Electrosurgical instrument including a cutting member decouplable from a cutting member trigger

An electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument includes a first arm, a second arm and a coupling system. The first arm includes a first jaw. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm and includes a second jaw, a cutting member movable within the first and second jaws, and a cutting member trigger. The coupling system includes a coupling member mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically uncoupled from the cutting member trigger. In the second position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger.

INTRODUCTION

This application discloses, generally and in various embodiments, an electrosurgical instrument including a cutting member, a cutting member trigger and a coupling system configured to couple the cutting member to or decouple the cutting member from the cutting member trigger.

Various surgical instruments include opposing jaws for grasping tissue and a knife for cutting the tissue. Some of these instruments also include one or more electrodes for applying electrosurgical energy to the tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue). For such instruments, the instrument can be operated in different modes. For example, such instruments may operate in a grasping only mode, in a grasping and cutting mode, in a grasping and sealing mode and in a grasping, sealing and cutting mode.

For electrosurgical instruments which include opposing jaws for grasping tissue and a knife for cutting the tissue, a knife lockout feature operates to prevent the knife from firing until the opposing jaws are sufficiently closed upon the tissue and/or to prevent the opposing jaws from being opened until the knife has been retracted. Examples of a knife lockout feature are described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Although a knife lockout feature can help prevent accidental cutting by the knife (e.g., by preventing the knife from advancing or retracting even when the trigger is being actuated), such a feature can introduce an unwanted issue. For instances where the trigger is being pulled (or pushed or rotated) prior to the jaws being in an acceptable position for firing of the knife (either distally or proximally), the knife can experience substantial pressure such that when the jaws reach the acceptable position, the knife experiences a very hard release and can quickly shoot to the opposite end of the jaws with an operator of the electrosurgical instrument having little or no control of the speed of the knife.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a first arm, a second arm and a coupling system. The first arm comprises a first jaw. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm and comprises a second jaw, a cutting member movable within the first and second jaws, and a cutting member trigger. The coupling system comprises a coupling member mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically uncoupled from the cutting member trigger. In the second position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger.

In another embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument, a proximal end of the first arm is movable from a minimum distance from a proximal end of the second arm to a maximum distance from the proximal end of the second arm. In the first position of the coupling member, the proximal end of the first arm is located at the maximum distance from the proximal end of the second arm. In the second position of the coupling member, the proximal end of the first arm is located at the minimum distance from the proximal end of the second arm.

In another embodiment, the first arm is movable between a first position and a second position and the second arm further comprises a fin member. In the first position of the first arm, the fin member is spaced apart from the coupling member. In the second position of the first arm, the fin member is in contact with the coupling member.

In another embodiment, the second jaw comprises an electrode and the electrosurgical instrument is configured to selectively apply electrosurgical energy to the electrode.

In another embodiment, the first jaw defines a first channel, the second jaw defines a second channel, the first and second channels are axially aligned and the cutting member is movable within the first and second channels.

In another embodiment, the cutting member defines a notch configured to receive the coupling member.

In another embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a first protuberance connected to the cutting member and a second protuberance mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. At least a portion of the first protuberance is axially aligned with at least a portion of the second protuberance.

In another embodiment, the cutting member defines a receptacle, the coupling member comprises a protuberance and the receptacle is configured to receive the protuberance.

In another embodiment, the coupling system further comprises a movement arm mechanically coupled to the first and second arms. The movement arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the movement arm, the movement arm is spaced apart from the coupling member. In the second position of the movement arm, the movement arm is in contact with the coupling member.

In another embodiment, the second arm defines a slot, the coupling system further comprises a pin which mechanically couples the movement arm to the second arm, the pin is slidably movable within the slot and the movement arm is movable along the slot.

In another embodiment, the coupling member is pivotably connected to the cutting member trigger.

In another embodiment, the coupling system further comprises a biasing member in contact with the coupling member. In the first position of the coupling member, the biasing member is in an uncompressed state. In the second position of the coupling member, the biasing member is in a compressed state when the coupling member is in the second position.

In one embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a first arm, a second arm and a coupling system. The first arm comprises a first jaw. The second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm and comprises a second jaw, a cutting member and a cutting member trigger. The second jaw comprises an electrode configured to apply electrosurgical energy to a tissue positioned between the first and second jaws. The cutting member is movable within the first and second jaws and is configured to cut the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws. The coupling system comprises a coupling member mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the coupling member, movement of the cutting member trigger does not produce distal movement of the cutting member. In the second position of the coupling member, movement of the cutting member trigger produces distal movement of the cutting member.

In another embodiment, the first arm is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position of the first arm, the first and second jaws are in an open position. In the second position of the first arm, the first and second jaws are in a closed position.

In another embodiment, the coupling system further comprises a movement arm mechanically coupled to the first arm and the second arm.

In another embodiment, the coupling system further comprises a biasing member in contact with the coupling member.

In another embodiment, the movement of the cutting member trigger comprises at least one of the following: a distal movement of the cutting member trigger, a proximal movement of the cutting member trigger and a rotational movement of the cutting member trigger.

In one embodiment, an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a first arm, a second arm and a coupling system. The first arm comprises a first jaw. The second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm and comprises a second jaw, a cutting member and a cutting member trigger. The second jaw comprises an electrode configured to apply electrosurgical energy to a tissue positioned between the first and second jaws. The cutting member movable within the first and second jaws and is configured to cut the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws. The coupling system comprises a coupling member mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically uncoupled from the cutting member trigger. In the second position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger.

In another embodiment, the first arm is movable between an open position and a closed position, the coupling member is in the first position when the first arm is in the open position and the coupling member is in the second position when the first arm is in the closed position.

In another embodiment, the first jaw is movable between an open position and a closed position, the coupling member is in the first position when the first jaw is in the open position and the coupling member is in the second position when the first jaw is in the closed position.

DESCRIPTION

Before explaining the various embodiments of the electrosurgical instrument including a cutting member decouplable from a cutting member trigger in detail, it should be noted that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. Rather, the disclosed embodiments may be positioned or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications thereof, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, embodiments of the surgical devices disclosed herein are illustrative in nature and are not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not to limit the scope thereof. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more of the disclosed embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and/or examples thereof, can be combined with any one or more of the other disclosed embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and/or examples thereof, without limitation.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein relative to a human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument. The term “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. The term “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.

Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, upper, lower and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Terminology used herein is not meant to be limiting insofar as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations. The various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an electrosurgical instrument having a cutting member, a cutting member trigger and a coupling system. The cutting member is decouplable from the cutting member trigger, and the coupling system operates to mechanically couple the cutting member to or decouple the cutting member from the cutting member trigger.

FIG. 1illustrates a simplified representation of an electrosurgical instrument10according to various embodiments. The electrosurgical instrument10may be coupled to an electrosurgical energy source12via an electrically conductive cable14. The electrosurgical energy source12may be any type of electrosurgical energy source supply suitable for providing electrosurgical energy for therapeutic tissue treatment, tissue cauterization/sealing, as well as sub-therapeutic treatment and measurement. For example, according to various embodiments, the electrosurgical energy source12is a voltage supply which can provide electric current to the electrosurgical instrument10, wherein the magnitude, duration, wave form, and/or frequency, for example, of the electric current can be sufficiently controlled or modulated to provide a desired amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical instrument10. Although not shown inFIG. 1for purposes of simplicity, it will be appreciated that the electrically conductive cable14includes at least two electrically conductive wires—one for delivering current from the electrosurgical energy source12to the electrosurgical instrument10and one for returning current from the electrosurgical instrument10to the electrosurgical energy source12.

As described in more detail hereinbelow, the electrosurgical instrument10includes a grasping system, a sealing system, a cutting system and a coupling system. The cutting system includes a cutting member trigger16(SeeFIGS. 2A-2B) and a cutting member18(SeeFIG. 3). The cutting member18is normally mechanically decoupled from, but is mechanically couplable to, the cutting member trigger16. In the mechanically decoupled condition, movement of the cutting member trigger16(if possible) does not produce distal or proximal movement of the cutting member18. The coupling system allows the cutting member18to be mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16, and once the cutting member18is coupled the cutting member trigger16, the cutting member trigger16can actuate the cutting member18(i.e., movement of the cutting member trigger16can produce distal or proximal movement of the cutting member18). According to various embodiments, the electrosurgical instrument10also includes a cutting member lockout system, a jaw lock system and/or an electrosurgical energy activation system.

Grasping System

FIG. 2Aillustrates a perspective view of various embodiments of the electrosurgical instrument10in a closed position andFIG. 2Billustrates a perspective view of various embodiments of the electrosurgical instrument10in an open position. The electrosurgical instrument10includes a first arm20and a second arm22which are pivotally connected to each other by a pin24which is near a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument10.

According to various embodiments, the first arm20includes a finger ring26, a bend arm28and a first jaw30(e.g., a lower jaw). The finger ring26is near the proximal end of the first arm16and is shaped such that a human finger can be inserted therein. The bend arm28is between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm20and connects the finger ring26to the first jaw30. The first jaw30is at the distal end of the first arm20and is fixed coupled to the bend arm28. The finger ring26, the bend arm28and the first jaw30are connected in a fixed orientation, such that as the finger ring26is moved (e.g., relative to the second arm22), the bend arm28and the first jaw30move together with the finger ring26.

According to various embodiments, the second arm22includes a finger ring32, a housing34, a jaw tail36(SeeFIG. 3) and a second jaw38(e.g., an upper jaw). According to various embodiments, the finger ring32is formed integral with the housing34. The finger ring32is near the proximal end of the housing34and is shaped such that a human finger can be inserted therethrough. The jaw tail36is positioned within the distal end of the housing34and is fixedly coupled to the housing34and the proximal end of the second jaw36. The finger ring32, the housing34, the jaw tail36and the second jaw38are connected in a fixed orientation, such that as the finger ring32is moved, the housing34, the jaw tail36and the second jaw38move together with the finger ring32. According to various embodiments, the housing34includes a first portion34a(e.g., a left portion) and a second portion34b, and the finger ring32may be formed integral with the first portion34aof the housing34as shown inFIG. 3.

The first and second jaws30,38are movable relative to one another between a first position (e.g., a closed position as shown inFIG. 2A) and a second position (e.g., an open position as shown inFIG. 2B). The movement of the first and second jaws30,38is similar to the movement experienced by the pivotable blades of a pair of scissors. In operation, starting from the open position, where the distal ends of the first and second jaws30,38are spaced a maximum distance apart from each other, a tissue (not shown) may be positioned between the first and second jaws30,38. As the first and second jaws30,38are moved toward one another (e.g., by moving the finger ring26toward the finger ring32), the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38is grasped and compressed. It will be appreciated that the finger ring26, the bend arm28, the first jaw30, the finger ring32, the housing34, the jaw tail36and the second jaw38may be considered components of the grasping system of the electrosurgical instrument10. Additional details of the grasping system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. From the closed position, where the distal ends of the first and second jaw members30,38are spaced a minimum distance apart from each other, the first and second jaws30,38may be moved toward the open position by moving the finger ring26away from the finger ring32.

The electrosurgical instrument10is configured such that it can be easily operated by a right-handed person or a left-handed person in the orientation shown inFIGS. 2A-2Bor upside down from the orientation shown inFIGS. 2A-2B. In the orientation shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the operator can place their thumb in the finger ring26and one or more of their other fingers in the finger ring32, then manipulate their fingers to cause the first and second jaws30,38to open and close. In an orientation which is upside down from the orientation shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the operator can place their thumb in the finger ring32and one or more of their other fingers in the finger ring26, then manipulate their fingers to cause the first and second jaws30,38to open and close. As such, the terms upper, lower, left and right are used for convenience only, and not as a limitation. Also, although the finger rings26,32are shown as being substantially similar in size and configuration, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments the finger rings26,32may be of different sizes and/or configurations.

According to various embodiments, the first arm20also includes a lock button40, a switch arm42, a biasing member44(SeeFIG. 3) and a cover member46. For such embodiments, the second arm22also includes a switch arm slot48. As described in more detail hereinbelow, the lock button40, the switch arm42, the biasing member44(e.g., a spring) and the switch arm slot48may be considered components of the jaw lock system of the electrosurgical instrument10and/or the electrosurgical energy activation system of the electrosurgical instrument10. As shown inFIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the electrosurgical instrument10may also include a movement arm50mechanically coupled to the first and second arms20,22. As described in more detail hereinbelow, the movement arm50may be considered a component of the cutting member lockout system of the electrosurgical instrument10.

Sealing System

FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of the electrosurgical instrument10according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the second arm22also includes a port52, an energy button54, an energy button circuit56, an electrode connector58, an electrode60, an electrically conductive jaw stop62(SeeFIG. 4B) and a return connector64. For such embodiments, the second arm22may further include a compression circuit button66and a compression circuit68. The port52is configured to receive an end of the electrically conductive cable14to electrically couple the electrosurgical energy source12to the electrosurgical instrument10. Although not shown inFIG. 3for purposes of simplicity, it will be appreciated that according to various embodiments, the second arm22includes wiring for electrically connecting the energy button circuit56to the port52, wiring for electrically connecting the electrode60(or the electrode connector58) to the port52, wiring and/or electrically conductive members for electrically connecting the first jaw30, the second jaw38and/or the electrically conductive jaw stop62to the return connector64, wiring for electrically connecting the return connector64to the port52and wiring for electrically connecting the compression circuit68to the port52. According to various embodiments, the energy button circuit56comprises a portion of a first electrical circuit (e.g., a switch circuit) and the electrode60comprises a portion of a second electrical circuit (e.g., an electrosurgical energy circuit). For such embodiments, the two circuits can share a common neutral connector to the port52(and from the port52to the electrosurgical energy source12).

The electrode60runs along the length of the second jaw38and extends into the housing34. The proximal end of the electrode60positioned in the housing34is electrically connected to the electrode connector58. The electrode connector58is electrically connected to the port52via wiring (not shown for purposes of simplicity). In some embodiments, the selective application of the electrosurgical energy to the electrode60can be controlled by the energy button54. The energy button54is movable from a first position (e.g., a “normally open” position) to a second position (e.g., a “closed” position). As shown inFIG. 3, the energy button54can include a first body portion54a(e.g., the left portion), a second body portion54b(e.g., the right portion), a rocker70that is configured to allow the energy button54to pivot and a pin72that mechanically couples the rocker70to the first and second body portions54a,54bof the energy button54. According to various embodiments, after the energy button54is activated, the energy button circuit56signals the electrosurgical energy source12to deliver electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar radio-frequency energy) to the electrode60. As described hereinabove, the electrosurgical energy source12can deliver the electrosurgical energy to the port52via the conductive cable14, from the port52to the electrode connector58via wiring and from the electrode connector58to the electrode60.

According to various embodiments, if the energy button54is in the first position, the energy button circuit56does not signal the electrosurgical energy source12to deliver electrosurgical energy to the electrode60and thus no electrosurgical energy is applied by the electrode60to tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38. For such embodiments, if the energy button54is moved to the second position, the energy button circuit56signals the electrosurgical energy source12to deliver electrosurgical energy to the electrode60and the delivered electrosurgical energy is applied by the electrode60to tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38to seal or coagulate the tissue.

The current return path from the electrode60to the electrosurgical energy source12may include the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38, the first jaw30, and the second jaw38via the electrically conductive jaw stop62. Each of the first and second jaws30,38can comprise portions of the current return path and can be electrically connected to the port52in any reasonable manner. For example, in various embodiments, the first and second jaws30,38are electrically connected to the port52via the return connector64and wiring from the return connector64to the port52. In other embodiments, the first and second jaws30,38are soldered/welded directly to wiring which is electrically connected to the port52. As shown inFIG. 4B, the electrically conductive jaw stop62is positioned at the distal end of the second jaw38, extends above a tissue-facing surface of the second jaw38and operates to set a minimum gap between the first and second jaws30,38. It will be appreciated that the port52, the energy button54, the energy button circuit56, the electrode connector58, the electrode60, the electrically conductive jaw stop62and the return connector64may be considered components of the sealing system of the electrosurgical instrument10.

According to various embodiments, the second arm22includes the compression circuit button66and the compression circuit68. The compression circuit button66is movable from a first position (e.g., a “normally open” position) and a second position (e.g., a “closed” position). The compression circuit68may be wired and configured to signal the electrosurgical energy source12when the compression circuit button66is in the closed position. In some embodiments, only the energy button54needs to be in the closed position in order for electrosurgical energy to be delivered to the electrode60. In other embodiments, the energy button54and the compression circuit button66both need to be in their respective closed positions in order for electrosurgical energy to be delivered to the electrode60. In yet other embodiments, only the compression circuit button66needs to be in the closed position in order for electrosurgical energy to be delivered to the electrode60. Details of how the compression circuit button66can be placed into the closed position are described hereinbelow. It will be appreciated that according to various embodiments, the compression circuit button66and the compression circuit68may also be considered components of the sealing system of the electrosurgical instrument10.

In general, when tissue is positioned between the first and second jaws30,38and the compression circuit button66is in the closed position, the first and second jaws30,38apply sufficient compression to the tissue to enable a good seal of the tissue when the electrode60applies electrosurgical energy to the tissue. According to various embodiments, responsive to the signal received from the compression circuit68, the electrosurgical energy source12may generate an end tone or tissue seal completion signal when the tissue is sufficiently sealed and ready to be cut by the cutting member18. In some embodiments, when the compression circuit button66is in the open position, electrosurgical energy is not delivered to the electrode60and/or the end tone or tissue seal completion signal is not generated.

According to various embodiments, the electrosurgical instrument10further includes an insulator74which is mechanically coupled to and surrounds the electrode60. According to various embodiments, the electrode60and the insulator74form portions of the second jaw38. As shown inFIG. 3, the second arm22may further include a bump76connected to the housing34. The bump76may be formed integral with the housing34and operates to prevent accidental activation of the energy button54. Although the bump76is shown as being connected to the second portion34bof the housing34, it will be appreciated that a similar bump (hidden from view inFIG. 3) may also be connected to the first portion34aof the housing34. Additional details of the sealing system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Cutting System

As described hereinabove, the cutting member18is normally mechanically uncoupled from, but is mechanically couplable to, the cutting member trigger16which actuates the cutting member18. Although the cutting member trigger16is shown as a pull ring inFIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the cutting member trigger16may be configured in a number of different ways. As described in more detail hereinbelow, once the cutting member18is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16, the distal end of the cutting member18can be advanced from its unfired position in the housing34toward the distal end of the electrosurgical instrument10to cut tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38. The cutting member18can also be retracted proximally back to its unfired position in the housing34. The cutting member trigger16provides an operator of the electrosurgical instrument10control of the cutting member18.

For the embodiments shown inFIG. 3, once the cutting member18is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16, movement of the cutting member trigger16toward the proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument10causes the advancement of the cutting member18toward the distal end of the electrosurgical instrument10. According to various embodiments, as shown inFIG. 3, the second arm22also includes a plate member78, a biasing member80, a push arm82and a slide84. According to various embodiments, the plate member78is formed integral with the cutting member trigger16. Stated differently, in some embodiments, the cutting member trigger16includes a pull ring and the plate member78. The plate member78defines an opening86and a slot88, and is mounted within the housing34such that the plate member78is able to slide along the proximal-distal axis of the electrosurgical instrument10. The proximal end of the plate member78rests against the biasing member80(e.g., a spring). When the biasing member80is in a relaxed or minimally compressed state as shown inFIG. 3, the plate member78is in a distal or neutral position and the distal end of the cutting member18is in an unfired or retracted position within the housing34(i.e., it is not exposed between the first and second jaws30,38). The push arm82defines a slot90and an opening92, and is mechanically coupled to the plate member78by a pin94and a pin96. The pin94passes through the opening92of the push arm82and the slot88of the plate member78, and is mounted within matching openings98defined by the first and second portions34a,34bof the housing34(the opening94defined by the second portion34bof the housing34is hidden from view inFIG. 3). The pin96passes through the slot90of the push arm82and the opening86of the plate member78, and is mounted within matching slots100defined by the first and second portions34a,34bof the housing34(the slot100defined by the second portion34bof the housing34is hidden from view inFIG. 3). The bottom end of the push arm82is mechanically coupled to the slide84near the proximal end of the slide84, and the slide84is mechanically coupled to the proximal end of the cutting member18near the distal end of the slide84.

When an operator applies a force to the cutting member trigger16to move the cutting member trigger16in a proximal direction, the pin94mounted within the matched openings98doesn't move proximally or distally, the pin96mounted within the matched slots100moves proximally within the slots100, the slot88of the plate member78slides over the pin94allowing the plate member78to move proximally, the biasing member80becomes compressed and the push arm82pivots relative to the plate member78. The pivoting of the push arm82causes the slot90of the push arm82to slide proximally over the pin96, the top of the push arm82to move proximally and the bottom of the push arm82to move distally. The distal movement of the bottom of the push arm82causes the slide84to move distally and the distal movement of the slide84causes the cutting member18to advance distally from its unfired position within the housing34toward the distal end of the electrosurgical instrument10. When the operator removes the force from the cutting member trigger16, the biasing member80decompresses and moves the plate member78distally which causes the push arm82to pivot relative to the plate member78. The pivoting of the push arm82causes the slot90of the push arm82to slide distally over the pin96, the top of the push arm82to move distally and the bottom of the push arm82to move proximally. The proximal movement of the bottom of the push arm82causes the slide84to move distally and the distal movement of the slide84causes the cutting member18to retract proximally toward the proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument10back to its unfired position within the housing34. In various embodiments, the plate member78may be replaced with a ring plate, without limitation.

Although the distal advancement of the cutting member18is described as being actuated by pulling the cutting member trigger16in the proximal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the distal advancement of the cutting member18can be actuated by pushing the cutting member trigger16in a distal direction, rotating the cutting member trigger16, etc. Similarly, although the proximal retraction of the cutting member18is described as being actuated by pushing the cutting member trigger16in the distal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the proximal retraction of the cutting member18can be actuated by pulling the cutting member trigger16in a proximal direction, rotating the cutting member trigger16, etc.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate various embodiments of the first and second jaws30,38when the first and second jaws30,38are in an open position. In the open position, tissue may be positioned between the first and second jaws30,38. InFIG. 4A, the electrosurgical instrument10is oriented so that the first jaw30is oriented below the second jaw38and the tissue-facing surface of the first jaw30is visible. The first jaw30defines a slot102configured so that the cutting member18can translate therein. The first jaw30also includes a tissue stop104configured to limit or block tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38from advancing any further towards the proximal end of the first and second jaws30,38. In some embodiments, the tissue-facing surface of the first jaw30is substantially smooth. In one embodiment, the slot102may be configured as a channel defining a base and laterally opposed sidewalls extending outwardly from the base.

InFIG. 4B, the electrosurgical instrument10is oriented so that the second jaw38is oriented below the first jaw30and the tissue-facing surface of the second jaw38is visible. The second jaw38includes the electrode60and the insulator74which partially surrounds the electrode60. According to various embodiments, the electrode60is a U-shaped electrode which extends from the interior of the housing34along one side of the second jaw38to the distal end of the second jaw38and returns along the other side of the second jaw38, ending behind the tissue stop104. The body of the electrode60thus defines a slot106within which the cutting member16can translate. In one embodiment, the slot106may be configured as a channel defining a base and laterally opposed sidewalls extending outwardly from the base. The slot102, or channel, defined by the first jaw30is axially aligned with the slot106, or channel, defined by the second jaw38. As shown inFIG. 4B, the second jaw38may include one or more non-conductive teeth108and the electrically conductive jaw stop62. The non-conductive teeth108are positioned along the tissue-facing surface of the electrode60and are configured to assist in gripping tissue placed between the first and second jaws30,38. The electrically conductive jaw stop62is positioned at the distal end of the second jaw38, extends above the tissue-facing surface of the second jaw38and operates to set a minimum gap between the first and second jaws30,38. It will be appreciated that the cutting member trigger16, the cutting member18, the first and second jaws30,38, the plate member78, the biasing member80, the push arm82, and the slide84may be considered components of the cutting system of the electrosurgical instrument10.

Additional details of the cutting system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the sealing system and the cutting system can be used separately or together. That is, the operator of the electrosurgical instrument10can choose to activate the sealing system without also activating the cutting system. Similarly, the operator can choose to activate the cutting system without also activating the sealing system. The operator can also choose to seal and cut, typically in that order, by activating the sealing system and subsequently activating the cutting system.

Cutting Member Lockout System

Safe and effective operation of the cutting member18may raise at least two concerns that may be addressed by the cutting member lockout system. First, it may be desirable to prevent the cutting member18from firing until the first and second jaws30,38are sufficiently closed to cut the tissue held by the first and second jaws30,38. Second, it may be desirable to prevent the first and second jaws30,38from opening until the cutting member18has been retracted. The first safety concern seeks to prevent the first and second jaws30,38from being wider apart than the cutting member18is tall, so that the cutting member18will always cut through all layers of the tissue held by the first and second jaws30,38. The second safety concern seeks to prevent the cutting member18from being exposed and inadvertently cutting tissue that was not meant to be cut.

FIG. 5illustrates a sideways transparent view of the electrosurgical instrument10according to various embodiments. As shown inFIG. 5, a distal end of the movement arm50is pivotably connected to the first arm20by a pin110, and a proximal end of the movement arm50is mechanically coupled to the plate member78by a pin112which passes through the proximal end of the movement arm50and through a slot114defined by the plate member78. The movement arm50provides a link between the first arm20and the cutting member trigger16(which may include the plate member78). As the first arm20is moved away from the second arm22, the pin112rides upward in the slot114. When the first and second jaws30,38reach the fully open position, the pin112is at the top of the slot114. The slot114is shaped such that the pin112prevents the plate member78from moving until the first and second jaws30,38are partially or entirely closed.

In some embodiments, the slot114comprises an angled “L” shape such that the upper or upright arm portion of the slot114is at an angle to the direction of travel of the plate member78and the lower or horizontal portion of the slot114is parallel to the direction of travel of the plate member78. In such embodiments, the angle of the upright arm portion of the slot114and the location of the pin112within the upright arm portion of the slot114prevents the plate member78from moving forwards or backwards. The pin112must travel to the horizontal portion of the slot114in order for the plate member78to be able to move. The horizontal portion of the slot114is positioned parallel to the direction of travel of the plate member78. The position of the pin112within the horizontal portion of the slot114thus operates to prevent the first and second jaws3038from being opened. The plate member78must be returned to the neutral position such that the pin112can access the upright arm portion of the slot114before the first and second jaws30,38can be opened.

It will be appreciated that the movement arm50and the plate member78may be considered components of the cutting member lockout system of the electrosurgical instrument10. Additional details of the cutout member locking system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Coupling System

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7illustrate simplified representations of the electrosurgical instrument10ofFIG. 1according to various embodiments. For purposes of simplicity, certain components described hereinabove of the electrosurgical instrument10are not shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. As shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the electrosurgical instrument10further includes a coupling member118.FIG. 6Ashows the coupling member118in contact with the cutting member18when the first and second jaws30,38are in a closed position, andFIG. 6Bshows the coupling member118uncoupled from the cutting member18when the first and second jaws30,38are in an open position. The coupling member118may be configured in any manner suitable for mechanically coupling the cutting member18to the cutting member trigger16The cutting member trigger16and the cutting member18may be configured in any manner suitable for being mechanically coupled to one another via the coupling member118. According to various embodiments, the coupling member118is a flexible member (e.g., a leaf spring) which is fixedly connected to the slide84(the slide84is shown inFIGS. 3 and 5) and has a bent or hooked distal end (e.g., SeeFIGS. 6A and 6B). According to other embodiments, the coupling member118is a flexible member which defines a downward extending protuberance and is fixedly connected to the slide84at its distal end. According to yet other embodiments, the coupling member118is a rigid member which is pivotably connected to the cutting member trigger16and includes a downward extending protuberance at its distal end (e.g., SeeFIG. 7). According to yet other embodiments, the coupling member118is a cam member.

For the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the coupling member118is a leaf spring which has a bent or hooked distal end, the coupling member118is fixedly connected to the slide84, the cutting member18defines a notch120near its proximal end, the notch120is configured to receive the bent or hooked distal end of the coupling member118, a protuberance122is connected to the bottom of the cutting member18near its proximal end and a protuberance124is connected to the slide84near its distal end. The protuberances122and124are aligned such that movement of the slide84in the proximal direction causes the engagement of the protuberances122,124and movement of the cutting member18in the proximal direction (retraction). According to various embodiments, the protuberance122is formed integral with the cutting member18and/or the protuberance124is formed integral with the slide84. The upper end of the movement arm50is still mechanically coupled to the first arm20by the pin110, but the pin112which mechanically couples the lower end of the movement arm50to the second arm22is movably positioned in a slot116which is defined by the second arm22(instead of in the slot114of the plate member78). As described hereinabove, the slide84is mechanically coupled to the push arm82, which is mechanically coupled to the plate member78, which can be formed integral with the cutting member trigger16. Thus, when the coupling member118is seated in the notch120of the cutting member18as shown inFIG. 6A, the cutting member18is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16.

When the first and second jaws30,38are in the open position, the distal end of the coupling member118is positioned above the notch120of the cutting member16and the cutting member18is mechanically decoupled from the cutting member trigger16. In this mechanically decoupled condition, movement of the cutting member trigger16(if possible) does not cause any distal advancement of the cutting member18. As the first and second jaws30,38are moved toward the closed position, the pin112slides proximally in the slot116and the proximal end of the movement arm50moves proximally. Due to the configuration of the proximal end of movement arm50, as the movement arm50moves proximally, the movement arm50pushes down on the coupling member118, causing the distal end of the coupling member118to move toward the notch120. When the first and second jaws30,38are in the closed position, due to the downward force applied by the proximal end of the movement arm50on the coupling member118, the coupling member118is positioned in the notch120and the cutting member18is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16. In this mechanically coupled condition, when the cutting member trigger16is pulled proximally, the slide84and the coupling member118move distally thereby causing the cutting member18to advance distally.

Regardless of whether or not the cutting member18is coupled to or decoupled from the cutting member trigger16, when the cutting member trigger16is pushed distally, the slide82and the protuberance124move proximally. The proximal movement of the protuberance124causes it to engage with the protuberance122and move the protuberance122proximally thereby causing the retraction of the cutting member18. Thus, it will be appreciated that the cutting member18can always be retracted from an extended state regardless of the position of the first and second jaws30,38.

Although the distal advancement of the cutting member18is described with respect toFIGS. 6A, 6B and 7as being actuated by pulling the cutting member trigger16in the proximal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the distal advancement of the cutting member18can be actuated by pushing the cutting member trigger16in a distal direction, rotating the cutting member trigger16, etc. Similarly, although the proximal retraction of the cutting member18is described as being actuated by pushing the cutting member trigger16in the distal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the proximal retraction of the cutting member18can be actuated by pulling the cutting member trigger16in a proximal direction, rotating the cutting member trigger16, etc.

For the embodiments shown inFIG. 7, the first arm20further includes a fin member126, and the second arm22further includes a biasing member128and the coupling member118. The fin member126extends in a downward direction from the bottom side of the first arm20. According to various embodiments, the fin member126is formed integral with the first arm20. The biasing member128operates to push up on the coupling member118.

For these embodiments, the coupling member118is a solid member which includes a downward extending protuberance130near its distal end, the coupling member118is pivotably connected to the cutting member trigger16(or to a component which is formed integral with the cutting member trigger16), the cutting member18defines a receptacle132near its proximal end and the receptacle132is configured to receive the protuberance130. According to various embodiments, the protuberance130is formed integral with the coupling member118. According to other embodiments, the protuberance130is a separate component which is connected to the coupling member118. The movement arm50may still be mechanically coupled to the first arm20by the pin110and to the plate member78by the pin112, or the movement arm50and the pins110,112can be eliminated.

When the first and second jaws30,38are in the open position, the proximal ends of the first and second arms20,22are spaced apart from one another, the fin member126is positioned above and is not in contact with the coupling member118, the biasing member128is in a relaxed or minimally compressed state and is in contact with the coupling member118, and the cutting member18is mechanically decoupled from the cutting member trigger16. In this mechanically decoupled condition, movement of the cutting member trigger16(if possible) does not cause any distal advancement of the cutting member16. As the first and second jaws30,38are moved toward the closed position (by moving the first arm20toward the second arm22), the fin member126moves toward the top of the coupling member118, eventually making contact with and pushing down on the coupling member118, causing the biasing member128to compress, the coupling member118to pivot in a downward direction and the protuberance130to start being received by the receptacle132. When the first and second jaws30,38are in the closed position, due to the downward force applied by the fin member126, the biasing member128is in a compressed condition, the protuberance130is positioned in the receptacle132and the cutting member18is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger16. In this mechanically coupled condition, when the cutting member trigger16is pushed distally, the coupling member118moves distally and the protuberance130moves distally, causing the cutting member18to advance distally. When the cutting member trigger16is pulled proximally, the coupling member118moves proximally and the protuberance130moves proximally, causing the cutting member18to retract.

Although the distal advancement of the cutting member18is described with respect toFIG. 7as being actuated by a pushing of the cutting member trigger16in the distal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the distal advancement of the cutting member18can be actuated by a pulling of the cutting member trigger16in a proximal direction, a rotation of the cutting member trigger16, etc. Similarly, although the proximal retraction of the cutting member18is described as being actuated by a pulling of the cutting member trigger16in the proximal direction, it will be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the proximal retraction of the cutting member18can be actuated by a pushing of the cutting member trigger16in a distal direction, a rotation of the cutting member trigger16, etc.

It will be appreciated that according to various embodiments, the movement arm50, the coupling member118, the cutting member trigger16and the cutting member18may be considered components of the coupling system of the electrosurgical instrument10.

Jaw Lock System

When using an electrosurgical instrument10as described above, once the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38is grasped and compressed, it may be desirable to lock the first and second jaws30,38at that position. This allows the operator to remove his or her fingers from the finger rings26,32and use the electrosurgical instrument10in a manner similar to a surgical clamp. The electrosurgical instrument10should only lock when desired and not automatically.

For embodiments of the electrosurgical device10which include the jaw lock system, the second arm22includes the compression circuit68and the compression circuit button66. The compression circuit68and the compression circuit button66, together with the lock button40, the switch arm42, the biasing member44and the switch arm slot48may be considered components of the jaw lock system of the electrosurgical instrument10. Additional details of the jaw locking system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The lock button40is positioned between the cover member46and the first portion34aof the housing34, is accessible by a finger positioned in the finger ring26, is pivotably connected to the first portion34aof the housing34and is actuatable between a first position (e.g., a locked position) and a second position (e.g., an unlocked position). The switch arm42is pivotably connected to the first portion34aof the housing34, is movable between a first position and a second position and is in contact with the biasing member44. With the lock button40in its first position, as the first and second jaws30,38are moved toward the closed position and the bottom end of the switch arm42is about to be received by the top portion of the switch arm slot48, the biasing member44is in a relaxed or minimally compressed state and is in contact with the switch arm42, and a top end of the switch arm42is in contact with a proximal end of the lock button40. This may be considered a neutral position of the switch arm42. The top end of the switch arm42operates to prevent the lock button40from moving, effectively locking the lock button40in the first position.

As the first and second jaws30,38are moved further toward the closed position, the bottom end of the switch arm42advances toward the bottom end of the switch arm slot48, and the configuration of the switch arm slot48causes the bottom end of the switch arm42to move distally, thereby causing the top end of the switch arm42to move proximally and compress the biasing member44. With the top end of the switch arm42moved proximally, pressure can be applied to the proximal end of the lock button40to move the lock button40past the top end of the switch arm42and into its second position where the lock button40is in contact with a portion (e.g., a notch) of the switch arm42. When the lock button40is in this position, the switch arm42cannot be rotated by the force of the biasing spring44, thus locking the switch arm42in position and allowing the first and second jaws30,38to be locked in the closed position. In this position, the lower end of the switch arm42has compressed the compression circuit button68and the compression circuit66can signal the electrosurgical energy source12accordingly.

To move the lock button40back to its first position, pressure is applied to the distal end of the lock button40to cause the lock button40to move away from the portion/notch of the switch arm42. With the lock button40no longer in contact with the portion/notch of the switch arm42, the biasing member44drives the switch arm42back to its neutral position. As the switch arm42is being driven back to its neutral position, the lower end of the switch arm42releases the compression circuit button68and the compression circuit66may send a different signal to or stop signaling the electrosurgical energy source12. Once the switch arm42is back in its neutral position, the switch arm42can exit the switch arm slot48.

Electrosurgical Energy Activation System

For embodiments which include the sealing system, the electrosurgical energy that seals or coagulates tissue positioned between the first and second jaws30,38should only be activated at the desired time. Specifically, it may be desirable to activate the electrosurgical energy only when the first and second jaws30,38are applying sufficient pressure to tissue positioned therebetween. This typically occurs when the first and second arms20,22are in the closed position and one of the first and second arms20,22is possibly flexing to provide a load on the distal ends of the first and second jaws30,38. Thus it is desirable that the electrosurgical activation be disabled unless the first and second jaws30,38are fully closed. It is also desirable, however, for the operator to be able to close the first and second jaws30,38without activating the electrosurgical energy.

The delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrode60may be activated in different ways. For example, according to various embodiments, the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrode60may be activated by moving the energy button54from its “open” position to its “closed” position. According to other embodiments, the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrode60may be activated by moving the compression circuit button66from its “open” position to its “closed” position. According to yet other embodiments, the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrode60may be activated by moving the energy button54from its “open” position to its “closed” position and moving the compression circuit button66from its “open” position to its “closed” position. In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the energy button54, the energy button circuit56, the compression circuit button66and the compression circuit68, as well as the lock button40, the switch arm42and the switch arm slot48may be considered components of the electrosurgical energy activation system of the electrosurgical instrument10. Additional details of the electrosurgical energy activation system can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/579,299, 14/579,599 and 14/579,623, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.