Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/051,376, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to deployment mechanisms for surgical instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to deployment mechanisms for multi-functional surgical instruments. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    Many surgical instruments include one or more movable handles, levers, actuators, triggers, etc. for actuating and/or manipulating one or more functional components of the surgical instrument. For example, a surgical forceps may include a movable handle that is selectively compressible relative to a stationary handle for moving first and second jaw members of the forceps between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue therebetween. Such a forceps may further include a trigger for selectively deploying a knife between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. 
         [0006]    As can be appreciated, as additional functional components are added to the surgical instrument, additional deployment structures or deployment structures capable of actuating more than one component are required. However, multiple deployment structures and/or combined deployment structures may be limited by spatial constraints within the housing of the surgical instrument, functional constraints of the components (e.g., where a combined deployment structure imparts additional force requirements for deploying one or more of the components coupled thereto), and/or may overly complicate the operable components of the surgical instrument. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing, deployment mechanisms that are configured for use with multi-functional surgical instruments that are operable in bipolar and/or monopolar modes of operation, and which are easy to operate and inexpensive to manufacture may prove useful in the surgical arena. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical instrument including a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft, and a handle assembly coupled to the housing. The handle assembly includes a movable handle operable to manipulate the end effector assembly. The instrument further includes an outer sleeve disposed about and selectively translatable relative to the shaft, an energizable member operably coupled to the outer sleeve, and a deployment mechanism operably coupled to the housing. The deployment mechanism includes a lever rotatably coupled to the housing and positioned proximally of the movable handle and one or more link members coupled between the lever and the outer sleeve. The one or more link members are coupled to the outer sleeve distally of the movable handle. In use, rotation of the lever relative to the housing moves the one or more link members, which, in turn, translates the outer sleeve distally to move the outer sleeve over the end effector assembly and simultaneously deploy the energizable member distally past the end effector assembly. 
         [0010]    In an aspect of the present disclosure, a collar is operably disposed on a proximal end of the outer sleeve. The collar is pivotably coupled to the one or more link members. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, first and second link members are provided. In such aspects a first pivot pin pivotably couples a distal end of the second link member to the collar of the outer sleeve. Further, a proximal end of the first link member may be pivotably coupled to the lever and a distal end of the first link may be pivotably coupled to a proximal end of the second link member via a second pivot pin. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an elongated slot is defined in the housing and extends from an interior wall of the housing. The elongated slot operably receives the second pivot pin. Further, the second pivot pin may be configured to translate within the elongated slot when the lever is rotated relative to the housing to guide movement of the first and second link members. 
         [0013]    In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever is rotatable between a first configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in retracted positions, and a second configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in deployed positions. 
         [0014]    In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever includes a body portion disposed within the housing and a paddle portion extending from the body portion through an opening in the housing to permit manipulation thereof from an exterior of the housing. 
         [0015]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector assembly is configured for treating tissue with bipolar energy and the energizable member is configured for treating tissue with monopolar energy. 
         [0016]    Provided in accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical instrument including a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector assembly attached at a distal end of the shaft. An outer sleeve is disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative to the shaft. An energizable member is operably coupled to the outer sleeve. A deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the housing and includes a lever rotatably coupled to the housing via an axle, and first, second, and third link members. The first link member is pivotably coupled to the axle at a fixed end thereof and defines a free end. The second link member is pivotably coupled to the housing at a fixed end thereof and coupled to the deployable assembly at a free end thereof. The second link member defines an intermediate portion disposed between the fixed and free ends. A third link member is pivotably coupled between the fixed end of the first link member and the intermediate portion of the second link member. In use, rotation of the lever about the axle pivots the first and second link members about the respective fixed ends thereof and effects movement of the third link member, thereby translating the outer sleeve distally over the end effector assembly and simultaneously deploying the energizable member distally past the end effector assembly. 
         [0017]    In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first link member includes a bifurcated configuration having an opening defined therein that is configured to receive the outer sleeve therebetween. 
         [0018]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second link member includes a bifurcated configuration having opposing finger portions each defining an elongated slot configured to receive at least a portion of a pivot pin coupled to the outer sleeve. 
         [0019]    In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever is rotatable between a first configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in retracted positions, and a second configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in deployed positions. 
         [0020]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector assembly is configured for treating tissue with bipolar energy and the energizable member is configured for treating tissue with monopolar energy. 
         [0021]    In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever includes a body portion disposed within the housing and a paddle portion extending from the body portion through an opening in the housing to permit manipulation thereof from an exterior of the housing. 
         [0022]    Provided in accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical instrument including a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector assembly attached at a distal end of the shaft. An outer sleeve is disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative to the shaft. An energizable member is operably coupled to the outer sleeve. A deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the housing and includes a lever rotatably coupled to the housing via an axle, a first link member, and a second link member. The first link member is pivotably coupled to the axle at a fixed end thereof and defines a free end. The second link member is pivotably coupled to the housing at a fixed end thereof and coupled to the deployable assembly at a free end thereof. The second link member defines an intermediate portion disposed between the fixed and free ends. The free end of the first link member is pivotably coupled to the intermediate portion of the second link member. In use, rotation of the lever about the axle pivots the first and second link members about the respective fixed ends thereof, thereby translating the outer sleeve distally over the end effector assembly and simultaneously deploying the energizable member distally past the end effector assembly. 
         [0023]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second link member includes a bifurcated configuration having opposing finger portions each defining an elongated slot configured to receive at least a portion of a pivot pin coupled to the outer sleeve. 
         [0024]    In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever is rotatable between a first configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in retracted positions, and a second configuration, wherein the outer sleeve and energizable member are disposed in deployed positions. 
         [0025]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector assembly is configured for treating tissue with bipolar energy and the energizable member is configured for treating tissue with monopolar energy. 
         [0026]    In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever includes a body portion disposed within the housing and a paddle portion extending from the body portion through an opening in the housing to permit manipulation thereof from an exterior of the housing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a side, right perspective view of an endoscopic surgical forceps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a partial, cut-away view of a proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps shown in  FIG. 1  with a deployment mechanism of the endoscopic surgical forceps shown in a retracted configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a partial, cut-away view of the proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps with the deployment mechanism shown in a deployed configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a partial, left perspective view of the proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps with a thumb paddle of the deployment mechanism shown in the deployed configuration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps with a monopolar electrode, which is connected to the deployment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , shown in the retracted configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps with the monopolar electrode of  FIG. 5A  shown in the deployed configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a partial, perspective view of a proximal end of an endoscopic surgical forceps including a deployment mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a partial, cut-away view of the proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps shown in  FIG. 6  with the deployment mechanism shown in a retracted configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a partial, cut-away view of the proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps shown in  FIG. 6  with the deployment mechanism of  FIG. 7  shown in a deployed configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a partial, perspective view of a proximal end of an endoscopic surgical forceps including a deployment mechanism in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of  FIG. 10 ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a partial, cut-away view of the proximal end of the endoscopic surgical forceps shown in  FIG. 10  with the deployment mechanism shown in a deployed configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Deployment mechanisms that are configured for use with multi-functional surgical instruments that are operable in bipolar and/or monopolar modes of operation may prove useful in the surgical arena, and such deployment mechanisms are described herein. Specifically, the deployment mechanisms described herein include one or more linkage configurations that, when actuated, move a monopolar electrode of the electrosurgical forceps from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration to electrosurgically treat tissue. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a forceps  10  that includes a deployment mechanism  28  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The forceps  10  is configured to operate in both a bipolar mode, e.g., for grasping, treating, coagulating and/or sealing tissue, and a monopolar mode, e.g., for treating and/or dissecting tissue, although other configurations are also contemplated. 
         [0043]    Briefly, the forceps  10  includes an outer fixed shaft  12  defining a longitudinal axis “A-A,” a housing  14 , a handle assembly  16 , a trigger assembly  18  (only shown in  FIG. 1 ), a rotating assembly  20 , an end effector assembly  22 , and a monopolar assembly that includes an outer sleeve  24  and an energizable rod member  26  (the energizable rod  26  is shown in  FIG. 5B ). For a more detailed description of the forceps  10  and operative components associated therewith, reference is made to commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/047,474. 
         [0044]    The deployment mechanism  28  includes a lever  30  that is positioned within the housing  14  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The lever  30  includes a thumb paddle  32  that is operable by a user from left and/or right exterior side surfaces  14   a ,  14   b , respectively, of the housing  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the thumb paddle  32  is disposed within opposing recesses  34  ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) defined on the left and right exterior side surfaces  14   a ,  14   b  of the housing  14 . The thumb paddle  32  may be positioned on only one of the left or right sides side surfaces  14   a ,  14   b  of the housing  14 . The thumb paddle  32  is movable within the recesses  34  relative to the housing  14  from a first configuration ( FIG. 2 ) to second configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 ). In  FIG. 1 , the paddle  32  is shown between the first and second configurations. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a bottom portion  36  of the lever  30  is pivotably coupled to a proximal end  38  of the fixed outer shaft  12  adjacent a spring cartridge  40  of a drive assembly  42  of the forceps  10 . The bottom portion  36  pivots about the outer fixed shaft  12  when the lever  30  is moved between the first and second configurations. An upper portion  44  of the lever  30  pivotably couples to a linkage  46  via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g. a pin, rivet or the like (not explicitly shown). 
         [0046]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the linkage  46  includes a first link member  46   a  and a second link member  46   b . A proximal end  48  of the first link member  46   a  pivotably couples to the upper portion  44  of the lever  30  via one of the aforementioned coupling members (e.g., a pin, rivet, or the like.). A distal end  50  of the first link member  46   a  couples to a proximal end  52  of the second link member  46   b  via a pivot  54  (e.g., a pivot pin  54 ). The pivot pin  54  is slidably disposed within an elongated slot  56  defined in an interior wall  58  of the housing  14  (as best seen in  FIG. 3 ). The elongated slot  56  has a slight curvature adjacent its distal end and extends distally into a tapered distal end of the housing  14 . 
         [0047]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first link member  46   a  also includes a slight curvature adjacent its distal end, which facilitates sliding the first link member  46   a  within the elongated slot  56 . When the thumb paddle  32  of the lever  30  is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, the pivot pin  54  is slid into position at a distal end of the elongated slot  56  ( FIG. 3 ) which allows the proximal end  52  of the second link member  46   b  to pivot about the pivot pin  54  and move a distal end  60  of the second link member  46   b  distally. 
         [0048]    The distal end  60  of the second link member  46   b  couples to a collar  62  via a pivot pin  64 . The collar  62  is operably coupled to a proximal end  66  of the outer insulative sleeve  24  of the monopolar assembly of the forceps  10 . When the proximal end  52  of the second link member  46   b  pivots about the pivot pin  54 , the distal end  60  of the second link member  46   b  moves distally, which, in turn, moves the collar  62  and the outer insulative sleeve  24  distally thereby covering a pair of jaw members  21 ,  23  of the end effector assembly  22 , as will be described in detail below. 
         [0049]    The outer insulative sleeve  24  is slidably disposed about outer fixed shaft  12  and is configured for translation about and relative to the outer fixed shaft  12  between a fully retracted configuration ( FIGS. 2 and 5A ) and a fully deployed configuration ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 B). In the retracted configuration, the outer insulative sleeve  24  is disposed proximal of the end effector assembly  22 , and in the deployed configuration, the outer insulative sleeve  24  is disposed about the end effector assembly  22  to substantially cover the jaw members  21 ,  23 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the energizable rod member  26  is coupled to the outer insulative sleeve  24  such that advancement of the outer insulative sleeve  24  between the retracted and deployed configurations and advancement of energizable rod member  26  between the retracted and deployed configurations are effected concurrently or near concurrently, via actuation of the lever  30 . Energizable rod member  26  is coupled to a source of energy for providing energy to a distal tip  25  of the energizable rod member  26 , e.g., upon actuation of an activation switch  68  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) in a monopolar mode of operation, for treating tissue using monopolar energy. 
         [0051]    As discussed above, the forceps  10  is operable in both the bipolar mode, e.g., for grasping, treating, coagulating, sealing and/or cutting tissue, and the monopolar mode, e.g., for electrosurgical tissue treatment. In use, with respect to either mode of operation, initially, forceps  10  is manipulated such that end effector assembly  22  is positioned and oriented as desired within a surgical site. 
         [0052]    In the bipolar mode, the outer insulative sleeve  24  and energizable rod member  26  of the monopolar assembly remain disposed in the retracted configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5A . With the jaw members  21 ,  23  of the end effector assembly  22  disposed in the spaced-apart configuration, the end effector assembly  22  may be maneuvered into position such that tissue to be grasped and treated is disposed between jaw members  21 ,  23 . Next, the movable handle  17  ( FIG. 1 ) of the handle assembly  16  is actuated, or pulled proximally relative to a fixed handle  15  ( FIG. 1 ) such that jaw member  21  is pivoted relative to jaw member  23  from the spaced-apart configuration to the approximated configuration to grasp tissue therebetween, as shown in  FIG. 5A . In this approximated configuration, energy may be selectively supplied, e.g., via activation switch  68 , to tissue-sealing plates (not explicitly shown) of the jaw members  21 ,  23  and conducted through tissue to effect a tissue seal or otherwise treat tissue. 
         [0053]    With respect to the monopolar mode of operation, the movable handle  17  is first depressed relative to fixed handle  15  to pivot jaw member  21  relative to jaw member  23  from the spaced-apart configuration to the approximated configuration. Once jaw members  21 ,  23  are disposed in the approximated configuration, the thumb paddle  32  of the lever  30  is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby urging the first and second link members  46   a ,  46   b  distally. Distal translation of the first and second link members  46   a ,  46   b , in turn, translates the collar  36  distally through the housing  14 . Distal translation of the collar  36  moves the outer insulative sleeve  24  of the monopolar assembly distally over the end effector assembly  22  and moves the energizable rod member  26  distally such that the distal tip  25  of energizable rod member  26  extends distally from both the end effector assembly  22  and the outer insulative sleeve  24  ( FIG. 5B ). 
         [0054]    With the distal tip  25  of the energizable rod  26  disposed in the deployed configuration, the activation switch  68  of the forceps  10  may be selectively actuated to supply energy to the distal tip  25  of energizable rod member  26  for electrosurgically treating tissue. The distal tip  25  may also be used in a mechanical fashion depending upon the shape of the distal tip  25 . 
         [0055]    The deployment mechanism  28  described herein for use with the forceps  10  is easy to operate and inexpensive to manufacture when compared to the aforementioned conventional deployment mechanisms, as the deployment mechanism  28  is not interconnected with the handle assembly  16 , rotation assembly  20  and/or the trigger assembly  18  of the forceps  10 . 
         [0056]    From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, other linkage configurations may be used to move the outer sleeve  24  including the energizable rod  26  between the retracted and deployed configurations. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , a forceps  110  that includes a deployment mechanism  128  according an embodiment of the instant disclosure is shown. For clarity, the forceps  110  is shown without the rotation assembly, the movable handle assembly, trigger assembly, and the end effector assembly. The deployment mechanism  128  is similar to the deployment mechanism  28 , thus only those features unique to the deployment mechanism  128  are described herein. 
         [0058]    A lever  130  having a generally elongated configuration may be positioned on the left (not shown) and/or right sides  114   a  of the housing  114 . For illustrative purposes, the lever  130  is shown positioned on the right side  114   a  of the housing  114 . The lever  130  is configured to allow a user to selectively move the lever  130  between the first and second configurations to effect movement of an outer insulative sleeve  124  including an energizable rod, e.g., energizable rod  26 . 
         [0059]    An axle  131  supports the lever  130  and extends through an aperture (not explicitly shown) defined through the housing  114 . The axle  131  is rotatable with respect to the housing  114  and connects the lever  130  to a linkage  146  including a first link member  146   a , a second link member  146   b , and a third link member  146   c.    
         [0060]    The first link member  146   a  includes an aperture defined therein at a bottom end thereof (not explicitly shown) configured to receive the axle  131 . First link member  146   a  is bifurcated and includes opposing finger portions  147   a ,  147   b  that extend from the bottom end of the first link member  146   a  and define an opening  148  therebetween configured to receive the outer insulative sleeve  124  ( FIG. 8 ). The opening  148  allows the outer insulative sleeve  124  to translate between the opposing finger portions  147   a ,  147   b  when the lever  130  is moved between the first and second configurations. 
         [0061]    The second link member  146   b  includes an aperture (not explicitly shown) at a distal end  150  thereof that, along with apertures (not explicitly shown) defined through top portions of the opposing finger portions  147   a ,  147   b , are configured to receive a pivot pin  164 . The pivot pin  164  connects the distal end  150  of the second link member  146   b  to the opposing finger portions  147   a ,  147   b  of the first link member  146   a.    
         [0062]    The second link member  146   b  includes at its proximal end an aperture (not explicitly shown) defined therein that, along with apertures (not explicitly shown) defined through opposing finger portions  149   a ,  149   b  of the third link member  146   c , are configured to receive a pivot pin  166 . The pivot pin  166  connects the proximal end of the second link member  146   b  to the opposing finger portions  149   a ,  149   b  of the third link member  146   c.    
         [0063]    The third link member  146   c  includes a detent  154  at a top end thereof that is rotatably seated within a corresponding indent (not explicitly shown) defined within an interior wall portion  158  of the housing  114 . This indent and detent configuration allows the third link member  146   c  to rotate in relation to the interior wall  158  of the housing  114  when the lever  130  is moved between the first and second configurations. 
         [0064]    A pair of elongated slots  160   a ,  160   b  are defined through the opposing finger portions  149   a ,  149   b  of the third link member  146   c  and are configured receive a pivot pin  168  positioned on the outer insulative sleeve  124 . The pivot pin  168  couples to the proximal end of the outer insulative sleeve  124  and extends transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis “A-A.” 
         [0065]    In use, once the jaw members  21 ,  23  are disposed in the approximated configuration, the lever  130  is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby urging the first, second, and third link members  146   a ,  146   b ,  146   c  distally. Distal translation of the first, second, and third link members  146   a ,  146   b ,  146   c , in turn, moves the outer insulative sleeve  124  and the energizable rod member  126  in a manner as described above with respect to the outer insulative sleeve  24  and the energizable rod member  26  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0066]      FIGS. 10-12  illustrate a forceps  210  that includes a deployment mechanism  228  according yet another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Deployment mechanism  228  is similar to deployment mechanism  128  and, accordingly, only those features unique to the deployment mechanism  228  are described herein. 
         [0067]    A lever  230  having a generally elongated configuration is disposed on the left and/or right sides of the housing  214 . For illustrative purposes, the lever  230  is shown for actuation from the right side of the housing  214 . The lever  230  is configured to allow a user to move the lever  230  between the first and second configurations to effect movement of an outer insulative sleeve  224  including an energizable rod, e.g., the energizable rod  26 . 
         [0068]    The lever  230  includes an axle  231  at a top end thereof that extends through an aperture (not explicitly shown) defined through the housing  214 . The axle  231  is rotatable with respect to the housing  214  and connects the lever  230  to a linkage assembly  246  including a first link member  246   a , a second link member  246   b , and a third link member  246   c.    
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the first link member  246   a  includes a body portion  247  having a cylindrical configuration. The body portion  247  rotatably seats within a corresponding cylindrical aperture (not explicitly shown) defined within an interior wall portion  258  of the housing  214 . The body portion  247  includes an aperture (not explicitly shown) that receives the axle  231  of the lever  230  to secure the lever  230  to the body portion  247  of the first link member  246   a . The body portion  247  also includes a flange  249  that is positioned between opposing wall portions  248   a ,  248   b  provided at a distal end of the second link member  246   b.    
         [0070]    The opposing wall portions  248   a ,  248   b  have apertures (not explicitly shown) that, along with an aperture (not explicitly shown) defined through the flange  249 , receive a pivot pin  264  that connects the wall portions  248   a ,  248   b  of the second link member  246   b  to the flange  249  of the first link member  246   a.    
         [0071]    The second link member  246   b  includes an aperture (not explicitly shown) at a proximal end thereof that, along with apertures (not explicitly shown) defined through opposing finger portions  251   a ,  251   b  of the third link member  246   c , receive a pivot pin  266  that connects the proximal end of the second link member  246   b  to the opposing finger portions  251   a ,  251   b  of the third link member  246   c.    
         [0072]    The third link member  246   c  includes a detent  254  at a top end thereof that couples to a corresponding indent (not explicitly shown) defined within the interior wall portion  258  of the housing  214 . This indent and detent configuration allows the third link member  246   c  to rotate in relation to the interior wall  258  of the housing  214  when the lever  230  is moved between the first and second configurations. 
         [0073]    Elongated slots  260   a ,  260   b  are defined through the opposing finger portions  251   a ,  251   b  of the third link member  246   c  and are configured to receive a pivot pin  268  disposed on the outer insulative sleeve  224 . The pivot pin  268  couples to a proximal end of the outer insulative sleeve  224  and extends transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis “A-A.” 
         [0074]    In use, once the jaw members  21 ,  23  are disposed in the approximated configuration, the lever  230  is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby urging the first, second, and third link members  246   a ,  246   b ,  246   c  distally. Distal translation of the first, second, and third link members  246   a ,  246   b ,  246   c , in turn, moves the outer insulative sleeve  224  and of the energizable rod member  26  in a manner as described above with respect to the outer insulative sleeve  24  and the energizable rod member  26 . 
         [0075]    It is noted that the aforementioned advantages described with respect to the deployment mechanism  28  configured for use with the forceps  10  are attainable also with the deployment mechanisms  128 ,  228 . 
         [0076]    The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery”. Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon in the operating theatre and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include, remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc. 
         [0077]    The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients. 
         [0078]    The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s). 
         [0079]    The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon&#39;s ability to mimic actual operating conditions. 
         [0080]    While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Technology Category: 1