Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for vessel sealing comprises first and second members connected by a pivot. A pair of jaws have opposable seal surfaces that are designed to grasp vascular tissue and conduct bipolar electrosurgical current therethrough. Electrodes on the jaws, including the seal surfaces, are removable and disposable. The jaws of the instrument have mechanical interfaces designed to accept replacement electrodes. The instrument further comprises interlocking ratchets designed to hold a constant closure force between the seal surfaces. Wires extend from the electrodes along one of the members and are connectable to an electrosurgical generator.
Abstract:
An end effector assembly (12, 14) for an endoscopic instrument includes first and second end effectors (44a, 44b), a screw (102) and optionally a washer (104). The end effectors have arms (50a, 50b) which are biased away from each other. The screw (102) has a threaded portion (108) dimensioned to engage the distal end (16a) of the endoscopic instrument and a head portion (106) with a pair of arm receiving grooves (114a, 114b). In a presently preferred embodiment, the washer (104) extends over arms (50a, 50b) of the end effectors (44a, 44b) which pass through grooves (114a, 114b) in the head (106) of the screw (102). In this manner, the arms (50a, 50b) of the end effectors (44a, 44b) are captured between the screw (102) and the washer (104). The grooves (114a, 114b) are preferably provided with upstanding pins (417a, 417b) which engage mounting holes (572a, 572b) in the arms (50a, 50b) of the end effectors (44a, 44b).
Abstract:
The instrument includes a flexible coil (14), a flexible pull wire (16) extending through the coil (14), a clevis (40) which is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the coil (14), a handle (12) coupled to the proximal end of the coil (14), and end effectors (18) coupled to the clevis (40) and the pull wire (16). The clevis (40) is coupled to the distal end of the flexible coil (14) by a bushing (60) which allows axial rotation of the clevis (40) relative to the coil (14). The pull wire (16) is formed from torsionally obdurate material and is coupled at its distal end to the end effector (18) and at its proximal end to a movable part of the handle (12). The handle (12) is provided with mechanism for rotating the pull wire (16) relative to the coil (14) and a mechanism for translating the pull wire (16) relative to the coil (14). Translation of the pull wire (16) relative to the coil (14) moves the end effector (18) relative to the clevis (40) and rotation of the pull wire (16) relative to the coil (14) rotates the clevis (40) and end effector (18) relative to the coil (14).
Abstract:
Surgical instruments of the invention are provided with distal ends having a clevis (20) and two discrete investment cast end effectors (90, 92). One end effector (92) is stationary relative to the clevis, and the other moves or rotates about a transverse pin (45) of the clevis. The rotating end effector (90) includes a first hole through which the transverse pin extends, and the surgical instrument includes an actuation mechanism for causing the rotating end effector to rotate about the transverse pin. The actuation mechanism preferably includes a push rod (60) which is either directly coupled to the proximal end of the rotating end effector or coupled by a link element (97). On the other hand, the stationary second end effector, while including a first hole through which the transverse pin extends, has a boss (46) which preferably engages a hole (46') in the clevis and is not coupled to the actuation mechanism. With the clevis and second end effector being coupled at two locations, the second end effector is not free to rotate about the clevis pin, but is held stationary. Other manners of holding the second end effector stationary are to provide the clevis with a boss, and the stationary end effector with a second hole into which the boss extends, or to provide another pin which extends through one arm of the clevis and the stationary end effector only.
Abstract:
A biological forceps device (10), comprising a flexible main coil (50) attached at its distal end (12) to a pair of homologous jaws (18). The jaws (18) are opened and closed by attachment to a pair of pull wires (60) which extend through the main coil (50), into a handle (17) at its proximal end (16). The handle (17) has a spool (19) which slides about a central shaft (56) attached to the main coil (50).
Abstract:
An electrosurgical instrument (10) includes a first arm (20), a second arm (22) and a coupling system. The first arm includes a first jaw (30). The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm and includes a second jaw (38), a cutting member (18) movable within the first and second jaws and a cutting member trigger (16). The coupling system includes a coupling member (118) mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. Only in the second one of these two positions of the coupling member does movement of the cutting member trigger cause distal advancement of the cutting member.
Abstract:
A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end. An arm medially deflectable and comprises a mating feature. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arm. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arm between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arm and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arm. An energy based surgical end effector is selectively attachable and detachable to the mating feature of the arm. The end effector may include a torque arm to engage the elongate shaft.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical scissors comprising an end effector comprising a first blade member and a second blade member, the first blade member and the second blade member pivotally connected; an electrical connector configured to couple the scissors to a power source; and a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid outlet.
Abstract:
An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.
Abstract:
An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.