Patent ID: 12207806

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Various features and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more fully apparent from the following description of the several specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. However, this disclosure should not be limited to only the illustrated embodiments. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

Overview

FIG.1Aillustrates a surgical instrument12attached to a surgical handpiece10. The surgical instrument12can be attached to a drive head of the surgical handpiece10at an end of the surgical instrument12, for example. The surgical instrument12can be any instrument that can secure, attach, and/or couple with a portion of the surgical handpiece10in order to perform an operation useful for a surgical operation. For example, the surgical instrument12can be a surgical burr or blade. The surgical handpiece10(also referred to herein as “handpiece”) can be any medical device capable of securing a surgical instrument12and performing surgical procedures or operations (such as an arthroscopic shaver) with the surgical instrument12. For example, the surgical handpiece10can be the same in some, many, or all respects as the handheld medical device described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,392, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIG.1Afurther illustrates a surgical tool30(also referred to herein as a “surgical attachment”) at least partially secured to and/or around the surgical instrument12. As shown, a portion (e.g., an end) of the surgical tool30can be secured by a locking adapter100, which is discussed in more detail below. As also shown, the locking adapter100can secure (and/or secure to) a portion of the surgical tool30and can also secure (and/or secure to) a portion of the surgical instrument12. As shown, the surgical tool30and surgical instrument12can be generally parallel and/or co-axial. In order to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of the surgical tool30(or an end thereof), a bushing20can be positioned in the locking adapter100. The bushing20can receive and secure the surgical tool30, as described in more detail below.

FIG.1Billustrates an exploded view of the handpiece10, surgical instrument12, locking adapter100, bushing20, and surgical tool30. As described in more detail below, the surgical tool30can be attached to surgical instrument12indirectly via the locking adapter100and/or directly via one or more features of the surgical tool30(for example, one or more collars which can be sized and/or shaped to receive portions of the surgical instrument12).

Locking Adapter

FIGS.2A-2Killustrate various views of the locking adapter100. As discussed herein, the locking adapter100can be used to secure a surgical tool30to a surgical instrument12(for example, a burr). Advantageously, the locking adapter100can facilitate attachment of the surgical tool30to the surgical instrument12at or before a point of use in an operating environment. The locking adapter100can include a tool-engagement portion (such as the tool-engagement portion124bdescribed further below) for securing a portion of the surgical tool30and a surgical instrument-engagement portion, such as one or more coupling portions120,130described further below. The locking adapter100can secure to a portion of surgical tool30before, during, or after securing to one or more portions of the surgical instrument12.

As shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2H, the locking adapter100can include a first leg110and a second leg112. The legs110,112can be connected at ends thereof, such as at a corner or an apex of the adapter100as illustrated. The first and second legs110,112can be resiliently connected and/or can be biased, such as toward the position shown inFIG.2A. The first leg110can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second leg112can also include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the first leg110can be free and the second end of the first leg110can be connected to an end of the second leg112(such as the first end of the second leg112). The second end of the second leg112can be free. Thus, the first and second legs110,112can each have a free end (e.g., an end not connected to anything else) and a connected end. In some embodiments, the first and second legs110,112are integral (e.g., unitarily formed as one piece).

As discussed above, the locking adapter100can include a surgical instrument-engagement portion, which can secure to one or more portions of the surgical instrument12. For example, the locking adapter100can include a first coupling portion120. The first coupling portion120can be connected with an end of the first leg110. For example, the first coupling portion120can be located on the first (free) end of first leg110. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion120is integral with the first leg110. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion120extends from the first leg110in a direction that is non-parallel to a length of the first leg110. For example, the first leg110can have a length extending between the first end and the second end thereof, and the first coupling portion120can extend from the first leg110(and/or the first end of the first leg110) at an angle that is equal to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, or 170 degrees with respect to the length of the first leg110, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by any combination of these values, although other values outside these ranges are possible. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion120extends toward an end of the second leg112and/or a second coupling portion130of the second leg112which are described further below.

In some embodiments, the first coupling portion120defines the first (free) end of the first leg110. For example, the first leg110of the locking adapter100can have a second end which connects to the second leg112and a first end, opposite the second end, which is defined by the first coupling portion120. In such cases, the first coupling portion120can curl and/or extend in a direction that is non-parallel with respect to a portion of a length of the first leg110between the second end (connected to the second leg112) and the first end of the first leg110.

The first coupling portion120can include one or more openings which are sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical instrument12. When a portion of the surgical instrument12is positioned and/or secured within such one or more openings of the first coupling portion120, the first coupling portion120can secure the locking adapter100to the portion of the surgical instrument12. Further, when the first coupling portion120secures to the portion of the surgical instrument12in such manner, another portion of the locking adapter100(such as the tool-engagement portion124b) can secure to a portion of a surgical tool30so as to attach the surgical tool30to the surgical instrument12. Such one or more openings of the first coupling portion120can be, for example, through-holes.

As shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2B, the first coupling portion120can comprise a first foot122which can at least partially receive, secure to, and/or engage a portion of the surgical instrument12. For example, the first foot122can include an opening122athat can be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical instrument12. For example, the opening122acan be sized and/or shaped to accommodate and/or surround a cross-section (or a portion of a cross-section) of the surgical instrument12. The opening122acan have a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, for example. The opening122acan be a through-hole.

In some embodiments, the first coupling portion120includes a second foot124. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2B, the first coupling portion120can include a second foot124that is proximate, adjacent, and/or spaced apart from first foot122. The second foot124can at least partially receive, secure to, and/or engage a portion of the surgical instrument12. The second foot124can include an opening124athat can be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical instrument12. The opening124acan be sized and/or shaped to accommodate and/or surround a cross-section (or a portion of a cross-section) of the surgical instrument12. The opening124acan have a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, for example. The opening124acan be a through-hole. The opening124acan axially align with the opening122a. In some embodiments, the opening124ais larger than the opening122a. For example, with reference toFIG.2G, the opening124acan have a larger cross-sectional area than the opening122a. As another example, in some embodiments, the opening124ahas a circular cross-section with a larger diameter than a circular cross-section of the opening122a. In some cases, the opening124ais larger than the opening122ato accommodate the bushing20within the tool-engagement portion124b.

As discussed above, the locking adapter100can include a tool-engagement portion (also referred to herein as “tool engaging region”) for securing (and/or securing to) a portion of the surgical tool30(such as an end of the surgical tool30). Such tool-engagement portion can act alongside a surgical instrument-engagement portion (such as the one or more coupling portions120,130described herein) to attach the surgical tool30to the surgical instrument12. Such tool-engagement portion can extend from and/or be connected to a portion of the locking adapter100, such as the first leg110, the first end of the first leg110, the first coupling portion120, and/or the first or second feet122,124. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2G, the locking adapter100can include a tool-engagement portion124bwhich extends outward from the second foot124of the first coupling portion110. However, because the locking adapter100can include either or both of the first and second feet122,124, the tool-engagement portion124bcan extend from either of the first and second feet122,124, depending on the configuration of the first coupling portion120. The tool-engagement portion124bcan extend outward from a surface the first coupling portion120(such as a surface of the second foot124) at an angle. For example, the tool-engagement portion124bcan extend perpendicular (or generally perpendicular) from a surface of the second foot124. In some embodiments, the tool-engagement portion124bextends outward from a surface of the second foot124and extends around a portion of a perimeter of the opening124aof the second foot124. In some embodiments, the tool-engagement portion124bis a skirt wall extending outward from a surface of the second foot124and/or around the perimeter of the opening124a. A length of extension of the tool-engagement portion124bcan be modified so as to receive a longer or shorter portion of an end of the surgical tool30.

The tool-engagement portion124bcan have a cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. Alternatively, the tool-engagement portion124bcan have a different shape having a hollow interior, for example, a shape that is square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal that has a hollow interior therein. The hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bcan align with the opening124aof the second foot124and/or the opening122aof the first foot122a. For example, an axis extending through a center of the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bcan align with an axis extending through a center of the opening124aand/or an axis extending through the opening122a. The axes running through the hollow interior, the opening124a, and/or124acan be parallel.

The tool-engagement portion124bcan receive and/or secure to a bushing20(seeFIGS.1A-1B). The bushing20can be sized and/or shaped to be positioned within and/or secured to the tool-engagement portion124b. The bushing20can additionally be configured to secure to a portion of the surgical tool30. The bushing20can thus be positioned between a portion of a surgical tool30(such as an end of the surgical tool30) and the tool-engagement portion124bof the locking adapter100. The bushing20is further described below.

As discussed above, the locking adapter100can include a first leg110and a second leg112connected to first leg110. As also discussed above, the locking adapter100can include a surgical instrument-engagement portion which can secure to one or more portions of the surgical instrument12. Such a surgical instrument-engagement portion can include the first coupling portion120(discussed above) and/or a second coupling portion130. The second coupling portion130can be connected with an end of the second leg112. For example, the second coupling portion130can be connected to the second (free) end of the second leg112. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion130is integral with the second leg112. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion130extends from the second leg112in a direction that is non-parallel to a length of the second leg112. For example, the second leg112can have a length extending between a first (connected) end and a second (free) end thereof, and the second coupling portion130can extend from the second leg112(and/or the second end of the second leg112) at an angle that is equal to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, or 170 degrees with respect to the length of the second112, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by any combination of these values, although other values outside these ranges are possible. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion130extends toward an end of the first leg110and/or a first coupling portion120connected to first leg110.

In some embodiments, the second coupling portion130defines the second (free) end of the second leg112. For example, the second leg112of the locking adapter100can have a first end which connects to the first leg110and a second (free) end, opposite the first end, which is defined by the second coupling portion130. The second coupling portion130can curl and/or extend in a direction that is non-parallel with respect to a portion of a length of the second leg112between the first end (connected to the first leg110) and the second (free) end of the second leg112. The first end of the legs110,112can be resiliently connected at an apex or corner of the adapter100. As illustrated, the legs110,112can be cantilevered from the apex or corner.

The second coupling portion130can include one or more openings which are sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical instrument12. When a portion of the surgical instrument12is positioned and/or secured within such one or more openings of the second coupling portion130, the second coupling portion130can secure the locking adapter100to the portion of the surgical instrument12. Further, when the second coupling portion130secures to the portion of the surgical instrument12in such manner, another portion of the locking adapter100(such as the tool-engagement portion124b) can secure to a portion of a surgical tool30so as to attach the surgical tool30to the surgical instrument12. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the second coupling portion130can work alongside the first coupling portion120to secure the locking adapter100to the surgical instrument12.

As shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2B, the second coupling portion130can comprise a foot132which can at least partially receive, secure to, and/or engage a portion of the surgical instrument12. For example, the foot132can include an opening132athat can be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical instrument12. For example, the opening132acan be sized and/or shaped to accommodate and/or surround a cross-section (or a portion of a cross-section) of the surgical instrument12. The opening132acan have a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, for example. The opening132acan be a hole.

As discussed in further detail below, the locking adapter100can be adjusted between different positions by moving the first leg110with respect to the second leg112. The locking adapter100can include one or more finger grips which advantageously allow a user to better handle or grip the locking adapter100so as to move the first leg110with respect to the second leg112. For example, with reference toFIGS.2A-2K, the locking adapter100can include a first recessed portion150a. The first recessed portion150acan be positioned along a surface of the first leg110. For example, the first recessed portion150acan be positioned at or near a first (free) end of the first leg110and/or can be positioned along an exterior surface of the first leg110that faces away from the second leg112(and/or that faces away from a direction that the first coupling portion120extends from the first leg110). The first recessed portion150acan be recessed from a plane or surface of the first leg110. In some embodiments, the first recessed portion150ais sized and/or shaped to conform to a shape of a finger of a user. For example, the first recessed portion150acan be sized and/or shaped to conform to a shape of a thumb or index finger of a user.

The locking adapter100can include a second recessed portion150b. The second recessed portion150bcan be positioned along a surface of the second leg112. For example, the second recessed portion150bcan be positioned at or near the second (free) end of the second leg112and/or can be positioned along an exterior surface of the second leg112that faces away from the first leg110(and/or that faces away from a direction that the second coupling portion130extends from the second leg112). The second recessed portion150bcan be recessed from a plane or surface of the second leg112. In some embodiments, the second recessed portion150bis sized and/or shaped to conform to a shape of a finger of a user. For example, the second recessed portion150bcan be sized and/or shaped to conform to a shape of a thumb or index finger of a user.

Where the locking adapter100includes both a first and second recessed portion150a,150b, the first and second recessed portions150a,150bcan align with each other. For example, as shown inFIG.2G, an axis extending through a center of the first recessed portion150acan align with an axis extending through a center of the second recessed portion150b. Such axes may align with arrows F1and F2as shown inFIG.2I, for example. In some embodiments, the first recessed portion150aaligns vertically with the second recessed portion150b, where “vertical” represents the up and down direction in the orientation ofFIG.2G.

With reference toFIGS.2J-2K, either or both of the first or second recessed portions150a,150bcan have a concave shape with respect to a width of the first and/or second legs110,112of the locking adapter100. For example, either or both of the first or second recessed portions150a,150bcan be shaped so that a middle of the recessed portion(s)150a,150bis lower than ends of the recessed portion(s)150a,150bat edges of the width(s) of the first and/or second legs110,112.

As shown in at leastFIGS.2A-2C and2G-2I, the locking adapter100can include a rib140. The rib140can extend from an interior surface of the first leg110and/or an interior surface of the second leg112. The interior surfaces of the first leg110and the second leg112are opposite the previously-described exterior surfaces of the first leg110and the second leg112. The interior surfaces of the first leg110and the second leg112face at least partially toward the first and/or second coupling portions120,130and/or at least partially toward each other. The rib140can extend outward from one or both interior surfaces of the first and second legs110,112and along a portion of the lengths of the legs110,112. The rib140can be spaced inwards from exterior edges or widths of the first and second legs110,112(seeFIG.2A). The rib140can extend along the first leg110between the first coupling portion120and the second end of the first leg110which connects to the second leg112. Additionally or alternatively, the rib140can extend along the second leg112between the second coupling portion130and the first end of the second leg112which connects to the first leg110. The rib140can provide stiffness to the locking adapter100which can advantageously help bias the locking adapter100to a neutral position where the first coupling portion120is spaced away from the second coupling portion130(seeFIG.2G).

As discussed above, the locking adapter100can be adjusted between different positions by moving the first leg110with respect to the second leg112. For example, a force F1can be applied to a portion of the first leg110(such as at or near a free end of first leg110) and a force F2can be applied to a portion of the second leg (such as at or near a free end of the second leg112) in order to move the first coupling portion120toward the second coupling portion130. In various embodiments, the legs110,112are resiliently connected, so removal of the forces F1, F2results in the legs110,112returning to substantially their original positions. In some embodiments, the legs110,112move toward each other when such forces are applied and away from each other when force is released. In certain implementations, the legs110,112are configured to be pinched toward each other. The locking adapter100can have a first position (neutral/open position) where the first and second coupling portions120,130are spaced apart from each other (seeFIG.2A). In such first position, the one or more openings (for example, the openings122aand/or124band132a) of the first and second coupling portions120,130can be not aligned with one another. For example, in the first position, the axes extending through the openings122aand/or124aand132acan be not aligned with each other. In such first position, the axes extending through the openings122aand/or124aand132acan be not aligned with each other but can be parallel to each other.

The locking adapter100can have a second position (flexed/closed position) where the first and second coupling portions120,130are adjacent and/or proximate each other. For example, as shown inFIG.2I, in the second position, the first and second coupling portions120,130can be positioned side-by-side. In such second position, the one or more openings (for example, the openings122aand/or124aand132a) of the first and second coupling portions120,130can be aligned with one another. For example, in the second position, axes extending through the openings122aand/or124aand132acan be aligned with each other. In the second position, the surgical instrument12can be passed through the opening122a, opening124a, and/or opening132a.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the first coupling portion120can include more than one foot, for example, a first foot122and a second foot124, and such feet122,124can be spaced apart from one another by a gap. For example, as shown inFIG.2J, the first foot122can be spaced from the second foot124by gap G1. G1can be equal to or greater than a width of the second coupling portion130(and/or the foot132). As also discussed, the first foot122can include an opening122aand the second foot124can include an opening124a. In such configurations, when the locking adapter100is in the second position (the position as shown inFIG.2I), the foot132(or a portion of foot132) of the second coupling portion130can be positioned within the gap G1and between the first and second feet122,124of the first coupling portion120and the opening132aof the foot132can be aligned with the opening122aof the foot122and/or the opening124aof the foot124of the first coupling portion120. As discussed further with reference toFIG.5below, when the opening132aaligns with one or both of the openings122a,124a, the surgical instrument12can be positioned within and secured by the feet132,122, and/or124.

The locking adapter100can have a notch160. In some embodiments, the notch160comprises a window, such as a through-hole. The notch160can be configured to facilitate bending of the legs110,112relative to each other. In some implementations, the notch160comprises a recess, such as a groove that does not pass entirely through the legs110,112. As shown, the notch160can be positioned at the intersection of the legs110,112and/or at a corner of the locking adapter100, such as a corner opposite the openings122a,124a.

As shown in at leastFIG.2G, the first leg110, second leg112, first coupling portion120, and second coupling portion130can define an opening170positioned therebetween and/or extending through an interior of the locking adapter100. The opening170can be triangle-shaped and/or rounded, for example, among other shapes. The opening170can be larger when the locking adapter100is in the first, open position (as shown inFIG.2G) than when in the second, closed position (as shown inFIG.2I). When the locking adapter100is in the first and/or second positions described herein, the locking adapter100can have a triangular shape. For example, with reference toFIGS.2G-2H, from a side view, the locking adapter100can have a generally triangular peripheral shape.

Bushing

As shown byFIGS.3A-3B, the bushing can include a first portion configured to receive and/or secure to a portion of the surgical tool30and a second portion that is configured to secure to the tool-engagement portion124b. For example, the bushing20can include a through-hole26that is sized and/or shaped to receive and/or secure to an end of the surgical tool30. The through-hole26can extend through a length of a body22of the bushing20. The body22can be sized and/or shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124b. For example, where the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bhas a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, the body22of the bushing20can have a shape that is cylindrical, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal in order to match the cross-section of the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124b. Additionally, the through-hole26can have a cross-section that is sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the surgical tool30(such as an end of the surgical tool30). For example, the through-hole26can have a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal. For example, the cross-sectional area of the through-hole26can be greater than a cross-sectional area of the portion of the surgical tool30that is positioned and/or secured within the through-hole26. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the through-hole26is equal to a cross-sectional area of the opening122aof the first foot122of the first coupling portion120.

When the bushing20is secured within the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124b, the through-hole26can be aligned with the opening124aand/or the opening122a. For example, when the bushing20is secured within the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124b, an axis extending through a center of the through-hole26can align with an axis extending through a center of the opening124aand/or an axis extending through a center of the opening122a.

The bushing20can include a first end configured to face away from the first coupling portion110when secured to the tool-engagement portion124band a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the bushing20can include a rim24which can protrude from and extend along a portion of a cross-section of the body22. For example, the rim24can protrude from and extend along the entire perimeter of the cross-section of body22or less than the entire perimeter. When the bushing20is positioned and/or secured within the tool-engagement portion124b, the rim24can contact a surface of a free end of the tool-engagement portion124bso as to prevent the body22of the bushing20from moving further through the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124b. The rim24can protrude from the cross-section of the body22a distance smaller than, equal to, or greater than a thickness of the tool-engagement portion124b. The bushing20can be secured to and/or within the tool-engagement portion124bby a press-fit, snap-fit, friction-fit, or another configuration.

Surgical Tool

FIGS.4A-4Cillustrate various views of a surgical tool30. The surgical tool30can include a first end32, a second end34opposite the first end32, and a length extending between the first and second ends32,34. As discussed above, the surgical tool30can be configured to at least partially secure to and/or around the surgical instrument12. For example, the surgical tool30can include a shaft37extending along the length of the surgical tool30between the first and second ends32,34and one or more collars sized and/or shaped to receive, surround, and/or partially secure to portions of the surgical instrument12. For example, as shown, the surgical tool30can include a first collar36positioned proximate to or at first end32of tool30. The first collar36can be sized and/or shaped to fit and/or secure within the tool-engagement portion124bof the locking adapter100and/or the through-hole26of the bushing20where the cross-section of the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bis larger than the cross-section of the collar36such that the bushing20fills the gap therebetween. The first collar36can have a shape that is cylindrical, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal in order to match the cross-section of the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bor the through-hole26of the bushing20. The first collar36can have a hollow interior sized and/or shaped to match a cross-section of the surgical instrument12so that a portion of the surgical instrument12can fit within the collar36.

The surgical tool30can additionally include a second collar38. The second collar38can be sized and/or shaped to receive and/or surround a portion of the surgical instrument12. The second collar38can have a shape that is cylindrical, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal. In some embodiments, the second collar38has a length that is smaller than a length of the first collar36. However, the length of the second collar38can be equal to or greater than the length of the first collar36. The second collar38can be positioned along the length of the shaft37at different positions. For example, the second collar38can be positioned along the shaft37and spaced apart from the end34to which the first collar36is positioned. The second collar38can be longitudinally spaced apart from the first collar36.

The first and second collars36,38can at least partially support and/or secure the surgical tool30to the surgical instrument12. For example, when the surgical instrument12is positioned within the first and/or second collars36,38, the surgical instrument12can be inhibited or prevented from moving relative to the surgical tool30in a direction that is perpendicular (e.g., vertical) with respect to an axis that extends through the surgical instrument12.

In some embodiments, a reflective surface is positioned on or integral with a portion of the surgical tool30. For example, as shown inFIG.4B, the reflective surface39can be positioned on or integral with the surgical tool30proximate or at the end34of the surgical tool30. The reflective surface39can be flat or curved (for example, concave or convex). The reflective surface39can be recessed from a surface of the shaft37(for example, an exterior surface of the shaft37that faces away from the collars36,38). In some embodiments, other types of tools can be positioned on or be integral with a portion of the surgical tool30. For example, a temperature sensor, physiological sensor (e.g., optical sensor), electrodes (e.g., for measuring properties of nearby tissue), one or more cameras, a cauterizer, a marker (e.g., for marking a tissue near a surgical site), among other tools can be positioned on or integral with a portion of the surgical tool30. Such exemplary sensors can couple via electrical wiring to the handpiece10or can connect to a power source independent of the handpiece10.

As shown inFIGS.4A-4C, the shaft37can have a small thickness or cross-section so as to minimize the weight and/or material of the tool30, which can advantageously provide better maneuverability of the tool30. The shaft37can have a partially circular cross-section. For example, the shaft37can have a cross-section that is c-shaped. The cross-section of the shaft37can be rounded.

Example Methods of Attachment of the Surgical Tool

FIG.5illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the assembly shown inFIG.1A. As discussed above, the locking adapter100can advantageously secure a surgical tool30to a surgical instrument12at a point of use in a surgical environment. Such securement can be achieved in a variety of ways.

For example, with reference toFIGS.2G-2I and1B, forces (such as F1and F2) can be applied to the locking adapter100so as to move the first coupling portion120towards the second coupling portion130so that the locking adapter100moves from the first position to the second position. At the first position (FIGS.2G-2H), an angle at an apex or corner of an intersection of the leg110and the leg120can be α1. At the second position (FIG.2I), an angle at an apex or corner of an intersection of the leg110and the leg120can be α2. As shown inFIGS.2G-2I, the angle α1between the legs110and120when the locking adapter100is in the first position can be greater than the angle α2between the legs110and120when the locking adapter100is in the second position. In the second position, as discussed previously, one or more openings of the first and second coupling portions120,130(such as the openings132aand the opening122aand/or124a) can align with one another. This can enable the surgical instrument12to be longitudinally inserted through such openings. After the surgical instrument12is inserted through such openings, the locking adapter100can be “released” (for example, a user stops gripping or applying forces F1and F2to the locking adapter100). Because of the structure and configuration of the locking adapter100and its natural bias toward the first position (where the one or more openings of the first and second coupling portions120,130are not aligned), the locking adapter100will attempt to pull apart (e.g., the first and second coupling portions120,130will attempt to move away from each other and/or in different directions). Such attempt of the first and second coupling portions120,130to pull apart can be inhibited or prevented by the physical interference of the surgical instrument12within the openings of the first and second coupling portions120,130. This in turn results in forces being applied onto portions of the surgical instrument12by the first and second coupling portions120,130.

In some variants, the first and second coupling portions120,130can pinch the surgical instrument12when the locking adapter100is released. For example, where the first coupling portion120includes the first and second feet122,124having openings122a,124aand the surgical instrument12is positioned within such openings122a,124a, the first and second feet122apply forces on the surgical instrument12in a direction towards the free end of the first leg110(for example, upwards in the orientation ofFIG.5) and/or in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument12. At the same time, when the surgical instrument12is positioned within the opening132aof the foot132of the second coupling portion130, the foot132applies a force on the surgical instrument12that is equal and opposite to the forces that the first and second feet122,124apply. The forces applied by the feet122,124,132onto the surgical instrument12can act to secure the locking adapter100to the surgical instrument12. In some variants, the locking adapter100is automatically secured to the surgical instrument12when forces (such as those described above) are released.

In some embodiments, the first and second legs110,112can cooperate to restrict or limit rotation and/or movement with respect to one another. For example, as shown inFIG.2I, one or more portions112aof an interior surface of the second leg112can interfere with a portion124cof the first coupling portion120(e.g., the foot124) so as to limit the rotation and/or movement of the first coupling portion120and/or the first leg110with respect to one or both of the second leg112and/or the second coupling portion130when the locking adapter100moves from the first position (FIGS.2G-2H) to the second position (FIG.2I). In some embodiments, the portion124cis a surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the first coupling portion120(e.g., a first and/or second foot122,124of the first coupling portion120) which faces the portion112aof the interior surface of the second leg112(seeFIG.2I).

Before, after, or during (e.g., simultaneously) the securement of the locking adapter100to the surgical instrument12in the manner described above, the surgical tool30can be at least partially secured to the surgical instrument12by positioning the surgical instrument12through the one or more collars (e.g., the collars36,38) of the surgical tool30. Before, after, or during such sliding, the end32of the surgical tool30can be secured to the locking adapter100by directly securing the end32and/or the collar36to the tool-engagement portion124bor by indirectly securing the end32and/or the collar36to the tool-engagement portion124busing the bushing20. As discussed above, the bushing20can include the through-hole26which can secure to the end32of the surgical tool30. Before, after, or during the securement (direct or indirect) of the end32of the surgical tool30to the tool-engagement portion124b, the bushing20can be secured to the locking adapter100by positioning the body22within the hollow interior of the tool-engagement portion124bas discussed above. The surgical instrument12can be attached to the handpiece10before, after, or during any of the above-described steps. In certain embodiments, the tool30connects directly to the adapter100without the bushing20. For example, in some variants, an end of the tool30is connected directly to the wall surrounding the opening124a.

Thus, regardless of the precise order in which the tool30, surgical instrument12, bushing20, locking adapter100, and/or handpiece10are assembled, the assembly provides a convenient method by which a surgical tool30can be attached to a surgical instrument12.

Certain Terminology

Conditional language used herein, such as, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C is equivalent to A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of this disclosure. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

SUMMARY

This disclosure has presented certain embodiments, examples, and variations of the surgical tool attachment devices, systems, and methods. However, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and variations to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention, as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. Moreover, while certain examples have been discussed in the context of attachments for surgical tools, the various inventions disclosed herein are not limited to use in surgical tools. Indeed, the various inventions disclosed herein are contemplated for in use a variety of other types of medical devices and other medical environments.

Certain features have been described in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and other implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

Any of the steps and blocks can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. None of the steps or blocks described herein is essential or indispensable. Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and that all operations need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of the surgical tool attachment devices, systems, and methods have been disclosed. Although the disclosure has been in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.