Patent Grant
8961396
The present invention relates to instruments for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures and methods relating thereto. Particularly, the present invention is directed to instruments having an elongated shaft, an actuator at a proximal end and an effector at a distal end thereof, and to surgical methods utilizing such devices.
A variety of surgical devices are known in the art to aid in performing surgical procedures. Typical surgical devices of this kind are fully rigid, including an elongate shaft rigidly affixed to a handle at a proximal end thereof. Such handles and any actuator thereon are typically configured with a pistol-type grip, as in the case of a surgical stapler, or with a scissor handle, as in the case of many other devices, such as some graspers, for example. The handles are typically arranged at the proximal end of the device, in-line with the longitudinal axis of the device or deviated therefrom by an acute angle. Examples of such devices are set forth, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,262 to Mastri et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,009 to Melling et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,558 to Kolsea et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,121 to Bimbo et al., each of which documents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Applicant recognizes, however, that such typical instruments pose difficulties when used in conjunction with other instruments in a small space, such as during laparoscopic procedures, and particularly during such procedures through a single or limited number of access ports. Under such conditions, typical devices in the art suffer from interference between handles and/or effector ends of other such devices.
Moreover, during laparoscopic surgical procedures, the movement of the surgical instrument tip is typically restricted to a region relatively proximal to an axis of a surgical access port, such as that of a surgical cannula. Typically, this disadvantage is mitigated through use of multiple access ports distributed across a patient's abdomen.
Increasingly, techniques are being developed for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures through a single access port. With the advent of such surgeries, it has become necessary to insert multiple instruments through a single access port. Accordingly, the relative motion of, and distance between instrument tips are restricted by the inner diameter of the access port. With traditional instruments, instrument effector ends can interfere with one another while also not being capable of reaching a wide range of areas, or of approaching such areas from different angles.
Additionally, as mentioned above, in such procedures with traditional laparoscopic hand instruments, it becomes difficult to manipulate the handles at the proximal end (user end) thereof, due to crowding due from mutual interference between multiple instrument handles in a relatively small area.
Certain surgical access devices or access “ports” have been developed which have particular advantages with single-incision surgeries, including those devices described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,182,752, 7,338,473, and 7,285,112, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US 2007/0088275 and PCT Publication Number WO2008/077080, which documents are fully incorporated herein by reference. The surgical access devices described in these documents utilize a non-mechanical pressure sealing capability to prevent depressurization of the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. The absence of reliance upon purely mechanical seals, as is common in traditional surgical access devices, allows for the simultaneous use of multiple instruments through a single access device inserted through a single incision, while maintaining a pressurized abdominal cavity (pneumoperitoneum). Traditional mechanically-sealed surgical access devices suffer from various drawbacks when multiple instruments are inserted, or even when a single instrument is manipulated off axis, usually resulting in loss of pneumoperitoneum and/or torn seals or other problems.
Accordingly, Applicant recognizes that there remains a need in the art for devices that are capable of reduced interference with other instruments, which facilitate simultaneous use of multiple instruments in a confined space.
Furthermore, one objective of the present invention, is to provide instruments that are particularly suited for use in single-incision surgeries, which allow for greater freedom of movement at the proximal end, reducing crowding and allowing the surgeon an ergonomically advantageous position. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a surgeon with a greater range of motion between instrument tips during laparoscopic surgery, particularly in single-port surgeries. Among other advantages, instruments in accordance with the invention will enhance a surgeon's dexterity, reduce fatigue and improve accuracy during laparoscopic surgical procedures, particularly during single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures.
The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied, the invention includes a surgical instrument adapted and configured for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures that includes a longitudinal shaft, a distal end effector and a proximal handle. The longitudinal shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The distal end effector is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. For example, such end effector can be a shear, a stapler or of another type. The proximal handle portion is connected to the proximal end portion of the longitudinal shaft and has an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector when actuated.
If desired, the distal end portion of the shaft can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the distal end portion of the shaft can have an arcuate portion that deviates from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The arcuate portion can be formed so as to curve in a plane that is substantially orthogonal, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to a plane in which the lateral jog is formed. Alternatively, the arcuate portion can be formed so as to curve in a plane that is substantially parallel, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to a plane in which the lateral jog is formed.
Additionally or alternatively, the proximally arranged handle portion of the surgical instrument can be arranged such that it extends away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the surgical instrument.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method of performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is provided. The method includes: inserting a single access port through the abdominal wall of a patient, introducing a scope through the access port, inserting a surgical grasper through the access port, lifting the gall bladder with the surgical grasper, inserting a dissector through the access port, dissecting the cystic duct and artery with the dissector, inserting a clip applier and surgical scissor through the access port, terminating the cystic duct and artery with the clip applier, cutting the cystic duct and artery with a surgical scissor, inserting an energy device through the access port, dissecting the gall bladder from the liver bed with the energy device, introducing a specimen bag through the access port, removing the gallbladder from the abdominal cavity with the specimen bag, removing the access port, and closing the incision with a suitable closure.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument for laparoscopic procedures includes a handle, an elongated shaft extending therefrom, and an effector at a distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes one or more bends or curves formed therein. An actuating member extends from the handle through the elongated shaft, and includes a plurality of axially-connected shaft portions including rigid and flexible portions. The effector is provided on a distal end of the elongated shaft, and is operatively connected to the actuating member for performing a surgical task.
The one or more bends or curves can include a bend in a proximal portion of the shaft. In accordance with the invention, the bend can be between about 10 and 170 degrees. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the bend is between about and 20 and 60 degrees. The one or more bends or curves can include an arcuate curve in the distal portion of the shaft.
The one or more bends or curves can be provided in the shaft such that the position of the handle portion, when the instrument is in a working position, inserted through a surgical access device in a laparoscopic procedure, for example, is such that it approximates the position of a handle of a surgical instrument used in an open surgical procedure.
The one or more bends or curves can be provided such that when a plurality of instruments are inserted through a single access device, a portion of the shaft of the surgical instruments passing through the surgical access device are mutually substantially parallel, and a proximal end portion of the surgical instruments extend away from a longitudinal axis of the respective surgical instrument.
If desired, the handle portion can be rotatably connected to the proximal end portion of the shaft, and the end effector can be rotatably connected to the distal end portion of the shaft. In this case, the handle portion and the end effector are mutually connected such that relative rotation of the handle portion with respect to the shaft causes relative rotation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Accordingly, a flexible connecting member, such as a cable for example, is provided in the shaft to transfer a rotational force from the handle portion to the end effector.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide a non-limiting explanation of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The devices and methods presented herein may be used for minimally invasive surgical procedures, but may be used for more conventional surgical procedures. The present invention is particularly suited for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures performed through a single or limited number of access ports, when multiple instruments are required at the same time.
For the purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the surgical hand instrument in accordance with the invention is shown in
As shown in
The longitudinal shaft 130 has proximal and distal end portions and defines a longitudinal axis 137 of the surgical instrument 100. The distal end effector 120 is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft 130, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. For example, such end effector 120 can be a shear as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal end portion 135 of the shaft 130 curves back toward the longitudinal axis 137, leaving the end effector 120 essentially where it would have been if no deviation were present in the shaft 130. Alternatively, if so-desired, the end effector 120 can remain laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 137, rather than returning to a laterally central position.
Further, as illustrated, the distal end of the shaft end portion 135 and the end effector 120 terminate at an angle of φ (phi) with respect to the longitudinal axis 137. This angle can range from an acute angle of about 0 degrees to an angle of about 180 degrees and can be at any one-degree increment therebetween, as desired for the particular application. As illustrated in
Moreover, the overall width 180, due to the offset 139 and the angle of the end effector 120 is preferably selected such that it is no greater than the largest diameter of the access port being used. Naturally, when multiple such instruments are inserted, the space available for insertion of the end effector through the access port must be considered. In such an instance, a flexible shaft portion can allow for adjustment of the end effector once inserted through the access port. Devices in accordance with the invention can advantageously be used with access ports having major and minor axes, such as an elliptically-shaped access port. The extra width available can allow for instruments constructed in accordance with the invention to pass more easily therethrough.
With reference to
This offset of the handle portion 110, 210 and/or end effectors 120, 220, allows for reduced interference between instruments during use, particularly when they are concurrently inserted through a single surgical access port.
Additionally, as illustrated in the embodiment of
End effectors which may be used with devices constructed in accordance with the invention include but are not limited to clip appliers, staplers, morcellators, dissectors, shears, graspers, suturing devices, ligating loops, specimen retrievers, retractors, biopsy punches, probes, irrigation cannulas, scissors, forceps, needle holders, electrocautery devices, coagulating devices, and clamps. In accordance with any embodiment of the invention, the end effector and instrument can be configured such that the end effectors are interchangeable. That is, the end effectors can be removable and replaceable with the same or different type of end effector.
Although illustrated and described as being actuatable only by hand, devices in accordance with the invention can be modified so as to be used in conjunction with robotic surgical systems. In this case, the proximal handle portion (110, 210) is replaced with a suitable engaging and interface portion to adapt the surgical instruments described herein for use with such systems.
Devices constructed in accordance with the invention can facilitate various minimally invasive surgical procedures using a minimal number of access ports, including cholecystectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, nephrectomy, colon resection, hysterectomy, appendectomy, oophorectomy, or mass removal.
For example, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, includes a first step of inserting a single access port through the umbilicus or in another location in the abdomen of the patient. As set forth above, the access port, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, includes a fluidic seal. Such access ports can be relatively large in size to accommodate multiple instruments, and be circular or non-circular in cross-section, including oval, for example. Diameters or axial dimensions, in accordance with one aspect, are in the range of about 12 mm to about 25 mm. Larger sizes allow for insertion of more and/or larger instruments, and facilitate tissue removal through the port.
Subsequently, a scope can be introduced through the access port, which may be a flexible endoscope or laparoscope, for example. All subsequent steps can be performed by inserting the appropriate instrument or instruments through the access port. In the case of a cholecystectomy, the gallbladder can be lifted with surgical grassers or another suitable instrument. The cystic duct and artery can then be dissected with a suitable instrument, such as a dissector. The cystic duct and artery can be terminated, for example, clipped with a clip applier and cut with a suitable instrument, such as a surgical scissor.
The gall bladder can then be removed, and is dissected from the liver bed prior to removal with a suitable instrument, such as an energy device, which can be a cautery device or harmonic device, for example. Subsequently, a specimen bag can be introduced to remove the gallbladder from the abdominal cavity. Upon completion of the procedure, the access port can be removed, and the incision can be closed with sutures or by another suitable closure.
A sleeve gastrectomy can be performed in accordance with the invention including the steps of inserting the required number of access ports, but preferably only a single port, in the abdomen of a patient, such as through the umbilicus as set forth above. The method can further include introducing a scope, and transecting small gastric vessels with a grasper and energy source, for example. An energy source can include ultrasonic, Ligasure™ (Manufactured by ValleyLab, a division of Tyco Healthcare Group LP) or bipolar energy sources, for example. Further steps included in accordance with this aspect are retracting the stomach laterally, sizing a sleeve such as by inserting a bougie via the mouth, transecting the stomach, such as with a surgical stapler, removing a specimen or excess tissue, with graspers, for example, and finally removing the access port and closing the incision made to insert the access port.
A nephrectomy can be performed in accordance with the invention, including the steps of inserting a port and inserting a scope therethrough, as set forth above, dissecting and exposing the kidney, such as with dissectors, scissors and/or an energy source, ligating and transecting the ureter, such as with clips and scissors, and transecting renal vessels, such as with a surgical stapler or other suitable instrument. The method further includes removing the kidney such as with a specimen bag and/or through use of a morcellator. The procedure is completed by removing the access port and closing the incision made therefor, with sutures or other suitable closure.
A colon resection performed in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes the steps of inserting a port and inserting a scope therethrough, as set forth above, mobilizing the colon with a suitable instrument such as graspers, scissors, dissectors and/or an energy source, for example. The method can further include ligating the blood supply with a stapler and/or an energy source, for example, and transecting and removing the desired portion of the colon using a surgical stapler and a specimen bag, for example. Next, anastomosis can be performed using a surgical stapler, which can be an EEA stapler, and then the access port can be removed and the incision can be closed.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy can be performed in accordance with one aspect of the invention in the following steps: First, a single port is inserted into the abdominal cavity, such as through the umbilicus, as set forth above, followed by insertion of a scope therethrough. Next, the uterus is mobilized and the blood supply thereto is ligated and transected, using a grasper, energy source and/or surgical stapler, for example. Subsequently, the uterus can be removed vaginally, or alternatively can be removed through the access port. In the latter instance, a morcellator is preferably utilized to facilitate removal. Finally, the access port is removed, and the incision is closed.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an appendectomy can be performed laparoscopically, including the steps of inserting an access port and scope into the abdominal cavity, as set forth above, then grasping and exposing the appendix with a suitable instrument, such as surgical graspers. Subsequently, the mesoappendix is ligated, such as with a surgical stapler or energy source, the appendix is transected with a suitable instrument, such as a surgical stapler, the appendix is removed with a specimen bag, and the port is removed and the incision closed with sutures or other suitable closure.
An oophorectomy or mass removal can be accomplished laparoscopically in accordance with the invention, including the steps of inserting a port and scope as set forth above, exposing the ovary or mass with a suitable instrument, such as a surgical grasper, mobilizing the ovary/mass with dissectors, scissors or other suitable instrument, and ligating and transecting the ovary/mass with a suitable instrument, such as an energy source or surgical stapler.
In accordance with the invention, any of the foregoing methods can include more or fewer steps, and can include steps or utilize instruments that vary from those specifically set forth herein.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the abdominal cavity is insufflated during the procedures set forth above. Naturally, this can be accomplished in a conventional manner, such as with a veress needle. Alternatively, the access port can be adapted and configured to provide insufflation to the abdominal cavity.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the shafts of laparoscopic instruments designed and constructed in accordance herewith are curved, bent or otherwise offset in one or more planes. In accordance with one aspect, for example, bends and/or curves are formed in orthogonal vertical and horizontal planes.
For example, and as illustrated in
Accordingly, in an embodiment such as that illustrated in
In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the positioning of the jog in the shaft, causing lateral displacement of the distal portion 315 of the surgical instrument shaft 310 from the proximal portion 311 of the shaft 310, occurs in a location that is selected to be just distal to the end of the access port when in use. Accordingly, an instrument can advantageously be inserted through the access port, and then rotated out of the way, while another instrument is inserted, for example.
Additionally or alternatively, in accordance with the invention, and as illustrated in
In such an arrangement, effector ends 330 of each of a pair of surgical instruments used in conjunction (as illustrated in
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument in accordance with the invention can be intentionally laterally restrained within a surgical cannula for the purpose of providing additional stability of the instrument, for example. In such an arrangement, the subject instruments can be configured and adapted to rotate, and optionally move inward and outward (axially), but inhibit lateral translation. However, with the configuration of the subject instruments, rotational movement results in translational movement, thereby allowing for additional stability without severely inhibiting dexterity.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, and as illustrated in
Although variations in the specific dimensions are possible, and contemplated by applicants, as illustrated in
The embodiment of the surgical instrument 500 illustrated in
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, and as illustrated for example in
If so desired, the proximal handle 640 can be formed so as to have an angular offset, with respect to the proximal shaft portion 517, in order to augment the relative angle formed between the main shaft 511 and the proximal shaft portion 517. Further, angular adjustability can be provided at this point as well, to allow the user to determine the most comfortable position for the handle 640.
As illustrated, a relative angle θ1 is formed between the proximal angularly offset portions 517 of the shafts thereof, as is a relative angle β2 formed between the axes of the distal effector ends 630. Although these angles can be any particular value needed or desired, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, these angles are about the same, and range between about 30 and about 60 degrees. In accordance with one embodiment, the angles β1, β2 are about 45 degrees.
Instruments designed and constructed in accordance with the invention, used in conjunction as illustrated in
In use, the perception by the surgeon is, to an extent, as if the surgical site were open, located at the intersection of the proximal angularly offset portions of the instrument shaft, but displaced vertically therefrom. Accordingly, the movements of the surgeon need not be substantially different from those he or she would use when performing an open surgery. Therefore, the difficulty level is reduced and the speed of training is increased. Additionally, because of the ergonomically advantageous position of the handles 517 with respect to the patient, fatigue on the surgeon is reduced.
In accordance with the invention, the handle 517 can actuate the effector end 630 in any suitable manner. The handle 517 is preferably connected to the effector end by way of an actuating element that is capable of exerting tension and/or compression without buckling or fatiguing during the life of the instrument. Such element is also preferably somewhat flexible to allow passage through bent and/or curved portions of the shaft, as will be discussed in more detail below.
The actuating element can be of any suitable material, but is preferably formed of a flexible metal or semi-rigid polymeric material. The actuating element can be substantially rod shaped, and can have a substantially circular cross section, for example. The actuating element can be a soft metal rod, such as one formed of a flexible metal alloy. Alternatively, the actuating element can be a semi-rigid coil, which is relatively stiff in resistance to axially-applied forces, but which allows movement through the bends and curves formed in the surgical instrument. The cross section, moreover can be either solid or tubular, as required for strength. The actuating element can be formed wholly or in part by a braided material, such as a braided cable made of a metal or polymer. The actuating element can also be restrained laterally to reduce buckling of the element laterally in compression.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, as illustrated in
In accordance with the invention, and as set forth above, the flexible elements (e.g. 860b) can be formed from a suitable flexible material, which can include a solid, tubular, coiled or braided element, for example. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the flexible elements include sufficient flexural and/or torsional rigidity to efficiently transfer forces between the handle 840 and the effector 830 without buckling or twisting while still allowing for bending when urged longitudinally through one or more bends in the shaft 810.
In accordance with the invention, the linear elements (e.g. 860a, 860c) can be of any suitable configuration, and made of any suitable material, including those set forth above. For example, the linear elements 860a, 860c can be solid, tubular, coiled, braided or woven, for example. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the linear elements 860a, 860c are solid or tubular and substantially cylindrical in shape. In any case, the linear elements are preferably relatively stiff in compression, so as to inhibit buckling of the actuating element 860 in compression. If so-embodied, as described in more detail below, the actuating element 860, and particularly the linear elements thereof are also relatively stiff in torsion, so as to provide a relatively quick and accurate response to torsional actuation inputs.
As best seen in the enlarged partial views of the distal end effectors 830, 930 of
As mentioned briefly above, in the embodiments of
The cam pin 873 can be integrally formed or otherwise mounted in the distal elbow housing 870. Moreover, the distal elbow housing 870 can be adapted to be rotatable with respect to an axis of the shaft 811. Accordingly, the housing 870 can be secured to a tubular member provided on top of or within a skeletal shaft of the instrument 800, 900.
Alternatively, as illustrated in
Referring again to
As set forth above, the instrument 900 of
The devices and methods of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide instruments and surgical procedures that are versatile and facilitate use of multiple instruments in a confined space and through a single access port, if necessary or desired. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the devices of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include such modifications not specifically set forth herein.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/789,643 filed May 28, 2010 which claims the benefit of priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/085081, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/991,150 filed Nov. 29, 2007, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/053,038 filed May 14, 2008, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/091,335 filed Aug. 22, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/104,532 filed Oct. 10, 2008. Each of the aforementioned patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 12789643 | May 2010 | US |
| Child | 13940446 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2008/085081 | Nov 2008 | US |
| Child | 12789643 | US |
