Abstract:
An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for performing an endoscopic electrosurgical procedure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for performing an endoscopic electrosurgical procedure that employs an endoscopic electrosurgical apparatus that includes an end effector assembly configured for use with various size access ports. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Electrosurgical apparatuses (erg., electrosurgical forceps) are well known in the medical arts and typically include a handle, a shaft and an end effector assembly operatively coupled to a distal end of the shaft that is configured to manipulate tissue (e.g., grasp and seal tissue). Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, fuse, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue 
     As an alternative to open electrosurgical forceps for use with open surgical procedures, many modern surgeons use endoscopes and endoscopic electrosurgical apparatus (e.g., endoscopic forceps) for remotely accessing organs through smaller, puncture-like incisions. As a direct result thereof, patients tend to benefit from less scarring, less pain, and reduced healing time. Typically, the endoscopic forceps are inserted into the patient through one or more various types of cannulas or access ports (typically having an opening that ranges from about five millimeters to about fifteen millimeters) that has been made with a trocar; as can be appreciated, smaller cannulas are usually preferred. 
     Endoscopic forceps that are configured for use with small cannulas (e.g., cannulas less than five millimeters) may present design challenges for a manufacturer of endoscopic instruments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to forceps having a pair of jaw members selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. The forceps includes a cutting blade configured to selectively translate within a blade channel defined within at least one of the jaw members. An alarm is operatively coupled to the cutting blade and configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade is deployed into the blade channel. The emission of the signal is independent of the activation of the electrosurgical energy source. 
     In one embodiment, the forceps includes an alarm configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade is deployed to a predetermined position relative to the blade channel. The forceps may include an alarm that is disposed within at least one of the jaw members and that is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical contact is disposed within the blade channel. The alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel and contacts the electrical contact. The forceps may further include a trigger operatively associated with a housing and configured to actuate the cutting blade. The electrical contact may be disposed in the housing. The alarm is configured to emit a signal when the actuator moves relative to the housing and contacts the electrical contact. 
     In yet another embodiment, the forceps includes an actuator that is operably coupled to the alarm and is configured to emit the signal when the actuator is moved relative to a housing to deploy the cutting blade. 
     In still another embodiment, an alarm includes one or more resistors that are configured to short and emit the signal upon a predetermined operating condition of the forceps, e.g., deploying the cutting blade, activating the electrosurgical energy, and fully extending the cutting blade. A series of resistors may be arranged in a circuit, the shorting of each resistor of the series indicative of a predetermined operating condition of the forceps. The alarm may be configured to emit a different signal depending upon which predetermined operating condition is satisfied. One or more pressure sensors may be utilized and configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade contacts tissue. 
     In one embodiment, the alarm includes an optical measurement feature configured to emit a signal upon a predetermined operating condition of the forceps, e.g., deploying the cutting blade, partially extending the cutting blade, fully extending the cutting blade, activating the trigger, partially translating the trigger, fully translating the trigger. The optical measurement feature may be an LED device or an image processing device. 
     In another embodiment, the alarm includes at least one magnetic sensor configured to emit a signal upon a predetermined operating condition of the forceps. The predetermined operating condition of the forceps includes at least one of cutting blade deployment, cutting blade partially extended, and cutting blade fully extended. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a forceps comprising the first step of: providing a forceps comprising: a pair of jaw members selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source; a cutting blade configured to selectively translate within a blade channel defined within at least one jaw member; and an alarm operatively coupled to the cutting blade and configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade is deployed into the blade channel, wherein the emission of the signal is independent of the activation of the electrosurgical energy source. The method of operating a forceps further comprises the steps of: actuating the forceps to engage tissue; advancing the cutting blade to a predetermined position relative to the blade channel of the forceps; and causing the alarm to emit a signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an electrosurgical forceps alarm system; 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear perspective view of a proximal portion of an electrosurgical forceps; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front perspective view of a distal portion of another embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of a distal portion of another embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps, an end effector thereof having a first jaw member removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 3B  is a front perspective view of a distal portion of the electrosurgical forceps of  FIG. 3A  delineating a cutting blade translated into a blade channel of a second jaw member thereof; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of a distal portion of yet another embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps, an end effector thereof having a first jaw member removed for clarity and a second jaw member including electrical contacts; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the distal portion of the electrosurgical forceps of  FIG. 4A  delineating a cutting blade translated into a blade channel of a second jaw member thereof; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side cross-sectional view of a distal portion of one embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps engaging tissue in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the electrosurgical forceps of  FIG. 5A  engaging tissue in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic view of a first configuration of an alarm circuit, three of the switches thereof shown in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic view of a second configuration of the alarm circuit of  FIG. 6A , the first switch shown in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a distal portion of one embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps, the cutting blade thereof having a pressure sensor; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a proximal portion of another embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps having an electrical contact and contact plates; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged top plan view of a second jaw member of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical forceps having an optical measurement feature; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of a proximal portion of another embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps having an optical measurement feature; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top plan view of a distal portion of one embodiment of an electrosurgical forceps, an end effector thereof having a first jaw member removed for clarity and a second jaw member including a magnetic sensor; and 
         FIG. 11B  is a top plan view of the distal portion of the electrosurgical forceps of  FIG. 11A  delineating a cutting blade translated into a blade channel of a second jaw member thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in the drawings and as described throughout the following description, and as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus that is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus that is further from the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. 
     The present disclosure contemplates an alarm for use in connection with endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open surgical procedures in which the same or similar operating components and features are as described below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an electrosurgical forceps alarm system  100  is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes an energy source  102  (e.g., an electrosurgical generator), an electrosurgical forceps  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 , and an alarm  108  operably associated with the forceps  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804  that is configured to emit a signal  191 . The energy source  102 , the forceps  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 , and the alarm  108  mutually cooperate to grasp, seal, and divide tubular vessels and vascular tissue or avascular tissue. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show one embodiment of a forceps  104 . The forceps  104  includes an end effector  105  ( FIG. 2B ) having a pair of jaw members  124  comprising an upper jaw member  124   a  and a lower jaw member  124   b . The end effector is coupled to a shaft  197  of the forceps  104  on the distal portion  104   b  thereof. Each jaw member  124   a ,  124   b  has a blade channel  128  for translation of a cutting blade  134  (not shown) through at least one of the jaw members  124   a ,  124   b  during a tissue or vessel cutting procedure. Furthermore, the forceps  104  has an electrosurgical cable  132  coupled to the proximal end  104   a  thereof for delivering electrosurgical energy to the tissue or vessel when performing a vessel or tissue sealing procedure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , forceps  104  includes a housing  199  and a shaft  197  attached thereto. In this embodiment, the forceps  104  has a shaft  197  including a pair of jaw members  124   a ,  124   b  disposed at a distal end thereof. The upper and lower jaw members  124   a ,  124   b  are operatively coupled to a distal end of the shaft  197  and selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot, each of the jaw members  124   a ,  124   b  having an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface  195  adapted to connect to the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , another embodiment of a distal portion  204   b  of a forceps  204  includes a cutting blade  134  configured to selectively translate within a blade channel  128  defined within at least one of the jaw members  224   a ,  224   b  of the end effector  205 . The jaw members  224   a ,  224   b  are attached at the distal end of the shaft  297 .  FIG. 3B  shows a cutting blade  134  fully deployed through the blade channel  128  of the lower jaw member  224   b  of the end effector  205 . 
     The alarm  108  ( FIG. 1 ) has contacts  107   a ,  107   b  disposed in the blade channel  128  of the end effector  305  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) of yet another embodiment of the distal portion  304   b  of a forceps  304 . As illustrated, the alarm  108  is operatively coupled to the cutting blade  134  and configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  is deployed into the blade channel  128  of the jaw members  324   a  (not shown),  324   b  of the end effector  305  or when the cutting blade  134  moves relative thereto. Similarly, the alarm  108  can be configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  moves to a predetermined position relative to the blade channel  128 . For example, the alarm  108  can be configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  moves relative to the blade channel  128  and engages contacts  107   a ,  107   b . The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102 . 
     In operation of one embodiment of the disclosure, when a surgeon deploys the cutting blade  134  and fails to activate electrosurgical energy to the vessel  193  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ), the cutting blade  134  will deploy to a predetermined location and set off the alarm  108  which will emit a signal  191 , warning the surgeon that the cutting blade  134  has been activated independent of the electrosurgical energy. 
     The alarm  108  ( FIG. 1 ) can include an alarm circuit  106  having a first resistance  110 , a second resistance  112 , and a third resistance  114  coupled to an energy source  102  ( FIGS. 6A-6B ). The alarm circuit  106  can include one or more resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114  that are configured to short and emit a signal  191  upon satisfaction of one or more predetermined operating conditions of the forceps. The predetermined operating conditions of the forceps may include one or more of the following: the deployment of the cutting blade  134 , the activation of the electrosurgical energy, and the full extension of the cutting blade  134 . 
     In operation of one embodiment of the disclosure, the cutting blade  134  may deploy as one of the predetermined operating conditions of the forceps. Other predetermined operating conditions include the activation of the electrosurgical energy and the full extension of the cutting blade  134 . One or more resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114  of the alarm circuit  106  may short, thereby causing the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191 . The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a series of resistances  109  including resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114  are arranged in the alarm circuit  106 . The shorting of one or more resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114  of the series of resistances  109  is indicative of a predetermined operating condition of the forceps. A first switch  116 , second switch  118 , or third switch  120  may be activated to short a respective first resistance  110 , second resistance  112 , or third resistance  114 . Alternatively, anyone of first, second, or third switch  116 ,  118 ,  120  may be arranged to short a plurality of first, second, or third resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114 . As one skilled in the art can appreciate, these and many other configurations are plausible. 
     The alarm  108  may be arranged to emit a different signal  191  depending upon which predetermined operating condition is satisfied. The present disclosure also contemplates the emission of different percipient signals  191  including through audition, vision, and tactition. For example, the signal  191  may be a sound, a light, or a vibration. Resistors  110 ,  112 ,  114  may readily be interchanged or combined with alternative types of electrical impedance including various arrangements of inductors, capacitors, transistors, etc. Further, various switches  116 ,  118 ,  120  may also be used interchangeably, e.g., toggle, pressure, temperature, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , one embodiment of the distal portion  404   b  of the forceps  404  includes a pressure sensor  122  configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  engages tissue  193 . In this embodiment, the pressure sensor  122  is coupled to the distal end of the cutting blade  134 . However, the pressure sensor  122  may also be coupled to one or more of the following components of a forceps: the trigger, the handle, the shaft, one or both of the jaw members, or the housing. 
     Generally, the pressure sensor  122  ( FIG. 7 ) functions in a binary manner. For example, when the cutting blade  134  engages the tissue  193  ( FIG. 5A and 5B ), pressure is applied to the pressure sensor  122 , the pressure sensor  122  then shorts the alarm circuit  106  causing the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191 . For example, the pressure sensor  122  may operably couple to the handle  136 , causing the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191  as the handle  136  translates to a predetermined position, wherein the predetermined position can be indicative of a tissue engaging point. The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIGS. 1 ). 
     Alternatively, a trigger  138  may be operably coupled to the alarm  108 , and configured to emit a signal  191  when the trigger  138  is translated, deploying the cutting blade  134  to a predetermined location ( FIG. 8 ). 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the proximal portion  504   a  of a forceps  504  includes a handle  136  and the trigger  138  is operatively associated with the housing  199  of forceps  104 . The forceps  104  has an electrical contact  140  coupled thereto and a first contact plate  142  attached to trigger  138 . A second contact plate  144  is attached to the handle  136 , wherein each respective contact plate  142 ,  144  is configured to correspond to a predetermined position of the cutting blade  134 . As such, the first and/or second contact plates  142 ,  144  are arranged to engage the electrical contact  140  to activate the alarm  108  after some translation of the trigger  138 . 
     Other configurations envision having both the first and second contact plates  142 ,  144  arranged to engage the electrical contact  140  in combination to activate the alarm  108 . For example, the trigger  138  enables the alarm  108  to be activated in various configurations when the surgeon translates the trigger  138  to a predetermined position. As such, when the surgeon moves the trigger  138  relative to the housing  199 , one or both contact plates  142 ,  144  contacts the electrical contact  140 , causing a short in the alarm circuit  106 , which, in turn, causes the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191 . The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a further embodiment of the distal portion  604   b  of a forceps  604  includes an alarm  108  that has an optical measurement feature  154  that is configured to emit a signal  191  upon a predetermined operating condition of the forceps  604 . The predetermined operating condition of the forceps  604  may include: cutting blade  134  deployment, cutting blade  134  partially extended, and cutting blade  134  fully extended.  FIG. 9  shows an optical measurement feature  154  having an LED (light emitting diode) device. In other configurations, the optical measurement feature  154  includes an image processing device. 
     A surgeon deploys the cutting blade  134  which translates to a predetermined position. The optical measurement feature  154  detects the position of the cutting blade  134  triggering the alarm  108  to emit a signal  191 . For example, the LED projects a beam of light  189  along a bisecting plane transverse to the travel path of the cutting blade  134  at a predetermined location. The cutting blade  134  is deployed and subsequently interferes with the path of the light beam  189 , triggering the LED device  154  to short one or more resistances  110 ,  112 ,  114  of the alarm circuit  106 , causing the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191 . The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , one embodiment of the of the proximal portion  704   a  of a forceps  704  includes an optical measurement feature  154  disposed on the handle  136  that is configured to emit a signal  191  upon satisfaction of a predetermined operating condition of the forceps  704  such as trigger  138  activation, trigger  138  partially translated, and trigger  138  fully translated. In certain configurations, the optical measurement feature  154  can be an LED device. In other arrangements, the optical measurement feature  154  may be an image processing device. 
     In operation of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgeon activates the trigger  138 . The trigger  138  is translated to a predetermined position and the optical measurement feature  154  detects the position of the trigger  138 . This triggers the alarm  108  to emit a signal  191 . For example, in an LED arrangement, a beam of light  189  projects along a bisecting plane transverse to the travel path of the trigger  138  at a predetermined location. The trigger  138  interferes with the path of the light beam  189 , triggering the LED device  154  to short one or more resistances  110 ,  112 ,  114  of the alarm circuit  106 , causing the alarm  108  to emit a warning signal  191 . The emission of the signal  191  can be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , one embodiment of the of the proximal portion  804   a  of a forceps  804  has an magnetic sensor  160  (e.g., a Hall Effect sensor), that is configured to emit a signal  191  upon a predetermined operating condition of the forceps  804 . As illustrated, the alarm  108  ( FIG. 1 ) is operatively coupled to the cutting blade  134  and configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  is deployed into the blade channel  128  of the jaw members  824   a  (not shown),  824   b  of the end effector  805  or when the cutting blade  134  moves relative thereto. Similarly, the alarm  108  may be configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  moves to a predetermined position relative to the blade channel  128 . For example, the alarm  108  may be configured to emit a signal  191  when the cutting blade  134  moves relative to the blade channel  128  and crosses a magnetic field defined by the magnetic sensor  160  for detecting motion of the cutting blade  134 . The emission of the signal  191  may be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In operation of one embodiment of the disclosure, when a surgeon deploys the cutting blade  134  and fails to activate electrosurgical energy to the vessel  193 , the cutting blade  134  will deploy to a predetermined location and trigger the magnetic sensors  160  to cause the alarm  108  to emit a signal  191 , warning the surgeon that the cutting blade  134  has been activated independent of the electrosurgical energy. The emission of the signal  191  may be independent of the activation of the energy source  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.