Patent ID: 12186006

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1to5.

FIG.1is a diagram showing a treatment device1that is an energy treatment device of this embodiment. As shown inFIG.1, the treatment device1includes a housing4and a cylindrical shaft5connected to the housing4. The housing4can be held. The housing4is connected to one end of a cable7. The other end of the cable7is detachably connected to a power supply device3.

The shaft5defines longitudinal axis L. Here, the direction along longitudinal axis L is defined as the longitudinal direction. One side in the longitudinal direction is referred to as a distal side (arrow L1side inFIG.1), and the opposite side to the distal side is referred to as a proximal side (arrow L2side inFIG.1). The shaft5extends from the proximal side to the distal side along longitudinal axis L and is connected to the distal side of the housing4.

The shaft5has a distal section provided with an end effector6. The end effector6includes a first gripping piece13and a second gripping piece14. The first gripping piece13and the second gripping piece14are configured to open and close with respect to each other. In this embodiment, the first gripping piece13is supported by the shaft5, and the second gripping piece14is attached to the shaft5rotatably with respect to the first gripping piece13.

The first gripping piece13includes a treatment surface (facing surface)17that faces the second gripping piece14and applies treatment energy to a treatment target. The second gripping piece14includes a treatment surface (facing surface)18that faces the treatment surface17of the first gripping piece13and applies treatment energy to a treatment target.

The directions in which the end effector6opens and closes intersect (are perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) longitudinal axis L. Of the opening and closing directions of the end effector6, the direction in which the second gripping piece14opens with respect to the first gripping piece13is defined as an opening direction (arrow Y1) of the second gripping piece14, and the direction in which the second gripping piece14closes with respect to the first gripping piece13is defined as a closing direction (arrow Y2) of the second gripping piece14. Here, the direction that intersects (are perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) longitudinal axis L and intersects (are perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) the opening and closing directions of the end effector6is defined as a width direction of the end effector6.

The housing4includes a housing main body10and a grip (fixed handle)11. The housing main body10extends along longitudinal axis L. The grip11extends from the housing main body10toward the side away from longitudinal axis L. The shaft5is connected to the housing main body10from the distal side.

A movable handle12is rotatably attached to the housing main body10. The movable handle12is located on the grip11side with respect to longitudinal axis L, and is located on the distal side with respect to the grip11in this embodiment. When the movable handle12pivots with respect to the housing main body10, the movable handle12opens or closes with respect to the grip11. When the movable handle12opens or closes with respect to the grip11, an operation of opening or closing the end effector6as described above is input through the movable handle12. That is, the movable handle12is an open/close operation input unit.

The movable handle12and the second gripping piece14are connected through a movable member16. The movable member16extends within the shaft5along longitudinal axis L. Opening or closing the movable handle12with respect to the grip11causes the movable member16to move along longitudinal axis L with respect to the shaft5and the housing4, and the second gripping piece14to pivot with respect to the shaft5. In this manner, the gripping pieces13and14open or close with respect to each other. The treatment target is gripped between the gripping pieces13and14by closing the gripping pieces13and14with the treatment target disposed between the gripping pieces13and14.

In one embodiment, the movable handle12is on the proximal side with respect to the grip11. In another embodiment, the movable handle12is located on the side opposite to the grip11with respect to longitudinal axis L, and moves in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) longitudinal axis L in the open and close operations.

In yet another embodiment, an operating member, such as a rotary knob, is attached to the housing main body10. In this case, pivoting the operating member on longitudinal axis L with respect to the housing4allows the shaft5and the end effector6together with the operating member to rotate about longitudinal axis L with respect to the housing4.

The power supply device3includes a high-frequency power supply and an ultrasonic power supply. The high-frequency power supply includes a waveform generator, conversion circuitry, and a transformer, etc. and converts power from a battery power source, an outlet power source, or the like into high-frequency power. As will be described later, at least a part of each of the first gripping piece13and the second gripping piece14is formed of an electro-conductive material. The high-frequency power supply is electrically connected to the electro-conductive material of each of the first and second gripping pieces13and14via an electrical path provided through the inside of the cable7, the inside of the housing4, and the inside of the shaft5. The high-frequency power supply outputs the high-frequency power obtained from the power conversion through the aforementioned electrical path, and supplies the high-frequency power as electrical energy to the first gripping piece13and the second gripping piece14.

The ultrasonic power supply includes a waveform generator, a conversion circuit, and a transformer, etc. and converts power from a battery power source, an outlet power source, or the like into alternating current power. An ultrasonic transducer9and a vibration transmitting member (probe)8connected to the ultrasonic transducer9from the distal side are provided inside the housing main body10. The ultrasonic power supply is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer9via an electrical path provided through the inside of the cable7and the inside of the housing4. The ultrasonic transducer9, upon being supplied with electric energy (AC power) from the ultrasonic power supply, generates ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic vibration generated with the ultrasonic transducer9is transmitted to the vibration transmitting member8.

The vibration transmitting member8extends from the inside of the housing main body10to the distal side, passes through the inside of the shaft5, and protrudes from the distal end of the shaft5toward the distal side. The first gripping piece13is formed by the protrusion of the vibration transmitting member8from the shaft5toward the distal side. The ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer9is transmitted to the distal end of the vibration transmitting member8, forming the first gripping piece13. As a result, the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the first gripping piece13as treatment energy. The vibration transmitting member8is preferably formed of a material having electrical conductivity and high vibration-transmitting properties. In this embodiment, the vibration transmitting member8is formed of a titanium alloy, which is compatible with living tissue. The vibration transmitting member8may be formed of a metal material other than a titanium alloy, such as duralumin or stainless steel.

The housing main body10is provided with an operation button15. The operation button15is an energy operation input unit. When an operation is input through the operation button15with a treatment target being gripped between the gripping pieces13and14, the treatment device1is supplied with electric energy from, for example, each of the high-frequency power supply and the ultrasonic power supply. Then, high-frequency current and ultrasonic vibration are applied as treatment energy to the gripped treatment target. In one example, instead of or in addition to the operation button15, a foot switch electrically connected to the power supply device3is provided separately from the treatment device1.

In another example, the housing main body10is provided with a plurality of operation buttons15. When an operation is input through one of the plurality of operation buttons15with a treatment target being gripped, only high-frequency current is applied to the treatment target as treatment energy, for example. Further, when an operation is input through another one of the plurality of operation buttons15with a treatment target being gripped, high-frequency current and ultrasonic vibration are applied to the treatment target as treatment energy, for example.

FIG.2is a view of a cross section intersecting (are perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) longitudinal axis L of the end effector6. The first gripping piece13is electrically conductive. The first gripping piece13is formed of metal, for example. In this embodiment, the first gripping piece13is formed by the protrusion of the vibration transmitting member8from the shaft5toward the distal side, and is formed of a titanium alloy. The first gripping piece13includes a treatment surface17, a back surface19facing the opposite side to the treatment surface17, and a pair of side surfaces20facing outward in the width direction of the end effector6.

In this embodiment, the vibration transmitting member8is a base material having electrical conductivity and forming the treatment surface17. Further, in this embodiment, the first gripping piece13is formed of the base.

The vibration transmitting member8is connected to one end of an electrical path formed of an electrical line etc. inside the housing main body10. This electrical path extends through the inside of the housing4and the inside of the cable7, and is connected to the high-frequency power supply of the power supply device3at the other end. The vibration transmitting member8is electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via this electrical path. This makes it possible to supply high-frequency power from the high-frequency power supply to the first gripping piece13. The first gripping piece13, upon being supplied with the high-frequency power, serves as a first electrode.

The second gripping piece (gripping member)14includes a support (jaw)21. The support21is connected to the shaft5so as to be pivotal on the shaft5. The support21has electrical conductivity. The support (electro-conductive member)21is formed of, for example metal. The support21forms part of the treatment surface18.

The support21is connected to one end of an electrical path formed of, for example, an electrical line. This electrical path extends through the inside of the shaft5, the inside of the housing4, and the inside of the cable7, and is connected to the high-frequency power supply of the power supply device3at the other end. The support21and the high-frequency power supply are electrically connected via this electrical path. This makes it possible to supply high-frequency power from the high-frequency power supply to the support21. The support21, upon being supplied with the high frequency power, serves as a second electrode different from the first electrode.

The second gripping piece14includes a short-circuit preventing member (pad member)23. The short-circuit preventing member23is attached to the support21from the gripping piece13side. The short-circuit preventing member23is disposed at the center of the gripping piece14in the width direction and forms a center portion of the treatment surface18. The short-circuit preventing member23has electrical insulation properties. The short-circuit preventing member23is formed of, for example, a resin material.

When the gripping pieces13and14are closed with respect to each other, the short-circuit preventing member23of the gripping piece14is in contact with the treatment surface17of the gripping piece13. In this state, a gap is formed between the support21and the treatment surface17of the gripping piece13, and the treatment surface17of the gripping piece13is not in contact with the support21. Therefore, in a state where the support21and the gripping piece13serve as electrodes, a short circuit is effectively prevented from occurring in electric circuitry in which high-frequency power is outputted from the power supply device3to the support21and the gripping piece13.

An organic layer41and an anti-sticking coating (coating)51are formed on the surface of the first gripping piece13. The organic layer41is provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the first gripping piece13. The organic layer41is a monomolecular film formed with a surface modifier on the surface of the first gripping piece13. The organic layer41is bonded to each of the surfaces of the first gripping piece13and the anti-sticking coating51, thereby bringing the first gripping piece13and the anti-sticking coating51into adhesion. The anti-sticking coating51is a monomolecular film formed on the surface of the organic layer41.

In this embodiment, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are provided in the region where the treatment surface17is provided in the longitudinal direction. Further, the organic layer41and anti-sticking coating51are formed in a region including the treatment surface17in the surface (outer peripheral surface) about longitudinal axis L of the first gripping piece13. The organic layer41and anti-sticking coating51are provided on the treatment surface17and part of the side surfaces20in the outer peripheral surface of the first gripping piece13.

The organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51will be described with reference toFIGS.3to5. As shown inFIG.3, the surface of the first gripping piece13is covered with hydroxyl groups OH due to the reaction of metal matrix M with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere. In this embodiment, metal matrix M is titanium.

The organic layer41is formed of a material containing a titanate coupling agent. The titanate coupling agent of this embodiment includes a titanium atom Ti, one or more hydrolyzable groups OR, and an organic functional group Y. The titanium atom Ti and three hydrolyzable groups OR form a coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent.

Each of the hydrolyzable groups OR is chemically bonded to the titanium atom Ti. The hydrolyzable group OR is a reactive group which is to be chemically bonded to an inorganic material by hydrolysis etc., and is, for example, an alkoxy group, such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, etc. The organic functional group Y is chemically bonded to the titanium atom Ti. The organic functional group Y is a functional group that is to be bonded to an organic material, and is, for example, a vinyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a methacrylic group, or a mercapto group. In one embodiment, an amino group (an amine reactive group), for example, is used as the organic functional group Y. In this case, OC2H4NHC2H4NH2, for example, is used as the organic functional group Y.

As shown inFIG.4, in the surface of the first gripping piece13, the coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent is bonded to the surface of the first gripping piece13. The coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent being bonded to the surface of the first gripping piece13forms the organic layer41on the surface of the first gripping piece13.

Here, the bond between the coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent and the surface of the first gripping piece13may be a chemical bond (by hydrolysis) between a hydrolyzable group OR of the titanate coupling agent and a hydroxyl group OH on the surface of the first gripping piece13, a bond by chemisorption, a bond by intermolecular force, or a bond by other interactions.

The organic functional groups Y of the titanate coupling agent form a modified surface42over the surface of the first gripping piece13. In this embodiment, the modified surface42is formed of organic functional groups Y such as amine groups.

As shown inFIG.5, the anti-sticking coating51is formed of a material containing a silane coupling agent. The silane coupling agent includes a silicon atom Si, a molecular chain containing a carbon atom C and a fluorine atom F, and a hydrolyzable group OR.

In the silane coupling agent, three hydrolyzable groups OR are each chemically bonded to the silicon atom Si. In the silane coupling agent, the three hydrolyzable groups OR being chemically bonded to the silicon atom Si forms a coupling structure. The coupling structure is provided at each end of the molecular chain.

In the molecular chain, a fluorine atom F etc. is bonded to carbon atoms C bonded in a chain form. The hydrolyzable group OR is a reactive group which is to be chemically bonded to an inorganic material by hydrolysis etc., and is, for example, an alkoxy group, such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, etc.

Over the surface of the first gripping piece13, the coupling structure of the silane coupling agent is bonded to the organic functional group Y (e.g., amine group) forming the modified surface42of the organic layer41. The silane coupling agent being bonded to the organic layer41forms the anti-sticking coating51over the surface of the first gripping piece13through the organic layer41.

Here, the bond between the silane coupling agent and the modified surface42of the organic layer41includes a chemical bond between a hydrolyzable group OR of the silane coupling agent and the organic functional group Y (an amine group) of the titanate coupling agent, and a chemical bond (by hydrolysis) between the hydrolyzable group OR of the silane coupling agent and the hydroxyl group OH of the modified surface42, a bond by chemisorption, a bond by intermolecular force, and a bond by other interaction.

Next, a step of forming the organic layer41and anti-sticking coating51on the surface of the first gripping piece13including the treatment surface17in manufacturing of the treatment device1will be described. When forming the organic layer41and anti-sticking coating51on the treatment surface17, an operator first applies the titanate coupling agent to the surface of the first gripping piece13(seeFIG.3). The titanate coupling agent is accordingly bonded to the surface of the first gripping piece13as described above, which forms the organic layer41of the monomolecular film (seeFIG.4). The modified surface42is formed over the surface of the first gripping piece13through the organic layer41.

Next, the operator applies the silane coupling agent onto the modified surface42formed over the surface of the first gripping piece13. The coupling structure of the silane coupling agent is accordingly bonded to the modified surface42of the organic layer41as described above, which forms the anti-sticking coating51(seeFIG.5).

As described above, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are formed in a region including part of the side surfaces20and the treatment surface17in the outer peripheral surface of the first gripping piece13around the extended axis of the first gripping piece13(seeFIG.2). In the step of forming the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are formed in a desired region of the surface of the first gripping piece13, for example by masking the portions other than the portion where the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are intended to be formed.

Next, the operation and effect of the treatment device1of this embodiment will be described. When performing treatment using the treatment device1, first, the end effector6is inserted into a body cavity such as an abdominal cavity. Then, a treatment target, such as a blood vessel, is disposed between the paired gripping pieces13and14, and the end effector6is closed. In this manner, the treatment target is gripped between the gripping pieces13and14. By inputting an operation to make the power supply device3supply electric energy to the treatment device1with the treatment target being gripped between the gripping pieces13and14, at least one of the high-frequency current and the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the gripped treatment target as treatment energy, as described above.

Further, in this embodiment, the first gripping piece13and the vibration transmitting member8are formed of a titanium alloy, which has a high vibration transmissibility. Therefore, the vibration generated by an ultrasonic vibrator is effectively transmitted to the treatment surface17through the vibration transmitting member8and the first gripping piece13.

Further, in this embodiment, the anti-sticking coating51is provided over the treatment surface17of the first gripping piece13. As described above, the anti-sticking coating51includes the silane coupling agent, and the silane coupling agent of this embodiment has the molecular chain including a fluorine atom F. Therefore, providing the anti-sticking coating51over the treatment surface17imparts a function of preventing the sticking of tissue and water repellency to the treatment surface17.

Further, in this embodiment, the titanate coupling agent used for the organic layer41and the silane coupling agent used for the anti-sticking coating51are capable of forming a monomolecular film. This allows the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51to be formed to be thin. Forming the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51to be thin can reduce the electrical resistance of the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51. Thus, even when the surface of the first gripping piece13is subjected to a coating for preventing sticking, a high-frequency current can be effectively applied to the treatment target from the treatment surface17. That is, according to the treatment device1of this embodiment, it is possible to provide the treatment surface17with a function of preventing the sticking of a treatment target and to effectively apply a high-frequency current to the treatment target from the treatment surface17.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the organic layer41is provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the first gripping piece13. The organic layer41being bonded to each of the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the first gripping piece13allows the anti-sticking coating51to adhere to the surface of the first gripping piece13.

Further, in this embodiment, in the step of applying the titanate coupling agent to the surface of the first gripping piece13, the modified surface42due to the organic functional groups Y of the organic layer41is formed over the surface of the first gripping piece13. In general, silane coupling agents are known to have better bonding properties to organic materials than to titanium. Therefore, by forming the modified surface42through the organic layer41on the surface of the first gripping piece13, the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51formed by the silane coupling agent to the surface of the first gripping piece13is improved as compared with the case where the silane coupling agent is applied directly onto the surface of the first gripping piece13. The improved adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13makes the anti-sticking coating51less likely to be peeled off, which reduces the rate of deterioration of the anti-sticking coating51resulting from friction and heat during treatment. This also improves the durability of the treatment device1.

In this embodiment, an amine group is used as the organic functional group Y of the titanate coupling agent. Therefore, the durability of the anti-sticking coating51is improved as compared with the case where other functional groups are used as the organic functional group Y.

Further, in this embodiment, the organic layer41is formed by the titanate coupling agent. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first gripping piece13is formed of a titanium alloy. Here, titanate coupling agents are known to have better bonding properties to materials such as titanium than silane coupling agents. Therefore, the organic layer41being provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the first gripping piece13improves the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51formed by the silane coupling agent to the surface of the first gripping piece13as compared with the case where the silane coupling agent is applied directly onto the surface of the first gripping piece13.

The silane coupling agent of this embodiment has the coupling structure at both ends. Therefore, the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the organic layer41and the surface of the first gripping piece13is improved as compared with the case where a silane coupling agent having the coupling structure at one end is used.

A method of evaluating the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13will now be described. The evaluation of the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the first gripping piece13was carried out, for example, by a sticking test using a simulated tissue simulating a living tissue that is a treatment target. In this sticking test, first, the simulated tissue was incised using the treatment device1. In the incision of the simulated tissue, an output simulating the output in the incision procedure was performed, and the simulated tissue was incised between the gripping pieces13and14a predetermined number of times. At this time, for example, output for 2 to 4 seconds was performed a predetermined number of times. Next, using the treatment device1, the sticking state on the treatment surface17was evaluated. In the evaluation of the sticking state, a procedure that may cause sticking of the simulated tissue was performed a predetermined number of times. At this time, for example, output for 2 to 4 seconds was performed a predetermined number of times. After a coagulation treatment, the sticking state of the simulated tissue to the surface of the first gripping piece13was evaluated. Then, by repeating the steps of incising the simulated tissue and evaluating the sticking state, the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13and the durability of the anti-sticking coating51were evaluated.

For example, in the case where no anti-sticking coating is applied to the surface of the first gripping piece13, that is, where neither the organic layer41nor the anti-sticking coating51is provided, in the evaluation of the sticking state after approximately 100 times of outputting the treatment energy in incising of the simulated tissue in the above-described sticking test, the simulated tissue stuck to the surface of the first gripping piece13was not removed even if the end effector6of the treatment device1was shaken.

On the other hand, for example, in the case where a silane coupling agent having the coupling structure at one end is applied directly onto the surface of the first gripping piece13to provide an anti-sticking coating, in the evaluation of the sticking state after approximately 500 times of outputting the treatment energy in incising of the simulated tissue in the above-described sticking test, the state in which the simulated tissue does not stick to the surface of the first gripping piece13or the state in which the simulated tissue stuck to the surface of the first gripping piece13can be removed by shaking the end effector6of the treatment device1was maintained.

In addition, for example, in the case where a silane coupling agent having the coupling structure at both ends is applied directly onto the surface of the first gripping piece13to provide an anti-sticking coating, in the evaluation of the sticking state after approximately 700 times of outputting the treatment energy in incising of the simulated tissue in the above-described sticking test, the state in which the simulated tissue does not stick to the surface of the first gripping piece13or the state in which the simulated tissue stuck to the surface of the first gripping piece13can be removed by shaking the end effector6of the treatment device1was maintained.

Further, for example, in the case of using the treatment device1of this embodiment, in the evaluation of the sticking state, in 1500 times of outputting the treatment energy in incising of the simulated tissue in the above-described sticking test, the state in which the simulated tissue does not stick to the surface of the first gripping piece13or the state in which the simulated tissue stuck to the surface of the first gripping piece13can be removed by shaking the end effector6of the treatment device1was maintained.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the above embodiment. As shown inFIG.6, in this modification, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are provided in the region where the treatment surface17is provided in the extending direction, over the entire periphery around the extended axis (longitudinal axis L) of the gripping piece13.

In this modification, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are also provided on the side surfaces20and the back surface19in addition to the treatment surface17of the gripping piece13. Therefore, the back surface19and the side surfaces20as well as the treatment surface17are provided with the anti-sticking function and water repellency.

Further, in this modification, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51are formed over the entire periphery around the extended axis (longitudinal axis L) of the gripping piece13in the outer peripheral surface of the gripping piece13, which facilitates application of the coating agent to the surface of the first gripping piece13.

Moreover, the organic layer41being provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the gripping piece13improves the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13in this modification as in the first embodiment.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the above embodiment. As shown inFIG.7, in this modification, a thermal insulation coating (thermal insulation film)61is provided on at least a part (for example, the back surface19and the side surfaces20) of the surface of the gripping piece13other than the treatment surface17. The thermal insulation coating61is formed from a material having high thermal insulation properties and low thermal conductivity. Further, the thermal insulation coating61is preferably made of a material having electrical insulation properties. The thermal insulation coating61is formed of, for example a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin.

In this modification, the thermal insulation coating61being provided on the surface of the gripping piece13reduces the thermal harm from the region where the thermal insulation coating61is provided on the surface of the gripping piece13to living tissue. This prevents the heat generated in the treatment from affecting an unintended living tissue.

Moreover, the organic layer41being provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the gripping piece13improves the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13in this modification as in the first embodiment.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the above embodiment. As shown inFIG.8, the thermal insulation coating61is provided on at least a part of the surface of the gripping piece13other than the treatment surface17in this modification as in the second modification.

In this modification, the gripping piece13is provided with the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating51over the entire periphery around the extended axis (longitudinal axis L) of the gripping piece13in the outer peripheral surface of the gripping piece13. At the portion of the surface of the gripping piece13where the thermal insulation coating61is provided, the organic layer41is brought into close contact with the thermal insulation coating61from the outside, and the anti-sticking coating51is brought into close contact with the organic layer41from the outside.

Moreover, the organic layer41being provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the surface of the gripping piece13improves the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13in this modification as in the above embodiment.

The coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent of this embodiment also has good bonding properties to an organic material such as a resin. Thus, the organic layer41being provided between the anti-sticking coating51and the thermal insulation coating61improves the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating51to the surface of the first gripping piece13also in the portion where the thermal insulation coating61is provided.

Another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.9and10. In this embodiment, the above embodiment is modified as follows. The same parts as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of these parts is omitted.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, in this embodiment, an anti-sticking coating71is provided on the surface of the first gripping piece13. The anti-sticking coating71is bonded directly to the surface of the first gripping piece13.

As shown inFIG.10, the anti-sticking coating71is formed of a material including a titanate coupling agent. The titanate coupling agent of this embodiment includes a titanium atom Ti, a molecular chain containing a carbon atom C and a fluorine atom F, and a hydrolyzable group OR.

In the titanate coupling agent, three hydrolyzable groups OR are each chemically bonded to the titanium atom Ti. In the titanate coupling agent, the three hydrolyzable groups OR being chemically bonded to the titanium atom Ti forms a coupling structure. The coupling structure is provided at each end of the molecular chain.

In the molecular chain, the fluorine atom F or the like is bonded to the carbon atoms C bonded in a chain form. The hydrolyzable group OR is a reactive group which is to be chemically bonded to an inorganic material by hydrolysis etc., and is, for example, an alkoxy group, such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, etc.

In the surface of the first gripping piece13, the coupling structure of the titanate coupling agent is bonded to the surface of the first gripping piece13. The titanate coupling agent being bonded to the surface of the first gripping piece13forms the anti-sticking coating71on the surface of the first gripping piece13.

Here, the bond between the titanate coupling agent and the surface of the first gripping piece13includes a chemical bond (by hydrolysis) between the hydrolyzable groups OR of the titanate coupling agent and the hydroxyl groups OH covering the surface of the first gripping piece13, a bond by chemisorption, a bond by intermolecular force, and a bond by other interactions.

Next, the operation and effect of the treatment device1of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the anti-sticking coating71is provided on the treatment surface17of the first gripping piece13. As described above, the anti-sticking coating71includes the titanate coupling agent, and the titanate coupling agent of this embodiment has the molecular chain including a fluorine atom F. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, providing the anti-sticking coating71on the treatment surface17imparts an anti-sticking function and water repellency to the treatment surface17.

Further, in this embodiment, the titanate coupling agent used for the anti-sticking coating71is capable of forming a monomolecular film. This allows the anti-sticking coating71to be formed to be thin. Therefore, this embodiment, similarly to the above embodiment, makes it possible to provide the treatment surface17with a function of preventing the sticking of a treatment target and to effectively apply a high-frequency current to the treatment target from the treatment surface17.

In addition, in this embodiment, the anti-sticking coating71is formed by the titanate coupling agent.

Further, in this embodiment, the first gripping piece13is formed of a titanium alloy. Here, titanate coupling agents are known to have better bonding properties to materials such as titanium than silane coupling agents. Therefore, by forming the anti-sticking coating71from the titanate coupling agent, the adhesion strength of the anti-sticking coating71to the surface of the first gripping piece13is improved as compared with the case where the anti-sticking coating71is formed from a silane coupling agent.

Further, the titanate coupling agent of this embodiment has a coupling structure at both ends. Therefore, the adhesion strength to the surface of the first gripping piece13is improved as compared with the case where a titanate coupling agent having a coupling structure at one end is used.

As shown inFIG.11, in another exemplary embodiment, the organic layer41and the anti-sticking coating (second anti-sticking coating)51are also provided on the treatment surface18of the second gripping piece (gripping member)14in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In this case, it is possible to provide the treatment surface18of the second gripping piece14with a function of preventing the sticking of a treatment target and to effectively apply a high-frequency current to the treatment target from the treatment surface18.

In other exemplary embodiments, a heat source such as a heater is provided to at least one of the gripping pieces13and14, and heat generated by the heat source is used instead of ultrasonic vibration as treatment energy. In this case, the heat source is attached, from the side opposite to the treatment surface, to a thermally conductive member (e.g.,21) forming at least a part of the treatment surface (e.g.,18). The power supply device3is electrically connected to the heat source via an electrical path provided to pass through the inside of the housing4and the inside of the shaft5. The heat source, upon being supplied with electric energy from the power supply device3, generates heat, and the generated heat is applied to the treatment target through the thermally conductive member (e.g.21). Also, in this embodiment, both the first gripping piece13and the second gripping piece14may be attached to the shaft5rotatably with respect to the shaft.

In the above-described embodiments and the like, a bipolar energy treatment device (1) having a pair of gripping pieces (13,14) each of which is provided with an electrode has been described, but the configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to a monopolar energy treatment device. In this case, the energy treatment device includes an end effector formed of a base material, and the end effector has a treatment surface at least part of which is formed of an electrode. The aforementioned anti-sticking coating is provided over at least the treatment surface of the surface of the base material.

Common Configuration of Embodiments and the Like

An energy treatment device (1) includes: a base (8,13) including a treatment surface (17) that applies a high-frequency current to a treatment target when being supplied with electric energy, and having electrical conductivity; and an anti-sticking coating (51;71) which includes a coupling agent having a coupling structure, which is formed on at least the treatment surface (17) of the surface of the base (8,13) through a bond due to the coupling structure, and which prevents the treatment target from sticking to the surface of the base (8,13).

A method for manufacturing the energy treatment device (1) includes: forming a base (8,13) having electrical conductivity and being provided with a treatment surface (17) that applies a high-frequency current to a treatment target when being supplied with electrical energy; forming an organic layer (41) on a surface of the base material (8,13) by bonding a coupling structure of a titanate coupling agent to the surface of the base (8,13) on at least the treatment surface (17) of the surface of the base (8,13); and forming a coating (51;71) that prevents the treatment target from sticking over the surface of the base (8,13) by bonding a coupling structure of a silane coupling agent to the organic layer (41).

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified in practice without departing from the gist the disclosure. Moreover, the embodiments may be suitably combined where possible. In that case, combined effects can be obtained. Further, the above-mentioned embodiments include inventive aspects at various stages, and various inventive aspects can be extracted by an appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed.