Surgical forceps

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The second jaw member is both proximally offset and spaced-apart from the first jaw member. One or more resilient bands extends between and interconnects the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The resilient band(s) is configured to bias the first and second jaw members towards an open position. The resilient band(s) is configured to flex in response to distal translation of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to thereby move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to a closed position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. In the closed position, the second jaw member is disposed in an aligned orientation and is approximated relative to the first jaw member.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical forceps configured for grasping and treating tissue.

Background of Related Art

A surgical forceps is a plier-like device which relies on mechanical action between its jaws to grasp, clamp, and constrict tissue. Energy-based surgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and energy to treat, e.g., coagulate, cauterize, and/or seal, tissue.

Generally, surgical instruments, including surgical forceps, can be classified as disposable instruments, e.g., instruments that are discarded after a single use, or reusable instruments, e.g., instruments capable of being sterilized for repeated use. As can be appreciated, those instruments that are configured for single-use must be cost-efficient while still being capable of effectively performing their intended functions.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user. Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described herein.

A forceps provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The second jaw member is both proximally offset and spaced-apart from the first jaw member. One or more resilient bands extends between and interconnects the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members. The one or more resilient bands is configured to bias the first and second jaw members towards an open position. The one or more resilient bands is further configured to flex in response to distal translation of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to thereby move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to a closed position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. The second jaw member is disposed in an aligned orientation and is approximated relative to the first jaw member in the closed position.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more resilient bands includes one or more spring steel bands.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more resilient bands includes first and second legs engaged with the respective proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members and a body interconnecting the first and second legs. Further, in the open position, interior angles defined between the legs and the body of the one or more resilient bands may be at a minimum, while such angles may be at a maximum in the closed position.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the forceps further includes a shaft having the proximal flange of the first jaw member engaged thereto and a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft. The drive bar includes the proximal flange of the second jaw member engaged thereto.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, distal translation of the drive bar through and relative to the shaft moves the second jaw member from the open position to the closed position to grasp tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly is operably associated with the drive bar and includes a movable handle selectively actuatable for translating the drive bar through and relative to the shaft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, one or both of the tissue-treating surfaces is adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

Another forceps provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members each including a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The first and second jaw members are movable between an open position, wherein the second jaw member is longitudinally offset, spaced-apart, and rotationally offset relative to the first jaw member, and a closed position, wherein the second jaw member is longitudinally aligned, approximated, and rotationally aligned relative to the first jaw member. The tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween in the closed position.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the forceps further includes a shaft having the proximal flange of the first jaw member engaged thereto and a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft. The drive bar is operably engaged with the proximal flange of the second jaw member and may be configured such that distal translation of the drive bar through and relative to the shaft moves the second jaw member from the open position to the closed position to grasp tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly is operably associated with the drive bar. The handle assembly includes a movable handle selectively actuatable for translating the drive bar distally through and relative to the shaft.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a lead screw is disposed within and fixed relative to the shaft and a nut is operably disposed about the lead screw and engaged with the proximal flange of the second jaw member. The drive bar is rotatably coupled to the nut such that translation of the drive bar through and relative to the shaft translates the second jaw member relative to the lead screw and rotates the second jaw member relative to the lead screw.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the second jaw member is rotatable about a rotation axis that is parallel to or coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the tissue-treating surfaces is adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, an embodiment of a surgical forceps provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral10. Although surgical forceps10is shown configured for use in connection with endoscopic surgical procedures, the aspects and features of surgical forceps10provided in accordance with the present disclosure are equally applicable for use in more traditional open surgical procedures and/or with any other suitable surgical instrument.

Forceps10generally includes a housing20, a handle assembly30, a rotating assembly70, an activation switch4, and an end effector assembly100. Forceps10further includes a shaft12having a distal end14configured to engage end effector assembly100and a proximal end16that engages housing20. Forceps10also includes cable2that connects forceps10to an energy source (not shown), e.g., a generator or other suitable power source, although forceps10may alternatively be configured as a battery-powered device. Cable2includes a wire (or wires) (not shown) extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extend through shaft12in order to provide energy to one or both tissue-treating surfaces114,124of jaw members110,120, respectively. However, energy may be supplied to respective tissue-treating surfaces114,124(FIG. 3) of jaw members110,120in any other suitable fashion, e.g., via conductive structural components of forceps10, brush-contacts, etc. Activation switch4is coupled between tissue-treating surfaces114,124of jaw members110,120, respectively, and the source of energy for enabling the selective supply of energy to jaw members110,120for treating tissue grasped therebetween. Rotating assembly70is rotatable in either direction to rotate end effector assembly100relative to housing20.

With additional reference toFIG. 2, handle assembly30includes a fixed handle50and a movable handle40. Fixed handle50is integrally associated with housing20while movable handle40is pivotably coupled to housing20within housing20via a pivot42. Movable handle40is also operably coupled to a drive assembly60operably associated with end effector assembly100that, together, mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jaw member120relative to jaw member110between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. More specifically, movable handle40is coupled to a drive bar62via a drive mandrel64such that movement of movable handle40relative to fixed handle50effects longitudinal translation of drive bar62through shaft12and relative to end effector assembly100. As detailed below, the distal end of drive bar62supports jaw member120such that longitudinal translation of drive bar62through shaft12moves jaw member120relative to jaw member110between the open position (FIG. 3A) and the closed position (FIG. 3B).

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, movable handle40is initially spaced-apart from fixed handle50and, correspondingly, jaw members110,120are disposed in the open position. Movable handle40is compressible from this initial position to a compressed position corresponding to the closed position of jaw members110,120. A biasing member66may be disposed about drive bar62and positioned to bias jaw members110,120towards the open position and movable handle40apart from fixed handle50. However, other configurations for biasing jaw members110,120towards the spaced-apart position and/or positions of biasing member66for accomplishing the same are also contemplated.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, in conjunction withFIGS. 1 and 2, end effector assembly100includes first and second jaw members110,120, each including a proximal flange111,121and a distal jaw body112,122including an outer insulative jaw housing113,123and a tissue-treating surface114,124, respectively. Alternatively, one of both of jaw members110,12may be monolithically formed from a conductive material. Proximal flange111of jaw member110is fixedly engaged with distal end14of shaft12and extends distally therefrom. Proximal flange121of jaw member120is supported on the distal end of drive bar62, e.g., monolithically formed therewith or otherwise engaged thereto, and extends distally therefrom. A pair of resilient bands130extend between and operably interconnect proximal flanges111,121of jaw members110,120, respectively, although it is also envisioned that greater or fewer bands130be provided. Bands130may define any suitable configuration and/or construction that serves to bias jaw members110,120towards the open position (FIG. 3A), wherein jaw member120is proximally offset and spaced-apart from jaw member110, and allows bands130to flex in response to distal translation of drive bar62such that jaw member120is moved distally into alignment with jaw member110and towards jaw member110into approximation therewith to achieve the closed position (FIG. 3B).

Each band130may be formed from spring steel and define a body portion132and a leg134at each end of body portion132. Legs134of each band130are engaged to proximal flanges111,121of jaw members110,120, e.g., via adhesion, bolting, welding, or other suitable engagement, and are disposed in generally parallel orientation relative to one another. Body portions132of bands130extend between proximal flanges111,121of jaw members110,120and are also disposed in generally parallel orientation relative to one another. Body portions132are disposed in transverse orientation relative to legs134.

In the open position of jaw members110,120(FIG. 3A), the interior angles “α,” “β” defined at the living hinges between body portions132and the legs134engaged with respective proximal flanges111,121are at a minimum. Upon distal translation of drive bar62, e.g., via actuation of movable handle40(FIGS. 1 and 2), jaw member120is urged distally relative to jaw member110. In order to accommodate this distal movement, the living hinges defined between body portions132and the legs134engaged with respective proximal flanges111,121are flexed so as to increase angles “α,” “β,” respectively, to a maximum, thereby urging jaw member120towards jaw member110as jaw member120is moved distally. Ultimately, the closed position (FIG. 3B) of jaw members110,120is reached, wherein jaw member120is aligned with and approximated relative to jaw member110. Jaw members110,120may be moved to the closed position to grasp tissue between tissue-treating surfaces114,124. Thereafter, energy may be supplied to tissue-treating surface114of jaw member110and/or tissue-treating surface124of jaw member120to treat tissue grasped therebetween. As a result of the resilient configuration of the spring steel bands130, jaw member120is returned proximally and apart from jaw member110upon release or return of movable handle40(FIGS. 1 and 2) to its initial position, e.g., to release treated tissue.

Turning now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the distal end of another embodiment of a forceps10′ provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally including a shaft12′ and an end effector assembly200disposed at distal end14′ of shaft12′. The proximal end of forceps10′ may include components similar to those detailed above with respect to forceps10(FIG. 1), e.g., a handle assembly and drive assembly for selectively translating drive bar62′ through shaft12′ to move jaw members210,220of end effector assembly200between open and closed positions, as detailed below.

End effector assembly200includes first and second jaw members210,220, each including a proximal flange211,221and a distal jaw body212,222including an outer insulative jaw housing213,223and a tissue-treating surface214,224, respectively. Proximal flange211of jaw member210is fixedly engaged with distal end14′ of shaft12′ and extends distally therefrom. A nut226is fixedly engaged, e.g., monolithically formed or otherwise engaged, with proximal flange221of jaw member220at the proximal end thereof. Nut226defines an interior threaded bore227and includes an annular recess229defined about the exterior thereof. Nut226operably receives a lead screw68at least partially within threaded bore227thereof. Lead screw68is translationally and rotationally fixed relative to shaft12′ and includes drive bar62′ slidably disposed thereabout. Drive bar62′ includes an inwardly-extending radial lip69that is received within annular recess229of nut226so as to rotatably engage jaw member220with drive bar62′. More specifically, as a result of this configuration, distal translation of drive bar62′ about lead screw68urges nut226and, thus, jaw member220distally relative to shaft12′ and jaw member210, while the operable engagement of nut226about lead screw68urges nut226to rotate relative to lead screw68upon such distal translation, thereby rotating jaw member220relative to shaft12′ and jaw member210. As can be appreciated, jaw member220is rotated relative to shaft12′ about an axis parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of shaft12′. However, other configurations are also contemplated.

In the open position of end effector assembly200(FIG. 4A), jaw member220is longitudinally offset, rotationally offset, and spaced-apart relative to jaw member210. Upon distal translation of drive bar62′, drive bar62′ urges jaw member220distally into longitudinal alignment with jaw member210while the operable engagement of nut226about lead screw68urges jaw member220to rotate into rotational alignment and approximation relative to jaw member210, thus achieving the closed position of jaw members210,220(FIG. 4B). Jaw members210,220may be moved to the closed position to grasp tissue between tissue-treating surfaces214,224. Thereafter, energy may be supplied to tissue-treating surface214of jaw member210and/or tissue-treating surface224of jaw member220to treat tissue grasped therebetween. Proximal translation of drive bar62′ pulls jaw member220proximally relative to jaw member210, while the operable engagement of nut226about lead screw68urges jaw member220to rotate away from and out of rotational alignment with jaw member210, thus returning jaw members210,220to the open position.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.