Electrosurgical instrument

An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members each having jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. The moveable jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the moveable jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the movable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the first and second jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical instrument and, more particularly, to an electrosurgical instrument including a drive assembly in operable communication with an end effector to effect movement of one or both of a pair of jaw members from a spaced-apart configuration to a closed or clamping position.

2. Description of Related Art

Electrosurgical forceps are well known in the medical arts. For example, an electrosurgical endoscopic forceps is utilized in surgical procedures, e.g., laparoscopic surgical procedures, where access to tissue is accomplished through a cannula or other suitable device positioned in an opening on a patient. The endoscopic forceps, typically, includes a housing, a handle assembly including a movable handle, a drive assembly, a shaft and an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes jaw members that operably communicate with the drive assembly to manipulate tissue, e.g., grasp and seal tissue. Typically, the endoscopic forceps utilizes both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue.

To effect movement of the jaw members, certain types of endoscopic forceps utilize a cam slot and cam pin configuration located at a distal end of the shaft adjacent the jaw members. In particular, a drive rod of the drive assembly, typically, includes a cam pin extending from a distal end thereof. The cam pin is, typically, integrally formed with the drive rod or, in certain instances, is operably coupled thereto via one or more coupling methods, e.g., soldering, brazing, welding, etc. The cam pin is operably coupled to one or more cam slots that are disposed on the jaw members. For example, in the instance where each of the jaw members is configured to rotate or move, i.e., a bilateral jaw configuration, each of the jaw members may include a respective cam slot that is configured to operably couple to the cam pin on the drive rod. Alternatively, one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other jaw member, e.g., a unilateral jaw configuration. In this instance, one of the jaw members includes a cam slot that is configured to couple to the cam pin on the drive rod.

As can be appreciated, forming a drive rod with a cam pin and, subsequently, positioning the cam pin within the one or more cam slots on the jaw members may increase manufacturing costs of the electrosurgical endoscopic instrument and/or increase production. Moreover, and in the instance where the cam pin is not integrally formed with the drive rod, e.g., soldering is used to join the cam pin to the drive rod, there exists the likelihood of the cam pin uncoupling from the drive rod during use thereof, which, in turn, may result in the electrosurgical endoscopic device not functioning as intended. That is, one or both of the movable jaw members may not move from an open configuration to a clamping configuration or vice versa.

In addition to the foregoing, it is sometimes desirable to provide a specific closure force at the jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration. To achieve this desired closure force, one or more devices, e.g., a resilient member such as, for example, a spring, may be operably coupled to the jaw members, drive rod, handle assembly, or other device associated with the electrosurgical endoscopic instrument. As can be appreciated, having to add the resilient member to the electrosurgical endoscopic instrument may further increase manufacturing costs of the electrosurgical endoscopic instrument and/or increase production time of the electrosurgical endoscopic instrument.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrosurgical forceps. The electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw member having a jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. The moveable jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the moveable jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the movable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the first and second jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the drive rod and the elongated channel are in horizontal registration with one another to facilitate moving the at least one movable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration. The drive rod may include a generally rounded distal end to reduce a drag force thereagainst during distal translation of the drive rod within the elongated channel. The drive rod may be positioned above a pivot pin that couples the first and second jaw members.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second jaw members may be moveable from the open configuration to the clamping configuration. In this instance, the first and second jaw members may include an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extending along a length thereof. Moreover, the drive rod may include a bifurcated distal end defined by a top portion and a bottom portion that engage the respective elongated channels of the first and second jaw members during distal translation thereof to close the first and second jaw members about tissue. In certain instances, a cutting element may be operably disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion of the bifurcated distal end of the drive rod. In this instance, the cutting element may include a generally arcuate configuration having a cutting edge extending from the top portion of the bifurcated distal end to the bottom portion of the bifurcated distal end to sever tissue subsequent to the first and second jaw members clamping tissue. In certain instances, the elongated channels of the first and second jaw members may include an open distal end that allows the top and bottom portions of the bifurcated distal end to extend therepast during a cutting motion.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrosurgical forceps. The electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. The moveable jaw member including a camming member having a generally arcuate configuration at a proximal end thereof. A drive assembly is in operative communication with the moveable jaw member via a drive rod engageable with the camming member of the movable jaw member to move the movable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the first and second jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more drive rods may include a cutting blade that is operably disposed at a distal end thereof. In this particular instance, the distal end of the drive rod may include a tapered configuration having a shoulder portion configured to contact the generally arcuate proximal end of the at least one moveable jaw member to move the at least one moveable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration.

A further aspect of the present disclosure provides method for electrosurgically treating and, subsequently, severing tissue. Tissue is positioned between a pair of first and second jaw members of an electrosurgical device that includes a drive assembly with a drive rod having a bifurcated distal end in operative communication with the first and second jaw members. The drive assembly including the bifurcated distal end is configured to move the first and second jaw members from an open configuration for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clamping configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. The bifurcated distal end is defined by a top and bottom portion that have a cutting element operably disposed therebetween. The bifurcated distal end is moved to position the bifurcated distal end between the first and second jaw members to clamp the tissue. Electrosurgical energy is transmitted to seal plates operably disposed on the first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat the tissue. And, the bifurcated distal end is moved to position the top and bottom portions thereof at least partially past corresponding open distal ends of the first and second jaw members to sever tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the type of electrosurgical transmitted may include but is not limited to electrical energy, thermal energy, ultrasonic energy and mechanical energy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. 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.

Turning now toFIG. 1, an electrosurgical endoscopic forceps10(forceps10) is provided having a longitudinal axis “A-A” defined therethrough, a housing20, a handle assembly30, a rotating assembly70, a trigger assembly80and an end effector assembly100. Forceps10further includes a shaft12having a distal end14configured to mechanically engage end effector assembly100and a proximal end16that mechanically engages housing20. Forceps10also includes electrosurgical cable610that connects forceps10to a generator (not shown) or other suitable power source, although forceps10may alternatively be configured as a battery powered instrument. Cable610includes a wire (or wires) (not shown) extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extend through shaft12in order to provide electrosurgical energy to at least one of the jaw members110and120of end effector assembly100. As defined herein, electrosurgical energy can include, but is not limited to electrical energy, thermal energy, ultrasonic energy, mechanical energy or any suitable combination thereof. As can be appreciated, the specific configuration of the forceps, i.e., the specific type of electrosurgical energy utilized to treat tissue, may depend on, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed, the type of tissue that is to be treated, etc. For illustrative purposes, the forceps10utilizes electrical energy to electro surgically treat tissue.

Rotating assembly70is rotatable in either direction about longitudinal axis “A-A” to rotate end effector100about longitudinal axis “A-A.” Housing20houses the internal working components of forceps10, such as a drive assembly90(shown in phantom inFIG. 1), working components of the handle assembly, electrical raceways associated with the cable610, and other working components therein.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, handle assembly30includes fixed handle50and a moveable handle40. Fixed handle50is integrally associated with housing20and handle40is moveable relative to fixed handle50. Moveable handle40of handle assembly30is ultimately connected to the drive assembly90such that, together, handle40and drive assembly90mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jaw members110and120between a spaced-apart position and a clamping position to grasp tissue disposed between sealing surfaces112and122of jaw members110,120, respectively. As shown inFIG. 1, moveable handle40is initially spaced-apart from fixed handle50and, correspondingly, jaw members110,120are in the spaced-apart position. Moveable handle40is depressible from this initial position to a depressed position corresponding to the approximated position of jaw members110,120.

End effector assembly100is designed as a unilateral assembly, i.e., where jaw member120is fixed relative to shaft12and jaw member110is moveable about pivot103relative to shaft12and fixed jaw member120. However, end effector assembly100may alternatively be configured as a bilateral assembly, i.e., where both jaw member110and jaw member120are moveable about a pivot103relative to one another and to shaft12, seeFIG. 3Afor example. In some embodiments, a knife assembly (seeFIGS. 3A-5, for example) is disposed within shaft12and a knife channel (not shown) is defined within one or both jaw members110,120to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (seeFIGS. 3A-5, for example) therethrough, e.g., via activation of trigger82of trigger assembly80. A more detailed description of a suitable knife assembly including knife blade is discussed below with reference toFIGS. 3-5.

Drive assembly90includes a drive a drive rod91(FIGS. 2A and 2B) that extends through the shaft12for operative communication with the end effector to effect relative movement of the jaw members110and120. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-2B, drive rod91is positioned above a pivot pin103that couples the jaw members110and120. Drive rod91is engageable with an elongated channel114defined in jaw member110to move jaw member110from the open configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2A) to the clamping configuration (FIG. 2B) relative to the jaw member120. Drive rod91is configured to provide a closure force at the jaw members110and120when the jaw members110and120are in the clamping configuration, described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-2B, drive rod91includes a generally rounded distal end91ato reduce a drag force thereagainst during distal translation of the drive rod91within the elongated channel114(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B).

Drive rod91and the elongated channel114are in horizontal registration with one another to facilitate movement of jaw member110from the open configuration to the clamping configuration (FIGS. 2A and 2B) relative to the jaw member120.

With reference again toFIG. 1, end effector assembly100is shown attached at a distal end14of shaft12and includes opposing jaw members110and120. Each jaw member110and120includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface112,122, respectively. Moveable jaw member (in this embodiment jaw member110), includes the elongated channel114. In particular, channel114includes an opening115at a proximal end113of the jaw member110and extends along a length thereof (seeFIGS. 2A and 2B). The length (or depth) and width of the channel114is proportioned to accommodate movement of the drive rod91therein to achieve a closure force at the jaw members110and120when the jaw members110and120are in the clamping configuration. Moreover, and in certain instances, the length (or depth) and width of the channel114is proportioned to accommodate movement of the drive rod91therein to achieve a gap distance “g” between the jaw members110and120when the jaw members110and120are in the clamping configuration. That is, the channel114is configured such that contact between the drive rod91and interior walls, i.e., an upper interior wall117, that define the channel114limits movement of jaw member110past a predetermined position that provides a gap distance “g” between the jaw members110and120when the jaw members110and120are in the clamping position, as best seen inFIG. 2B.

In use, jaw members110and120are, initially, in an open configuration to position tissue therebetween (FIGS. 1 and 2A). Proximal movement of the movable handle40drives the drive rod91to engage the channel114and move within the confines of the channel114, which, in turn, moves jaw member110from the open configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2A) to the clamping position (FIG. 2B). Having the drive rod91engage the channel114overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks that are typically associated with conventional forceps. In one embodiment, the unique configuration of the drive rod91and channel114provides an effective method of moving the jaw member110from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and an effective method of obtaining a desired closure force (e.g., between about 3 kg/cm3to about 16 kg/cm3, or in certain embodiments below 3 kg/cm3and above 16 kg/cm3) at the jaw members110and120without the need of a cam pin and spring as is typically required with conventional forceps. Additionally, the unique configuration of the drive rod91and channel114may provide an effective method for maintaining a specific gap distance “g” between the jaw members110and120when the jaw members110and120are in the clamping position.

With reference toFIG. 3A, an end effector200including jaw members210and220according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure that may be utilized with the forceps10is illustrated. Only those operative features that are unique to the functionality of the forceps10that utilize the end effector200are described herein.

Unlike the jaw members110and120that implement a unilateral jaw configuration, each of jaw members210and220is configured to move from the open configuration to the clamping configuration, i.e., a bilateral jaw configuration. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3A-4, a pair of elongated channels230and240are operably disposed on respective jaw members210and220. In one embodiment, such as, for example, the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C, the channels230and240include an open distal end that facilitates cutting tissue clamped between the jaw members210and220. Channels230and240are configured to receive a respective top and bottom portion292aand292bof a bifurcated distal end292of a drive rod291.

Top and bottom portions292aand292bare spaced-apart from one another and collectively define a generally “I” beam configuration, as best seen inFIG. 4. The top and bottom portions292aand292b, respectively, are each configured to translate within respective channels230and240as a result of the drive rod291translating distally. The top and bottom portions292aand292b, respectively, and the channels230and240are configured to function similar that of the drive rod91and channel114. That is, in the clamping position, the top and bottom portions292aand292b, respectively, and the channels230and240are configured to provide the requisite closure force at the jaw members210and220when the jaw members210and220are in the clamping configuration. Moreover, the top and bottom portions292aand292b, respectively, and the channels230and240may be configured to provide the requisite gap distance “g” between the jaw members210and220when the jaw members210and220are in the clamping configuration.

A cutting element250is operably disposed between the top portion292aand the bottom portion292bof the bifurcated distal end292. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3A,3B and4, the cutting element250includes a generally arcuate configuration that has a cutting edge252. The cutting edge252extends from the top portion292aof the bifurcated distal end292to the bottom portion292bof the bifurcated distal end292. The cutting element250is configured to sever tissue subsequent to the jaw members110and120clamping down on tissue. In particular, the cutting edge252of the cutting element250is “set-back” so as not to sever tissue until the top and bottom portions292aand92b, respectively, have traveled a predetermined distance within the corresponding channels230and240. That is, a predetermined distance that corresponds to the jaw members210and220being in the clamping position with the requisite closure force present at the jaw members210and220and a requisite gap distance “g” between the jaw members210and220(FIG. 3B). Once tissue is clamped and/or sealed, the drive rod291may be moved further distally through a cutting motion such that the cutting edge252severs tissue disposed between jaw members210and220. In this instance, the top and bottom portions292aand292bextend beyond the distal end of the jaw members210and220to cut tissue, as best seen inFIG. 3C.

In certain embodiments, it may prove advantageous to provide one or more members, e.g., nub, protrusion, detent, indent, etc., in the channels230and240to indicate to or otherwise inform an end user, e.g., a surgeon, that the top and bottom portions292aand292b,respectively, have translated a predetermined distance therein. That is, a predetermined distance that corresponds to the jaw members210and220being in the clamping position with the requisite closure force present at the jaw members210and220and a requisite gap distance “g” between the jaw members210and220.

In use, jaw members210and220are, initially, in an open configuration to position tissue therebetween. Proximal movement of the movable handle40drives the drive rod291, which, in turn, moves the top and bottom portions292aand292bwithin the confines of the respective cam slots230and240, which, in turn, moves jaw members210and220from the open configuration to the clamping position (FIG. 3A). The unique configuration of the bifurcated distal end291including the top and bottom portions292aand292b, respectively, is configured to selectively engage the corresponding cam slots230and240overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks that are typically associated with conventional forceps. Once tissue is clamped and/or sealed, the drive rod291may be moved further distally such that the cutting edge252severs tissue disposed between jaw members210and220. In this instance, the top and bottom portions292aand292bextend beyond the distal end of the jaw members210and220to cut tissue (FIG. 3C).

With reference toFIG. 5, an end effector300including jaw members310and320according to another embodiment of the present disclosure that may be utilized with the forceps10is illustrated. Only those operative features that are unique to the functionality of the forceps10that utilize the end effector300are described herein.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, jaw members310and320include a jaw configuration similar to that of jaw members110and120, i.e., a unitary jaw configuration, wherein jaw member310is movable and jaw member320is stationary. To move jaw member310from the open configuration to the clamping configuration, jaw member310includes a camming member311of suitable configuration that is configured to contact a distal portion391aof a drive rod391. In particular, the camming member311is operably disposed at a proximal end of the jaw member310and includes a generally arcuate configuration that upon contact with the distal portion391causes the jaw member310to pivot about pivot pin303to move jaw member310to the clamping configuration. Moreover, and in the clamping configuration, camming member311may be configured to provide the requisite closure force at and gap distance “g” between the jaw members310and320(similar toFIG. 2B).

Distal portion391aincludes a tapered configuration having a shoulder portion393configured to contact the camming member311of jaw member310to move jaw member310from the open configuration to the clamping configuration. Distal portion391includes a generally elongated neck portion394of suitable configuration that extends a predetermined distance from the shoulder portion393. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, the neck portion394is configured to operably couple to or otherwise support a cutting blade thereon.

Cutting blade350is of suitable configuration to sever or otherwise separate tissue. Cutting blade350includes a cutting edge351having a generally slanted or oblique configuration to facilitate severing tissue. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, the cutting edge351includes a generally flat configuration, although, in certain instances, the cutting edge351may be serrated. The elongated portion391and cutting blade350including cutting edge351are configured such that jaw members310and320will be in the clamping configuration with the requisite closure force at and gap distance “g” between the jaw members310and320prior to the cutting blade350advancing to severe tissue.

In use, jaw members310and320are, initially, in an open configuration to position tissue therebetween (FIG. 5). Proximal movement of the movable handle40drives the drive rod391. As drive rod391is moved distally, the shoulder393contacts the camming member311of the jaw member310, which, in turn, moves jaw member310from the open configuration to the clamping configuration. The unique configuration of the drive rod391and the camming member311of the jaw member310provides an effective method of moving the jaw member310from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and an effective method of obtaining a desired closure force (e.g., between about 3 kg/cm3to about 16 kg/cm3, or in certain embodiments below 3 kg/cm3and above 16 kg/cm3) at the jaw members310and320without the need of a cam pin and spring as is typically required with conventional forceps. Additionally, the unique configuration of the drive rod391and the camming member311of the jaw member310provides an effective method for maintaining a specific gap distance “g” between the jaw members310and320when the jaw members310and320are in the clamping position. Once tissue is clamped and sealed, the drive rod391may be moved further distally such that the cutting edge351severs tissue disposed between jaw members310and320.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, in certain instances, one or more springs (not shown) may be operably associated with either of the aforementioned end effectors100,200and300. The one or more springs may be configured to provide a specific closure force at the jaw members,110,210,310and120,220,320.