Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090043304 | Vessel Sealing Forceps With Disposable Electrodes - A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes. | 02-12-2009 |
20090088738 | Dual Durometer Insulating Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps - An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue, a movable handle that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members includes at least one mechanical interface and at least one jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the at least one jaw member is capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of at least one jaw member and about the pivot, the flexible boot including a first longitudinal portion made from a high durometer material and a second longitudinal portion made from a low durometer material. The high durometer material may be configured to operably retain the flexible insulating boot atop both a proximal end of the jaw members and a distal end of the flexible insulating boot. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088740 | Insulating Boot with Mechanical Reinforcement for Electrosurgical Forceps - An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof that is movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle is included that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another and at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. The flexible boot includes one or more mechanically reinforcing elements operatively coupled thereto that is configured enhance the rigidity of the insulating boot. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088748 | Insulating Mesh-like Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps - An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another and at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. The flexible boot includes a woven mesh-like base material that is covered with a layer of flexible silicone configured to reduce stray currents emanating from the jaw members and the pivot during electrical activation of the forceps. | 04-02-2009 |
20090149854 | Spring Loaded Reciprocating Tissue Cutting Mechanism in a Forceps-Style Electrosurgical Instrument - Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue which include a pair of first and second shaft portions each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween with at least one of the jaw members including a knife slot defined along a length thereof. The knife slot is dimensioned to reciprocate a knife blade therefrom. The forceps also have a cutting mechanism which selectively actuates the knife blade from a first position wherein the knife blade is disposed at least substantially entirely within the knife slot of the jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the knife blade is at least partially deployed from the knife slot of the jaw member. The knife blade is displaceable in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the forceps. | 06-11-2009 |
20090188094 | System and Method for Manufacturing a Medical Instrument - A system for manufacturing a forceps is disclosed. The system includes a forceps having first and second opposing jaw members. A compression mechanism is coupled to the pair of opposing jaw members and configured to provide and maintain a compression force between the opposing jaw members. The system also includes a load cell configured to measure an initial compression force between the opposing jaw members and a controller coupled to the load cell and configured to adjust the compression force based on a comparison between the initial compression force and a predetermined range. | 07-30-2009 |
20090248052 | Automated Assembly Device to Tolerate Blade Variation - An automated device facilitates the assembly a surgical instrument that includes a knife with a high aspect ratio. The automated device includes a fixture for restraining a subassembly of the surgical instrument that includes the knife. A blade grip on the device is movable relative to the fixture, and is configured to urge the knife into a restrained position in the subassembly suitable for the subsequent assembly of an additional instrument component. A grip actuator is provided to move the blade grip. | 10-01-2009 |
20090320268 | Automated Assembly Device to Tolerate Blade Variation - An automated device facilitates the assembly a surgical instrument that includes a knife with a high aspect ratio. The automated device includes a fixture for restraining a subassembly of the surgical instrument that includes the knife. A blade grip on the device is movable relative to the fixture, and is configured to urge the knife into a restrained position in the subassembly suitable for the subsequent assembly of an additional instrument component. A grip actuator is provided to move the blade grip. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322034 | High Volume Fluid Seal for Electrosurgical Handpiece - A fluid resistant seal connector for an electrosurgical handpiece includes a housing adapted to be supported within an electrosurgical handpiece. The housing includes opposing half sections each having an inner peripheral surface. The fluid resistant seal further includes a first seal adapted to engage an activation circuit of the handpiece and at least one second seal adapted to engage an electrosurgical supply wire in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. At least one of the first and second seals is configured to complement the inner peripheral surface of the housing. | 12-31-2009 |
20100042140 | Method of Transferring Pressure in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. At least one jaw member of the end effector is configured to move relative to an opposing jaw member between open and closed configurations, and a force transfer member is configured for longitudinal motion with respect to the fixed bearing member. The force transfer member includes a pivot channel therein. The end effector also includes a reactive member coupled between the fixed bearing member and the at least one jaw member. The reactive member is constructed from a thin strip of conformable material and extends through the pivot channel such that relative longitudinal motion between the fixed bearing member and the force transfer member causes the reactive member to flex and the at least one jaw member to move relative to the opposing jaw. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042142 | Method of Transferring Pressure in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member, having an end effector axis defined therethrough, with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. An input shaft is configured for rotational motion relative to the fixed bearing member about the end effector axis and a force transfer member is coupled to the input shaft such that rotary motion of the input shaft generates longitudinal motion in the force transfer member. At least one jaw member couples to the force transfer member such that longitudinal motion of the force transfer member results in the jaw member moving between an open and a closed configuration relative to an opposing jaw member. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042143 | Method of Transferring Pressure in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. At least one jaw member of the end effector is configured to move relative to an opposing jaw member between open and closed configurations, and a force transfer member is configured for longitudinal motion with respect to the fixed bearing member. The end effector also includes a reactive member that has a pivot boss about which the at least one jaw member rotates, and is coupled between the fixed bearing member and the at least one jaw member. The force transfer member applies a longitudinal force to the at least one jaw member at some lateral distance from the pivot boss to urge the at least one jaw member to move between the open and closed configurations. | 02-18-2010 |
20100069903 | Vessel Sealing Instrument With Cutting Mechanism - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 03-18-2010 |
20100069904 | Electrosurgical Instrument Having a Coated Electrode Utilizing an Atomic Layer Deposition Technique - An electrosurgical instrument includes a support member and an electrode. The electrode is disposed on the support member and has a coating disposed thereon. The coating includes a seed layer and an atomic-layer-deposition (“ALD”) layer. The ALD layer is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The seed layer may be conductive or insulative. | 03-18-2010 |
20100069953 | Method of Transferring Force Using Flexible Fluid-Filled Tubing in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An endoscopic surgical instrument for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft defining a proximal shaft axis and a distal shaft axis. The shaft axes may be misaligned to appropriately position and orient an end effector coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The instrument is configured such that the shaft may resist a tendency to realign itself as the end effector moves from an open configuration for receiving tissue to a closed configuration for maintaining a closure pressure on the tissue ranging from about 3 kg/cm | 03-18-2010 |
20100087818 | Method of Transferring Rotational Motion in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, which may be articulated to facilitate positioning of an end effector. The instrument accommodates reactionary forces associated with closing the end effector without substantial disruption to the position of the end effector. The instrument includes an elongated shaft housing generally defining distal and proximal shaft axes, and a torsion member extending through the shaft housing. The torsion member transmits rotational displacement from a handle portion of the instrument to the end effector to selectively move the end effector between open and closed configurations. The torsion member comprises a flexible shaft exhibiting a plurality of generally radial slots spaced longitudinally along a length of the flexible shaft. | 04-08-2010 |
20100094287 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Endoscopic Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The housing includes a drive assembly operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. One or both of the first and second jaw members is pivotable about a living hinge from a first position to a clamping position. One or both of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end of the actuation tube via a cam pin that operatively engages the cam slot such that proximal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams at least one jaw member towards the other jaw member about the living hinge | 04-15-2010 |
20100179546 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a flexible shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The flexible shaft has first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof and each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A drive assembl is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof and a second actuator operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation thereof. A knife is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod. Actuation of the first actuator moves the jaw members relative to one another for engaging tissue and actuation of the second actuator rotates the drive rod about the axis A-A to translate the knife to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members. | 07-15-2010 |
20100179547 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps is provided. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft including an electrically conductive distal end. A drive assembly is operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. A portion of the actuation tube is electrically conductive. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. The first and second jaw members are pivotable about a living hinge. Distal reciprocation of the actuation tube causes each of the jaw members towards one another about the living hinge. One of the jaw members is in electrical communication with the distal end of the shaft and the other jaw member is in selective electrical communication with a distal end of the actuation tube such that when the jaw members are in a closed configuration a closed loop electrical circuit is formed. | 07-15-2010 |
20110106079 | Insulating Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps - Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member. | 05-05-2011 |
20110213360 | Tensioning Mechanism for Articulation Drive Cables - A surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft. A tensile member extends through the elongated shaft to operatively couple to the end effector to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes an actuator operable to induce longitudinal motion in the tensile member, and longitudinal motion in the tensile member induces movement of the end effector. A tensioning mechanism is provided to impart a proximally directed force on the drive mechanism such that the proximally directed force is transmitted to the tensile member. Thus, the tensile member may be maintained in a tensile state over time. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213361 | De-Tensioning Mechanism for Articulation Drive Cables - A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213362 | Drive Mechanism for Articulation of a Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. A pair of drive cables extends through the elongated shaft and is coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of torsion members that are rotatable about two distinct axes in response to movement of the actuator. A respective follower is operatively coupled to each torsion member to translate in a respective longitudinal direction in response to rotation of the torsion members, and each follower is coupled to a respective drive cable to impart translational motion thereto. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213363 | Drive Mechanism for Articulation of a Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The shaft includes a distal portion movable between aligned and articulated configurations. First and second drive cables are coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair pulleys operatively coupled to the actuator to rotate about an axle. The first and second drive cables are coupled to the pulleys such that the drive cables extend on opposite lateral sides of the axle. A biasing mechanism is configured to bias the first and second pulleys to at least one discrete orientation to maintain the distal portion of the elongated shaft in a discrete articulated position. | 09-01-2011 |
20120165797 | Method of Transferring Rotational Motion in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, which may be articulated to facilitate positioning of an end effector. The instrument accommodates reactionary forces associated with closing the end effector without substantial disruption to the position of the end effector. The instrument includes an elongated shaft housing generally defining distal and proximal shaft axes, and a torsion member extending through the shaft housing. The torsion member transmits rotational displacement from a handle portion of the instrument to the end effector to selectively move the end effector between open and closed configurations. The torsion member comprises a flexible shaft exhibiting a plurality of generally radial slots spaced longitudinally along a length of the flexible shaft. | 06-28-2012 |
20120226275 | Vessel Sealing Instrument With Cutting Mechanism - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 09-06-2012 |
20120239020 | Geo-Location Addition to Electrosurgical Generator - A system and method for determining the location of an electrosurgical generator using a geo-location device within the generator. The geo-location device determines the location of the generator and the controller sets a default language of the generator based on the determined location. The default language may be overridden by a user when necessary. The geo-location device is coupled to a communication port. The communication port allows for a wireless signal to be sent upon the generator being reported stolen or for tracking location of the generators. The communication port is coupled to the controller to allow for remote disablement, for example in response to the generator being stolen. Alternatively, the controller may disable the generator when the geo-location device determines that the generator has moved outside a predetermined location. | 09-20-2012 |
20120249060 | PROCESS OF COOLING SURGICAL DEVICE BATTERY BEFORE OR DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION - A dual-mode autoclave for sterilizing a battery is disclosed including a controller and an environmental system in operative communication with the controller and configured sterilize a battery contained within the dual-mode autoclave in response to a command from the controller. The environmental system configured to reduce a temperature of the battery to a first, pre-cooled temperature during a first operational phase and configured to increase the temperature of the battery to a second, autoclaving temperature during a second operational phase. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253328 | COMBINED PRESENTATION UNIT FOR REPOSABLE BATTERY OPERATED SURGICAL SYSTEM - A portable presentation unit for sterilizing, charging, and testing components of a cordless surgical instrument is disclosed including a battery charger unit configured to recharge a battery pack of the cordless surgical instrument, a testing unit configured to test at least one of the battery pack or a reusable transducer/generator unit of the cordless surgical instrument, and a sterilization unit configured to sterilize at least one of the battery pack or the transducer/generator unit. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253370 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. A first jaw member disposed at a distal end of the shaft is movable between open and clamping configurations. A pair of second jaw members disposed at the distal end of the shaft are movable between open and clamping configurations. A cutting blade extending to the distal end of the shaft is operably coupled to the housing. The pair of second jaw members and first jaw member are moveable to the clamping configuration to compress tissue of interest for removing moisture therefrom prior to the tissue of interest being treated. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253371 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration. A cutting blade extends from a distal end the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member. The cutting blade includes top and bottom portions. The top portion configured to cool the bottom portion while the cutting blade treats tissue. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253372 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. A selectively removable laminate liner is positionable over the tissue contacting surface of the jaw member and configured to prevent contact between the tissue contacting surface and the cutting blade when the cutting blade is treating tissue. | 10-04-2012 |
20120303021 | Dual Durometer Insulating Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps - An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end and movable about a pivot from a first position and disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue, a movable handle that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. At least one jaw member conducts electrical energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on an exterior surface of at least one jaw member and about the pivot and includes a first longitudinal portion made from a high durometer material and a second longitudinal portion made from a low durometer material. The high durometer material may operably retain the flexible insulating boot atop the proximal ends of the jaw members. | 11-29-2012 |
20130038707 | Apparatus and Method for Using Augmented Reality Vision System in Surgical Procedures - A system and method for improving a surgeon's vision by overlaying augmented reality information onto a video image of the surgical site. A high definition video camera sends a video image in real time. Prior to the surgery, a pre-operative image is created from MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, or other method of diagnosis using imaging technology. The pre-operative image is stored within the computer. The computer processes the pre-operative image to decipher organs, anatomical geometries, vessels, tissue planes, orientation, and other structures. As the surgeon performs the surgery, the AR controller augments the real time video image with the processed pre-operative image and displays the augmented image on an interface to provide further guidance to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041292 | Customizable Haptic Assisted Robot Procedure System with Catalog of Specialized Diagnostic Tips - In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument has a universal coupling mechanism to allow switching between an interchangeable catalog of diagnostic tools. A controller within the base of the RC electrosurgical instrument identifies the type of disposable tip attached to the base. The controller, then, activates necessary features for use with the identified tip and deactivates any unnecessary features. A surgeon uses a remote with at least one momementum sensor to control the RC electrosurgical instrument | 02-14-2013 |
20130041368 | Apparatus and Method for Using a Remote Control System in Surgical Procedures - A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041403 | DRIVE MECHANISM FOR ARTICULATION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. A pair of drive cables extends through the elongated shaft and is coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of torsion members that are rotatable about two distinct axes in response to movement of the actuator. A respective follower is operatively coupled to each torsion member to translate in a respective longitudinal direction in response to rotation of the torsion members, and each follower is coupled to a respective drive cable to impart translational motion thereto. | 02-14-2013 |
20130072950 | Ultrasonic Surgical System Having A Fluid Cooled Blade And Related Cooling Methods Therefor - The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature. | 03-21-2013 |
20130085419 | Transducer/Waveguide Engagement Mechanisms for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide. | 04-04-2013 |
20130190753 | Surgical Instrument With Resilient Driving Member and Related Methods of Use - A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190760 | Surgical Tissue Sealer - A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue, wherein, in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity that is configured to receive tissue between the jaw members and a resilient electrically conductive sealing surface operably coupled to at least one jaw member, the resilient electrically conductive sealing surface selectively positionable from a first unflexed position to a second flexed position. | 07-25-2013 |
20130232753 | Surgical Tissue Sealer - A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance. | 09-12-2013 |
20130253507 | DE-TENSIONING MECHANISM FOR ARTICULATION DRIVE CABLES - A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration. | 09-26-2013 |
20140012297 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and has at least one jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member(s) is movable between open and clamping configurations. A probe extends through the shaft and operably couples to the housing, The probe includes a cutting blade at a distal end thereof adjacent the jaw member(s) to treat tissue of interest. The jaw member(s) and cutting blade are configured such that heat damage to tissue adjacent tissue of interest that has been treated by the cutting blade is reduced and/or eliminated. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012299 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. At least one sensor is configured to sense at least one operational parameter of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. At least one controller in operable communication with the at least one sensor is configured to terminate delivery of ultrasonic energy to the cutting blade when the at least one sensor senses the at least one operational parameter. | 01-09-2014 |
20140017118 | INSULATION OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK - A battery autoclaving system is provided including a battery pack having a housing, a battery cell disposed within the housing, and an isolation region disposed between the housing and the battery cell. The isolation region may be formed at least partially from at least one of a thermal insulating material, a phase change material or any combination thereof. The system may include a temperature sensor adapted to sense at least one of a temperature of the battery cell temperature of the isolation region. The system may include and an autoclave configured to receive a temperature indication from the temperature sensor and to inhibit autoclaving when the temperature indication exceeds a predetermined value. | 01-16-2014 |
20140031860 | ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT - An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing. | 01-30-2014 |
20140081265 | VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MECHANISM - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 03-20-2014 |
20140221995 | DUAL DUROMETER INSULATING BOOT FOR ELECTROSURGICAL FORCEPS - An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end and movable about a pivot from a first position and disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue, a movable handle that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. At least one jaw member conducts electrical energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on an exterior surface of at least one jaw member and about the pivot and includes a first longitudinal portion made from a high durometer material and a second longitudinal portion made from a low durometer material. The high durometer material may operably retain the flexible insulating boot atop the proximal ends of the jaw members. | 08-07-2014 |
20140221999 | ELECTROSURGICAL FORCEPS - An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222052 | TRANSDUCER/WAVEGUIDE ENGAGEMENT MECHANISMS FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide. | 08-07-2014 |
20140284841 | SURGICAL TISSUE SEALER - A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance. | 09-25-2014 |
20150080889 | SPLIT ELECTRODE FOR USE IN A BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure extending along a length thereof. Each electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the opposing first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. The end-effector assembly includes a split electrode including a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion spaced apart from the first electrode portion and electrically-isolated therefrom by a gap defined therebetween. The first and second electrode portions are associated with one of the electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures. | 03-19-2015 |