Bipolar cauterizing instrument

Abstract

A bipolar surgical instrument that includes opposing grips that can engage the tissue. A current is delivered from an electrosurgical power source to electrodes disposed on the grips to cauterize the tissue. The electrode configurations provide efficient cauterization of the tissue. In some embodiments, the positive and negative electrodes will be offset from each other to prevent shorting and to provide a thin line of coagulation heating to the gripped tissue. In some embodiments the electrodes are removably coupled to the grips through nonconductive sleeves. In some embodiments, the first electrode is disposed in a groove and the second electrode is disposed on a boss.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims benefit, under 37 C.F.R. § 1.78, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 258,750, filed Dec. 29, 2000, entitled “Bipolar Cauterizing Instrument,” the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 418,726, filed Oct. 15, 1999 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 415,568, filed Oct. 8, 1999, the complete disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to surgical tools and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bipolar cauterizing and cutting tool for use with robotic surgical systems. [0004] A significant number of different surgical instruments are used during each surgical procedure. In minimally invasive or robotic surgical procedures, the number of entry ports i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides robotic systems, instruments, and methods for cauterizing tissue. In particular, the surgical instruments of the present invention are adapted to be used with a robotic system. The surgical instruments generally include opposing end effectors having grips that can engage the tissue. A current is delivered from an electrosurgical power source to electrodes disposed on the end effectors to cauterize the tissue. The electrode configurations provide efficient cauterization of the tissue. In particular, the positive and negative electrodes will be offset from each other so as to prevent shorting when the grips are closed and to provide a thin line of coagulation heating to the gripped tissue. Consequently, a small amount of tensioning force from the end effectors can sever the cauterized tissue without having to use a separate cutting element.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, one electrode will be disposed within a groove (either in the grip itself or on the nonconductive sleeve), while the other electrode can be disposed on a boss (either in the grip itself or on the nonconductive sleeve). When the end effectors are closed, the groove and boss interact in an interdigitating fashion. The interdigitating can apply tension to the tissue to help produce the cutting action. Applicants have found that by positioning the electrodes on a groove and boss that the tissue tends to wrap around the electrode so as to get better contact and better transfer of energy. Even in the boss and groove configuration, there will typically still be a gap between the positive and negative electrode.

[0019] In one particular design, the conductor wires can be run outside of the wrist so as to allow for easy installation and replacement of the conductor wires. In such a design, the electrodes will typically be disposed on a removable and disposable sleeve.

[0020] In one particular aspect, the present invention provides a surgical instrument for use with a robotic arm. The surgical instrument includes a wrist rotatably coupled to a body. A pair of opposed end effectors are rotatably coupled to the wrist and are movable between an open position and a closed position. A first and second electrode are coupled to the end effectors. In the closed position, the first and second electrodes are spaced from each other so as to prevent shorting the electrodes.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system will generally involve the use of a user interface and multiple robotic arms. One or more of the robotic arms will often support an articulated surgical tool, such as a bipolar cauterizer. The bipolar cauterizer can include a shaft and a pair of opposing end effectors. Electrodes will be coupled to the end effectors such that movement of the end effectors from an open position to a closed position will grip and cauterize tissue engaged by the electrodes. As the tissue is cauterized, the tension force created by the gripping of the tissue in conjunction with the electrode configuration can be sufficient to sever the gripped tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Even if no tissue is between the end effectors, there will typically be a gap between the electrodes.

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