Patent Publication Number: US-2018040433-A1

Title: Foot powered surgical device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/370,546, filed on Aug. 3, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Handheld surgical devices may be powered by activation of a button on a handset of the surgical device or by activation of a foot pedal connected to the surgical device. As such, the surgical device may be powered on when the button or foot pedal is activated, and powered off when the button or foot pedal is released. 
     SUMMARY 
     As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described that is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described that is closer to a user. Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described herein may be used in conjunction with any of the other aspects described herein. 
     Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical system including a handheld surgical device, a foot pedal, and a converter. The handheld surgical device includes an end effector and an electrically-powered drive assembly configured to drive the end effector assembly. The foot pedal is configured to receive input mechanical energy from a user and to output mechanical energy. The converter is operably coupled to the handheld surgical device and the foot pedal and is configured to receive the output mechanical energy from the foot pedal and to output electrical energy to the electrically-powered drive assembly. 
     In an aspect of the present disclosure, a storage device is operably coupled to the converter and configured to receive at least some of the output electrical energy from the converter. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrically-powered auxiliary device is operably coupled to the handheld surgical device and configured to be powered by the output electrical energy from the converter. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the input mechanical energy is rotational motion and the output mechanical energy is rotational motion. Alternatively, the input mechanical energy is longitudinal motion and wherein the output mechanical energy is rotational motion. Alternatively, the input mechanical energy is rotational motion and wherein the output mechanical energy is longitudinal motion. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the foot pedal is coupled to the converter via a connector including mechanical energy-transmission components disposed therein. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the converter is coupled to the handheld surgical device via a connector including one or more electrical wires disposed therein. 
     In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the foot pedal includes a hinged platform pivotable between an actuated position and an un-actuated position. Alternatively, the foot pedal includes a wheel and at least one pedal coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel about an axis. Alternatively, the foot pedal includes a slider slidable between a first position and a second position. 
     Another surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a handheld surgical device, a foot pedal, and a converter. The handheld surgical device includes an end effector and a drive assembly configured to drive the end effector assembly. The foot pedal is configured to receive input mechanical energy from a user and to output mechanical energy. The converter is operably coupled to the handheld surgical device and the foot pedal and configured to receive the output mechanical energy from the foot pedal and to output a different mechanical energy to the drive assembly. 
     In an aspect of the present disclosure, the converter is configured to receive rotational motion as the output mechanical energy and output longitudinal motion as the different mechanical energy. Alternatively, the converter is configured to receive longitudinal motion as the output mechanical energy and output rotational motion as the different mechanical energy. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the different mechanical energy is mechanical motion of a different speed as compared to a speed of mechanical motion of the output mechanical energy. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an auxiliary device is operably coupled to the handheld surgical device and configured to be powered by the different mechanical energy from the converter. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the foot pedal is coupled to the converter via a first connector including first mechanical energy-transmission components. Additionally or alternatively, the converter is coupled to the drive assembly via a second connector including second mechanical energy-transmission components. 
     In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the foot pedal includes a hinged platform pivotable between an actuated position and an un-actuated position. Alternatively, the foot pedal includes a wheel and at least one pedal coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel about an axis. Alternatively, the foot pedal includes a slider slidable between a first position and a second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of a surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of another surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are schematic illustrations of various foot pedal configurations for use with the surgical systems of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are schematic illustrations of various other foot pedal configurations for use with the surgical systems of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of still another foot pedal configuration for use with the surgical systems of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of yet another foot pedal configuration for use with the surgical systems of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Handheld surgical devices such as resection devices may be hard to grip and actuate. The forces that a user can supply and the duration for which the user can supply that force to the device may be inadequate to successfully perform the procedure. Some handheld surgical devices may use a foot-activated electrical power switch that activates a motor in the handheld device when the switch is depressed and deactivates the motor when switch is released. These devices may supply more or less electrical power to the motor in handheld surgical device depending upon the corresponding compression of the foot pedal, but may require significant capital investment. 
     The present disclosure employs a foot pedal and a handheld surgical device and, in embodiments, a converter and/or storage device. Power, energy, and/or force used to operate the handheld device is/are provided directly or indirectly from the foot pedal. The handheld surgical device may also be configured to couple to other auxiliary devices such as fluid management systems as needed for various surgical procedures. These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure are detailed below. 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of a surgical system  100  including a foot pedal  102  in communication with a handheld surgical device  106 . Foot pedal  102  may be configured similarly to any of the embodiments of foot pedals detailed hereinbelow, or in any other suitable manner. In embodiments, foot pedal  102 , when activated by a user, provides mechanical energy directly to handheld surgical device  106  via a connector  108 . Alternatively or additionally, foot pedal  102 , when activated, provides mechanical energy to a converter  104  via a connector  110 . Converter  104 , in turn, provides energy in some form, e.g., mechanical or electrical, to handheld surgical device  106  via a connector  112  and/or to a storage device  114 , e.g., a battery or capacitor, via a connector  116 . Storage device  114  may provide energy to handheld surgical device  106  via a connector  118 , as required, or may provide the energy back to converter  104 , via connector  112 , for delivery to handheld surgical device  106 . Converter  104  and/or storage device  114  may be contained within or on handheld surgical device  106 , or may be separate therefrom. Converter  104  and/or storage device  114  may alternatively be contained within or on foot pedal  102 . 
     Foot pedal  102  may additionally or alternatively, when activated, provide mechanical energy to one or more auxiliary devices  120 , e.g., a fluid management system. More specifically, the mechanical energy may be provided from foot pedal  102  directly to handheld surgical device  106  or to converter  104  which in turn, provides energy to handheld surgical device  106  for powering (mechanically and/or electrically) auxiliary device(s)  120 . Alternatively, the mechanical energy from foot pedal  102  may be provided to auxiliary device(s)  120  directly via one or more connectors  122  or through converter  104  via one or more connectors  124 . In either of these configurations, auxiliary device(s)  120  is connected to handheld surgical device  106  via one or more connectors  126 , e.g., to provide fluid inflow and outflow capabilities or other auxiliary function(s). 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1A , the connectors transferring mechanical energy from foot pedal  102 , e.g., connector  108 , connector  110 , and connector  122 , may include one or more torsion cables, chains, belts, and/or other suitable connectors capable of transferring mechanical energy. 
     In embodiments, converter  104  may be configured to adjust the mechanical energy provided thereto, e.g., by adjusting the speed, torque, and/or type of mechanical energy (uni-directional linear motion, reciprocating linear motion, rotational motion, combined rotational and linear motion, etc.), and output the adjusted mechanical energy via connector(s)  112 ,  116 , and/or  124 . In such configurations, converter  104  may implement adjustable gear ratios, clutches, and/or other features to adjust the mechanical energy to meet operating parameters for the particular handheld surgical device  106  to be used. The connectors transferring the adjusted mechanical energy from converter  104 , e.g., connector  112 , connector  116 , and connector  124 , may include one or more torsion cables, chains, belts, and/or other suitable connectors capable of transferring mechanical energy. 
     In embodiments, convertor  104  is additionally or alternatively configured to store mechanical energy within storage device  114  (which may be part of or separate from converter  104 ). This may be accomplished, for example, by loading a spring or spinning a flywheel. Thus, the user can build up stored mechanical energy within storage device  114  by operation of foot pedal  102 , enabling the stored mechanical energy to be extracted as needed from convertor  104  to operate handheld surgical device  106 . In such configurations, the connectors to/from storage device  114 , e.g., connector  116  and/or connector  118  may include one or more torsion cables, chains, belts, and/or other suitable connectors capable of transferring mechanical energy. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , in embodiments, converter  104  may receive mechanical energy (uni-directional linear motion, reciprocating linear motion, rotational motion, combined rotational and linear motion, etc.) from foot pedal  102  and convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy, e.g., for output to handheld surgical device  106 , storage device  114 , and/or auxiliary device(s)  120 . That is, in such configurations, converter  104  functions as a transducer. In such configurations, storage device  114  may be, for example, a battery or capacitor; handheld surgical device  106  and/or auxiliary device  120  may include electric motors or other electric-powered drives or outputs; and/or the connectors downstream of converter  104 , e.g., connector  112 , connector  116 , connector  118 , connector  124 , and/or connector  126 , for example, may include one or more electrical wires configured to transmit electrical energy therealong. Converter  104  may be configured to regulate the electrical power supplied to handheld surgical device  106  and/or auxiliary device(s)  120  independent of the speed of and/or pressure applied to foot pedal  102 , or may output the electrical power in proportion to the speed of and/or pressure applied to foot pedal  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , in embodiments, a surgical system  200  is provided wherein the handheld surgical device is a resection tool  206  and is coupled to a foot pedal  202  by way of a connector  210  and coupled to a fluid management system  220  by way of connectors  221   a ,  221   b . Resection tool  206  generally includes a handle portion  207   a , an elongated body portion  207   b  extending distally from the handle portion  207   a , and an end effector assembly  207   c , e.g., a reciprocating cutter, a rotational cutter, or a combination reciprocating and rotating cutting, extending distally from elongated body portion  207   b . Resection tool  206  may house converter  204  within handle portion  207   a  thereof (as shown), or converter  204  may be separate therefrom. 
     In embodiments where resection tool  206  is electrically powered, resection tool  206  may include a drive assembly  207   d  including a motor electrically coupled to converter  204  and mechanically coupled to end effector assembly  207   c  to drive movement of end effector assembly  207   c  upon activation. The storage device (not shown), in embodiments where provided, may be disposed within handle portion  207   a , or may be separate therefrom, for storing electrical energy for later delivery to drive assembly  207   d.    
     In embodiments where resection tool  206  is mechanically powered, converter  204 , if so provided, adjusts the mechanical energy received from foot pedal  202  and provides an appropriate output to drive assembly  207   d  and/or the storage device (not shown), in embodiments where such is provided. Alternatively, converter  204  and drive assembly  207   d  may be integrated with one another. In either configuration, drive assembly  207   d  may include, for example, gears, pulleys, cam structures, drive screws, cables, chains, belts, and/or other suitable drive structures to effect operation of end effector assembly  207   c  in response to activation of drive assembly  207   d.    
     Fluid management system  220  includes one or more fluid pumps, fluid supply reservoirs, and/or fluid collection reservoirs, and includes an inflow connector  221   a  and an outflow connector  221   b  to respectively permit fluid inflow into and fluid outflow from a surgical site. Fluid management system  220  may be electrically powered by converter  204  or, if provided, by the storage device (not shown), or mechanically powered directly by foot pedal  202 , by converter  204 , if provided, by the storage device (not shown), or by drive assembly  207   d.    
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A-5 , a variety of foot pedal configurations for use with system  100  ( FIG. 1A ), system  200  ( FIG. 1B ), or any other suitable surgical system are provided in accordance with the present disclosure and detailed below. Such foot pedal configurations includes treadle action configurations, pedal configurations similar to a bicycle, pedals configured to convert rotational motion into longitudinal motion, pedals configured to convert longitudinal motion into rotational motion, etc. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate embodiments of treadle configuration foot pedals  302 - 502 , respectively. For example,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a foot pedal  302  including a base  303   a  and a hinged platform  303   b  pivotably coupled to base  303   a  via a pivot pin  303   c  towards an end of hinged platform  303   b  such that hinged platform  303   b  defines a cantilever configuration. Hinged platform  303   b  is selectively depressible relative to base  303   a  to rotate pivot pin  303   c  relative to base  303   a . More specifically, hinged platform  303   b  is movable through a radiused arc “A” about pivot pin  303   c  and relative to base  303   a  between an un-actuated position, wherein the free end of hinged platform  303   b  is farther spaced-apart from base  303   a , and an actuated position, wherein the free end of hinged platform  303   b  is closer to base  303   a . Actuation of hinged platform  303   b  rotates pivot pin  303   c  relative to base  303   a . As such, pivot pin  303   c  may be coupled to an output device for outputting rotational motion thereto, e.g., for direct or ultimate delivery to a surgical device, auxiliary device, storage device, etc. Foot pedal  302  may include a one-way mechanism  303   d  configured such that rotational motion is imparted from pivot pin  303   c  in only one direction, e.g., in the actuation direction of hinged platform  303   a . One-way mechanism  303   d  may include a clutch, pawl/ratchet mechanism, etc. Other output configurations are also contemplated. 
       FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrates foot pedals  402  and  502 , respectively, similar to foot pedal  302  ( FIG. 2A ) and each including a base  403   a ,  503   a  and a hinged platform  403   b ,  503   b  pivotably coupled to base  403   a ,  503   a  via a pivot pin  403   c ,  503   c  towards an end of hinged platform  403   b ,  503   b  and selectively depressible relative to base  303   a  to move hinged platform  403   b ,  503   b  through a radiused arc “A” about pivot pin  403   c ,  503   c , thus rotating pivot pin  403   c ,  503   c  relative to base  403   a ,  503   a , respectively. Foot pedals  402 ,  502  move between an un-actuated position and an actuated position, similarly as foot pedal  302  ( FIG. 2A ), to output rotational motion from pivot pin  403   c ,  503   c , e.g., for direct or ultimate delivery to a surgical device, auxiliary device, storage device, etc. Foot pedals  402 ,  502  may also include one-way mechanisms  403   d ,  503   d . Foot pedals  402 ,  502  differ from foot pedal  302  ( FIG. 2A ) in that foot pedals  402 ,  502  include biasing members  403   e ,  503   e  configured to bias hinged platforms  403   b ,  503   b  towards the un-actuated position. Biasing member  403   e  of foot pedal  402  is a compression spring extending between hinged platform  403   b , towards the free end thereof, and base  403   a . Biasing member  503   e  of foot pedal  502  is a torsion spring disposed about pivot pin  503   c . Other suitable biasing members are also contemplated. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate foot pedal configurations similar to a bicycle.  FIGS. 3A and 3B , for example, illustrate a foot pedal  602  including a wheel  603   a  disposed about a central pivot pin  603   b , and a pedal  603   c  coupled to central pivot pin  603   b . Pedal  603   c  includes a base  603   d  coupled to central pivot pin  603   b , and a lever  603   e , configured to receive a foot of a user, extending from base  603   d . As a result of this configuration, urging of lever  603   e  to rotate about the axis of central pivot pin  603   b  rotates pedal  603   c , central pivot pin  603   b , and wheel  603   a  about the axis of central pivot pin  603   b . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , wheel  603   a  may include an output mechanism  603   f , e.g., a belt, disposed thereabout for receiving the rotational motion from wheel  603   a . Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , central pivot pin  603   b  may be coupled to an output mechanism  603   g , e.g., a gear box, for receiving the rotational motion from central pivot pin  603   b . Other suitable output configurations are also contemplated. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a foot pedal  702  similar to foot pedal  602  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and including a wheel  703   a  disposed about a central pivot pin  703   b , and a pedal  703   c  coupled to wheel  703   a  towards the outer annular periphery thereof. Pedal  703   c  includes a base  703   d  coupled to wheel  703   a  and a lever  703   e , configured to receive a foot of a user, extending from base  703   d . Urging of lever  703   e  to rotate about the axis of central pivot pin  703   b  rotates pedal  703   c , central pivot pin  703   b , and wheel  703   a  about the axis of central pivot pin  703   b . Foot pedal  702  may be coupled to any suitable output for outputting rotational motion thereto. 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a foot pedal  802  similar to foot pedal  602  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and including a wheel  803   a  disposed about a central pivot pin  803   b . Foot pedal  802  differs from foot pedal  602  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) in that, rather than providing a single pedal  603   c  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), foot pedal  802  includes a pair of pedals  803   c , one disposed on each side of wheel  803   a . Thus, foot pedal  802  enables two-footed actuation. Foot pedal  802  may otherwise be similar to and/or include any of the features of foot pedal  602  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , another foot pedal provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown as foot pedal  902 . Foot pedal  902  is configured to convert rotational motion into longitudinal motion and includes a wheel  903   a , e.g., a standard wheel or a flywheel, disposed about a central pivot pin  903   b , and a pedal  903   c  coupled to wheel  903   a  towards the outer annular periphery thereof, a linkage  903   d , and an output member  903   e . Linkage  903   d  is pivotably coupled to pedal  903   c  at one end portion thereof and pivotably coupled to output member  903   e , e.g., a gearbox, pulley system, etc., at the opposite end portion thereof. As a result of this configuration, urging of pedal  903   c  to rotate about the axis of central pivot pin  903   b  rotates pedal  903   c  to, in turn, rotate wheel  903   a  about the axis of central pivot pin  903   b , thereby pushing or pulling linkage  903   d  (depending upon the position of the pedal  903   c ) to, in turn, longitudinally translate output member  903   e . In this manner, rotational input provided to foot pedal  902 , as indicated by arrows “R,” is converted into longitudinal output from foot pedal  902 , as indicated by arrows “L.” Foot pedal  902  may be configured to output a reciprocating longitudinal motion or may include a one-way mechanism to only output longitudinal motion in a single direction. 
     In embodiments where wheel  903   a  is a flywheel, the energy stored therein helps regulate the output speed and to keep the crank in motion. The configuration, e.g., size and weight, of linkage  903   d  may be selected so as to influence the amount of energy stored and the rotational speed of the flywheel. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , another foot pedal provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown as foot pedal  1002 . Foot pedal  1002  is configured to convert longitudinal motion into rotational motion and includes a slider  1003   a  and a pinion  1003   b . Slider  1003   a  includes a first end portion defining a foot-receiving socket  1003   c  and a second end portion defining a rack  1003   d . Foot-receiving socket  1003   c  is configured to receive the foot of a user and includes front and rear stops  1003   e ,  1003   f  configured to inhibit longitudinal motion of the user&#39;s foot relative to slider  1003   a  when disposed within socket  1003   c . To this end, front stop  1003   e  and/or rear stop  1003   f  may be adjustable to enable secure receipt of a user&#39;s foot within socket  1003   c  regardless of the user&#39;s foot size. 
     Rack  1003   d  of slider  1003   a  is disposed in meshed engagement with pinion  1003   c . As a result of this configuration, urging of socket  1003   c  of slider  1003   a  to move longitudinally by a user&#39;s foot disposed therein urges rack  1003   d  of slider  1003   a  to move longitudinally, thereby rotating pinion  1003   c  about the axis of pivot pin  1003   g , which supports pinion  1003   c  thereon. Thus, longitudinal input provided to foot pedal  1002 , as indicated by arrows “L,” is converted into rotational output from foot pedal  1002 , as indicated by arrows “R.” Foot pedal  1002  may be configured to output rotational motion in two directions or may include a one-way mechanism to only output rotational motion in a single direction. With respect to the output of foot pedal  1002 , pivot pin  1003   g  may be coupled to an output device to impart rotational output thereto and/or an output device, e.g., a gearbox, may be operably coupled to pinion  1003   c  to receive rotational output therefrom. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.