Fluidize the surgical equipment with positive pressure fluid.

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes an elongated tubular body portion and a flushing assembly. The elongated tubular body portion extends distally to an end effector and defines an internal cavity. The flushing assembly includes an inlet port and a shaft assembly supported by the elongated tubular body portion. The inlet port and the shaft assembly are arranged in fluid communication with each other to deliver fluid from the inlet port into the internal cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to flush the internal cavity with positive fluid pressure.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 971,521, filed February 7, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to surgical equipment, and more specifically, to surgical systems, apparatus, and methods for rinsing surgical instruments. Background Technology

[0004] Clinicians use surgical instruments to perform surgical procedures on patients. For example, surgeons use surgical staplers to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, such as staples or two-piece fasteners, to body tissue to join segments of the tissue together. When the surgical stapler is actuated or “activated,” a staple drive component in one jaw pushes the surgical staple through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposing jaw where the staple is formed. If body tissue needs to be removed or separated, a blade can be positioned in one of the jaws of the device to cut the body tissue between the staple lines. Such surgical instruments are often reused after exposure to blood, tissue, soil, or other contaminants during surgical procedures. Therefore, reusable surgical instruments are cleaned before reuse. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a surgical instrument includes an elongated tubular body portion and a flushing assembly. The elongated tubular body portion extends distally to an end effector and defines an internal cavity. The flushing assembly includes an inlet port and a shaft assembly supported within the elongated tubular body portion. The inlet port and the shaft assembly are arranged in fluid communication with each other to deliver fluid from the inlet port into the internal cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to flush the internal cavity with positive fluid pressure.

[0006] In various respects, the elongated tubular body portion may include one or more outflow orifices configured to allow fluid to flow out from the elongated tubular body portion.

[0007] In various respects, the shaft assembly may comprise an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft may be supported within the outer shaft.

[0008] In some aspects, the elongated tubular body portion can be configured to be detachably coupled to a handle assembly of an operating end effector. The elongated tubular body portion may support a housing assembly at its proximal end, such that the proximal end of the housing assembly is coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly to detachably connect the elongated tubular body portion to the handle assembly. The housing assembly may include an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing may be independent of the inner housing and may support an inlet port. The inner housing may support the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly. The outer housing may define a first fluid passage therethrough, the first fluid passage being in fluid communication with the inlet port. The inner housing may define a second fluid passage therethrough, the second fluid passage being in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. The second fluid passage may be fluidly disposed in communication with a third fluid passage defined within the shaft assembly.

[0009] In some respects, the release conduit can be coupled to an end effector and positioned to remove excess fluid delivered to the elongated tubular body portion.

[0010] According to one aspect, a surgical instrument system includes a fluid source, an elongated tubular body portion, and a flushing assembly. The elongated tubular body portion defines an internal cavity. The flushing assembly is coupled to the elongated tubular body portion. The flushing assembly includes an inlet port and a shaft assembly supported by the elongated tubular body portion. The inlet port and the shaft assembly are in fluid communication with each other to deliver fluid from and via the inlet port into the internal cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to flush the internal cavity with positive fluid pressure.

[0011] In all respects, the inlet port and the shaft assembly can be in fluid communication via one or more fluid channels extending between the inlet port and the shaft assembly.

[0012] In various respects, the internal shaft can be arranged in fluid communication with one or more fluid channels.

[0013] In some respects, the release conduit can be connected to the elongated tubular body portion and positioned to return excess fluid delivered to the elongated tubular body portion to the fluid source.

[0014] According to another aspect, a surgical stapler system includes a fluid source, a surgical stapler instrument, and a flushing assembly. The surgical stapler instrument includes an elongated tubular body portion defining an internal cavity. The flushing assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid source and coupled to the elongated tubular body portion. The flushing assembly includes an inlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to deliver fluid into the internal cavity and flush the internal cavity with positive fluid pressure.

[0015] In various aspects, the surgical stapler system also includes a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is supported within the outer shaft, wherein the inlet port and the inner shaft are in fluid communication via one or more fluid channels extending between the inlet port and the inner shaft.

[0016] In some respects, the release conduit is connected to the elongated tubular body portion and positioned such that excess fluid within the elongated tubular body portion can flow out from the elongated tubular body portion. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a surgical system based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the adapter for the surgical instruments of the surgical system, with parts of the adapter shown in dashed lines for clarity;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the flushing assembly of the adapter, where the components are separate;

[0021] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The section line shown in section 4-4 is cut from the cross section. Figure 3 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the flushing assembly;

[0022] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The section line 5-5 is cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the surgical system;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in the image, where dashed lines are used for clarity. Figure 1 Part of the surgical system; and

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side perspective view of the distal portion of the surgical system, in which the return line is shown in conjunction. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar or identical elements. Throughout this specification, the term "proximal" refers to a portion or component of the structure closer to the user, and the term "distal" refers to a portion or component of the structure farther from the user. Directional reference terms such as "top," "bottom," "side," etc., are used for simplification and are not intended to impose any limitation on the final orientation of the structure or any part thereof. In the following description, well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail.

[0026] See now Figure 1 The surgical system 1 according to this disclosure includes a fluid source 10 and surgical instruments 100, which are disposed in fluid communication with each other via fluid conduits 20. The fluid source 10 may contain any suitable fluid "F," such as saline or the like, and may support one or more pumps 12 to pump the fluid "F" from and / or back into the fluid source 10. The surgical instruments 100 are described herein as surgical stapler devices 110, but may include any suitable surgical instruments, such as clamp applicators, grippers, suture devices, endoscopes, energy-based devices (e.g., bipolar or monopolar forceps), or the like. Furthermore, although described herein in conjunction with powered circular staplers for brevity, surgical stapler devices 110 may include any powered, manually operated, or robotically controlled surgical stapler, such as laparoscopic staplers, transverse staplers, or open staplers.

[0027] In simple terms, the surgical stapler 110 of the surgical system 1 generally comprises a handle assembly 112 and an elongated tubular body portion 114, the elongated tubular body portion extending distally from the handle assembly 112 along its defining center line "CL". It can be presented as follows: Figure 1 The elongated tubular body portion 114, in the form of the adapter assembly shown, can be selectively removed from or permanently attached to the handle assembly 112. The elongated tubular body portion 114 defines an internal cavity 114a and includes any number of outflow orifices 114b (see...). Figure 5The outflow orifice is configured to allow fluid "F" from fluid source 10 to drain from the elongated tubular body portion 114. The elongated tubular body portion 114 may include a surgical loading unit 116, which is selectively attached to a distal portion of the elongated tubular body portion 114. An end effector 118 is supported on the distal end portion of the surgical loading unit 116. The surgical loading unit 116 or a portion thereof (e.g., the end effector 118) may be removable and / or replaceable. For example, the end effector 118 includes a first jaw member in the form of an anvil assembly 120 and a second jaw member in the form of a staple cartridge assembly 122. The end effector 118 or a portion thereof may be permanently attached to the elongated tubular body portion 114, or may be removable relative to the elongated tubular body portion 114 and therefore replaceable with a new end effector 118. As indicated by arrow "A", the anvil assembly 120 is movable relative to the staple cartridge assembly 122 between an open position and a closed position, in which the anvil assembly 120 and the staple cartridge assembly 122 are spaced apart from each other (in... Figure 1 (Shown in dashed lines), in the closed position, the anvil assembly 120 and the staple cartridge assembly 122 are substantially adjacent to each other for selectively clamping tissue between the anvil assembly 120 and the staple cartridge assembly 122, such as... Figure 1 As seen in the text.

[0028] The handle assembly 112 of the surgical stapler device 110 includes any number of actuators 12a, 12b, 12c to facilitate the actuation of the end effector 118 and / or the movement of the end effector 118 or portions thereof relative to the handle assembly 112, such as the opening and / or closing of the anvil assembly 120 and / or the cartridge assembly 122 to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector 118 is configured to, when actuated, immediately after actuation of the actuator 12c, apply a suture (not shown) to the tissue captured between the anvil assembly 120 and the cartridge assembly 122.

[0029] For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary surgical stapler that may include one or more components or modifications for use with the disclosed aspects, reference can be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 8,256,656, 8,1571,152, 7,819,896, 7,334,717, 7,128,253, 5,964,394, and 5,915,616, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] Also refer to Figure 2-6The surgical stapler 110 includes a flushing assembly 200 supported by an elongated tubular body portion 114 to incorporate a continuous flow of fluid "F" from a fluid source 10 through the elongated tubular body portion 114 to inhibit soil ingress, facilitate the introduction of the surgical stapler 110 into the patient (e.g., for lubrication), and / or immediately test for leakage after achieving anastomosis with the surgical stapler 110. Specifically, the flushing assembly 200 is configured to allow fluid "F" from the fluid source 10 to pass through an internal cavity 114a of the elongated tubular body portion 114. Figure 5 This generates a positive pressure gradient to facilitate the application of flushing and prevents foreign matter such as soil and contaminants from entering the elongated tubular body portion 114, thereby improving the cleanliness of the surgical stapler 110 for subsequent procedures or reuse.

[0031] The irrigation assembly 200 of the surgical stapler device 110 includes an outer housing 210, an inner housing 220, and a shaft assembly 230 supported by an elongated tubular body portion 114. The outer housing 210, the inner housing 220, and the shaft assembly 230 are arranged in fluid communication with each other so that fluid "F" can be continuously delivered from the fluid source 10 into the internal cavity 114a of the elongated tubular body portion 114 under positive pressure.

[0032] The outer housing 210 of the flushing assembly 200 is supported on the proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion 114, such that the proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion 114 can be selectively coupled to the distal end portion of the handle assembly 112 of the surgical stapler 110. The outer housing 210 includes a first portion 210a and a second portion 210b, which are coupled together to the proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion 114. The outer housing 210 also includes an inlet port 212 extending from the outer sidewall 214 of the outer housing 210. The inlet port 212 is coupled to a fluid source 10 via a fluid conduit 20 and is configured such that fluid “F” from the fluid source 10 can be received into the elongated tubular body portion 114 via a passage 212a extending through the inlet port 212. The inlet port 212 also includes a connecting end 212b connected to the fluid conduit 20. To facilitate connection to the fluid conduit 20, the connection end 212b of the inlet port 212 may have any suitable arrangement, such as a threaded outer surface for threaded connection, Luer lock, magnetism, friction fit, etc. The outer housing 210 defines a first fluid passage 216 that extends through the outer sidewall 214 of the outer housing 210 and is fluidly connected to the passage 212a of the inlet port 212.

[0033] An inner housing 220 of the flushing assembly 200 is received within an outer housing 210 of the flushing assembly 200. The inner housing 220 defines a distal aperture 220a, in which a proximal end portion of a shaft assembly 230 of the flushing assembly 200 is received to support the shaft assembly 230 within an internal cavity 114a of an elongated tubular body portion 114. The inner housing 220 has a sidewall 222 defining a second fluid conduit 224 therethrough. The second fluid conduit 224 is fluidly communicated with a first fluid conduit 216 of the outer housing 210 and extends into the distal aperture 220a of the inner housing 220 to establish fluid communication with the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly 230. In various respects, the distal aperture 220a may be fluidly communicated with an internal cavity 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114 such that fluid “F” can be released into the internal cavity 114c adjacent to the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly 230.

[0034] The flushing assembly 200 includes a shaft assembly 230 comprising an outer shaft 232 and an inner shaft 234 received within the outer shaft 232. The outer shaft 232 of the shaft assembly 230 supports the inner shaft 234 within a distal bore 220a of the inner housing 220. The inner shaft 234 defines a third fluid conduit 234a therethrough, which is in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit 224 of the inner housing 220 via the distal bore 220a. The inner shaft 234 extends distally beyond the outer shaft 232 to a distal coupling 236, which is coupled to a drive mechanism 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114 for operating its end effector 118. The distal coupling 236 may have a cup-shaped or flared opening 236a, which may act as a U-joint to facilitate coupling to (e.g., fixation to) the drive mechanism 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114. The distal coupling 236 also facilitates the release of fluid “F” at the distal end portion of the shaft assembly 230 into the internal cavity 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114. The distal coupling 236 may include any number of sidewall openings 236b to facilitate the release of fluid “F” into the internal cavity 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114. In various aspects, the inner shaft 232 and / or the outer shaft 234 may include any number of sidewall openings (e.g., sidewall openings 236b) at one or more longitudinal locations therethrough to facilitate fluid release at different locations along the length of the inner shaft 232 and / or the outer shaft 234.

[0035] In use, the fluid conduit 20 is connected at one end to the fluid source 10 and at the other end to the inlet port 212. Fluid "F" is then propelled or pumped from the fluid source 10 through the fluid conduit 20 via the inlet port 212 into the surgical stapler device 110 in a continuous flow. The fluid "F" then travels through passage 212a and the first fluid channel 216 through the outer housing 210 and into the second fluid channel 224 of the inner housing 220. The fluid "F" is then propelled into the third fluid channel 234a for distal release under positive pressure into the internal cavity 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114. The flow of fluid "F" is continuously propelled through the flushing assembly 200 to create a positive pressure gradient and prevent foreign matter such as soil and contaminants from entering the elongated tubular body portion 114, as discussed above. Specifically, the internal cavity 114c can be filled with fluid "F" until it is full, such that the fluid "F" flows out of the surgical instrument 110 through, for example, the opening of the outlet orifice 114b, to prevent debris or other contaminants from entering the internal cavity 114c. While continuously propelling the fluid "F" through the surgical stapler 110, the surgical stapler 110 can be operated, for example, by moving the end effector 118 between its open and closed positions and / or by actuating the end effector 118 to secure and / or cut tissue clamped between the first jaw member 120 and the second jaw member 122 of the end effector 118.

[0036] Once the surgical procedure is complete, the fluid source 10 can be disconnected from the surgical stapler 110 to stop the continuous flow of fluid "F" through it. The fluid "F" can then be drained from the surgical stapler 110, allowing any subsequent cleaning techniques (e.g., high-pressure treatment) to be applied to any reusable portion of the surgical stapler 110 for use in subsequent procedures or for reuse.

[0037] like Figure 7 As seen, the release conduit 240 may be coupled, for example, at the end effector 118 (e.g., along its outer surface) to the elongated tubular body portion 114 to facilitate the removal of excess fluid “F” from the surgical stapler 110. The release conduit 240 may extend along the outer surface of the elongated tubular body portion 114 or within the internal cavity 114c of the elongated tubular body portion 114. The release conduit 240 may be coupled to a placement source (not shown) for placement of excess fluid “F” and / or for returning excess fluid “F” to the fluid source “F” for reuse.

[0038] In all respects, although fluid “F” is described as entering the internal cavity 114c through the third fluid passage 234a of the shaft assembly 230, the third fluid passage 234a or any number of third fluid passages (e.g., as alternative fluid paths) may be provided anywhere in the internal cavity 114c except through the shaft assembly 230 or as an alternative.

[0039] As may be understood, any of the components of the device disclosed in this invention can be fastened using known fastening techniques such as welding, crimping, gluing, and buckling.

[0040] The various aspects disclosed herein can also be configured to function in robotic surgical systems, often referred to as "remote-controlled surgery." Such systems utilize various robotic components to assist clinicians and allow for remote (or partially remote) operation of surgical instruments. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc., can be used for this purpose, and robotic surgical systems can be designed to assist clinicians during surgical or treatment procedures. These robotic systems can include remotely guided systems, automated flexible surgical systems, remote flexible surgical systems, remote articulated surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

[0041] Robotic surgical systems can be used with one or more consoles located adjacent to the operating room or in a remote location. In this configuration, a team of clinicians can prepare the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein, while another clinician (or a group of clinicians) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgical system. It is understood that a highly skilled clinician can perform multiple procedures in multiple locations without leaving his / her remote console, which is economically advantageous and beneficial to the patient or a group of patients. For a detailed description of exemplary medical workstations and / or their components, reference can be made to U.S. Patent No. 8,828,023 and PCT Application Publication No. WO2016 / 025132, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects, and the descriptions, disclosures, and figures should be considered merely exemplary aspects. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it is contemplated that elements and features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary aspect may be combined with elements and features of another exemplary aspect without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, any combination of any of the elements and features currently disclosed is within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an elongated tubular body portion extending distally to an end effector, the elongated tubular body portion defining an interior cavity; and an irrigation assembly including an inlet port and a shaft assembly supported within the elongated tubular body portion, the inlet port and the shaft assembly in fluid communication with one another to deliver fluid from the inlet port into the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to irrigate the interior cavity with positive fluid pressure, wherein the elongated tubular body portion supports a housing assembly on a proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion; the housing assembly including an outer housing and an inner housing, the outer housing independent of the inner housing and supporting the inlet port; the inner housing of the irrigation assembly received within the outer housing of the irrigation assembly, the inner housing defining a distal bore receiving a proximal end portion of the shaft assembly of the irrigation assembly therein to support the shaft assembly within the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion; the outer housing defining a first fluid passageway therethrough, the first fluid passageway in fluid communication with the inlet port; the inner housing defining a second fluid passageway therethrough, the second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; and the second fluid passageway disposed in fluid communication with a third fluid passageway defined within the shaft assembly.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the elongated tubular body portion includes at least one outflow aperture configured to enable fluid to flow out of the elongated tubular body portion.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft, the inner shaft supported within the outer shaft.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the elongated tubular body portion is configured to be detachably coupled to a handle assembly that operates the end effector, wherein a proximal end portion of the housing assembly is coupled to a distal end portion of the handle assembly to detachably couple the elongated tubular body portion to the handle assembly.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a release conduit coupled to the end effector and positioned to remove excess fluid delivered to the elongated tubular body portion.

6. A surgical instrument system, comprising: a fluid source; an elongated tubular body portion defining an interior cavity; and an irrigation assembly coupled to the elongated tubular body portion, the irrigation assembly including an inlet port and a shaft assembly supported by the elongated tubular body portion, the inlet port and the shaft assembly in fluid communication with one another to deliver fluid from the fluid source via the inlet port and into the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to irrigate the interior cavity with positive fluid pressure, wherein the elongated tubular body portion supports a housing assembly on a proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion; the housing assembly includes an outer housing and an inner housing, the outer housing being independent of the inner housing and supporting the inlet port; the inner housing of the irrigation assembly is received within the outer housing of the irrigation assembly, the inner housing defining a distal bore that receives a proximal end portion of the shaft assembly of the irrigation assembly therein to support the shaft assembly within the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion; the outer housing defines a first fluid passageway therethrough, the first fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the inlet port; the inner housing defines a second fluid passageway therethrough, the second fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; and the second fluid passageway is disposed in fluid communication with a third fluid passageway defined within the shaft assembly.

7. The surgical instrument system of claim 6, wherein the elongated tubular body portion includes at least one outflow aperture configured to enable fluid to flow out of the elongated tubular body portion.

8. The surgical instrument system of claim 6, wherein the shaft assembly includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft, the inner shaft being supported within the outer shaft.

9. The surgical instrument system of claim 6, further comprising a release conduit coupled to the elongated tubular body portion and positioned to return excess fluid delivered to the elongated tubular body portion to the fluid source.

10. A surgical stapling system, comprising: a fluid source; a surgical stapling instrument including an elongated tubular body portion defining an interior cavity; and an irrigation assembly in fluid communication with the fluid source and coupled to the elongated tubular body portion, the irrigation assembly including a shaft assembly supported within the elongated tubular body portion and an inlet port in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion to deliver fluid into the interior cavity and irrigate the interior cavity with positive fluid pressure, wherein the elongated tubular body portion supports a housing assembly on a proximal end portion of the elongated tubular body portion; the housing assembly includes an outer housing and an inner housing, the outer housing being independent of the inner housing and supporting the inlet port; the inner housing of the irrigation assembly is received within the outer housing of the irrigation assembly, the inner housing defining a distal bore that receives a proximal end portion of the shaft assembly of the irrigation assembly therein to support the shaft assembly within the interior cavity of the elongated tubular body portion; the outer housing defines a first fluid passageway therethrough, the first fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the inlet port; the inner housing defines a second fluid passageway therethrough, the second fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; and the second fluid passageway is disposed in fluid communication with a third fluid passageway defined within the shaft assembly. The second fluid passageway is disposed in fluid communication with a third fluid passageway defined within the shaft assembly.

11. The surgical stapling system of Claim 10, wherein the elongate tubular body portion includes at least one outflow aperture configured to enable fluid to flow out of the elongate tubular body portion.

12. The surgical stapling system of Claim 11, further comprising a shaft assembly including an inner shaft and an outer shaft, the inner shaft supported within the outer shaft.

13. The surgical stapling system of Claim 10, further comprising a release conduit coupled to the elongate tubular body portion and positioned to enable excess fluid within the elongate tubular body portion to flow out of the elongate tubular body portion.

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