then move the wrist unit 22 downward and the surgical tool 24 is in the cannula 66 (see FIGS. 1 and 3B). This downward movement of the wrist unit 22 automatically aligns the electrical connection and motion feedthrough (not shown) within the wrist cap 58 and wrist unit adapter 52. This system will activate the movement of the carriage 122 (eg, a brake (not shown)) in the top or proximal position until the connection is aligned and the wrist unit 22 is no longer moved downwards. A control mechanism configured to be secured. At this point, surgeon S can continue the surgery.

  The system and method of the present invention preferably includes a mechanism for counting the number of times the wrist unit 22 is disconnected and attached to the wrist unit adapter 52. In this manner, the manufacturer can limit the number of times the wrist unit 22 can be used. In certain embodiments, an integrated circuit chip (not shown) is housed within wrist cap 58. This circuit chip counts the number of times the wrist unit 22 is connected to the wrist unit adapter 52 (eg, 20 times) and a warning is shown on the surgeon's console C. The control system then reduces the capacity of the system by reducing the load that can be delivered or by increasing the apparent backlash.

  Now referring to FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 10A-10B, there is shown a robotic surgical system 200 comprising a robotic surgical manipulator 204 completely covered by a sterile drape 270, according to another embodiment of the present invention. . The present invention provides a sterile adapter in which the drape portion of the telerobotic surgical system is integrated with a sterile drape, while maintaining a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical area and the non-sterile robotic system, while surgical It also provides an interface for transmitting mechanical and electrical energy and signals between the instrument and its robotic system. Advantageously, the present invention allows a user to repeatedly and easily attach and detach surgical instruments to the system while maintaining a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical instrument and the non-sterile robotic system. To do.

  FIG. 9A shows a surgical instrument 250 assembled to an instrument sterilization adapter (ISA) 300 integrated with a sterile drape 270, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ISA 300 is then operatively coupled (eg, on the forearm 246) with the adapter receiving portion 500 of the manipulator 204. 9B is a side view of the robotic surgical manipulator of FIG. 9A without an aseptic drape portion (except that the ISA 300 is shown), with multiple degrees of freedom and operative connection of the arms connecting the drive assembly and the ISA 300 1 illustrates a surgical tool or surgical instrument 250, a surgical accessory clamp 264, and an operatively connected surgical accessory 266. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate ISA 300 and accessory clamp 264 (integrated with sterile drape 270) without surgical instrument 250 and without surgical accessory 266, and FIG. 10B shows no drape 270. FIG. In one embodiment, the ISA 300 can be permanently attached to the sterile drape and / or using an adhesive film to the sterile drape by an impulse heat sealed film adhesive material.

  System 200 is similar to the system shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-8, except that an adapter (eg, a wrist unit adapter or cannula adapter) extends through the hole into drape 270 and is operated in a sterile field. The instrument does not provide an interface. Instead, the ISA 300 is integrated with the sterile drape 270, and a portion of the drape 270 effectively shields the accessory clamp 264 from the surgical aseptic field, during which the manipulator 204 is moved by the drape 270. Virtually completely covered. In one embodiment, the drape is completely disposable. Advantageously, ISA 300 and accessory clamp 264 do not need to be sterilized or replaced before or after surgery, thereby allowing for cost savings and substantially complete with this sterile drape. Because the wrap is present, the system 200 better shields the sterile field that allows for greater isolation of the system equipment and more complete protection for the patient.

  A similar or similar manipulator assembly 4 comprises the drive assembly 40, arm 42, forearm assembly 46, wrist unit adapter 52, wrist unit 22 and tool 24 (with similar or similar functionality) described above, It can be used in system 200 and can be used with ISA 300 and accessory clamp 264, and repeated descriptions of the same or similar parts are omitted. However, different drive assemblies 240, arms 242, forearm assemblies 246 and interfaces 252 for actuating tool 224 using shaft 256 and end effector 265 are illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 10A-10B. Embodiments of drive assembly 240, arm 242, forearm assembly 246, and other applicable portions are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,331,181, 6,491,701, and 6,770, (The entire disclosures of these, including the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes).

  Applicable surgical instrument 250, interface 252, adapter, tool or accessory embodiments are also described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,331,181, 6,491,701 and 6,770,081. (The entire disclosures of these, including the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes). Various surgical instruments (articulated tools with end effectors (eg, jaws, scissors, grasspers, needle holders, microdisectors, staple appliers, tuckers, irrigation suction tools and clip appliers), and non-articulated (non -Articulated) tools (such as, but not limited to, cutting blades, cautery probes, scrubbers, catheters and suction orifices) are noted that can be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Such surgical instruments are available from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California).

  Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11M, a PSM drape package 400 is shown comprising a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape 404 that is part of a sterile drape 70 (described above with reference to FIG. 3A). The PSM drape 404 may be a section connected or not connected to the sterile drape 70. FIG. 11A shows a PSM drape package 400 with a PSM drape pouch 402 with the PSM drape 404 folded inward. This PSM drape is designed to establish a sterile barrier between the non-sterile PSM arm and the surgical sterile field. The PSM drape 404 includes an integrated instrument sterility adapter (ISA) 406 permanently mounted on the drape and has a complete assembly including the ISA for engaging the surgical tool. Used for. Advantageously, the various features of the PSM drape assist the drape and assembly processes.

  FIG. 11B shows that the PSM drape 404 is removed from the pouch 402. FIG. 11C shows that an example of ISA 406 is permanently attached to PSM drape 404 proximal to the closed end of PSM drape 404. FIG. 11D shows a tear strip 408 that defines a major hole in the folded PSM drape and folded flap 410. FIG. 11E shows an unfolded flap 410 and FIG. 11F shows a fully unfolded PSM drape 404. The PSM drape 404 can initially be placed with the folded drape over the PSM arm, and then the permanently attached ISA 406 first places the front tongue feature into the bracket on the PSM arm. And then attached to the PSM arm by swinging the other of the sterile adapters until it engages a latch on the PSM arm. The PSM drape 404 is maintained in the initial position by using a tear strip 408 that is torn when pulled with the required force to allow controlled unfolding of the drape. The user places the drape along the length of the PSM arm by placing the user's hand in an integrated cuff 412 (FIG. 11G) and pulling the drape along the PSM arm. Pull.

  11G1 and 11G2 show the built-in cuff 412 at the open end of the PSM drape 404, with the end of the cuff 412 having a blue tape 411. FIG. The sterile operating room nurse may place his hand in the cuff when pulling the PSM drape along the PSM arm, and by using this cuff, the user will be able to move in the direction along the PSM arm. When working with, it is guaranteed that your hands do not touch anything that is non-sterile. Blue tape 411 acts as a physical marker for the drape to indicate the sterile and non-sterile ends. By having this marker, it can be seen that non-sterile persons pull the non-sterile side when assisting a sterile operating room nurse.

  FIG. 11H shows the strap 414 on the drape that helps manage the drape and helps reduce the apparent size of this drape (ie, reducing the volume or space occupied by the expanded drape). Show. One strap is proximal to the cannula attachment region, another strap is proximal to the “link 3” of the PSM arm, and another strap is along the “setup arm” to which the PSM arm is attached (For example, the arm 42 in FIGS. 4 and 5).

  FIG. 11I shows strip 416 and cannula attachment pouch 418 along the insertion axis. A cannula attachment pouch that can be used is co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 240,087, filed Sep. 30, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Disclosed). Strip 416 is a malleable strip for drape within the insertion axis region. A strip 416 is attached to the drape between the sterile adapter and the cannula attachment area. Once the drape is installed on the PSM arm, the user can help deform the adaptive strip 416 and fold back the excess drape body. By allowing the excess drape body to be folded back and secured, this drape can be closely matched to the shape of the PSM arm. Advantageously, this reduces the apparent size of the system, thereby allowing greater visibility of the patient and surroundings to the surgeon or other user. The strip 416 is also flexible enough to allow the system to open to allow maximum operating range to be achieved without tearing the drape.

  FIG. 11J shows the PSM drape 404 covering a portion of the PSM arm 417 and the sterile adapter 406 in a position before the strip 416 is bent back by the user. FIG. 11K shows a strip 416 that, after being folded by the user, the PSM drape 404 more closely matches the shape of the PSM arm, thereby reducing the size of the system. FIG. 11L shows another aspect of the strip 416 that is sufficiently flexible to be opened for full range operation and can be reshaped by the user during the procedure.

  Preferably, the drape 400 described above is sufficiently rigid and strong to allow proper placement over the PSM arm and to resist tearing even under the application of periodic loads in various directions. Consists of substances. However, it is preferably composed of a material that is sufficiently flexible to allow movement in the working section of the manipulator arm. The drape 400 can be constructed from a variety of durable materials, and in one example is constructed from polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the drape 400 is aspirated as part of a single drape or as a separate drape that can be attached to the main sterile drape 70 via adhesive, heat, RF welding or other means. obtain. In another embodiment, drape 400 may be used as a cut drape (but can be adjacent to each other or overlap each other) to cover different portions of the surgical robotic system.

  ISA 300, adapter receiver 500, and installation / engagement between ISA 300 and adapter receiver 500, and assembly / engagement between surgical instrument 250 and ISA 300 will now be described in more detail. .

  With reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an ISA 300 according to the present invention are illustrated. The ISA 300 includes a housing 302, a disk 304, a top retractor plate 306, an instrument stop feature 308 of the housing 302, a rail feature 301 of the housing 302, a contact 310, and a bottom retractor plate 312. The top retractor plate 306 and the bottom retractor plate 312 form a retractor plate assembly 313 that moves relative to the housing 302. The disk 304 is captured inside the retractor plate assembly 313 and moves relative to this assembly.

  FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the contact 310, which in one embodiment is insert molded into the housing.

  14A and 14B illustrate detailed top and bottom perspective views of the disk 304, respectively. This view includes teeth 314 at the base of the disk 304 and holes 316 in the body of the disk 304 to receive the pins 253 of the surgical instrument 250, according to embodiments of the present invention (see FIGS. 17D and 17E). A hole 317 under the disk 304 to receive the pin 505 of the spring loaded input 504 (see FIG. 16), and a tab 315 for moving the disk 304 out of the blind spot area. Including. In this embodiment, the ISA 300 includes four disks 304, each disk 304 including four teeth 314 and two holes 316. In one embodiment, these four teeth 314 are spaced 90 degrees apart. Note that in other embodiments, more or fewer disks, teeth, and slots are possible, but need to be operatively associated with adapter receiving portions for manipulators and surgical instruments.

  15A and 15B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a top retractor plate 306, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top retractor plate 306 includes bars 318 for engaging the retractor plate and retractor plate assembly, and teeth 319 for engaging the teeth 314 of the disk 304 depending on the relative position. As shown, the top retractor plate 306 includes four apertures 307 for the four disks 304.

  FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter receiving portion 500 (eg, PSM) of the manipulator 204, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter receiving portion 500 includes a shroud 502 for separating the electrical contacts 510, a spring loaded input 504 having pins 505, a spring plunger 506, and a bracket 508 for holding the ISA 300 in place. Is provided. In this embodiment, the adapter receiving portion 500 includes four spring loaded inputs 504 each having two pins 505 and four spring plungers 506.

  Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17F, installation / engagement of ISA 300 to adapter receiving portion 500, installation / engagement of surgical instrument 250 to ISA 300, and surgery from ISA 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The removal of the instrument 250 is illustrated.

  FIG. 17A shows ISA 300 installed and engaged with adapter receiving portion 500 of manipulator 204. The ISA contact 310 is connected to the manipulator contact 510, the disk 304 is engaged with the spring load input 504, the bottom retractor plate 312 is engaged with the spring plunger 506, and the instrument stop feature 308 is the bracket 508. Mesh with. The instrument stop feature 308 allows the instrument to be stopped (for patient safety) if the user makes a mistake in the rail 301 when assembling the instrument on the ISA. When installed, the instrument is completely stopped by the bar 318 above the top retractor plate 306. Prior to installation, the spring load input 504 and the spring plunger 506 are in their most extended position, and the ISA disk 304 is free to rotate to any random position within the retractor plate assembly. In one embodiment, to assemble the ISA 300 on the adapter receiving portion 500, the user places the front section of the ISA housing in the bracket and moves the rear end down, thereby engaging the latch 511. .

  In this mounted but prior engaged position, the disk 304 is pressurized upwardly against the top retractor plate 306 by the spring load input 504 and the retractor plate assembly 313 is spring loaded input 504. And a spring plunger 506 exerts pressure upward. At each disk position (aperture 307 of the retractor plate 306), there is one tooth 319 that engages the tooth 314 of the disk 304. The tooth configuration has multiple functions, one of which is to push the disk 304 out of the “blind spot area”, which is an angled orientation in which the hole 317 in the bottom surface of the disk 304 is formed. Are in positions where the holes do not have to engage the pins 505 of the spring loaded input 504. Because they do not rotate through a full 360 degree rotation. Another function of the tooth configuration is to prevent the disk 304 from rotating more than 90 degrees during the aseptic adapter engagement sequence.

  During the engagement sequence, the disk teeth 314 provide movement of the disk 304 via the friction between the pin 505 and the bottom surface of the disk 304, and contact with the tab 315. When actuated to engage the retractor plate teeth 319. The presence of the four teeth 314 stops this rotational movement of the disk 304 and the pin 505 can be aligned with the hole 317 of the disk 304 when the spring loaded input 504 rotates relative to the disk 304. When the hole 317 on the bottom surface of the disk 304 and the pin 505 of the spring loading input 504 are aligned, the disk 304 is lowered onto the spring loading input 504. At this point, the teeth 319 of the top retractor plate 306 clean the teeth 314 of the disk 304 when the disk 304 is lowered, thereby allowing the disk 304 to move freely 360 degrees relative to the retractor plate 306. enable. When the disk 304 is engaged over the spring loaded input 504, the ISA 300 is engaged with the adapter receiving portion 500.

  In one embodiment, the engagement sequence occurs in milliseconds after installation of the ISA 300 on the adapter receiving portion 500. When the ISA 300 is moved down into position, the electrical contact 310 engages the electrical contact 510 (eg, a pin) and the two initially open circuits to the manipulator 204 are closed, this Actuates the ISA engagement sequence. The insert molded contact 310 in the housing 302 may have a plurality of electrical passages (bias) that engage the contacts on the adapter receiving portion 500 and that the electrical passages are also instrumental electrical Note that it can be used to establish communication with surgical instrument 250 via contact 255 (FIG. 17C).

  FIG. 17B shows that surgical instrument 250 is partially installed, and FIG. 17C shows that surgical instrument 250 is fully assembled with ISA 300 and engages with ISA 300. Initially, when a user installs a surgical instrument 250 on the ISA 300, the retractor plate assembly 313 is moved to the adapter receiving portion 500 as the upper surface retractor plate 306 is depressed by the instrument 250 engaging the central bar 318. Pushed down toward. Prior to electrical engagement between the instrument 250 and the ISA 300, the chamfer on the bar 318 engages the bite on the bottom surface of the instrument 250. Once these two bites are aligned, the instrument is pulled into its home position by the spring force of the spring loading input and the spring plunger. As the instrument is pulled into its home position, the retractor plate assembly 313 begins to rise into the surgical instrument and, with substantially the same operation, the electrical contact 255 of the instrument 250 causes the electrical contact of the ISA 300 to It comes in contact with the contact object 310. When the instrument 250 is installed on the ISA 300, the top retractor plate 306 pushes the bottom surface of the instrument, and the bar 318 is inside the clearance slot in the instrument housing. Prior to instrument engagement, disk 304 and spring loaded input 504 are pushed away from the instrument. This is because this input to the instrument is not engaged with the hole 316 in the upper surface of the disk 304.

  17D and 17E illustrate an engagement sequence between the disk 304 and the instrument 250. FIG. In FIG. 17D, the disc 304 is not engaged with the instrument 250 until the disc 304 is aligned with the instrument disc 251 that is initially in a random position. As described above with respect to the engagement sequence between the ISA 300 and the adapter receiving portion 500, when the electrical contact of the instrument engages the contact 310 of the ISA 300, the normally open circuit in the ISA is closed, This activates the instrument engagement sequence. The spring loaded input 504 and the disk 304 rotate together as one assembly until the hole 316 of the disk 304 engages the pin 253 of the instrument disk 251. When these holes align with the pins, the disk 304 and the spring loaded input 504 may move upward. FIG. 17E shows an instrument disk 251 having a pin 253 that engages a hole 316 in the ISA disk 304. In this regard, the instrument 250 is considered engaged with the ISA 300. It is noted that other contacts on the ISA 300 can transmit electrical signals between the surgical system and the instrument RTI board.

  When the instrument is fully installed, it is held in place at three points along its housing. Two points are present in the rail profile 301 along the side of the instrument, and a third point is present in the central hold down tab 309 along the front center of the instrument. Advantageously, by pressing the instrument in three positions, the instrument is not overly constrained and is easier to install and remove.

  FIG. 17F illustrates removal of instrument 250 (not shown) from ISA 300. If the user wishes to remove the instrument, squeeze the lever on either side to push the instrument back out of the ISA. The lever on the instrument operates at the central bar 318 on the top surface of the retractor plate, which then pushes the retractor plate away from the instrument. As the retractor plate moves further away, the disk 304 is disengaged from the instrument pin, allowing removal of the instrument.

  Referring now to FIG. 18, there is illustrated a basic shape of an ISA 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ISA 600 is incorporated into a sterile drape (not shown) and is specifically used to cover substantially the entire patient side manipulator (PSM) arm 204. A drape interface exists between instrument 250 and PSM arm 204, where the instrument and PSM arm interface with proximal region 602, thereby aseptically sealed from a non-sterile robotic arm. Provide a place. The instrument 250 is inserted over the ISA 600 and operation is generally along the insertion axis “A” (indicated by an arrow). The shape of the ISA 600 at the front, back, and sides can secure or hold the instrument relative to the arm 204, and the connection between the instrument and the ISA is axial compared to the ISA drape interface. It can be resistant to directional and radial loads. The “wedge” design of the ISA housing can be used to guide the instrument onto the ISA to allow earlier misalignment of the instrument but still achieve a positive connection. . Surgical accessories 266 for operatively coupling to accessory clamps 264 are also known.

  The aseptic adapter of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for attachment between a sterile instrument and a non-sterile robot arm. This attachment involves the transmission of the instrument's wrist axis (inner-pitch internal, inner-yaw, roll, and instrument grip) and electrical sensor / signal transmission. Must still be possible without bleaching sterbitty. Another important concept for this adapter is that it clearly (mechanically) defines the engagement sequence of the adapter on the robot arm and the engagement sequence of the instrument on the adapter. This clear definition makes the engagement predictable and thereby allows reliable detection of the engagement. All the different design concepts specifically define an engagement sequence that accurately connects the instrument to a similar sterile adapter / robot arm, however, its axial transmission varies greatly. Also, with respect to these designs, it is desirable to make these designs effective enough to be incorporated directly into the entire arm drape and thereby be disposable. To support this requirement, a large complex is moved out of the sterile interface and either the instrument or the robot arm is moved in. Some examples include the removal of PCA on a sterile adapter and the use of bias, the removal of the spring to the sterile adapter and the use of a spring loaded input on the robot arm, and the parts in the sterile adapter can be molded To redesign.

  Several different methods and devices have been investigated and prototyped to improve on mechanical engagement and sterility barriers. These different embodiments are described below.

  Referring now to FIG. 19, another ISA known as a “swash plate” embodiment is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The ISA 700 includes a drape interface 704 that includes a drape portion in region 702. The instrument 250 includes an instrument input 280, a front tab 291, and a back tab 292, which instrument 250 can be operatively coupled to the ISA 700.

  FIG. 20 illustrates the interface of the sterile drape portion 701 between the instrument input 280 and the drape interface 704. And FIG. 21 illustrates an instrument input 280 according to this embodiment of the invention. The drape interface 704 comprises, in one embodiment, a base 705 and an internal bearing that forms a rotating disk 708 with an indent 706. Instrument input 280 includes a main shaft 282, an internal bearing 284, a rotating disk 288, and a knot 286 on the rotating disk 288. Drape portion 701 is between input 280 and interface 704 to effectively maintain a sterile field, but rotating disks 288 and 708 of input 280 and interface 704 can each rotate 360 degrees and torque It transmits to the drape part 701, and bends up and down without tearing. The instrument input 280 falls into place and is aligned with the knot 286 (which in one example may be a spherical or conical portion and matches the indent 706 on the rotating disk 708 of the drape interface 704). The nodule 286 helps to maintain aligned instrument inputs and robot arm (PSM) inputs even while torque is being transmitted. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of drape interfaces 704 is operatively coupled to a respective instrument input 280.

  22A-22C and FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate the engagement sequence of the instrument 250 to the ISA 700 of this embodiment. In FIG. 22A, the tip of instrument 250 is first placed in a surgical accessory 266 (eg, a cannula). The front tab 291 is then inserted into the ISA 700 as FIG. 22B shows. Eventually, the back tab 292 is slid into place on the ISA 700 as in FIG. 22C. FIG. 23A shows the front tab 291 inserted into the ISA 700, while the back tab 292 extends first and is held by a bump. FIG. 23B shows that the back tab 292 continues to slide forward as the instrument 250 slides forward (indicated by arrow A), and the instrument 250 falls into position on the ISA 700. FIG. 23C shows a knot in the instrument housing tab 292 for final contact engagement, which snaps into the groove 710 in the ISA 700. FIG.

  Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B, another ISA known as “flask input” is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ISA 800 includes a separate drape interface 802 for each PSM input 520 (FIG. 25A). FIG. 24A shows an exploded view of one of the four drape interfaces 802, and FIG. 24B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drape interface region (especially region B where this drape interface is assembled (eg, by welding)). Show.

  FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate in more detail the PSM input 520 and the drape interface 802 according to this embodiment of the invention. The PSM input 520 includes alignment features 522 and 524 to connect to instrument inputs (not shown) in a particular direction, but to minimize or reduce drape tearing while allowing misalignment of the inputs. , With the smallest sharp edge. The PSM input 520 (FIG. 25B) further comprises a spring 528 and a plate 526 to provide a spring loaded input. The drape interface 802 (FIG. 25C) includes a top portion 802a and a bottom portion 802b in this embodiment. The top portion 802a includes a ring 804 and a drape portion 801, which are assembled together and the bottom portion 802b includes a ring 806 and a liner 803, which are assembled together. While the drape portion 801 is attached to the ring 804, the drape can be arranged in a shape that forms an enlarged pocket. Top surface portion 802a and bottom surface portion 802b are located on either side of the ISA housing and are assembled along region B. This can be done by various means and methods, including but not limited to welding and joining (FIG. 25A).

  As further indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 25A, the PSM input 520 is pushed into the drape interface 802 during installation of the ISA 800 to the PSM, and the drape portion 801 moves over the top surface of the PSM input 520. It is transformed into a covering shape. Advantageously, the ISA 800 is easily engaged with the PSM. This is because the membrane does not need to be line up in a specific shape with respect to the PSM input. The PSM input only needs to be positioned within the ring of the drape interface 802.

  26A to 26E illustrate an engagement sequence between the instrument 250 and the ISA 800 of this embodiment. Instrument tip 250 is first inserted into a surgical accessory (eg, a cannula). The front tab 291 is then inserted into the ISA 800 and moved toward the front of the ISA 800 (indicated by arrow A) and finally captured by the front wedge-shaped portion 810 of the ISA housing (FIG. 26A). . The front tab 291 pushes against the side plate 812 and actuates the retractor plate 808 downwards away from the ISA 800 and the instrument 250 to ensure that these PSM inputs are not captured on the instrument input. The back tab 292 is then captured by the back wedge-shaped portion 820 of the ISA housing (FIG. 26B). Actuation of the retractor plate 808 moves all four PSM inputs 520 downward and away from the instrument 250 (FIG. 26C). Once the front tab 291 is in place, the slide lever moves to the home position (FIG. 26D). Eventually, both the front tab 291 and the back tab 292 move into a recess in the ISA housing that allows the retractor plate 808 to move back toward the instrument 250. The electrical contact between the instrument and the ISA is then connected. It is noted that each of the multiple drape interfaces is operatively associated with a respective PSM input and instrument input, but not all drape interfaces are exemplified above.

  Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, there are illustrated top and bottom cross-sectional perspective views for another ISA, known as an “X-spring” embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. ISA 900 includes retention members 902 and 904 (two other retention members (not shown) are opposite 902 and 904) and engages electrical contact to the PSM and / or surgical instrument In order to do so, an electrical contact 906 is provided. The ISA 900 further includes a top retractor plate 908, a bottom retractor plate 909, a drape interface 910 with an ISA input 913, an ISA input opening 911, and a holder 912 for holding the drape portion 901 in place.

  Retaining members 902 and 904 are used to hold the instrument on the ISA, and in one example, four major corners are used to hold the surgical instrument. In a further example, the back holding member is wider than the front holding member to create a wedge effect, and the surgical instrument is directed to a holding position that moves from the back to the front of the ISA.

  The drape 901 is sandwiched between the ISA layers, specifically sandwiched between the ISA housing 914 and the retainer 912, and sandwiched between the top retractor plate 908 and the bottom retractor plate 909. The drape 901 includes a drape hole 903 that is aligned and concentric by the ISA input opening 911.

  28A and 28B illustrate a diagram of the ISA input of the drape interface 910 according to this embodiment of the invention. Each input 913 fits within the input opening 911 and includes a fitting groove 916. Each input 913 has a wider section that is captured and retained within the input opening 911, respectively, between the top and bottom sections 908 and 909 of the retractor plate. Groove 916 (FIG. 28A) fits snugly within opening 911 and forms a tortuous path to prevent fluid from passing through the ISA and reaching the robot arm. The end of the drape hole 903 in the drape 901 is aligned with the input groove 916. In one example, the bottom retractor plate 909 holds the drape interface 910, holds the drape 901 in place, does not move the top retractor plate 908 around the top surface of the housing 914, and the top retractor plate 908. Increase the rigidity of the.

  FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ISA 900 across an adapter receiving portion 500 of a PSM (with input 520), according to this embodiment of the invention. And FIG. 30 illustrates a cross-sectional view of instrument 250 (comprising input 280) operatively coupled to the assembly of FIG. 29, according to this embodiment of the invention.

  31A to 31E illustrate an engagement sequence between the instrument 250 and the ISA 900 in this embodiment. Instrument tip 250 is first inserted into a surgical accessory (eg, a cannula (not shown)) and the instrument is moved from the back of ISA 900 toward the entire surface of ISA 900, as indicated by arrow A (FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B). When the instrument is positioned over the ISA 900, the instrument begins to push downward against the bar 918 of the top retractor plate 908, moving the retractor plate and ISA input away from the instrument, and the instrument input is ISA Ensure that it is not captured on input (FIGS. 31C and 31D). When the instrument's front and back tabs are properly inserted, the top retractor plate's center bar 918 enters a recess in the instrument and the instrument input is above the ISA input and these inputs Is easily engaged (FIG. 31E). It is noted that each of the multiple drapes is operatively associated with a respective PSM input and instrument input, but not all of the drape interfaces are illustrated above.

  Advantageously, the adapters, drapes, and surgical systems of the present invention provide improved assembly and joining of surgical instruments and manipulator arms, aseptic field, by reducing the size of the drapes due to the greater conformal features. Provides improved robustness and improved patient visibility.

  The above embodiments illustrate the invention but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that many variations and modifications are possible in accordance with the principles of the invention. For example, the number of pins, slots, disks and teeth can vary, but an operable connection between the ISA, manipulator arm and surgical instrument must be possible. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

  A telerobotic surgical system is provided that includes a sterile adapter, a sterile drape with an integrated sterile adapter, and a sterile drape having a drape interface. This adapter, drape, and system covers a portion of the telerobotic surgical system and maintains a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system, while also performing surgical operations on the robot arm and sterile field. It provides an interface for transmitting mechanical and electrical energy and signals to and from the instrument.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an operating room illustrating a telerobotic surgical system and a telerobotic surgical method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the operating room of FIG. 1 illustrating a pair of attachment joints coupled to a surgical table according to the present invention. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a robotic surgical manipulator partially covered by a sterile drape according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3B is a perspective view of the robotic surgical manipulator of FIG. 3A without sterile drape to show a plurality of degrees of freedom arms connecting a drive assembly comprising a wrist unit and a surgical tool. FIG. 4 shows the robotic surgical manipulator of FIGS. 3A-3B incorporating a camera and endoscope for viewing the surgical site. FIG. 5 is a partial view of the robot manipulator of FIGS. 3A-3B showing the mechanical and electrical connection between the arm and the wrist unit. FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away cross-sectional view of the forearm and carriage of the manipulator of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wrist unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a robot manipulator showing the arm and drive assembly. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a sterile drape with a surgical instrument installed on an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) that completely covers a robotic surgical manipulator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a side view of the surgical manipulator, installed surgical instrument, and integrated instrument aseptic adapter of FIG. 9A without a sterile drape portion. 10A is a perspective view of the sterile drape of FIG. 9A without surgical instruments and surgical appendages, according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the surgical manipulator and accessory clamp of FIG. 10A without a sterile drape. FIG. 11A is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a diagram of a patient-side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11C is an illustration of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11D is an illustration of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11E is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11F is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11G is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11H is an illustration of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11I is an illustration of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11J is a view of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11K is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11L is a diagram of a patient side manipulator (PSM) drape with an integrated instrument sterility adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A shows a top perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B shows a bottom perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12C shows a cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a close-up cross-sectional view of an ISA electrical contact in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A shows a close-up perspective top view of an ISA disc, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B shows a close-up perspective bottom view of an ISA disc according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15A and 15B show top and bottom perspective views of an ISA top retractor plate, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an adapter receiving portion of a manipulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A shows installation / engagement of an ISA to an adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of a surgical instrument to an ISA, and removal of a surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 17B illustrates installation / engagement of the ISA to the adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of the surgical instrument to the ISA, and removal of the surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 17C shows installation / engagement of the ISA to the adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of the surgical instrument to the ISA, and removal of the surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 17D shows installation / engagement of the ISA to the adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of the surgical instrument to the ISA, and removal of the surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 17E shows installation / engagement of the ISA to the adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of the surgical instrument to the ISA, and removal of the surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 17F shows installation / engagement of the ISA to the adapter receiving portion, installation / engagement of the surgical instrument to the ISA, and removal of the surgical instrument from the ISA according to the present invention. FIG. 18 illustrates some basic features of an ISA according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows another ISA of an ISA according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows an aseptic drape interface between instrument input and ISA input according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 illustrates instrument input according to this embodiment of the invention. 22A-22C illustrate the instrument and ISA engagement sequence of this embodiment. 23A-23C show the engagement sequence of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. Figures 24A and 24B illustrate another ISA according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25A shows a PSM input and ISA drape interface according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 25B illustrates a PSM input and ISA drape interface according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 25C shows the PSM input and ISA drape interface according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 26A shows the engagement order of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 26B shows the engagement sequence of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 26C shows the engagement order of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. Figure 26D shows the instrument and ISA engagement sequence of this embodiment. FIG. 26E shows the instrument and ISA engagement sequence of this embodiment. 27A and 27B show top and bottom perspective views of another ISA according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 28A and 28B show diagrams of ISA inputs according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional view of the ISA over the adapter receiving portion of the PSM according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter receiving portion of the instrument, ISA, and PSM operably coupled together in accordance with this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 31A shows the engagement sequence of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 31B shows the engagement order of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 31C shows the engagement sequence of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 31D shows the engagement sequence of the instrument and ISA of this embodiment. FIG. 31E shows the instrument and ISA engagement sequence of this embodiment.

Claims (28)

Aseptic adapter, the following:
An outer surface operably coupled to a sterile surgical instrument in a sterile field;
An inner surface for operably coupling to a non-sterile manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system; and a drape interface for transmitting torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument;
Aseptic adapter comprising. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a retaining structure that forms a wedge shape that narrows from a proximal end to a distal end. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface is capable of receiving input of the surgical instrument and input of the manipulator arm. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input of the surgical instrument. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the drape interface comprises two rings with a drape section in between. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input. 8. The adapter according to claim 7, further comprising a retractor plate comprising the plurality of drape interfaces. 9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein the retractor plate comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and a drape section exists between them. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising an electrical contact for providing an electrical connection between the manipulator arm and the surgical instrument. A sterile drape for covering a non-sterile part of a robotic surgical system, the sterile drape being:
An outer surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure;
An inner surface for receiving a non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system; and a sterile adapter, providing an interface between the non-sterile manipulator arm of the robotic surgical system and the surgical instrument of the sterile field The sterile adapter comprising a drape interface for transmitting torque from a manipulator arm to the surgical instrument;
Aseptic drape. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and similar elastic durable materials. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape is a vacuum forming part or another molded part of a larger drape. The sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape interface is capable of receiving input of the surgical instrument and input of the manipulator arm. The sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input of the surgical instrument. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the drape interface comprises two attachment rings for holding a drape section therebetween. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input. 12. A sterile drape according to claim 11, wherein the sterile adapter comprises an electrical contact for providing an interface between electrical contact on a manipulator arm and electrical contact on a surgical instrument. A robotic surgical system for performing a procedure in a sterile field, the system comprising:
Non-sterile field manipulator arm;
A surgical instrument in the sterile field; and a sterile drape, covering the manipulator arm to shield the manipulator arm from the sterile field, wherein the sterile drape transmits torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument Aseptic drape, with a drape interface for
A robotic surgical system comprising: 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the manipulator arm is a patient side manipulator arm or an endoscopic camera manipulator arm. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, and polycarbonate. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the surgical instrument comprises an articulation tool comprising an end effector (e.g., jaw, scissors, grasshopper, needle holder, microdisector, staple applier, tucker, suction cleaning tool, And clip appliers), and non-articulating tools (eg, cutting blades, ablation probes, scrubbers, catheters, and suction orifices). 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface is capable of receiving input from the surgical instrument and input from the manipulator arm. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises a drape section between the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises a rotating disk with an indent for receiving input of the surgical instrument. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the drape interface comprises two attachment rings for holding a drape section in between. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the sterile drape comprises a plurality of drape interfaces each for receiving the surgical instrument input and the manipulator arm input.