Electric Handle Assembly for Surgical Devices

Abstract

A surgical device includes a powered handle assembly, an adapter assembly extending from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted to the adapter assembly about a pivot member. The handle assembly includes a clutch movable between a hinged position and a clamping / firing position. In the hinged position, the handle assembly is configured to provide powered hinge of the tool assembly about the pivot member. In the clamping / firing position, the handle assembly is configured to provide actuation of the surgical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology generally relates to handle assemblies for surgical devices, and more specifically to handle assemblies for electric surgical suture devices. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical devices are commonly used during surgical procedures to perform a variety of different surgical operations, including, for example, suturing, grasping, cutting, and sealing tissue. Typically, a surgical device comprises a handle assembly that a clinician, such as a surgeon, grasps to actuate the device. Some types of surgical devices perform multiple tasks and have different capabilities to allow for easier access to tissue within body cavities. For example, electrically powered surgical suturing devices include an actuation button for bringing the jaws of the suturing device's tool assembly closer, for applying staples to the tissue, and for cutting the tissue. These suturing devices may also include knobs to allow the tool assembly to hinge and / or rotate relative to the handle assembly.

[0003] Endoscopic surgical devices are used in minimally invasive surgical procedures to minimize trauma to the patient during the procedure. Typically, an endoscopic surgical device includes a handle assembly, an elongated body, and a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongated body. To better access tissues within body cavities during surgery, the tool assembly can be pivotally mounted to the elongated body and moved between a non-articulated position and a hinged position. In the non-articulated position, the tool assembly is aligned with the elongated body; in the hinged position, the tool assembly forms an acute angle with the elongated body.

[0004] To enable the tool assembly to pivot between a hinged position and a non-hinged position, the handle assembly includes a hinge mechanism connected to a hinge link located within an elongated body. The hinge link is longitudinally movable within the elongated body in response to actuation of the hinge mechanism, thereby pivoting the tool assembly within a body cavity.

[0005] There is a continued need in the field of surgery for electrically powered handle assemblies that include a hinge mechanism for pivoting the tool assembly between a non-hinged position and a hinged position. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some aspects, this disclosure generally relates to a handle assembly for a surgical device, including a housing, a drive assembly, an articulation mechanism, a clutch, and a motor. The housing supports a clutch switch. The drive assembly is supported within the housing and includes a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod. The drive rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The nut defines a threaded bore and includes an external spline, through which the drive screw extends. The drive rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled to the drive screw. The articulation mechanism is supported within the housing and includes a first articulation gear, a second articulation gear, and an articulation screw. The first articulation gear includes external teeth and defines a through-hole including a spline positioned within the through-hole. The second articulation gear defines a threaded bore and includes external teeth that engage with the external gear teeth of the first articulation gear. The clutch is supported within a housing between a first articulated gear and a nut, and is movable between a clamped / firing position and an articulated position. In the clamped / firing position, the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut; in the articulated position, the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulated gear. A motor is coupled to the clutch and operable to rotate the clutch within the housing.

[0007] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to surgical devices including a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a tool assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a drive assembly, an articulation assembly, a clutch, and a motor. The housing supports a clutch switch. The drive assembly is supported within the housing and includes a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod. The drive rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The nut defines a threaded bore and includes an external spline, through which the drive screw extends. The drive rod has a proximal portion coupled to the drive screw. The articulation mechanism is supported within the housing and includes a first articulation gear, a second articulation gear, and an articulation screw. The first articulation gear includes external gear teeth and defines a through-hole including a spline positioned within the through-hole of the first articulation gear. The second articulation gear defines a threaded bore and includes external gear teeth that engage with the external gear teeth of the first articulation gear. The clutch is supported within a housing between a first articulated gear and a nut, and is movable between a clamped / firing position and a hinged position. In the clamped / firing position, the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut; in the hinged position, the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulated gear. A motor is coupled to the clutch and operable to rotate the clutch within the housing. An adapter assembly defines a longitudinal axis, has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and includes an articulated rod. The proximal portion of the adapter assembly is coupled to a handle assembly. The articulated rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled to an articulated screw. A drive rod extends through the adapter assembly. A tool assembly is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the adapter assembly about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly. The distal portion of the articulated rod is coupled to the tool assembly such that longitudinal movement of the articulated screw pivots the tool assembly between a non-articulated position and a hinged position; in the non-articulated position, the tool assembly is aligned with the longitudinal axis; in the hinged position, the tool assembly is not aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0008] In all respects of this disclosure, a first bevel gear is coupled to a motor, and a second bevel gear is coupled to the first bevel gear.

[0009] In some aspects of this disclosure, the second bevel gear defines a through hole and a longitudinal groove communicating with the through hole.

[0010] In some aspects of this disclosure, the through-hole of the second bevel gear receives a nut and a drive screw, and the clutch includes a protruding extension received in a longitudinal slot to rotatably engage the clutch with the second bevel gear.

[0011] In various aspects of this disclosure, the articulation mechanism includes an articulation link connected to an articulation screw, such that longitudinal movement of the articulation screw causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link.

[0012] In some aspects of this disclosure, the clutch switch is supported on the housing and coupled to the clutch and is movable along the housing to move the clutch between an articulated position and a clamped / firing position.

[0013] In all aspects of this disclosure, the clutch switch is connected to the clutch via a fork-shaped member comprising spaced-apart teeth.

[0014] In some aspects of this disclosure, the clutch defines an annular channel, and the teeth of the fork-shaped member are received in the annular channel.

[0015] In some aspects of this disclosure, the actuation button is supported on the housing, the printed circuit board is supported inside the housing, and the actuation button is connected to the motor via the printed circuit board.

[0016] In all respects of this disclosure, the battery is supported within the casing.

[0017] In some aspects of this disclosure, the manual retraction mechanism is fixed to the drive screw and rotatable to rotate the drive screw.

[0018] In some aspects of this disclosure, the manual retraction mechanism includes a tubular body portion that houses a drive screw and a handle coupled to the tubular body portion and extending from the proximal portion of the housing.

[0019] In all aspects of this disclosure, the housing includes a proximal cover portion that closes the handle of the manual retraction mechanism.

[0020] In various aspects of this disclosure, the tool assembly includes a sewing device having an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly, and the anvil assembly is coupled to the staple cartridge assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position.

[0021] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a handle assembly for a surgical device, the handle assembly including a body, a drive assembly, an articulation mechanism, a clutch, a biasing member, and a motor. The body supports at least one clutch switch. The drive assembly is supported within a housing and includes a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod. The drive rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The nut defines a threaded bore and includes an external spline. The drive screw extends through the threaded bore, and the drive rod has a proximal portion coupled to the drive screw. The articulation mechanism is supported within the housing and includes a first articulation gear, a second articulation gear, and an articulation screw. The first articulation gear defines a through-hole and includes a spline and external gear teeth positioned within the through-hole. The second articulation gear includes external gear teeth that engage with the external gear teeth of the first articulation gear. The clutch is supported within the housing between the first articulation gear and the nut. The clutch is movable between a clamped / firing position and an articulated position, in which the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut, and in the articulated position, the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulation gear. The biasing member is supported within the housing and pushes the clutch to the clamped / firing position. A motor is coupled to the clutch and operably rotates the clutch within the housing to actuate one of the drive assemblies or articulated mechanisms.

[0022] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to surgical devices including a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a tool assembly. The handle assembly includes a body, a drive assembly, an articulation mechanism, a clutch, a biasing member, and a motor. The body supports at least one clutch switch. The drive assembly is supported within a housing and includes a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod. The drive rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The nut defines a threaded bore and includes an external spline. The drive screw extends through the threaded bore. The drive rod has a proximal portion coupled to the drive screw. The articulation mechanism is supported within the housing and includes a first articulation gear, a second articulation gear, and an articulation screw. The first articulation gear defines a through-hole and includes a spline and external gear teeth positioned within the through-hole. The second articulation gear includes external gear teeth that engage with the external gear teeth of the first articulation gear. The clutch is supported within the housing between the first articulation gear and the nut. The clutch is movable between a clamped / firing position and a hinged position. In the clamped / firing position, the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut; in the hinged position, the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulated gear. A biasing member is supported within the housing and positioned to push the clutch into the clamped / firing position. A motor is coupled to the clutch and operable to rotate the clutch within the housing. An adapter assembly defines a longitudinal axis and has proximal and distal portions. The adapter assembly includes a hinged rod. The proximal portion of the adapter assembly is coupled to a handle assembly, and the hinged rod has proximal and distal portions coupled to a hinged screw. A drive rod extends through the adapter assembly. A tool assembly is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the adapter assembly about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly. The distal end of the articulated rod is attached to the tool assembly, allowing the tool assembly to pivot between a non-articulated position and a articulated position. In the non-articulated position, the tool assembly is aligned with the longitudinal axis, while in the articulated position, the tool assembly is not aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0023] In all aspects of this disclosure, the at least one clutch switch includes a clutch switch located on each side of the body.

[0024] In some aspects of this disclosure, the clutch switch is coupled to the clutch via a fork-shaped member, and the clutch switch is movable along the body to move the clutch from a clamped / firing position to an articulated position.

[0025] In some aspects of this disclosure, the main body supports the guide rod, and the fork-shaped member defines an opening.

[0026] In several aspects of this disclosure, these guide rods extend through these openings in the fork-shaped members to guide the movement of the fork-shaped members as the clutch moves from the clamped / firing position to the articulated position.

[0027] In some aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly includes a safety toggle mechanism supported on the body and including at least one toggle member and a shaft coupled to the at least one toggle member, the shaft being rotatable in response to manipulation of the at least one toggle member to move the safety toggle mechanism from a deactivated, non-operating position of the handle assembly to an activated, operating position of the handle assembly.

[0028] In some aspects of this disclosure, the main body of the handle assembly supports the contact, and the shaft of the safety toggle mechanism includes an arm.

[0029] In all aspects of this disclosure, in the non-operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm is spaced apart from the contact and the contact is in the open position, while in the operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm is engaged with the contact and the contact is in the closed position.

[0030] In some aspects of this disclosure, the safety toggle mechanism includes a slider mounted on a shaft and includes a stop member.

[0031] In some aspects of this disclosure, the drive assembly includes a connecting member that connects the drive screw to the drive rod.

[0032] In all aspects of this disclosure, when the clutch is in the clamped / fired position, the drive screw, connecting member, and drive rod can move within the body between a retracted position and a forward position in response to actuation of the motor.

[0033] In some aspects of this disclosure, the connecting member is positioned to prevent the safety toggle mechanism from moving from the non-operating position to the operating position when the connecting member is in its retracted position.

[0034] In some aspects of this disclosure, the main body supports a tapered cam member having a tapered cam surface and a proximal stop surface, and the slider includes a protrusion.

[0035] In all aspects of this disclosure, when the safety toggle mechanism moves from a non-operating position to an operating position, the protrusion can move along the surface of the tapered cam to move the slider from a first position on the shaft to a second position on the shaft, in the first position the slider is aligned with the tapered cam member, and in the second position the slider is positioned outside the tapered cam member.

[0036] In some aspects of this disclosure, when the safety toggle mechanism is in the working position, the protrusion aligns with the proximal stop surface to hold the safety toggle mechanism in the working position.

[0037] In some aspects of this disclosure, the slider is pushed to a first position by a biasing mechanism.

[0038] Other features of this disclosure will be understood from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes various aspects of a surgical device including a handle assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view taken from the distal end of the disclosed electric surgical device, with the tool assembly in a non-hinged position.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The side perspective view of the handle assembly of the surgical device shown, with the housing half removed and the clutch in the hinged position;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The side perspective view of the handle assembly shown shows another housing half removed and the clutch in a hinged position;

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The side perspective view of the handle assembly shown shows the housing half removed and the clutch in the hinged position;

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The exploded side perspective view of the handle assembly shown;

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The enlarged view showing the detailed area is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by section line 7-7;

[0047] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The sectional view taken by section line 8-8;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly, in which the clutch is in the hinged position when the hinge mechanism is actuated;

[0049] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of the hinge mechanism and clutch of the handle assembly of the surgical device shown, with the clutch in the hinged position;

[0050] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The side perspective view of the bevel gear and clutch of the handle assembly shown, with the components separated;

[0051] Figure 12 yes Figure 11The side perspective view of the bevel gear and clutch shown, with the components assembled;

[0052] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 The side perspective view of the hinge gear and clutch of the handle assembly shown, where these components are separate;

[0053] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of the tool assembly of the surgical suture device shown, with the tool assembly in a hinged position;

[0054] Figure 15 yes Figure 8 The shown is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly, with the clutch in the clamped / fired position and the handle assembly actuated to move the drive rod of the handle assembly proximally.

[0055] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the handle assembly is shown, with the clutch in the clamped / fired position and the handle assembly actuated to move the drive rod of the handle assembly proximally.

[0056] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 The side perspective view of the drive assembly and clutch of the handle assembly shown, wherein the clutch is in the clamped / fired position and the handle assembly is actuated to move the drive rod of the handle assembly proximally.

[0057] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The clutch and nut of the drive assembly shown are side perspective views, with the components separated.

[0058] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 The shown is a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly, with the clutch in the clamped / fired position and the handle assembly actuated to move the drive rod of the handle assembly proximally.

[0059] Figure 20 It is a side perspective view taken from the distal end of an alternative form of the disclosed electric surgical device, in which the tool assembly is in a non-hinged position;

[0060] Figure 21 yes Figure 1 The side perspective view of the handle assembly of the surgical device shown, with half of the housing removed;

[0061] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 The side perspective view of the handle assembly shown shows one of the housing halves removed;

[0062] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The side perspective view of the handle assembly shown shows a half-shell portion and a gearbox;

[0063] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Exploded perspective view of the drive assembly, hinge mechanism, selector switch assembly and safety toggle mechanism of the handle assembly shown.

[0064] Figure 25 From Figure 24 The side perspective view of the drive assembly, hinge mechanism, safety toggle mechanism and selector switch assembly of the handle assembly shown, with the components assembled and the clutch switch of the selector switch assembly removed.

[0065] Figure 26 From Figure 24 The side perspective view of the drive assembly, hinge mechanism, safety toggle mechanism and selector switch assembly of the handle assembly shown on the other side, with the components assembled and the clutch switch of the selector switch assembly removed.

[0066] Figure 27 From Figure 21 The diagram shows a perspective view of the distal end of the handle assembly, wherein the main body half of the hinge mechanism and the hinge linkage of the handle assembly are removed when the safety toggle mechanism moves toward the actuated position.

[0067] Figure 28 yes Figure 21 Side perspective view of the gearbox of the handle assembly shown;

[0068] Figure 29 From Figure 21 The distal perspective view of the handle assembly shown shows that the hinge linkage between the main body half and the handle assembly hinge mechanism has been removed, while the safety toggle mechanism is in the activated position.

[0069] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 The perspective view of the handle assembly shown has one of the hinge linkages of the main body half and the hinge mechanism of the handle assembly removed, with the safety toggle mechanism in the activated position.

[0070] Figure 31 yes Figure 29 The enlarged view showing the detailed area is shown; and

[0071] Figure 32 This is a perspective view taken from above, in which... Figure 21 The main body half of the handle assembly shown has been removed, and the clutch is in the hinged position. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The disclosed surgical device is now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure are merely examples and can be implemented in various forms. To avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail, well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt this disclosure differently in virtually any suitable detailed construction. Furthermore, directional terms such as anterior, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to aid understanding of the description and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0073] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device further away from the clinician. Furthermore, the term "endoscope" is generally used to refer to endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and / or any other procedures performed through small-diameter incisions or cannulas. Additionally, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel, including physicians, nurses, and support staff.

[0074] This disclosure relates to a surgical device including a power handle assembly, an adapter assembly extending from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted to the adapter assembly about a pivot member. The handle assembly includes a clutch movable between a hinged position and a clamping / firing position. In the hinged position, the handle assembly is configured to provide power hinge of the tool assembly about the pivot member. In the clamping / firing position, the handle assembly is configured to provide actuation of the surgical device.

[0075] Figure 1A surgical device, typically shown as a suture device 10, is illustrated, comprising a handle assembly 12, an elongated body or adapter assembly 14, and a tool assembly 16. The handle assembly 12 includes a retaining handle portion 18, an actuation button 20, and a clutch switch 22. The adapter assembly 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion 24 coupled to the handle assembly 12 and a distal portion 26 supporting the tool assembly 16. The tool assembly 16 is secured to the distal portion 26 of the adapter assembly 14 by a pivot member 28, which defines an axis “Y” transverse to the longitudinal axis “X”. The tool assembly 16 is hinged about the axis “Y” between a hinged position and a non-hinged position, in which the tool assembly 16 is aligned with the longitudinal axis “Y”, and in the non-hinged position, the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis “X”. The adapter assembly 14 is supported within a knob 29, which is rotatably coupled to the distal portion of the handle assembly 12. Knob 29 can be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis "X" to rotate the adapter assembly 14 and tool assembly 16 about the longitudinal axis "X".

[0076] In various aspects of this disclosure, tool assembly 16 forms part of reload assembly 30, which includes a proximal body portion 32 and is releasably coupled to the distal portion of adapter assembly 14. Reload assembly 30 can be removed from and replaced from adapter assembly 14 to facilitate the reuse of adapter assembly 14 and handle assembly 12. Alternatively, tool assembly 16 can be directly attached to the distal portion 26 of adapter assembly 14.

[0077] As shown, tool assembly 16 may be a suturing device and includes a staple cartridge assembly 34 and an anvil 36, which are movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamped position. In several aspects of this disclosure, the anvil 36 is secured to the proximal body portion 32 of the reloading assembly 30, and the staple cartridge assembly is pivotable between the open and clamped positions. It is conceivable that the staple cartridge assembly 34 may be fixedly mounted to the proximal body portion 32, and the anvil 36 may pivot between the open and clamped positions. Although tool assembly 16 is illustrated as a suturing device, it is conceivable that tool assembly 16 may include a variety of different types of surgical devices, including grippers, vascular sealers, applicators, suturing devices, etc.

[0078] Figure 2-5 The handle assembly 12 of the sewing device 10 is shown, which includes a housing 40 formed by first and second halves 42a and 42b. Figure 1 ) and battery pack 44. The first and second halves 42a and 42b are joined together to form the fixed handle portion 18 ( Figure 1 ) and defines a cavity 46 having an opening 48. Figure 1The battery pack 44 is received and secured within the opening 48, and includes a base portion 50. Figure 5 The base portion includes electrical contacts 52.

[0079] The handle assembly 12's housing 40 has a fixed handle portion 18 that supports a motor 54, including a motor shaft 56. The motor shaft 56 is fixed to a first bevel gear 58 such that when the motor 54 is energized, the motor shaft 56 rotates the first bevel gear 58. The handle assembly 12 includes a gearbox 60, which uses, for example, a screw 61 (… Figure 5 The first bevel gear 58 is fixed above the fixed handle portion 18 of the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12, such that the first bevel gear 58 is positioned within the gearbox 60. The gearbox 60 supports a printed circuit board 62 (“PCB”) electrically coupled to the actuation button 20 and the battery pack 44.

[0080] Handle assembly 12 includes a second bevel gear 64 that engages with the first bevel gear 58 and is located within the gearbox 60. The second bevel gear 64 defines a central through-hole 66. Figure 5 The central through-hole 66 includes a longitudinal slot 68 extending along the length of the central through-hole 66. The longitudinal slot 68 is provided to engage the second bevel gear 64 to the clutch 70, which will be described in further detail below. The second bevel gear 64 is engaged to the first bevel gear 58 such that rotation of the first bevel gear 58 about a first axis causes rotation of the second bevel gear 64 about a second axis that is substantially transverse to the first axis.

[0081] Handle assembly 12 includes a distal annular flange 64a. Figure 7 ) and proximal annular flange 64b ( Figure 7 The second bevel gear 64 includes a proximal hub portion 72, which is supported to rotate within a distal annular flange 64a. In several aspects of this disclosure, the support member 74 is supported by a screw 76 (…). Figure 5 The gearbox 60 is fastened to the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12. The support member 74 defines a through-hole 78 extending between the annular flanges 64a and 64b of the support member 74. Figure 7 ).

[0082] Figure 5-7 The assembly of the drive assembly of the handle assembly 12 is shown. The drive assembly includes a drive screw 80, a nut 82, a connecting member 84, and a drive rod 86. The drive screw 80 extends through a through hole 78 in the support member 74 and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the drive screw 80 is connected by a pin 88 (…). Figure 5The drive rod 86 is fixedly connected to the proximal portion of the connecting member 84. The connecting member 84 includes a distal portion connected to the proximal portion of the drive rod 86. In several aspects of this disclosure, the proximal portion of the drive rod 86 includes a stepped portion 90 that is received in a slot 92 in the distal portion of the connecting member 84. Figure 6 Within the drive assembly, the drive rod 86 is axially fixed to the connecting member 84, but rotation of the drive rod 86 relative to the connecting member 84 is permitted. Components on the drive assembly are coupled such that longitudinal movement of the drive screw 80 causes longitudinal movement of the drive rod 86.

[0083] Nut 82 is partially received within the central through-hole 66 of the second bevel gear 64 and within the distal annular flange 64a of the support member 64. Nut 82 defines a threaded through-hole 94 and includes external gear teeth or splines 96. Figure 6 A threaded through-hole 94 accommodates a drive screw 80 to thread a nut 82 around the drive screw 80. When the clutch 70 is in the clamp / release position, spline 96 engages the clutch 70, as described in further detail below.

[0084] A tubular spacer 98 is housed around the drive screw 80 and engages the distal portion of the nut 82 to maintain the nut 82 in an axial position within the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12. The tubular spacer 98 also supports the clutch 70 for movement between a clamped / firing position and a hinged position, as described in further detail below.

[0085] The handle assembly 12 includes a hinge mechanism comprising a first hinge gear 100, a second hinge gear 102, a hinge screw 104, and a hinge link 106. The first hinge gear 100 is supported for rotation on a gearbox 60 and includes external gear teeth 108. In various aspects of this disclosure, the first hinge gear 100 includes a distally extending hub rotatably supported on a bearing 112. Figure 6 The bearing is supported on the gearbox 60. The first articulated gear 100 and the bearing 112 define a central opening that accommodates the drive screw 80. The central opening of the first articulated gear 100 is formed by an annular array of splines 114. Figure 13 ) limited, when clutch 70 moves to the articulated position ( Figure 8 When the spline is engaged by clutch 70, the spline is engaged.

[0086] The second articulated gear 102 is rotatably supported on the gearbox 60 and engages with the first articulated gear 100. The second articulated gear 102 defines a threaded through-hole 116 for receiving the articulated screw 104. The second articulated gear 102 is axially fixed to the gearbox 60 such that rotation of the second articulated gear 102 causes longitudinal movement of the articulated screw 104. The articulated screw 104 includes a distal portion connected to a proximal portion of the articulated link 106, such that longitudinal movement of the articulated screw 104 causes longitudinal movement of the articulated link 106. In some aspects of this disclosure, the articulated screw 104 includes a portion extending transversely to the longitudinal axis “X” (… Figure 1 Guide pin 116 extends along the axis of the handle assembly 12. Guide pin 116 is received within channel 116a defined in gearbox 60 of handle assembly 12 to prevent hinge screw 104 from rotating within housing 40 of handle assembly 12.

[0087] The distal portion of the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12 includes a cylindrical portion 120 defining a cavity 122, which accommodates the hinge linkage 124. Figure 5 The hinge linkage device includes a hinge body 130, a hinge frame 132, and a hinge rod 134. The hinge body 130 defines a through hole 136. Figure 5 The through-hole accommodates the drive rod 86 and includes a protrusion 138. The hinge frame 132 includes a body defining an opening 140 that accommodates the protrusion 138 to secure the hinge frame 132 to the hinge body 130. The hinge frame 132 includes an opening 144 received in the proximal portion of the hinge rod 134. Figure 5 The finger 142 within the hinge frame 132 is used to connect the hinge rod 134 to the hinge arm 134. The hinge rod 134 includes a hook portion 134a at its distal end, the hook portion being configured to engage the reloading assembly 30. Figure 1 The tool assembly 16 is hinged (not shown) in a hinge link 134 to facilitate hinged engagement of the tool assembly 16 during longitudinal movement of the hinge link 134. U.S. Patent No. 10,123,799 discloses an exemplary aspect of a surgical device including a tool assembly mounted for hinged engagement and adapted to releasably engage the hinge link of the surgical device.

[0088] The articulated linkage 124 also includes a two-part clamp 146 for securing the articulated link 106 to the articulated body 130. In various aspects of this disclosure, the articulated link 106 has a T-shaped head that is received within a T-slot 150 defined in one component of the two-part clamp. The two-part clamp 146 is secured around an annular flange 152 formed on the proximal portion of the articulated body 130 to rotatably connect the articulated body 130 to the articulated link 106. This arrangement allows the articulated body 130 to rotate relative to the articulated link 106, for example, when the knob 29 ( Figure 1When rotated relative to the handle assembly 12, it allows the adapter assembly 14 and the tool assembly 16 to rotate about the longitudinal axis "X".

[0089] Clutch 70 can slide around tubular spacer 98 ( Figure 7 ) is positioned within the through hole 66 of the second bevel gear 64, and can be in the hinged position ( Figure 8 ) and clamp / fire position ( Figure 15 The clutch 70 moves between the hinged position and the first hinged gear 100. In the hinged position, the clutch 70 engages with the first hinged gear 100, while in the clamped / firing position, the clutch 70 engages with the nut 82.

[0090] Figure 11 and 12 A clutch 70 and a second bevel gear 64 are shown. The clutch 70 includes a proximal portion 160 and a distal portion 162. The proximal portion 160 of the clutch 70 includes a protruding extension 164 that extends proximal to the nut 82 and is received within a longitudinal groove 68 of the second bevel gear 64. The protruding extension 164, received within the longitudinal groove 68 of the second bevel gear 64, rotatably engages the second bevel gear 64 to the clutch 70. Therefore, when the motor 54 ( Figure 5 When the clutch 70 is energized to rotate the first bevel gear 58 and the second bevel gear 64 as described above, the clutch 70 rotates together with the second bevel gear 64.

[0091] Clutch 70 defines a through hole 170 and includes an internal spline 172. When clutch 70 is in its clamped / discharged position ( Figure 15 When the motor 54 ( ) is in operation, the spline 172 on the inner surface of the clutch 70 engages with the spline 96 on the nut 82. Thus, when the motor 54 ( Figure 5 When energized to rotate the clutch 70, the nut 82 also rotates. The distal portion 162 of the clutch 70 includes an annular flange 180 and defines an annular channel 182.

[0092] Figure 13 A clutch 70 and a first articulated gear 100 are shown. The distal portion of the clutch 70 supports multiple splines 176. When the clutch 70 is in the articulated position ( Figure 8 When the clutch 70 rotates, the spline 176 on the clutch 70 engages with the spline 114 on the first articulated gear 100, causing the first articulated gear 100 to rotate due to the rotation of the clutch 70.

[0093] Figure 6A selector switch assembly 190 of the handle assembly 12 is shown, configured to allow a clinician to move the clutch 70 between an articulated position and a clamp / fire position. The selector switch assembly 190 includes a clutch switch 22 and a fork member 192. The clutch switch 22 includes a finger engagement member 196 and a base 198 extending from the finger engagement member 196 into a housing 40 of the handle assembly 12. The fork member 192 is secured to the clutch switch 22 by a pin 200 extending through the base 198 of the clutch switch 22 and received in an opening 202 formed in the fork member 192. The fork member 192 includes spaced-apart teeth 206 received within an annular channel 182 of the clutch 70. When the clutch switch 22 is moved longitudinally along the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12, the clutch 70 moves longitudinally within the housing 40 along a tubular spacer 98 between the articulated position and the clamp / fire position.

[0094] Figure 5 and 8 Surgical suture device 10 is shown. Figure 1 The manual retraction mechanism 210 of the handle assembly 12 is described. The manual retraction mechanism 210 includes a tubular body portion 212 and a proximal handle portion 214. The tubular body portion 214 is housed around a drive screw 80. The proximal handle portion protrudes from the proximal portion of the housing 40 of the handle assembly 12 and is rotatably secured to the drive screw 80 by a pin 216, such that rotation of the handle portion 214 of the manual retraction mechanism 210 causes rotation of the drive screw 80 relative to a nut 82 to advance the drive screw 80 within the handle assembly 12. The handle assembly 12 may include a proximal cap 220 to close the proximal handle portion 214 of the manual retraction mechanism 210 when not needed. The manual retraction mechanism 210 can be used in the sewing device 10 ( Figure 1 In the event of a failure of the electrical components of the actuator assembly 216 ( Figure 1 For example, returning tool assembly 16 to the retracted or unactuated position.

[0095] Figure 5 A safety switch assembly 230 coupled to PCB 62 is shown. The safety switch assembly 230 is used to prevent accidental activation of the sewing device 10 and must be pressed to activate the sewing device 10 before it can be activated. Figure 1 Safety switch assembly 230 will not be described in detail here.

[0096] Figure 8-10 The stitching device 10 is shown when the clutch switch 22 is moved to the hinged position. When the clutch switch 22 moves along... Figure 8When sliding in the distal direction indicated by the middle arrow "A", the clutch 70 moves about the tubular spacer 98 in the direction of arrow "B" so that the spline 176 of the distal portion 162 of the clutch 70 ( Figure 13 The first bevel gear 102 moves to engage with spline 114 on the first articulated gear 100. As shown, the engagement ends of splines 114 and 176 can be tapered to allow for spline self-alignment. When the motor 54 is energized, the motor 54 rotates the first bevel gear 58, which engages with and rotates the second bevel gear 64. As described above, the second bevel gear 64 engages with the clutch 70, such that rotation of the second bevel gear 64 causes rotation of the clutch 70. In the articulated position, the clutch 70 engages with the first articulated gear 100. Rotation of the first articulated gear 100 causes the second articulated gear 102 to move around the articulation screw 102 along... Figure 9 Rotating in the direction indicated by arrow "C" causes the hinge screw 104 to move longitudinally in the direction of arrow "D". The hinge screw 104 is connected to the hinge link 106, so that the longitudinal movement of the hinge screw 104 causes the hinge link 106 to move longitudinally in the direction indicated by arrow "D". Figure 9 The longitudinal movement is indicated by the arrow "E". As described above, the longitudinal movement of the hinge link 106 causes the hinge body 130, hinge plate 132, and hinge rod 134 to move longitudinally along... Figure 14 The direction of the arrow "F" in the middle is the hinge tool assembly 16.

[0097] Figure 15-20 The clutch 70 is shown in the clamped / fired position. When the clutch switch 22 is along... Figure 15 When the middle arrow "G" moves along the outer surface of the housing 40 towards the proximal end, the clutch 70 moves along... Figure 15 The direction of the middle arrow "H" moves along the tubular spacer 98 towards the proximal end, so that the spline 172 of the clutch 70 ( Figure 18 ) Move to the spline 96 of nut 82 ( Figure 18 Engagement. When this occurs, clutch 70 disengages from the first articulated gear 100. In the clamped / firing position, when motor 54 is energized, motor 54 rotates the first bevel gear 58, which engages with and rotates the second bevel gear 64. As described above, the second bevel gear 64 engages with clutch 70 such that rotation of the second bevel gear 64 causes clutch 70 to move along... Figure 19 Rotate in the direction of arrow "I". When clutch 70 rotates, nut 82 also rotates about drive screw 80 to move drive screw 80 longitudinally in the direction of arrow "J". As described above, drive screw 80 is coupled to drive rod 86 and in adapter assembly 14 ( Figure 1 ) Internal longitudinal movement drive rod 86.

[0098] PCB 62 ( Figure 5Electrically connected to battery pack 44, motor 54, actuation button 20, and safety switch assembly 230. PCB 62 houses the motor controller and is coupled to actuation button 20. Figure 3 The switch of the control handle assembly 10 and the operation of the control handle assembly 10 control the tool assembly 16. Figure 1 The controller may include any suitable electrical components for operating the disclosed surgical device or its components. The controller may include any type of computing device, computing circuitry, or any type of processor or processing circuitry capable of executing a series of instructions stored in memory. The controller may include multiple processors and / or a multi-core central processing unit (CPU) and may include any type of processor, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The controller may also include memory for storing data and / or instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to execute one or more methods and / or algorithms.

[0099] Figure 20-32 The suture device 10, generally shown as suture device 300, is shown. Figure 1 Alternative form of ). Figure 20 A suture device 300 is shown, comprising a handle assembly 312, an elongated body or adapter assembly 314, and a tool assembly 316. The handle assembly 312 includes a fixed handle portion 318, an actuation button 320, and a clutch switch 322. A clutch switch is located on each side of the handle assembly 312. The adapter assembly 314 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion 324 coupled to the handle assembly 312 and a distal portion 326 supporting the tool assembly 316. The tool assembly 316 is secured to the distal portion 326 of the adapter assembly 314 by a pivot member 328 defining an axis “Y” transverse to the longitudinal axis “X”. The tool assembly 16 is hinged about the axis “Y” between a hinged position and a non-hinged position. In the hinged position, the tool assembly 16 is aligned with the longitudinal axis “Y”, and in the non-hinged position, the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis “X”. The proximal portion 324 of the adapter assembly 314 is supported within a knob 329, which is rotatably connected to the distal portion of the handle assembly 312. The knob 329 can be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis "X" to allow the adapter assembly 314 and the tool assembly 316 to rotate relative to the handle assembly 312 about the longitudinal axis "X".

[0100] In various aspects of this disclosure, tool assembly 316 forms part of reloading assembly 330, which includes a proximal body portion 332 having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the proximal body portion 332 is releasably coupled to the distal end portion 326 of adapter assembly 14, and the distal end of the proximal body portion 332 supports tool assembly 316. Reloading assembly 330 can be removed from and replaced from adapter assembly 314 to facilitate reuse of adapter assembly 314 and handle assembly 12 during surgical procedures. Alternatively, tool assembly 316 can be directly attached to the distal end portion 326 of adapter assembly 314.

[0101] In various aspects of this disclosure, tool assembly 316 is a suturing device and includes a staple cartridge assembly 334 and an anvil 336, which are movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamped position. In various aspects of this disclosure, the anvil 336 is fixed to the proximal body portion 332 of the reloading assembly 330, and the staple cartridge assembly 334 pivots relative to the anvil assembly 326 and the proximal body portion 332 between the open position and the clamped position. It is conceivable that the staple cartridge assembly 334 can be fixedly mounted to the proximal body portion 332 of the reloading assembly 330, and the anvil 336 can pivot between the open position and the clamped position. Although tool assembly 316 is shown in the form of a suturing device, it is conceivable that tool assembly 316 can include various different types of surgical devices, including grippers, vascular sealers, clamp applicators, suturing devices, etc.

[0102] Figure 21-24 The handle assembly 312 of the suture device 310 is shown, which includes a body 340 formed by first and second halves 342a and 342b. Figure 20 ) and battery pack 344. The first and second halves 342a and 342b are joined together to form the fixed handle portion 318. Figure 20 ), and defined cavity 346 ( Figure 22 ) and the recess 348 that accommodates the battery pack 344 Figure 20 Battery pack 344 is basically similar to battery pack 44. Figure 5 (and will not be described in further detail here.)

[0103] The handle assembly 212's main body 340 has a fixed handle portion 318 that defines a cavity 346. Figure 22 Part of and housing a motor 354 with a motor shaft (not shown). Figure 21 The motor shaft is fixed to the first bevel gear 358. Figure 23 This causes the operation of motor 354 to rotate the first bevel gear 358. The handle assembly 312 includes a gearbox 360. Figure 21The gearbox is connected via, for example, screw 361 ( Figure 23 The handle assembly 312 is fixed to the main body 340 above the fixed handle portion 318, such that the first bevel gear 358 is positioned within the gearbox 360. The gearbox 360 has the following characteristics: Figure 21 The top surface shown supports a printed circuit board 362 (“PCB”) that is electrically coupled to an actuation button 320 and a battery pack 344.

[0104] Handle assembly 312 includes a second bevel gear 364 ( Figure 23 The second bevel gear 364 engages with the first bevel gear 358 and is located within the gearbox 360. The second bevel gear 364 defines a central through-hole 366. Figure 24 ) and longitudinal groove 368 extending along the length of the central through hole 366 Figure 24 A longitudinal slot 368 is provided to engage the second bevel gear 364 to the clutch 370, which will be described in further detail below. The second bevel gear 364 is engaged to the first bevel gear 358 such that rotation of the first bevel gear 358 about a first axis causes rotation of the second bevel gear 364 about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0105] Handle assembly 312 includes a support member 374 fixed to gearbox 360. Figure 23 It includes a stepped cylinder 375 defining a through-hole 378. The stepped cylinder 375 ( Figure 22 The second bevel gear 364 has a distal portion 375a and a proximal portion 375b. The distal portion 375a of the support member 374 extends into the gearbox 360 through an opening in the gearbox 360. Figure 24 ) including the near-end hub portion 372 ( Figure 24 The proximal hub portion is supported at the distal portion 375a of the support member 374. Figure 23 Rotation within. In several aspects of this disclosure, the support member 374 is fastened to the gearbox 360 within the body 340 of the handle assembly 312 by means of screws or the like.

[0106] Figure 24-26 Handle assembly 312 is shown. Figure 20 The drive assembly comprises a drive screw 380 and a nut 382. Figure 24 ), connecting member 384 and drive rod 386. Drive screw 380 extends through support member 374 ( Figure 22 The drive screw 380 has a through hole 378 and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the drive screw 380 passes through pin 388 ( Figure 25The drive rod 386 is fixedly connected to the proximal portion of the connecting member 384. The connecting member 384 includes a distal portion connected to the proximal portion of the drive rod 386. In several aspects of this disclosure, the proximal portion of the drive rod 386 includes a stepped portion 390 that is received in a slot 392 in the distal portion of the connecting member 384. Figure 6 Within the drive assembly, the drive rod 386 is axially fixed to the connecting member 384, but rotation of the drive rod 386 relative to the connecting member 384 is permitted. Components on the drive assembly are coupled such that longitudinal movement of the drive screw 380 causes longitudinal movement of the drive rod 386.

[0107] Nut 382 is partially accommodated in the center through hole 366 of the second bevel gear 364. Figure 24 The distal portion 375a of the inner and supporting member 364 Figure 23 The nut 382 defines a threaded through hole 394 and includes external gear teeth or splines 396. Figure 24 A threaded through-hole 394 accommodates a drive screw 380 to thread a nut 382 around the drive screw 380. When the clutch 370 is in the clamped / fired position, spline 396 engages the clutch 370, as described in further detail below.

[0108] A tubular spacer 398 is accommodated around the drive screw 380 and engages the distal portion of the nut 382 to retain the nut 382 within the body 340 of the handle assembly 312. Figure 1 The tubular spacer 398 also supports the clutch 370 for longitudinal movement between the clamped / firing position and the articulated position, as described in further detail below.

[0109] Handle assembly 312 ( Figure 20 The device includes an articulated mechanism comprising a first articulated gear 400, a second articulated gear 402, an articulated screw 404, and an articulated link (not shown). The first articulated gear 400 is supported for rotation on a gearbox 360 and includes external gear teeth 408. In several aspects of this disclosure, the first articulated gear 400 includes a hub 400a extending distally. Figure 24 The hub is rotatably supported on bearing 412. Figure 24 The bearing is supported on the gearbox 360. Figure 21 The first articulated gear 400 and bearing 412 define a central opening that facilitates the drive screw 380 passing to a position distal to the first articulated gear 400 and bearing 412. The central opening of the first articulated gear 400 is defined by spline 414. Figure 23 The splines are engaged by the clutch 370 when the clutch 370 moves to the articulated position, defined by the annular array of the clutch 370.

[0110] The second articulated gear 402 is rotatably supported on the gearbox 360 and engages with the first articulated gear 400. The second articulated gear 402 defines a non-circular through-hole 416 that receives a non-circular end of the articulated screw 404 to rotatably secure the second articulated gear 402 to the articulated screw 404. The second articulated gear 402 is located in the handle assembly 312 (… Figure 1 The main body 340 is axially fixed to the gearbox 360, such that rotation of the second articulated gear 402 causes rotational movement of the articulated screw 404. The articulated screw 404 includes a coupling 405 ( Figure 21 The distal portion of the proximal portion of the articulated screw 404 is connected to the articulated link (not shown), such that the rotational movement of the articulated screw 404 causes the articulated link to move within the elongated body 314 of the sewing device 310. Figure 20 Vertical movement within )

[0111] Although not described in detail here, the suture device 300 includes [missing information - likely related to suture devices]. Figure 5 A hinge assembly similar to the hinge assembly 124 described in detail above is shown, which connects the hinge screw 404 to the tool assembly 316. Figure 20 Handle assembly 312 ( Figure 1 The hinge mechanism is similar to that of handle assembly 12. Figure 1 It operates using a hinge mechanism, and will not be described in further detail here.

[0112] Clutch 370 slidably surrounds tubular spacer 398. Figure 24 The clutch 370 is positioned within the through-hole 366 of the second bevel gear 364 and is movable between an articulated position and a clamping / firing position. In the articulated position, the clutch 370 engages with the first articulated gear 400, such that rotation of the clutch 370 causes rotation of the first articulated gear 400 to move the tool assembly 316 between the non-articulated position and the articulated position. Figure 20 As described above regarding the sewing device 10. In the clamping / firing position, the clutch 370 engages with the nut 382, ​​such that rotation of the clutch 370 causes rotation of the nut 382, ​​thereby causing longitudinal movement of the drive assembly including the drive rod 386 within the sewing device 300 to actuate the tool assembly 316 ( Figure 20 As described above regarding suture device 10.

[0113] Figure 24A clutch 370 and a second bevel gear 364 are shown. The clutch 370 includes a proximal portion 460 and a distal portion 462. The proximal portion 460 of the clutch 370 includes a protruding extension 464 that extends longitudinally toward the nut 382 and is received within a longitudinal groove 368 of the second bevel gear 364. The protruding extension 464, received within the longitudinal groove 368 of the second bevel gear 364, rotatably engages the second bevel gear 364 with the clutch 370. Therefore, when the motor 354 ( Figure 22 When the clutch 370 is energized to rotate the first bevel gear 358 and the second bevel gear 364 as described above, the clutch 370 rotates together with the second bevel gear 364.

[0114] Clutch 370 defines a through hole 470 and includes a spline 172 similar to that of clutch 70. Figure 11 The internal spline (not shown). When the clutch 370 is in the clamped / fired position, the spline on the inner surface of the clutch 370 engages with the spline 396 on the nut 382. Thus, when the motor 54 ( Figure 22 When energized to rotate the clutch 370, the nut 382 also rotates. The distal portion 462 of the clutch 370 includes an annular flange 480 and defines an annular channel 482.

[0115] When the clutch 370 is in the articulated position, the clutch 370 and the first articulated gear 400 are rotatably connected to each other. More specifically, the distal portion of the clutch 370 supports a plurality of splines 476. When the clutch 370 is in the articulated position ( Figure 8 When ), the spline 476 on the clutch 470 engages with the spline 414 on the first articulated gear 400. Figure 23 The engagement of the clutch 470 causes the first articulated gear 400 to rotate.

[0116] Clutch 470 is biased toward a clamping / firing position by biasing member 484. In several aspects of this disclosure, biasing member 484 includes a coil spring, although other types of biasing members are contemplated. Biasing member 484 is compressed between the distal face of clutch 370 and the first articulated gear 400, such that clutch 370 is pushed proximally toward nut 382.

[0117] Handle assembly 312 includes selector switch assembly 490, which is connected to the selector switch assembly 190 of handle assembly 12. Figure 6 Similarly, it provides clinicians with a mechanism to move the clutch 370 from the clamped / firing position to the articulated position. The selector switch assembly 490 includes a clutch switch 322 and a fork member 492. The clutch switch 322 is slidably positioned on the opposite side of the body 340 of the handle assembly 312. Figure 20The handle assembly 312 includes a finger engagement member 496 and an extension 498 extending from the finger engagement member 496 through a longitudinal slot (not shown) in the body 340 of the handle assembly 312. The extension 498 is resilient and is received in a snap-fit ​​manner in an elongated slot (not shown) in the body 340 of the housing 312 to slidably secure the clutch switch 322 to the body 340 of the handle assembly 312. Figure 20 Each of the fork-shaped members 492 includes a crossbar 500 and a semi-circular connecting member 502. Each of the crossbars 500 is secured to a corresponding clutch switch in the clutch switch 322. In several aspects of this disclosure, each of the clutch switches 322 defines an aperture (not shown) that receives one end of the corresponding crossbar in the crossbars 500 for securing the clutch switch 322 to the crossbar 500. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the crossbars 500 can be secured to the clutch switches 322 in a variety of different ways, or that the crossbars 500 and the clutch switches 322 can be integrally formed. Each of the semi-circular connecting members 502 of the fork-shaped members 492 is received within an annular channel 482 of the clutch 370. As the clutch switch 322 moves longitudinally along the body 340 of the handle assembly 312, the clutch 370 moves longitudinally within the body 340 along a tubular spacer 398, resisting the push of the biasing member 484 from the clamped / firing position to the hinged position.

[0118] In various aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly 312 includes a guide rod 504, which is supported within the body 340 of the handle assembly 312 and along a longitudinal axis “X” parallel to the elongated body 314. Figure 20 The guide rods 504 extend in the direction of the handle assembly 312. Each of the guide rods 504 is supported within the body 340 of the handle assembly 312 and extends through an opening 506 in a corresponding crossbar of the selector switch assembly 490. When the selector switch assembly 490 moves from the retracted position to the forward position to move the clutch 370 from the clamped / firing position to the articulated position, the guide rods 504 guide the movement of the fork member 492 of the selector switch assembly 490. In several aspects of this disclosure, each of the guide rods 504 has an L-shaped configuration and includes a proximal lateral portion 510. The proximal lateral portion 510 is received within a slot 512a of a bracket 512, and the bracket 512 is secured to the gearbox 360 by a screw 514. Figure 30 ).

[0119] In some aspects of this disclosure, the selector switch assembly 490 includes a biasing member 520 positioned to push the fork-shaped member 492 of the selector switch assembly 490 proximally to push the clutch 370 toward a clamped / firing position. The biasing member 520 may be a coil spring, although other types of biasing members are conceivable.

[0120] Figure 24-26 A safety toggle mechanism 600 is shown, which includes first and second toggle members 602 and 604, a shaft 606, a safety slider 608, and an offset member 610. Figure 24 Each of the safety bolts 602 and 604 includes a hub 612 and a lever 614. The hub 612 is rotatably supported in an opening (not shown) that defines the handle assembly 312. Figure 20 The body 340 is located on opposite sides and defines a D-shaped hole 616. Figure 24 Shaft 606 has a D-shaped extension 618. Figure 24 The first and second ends of the shaft 606 are provided with D-shaped extensions that are received in D-shaped holes 616 in the corresponding first and second toggle members 602 and 604 to rotatably fix the first and second ends of the shaft 606 to the first and second toggle members 602 and 604. The shaft 606 includes a defining channel 622. Figure 24 The safety slider 608 has a reduced diameter portion 620 and an elongated slot 624 communicating with a channel 622. The safety slider 608 has a circular body 626 and a stop member 628 extending outward from the circular body 626 and including a tapered cam surface 628a. The circular body 626 of the safety slider 608 is slidably positioned about the reduced diameter portion 620 of the shaft 606 and includes an inwardly extending tongue 630 and a protrusion 631 extending toward the second toggle member 604. The tongue 630 extends through the elongated slot 624 into the channel 622 of the shaft 606 to prevent the safety slider 608 from rotating about the shaft 606. A biasing member 610 is positioned between the tongue 630 of the safety slider 608 within the channel 622 of the shaft 606 and the first toggle member 602 to push the safety slider 608 toward the second toggle 604 about the reduced diameter portion 620 of the shaft 606.

[0121] The safety toggle mechanism 600 has a shaft 606 supporting arm 632, which is located on the body 340 of the handle assembly 312. Figure 20 The safety toggle mechanism 600 extends outward from the shaft 606. The first and second toggle members 602 and 604 are rotated from either side of the handle assembly 312 to move the safety toggle mechanism 600 from the non-operating position to the operating position. Figure 30 Shaft 606 can be located in the main body 340 ( Figure 1 ) cavity 346 ( Figure 22 The arm 632 rotates within the handle assembly 312 when the safety toggle mechanism 600 is in the working position. Figure 30 ) engage to close contact 650 and stitching device 10 ( Figure 1 Place it in the ready-to-fire position, as described in further detail below.

[0122] like Figure 25 and 26 As shown, when the suture device 300 ( Figure 1 When the drive assembly of the safety toggle mechanism 600 is in the retracted position, the connecting member 384 is adjacent to the stop member 628 of the safety slider 608 to prevent the safety toggle mechanism 600 from rotating from the non-operating position to the operating position. Thus, the stop member 628 prevents the arm 632 on the shaft 606 from moving to engage with the contact 650 to close the contact 650. Therefore, in the sewing device 10 ( Figure 1 When the drive assembly is in the retracted position, the sewing device 300 cannot be fired.

[0123] Figure 27-31 The handle assembly 312 is shown when the safety toggle mechanism 600 is moved from the non-operating position to the operating position. As the drive assembly moves toward its forward position to advance the connecting member 384 distally past the stop member 628 of the safety slider 608 and to move the tool assembly 316 to the clamping position, the first and second toggle members 602 and 604 can move along... Figure 27 , 29 Rotate in the direction of arrow "A" in 30. When safety toggle members 602 and 604 rotate in the direction of arrow "A", the stop member 628 of safety slider 608 rotates past connecting member 384, and the arm 632 supported on shaft 606 moves to engage with contact 650. Figure 30 This moves the contact 650 to the closed position and positions the sewing device 300 in a ready-to-fire position. When the contact 650 is closed, the sewing device 300 can be actuated by pressing the actuation button 320. Figure 20 ).

[0124] When the adjacent member 628 of the safety slider 608 moves in the direction of arrow "A", the protrusion 660 formed on the safety slider 608 and the conical cam member 662 formed on the gearbox 360 ( Figure 28 The safety slider 608 engages and moves along the tapered cam member. This engagement causes the safety slider 608 to... Figure 27 The bias member 610 resists the push of the reducing diameter portion of the shaft 606 in the direction of the middle arrow "B" as it passes over the tapered cam member 662. As the protrusion 660 moves past the tapered cam member 662, the bias member 610 returns the safety slider 608 to its initial position on the reducing diameter portion 620 of the shaft 606. The tapered cam member 662 has a proximal stop surface 664. Figure 28When the protrusion 660 disengages from the tapered cam member 662, the protrusion 660 engages the stop surface 664 on the gearbox 360 to hold the safety toggle mechanism 600 in the working position. As described above, in the working position, the contact 650 is in the closed position to place the sewing device 300 in a ready-to-fire position.

[0125] The suture device 300 includes a manual retraction mechanism 710. Figure 21 It is essentially similar to a surgical suture device 10. Figure 1 ) handle assembly 12 ( Figure 1 The manual retraction mechanism 210 ( Figure 5 ).

[0126] Figure 32 The operation of the selector switch assembly 490 is illustrated. As described above, the clutch 370 is biased by the bias member 484 ( Figure 24 (And to a lesser extent, is biased by member 520) pushed toward the clamp / fire position. To move clutch 370 to the articulated position, one or both clutch switches 322 can be engaged by a clinician and along the body 340 of handle assembly 312. Figure 20 The fork member 492 slides distally in the direction of arrow "C" to move in the direction of arrow "C". The fork member 492 is fixed around the clutch 370, such that movement of the fork member 492 in the direction of arrow "C" moves the clutch 370 to a hinged position in the direction of arrow "D", where the spline 476 on the distal portion of the clutch 370... Figure 24 ) and the spline 414 of the first articulated gear 400 Figure 23 Engagement. When the clinician releases the selector switch assembly 490, the biasing member 484 will push the clutch 370 back to the clamped / firing position. The suture device 300 has the clutch 370 in both the clamped / firing and articulated positions. Figure 20 The operation of ) is basically as described above, and will not be described in further detail here.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of this disclosure. It is foreseeable that elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with elements and features of another without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of this disclosure based on the aspects of this disclosure described above. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a surgical device, comprising: A main body supporting at least one clutch switch; A drive assembly supported within a housing, the drive assembly including a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the nut defining a threaded hole and including an external spline, the drive screw extending through the threaded hole, and the drive rod having a proximal portion connected to the drive screw; A hinge mechanism supported within the housing, the hinge mechanism including a first hinge gear, a second hinge gear, and a hinge screw, the first hinge gear defining a through hole and including a spline and external gear teeth positioned within the through hole, the second hinge gear including external gear teeth engaging with the external gear teeth of the first hinge gear; A clutch, supported within the housing, is located between the first articulated gear and the nut. The clutch is movable between a clamping / firing position and an articulated position, in which the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut, and in which the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulated gear. A biasing member, which is supported within the housing, pushes the clutch toward the clamping / firing position; as well as A motor coupled to the clutch, operable to rotate the clutch within the housing, thereby actuating one of the drive assembly or the articulation mechanism. The handle assembly further includes a safety toggle mechanism supported on the body, the safety toggle mechanism including at least one toggle member and a shaft coupled to the at least one toggle member, the shaft being rotatable in response to manipulation of the at least one toggle member to move the safety toggle mechanism from a deactivated, non-operating position to an activated, operating position of the handle assembly. The safety toggle mechanism includes a slider mounted on the shaft, the slider including a stop member. The main body supports a tapered cam member having a tapered cam surface and a proximal stop surface, and the slider includes a protrusion that, when the safety toggle mechanism moves from the non-working position to the working position, is movable along the tapered cam surface to move the slider from a first position on the shaft to a second position on the shaft. In the first position, the slider is aligned with the tapered cam member, and in the second position, the slider is positioned outside the tapered cam member. When the safety toggle mechanism is in the working position, the protrusion is aligned with the proximal stop surface to hold the safety toggle mechanism in the working position.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first bevel gear coupled to the motor and a second bevel gear coupled to the first bevel gear.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The second bevel gear defines a through hole and a longitudinal groove communicating with the through hole, the through hole of the second bevel gear receiving the nut and the drive screw, and the clutch includes a protruding extension received within the longitudinal groove to rotatably engage the clutch to the second bevel gear.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge mechanism includes a hinge link connected to the hinge screw, such that movement of the hinge screw causes longitudinal movement of the hinge link.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one clutch switch includes a clutch switch on each side of the body, the clutch switch being coupled to the clutch via a fork-shaped member, and the clutch switch being movable along the body to move the clutch from the clamped / firing position to the hinged position.

6. The handle assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The main support guide rod and the fork-shaped member define an opening through which the guide rod extends to guide the movement of the fork-shaped member as the clutch moves from the clamping / firing position to the hinged position.

7. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the handle assembly supports the contact, and the shaft of the safety toggle mechanism includes an arm, wherein, in the non-operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm is spaced apart from the contact and the contact is in an open position, and in the operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm engages with the contact and the contact is in a closed position.

8. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The drive assembly includes a connecting member that connects the drive screw to the drive rod. When the clutch is in the clamped / fired position, the drive screw, the connecting member, and the drive rod are movable within the body between a retracted position and a forward position in response to actuation of the motor.

9. The handle assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting member is positioned to prevent the safety toggle mechanism from moving from the non-working position to the working position when the connecting member is in its retracted position.

10. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The slider is pushed to the first position by the biasing mechanism.

11. A surgical device comprising: A handle assembly comprising: A main body supporting at least one clutch switch; A drive assembly supported within a housing, the drive assembly including a drive screw, a nut, and a drive rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the nut defining a threaded hole and including an external spline, the drive screw extending through the threaded hole, and the drive rod having a proximal portion connected to the drive screw; A hinge mechanism supported within the housing, the hinge mechanism including a first hinge gear, a second hinge gear, and a hinge screw, the first hinge gear defining a through hole and including a spline and external gear teeth positioned within the through hole, the second hinge gear including external gear teeth engaging with the external gear teeth of the first hinge gear; A clutch, supported within the housing, is located between the first articulated gear and the nut. The clutch is movable between a clamping / firing position and an articulated position, in which the clutch engages with the external spline of the nut, and in which the clutch engages with the spline of the first articulated gear. A biasing member, which is supported within the housing, pushes the clutch toward the clamping / firing position; as well as A motor connected to the clutch, the motor being operable to rotate the clutch within the housing; An adapter assembly defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the adapter assembly including a hinge rod, the proximal portion of the adapter assembly being coupled to a handle assembly, the hinge rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled to a hinge screw, and a drive rod extending through the adapter assembly; as well as A tool assembly, pivotally connected to the distal portion of the adapter assembly about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly, wherein the distal portion of the hinged rod is connected to the tool assembly to allow the tool assembly to pivot between a non-hinge position and a hinged position, in which the tool assembly is aligned with the longitudinal axis and in which the tool assembly is not aligned with the longitudinal axis. The handle assembly further includes a safety toggle mechanism supported on the body, the safety toggle mechanism including at least one toggle member and a shaft coupled to the at least one toggle member, the shaft being rotatable in response to manipulation of the at least one toggle member to move the safety toggle mechanism from a deactivated, non-operating position to an activated, operating position of the handle assembly. The safety toggle mechanism includes a slider mounted on the shaft, the slider including a stop member. The main body supports a tapered cam member having a tapered cam surface and a proximal stop surface, and the slider includes a protrusion that, when the safety toggle mechanism moves from the non-working position to the working position, is movable along the tapered cam surface to move the slider from a first position on the shaft to a second position on the shaft. In the first position, the slider is aligned with the tapered cam member, and in the second position, the slider is positioned outside the tapered cam member. When the safety toggle mechanism is in the working position, the protrusion is aligned with the proximal stop surface to hold the safety toggle mechanism in the working position.

12. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the at least one clutch switch comprises a clutch switch supported on each side of the body of the handle assembly, the clutch switch being coupled to the clutch and movable along the body of the handle assembly to move the clutch from the clamped / firing position to the hinged position.

13. The surgical device according to claim 11, wherein, The main body of the handle assembly supports the contact, and the shaft of the safety toggle mechanism includes an arm, wherein, in the non-operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm is spaced apart from the contact and the contact is in an open position, and in the operating position of the safety toggle mechanism, the arm engages with the contact and the contact is in a closed position.

14. The surgical device according to claim 11, wherein, The drive assembly includes a connecting member that connects the drive screw to the drive rod. When the clutch is in the clamped / fired position, the drive screw, the connecting member, and the drive rod are movable within the body between a retracted position and a forward position in response to actuation of the motor.

15. The surgical device according to claim 14, wherein, The connecting member is positioned to prevent the safety toggle mechanism from moving from the non-working position to the working position when the connecting member is in its retracted position.

16. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein the slider is pushed to the first position by a biasing mechanism.

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