Abstract:
A surgical instrument comprising a node rotatably mounted within a restraining structure at the distal end of a shaft. The node can be rotated allowing manipulation and orientation of a surgical tool extending from the node at the distal end of the shaft through control remote from the distal end of the shaft. Cameras may also be located at the distal end of the shaft allowing stereoscopic imaging to be conveyed to an operator.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of minimally invasive or endoscopic surgical instruments, and more particularly, to an endoscopic instrument designed to allow improved instrument control and orientation, and to allow improved visual contact with the surgical area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Minimally invasive surgery techniques have become increasingly popular due to the rapid healing and greater efficiency provided by such techniques. As these techniques have been developed, workers and surgeons have been faced with the problem of working in small places not visible by direct line of sight. Various tools have been designed to deal with this problem although none has been entirely satisfactory. 
     The standard surgical approach has been to make a large enough opening in an anatomically suitable location (which will heal without functional impairment) to establish direct visualization. Magnification can then be used to enlarge the target structure and various fiberoptic light delivery systems can be used to illuminate it. The actual surgical manipulation is then performed by direct manipulation of instruments held in the surgeons&#39; hands. 
     Various scopes have been devised to see into deeper structures of the body such as the trachea, esophagus, rectum, and bladder. These scopes were rigid tubes of appropriate size to fit a naturally-occurring orifice. Some were equipped with magnifying lenses and others used removable telescopes with direct or even angled viewing capability. The advent of fiberoptic technology revolutionized endoscopic tools by allowing them to be flexible, thus opening the entire colon and upper gastrointestinal tract to visualization and making the majority of the bronchial tree accessible under topical anesthesia. 
     Early in the history of endoscopy, gynecologists developed laparoscopic tools for diagnostic and then therapeutic work in the pelvis. This involved placing a rigid tube with a TV camera into the abdomen through the umbilicus after distending the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide. Through separate small ports additional instruments could be inserted for manipulating various structures and performing tasks such as tubal ligation. This basic concept has now been radically expanded to allow laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder, appendix, or even kidney. In the chest, lung biopsies, vagotomy, pericardial windows, and even lobectomy can be performed with video-assisted thoracic surgery (&#34;VATS&#34;). 
     The common feature of these prior endoscopic surgical techniques is that a camera is inserted at one point and tools are inserted at two or more other points. Traditionally, one person operates the camera, another uses retracting or holding tools, and the surgeon&#39;s hands are then free to dissect, cut, excise, ligate, clip and otherwise manipulate the target structure. The instruments used have tended to be very long and thin in order to extend deep within the body without making a large incision. The control, operation, orientation and manipulation of the tool is accomplished at the proximal end of the shaft by the operator. It is much akin to using two-foot long chopsticks in each hand to manipulate grapes at the bottom of a bottle with vision limited to a two-dimensional TV image controlled by someone else. 
     Other workers in this field have developed or suggested various tools to deal with these problems, although the shortcomings of each has prevented widespread use. 
     For example, several references have suggested a single endoscopic surgery device containing a camera device, light delivery means, and one or more shafts for the insertion of tools, such as forceps or a scalpel. The purpose of these devices was to overcome the difficulties caused by poor visualization and the awkward operation caused by the Separation of control of the camera and the working tool. In each of these devices, the manipulation and orientation of tools has been accomplished at the proximal end of the shaft by inserting or retracting the tool in the shaft, and by mechanisms to control the bending of the shaft. A device incorporating a single telescope with a channel for a working tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,091, and a similar device incorporating a CCD chip imaging device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,010. U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,501 has suggested a device that would allow rotation of a surgical tool, with detent means to fix the position of the tool for use. This device, however, would allow only circular rotation of the tool, and does not allow for manipulation and orientation of the tool at the distal end of the shaft. The above devices have been problematic because the visual contact with the surgery location has been inadequate, further compounded by difficulties in the manipulation and orientation of the tools. Moreover, the use of a single camera has resulted in a lack of depth perception. 
     In another reference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,015, a system is suggested that uses two cameras to provide a stereoscopic image for use in a traditional system that uses multiple insertions to insert the camera and tools. 
     It, therefore, has been found desirable to provide an endoscopic surgery device that allows for the manipulation and orientation of surgical tools at the distal end of the inserted shaft. It has also been found desirable to provide a camera for use in minimally invasive surgery, which solves the visual difficulties presented by prior devices, by providing stereoscopic vision through the use of two cameras placed at a proper distance for focus on the desired surgical area, combined in a single device with a surgical tool. It has further been found desirable to provide a single endoscopic surgery device incorporating stereoscopic vision in combination with a mechanism for allowing manipulation and orientation of surgical tools at the distal end of the device. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscopic surgery tool that allows for the manipulation and orientation of a surgical tool at the distal end of an inserted shaft. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for stereoscope viewing of the surgical area through the use of at least two properly spaced cameras, combined in a single device with at least one surgical tool. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a single device that incorporates stereoscopic vision using plural cameras and incorporates at least one surgical tool that can be manipulated and oriented at the distal end of an inserted shaft. It is another object of the present invention to provide for tools specifically designed for use in a nodal system for use at the distal end of a shaft. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an endoscopic surgery device that allows for control of surgical tools at the distal end of a shaft, through the use of a rotating node structure. The invention also relates to an endoscopic surgery device which provides for stereoscopic viewing of the surgical area through at least two cameras incorporated into a single device with one or more tools for performing surgical functions. The invention further relates to a single endoscopic surgery device incorporating stereoscopic vision and distal-end control of surgical tools. 
     To achieve these advantageous features of the present invention, there is provided an instrument comprising a node at the distal end of a shaft, wherein a surgical tool can be inserted through the node and the node can be rotated allowing manipulation and orientation of the surgical tool at the distal end of the shaft through control remote from the distal end of the shaft. Further, there is provided a particular node structure at the distal end of the device which, through control remote from the distal end of the device, can rotate a surgical tool in the (X) and (Y) dimensions, and allows for the movement of the tool in the (Z) dimension. There further is provided at least two cameras configured such that at the appropriate distance from the device, the surgical area will appear to the operator in stereoscopic vision. There is also provided an instrument comprising (i) a node at the distal end of a shaft, wherein a tool can be inserted through the node allowing manipulation and orientation of the tool at the distal end of the shaft through control remote from the distal end of the shaft, (ii) a plurality of cameras located at the distal end of the shaft positioned so that they can convey a stereoscopic image to an operator; and (iii) a light source. 
     Further, there is provided a flexible shaft housing providing for ports for all necessary or desired tools and accessories, which can include the aforementioned cameras, one or more light sources, channels for suction and fluid flow, and one or more, preferably at least two channels, ending in nodes for introducing tools such or forceps, scissors, a cautery tool, or other commonly used surgical instruments. There is further provided a variety of surgical tools specially designed for use in conjunction with the node control mechanism. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a cut-out side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an individual node and port unit; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram of a node unit as in FIG. 3 showing the tool port in a rotated configuration; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram of the node/shaft assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of an individual node; 
     FIG. 7 is a layout of an interface between an operator and a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 shows an individual pen unit specifically designed for advantageous use with the device of the invention; 
     FIG. 9 shows a cautery tool unit specifically designed for advantageous use with the device of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 shows a cautery tool as in FIG. 9 with the cautery pin extended; 
     FIG. 11 shows a shear unit specifically designed for advantageous use with the device of the invention; 
     FIG. 12 shows a front view of the shear unit as shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 shows a tension measurement device to provide tactile feedback to an operator. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows an end view of the configuration of one of the preferred embodiments. RGB chip camera units 1 and 2 are positioned to the right and left of the center axis of the shaft, and are spaced such that the targeted area will be within the focal distance of the cameras so that a stereoscopic image of the surgical area can be produced. Light is provided by fiber optic sources 3 and 4. Three nodes (6, 8 and 10) are located below the cameras, and each node has a tool port at its center (5, 7 and 11). A balloon port (9) may optionally be used. Sources for H 2  O and CO 2  are shown at 12 and 13. The selection of the number of tools, nodes, ports and other mechanisms may vary depending on the nature of the surgery to be performed. 
     A protective plate, 20, is placed over the distal end of the catheter, 25, with openings for all desired ports and nodes. The plate is fastened to the outer surface of the catheter, and provides both support for the distal end of the various ports and protection against contamination of the interior of the device by undesired substances, such as blood or other fluids, which can foul the operation of the sensitive mechanisms involved. The distal ends of the various ports may be fastened to the protective plate for support, and to prevent movement. It is preferred that the node shafts be permitted to move in and out relative to the protective plate, however, to permit more flexibility of tool operation, to allow the tool operation and location to be adjusted within the field of vision provided by the cameras, and to allow the frame of reference of the operator, provided by the cameras, to remain constant relative to the moving tools. 
     The camera system used can be varied according to available technology. Suitable camera systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,010 and the references discussed therein. 
     FIG. 2 shows a cut-out side view of an embodiment as in FIG. 1. The shafts for the nodes can be seen, 51, as can the lines for the fiber optic light sources 52 and the RGB cameras, Two nodes appear, 55, which are shown connected to a tool shaft, 57, and to control lines 59. A balloon shaft, 56, is also shown. All are contained within the external catheter housing, 58. In currently available devices, it is known how to control the bending of the flexible shaft housing to position the end of the shaft, and how to lock the shaft into place to prevent undesired movement. 
     A preferred embodiment combines the imaging vehicle and a mechanism for manipulating tools at the distal end of the device into a single system controlled by a single operator. The operator or surgeon introduces a flexible tubular structure which contains two cameras (for true stereoscopic vision), primary and secondary working tools, and electronic (robotic) control systems. This allows for the restoration of classical hand-eye coordination in a virtual reality-type environment. Two separate screens display the video image (one for each eye) and motion and action of the dissector&#39;s primary and secondary tools is controlled by the surgeon&#39;s hands. The control devices are in the familiar shape of commonly used tools such as forceps and cautery wand. The entire device is introduced into the appropriate body cavity through a stabilizing port which in turn is inserted through a small strategically-located incision, much as the current endoscopic camera is inserted. 
     The stereoscopic vision can be provided by a number of means, but in the preferred embodiment is accomplished by a dual light source and RGB camera chip system set up on either side of the nodes and connected to a heads-up display system projected independently into the surgeon&#39;s eyepieces or into the two sides of a stereoscopic viewing visor. 
     The distance between the cameras should be such that the surgical area can be brought into focus of the operator. In the preferred orientation, the ratio of the distance between the cameras to the distance to the surgical area is approximately 3/18. For example, to work on an area 3.6 cm from the camera system, the cameras should be placed approximately 6 mm apart for the best comfort of the operator. 
     Alternatively, the images from the cameras can be transferred to a microprocessor and manipulated by appropriate imaging software to produce a computer-generated three-dimensional image of the surgical area, which can be displayed on a standard monitor. 
     Depending on the type of surgery, a single surgeon dissector can be used which would have capabilities for clip application, scissors, or suction/irrigation in the auxiliary right hand port. The left-hand port is typically used for forceps according to traditional surgical practices. The primary port may be used for a dissection/cautery wand. 
     For more complex procedures, an assistant dissector can be used, much as a surgeon uses a first assistant. The assistant dissector can be equipped with a retractor blade in the primary port, forceps in the left-hand port, and suction/irrigation in the right-hand auxiliary port. 
     In one particular embodiment, the unit consists of the sterile semi-flexible shaft housing with an external diameter of approximately 2.0 cm. The distal end houses the working ports with the node for each. The shaft itself is largely hollow to allow room for the individual working tool shafts, control wires, fiberoptic light cables, and electronic system cable. The housing is much like a flexible endoscope with control cabling to allow basic device orientation and introduction into the body. Control of the bending of the shaft may also be accomplished using automated means, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,725. The proximal end of the housing is the electrical/mechanical interface for controlling instruments. Rotation and depth of insertion are controlled at the proximal end. The angle of tool orientation is controlled at the node level, moved by a pair of X and pair of Y axis cables for each node connected to the proximal interface gear. Optionally, the device may contain a changer and additional surgical tools within the shaft, such that the tools can be switched during use without withdrawal from the shaft, or without access to the distal end of the shaft. 
     FIG. 3 shows a preferred configuration of a single node with accompanying support and control mechanisms. The node, 101, is positioned at the end of a shaft, 108, constrained by braces, 102 and 103. The braces are positioned above and below the center or &#34;equator&#34; of the node and at points where the circumference is smaller so that the braces can provide adequate support for the node, preventing it from either being pushed outward through the outer brace, 102, or compressed inward through the inner brace, 103. The internal radius of the braces should correspond to the diameter of the node at that point, and the inner surface of the brace is preferably beveled to allow rotation of the node with the least possible resistance, while providing all necessary support. The outer edge of the brace is fastened to the wall of the node shaft. The diameter (D) of the inner edge of the brace can be calculated according to the formula D=2√(r 2  -(x/2) 2 ), where r is the radius of the node and x is the distance between the braces. This calculation assumes that the braces are placed symmetrically about the center circumference (i.e., the equator), of the node and that the node is spherical. If a different shape or configuration is used, the dimensions can be calculated according to well-known geometric principles. Alternatively, instead of two separate braces, a unitary fused socket can be used for support. The socket can be fabricated to conform to the outer contour of the node providing support along the entire surface of the socket. 
     A tool shaft provides for connection of the tool (not shown) with the operator controls. The tool shaft, 106, and four shafts, generally designated 107, for the control lines are fastened to a third brace, 110, which is affixed to the wall of the node shaft. When not in use, the tool resides in the tool port, 104 and the mechanical or electrical control lines for the actuation and operation of the tool are connected to the control panel through the tool shaft, 106. 
     The posterior opening of the node, 109, is open to allow control of the tool when the node is rotated during use. The anterior opening of the node, 104, is preferably narrower to provide support and direction for the tool when it is inserted through the node for use. 
     The positioning and orientation of the node are accomplished using control lines, 105. The control lines are positioned so that by varying the tension on the control lines through the shaft, 107, the orientation of the node can be controlled in any direction. In the preferred embodiment, the control lines are attached to the node through connectors located at or above the equator of the node, and the node is fabricated with grooves, 112, and connector elements, 111, for guiding and connecting the control lines. Other means of changing the orientation of the node can be used, such as motor drives or magnetic means. 
     The node is preferably a substantially spherical housing with a central passage for the shaft of each instrument. The three-dimensional orientation is determined by movement of the sphere in two planes and movement of the shaft in the third. The back of the node is preferably open to allow free motion of the shaft. The entire shaft may also rotate, or be fitted with a rotation-permitting device such as a bearing, to allow complete control of the positioning of the instruments. One such rotational device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,501. In another embodiment, the sleeves in which the shaft moves may be equipped with pressure-sensitive material to transduce tissue resistance for tactile perception. Such materials undergo changes in electrical resistance corresponding to the stress of the material. This change in electrical resistance can be measured, and converted into resistance that the operator feels in operating the tool. Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 13. 
     As another alternative, the tool and node can be fused together, or can be fabricated as a unitary structure, which provides certain benefits, although it does not allow for the tool to be switched apart from the node. 
     FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the node as in FIG. 3, with the tool port oriented at an angle. The control system, to be described, should be equipped or preprogrammed so that when the control lines are pulled to the extent that the node reaches maximum rotation an automatic stop is reached such that the operator cannot cause overrotation of the node. Once the desired angle is reached, the control lines can be locked in place, so that the tool can be operated without undesired movement of the node. Such a locking mechanism can be positioned at the brace, 110, or at any point along the control line shaft, 107. 
     FIG. 5 shows a disassembled node element, with a node, 154, two braces, 153 and 155, and shafts for the tool, 152, and the control lines, 151. The radius of the node ball 154 should be smaller than the inside radius of the shaft 151, and the two braces should be set at positions above and below the center of the node, having internal radii corresponding to the circumference of the node at that point. 
     FIG. 6 shows a front view of the node showing the outer brace, 155, the node, 161, the tool brace, 163, and the tool port, 162. 
     FIG. 7 is a diagram for a control system that may be used in carrying out and using the invention. The proximal end of the endoscopic surgery tool, 208, is connected to an interface unit, 201, through a port, 202. 
     On the exterior of the interface unit, ports for connection of power, irrigation, CO 2 , light, suction or any other desired feature. The interface box is connected to the control unit, 206, which may include viewing goggles, tool controls, and controls for light, suction, irrigation or other function depending on the surgery to be performed. By properly configuring the control panel, multiple endoscopic surgery devices according to the invention can be simultaneously operated. 
     A control panel may be used, which consists of a substantially flat working surface which measures mechanical displacement, lateral, vertical, depth, and rotation for each of the surface control instruments. The forceps, clip-applier and scissors would also include open/close control as a continuous variable with appropriate tactile feedback. 
     In use, the gross device housing may be inserted via trocar having a control housing secured on the outside thereof for gross movement and rotation of the entire device. This may be controlled by a separate mechanism, such as a throttle-like shaft on the control panel with a round top which can be rotated approximately 45 degrees for corresponding rotation and advancement/withdrawal of the entire device. Human control is also possible. 
     On the shaft of the primary dissecting tool on the control panel are other controls for controlling cautery, CO 2 , and surface irrigation, etc. In one possible configuration, the cautery is controlled by the index finger, the other two by the ring finger. 
     In the preferred orientation, the surface of the control panel has a group of familiar surgical tools projecting from it at comfortable positions and angles for normal left and right-handed operation. In the center is the primary dissecting/cautery wand which is similar to a hand-held electrocautery wand ready to be grasped like a pen. Further to the right are two other instruments--scissors of the Castro-Viejo type, and a cylindrical shaft with two buttons for suction and irrigation of the field. 
     For example, each of the tools may assume a resting position flush with the end of the dissector. Therefore, the first motion for the use of each is to push it into the working surface. Like reaching in or out with any instrument, this motion advances the corresponding tool at the working end proportionately. Since the scissors and suction/irrigator share a common shaft housing, only one of these tools can be used at a time. A clip-applying tool shares this same channel. 
     Because the link between the surgeon and the device is electronic instead of mechanical, the distance between the two can be quite remote. This might prove particularly advantageous in a setting where the patient was at high risk for infection or the surgical team may be at risk because of the patient, such as one with HIV disease. Because of the electronic connection, there can also be multiple video and control circuits to allow for control and supervision in a training situation. CD-ROM interactive teaching materials could be readily devised and implemented for learning how to use these devices. 
     One benefit of the device is that it can be configured to allow the remote manipulation of surgical instruments using electronic linkages which provide stereoscopic visual and tactile control. This allows the surgeon to use the same sensory feedback mechanisms normally used with open procedures and direct hands-on instruments. Tactile feedback can be provided by a system of transducing the tissue resistance of each instrument (using pressure-sensitive materials) into current which in turn regulates a set of electromagnetic resistors in the shafts of the control instruments providing variable resistance to motion in all three dimensions. This provides the surgeon with the feel of the tissue which is being dissected, grasped, or cut, depending on which of the dissector&#39;s tools is being used. 
     When it is desired to provide tactile resistance to the user, each control cable is fitted with a tension detector, as shown in FIG. 13. As depicted, the cable from the node (or tool if appropriate) is attached to connector 408. The cable from the controller is attached to connector 410. A spring or other flexible material, 412, is selected so that the electrical resistance varies with tension in the range to be expected during normal surgical procedures. Electrical connectors 404 and 406 create a circuit whereby the electrical resistance of the material, 412, can be measured. The material 412 can be any material that undergoes sufficient change of electrical resistance with change in tension to provide a meaningful measurement of tension. The measured change in resistance is recorded by the controller, where it is converted into a corresponding tactile resistance to the surgeon. The proper relationship between resistance at the tool/node level and resistance of the operator level must be determined empirically depending on the size of the tool and node, and the function to be provided by the tool. 
     FIG. 8 shows a pen unit designed for use with the surgery device. A control pad, 220, is equipped to sense motion in the (X) and (Y) coordinates, 221 and 222. The pen, 223, can be equipped with controls to move the tool in the (Z) coordinate, 224, or to cause activation of the tool. 
     FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a cautery tool designed for use with the surgery device, shown in the closed and open positions, respectively. A metal pin, 253, is enclosed with a protective sheath, 252, which is inserted through the tool port of a node unit, 251. 
     To use the tool, the active pin, 263, is extended from the sheath, 262, and pin can be directed to coagulate the target tissue. 
     FIG. 11 shows a surgical shear designed for use with the endoscopic surgery device. The blades, 301, are opened or closed by the control of tension on control lines, 302, about a fixed axis of rotation, 303. 
     FIG. 12 shows a front view of the same device shown in FIG. 11, depicting the blades, 312, the axis of rotation, 311, the control lines, 313, enclosed with a guide path, 314, and the connection of the control lines to the body of the shear, 315.