Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B17/320068—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
  • A61B17/320092—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
  • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
  • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
  • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
  • A61B18/1482—Probes or electrodes therefor having a long rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously in minimal invasive surgery, e.g. laparoscopy
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
  • A61B2017/00389—Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector
  • A61B2017/00393—Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector with means for switching between functions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B2017/00681—Aspects not otherwise provided for
  • A61B2017/00734—Aspects not otherwise provided for battery operated
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B17/320068—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
  • A61B17/320092—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
  • A61B2017/320093—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw additional movable means performing cutting operation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B17/320068—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
  • A61B17/320092—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
  • A61B2017/320094—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw additional movable means performing clamping operation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B17/320068—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
  • A61B17/320092—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
  • A61B2017/320095—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw with sealing or cauterizing means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B17/320068—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
  • A61B17/320092—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
  • A61B2017/320097—Surgical cutting instruments using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw with stapling means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
  • A61B2018/0091—Handpieces of the surgical instrument or device
  • A61B2018/00916—Handpieces of the surgical instrument or device with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
  • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
  • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
  • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
  • A61B18/1442—Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
  • A61B2018/1462—Tweezers

Definitions

• a variety of surgical instruments include an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells). These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element. The precision of cutting and coagulation may be controlled by the surgeon's technique and adjusting the power level, blade edge, tissue traction and blade pressure.
• ultrasonic surgical instruments examples include the HARMONIC ACE®
• ultrasonic surgical instruments may include a cordless transducer such as that disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2012/01 12687, entitled “Recharge System for Medical Devices,” published May 10, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116265, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Charging Devices,” published May 10, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/410,603, filed November 5, 2010, entitled “Energy- Based Surgical instruments,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• ultrasonic surgical instruments may include an articulating shaft section.
• Examples of such ultrasonic surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0005701 , entitled “Surgical Instruments with Articulating Shafts,” published January 2, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pat. App. No. 13/657,553, filed October 22, 2012, entitled “Flexible Harmonic Waveguides/Blades for Surgical Instruments,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• FIG. 1 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary ultrasonic surgical instrument
• FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. I ;
• FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 , with a disposable portion separated from a reusable portion;
• FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an end effector of the instrument of FIG. 1 , in an open configuration;
• F I G. 5 depicts a partially exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 4;
• FIG, 6A depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 4, in the open configuration;
• FIG. 6B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 4, in a closed configuration
• FIG. 7 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 4, in the open configuration
• FIG. 8 depicts a side elevational view of the reusable portion of the instrument of
• FIG. I with a housing half removed
• FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the disposable portion of the instrument of
• FIG. 1 A first figure.
• FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the proximal end of the disposable portion of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an outer tube from a shaft assembly of the disposable portion of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the proximal portion of the outer tube of
• FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 11 ;
• FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an inner tube from the shaft assembly of the disposable portion of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the proximal portion of the inner tube of
• FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 13
• FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the inner tube of FIG. 13, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13;
• FIG, 16 depicts an exploded view of the proximal portion of the outer tube of FIG. 11, the proximal portion of the inner tube of FIG. 13, and the proximal portion of an acoustic waveguide from the shaft assembly of the disposable portion of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 57 depicts a partially exploded view of the components of FIG. 16, with the waveguide inserted in the inner tube;
• FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the components of FIG. 16 assembled together
• FIG. 19 depicts a proximal end of the shaft assembly of the disposable portion of
• FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 9
• FIG. 20 depicts a partially exploded view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19;
• FIG. 21 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19;
• FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of a mode selection knob of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19:
• FIG. 23 depicts another perspective view of the knob of FIG. 22;
• FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of a coupling member of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19;
• FIG. 25 depicts an elevational view of the distal end of the coupling member of FIG. 24;
• FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of a mode drive member of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19;
• FIG. 27 depicts another perspective view of the mode drive member of FIG. 26;
• FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an inner tube grounding member of the shaft assembly of FIG . 19;
• FIG, 29 depicts another perspective view of the grounding member of FIG. 28;
• FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 19, showing the coupling member of FIG. 24, the mode drive member of FIG. 26, the grounding member of FIG . 28, and the waveguide;
• FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of the components of FIG. 30, along with the knob of FIG. 22, a return spring, the outer tube of FIG. 11, and a flush port member;
• FIG. 32 depicts a top plan view of the components of FIG. 31;
• FIG. 33 depicts a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 31, taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;
• FIG. 34 depicts a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 31, taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 32;
• FIG. 35 depicts a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 31, taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 32;
• FIG. 36A depicts a partial perspective view of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with the end effector in the open configuration and the mode selection knob in a non- actuated position;
• FIG. 36B depicts a partial perspective view of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with the end effector in a cleaning mode and the mode selection knob in an actuated position;
• FIG. 37 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 4 in the cleaning mode
• FIG. 38A depicts a top plan view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with the mode selection knob in the non-actuated position;
• FIG , 38B depicts a top plan view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG . 9, with the mode selection knob in the actuated position;
• FIG. 39 A depicts a side cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with the mode selection knob in the non-actuated position;
• FIG. 39B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with the mode selection knob in the actuated position;
• FIG. 40A depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of sealing features in the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, in a regular operation mode;
• FIG. 40B depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the sealing features of
• FIG. 40A in the cleaning mode
• FIG. 41 A depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of mode selection components in the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, in a regular operation mode;
• FIG. 41B depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the mode selection components of FIG. 41 A, at a first stage during a transition from the regular operation mode to the cleaning mode;
• FIG. 41C depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the mode selection components of FIG. 41 A, at a second stage during a transition from the regular operation mode to the cleaning mode;
• FIG. 41D depicts an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the mode selection components of FIG. 41 A, fully transitioned to the cleaning mode;
• FIG. 42 depicts a partially exploded view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, showing trigger components;
• FIG, 43 depicts a partially exploded view of outer tube actuation components of the disposable portion of FIG. 9;
• FIG . 44A depicts a side elevational view of the proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG. 9, with a housing half removed, showing a trigger in a non-actuated position and a button in a non-actuated position;
• FIG . 44B depicts a side elevational view of the components of FIG. 44A, sho wing the trigger in an actuated position and the button in the non-actuated position;
• FIG. 44C depicts a side elevational view of the components of FIG. 44A, showing the trigger in the actuated position and the button in an actuated position;
• FIG. 45 depicts a perspective view of the reusable portion of the instrument of
• FIG. 1 A first figure.
• FIG. 46 depicts a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, with a region of the reusable portion of FIG. 45 cut away to reveal positioning of components within the reusable portion;
• FIG. 47 depicts a perspective view of the reusable portion of FIG. 45 with a housing half removed;
• FIG. 48 depicts a perspective view of a generator module and ultrasonic transducer assembly of the reusable portion of FIG . 45;
• FIG. 49 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 48;
• FIG. 50 depicts an exploded view of the components of FIG. 48
• FIG. 51 depicts an exploded view of torque wrench assembly associated with the ultrasonic transducer assembly of FIG . 48;
• FIG, 52 depicts a perspective view of a pawl ring of the torque wrench assembly of FIG . 51 ;
• FIG . 53 depicts another perspective view of the paw! ring of FIG . 52;
• FIG. 54 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pawl ring of FIG. 52, taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 55;
• FIG. 55 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pawl ring of FIG. 52, taken along line 55-55 of FIG. 54;
• FIG. 56 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pawl ring of FIG. 52, taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55;
• FIG. 57 depicts a perspective view of a sliding rotary drive member of the torque wrench assembly of FIG. 51 ;
• FIG. 58 depicts a cross-sectional view of the drive member of FIG. 57, taken along line 58-58 of FIG. 59;
• FIG. 59 depicts a cross-sectional view of the drive member of FIG. 57, taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 58;
• FIG. 60A depicts a partial, side elevationai view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 60B depicts a partial, side elevationai view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 60C depicts a partial, side elevationai view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 61A depicts a partial, side cross-sectional view of the reusable portion of FIG. 45;
• FIG. 6 IB depicts a partial, side cross-sectional view of the reusable portion of
• FIG. 45 with the disposable portion of FIG. 9 inserted into a recess of the reusable portion;
• FIG. 61C depicts a partial, side cross-sectional view of the reusable portion of
• FIG. 45 with the disposable portion of FIG. 9 inserted into the recess of the reusable portion, and with the transducer assembly fully coupled with the waveguide;
• FIG. 62A depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG. 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a first angular position;
• FIG. 62B depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG. 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a second angular position;
• FIG. 62C depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG. 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a third angular position;
• FIG. 62D depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG . 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a fourth angular position;
• FIG. 62F depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG . 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a fifth angular position;
• FIG. 62F depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 60B, taken along line 62-62 of FIG . 60B, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in a sixth angular position;
• FIG, 63 depicts partial side elevational view of the pawl ring of FIG, 52 and the drive member of FIG. 57, with the drive member of FIG. 57 in the fifth angular position associated with FIG. 62E;
• FIG. 64 depicts a partial, side elevational vie of the reusable portion of FIG. 45, with a housing half removed, with the disposable portion of FIG. 9 inserted into a recess of the reusable portion, with the transducer assembly fully coupled with the waveguide; and with the pawl ring of FIG. 52 slid to a proximal position to enable decoupling of the waveguide from the transducer assembly;
• FIG. 65 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative ultrasonic surgical instrument
• FIG. 66 depicts a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 65, with a disposable portion separated from a reusable portion;
• FIG. 67 depicts a perspective view of the disposable portion of the instrument of
• FIG. 65 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 65.
• FIG. 68 depicts an enlarged perspective view of a proximal portion of the disposable portion of FIG, 67;
• FIG. 69 depicts a side elevational view of a housing half of the disposable portion of FIG. 67;
• FIG. 70 depicts a perspective view of the housing half of FIG. 69;
• FIG. 71 depicts an exploded view of the disposable portion of FIG. 67;
• FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of a selective coupling assembly of the disposable portion of FIG. 67;
• FIG , 73 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the selective coupling assembly of FIG. 72;
• FIG. 74 depicts a perspective view of the reusable portion of the instrument of FIG. 65, with a housing half removed;
• FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of a pawl ring of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 76 depicts a perspective view of the pawl ring of FIG. 75;
• FIG. 77 depicts a perspective view of the pawl ring of FIG. 75;
• FIG. 78 depicts a side elevational view of the pawl ring of FIG. 75
• FIG. 79 A depicts a partial perspective view of the reusable portion of FIG. 65, with a housing half removed;
• FIG. 79B depicts a partial perspective view of the reusable portion of FIG. 65, with a. housing half removed, and with the disposable portion of FIG. 67 inserted into a recess of the reusable portion;
• FIG. 79C depicts a partial perspective view of the reusable portion of FIG. 65, with a housing half removed, with the disposable portion of FIG. 67 inserted into the recess of the reusable portion, and with the selective coupling assembly of FIG. 72 slid to a proximal position to engage the pawl ring of FIG . 75;
• FIG. 79D depicts a partial perspective view of the reusable portion of FIG. 65, with a housing half removed, with the disposable portion of FIG. 67 inserted into the recess of the reusable portion, and with the transducer assembly fully coupled with the waveguide;
• FIG, 8 OA depicts a partial, side elevational view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. SOB depicts a partial, side elevational view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 80C depicts a partial, side elevational view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. SOD depicts a partial, side elevational view of the reusable portion of FIG.
• FIG. 81 depicts a perspective view of the proximal end of an exemplary alternative disposable portion of the instrument of FIG. 1; and [000115] FIG. 82 depicts a. perspective view of the proximal end of another exemplary alternative disposable portion of the instrument of FIG. 1.
• proximal and distal are defined herein relative to a human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument.
• proximal refers the position of an element closer to the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument.
• distal refers to the position of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument.
• FIGS. 1-3 show an exemplar ⁇ ' ultrasonic surgical instrument (10) that is configured to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures (e.g., via a trocar or other small diameter access port, etc.).
• instrument (10) is operable to cut tissue and seal or weld tissue (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.) substantially simultaneously.
• Instrument (10) of this example comprises a disposable assembly (100) and a reusable assembly (200).
• the distal portion of reusable assembly (200) is configured to removably receive the proximal portion of disposable assembly (100), as seen in FIGS. 2-3, to form instrument (10).
• assemblies (100, 200) are coupled together to form instrument (10) before a surgical procedure, the assembled instrument (10) is used to perform the surgical procedure, and then assemblies (100, 200) are decoupled from each other for further processing.
• disposable assembly (100) is immediately disposed of while reusable assembly (200) is sterilized and otherwise processed for re -use.
• reusable assembly (200) may be sterilized in a conventional relatively low temperature, relatively low pressure, hydrogen peroxide sterilization process.
• reusable assembly (200) may be sterilized using any other suitable systems and techniques (e.g., autoclave, etc.).
• reusable assembly (200) may be sterilized and reused approximately 100 times. Alternatively, reusable assembly (200) may be subject to any other suitable life cycle. For instance, reusable assembly (200) may be disposed of after a single use, if desired. While disposable assembly (100) is referred to herein as being "disposable,” it should be understood that, in some instances, disposable assembly (100) may also be sterilized and otherwise processed for re-use. By way of example only, disposable assembly (100) may be sterilized and reused approximately 2-30 times, using any suitable systems and techniques. Alternatively, disposable assembly (100) may be subject to any other suitable life cycle.
• disposable assembly (100) and/or reusable assembly (200) includes one or more features that are operable to track usage of the corresponding assembly (100, 200), and selectively restrict operability of the corresponding assembly (100, 200) based on use.
• disposable assembly (100) and/or reusable assembly (200) may include one or more counting sensors and a control logic (e.g., macOprocessor, etc.) that is in communication with the counting sensor(s).
• the counting sensor(s) may be able to detect the number of times the ultrasonic transducer of instrument (10) is activated, the number of surgical procedures the corresponding assembly (100, 200) is used in, the number of trigger closures, and/or any other suitable conditions associated with use.
• the control logic may track data from the counting sensor(s) and compare the data to one or more threshold values. When the control logic determines that one or more threshold values have been exceeded, the control logic may execute a control algorithm to disable operability of one or more components in the corresponding assembly (100, 200). in instances where the control logic stores two or more threshold values (e.g., a first threshold for number of activations and a second threshold for number of surgical procedures, etc.), the control logic may disable operability of one or more components in the corresponding assembly (100, 200) the first time one of those thresholds is exceeded, or on some other basis.
• control logic may also determine whether instrument (50) is currently being used in a surgical procedure, and refrain from disabling instrument (10) until that particular surgical procedure is complete. In other words, the control logic may allow the operator to complete the current surgical procedure but prevent instrument (10) from being used in a subsequent surgical procedure.
• Various suitable forms that counters or other sensors may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• Various suitable forms that a control logic may take will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• instrument (10) may simply omit features that track and/or restrict the amount of usage of instrument (10).
• Disposable assembly (100) of the present example comprises a body portion (110), a shaft assembly (150) extending distallv from body portion (110), and an end effector (180) located at the distal end of shaft assembly (150).
• end effector (180) of this example comprises a clamp arm (182) and an ultrasonic blade (190).
• Clamp arm (182) includes a clamp pad (184), which faces blade (190).
• clamp arm (182) is pivotable toward and away from blade (190) to selectively compress tissue between clamp pad (184) and blade (190).
• FIG. 6A-6B and as will be described in greater detail below
• blade (190) is an integral feature of the distal end of an acoustic waveguide (192), which extends coaxially through lubes (152, 170), and which is configured to communicate ultrasonic vibrations to blade (190) as will be described in greater detail below.
• Shaft assembly (150) comprises an outer tube (152) and an inner tube (170).
• Outer tube (152) is operable to translate longitudinally relative to inner rube (170) to selectively pivot clamp arm (182) toward and away from blade (190).
• integral pin features (186) of clamp arm (182) pivo tally secure a first portion of clamp arm (182) to a distally projecting tongue (154) of outer tube ( 152); while an inserted pin (188) pivo tally secures a second portion of clamp arm (182) to a distally projecting tongue (172) of inner tube (170).
• tubes (152, 170) cooperate to pivot clamp arm (182) toward blade (190) when outer tube (152) is retracted proximally relative to inner tube (170).
• clamp arm (182) may be pivoted baclv away from blade (190) (e.g., from the position shown in FIG. 6B to the position shown in FIG. 6 A) by translating outer tube (152) distally relative to inner tube (170), in reverse of the operation shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.
• clamp arm (182) may be pivoted toward blade (190) to grasp, compress, seal, and sever tissue captured between clamp pad (184) and blade (190).
• Clamp arm (182) may be pivoted away from blade (190) to release tissue from between clamp pad (184) and blade (190); and/or to perform blunt dissection of tissue engaging opposing outer surfaces of clamp arm (182) and blade (190).
• reusable assembly (200) comprises a handle housing (202).
• FIG. 8 only shows one housing (202)
• FIGS. 2-3 show how a pair of complementary housings (202) are joined together.
• Housing (202) defines a pistol grip (204), an upper window (206), and a distal recess (208), While reusable assembly (200) includes a pistol grip (204) in this example, it should be understood that any other suitable kind of grip may be used.
• Housing (202) of the present example also includes several integral bosses (210, 212, 214, 216) that, provide support for additional components as will be described in greater detail below, such that housing (202) serves as a chassis for components contained within housing (202). As also shown in FIG.
• reusable assembly (200) includes a battery (205), a generator (230), an ultrasonic transducer assembly (240), and a torque wrench assembly (260).
• battery (205) is operable to provide electrical power to generator (230);
• generator (230) is operable to provide electrical power to ultrasonic transducer assembly (240);
• ultrasonic transducer assembly is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations;
• torque wrench assembly (260) is operable to mechanically and acoustically couple waveguide (192) with ultrasonic transducer assembly (240).
• waveguide ( 192) When waveguide ( 192) is sufficiently coupled with transducer assembly (240), ultrasonic vibrations that are generated by transducer assembly (240) are communicated along waveguide (592) to reach blade (190).
• the distal end of blade (190) is located at a position corresponding to an anti-node associated with resonant ultrasonic vibrations communicated through waveguide (192), in order to tune the acoustic assembly to a preferred resonant frequency f 0 when the acoustic assembly is not loaded by tissue.
• transducer assembly (240) When transducer assembly (240) is energized, the distal end of blade (190) is configured to move longitudinally in the range of, for example, approximately 10 to 500 microns peak-to-peak, and in some instances in the range of about 20 to about 200 microns at a predetermined vibratory frequency f 0 of, for example, 55.5 kHz.
• f 0 a predetermined vibratory frequency
• the ultrasonic oscillation of blade (190) may simultaneously sever the tissue and denature the proteins in adjacent tissue cells, thereby providing a eoagulative effect with relatively little thermal spread.
• an electrical current may also be provided through blade (190) and/or clamp pad (184) to also seal the tissue.
• FIGS. 9-10 show disposable assembly (100) in greater detail.
• disposable assembly (100) of the present example comprises body portion (1 10), shaft assembly (150), and end effector (180).
• body portion (1 10) comprises a pair of housing halves (1 12, 1 14), a trigger (120), and a button (126).
• Trigger (120) includes an integral tab ( 122) that protrudes proximally from housing halves (1 12, 1 14), as will be described in greater detail below.
• the proximal end of an arm (128) associated with button (126) protrudes proximally from housing halves (5 52, 5 54), as will aiso be described in greater detail below.
• FIGS. 9-10 Further exemplar ⁇ ' features and operabibties for disposable assembly (100) will be described in greater detail below, while other variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• FIGS, 1 1 -30 show various components of shaft assembly (150) in greater detail.
• shaft assembly (550) of the present example comprises outer tube ( 152), inner tube (170), and waveguide ( 192).
• a knob (156) is secured to outer tube (152) and is thereby operable to rotate the entire shaft assembly (150) relative to body (1 10) as will be described in greater detail below.
• the proximal end of outer tube (152) includes an integral flange (158) and a ring (160) that is spaced distally from flange (158). Ring (160) is fixedly secured to outer tube (152).
• the proximal end of outer tube (552) also includes an annular indentation (161 ), a distal side opening ( 562), a pair of lateral side openings (564), upper and lower side openings (166), and a pin side opening (568).
• inner tube (170) includes an oblique flat (574), a flush side opening (176), and a pin side opening (178).
• Inner tube (570) further includes a pair of proximally projecting resilient arms (181 ).
• Each arm (181) defines a respective pin opening (583).
• the free end (185) of each arm (181) is flared outwardly.
• Amis (185) are resiliently biased to assume the positions shown in FIGS. 13-15, yet arms (181) are configured to flex outwardly as will be described in greater detail below.
• inner tube (170) also includes an annular indentation (575). 000135] As shown in FIG.
• the proximal end of waveguide (192) includes a pin (194) disposed transversely through waveguide (192).
• Pin (194) is located at a longitudinal position corresponding to a node associated with ultrasonic vibrations that are communicated through waveguide (192) when ultrasonic transducer assembly (240) is activated.
• pin is secured in waveguide (192) via a pair of e-clips (197).
• E-clips (197) are configured to ensure that pin (594) is centered within the corresponding transverse bore formed through waveguide (192), to secure and support pin (1 94) in that bore, and to provide acoustic isolation between waveguide (192) and pin (194).
• a threaded stud (196) extends proximally and unitarily from waveguide (192). As will be described in greater detail below, stud (196) is configured to provide a mechanical and acoustic coupling between waveguide (192) and ultrasonic transducer assembly (240).
• FIGS. 16-18 depict the coaxial arrangement of outer tube (152), inner tube (170), and waveguide (192).
• pin (194) is received in pin openings (1 83) of resilient arms (181).
• Pin (194) thus mechanically couples waveguide (192) with inner tube (170), such that inner tube (170) and waveguide (192) rotate unitarily with each other, and such that inner tube (170) and waveguide (192) do not translate relative to each other, when pin (194) is disposed in pin openings (183).
• waveguide (192) is mechanically coupled with inner tube (170
• waveguide (192) is not acoustically coupled with inner tube (170) in this example.
• pin (194) is located at a longitudinal position corresponding to a node associated with ultrasonic vibrations that are communicated through waveguide (192).
• resilient arms (181) are configured such that resilient arms (181) do not contact waveguide (192), even when pin (194) is disposed in pin openings (183).
• a plurality of annular sealing members e.g., o-rings, etc. are positioned at other nodal positions along the length of waveguide (192).
• annular sealing members may provide additional points of contact between waveguide (192) and inner tube (170), yet such annular sealing members would not transmit acoustic vibrations from waveguide (192) to inner tube (170) since such annular sealing members would be located at longitudinal positions corresponding to nodes associated with ultrasonic vibrations that are communicated through waveguide (192).
• Other suitable structures and relationships between waveguide (192) and inner tube (170) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• resilient arms (181 ) are positioned to correspond with upper and lower side openings (166).
• upper and lower side openings (166) provide clearance for resilient arms (181 ) to flex outwardly to release pin (194) when shaft assembly (150) is transitioned to a cleaning mode.
• pin side opening (178) of inner tube (170) aligns with pin side opening (168) of outer tube (152) when inner tube (170) is fully inserted in outer tube (152). This allows inner tube (170) to be coupled with outer tube (152) via a pin (not shown). Due to this coupling, inner tube (170) and outer tube (152) rotate together unitarily. As noted above, inner tube ( 170) also rotates unitarily with waveguide (192) due to the coupling provided by pin (194).
• outer tube (152), inner tube (170) and waveguide ( 192) all rotate together unitarily.
• pin side opening (168) of outer tube (152) is elongate, extending longitudinally. This elongate, longitudinal configuration allows outer tube (152) to translate longitudinally relative to inner tube (170), even with a pin disposed in openings (168, 178).
• a mode selection knob (130) is positioned at the proximal end of shaft assembly (150). As best seen in FIGS. 22-23, mode selection knob
• a coil spring (131) is coaxially positioned about mode selection knob (130).
• Coil spring (131) is longitudinally interposed between housing halves (1 12, 1 14) and proximal flange (132).
• a coupling member (140) is coupled with mode selection knob (130).
• coupling member (140) includes an outer flange ( 142), a set of longitudinally extending snapping arms (144), an inner flange (146), and a set of openings (148) formed through inner flange (146), Referring back to FIGS.
• coupling member ( 140) is coupled with mode selection knob (130) such that inner shoulder (136) of mode selection knob (130) is captured between outer flange (142) and snapping arms (144). Coupling member (140) is thus secured to mode selection knob (130) in a snap fitting,
• mode drive member (141) is coupled with coupling member (140).
• mode drive member (141) comprises a set of proximally extending fingers ( 143), a pair of outwardly extending upper and lower tabs (145), a pair of outwardly extending lateral tabs (147), and a pair of elongate longitudinal slots (149) proximal to lateral tabs (147).
• Fingers (143) are disposed within openings (148) of inner flange (146) in coupling member (140), with the proximal end of mode drive member (141) contacting the distal face of inner flange (146).
• fingers (143) are secured within openings (148) through an interference fitting.
• Upper and low r er tabs (145) are positioned to correspond with resilient arms (181) as will be described in greater detail below.
• Lateral tabs (147) are positioned to extend through lateral side openings (164) of outer tube (152). Referring back to FIGS. 11-12, lateral side openings (164) are both elongate, extending longitudinally. This elongate, longitudinal configuration allows mode drive member (141) to translate longitudinally relative to outer tube (152), even with lateral tabs (147) disposed in lateral side openings (164). The positioning of lateral tabs (147) in lateral side openings (164) nevertheless provides unitary rotation of mode drive member (141) with outer tube (152),
• an inner tube grounding member (173) is disposed within inner tube (170).
• grounding member (173) includes a pair of longitudinally extending slots (175), a pair of outwardly extending lateral tabs (177), and a pin side opening (179).
• slots (175) are configured to receive pin (194) of waveguide (192), The elongate, longitudinal configuration of slots (175) allows pin (194) and, hence, waveguide (192), to translate longitudinally relative to grounding member (573) and inner tube ( 170); yet also provides unitary rotation of pin (194) and waveguide (192) with grounding member ( 173) and inner tube (170).
• FIG. 1 As also best seen in FIG.
• lateral tabs (177) of grounding member (173) are slidably disposed in elongate longitudinal slots (149) of mode drive member (141).
• the longitudinal configuration of slots ( 149) allows lateral grounding member (173) and inner tube (170) to translate longitudinally relative to mode drive member (141); yet also provides unitary rotation of lateral grounding member (173) with mode drive member (141 ).
• Pin side opening (179) of grounding member (173) is positioned to align with pin side opening (178) of inner tube (170) when grounding member (173) is fully inserted within inner tube (170).
• a pin (not shown) is disposed in pin side opening (178), coupling inner tube (170) with outer tube (152). This same pin is further disposed in pin side opening (179) of grounding member (173).
• coil spring (133) is coaxially disposed about the proximal end of waveguide (192). Coil spring (133) is positioned between a proximally facing shoulder (135 ) formed in the proximal end of grounding member (173) and the distal face of the inner flange (146) of coupling member (140). Coil spring (133) thus biases coupling member (140) and mode drive member (141) proximally relative to grounding member (173). It should be understood that coil spring (133) may provide assistance to coil spring (131 ) described above.
• coil spring (133) allows coupling member (140) to float axially (i.e., such that coil spring (133) does not have an axial force bias. This may in turn decrease the torque required by the operator to rotate shaft assembly (150) during a surgical procedure.
• shaft assembly (150) may experience a buildup of surgical debris when instrument (10) is used in a surgical procedure.
• one or more components of shaft assembly (150) may experience a buildup of coagulated blood, tissue particles, and/or other kinds of surgical debris.
• after instrument (10) has been used in a surgical procedure it may be desirable to clean one or more components of shaft assembly (150) before shaft assembly (150) is used in another surgical procedure.
• instrument (10) may be used during a first portion of a surgical procedure, then one or more components of shaft assembly (150) may be cleaned during a pause in the surgical procedure, and then instrument (10) may again be used in a second portion of the same surgical procedure (e.g., on the same day as the first portion of the same surgical procedure and immediately subsequent to the first portion of the same surgical procedure).
• instrument (10) may again be used in a second portion of the same surgical procedure (e.g., on the same day as the first portion of the same surgical procedure and immediately subsequent to the first portion of the same surgical procedure).
• a cleaning port body (151) is disposed about the exterior of inner tube (170).
• Cleaning port body (151 ) includes a first port (153) and a second port (155), both of which extend transversely relative to inner tube ( 170), through distal side opening of outer tube ( 152).
• first port (153) is in fluid communication with the gap between the inner diameter of inner tube ( 170) and the outer diameter of waveguide (192).
• second port (155) is in fluid communication with the gap between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170), As also seen in FIGS.
• oblique flat (174) of inner tube (170) directs fluid from second port to the gap between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170).
• ports (153, 1 55) are in fluid isolation relative to each other, such that second port (155) does not have a path for fluid communication with the gap between the inner diameter of inner tube (170) and the outer diameter of waveguide ( 192); and such that first port (153) does not have a path for fluid communication with the gap between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170).
• Each port (153, 155) is configured to couple with a corresponding source of cleaning fluid.
• each port (153, 155) may receive a respective flexible tube to provide a fluid path between port (1 53, 155) and the corresponding source of cleaning fluid, in addition or in the alternative, each port (1 53, 155) may receive a nipple, fitting associated with syringes, or other feature of a cleaning fluid injecting device.
• Other suitable ways in which ports (153, 155) may be coupled with respective sources of cleaning fluid will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• knob (156) of the present example includes a sliding shield ( 157) that is operable to selectively cover and uncover ports (153, 155) as will be described in greater detail below.
• Shield (157) includes a pair of integral, proximaily extending arms (159). The proximal ends of arms (159) are secured to lateral tabs (147) of mode drive member (141). Thus, when mode drive member (141) translates longitudinally relative to other portions of shaft assembly, arms (159) and shield (157) translate with mode drive member (141 ).
• disposable assembly (100) is configured to transition between an operational mode (FIGS. 36A, 38A, 39A, 40A, and 41 A) and a cleaning mode (FIGS. 36B, 37, 38B, 39B, 40B, and 41 D). This is accomplished by driving mode selection knob (130) distally relative to housing halves ( 1 12, 1 14). It should therefore be understood that, in the present example, disposable assembly (100) will only transition from the operational mode to the cleaning mode when disposable assembly (100) is decoupled from reusable assembly (200). In some other versions, disposable assembly ( 00) may transition from an operational mode to a cleaning mode when disposable assembly (100) is coupled with reusable assembly (200). As seen in FIGS.
• clamp arm (182) pivots to a hyperextended position and blade (190) advances to a distal position when disposable assembly (100) is placed in the cleaning mode.
• shield (157) slides distaHy to reveal ports ( 153, 155) when disposable assembly (100) is placed in the cleaning mode.
• reusable assembly (200) includes a feature that drives latch (1 16) laterally outwardly when disposable assembly (100) is inserted in distal recess (208) of reusable portion (200).
• latch (1 16) This laterally outward deflection of latch (1 16) causes latch (1 16) to release proximal flange (132) of mode selection knob (130).
• coil spring (131) drives mode selection knob (130) and associated components proximally, thereby transitioning disposable assembly (100) back to the operational mode.
• the act of coupling disposable assembly (100) with reusable assembly (200) may automatically transition disposable assembly (100) from the cleaning mode to the operational mode.
• the operator may manually deflect latch (1 16) laterally outwardly to release proximal flange (132) of mode selection knob (130), thereby transitioning disposable assembly (100) from the cleaning mode to the operational mode.
• Shaft assembly (150) includes various sealing features whose sealing states change when disposable assembly (100) is transitioned between the cleaning mode and the operational mode.
• one sealing feature includes a distal seal (193), which is coaxially interposed between the outer diameter of waveguide (192) and the inner diameter of inner tube (170).
• distal seal (193) comprises an eiastomeric material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.).
• Distal seal (193) is located at a position corresponding to a node associated with ultrasonic vibrations that are communicated through waveguide (192). As shown in FIG.
• distal seal (193) when disposable assembly (100) is in normal operating mode, distal seal (193) is positioned to prevent proximal egress of fluid through the gap defined between the outer diameter of waveguide (592) and the inner diameter of inner tube (170). As shown in FIG. 37, when disposable assembly (100) is in cleaning mode, distal seal (193) is positioned past a distal edge of inner tube (170), such that distal seal (193) permits cleaning fluid to be communicated distally through the gap defined between the outer diameter of waveguide ( 192) and the inner diameter of inner tube (170), with the cleaning fluid ultimately exiting at the distal end of inner tube ( 170).
• FIGS. 40A-40B show additional sealing features whose sealing states change when disposable assembly ( 100) is transitioned between the cleaning mode and the operational mode.
• a proximal seal (195) is interposed between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube ( 170).
• proximal seal (195) comprises an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.).
• Proximal seal (195) is secured to the inner diameter of outer tube (152), such that proximal seal (195) translates longitudinally with outer tube (152) relative to inner tube (170). As shown in FIG. 40A, proximal seal (195) seals against the outer diameter of inner tube (170) when disposable assembly (100) is in an operational state.
• instrument (10) may be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. In some such procedures, instruments are introduced into a patient's abdominal cavity via trocars, and the patient's abdominal cavity is insufflated with pressurized air to improve visualization of and access to organs, etc., within the abdominal cavity.
• proximal seal (1 95) sealing against the outer diameter of inner tube (170) when disposable assembly ( 100) is in an operational state, and with shaft assembly (150) inserted through a trocar to introduce end effector (180) into a patient's insufflated abdominal cavity, proximal seal (195) may prevent the escape of pressurized air through the gap defined between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170).
• distal seal (193) may prevent the escape of pressurized air through the gap defined between the outer diameter of waveguide ( 192) and the inner diameter of inner tube (170).
• proximal seal (195) is positioned in the region corresponding to annular indentation (1 71 ) in inner tube (170).
• Annular indentation (171) provides a gap permitting the communication of cleaning fluid distallv through the gap defined between the inner diameter of outer tube (552) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170).
• the distal end of port body (151 ) includes an annular flange (163) that selectively engages annular indentation (161 ) of outer tube (152).
• annular flange (563) is disengaged from annular indentation (161 ).
• annular flange (163) engages annular indentation (161), thereby providing a fluid seal. This prevents cleaning fluid from escaping proximally when cleaning fluid is communicated to the gap defined between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170). It should be understood from the foregoing that, when disposable assembly (100) is in the cleaning mode, an operator may communicate cleaning fluid through port (155), and such cleaning fluid may advance clistaliy and flush out coagulated blood and/or other surgical debris that may have built up in the gap defined between the inner diameter of outer tube (152) and the outer diameter of inner tube (170).
• FIGS. 41A-41D show the interactions between various components of shaft assembly (150) during the transition from the normal operating mode to the cleaning mode.
• FIG, 41 A shows shaft assembly (150) in the normal operating mode.
• waveguide (192) is coupled with inner tube (170) via pin (194) and resilient arms (181).
• FIG. 41B shows mode selection knob (130) at a first state of distal advancement.
• mode selection knob (130) is coupled with mode drive member (141) via coupling member (140).
• distal advancement of mode selection knob (130) to a first state of distal advancement has also driven mode drive member (141) to a first state of distal advancement.
• upper and lower tabs (145) have engaged the outwardly flared free ends (185) of resilient arms (181) of inner tube (170).
• upper and lower tabs (145) have deflected ends (185) of arms ( 181) outwardly, to a point where arms (185) have disengaged pin (594) of waveguide ( 192).
• upper and lower side openings (566) of outer tube ( 152) provide clearance for arms (181 ) to ilex outwardly to release pin (194).
• mode selection knob (130) drives outer tube (152) distally relative to inner tube (170).
• This distal movement of outer tube (152) relative to inner tube (170) drives clamp arm (182) from the open position shown in FIG. 6A and 7 to the hyperextended position shown in FIGS. 36B and 37. Having clamp arm (182) in a hyperextended position may facilitate access to blade (190) and an adjacent region of waveguide (192), thereby facilitating the cleaning of bla.de (190) and the adjacent region of waveguide (192).
• blade (190) has transitioned from a proximal position as shown in FIGS. 6A-7 to a distal position as shown in FIGS. 36B and 37; and that this distal positioning of blade (190) may also facilitate access to blade (190) and an adjacent region of waveguide (192), thereby facilitating the cleaning of blade (190) and the adjacent region of waveguide (192).
• inner tube (170) includes a plurality of annular indentations along its length. Such indentations may be similar to indentation (171). As noted above, a plurality of annular sealing members (e.g., o-rings, etc.) may be positioned at nodal positions along the length of waveguide (192). The annular indentations that are spaced along the length of inner tube (170) may correspond to these annular sealing members that are spaced along the length of waveguide (192). in other words, when disposable assembly (100) is in a normal operating mode, annular indentations of inner tube (170) may encompass the annular sealing members along the length of waveguide (192).
• annular indentations of inner tube (170) may encompass the annular sealing members along the length of waveguide (192).
• the sealing members of the waveguide (192) may contact inner tube (170) at the annular indentations.
• the distal advancement of waveguide (192) relative to inner tube (170) may cause the sealing members to be substantially spaced from the annular indentations, such that the resulting gaps provide a substantially clear path for cleaning fluid to be flushed distally from port (153) through the space between the outer diameter of waveguide (192) and the inner diameter of inner tube (170).
• body portion (1 10) of disposable assembly (100) comprises a trigger (120) and a button (126).
• button (126) is pivotaliy secured to an integral post (1 15) of housing half (114), such that button (126) is operable to pivot about post (1 15).
• Button (126) includes a cross-bar (127), which is received in a slot (129) of arm (128).
• Arm (128) is slidably positioned in housing half (1 14) and is guided therein by integral bosses (1 17) of housing half (114).
• crossbar (127) drives arm (128) proximally. The proximal movement of the proximal end of arm (128) is detected in reusable assembly (200) and thereby activates blade (190) as will be described in greater detail below.
• trigger (120) is pivotaliy secured between housing halves (112, 1 14) via integral pins (121), such that trigger (120) is operable to pivot about pins (121).
• Trigger (120) is further coupled with a yoke (123).
• integral posts (124) are received in corresponding slots (125) of yoke (123), Due to this arrangement, yoke (123) translates longitudinally relative to housing halves (1 12, 1 14) when trigger (120) pivots relative to housing halves (1 52, 1 14), as shown in FIGS. 44A- 44B.
• Yoke (123) is captured between flange (158) and ring (160) of outer tube (152).
• yoke (123) will drive outer tube (152) to translate relative to body (1 10) when yoke (123) translates relative to housing halves (1 12, 114). It should therefore be understood that pivoting of trigger (120) relative to housing halves (1 12, 1 14) will cause longitudinal movement of outer tube (152) relative to body ( 1 10), thereby pivoting clamp arm (1 82) toward and away from blade (190).
• a return spring (1 18) resiliently biases yoke ( 123) trigger (120), and outer tube (152) distally, thereby resiliently biasing clamp arm (182) to the normal open position shown in FIG. 6 A.
• trigger (120) includes an integral tab (122) that protrudes proximally from housing halves (1 12, 114). As trigger (120) is pivoted, the corresponding movement of tab (122) is detected in reusable assembly (200) as will be described in greater detail below.
• FIGS. 45-47 show reusable assembly (200) in greater detail.
• reusable assembly (200) comprises a pair of complementary handle housings (202). Housings (202) together define a pistol grip (204), an upper window (206), and a distal recess (208).
• Reusable assembly (200) also includes a pair of side buttons (220).
• Side buttons (220) include proximally extending stems (222). Side buttons (220) are operable to be actuated inwardly relative to housings (202). The inward actuation of side buttons (220) causes corresponding movement of stems (222).
• Stems (222) are located within a sensor region (224) of reusable assembly (200).
• stems (222) include integral magnets and hall effect sensors are located in sensor region (224).
• the hall effect sensors are configured to detect actuation of side buttons (220) by detecting field changes caused by movement of the magnets of stems (222),
• sensor region (224) includes one or more reed switches that are activated by movement of stems (222) caused by actuation of side buttons (220),
• Other suitable components and techniques that may be used to detect actuation of side buttons (220) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• side buttons (220) are incorporated into disposable assembly (100) instead of being incorporated into reusable assembly (200).
• Generator (230) may include a control logic (e.g., microprocessor, ASIC, and/or other hardware, etc.) that is operable to execute one or more control algorithms in response to actuation of trigger (120), button (126), or buttons (220). Such a control algorithms may also factor in various other conditions, including but not limited to the impedance of tissue engaged by end effector (180).
• generator (230) may be configured at least partially in accordance a GEN 300 sold by Ethieon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio.
• generator (230) may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pub. No, 2011/0087212, entitled “Surgical Generator for Ultrasonic and Electrosiirgical Devices,” published April 14, 2011 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. It should also be understood that at least some of the functionality of generator (230) may be integrated into a module that is separate from reusable assembly (200). Still other suitable forms that generator (230) may take, as well as various features and operabilities that generator (230) may provide, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, in view of the teachings herein.
• buttons (126, 220) may be activate buttons (126, 220) to selectively activate transducer assembly (240) to thereby activate ultrasonic blade (190).
• Buttons (126, 220) of the present example are positioned such that an operator may readily fully operate instrument (10) with a single hand. For instance, the operator may position their thumb about pistol grip (204), position their middle, ring, and/or little finger about trigger ( 120), and manipulate button (126) using their index finger. The operator may also use their thumb or index finger to manipulate either button (220). Of course, any other suitable techniques may be used to grip and operate instrument (204); and buttons (126, 220) may be located at any other suitable positions.
• buttons (220) activate ultrasonic blade (190) at a low power and buttons (220) activate ultrasonic blade ( 190) at a high power.
• instrument (10) is operable to apply RF energy to tissue via end effector ( 180), in addition to providing ultrasonic energy at blade (190).
• buttons (220) are operable to selectively apply such RF energy.
• buttons (220), button ( 126), generator (230), and associated components may be operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/086,085, entitled "Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Electrosurgical Feature,” filed November 21 , 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• Batter ⁇ ' (205) is fully contained in pistol grip (204) and is configured to provide sufficient power to drive generator (230) in the present example.
• battery (205) is rechargeable.
• housings (202) may be configured to permit removability/replacement of battery (205).
• reusable portion (200) may include a feature (e.g., cable port, inductive coupling coil, etc.) enabling battery (205) to be recharged. Such recharging may be performed before and/or after instrument (10) is used in a surgical procedure.
• a recharge port may enable an operator to provide operational power to generator (230) via a cable.
• Such wired power may be used to recharge battery (205) while also providing operational power to generator (230).
• instrument (10) may incorporate battery (205) in accordance with at least, some of the teachings of U.S. Patent, Application No. 1 3/804,417, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Selectable Integral or External Power Source,” filed March 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• battery (205) is omitted altogether, such that generator (230) receives electrical power via cable or in some other fashion.
• transducer assembly (240) While generator (230) is fixedly secured within housings (202), transducer assembly (240) is operable to rotate within housings (202). As shown in FIGS. 48-49, generator (230) is coupled with transducer assembly (240) via a spindle (232), such that transducer assembly (240) receives electrical power from generator (230) via spindle (232).
• Spindle (232) is an integral feature of transducer assembly (240) that is rotatabie within generator (230) while maintaining electrical continuity between generator (230) and transducer assembly (240).
• slip rings and/or other kinds of couplings may be used to maintain electrical continuity between wires, traces, and/or other kinds of electrical conduits in spindle (232) and electrical components in generator (230).
• slip rings and/or other kinds of couplings may be used to maintain electrical continuity between wires, traces, and/or other kinds of electrical conduits in spindle (232) and electrical components in generator (230).
• transducer assembly (240) of the present example comprises a proximal casing (242), a distal casing (244), a mount (246), a head (248), a bolt (250), an endmass (252), a set of piezoelectric discs (254), and a horn (256).
• Casings (242, 244) are threadabiy coupled together and contain mount (246), head (248), bolt (250), endmass (252) and piezoelectric discs (254).
• Distal casing (244) includes an annular flange (241) and an angularly spaced array of longitudinally extending splines (243).
• Mount (246) is interposed between an outer diameter of horn (256) and an inner diameter of distal casing (244). Mount (246) thereby provides structural support for horn (256) in casing (244). Mount (246) is fixedly secured to horn (256) and to casing (244), such that the contents within casings (242, 244) rotate unitariiy with casings (242, 244). Mount (246) nevertheless provides acoustic isolation of the contents of within casings (242, 244) relative to casings (242, 244). In the present example, mount (246) is located at a longitudinal position corresponding to a node associated with ultrasonic vibrations that are communicated through horn (256) when ultrasonic transducer assembly (240) is activated.
• Bolt (250) compresses piezoelectric discs (254) between born (256) and endmass (252).
• Head (248) is configured to provide electrical coupling between piezoelectric discs (254) and spindle (232).
• piezoelectric discs (254) receive electrical power from generator (230) via spindle (232) and head (248), piezoelectric discs (254) vibrate ultrasonically. These ultrasonic vibrations are communicated to horn (256). Horn (256) communicates these ultrasonic vibrations to waveguide (192) when disposable assembly (100) is coupled with reusable assembly (200).
• horn (256) includes a threaded recess (258), which is configured to threadably receive threaded stud (196) of waveguide (192).
• torque wrench assembly (260) is configured to rotatably drive threaded stud (196) into threaded recess (258) with an appropriate amount of torque, avoiding a condition where waveguide (192) is over-torqued relative to horn (256).
• torque wrench assembly (260) of the present example comprises a pawl ring (270) and a drive member (280).
• FIGS. 52-56 show pawl ring (270) in greater detail .
• Pawl ring (270) of this example comprises an outer annular flange
• Flange (272) includes a notch (273) that is configured to receive a complementary boss rail (not shown) formed in housing (202). This relationship provides a rotational grounding for pawl ring (270), such that pawl ring (270) is prevented from rotating within housing (202). Nevertheless, the relationship between the boss rail and notch
• Pawl ring (270) of the present example further comprises a first resilient arm (274) and a second resilient arm (278).
• Resilient arm (274) includes a pawl (275) and a latch (276). Pawl (275) is directed radially inwardly and extends longitudinally.
• Latch (276) is directed radially inwardly and extends transversely.
• Resilient arm (274) is resiliently biased to assume the position shown in FIGS. 52-56. However, resilient arm (274) is operable to flex outwardly as will be described in greater detail below.
• Second resilient arm (278) also includes a pawl (279), which is directed radially inwardly and extends longitudinally.
• Resilient arm (278) is resiliently biased to assume the position shown in FIGS. 52-56.
• resilient, arm (278) is operable to flex outwardly as will be described in greater detail below.
• Pawl ring (270) also includes an upwardly extending tab (261). As shown in FIGS. 8, 45-47, 60A-61 C, and 63-64, tab (261) is located within upper window (206) of housing (202), such that an operator may engage tab (261) to slide pawl ring (270) longitudinally as will be described in greater detail below.
• FIGS. 57-59 show drive member (280) in greater detail.
• Drive member (280) of this example comprises an angularly spaced array of longitudinally extending splines (282), a proximal outer annular flange (284), an intermediate flange (285), a latching flange (286), and an angularly spaced array of rigid pawls (288).
• Drive member (280) is positioned in housing (202) such that integral boss (212) is captured between flanges (284, 285). Integral boss (212) thus prevents drive member (280) from translating relative to housing (202).
• integral boss (252) permits drive member (280) to rotate relative to housing (202), Pawls (288) are directed radially outwardly and extend longitudinally.
• Splines (282) of drive member (280) are configured to mesh with splines (242) of distal casing (244) of transducer assembly (240). Due to this engagement, drive member (280) rotates unitarily with transducer assembly (240). However, this engagement still permits transducer assembly (240) to translate longitudinally relative to drive member (280).
• Pawls (288) of drive member (280) are configured to interact with pawls (275, 279) of pawl ring (270) during coupling of waveguide (190) with horn (256), as will be described in greater detail below.
• a coil spring (262) is interposed between integral boss (216) of housing (202) and flange (241 ) of casing (244). Coil spring (262) is resiliently biased to urge transducer assembly (240) distally within housing (202).
• integral boss (214) is configured to engage flange (241) of casing (244) to restrict distal movement of transducer assembly (240) in housing (202).
• a coil spring (264) is interposed between integral boss (212) of housing (202) and flange (272) of pawl ring (270).
• Coil spring (264) thus urges pawl ring (270) distally within housing (202),
• integral boss (210) is configured to engage flange (272) of pa wl ring (270) to restrict distal movement of pawl ring (270) in housing (202).
• coil springs (262, 264) are intentionally omitted from various drawings of the present disclosure for clarity. 000172] IV. Coupling of Acoustic Drivetrain
• FIGS. 60A-64 show how torque wrench assembly (260) operates to mechanically and acoustically couple waveguide (192) with horn (256) in the present example.
• FIGS. 60A and 61A show reusable assembly (200) in a mode where reusable assembly (200) is ready to receive disposable assembly (100).
• pawl ring (270) is positioned proximal ly in housing (202), as indicated by the proximal positioning of tab (261) in upper window (206) of housing (202).
• the operator first inserts the proximal end of body (110) into distal recess (208) of reusable assembly (200), as shown in FIGS.
• threaded stud (196) of waveguide ( 192) is longitudinally aligned with threaded recess (258) of horn (256) and is in contact with the distal end of horn (256).
• the operator grasps reusable assembly (200) with one hand and knob (156) with the other hand, then rotates knob (156) relative to reusable assembly (200) to rotate shaft assembly (150) relative to reusable assembly (200), about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (150).
• FIGS. 62A-62F show key interactions that occur while shaft assembly (150) is being rotated relative to reusable assembly (200) to threadably drive stud (196) into recess (258).
• transducer assembly (240) and drive member (280) are rotafable within housing (202) while pawl ring (270) is not rotatable within housing (202).
• transducer assembly (240) and pawl ring (270) are translatable within housing (202) while drive member (280) is not translatable within housing (202).
• FIG. 62A shows torque wrench assembly (260) in a state where no pawls (288) of drive member (280) are in contact with either pawl (275, 279) of pawl ring (270).
• first range of motion e.g., while bearing proximally on disposable assembly (100)
• transducer assembly (240) and drive member (280) This may cause transducer assembly (240) and drive member (280) to rotate to the position shown in FIG. 62B.
• a pawl (288) of drive member (280) is in contact with pawl (279) of pawl ring (270).
• Pawls (288, 279) thereby cooperate to provide a rotational ground for transducer assembly (240) and drive member (280).
• transducer assembly (240) and drive member (280) are rotationally grounded relative to housing (202) at this stage.
• the rotational grounding of drive member (280) is provided to transducer assembly (240) due to the meshing of splines (243, 282).
• transducer assembly (240) advances distally within housing (202) to permit driving of stud (196) into recess (258).
• coil spring (262) resiliently biases transducer assembly (240) distally to promote this distal advancement of transducer assembly (240) within housing (202).
• the configuration of splines (243, 282) further permits transducer assembly (240) to translate longitudinally relative to drive member (280) while maintaining the rotary coupling of transducer assembly (240) with drive member (280).
• pawl (288) eventually clears pawl (279), at which point the resilience of arm (278) drives pawl (279) back radially inwardly as shown in FIG. 62D.
• This action of pawl (279) may create a snapping/clicking sound and/or a snapping/clicking tactile sensation that may be felt by the hand grasping reusable assembly (200) and/or the hand grasping knob (156). The operator is thus alerted that the coupling of waveguide (192) and horn (256) is close to reaching a desirable level of torque.
• This action of pawl (275) may create a snapping/clicking sound and/or a snapping/clicking tactile sensation that may be felt by the hand grasping reusable assembly (200) and/or the hand grasping knob (156).
• the operator is thus alerted that the coupling of waveguide (192) and horn (256) is has reached a desirable level of torque.
• the operator is alerted by a set of two snapping/clicking sounds and/or tactile sensations.
• torque wrench assembly (260) may alternatively be configured to provide any other suitable number of snapping/clicking sounds and/or tactile sensations to alert the operator that the coupling of waveguide (192) and horn (256) is has reached a desirable level of torque.
• FIG. 63 shows another condition that occurs when the coupling process reaches the stage shown in FIG. 62E.
• resilient arm (274) is deflected radially outwardly at this stage, due to a camming action between pawls (288, 275).
• latch (276) of pawl ring (270) is positioned to clear latching flange (286) of drive member (280).
• coil spring (264) drives pawl ring (270) distaliy, to the position shown in FIGS, 60C and 61C.
• coil spring (264) is intentionally omitted from FIGS, 60C, 61C, and 63 for clarity. It should also be understood that, during the stages shown in FIGS. 60A-60B, 61A-61B, and 62A-62D, latch (276) and latching flange (286) cooperate to maintain the longitudinal position of pawl ring (270) in housing (202), despite the distal bias provided by coil spring (264),
• tab (261) is also in a distal position within upper window (206).
• the operator may observe the longitudinal position of tab (261) in upper window (206) to determine whether waveguide (192) is coupled with horn (256) at a desired level of torque.
• pawls (275, 279) extend along a longitudinal range that is distal to the longitudinal range along which pawls (288) extend.
• knob (156) to reorient end effector (180) about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (150) during a surgical procedure. It should be understood from the foregoing that the same knob (156) that is used to rotate shaft assembly (150) to reorient end effector (180) about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly ( 150) may also be used to rotate shaft assembly (150) to threadably couple waveguide (192) with horn (256).
• pawls (288) are again longitudinally positioned to engage pawl (275).
• pawl (288) will eventually engage pawl (275) in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 62F.
• resilient arm (274) will not deflect outwardly as the operator rotates shaft assembly (150) counterclockwise to unscrew stud (196) from recess (258).
• the operator may pull disposable assembly (100) from reusable assembly (200).
• the same disposable assembly ( 300) or another disposable assembly (100) may then be re-coupled with reusable assembly (200), using the same process described above.
• FIGS. 65-66 show an exemplary alternative ultrasonic surgical instrument (300).
• Instrument (300) of this example is substantially identical to instrument, (10) described above, except as otherwise described below.
• instrument (300) of the present example comprises a disposable assembly (400) and a reusable assembly (500).
• the distal portion of reusable assembly (500) is configured to removably receive the proximal portion of disposable assembly (400), as seen in FIGS. 65-66, to form instrument (300).
• instrument (300) may incorporate the various details described above with respect to instrument (10).
• other suitable details will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein,
• FIGS. 67-73 show disposable assembly (400) in greater detail.
• Disposable assembly (400) of the present example comprises a body portion (410), a shaft assembly (450) extending distally from body portion (450), and an end effector (480) located at the distal end of shaft assembly (450).
• Body portion (410) comprises a pair of housing halves (452, 414).
• housing halves (452, 414) together define an upper opening (416), as will be described in greater detail below.
• housing half (414) also defines a cam ramp (418). It should be understood that housing half (412) may also define a similar cam ramp to correspond with cam ramp (418) of housing half (414). Cam ramp (418) will be described in greater detail below.
• FIGS, 71 -73 show a coupling assembly (420) that is incorporated into shaft assembly (450) in the present example.
• Coupling assembly (420) includes an upper member (422) and a lower member (424). As best seen in FIG. 73, members (422, 424) together define an annular recess (425). Annular recess (425) is configured to receive a corresponding annular flange (427) of a knob (456) of shaft assembly (456), Thus, coupling assembly (420) translates unitarily with knob (456). However, knob (456) rotates freely relative to coupling assembly (420) in this example.
• Upper member (422) includes a proximally extending arm (426).
• Arm (426) has an integral latching feature (428), as will be described in greater detail below. Arm (426) is resiliently biased to assume the upward positioning shown in FIGS. 72-73. However, depending on the longitudinal position of coupling assembly (420) in body (410), cam ramp (418) may bear downwardly on arm (426) to deflect arm (426) downwardly from its natural position. Longitudinal movement of coupling assembly (420) in body (410) will be described in greater detail below.
• disposable assembly (400) The other components of disposable assembly (400) are substantially identical to corresponding components of disposable assembly (100) described above.
• FIGS. 74-78 show reusable assembly (500) in greater detail.
• Reusable assembly (500) of this example comprises a battery (505), a generator (530), an ultrasonic transducer assembly (540), and a torque wrench assembly (560).
• Torque wrench assembly (560) is operable to couple a waveguide of shaft assembly (450) with an ultrasonic transducer horn (556) of transducer assembly (540).
• Torque wrench assembly (560) of the present example comprises a pawl ring (570), among other components.
• Those other components, including a drive member (580) are substantially identical to corresponding components of torque wrench assembly (260) described above.
• FIGS. 75-78 show pawl ring (570) in greater detail.
• Pawl ring (570) of the present example comprises an annular flange (572), a first resilient arm (574) and a second resilient arm (578).
• Resilient arm (574) includes a pawl (575) and a latch (576).
• Pawl (575) is directed radially inwardly and extends longitudinally.
• Latch (576) is directed radially inwardly and extends transversely.
• Resilient arm (574) is resiliently biased to assume the position shown in FIGS. 75-78.
• resilient arm (574) is operable to flex outwardly as will be described in greater detail below.
• Second resilient arm (578) also includes a pawl (579), which is directed radially inwardly and extends longitudinally. Resilient arm (578) is resiliently biased to assume the position shown in FIGS. 75-78. However, resilient arm (578) is operable to flex outwardly as will be described in greater detail below.
• Pawl ring (570) also includes a distally projecting latch (571).
• FIGS. 79A-80D show how torque wrench assembly (560) operates to mechanically and acoustically couple a waveguide of shaft assembly (450) with horn (556) in the present example.
• FIGS. 79A and 80A show reusable assembly (500) in a mode where reusable assembly (500) is ready to receive disposable assembly (400).
• pawl ring (570) is positioned proximally in housing (502).
• the operator When the operator wishes to couple disposable assembly (400) with reusable assembly (500), the operator first inserts the proximal end of body (410) into distal recess (508) of reusable assembly (500), as shown in FIGS. 79B and SOB.
• a threaded stud of the waveguide of shaft assembly (450) is longitudinally aligned with a threaded recess of horn (556 ) and is in contact with the distal end of horn (556).
• latch (571) of pawl ring (570) enters upper opening (416) of body (410).
• knob (456) proximally, as shown in FIGS. 79C and 80C.
• torque wrench assembly (560) of this example provides a rotational ground for transducer assembly (540) as shaft assembly (450) is rotated.
• a pawl of drive member (580) eventually engages pawl (579) of pawl ring (570), then pawl (575) of pawl ring (570), to provide the two snaps/clicks associated with a proper level of torque between the waveguide and horn (556).
• This interaction may be substantially identical to that described above with reference to FIGS. 62A-F. It should therefore be understood that latch (576) of pawl ring (570) will eventually be driven out of engagement with latch flange (586) of drive member (580).
• latch (576) has disengaged latch flange (586)
• a coil spring (564) will drive pawl ring (570) distaliy in housing (502), as shown in FIGS. 79D and SOD.
• pawls (575, 579) are longitudinally positioned such that they will not engage pawls of drive member (580).
• the combination of shaft assembly (450) and transducer assembly (540) is thus free to rotate as a unit relative to housing (502).
• latch (571 ) engages cam ramp (418) and is urged upwardly.
• cam ramp (418) disengages latch (571 ) from latching feature (428) of arm (426), This enables knob (450) to be advanced distaliy relative to housing (502), without also advancing pawl ring (570) distaliy any further.
• instrument (300) is ready for use in a surgical procedure after reaching the stage shown in FIGS. 79D and SOD. The operator may thus freely use knob (456) to reorient end effector (480) about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (450) during a surgical procedure.
• knob (456) that is used to rotate shaft assembly (450) to reorient end effector (480) about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (450) may also be used to rotate shaft assembly (450) to threadably couple the waveguide with horn (556).
• the rotational grounding required to provide threaded coupling of the waveguide with horn (556) is fully integrated and contained in housing (502) of reusable assembly (500), In other words, the operator does not need to grasp an otherwise rotatable feature and hold that feature stationary while rotating knob (456) to threadably couple the waveguide with horn (556).
• pawl ring (570) Due to complementary cam features of latch (576) and latching flange (586), the proximal movement of pawl ring (570) causes latch (576) to deflect outwardly and then snap back into place to re-engage flange (586). Pawl ring (570) is thereby retained in the proximal position. With pawl ring (570) back in this proximal position, the pawls of drive member (280) are again longitudinally positioned to engage pawl (575). In particular, a pawl of drive member (280) will eventually engage pawl (575) in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 62F.
• pawl (575) will provide a rotational ground for transducer assembly (540).
• resilient arm (574) will not deflect outwardly as the operator rotates shaft assembly (450) counterclockwise to unscrew the waveguide from horn (556).
• the operator may pull disposable assembly (400) from reusable assembly (500).
• the same disposable assembly (400) or another disposable assembly (400) may then be re-coupled with reusable assembly (500), using the same process described above.
• a usage indicator may be configured to indicate the number of uses that have occurred, the number of uses remaining, and/or the end of the life of the disposable assembly (100, 400).
• a usage indicator may be temporary or permanent.
• FIG. 81 shows an exemplary alternative disposable assembly (600) that may readily incorporated into instrument (10) in place of disposable assembly (100).
• Disposable assembly (600) of this example is substantially identical to disposable assembly (100) described above.
• disposable assembly (600) includes a pivo table trigger (620), a mode selection knob (630), and a shaft assembly (650), which are identical to trigger (120), mode selection knob (130), and shaft assembly (150), respectively.
• disposable assembly (600) of this example further includes a usage indicator (670).
• Usage indicator (670) of this example comprises a linearly arranged array of discrete visual indicators (672).
• usage indicator (670) may be configured such that the first visual indicator (672) activates the first time disposable assembly (600) is used, the second visual indicator (672) activates the second time disposable assembly (600) is used, and so on.
• the non-activated visual indicators (672) thus indicate the remaining number of uses available. When all visual indicators (672) are activated, this will indicate that disposable assembly (600) has reached the end of its life, such that disposable assembly (600) should be disposed of (and replaced with a new disposable assembly (600), if the operator wishes to continue using instrument (10)).
• Visual indicators (672) may be energized by a battery (e.g., coin cell or button cell, etc.) located in disposable assembly (600), an energized capacitor located in disposable assembly (600), an electrical connector between disposable assembly (600) and reusable assembly (200, 500), and/or using any other suitable power source in any- other suitable location.
• a battery e.g., coin cell or button cell, etc.
• the electrical connector may transmit voltage and current, from reusable assembly (200, 500) to disposable assembly (600) while the instrument is assembled, based on meeting the appropriate usage criteria.
• Visual indicators (672) may be located on a surface that is only visible when disposable assembly (600) is removed from reusable assembly (200, 500), as noted below.
• Various suitable electrical components that may be incorporated into usage indicator (670) in order to successively illuminate Visual indicators (672) in response to usage of instrument (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• visual indicators (672) are shown as being arranged in a linear array, it should be understood that any other suitable arrangement may be used. Similarly, while visual indicators (672) are shown as being positioned on the lateral side of disposable assembly (600), visual indicators (672) may instead be positioned at any other suitable location(s) on disposable assembly (600). In some versions, visual indicators (672) are visible when disposable assembly (600) is coupled with reusable assembly (200). In some other versions, visual indicators (672) are obscured when disposable assembly (600) is coupled with reusable assembly (200), such that visual indicators (672) are only visible when disposable assembly (600) is decoupled from reusable assembly (200).
• FIG. 82 shows another exemplary alternative disposable assembly (700) that may readily incorporated into instrument (10) in place of disposable assembly (100).
• Disposable assembly (700) of this example is substantially identical to disposable assembly (100) described above.
• disposable assembly (700) includes a pivotable trigger (720), a mode selection knob (730), and a shaft assembly (750), which are identical to trigger (120), mode selection knob (130), and shaft assembly (150), respectively.
• disposable assembly (700) of this example further includes a usage indicator (770).
• Usage indicator (770) of this example comprises a single indicator that is activated when the end of life of disposable assembly (700) has been reached.
• usage indicator (770) comprises an LED or other light source.
• usage indicator (770) comprises one or more thermochromic materials (772).
• Thermo chromic material (772) is configured to change in visual appearance in response to an increase in temperature.
• thermochromic material (772) may be black; and then turn red or some other color after disposable assembly (700) is used.
• visual indicator (672) described above may comprise a thermochromic material.
• thermochromic material (772) is coupled with one or more features of disposable assembly (700) that are electrically activated during use of an instrument (10) incorporating disposable assembly (700).
• a resistor may be used to generate heat in response to electrical activation of components in disposable assembly (700) during use of an instrument (10) incorporating disposable assembly (700).
• Other suitable ways in which thermochromic material (772) may be heated due to use of an instrument (10) incorporating disposable assembly (700) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein, it should also be understood that some versions of thermochromic material (772) may be configured to maintain a changed color even after the temperature fails back to a level where it was before disposable assembly (700) was used.
• thermochromic material (772) may be black before disposable assembly (700) is used.
• thermochromic material (772) when thermochromic material (772) is heated in response to use of disposable assembly (700), thermochromic material (772) changes red (or some other color).
• thermochromic material (772) After disposable assembly (700) is used and thermochromic material (772) cools back down to the same temperature it was at before disposable assembly (700) was used, the color of thermochromic material (772) may remain red (or some other color indicating use).
• thermochromic material (772) may comprise a thermochromic material by LCR Hallcrest of Glenview, Illinois, Other suitable forms that thermochromic material (772) may take, as well as various other ways in which thermochromic material (772) may be incorporated into disposable assembly (700), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• usage indicator (770) may incorporate an exposed section of electrochromic material.
• electrochrornic material may change color in response to an applied voltage and/or current.
• electrocliromic material may be coupled with one or more features of disposable assembly (700) that are electrically activated during use of an instrument (10) incorporating disposable assembly (700).
• an electrochrornic material may be incorporated into disposable assembly (700) to visually indicate use of disposable assembly (700) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• the electrochrornic material may comprise an electrochrornic ink by Chameleon Optics, Inc. of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
• electrochrornic material may take, as well as various other ways in which electrochrornic material may be incorporated into disposable assembly (700), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 6 ⁇
• usage indicator (770) may incorporate a IJV activated ink, a fuse assembly, and/or various other kinds of features that may provide visual indication that disposable assembly (700) has been used.
• disposable assemblies (600, 700) are both described as substitutes for disposable assembly (100), it should be understood that disposable assembly (400) may also be modified in accordance with disposable assemblies (600, 700). In other words, disposable assemblies (600, 700) may each be configured to couple with reusable assembly (500).
• usage indicators (670, 770) as described herein may be readily incorporated into various other kinds of surgical instruments, including but not limited to electrosurgical instrument, other ultrasonic surgical instruments, surgical stapling and cutting devices (e.g., endocutters, etc.), robotic surgical instruments, etc.
• Various suitable kinds of instruments in which usage indicators (670, 770) may be incorporated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 8] VII.
• each instrument (10, 300) permits a disposable assembly (100, 400) to be removably coupled with a reusable assembly (200, 500).
• a disposable assembly (100, 400) it may be desirable to decouple a disposable assembly (100, 400) from a reusable assembly (200, 500) in order to clean disposable assembly (100, 400) and re-couple disposable assembly (100, 400) with reusable assembly (200, 500); or in order to replace a used disposable assembly (100, 400) with a new disposable assembly (100, 400).
• reusable assemblies (200, 500) may be coupled with different kinds of disposable assemblies (100, 400).
• an operator may be presented with a selection of disposable assemblies (100, 400) having various lengths of shaft assemblies (150, 450), such that the operator may choose a disposable assembly (100, 400) having a shaft assembly (150, 450) length that is particularly suited for the task at hand.
• an operator may be presented with a selection of disposable assemblies ( 100, 400) having various kinds of end effectors (180, 480) (e.g., those with and without clamp arms (182), those with different configurations of blades (190), etc.). The operator may thus choose a disposable assembly (100, 400) having an end effector (180, 480) that is particularly suited for the task at hand.
• Various suitable w r ays in which operators may be provided with kits and other vehicles for modularity of disposable assemblies (100, 400) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
• any of the versions of instruments described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above.
• at least part of instrument (10, 300) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,055; U.S. Pat. N o. 5,873,873; U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,510; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,811 ; U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,444; U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524; U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0079874; U.S. Pub. No.
• instrument (10, 300) may have various structural and functional similarities with the HARMONIC ACE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC WAVE® Ultrasonic Shears, the HARMONIC FOCUS® Ultrasonic Shears, and/or the HARMONIC SYNERGY® Ultrasonic Blades.
• instrument (10) may have various structural and functional similarities with the devices taught in any of the other references that are cited and incorporated by reference herein.
• Versions described abo ve may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure.
• reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.
• versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure.
• the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVE bag.
• the container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons.
• the radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container.
• the sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use.
• a device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

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