The present invention generally relates to ultrasonic surgical systems and, more particularly, to an ultrasonic device that allows surgeons to perform cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures such as plastic surgery.
Ultrasonic surgical instruments are finding increasingly widespread applications in surgical procedures by virtue of the unique performance characteristics of such instruments. Depending upon specific instrument configurations and operational parameters, ultrasonic surgical instruments can provide substantially simultaneous cutting of tissue and homeostasis by coagulation, desirably minimizing patient trauma. The cutting action is typically realized by an end-effector, or blade tip, at the distal end of the instrument, which transmits ultrasonic energy to tissue brought into contact with the end-effector. Ultrasonic instruments of this nature can be configured for open surgical use, laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures including robotic-assisted procedures.
Performing an average plastic surgery procedure (e.g. abdominoplasty, breast reconstruction/reduction, and face lift) involves significant recovery time for the patient and risk of post-operative complications such as seroma and hematoma. The recovery time includes additional office visits post-operatively, affecting patient satisfaction and decreasing the amount of time a surgeon is available for surgery. Advanced energy instruments (in lieu of traditional monopolar electrosurgery—“bovie”) can provide a less complicated recovery experience and potentially shorten the post-operative recovery time. However, the advanced energy instruments currently available are not designed specifically for plastic surgery procedures. They lack the comfort and versatility required for such procedures.
For example, present energy instruments are available only in fixed lengths. This is a problem for many plastic surgery procedures because the surgeon prefers to have a short blade at the beginning of a procedure for superficial work and a longer blade later during the procedure to obtain deeper access to tissue. With current instruments, the surgeon is required to switch instruments during the procedure, which is both time and cost prohibitive.
Some surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy for both precise cutting and controlled coagulation. Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by using lower temperatures than those used by electrosurgery. Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g. 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum. Pressure exerted on tissue with the blade surface collapses blood vessels and allows the coagulum to form a hemostatic seal. The precision of cutting and coagulation is controlled by the surgeon's technique and adjusting the power level, blade edge, tissue traction and blade pressure.
Some current designs of ultrasonic surgical devices utilize a foot pedal to energize the surgical instrument. The surgeon operates the foot pedal to activate a generator that provides energy that is transmitted to the cutting blade for cutting and coagulating tissue while simultaneously applying pressure to the handle to press tissue against the blade. Key drawbacks with this type of instrument activation include the loss of focus on the surgical field while the surgeon searches for the foot pedal, the foot pedal getting in the way of the surgeon's movement during a procedure and surgeon leg fatigue during long cases.
It would be desirable to provide an ultrasonic surgical instrument that overcomes some of the deficiencies of current instruments. The ultrasonic surgical instrument described herein overcomes those deficiencies.
An ultrasonic surgical instrument assembly embodying the principles of the present invention is configured to permit selective dissection, cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures.
A first expression of a first embodiment of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is a housing configured to accept a transducer and further defining a longitudinal axis; a first switch positioned on the housing for actuation by one or more fingers of a user and further electrically connected to a generator for providing an electrical signal to the generator for controlling a first level of ultrasonic energy delivered by the transducer.
A second expression of the first embodiment of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is for a second switch positioned on the housing for actuation by one or more fingers of a user and further electrically connected to a generator for providing an electrical signal to the generator for controlling a second level of ultrasonic energy delivered by the transducer.
A first expression of a second embodiment of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is a blade extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing and configured to translate or telescope along the longitudinal axis. Such a feature allows the user to have one instrument with multiple blade lengths. The distance of the activation buttons adjusts with respect to the distal end of the blade and thereby provides precise control in the short blade position and deep access in the longer positions. This also allows for fewer instrument exchanges to reduce procedure time.
A second expression of the second embodiment is a sheath enclosing the blade and the sheath configured to translate along a longitudinal axis.
A third expression of the second embodiment is a sheath enclosing the blade and the blade configured to rotate with respect to the housing.
A first expression of a third embodiment of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is a locking mechanism for preventing the blade and/or sheath from translating along the longitudinal axis.
A second expression of the third embodiment is a locking mechanism for preventing the blade from rotating with respect to the housing.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Before explaining the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the invention is not limited in its application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments of the invention may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments of the present invention for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
Further, it is understood that any one or more of the following-described embodiments, expressions of embodiments, examples, etc. can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described embodiments, expressions of embodiments, examples, etc.
The present invention is particularly directed to an improved ultrasonic surgical instrument, which is configured for effecting tissue dissecting, cutting and/or coagulation during surgical procedures, including delicate surgical procedures, such as plastic surgery. The present apparatus is configured for use in open surgical procedures, but has applications in other types of surgery, such as laparoscopic. Versatile use is facilitated by selective use of ultrasonic energy. When ultrasonic components of the apparatus are inactive, tissue can be manipulated, as desired, without tissue cutting or damage. When the ultrasonic components are activated the ultrasonic energy provides for both tissue cutting and coagulation.
Further, the present invention is disclosed in terms of a blade-only instrument. This feature is not intended to be limiting, as the embodiments disclosed herein have equal application in clamp coagulator instruments as are exemplary disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,873,873 and 6,773,444.
As will become apparent from the following description, the present surgical apparatus is particularly configured for disposable use by virtue of its straightforward construction. As such, it is contemplated that the apparatus be used in association with an ultrasonic generator unit of a surgical system, whereby ultrasonic energy from the generator unit provides the desired ultrasonic actuation for the present surgical instrument. It will be appreciated that surgical instrument embodying the principles of the present invention can be configured for non-disposable or multiple use, and non-detachably integrated with an associated ultrasonic generator unit. However, detachable connection of the present surgical instrument with an associated ultrasonic generator unit is presently preferred for single-patient use of the apparatus.
With specific reference now to
Ultrasonic transducer 50 and an ultrasonic waveguide 80 together provide an acoustic assembly of the present surgical system 19, with the acoustic assembly providing ultrasonic energy for surgical procedures when powered by generator 300. The acoustic assembly of surgical instrument 100 generally includes a first acoustic portion and a second acoustic portion. In the present embodiment, the first acoustic portion comprises the ultrasonically active portions of ultrasonic transducer 50, and the second acoustic portion comprises the ultrasonically active portions of transmission assembly 71. Further, in the present embodiment, the distal end of the first acoustic portion is operatively coupled to the proximal end of the second acoustic portion by, for example, a threaded connection.
The ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 includes a multi-piece handle assembly 68 adapted to isolate the operator from the vibrations of the acoustic assembly contained within transducer 50. The handle assembly 68 can be shaped to be held by a user in a conventional manner, but it is contemplated that the present ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 principally be grasped and manipulated in a pencil-like arrangement provided by a handle assembly of the instrument, as will be described. While a multi-piece handle assembly 68 is illustrated, the handle assembly 68 may comprise a single or unitary component. The proximal end of the ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 receives and is fitted to the distal end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 by insertion of the transducer into the handle assembly 68. The ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 may be attached to and removed from the ultrasonic transducer 50 as a unit. The ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 may include a handle assembly 68, comprising mating housing portions 69 and 70 and an ultrasonic transmission assembly 71. The elongated transmission assembly 71 of the ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 extends orthogonally from the instrument handle assembly 68.
The handle assembly 68 may be constructed from a durable plastic, such as polycarbonate or a liquid crystal polymer. It is also contemplated that the handle assembly 68 may alternatively be made from a variety of materials including other plastics, ceramics or metals.
The transmission assembly 71 includes a waveguide 80 and a blade 79. It will be noted that, in some applications, the transmission assembly is sometimes referred to as a “blade assembly”. The waveguide 80, which is adapted to transmit ultrasonic energy from transducer 50 to the tip of blade 79 may be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The waveguide 80 may also be configured to amplify the mechanical vibrations transmitted through the waveguide 80 to the blade 79 as is well known in the art. The waveguide 80 may further have features to control the gain of the longitudinal vibration along the waveguide 80 and features to tune the waveguide 80 to the resonant frequency of the system. In particular, waveguide 80 may have any suitable cross-sectional dimension. For example, the waveguide 80 may have a substantially uniform cross-section or the waveguide 80 may be tapered at various sections or may be tapered along its entire length. Ultrasonic waveguide 80 may, for example, have a length substantially equal to an integral number of one-half system wavelengths (nλ/2). The ultrasonic waveguide 80 and blade 79 may be preferably fabricated from a solid core shaft constructed out of material, which propagates ultrasonic energy efficiently, such as titanium alloy (i.e., Ti-6Al-4V), aluminum alloys, sapphire, stainless steel or any other acoustically compatible material.
Ultrasonic waveguide 80 may further include at least one radial hole or aperture 66 extending therethrough, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide 80. The aperture 66, which may be positioned at a node, is configured to receive a connector pin 27, discussed below, which connects the waveguide 80, to the outer sheath 72. Proximal o-ring 67a and distal o-ring 67b are assembled onto transmission assembly 71 near the nodes.
Blade 79 may be integral with the waveguide 80 and formed as a single unit. In an alternate expression of the current embodiment, blade 79 may be connected by a threaded connection, a welded joint, or other coupling mechanisms. The distal end of blade 79, or blade tip 79a, is disposed near an anti-node in order to tune the acoustic assembly to a preferred resonant frequency fo when the acoustic assembly is not loaded by tissue. When ultrasonic transducer 50 is energized the blade tip 79a is configured to move substantially longitudinally (along the x axis) in the range of, for example, approximately 10 to 500 microns peak-to-peak, and preferably in the range of about 20 to about 200 microns at a predetermined vibrational frequency fo of, for example, 55,500 Hz. Blade tip 79a also preferably vibrates in the y-axis at about 1 to about 10 percent of the motion in the x-axis.
One embodiment of waveguide 80 and blade 79 is product code HF105 sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio and further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,082, entitled ULTRASONIC SURGICAL BLADE WITH IMPROVED CUTTING AND COAGULATION FEATURES. Other blade designs are also contemplated for use with the current invention, including product code DH105 sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. and further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,299, entitled ULTRASONIC SCALPEL BLADE AND METHODS OF APPLICATION. Other ultrasonic blade designs are also useful as is well known to those skilled in the art.
Waveguide 80 is positioned within outer sheath 72 and held in place via pin 27. Preferably pin 27 is made of any compatible metal, such as stainless steel or titanium or a durable plastic, such as polycarbonate or a liquid crystal polymer. In a first expression of one embodiment, pin 27 is partially coated with an elasto-meric material, such as silicon for that portion 29 of pin 27 that extends through waveguide 80. The silicone provides insulation from the vibrating blade throughout the length of hole 66. This enables high efficiency operation whereby minimal overheating is generated and maximum ultrasonic output power is available at the blade tip for cutting and coagulation.
Outer sheath 72 passes through an aperture 210 of release button 200. Positioned below release button and within housing portion 69 is a spring 220 that asserts an upward force on release button 200. The upward force causes aperture 210 to firmly assert pressure against outer sheath 72 and thereby prevents outer sheath 72 and waveguide 80 and blade 79 from either rotating within handle 68 or axially translating with respect to handle 68. When the user exerts a downward force on release button 200, the spring is compressed and it no longer asserts a holding force on outer sheath 72. The user may then axially translate outer sheath 72 and waveguide 80 and blade 72 relative to handle 68 and/or rotate the outer sheath and waveguide 80 and blade 72 relative to handle 68.
Housing 68 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity 59 extending longitudinally therein. Cavity 59 is configured to accept a switch assembly 300 and the transducer assembly 50. In one expression of the current embodiment, the distal end of transducer 50 threadedly attaches to the proximal end of transmission rod 80. The distal end of transducer 50 also interfaces with switch assembly 300 to provide the surgeon with finger-activated controls on surgical instrument 19.
Transducer 50 includes a first conductive ring 400 and a second conductive ring 410 which are securely disposed within the transducer body 50 as is described in co-pending application Ser. No. 11/545,784. Switch assembly 300 comprises a pushbutton assembly 310, a circuit assembly 330, a switch housing 350, a first pin conductor 360 and a second pin conductor 370 (see
With reference also to
A circuit 330 provides for the electro-mechanical interface between pushbuttons 321 and 322 and the generator 30 via transducer 50. Circuit 330 comprises two dome switches 332 and 334 that are mechanically actuated by depressing pushbuttons 321 or 322, respectively. Dome switches 332 and 334 are electrical contact switches, that when depressed provide an electrical signal to generator 30 as shown by the electrical wiring schematic of
As is readily apparent, by depressing pushbuttons 321 and 322 the corresponding contact surfaces depress against corresponding dome switches 332 and 334 to activate the circuit illustrated in
Referring also now to
Adaptor 550 has a longitudinal shaft 552 with cantilevered tabs 554 at its distal end. At the proximal end of shaft 552 are spline gears 556 projecting in a perpendicular fashion along the outer circumference of shaft 552. Spline gears 556 include cam ramps 556a disposed at an angle from about 23° to about 28° with respect to the perpendicular angle between the outer circumference of shaft 552 and spline gears 556. Adaptor further includes an interface 560 rigidly connected to shaft 552 and defining an opening for rigidly engaging the distal end of outer sheath 72.
In assembly, torque wrench opening 502 is aligned with shaft 552 and guided along substantially the entire length of shaft 552 until the tabs 554 flex inward and capture shoulder 505 at the distal end of hand wrench 500. Cam ramp 501b slidably engages retainer cam ramps 556a. The torque wrench assembly 450 slidably engages the distal end of outer sheath 72 and is held rigidly in place. Flat surfaces of interface 560 mate with flat surfaces (not shown) at the distal end of outer sheath 72.
Clockwise annular motion or torque is imparted to hand wrench 500 through paddles 504. The torque is transmitted through arms 501 and teeth 501a to gears 556, which in turn transmit the torque to the waveguide 80 via outer shroud 72 via insulated pin 27. When a user imparts 5-12 lbs. of torque, the ramps 501b and 556 cause the arms 501 to move or flex away from the centerline of wrench 500 ensuring that the user does not over-tighten the waveguide 80 onto transducer 50. When a counter-clockwise torque is applied to wrench 500 via paddles 504, the perpendicular flat sides of teeth 501a and 556 abut allowing a user to impart a torque to the interface between the waveguide 80 and transducer 50 in proportion to the force applied to the paddles facilitating removal of the instrument 100 from the transducer 50. The torque wrench 450 may be constructed from a durable plastic, such as polycarbonate or a liquid crystal polymer. It is also contemplated that the wrench 450 may alternatively be made from a variety of materials including other plastics, ceramics or metals.
In another embodiment (not shown), the paddles and cantilever arm assembly may be separate components attached by mechanical means or chemical means such as adhesives or glue.
Preferably, the ultrasonic apparatus 100 described above will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used ultrasonic apparatus 100 is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The ultrasonic apparatus can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique the ultrasonic apparatus is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. Optionally, the ultrasonic apparatus can be combined in the container as a kit with other components, including a torque wrench 450. The container and ultrasonic apparatus, as well as any other components, are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the ultrasonic apparatus and in the container. The sterilized ultrasonic apparatus can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the ultrasonic apparatus sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.
Referring to
Another expression for the electrical connection is found in rail design 644 of
Referring now to
Referring to
Shown at
Referring now to
Reference is now made to
An alternate expression to the friction lock is knob 730. When knob 730 is rotated it creates interference between housing 271a and 271b. This interference causes knob 730 to deflect, and applies compressive forces and friction to sheath 776 locking it in place. When knob 730 is not creating interference, end effector 79b is able to translate and rotate with respect to housing 271.
Referring now to
An alternate expression for alignment pin 27 is found in
Referring now to
A further expression for counterbalance system is one that dynamically balances instrument 100 with respect to he multiple positions of handpiece 50b with respect to housing 815. Counterbalance 820c is moved inside housing 815 by band 823 and post 824. Band 823 is grounded to handpiece 50b. As handpiece 50b retracts proximally, counterbalance 820c is moves distally through the pulling of handpiece 50b on band 823 around post 824. Once adjusted, counterbalance 820c is located further from handpiece 50b to better balance ultrasonic instrument 100c. As handpiece 50b is extends distally, counterbalance 820c moves proximally toward the center of mass of the system.
Counterbalance 820d of
Referring now to
Part of a kit to go along with the device could include a means to better coagulate vessels. Referring now to
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the spirit and scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, the structure of each element associated with the present invention can be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/014,378, filed on Jan. 15, 2008, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional patent applications, Ser. No. 60/968,357, filed on Aug. 28, 2007 and Ser. No. 60/885,086, filed on Jan. 16, 2007, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60968357 | Aug 2007 | US | |
60885086 | Jan 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12014378 | Jan 2008 | US |
Child | 14246808 | US |