Grip attenuator

Abstract

A handle of a device such as an endoscopic surgical instrument is provided with a grip for actuating an effector mechanism positioned at a distal end. After a grip force required to reach full actuation of the effector mechanism, an over force absorber within the handle absorbs excessive force. The handle includes a first spring that deflects in response to reaching a predetermined level of hand grip force for actuating the effector mechanism and a second spring that deflects without further deflecting the first spring in response to exceeding the predetermined level of hand grip force.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to surgical instruments, and more specifically to improved actuation mechanisms for endoscopic instruments. 2. Background Technology In many cases, surgeons use endoscopic devices to perform medical procedures. These devices require the surgeon to squeeze a handle to open, close, or position an actuator mechanism located at the distal end of the device, as described in U.S. Patents 10,918,393, 5,425,743, 5,330,502, and 2,790,437, and U.S. Publications 2016 / 0361107 and 2016 / 0066919. Typically, the handle includes a rotatable component for positioning the actuator mechanism.

[0002] The grip that actuates the actuator mechanism when squeezed includes a mechanically abutting stop at the end of its stroke, which does not coincide with the final position of the actuator mechanism—fully open, closed, or in an operating position. As a result, when a surgeon squeezes the grip after the actuator mechanism has reached its final position, they encounter excessive wear on the actuator mechanism.

[0003] It is necessary to signal to the surgeon that the hand grip is fully actuated and that applying additional pressure will not yield beneficial results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An improved endoscopic surgical instrument for procedures such as applying ligation clips, anastomosis, cutting, and suturing is configured to enhance maneuverability and single-handed operation. The proximal handle is equipped with a grip for actuating the actuator mechanism at the distal end, such as closing and opening the distal actuator jaws, anastomosis, suturing, and cutting. After achieving the grip force required to fully actuate the actuator mechanism, a grip force damper within the handle absorbs excessive force applied manually by the surgeon.

[0005] As can be understood from the above summary, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described, which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] One feature of the present invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, which is simple to use.

[0007] One consideration of the present invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, which remains durable after continued use.

[0008] Another consideration of the present invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, which minimizes trauma to the patient at the surgical site.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, wherein the hand grip of an endoscope device can be squeezed to open, close, or position the actuator mechanism without excessive stress.

[0010] Another feature of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, wherein the hand grip provides increased resistance when it approaches the end of its stroke and abuts against a stop.

[0011] Another consideration of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, wherein gripping force exceeding that required to fully actuate the actuator mechanism is transferred from and dissipated from the actuator mechanism.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for attenuating grip force that exceeds a predetermined force applied to a hand grip.

[0013] Another feature of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described, which is well-suited for economical mass production.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, which reduces fatigue from repeated use.

[0015] Another feature of the invention is to provide an improved surgical instrument having the general features described herein, wherein a signal is given to a surgical expert when the actuator mechanism has been fully actuated.

[0016] Other aspects, features, and considerations of the invention will be apparent and will be indicated in part below.

[0017] In view of these objectives, the invention finds embodiments in various combinations of elements, component arrangements and series of steps, through which the foregoing aspects, features and considerations, as well as certain other aspects, features and considerations, are obtained, or with reference to the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be more specifically pointed out and indicated in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate one of various possible exemplary embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 This is a front view of a surgical instrument according to the invention, wherein the actuator mechanism is in the open position and a portion of the handle is shown in cross-section; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified partial cross-sectional view of the handle portion depicted within circle 2, and details of the invention are shown; Figure 3This is a front view of a surgical instrument after the gripping force required to fully actuate the actuator mechanism has been applied, with a portion of the handle shown in cross-section; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the handle portion depicted within circle 4, and details of the invention are shown; Figure 5 This is a front view of the surgical instrument after maximum excessive grip force has been applied; and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged sectional view of the portion depicted within circle 6. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be noted that the following drawings and examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to a single embodiment, but rather other embodiments are possible through interchange of some or all of the elements described or illustrated.

[0020] Furthermore, where certain elements of the present invention can be implemented partially or entirely using known components, only those portions of such known components necessary for understanding the present invention will be described, while detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted to avoid obscuring the present invention. In this specification, embodiments showing a single component should not be considered limiting; rather, unless expressly stated otherwise, the present invention is intended to cover other embodiments comprising multiple identical components, and vice versa.

[0021] The applicant does not intend to assign any terminology in the specification or claims an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, this invention covers current and future known equivalents of known components mentioned herein by way of illustration.

[0022] This invention relates to an improved grip mechanism for surgical instruments, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,918,393 to Brodaczewski et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For continuity, the same structure described herein may be referred to herein by component numbers of U.S. Patent 10,918,393, but with the prefix "2".

[0023] It should be noted that this application's Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 Figures 13 and 15 correspond to U.S. Patent 10,918,393, while Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6Corresponding to Figures 14 and 16. Where the components have the same structure, these figures may indicate reference numerals as found herein, without describing these components in this specification.

[0024] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, numeral 210 generally denotes a surgical instrument, which is substantially the same as previously described in U.S. Patent No. 10,918,393, except for the modified handle 212. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to surgical instruments for ligation clips, and can be implemented as various endoscopic tools, such as suture devices, staplers, cauterization devices, electrosurgical endoscopes, etc. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The image shows an enlarged partial longitudinal section through the improved handle 212, which more specifically illustrates the details of the invention.

[0025] As described and shown in U.S. Patent No. 10,918,393, a pair of jaws 218, 220 of the actuator mechanism are actuated by a rod or cable (as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,918,393) extending through the cylinder 214. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As best shown, the proximal end of the rod or cable includes a pull rod 242 with a ball 244.

[0026] An improved cylindrical linear actuator 246 is housed within the internal chamber 247 of the handle 212. Adjacent to the distal end of the linear actuator 246 is a recessed socket 248, which accommodates a ball 244.

[0027] The main leg 250 of the grip 222 is received in the slot 252 of the linear actuator 246. However, the linear actuator 246 differs from the linear actuator of U.S. Patent No. 10,918,393 in that its length extends in the proximal direction and, in contrast to being closed, its proximal end is open and surrounded by an inwardly curved peripheral lip 255.

[0028] The proximal cam surface 254 of leg 250 is adjacent to the enlarged head 257 of cam follower 259 located within linear actuator 246. Protruding proximally from head 257 is a cylindrical tail 261 having a planar proximal end face 267.

[0029] According to the invention, the disc spring 263 is arranged within the linear actuator 246 between the head 257 and the inwardly curved peripheral lip 255. A cylindrical cam follower tail 261 extends through the central aperture of the disc spring 263. A helical return spring 260 is located between the inwardly curved peripheral lip 255 and the proximal end wall 265 of the internal chamber 247.

[0030] It should be noted that when jaws 218 and 220 are open, the linear actuator 246, main leg 250, and cam follower 259, as... Figure 2 The relative positions are shown within the internal chamber 247. The linear space 271 between the proximal end face 267 of the tail 261 and the adjacent face of the adjacent stop 269 threaded into the coaxial hole of the handle 212 is maximized when the disc spring 263 and the return spring 260 are slightly compressed.

[0031] When the grip 222 is pressed against the proximal support 223 of the handle 212 to close the jaws 218, 220, the main leg 250 pivots about the pin 256 fixed in the orifice of the handle 212, and the cam surface 254 abuts against the cam follower head 257. The linear actuator 246, ball 244, and lever 242 are then released from their respective... Figure 2 The relative positions depicted in the figure move along the proximal direction. At the same time, the proximal surface 267 of the tail 261 moves linearly toward the adjacent surface 275.

[0032] Now pay attention Figure 4 Because the spring constant of the disc spring 263 group is greater than the spring constant of the return spring 260, the return spring 260 compresses first. Preferably, the spring constant of the return spring 260 is such that when a gripping pressure of at least 40 N, i.e., a gripping force of at least 40 N, is applied to the grip 222, the actuator jaws 218, 220 will close. Figure 3 The location.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 4 The linear actuator 246, together with the ball 244 and the lever 242, is advanced proximally within the hollow chamber 247 to fully close the actuator jaws 218, 220. It should be noted that the assembly of disc springs 263 remains within the same confinement space within the linear actuator 246, as... Figure 2 As shown, the return spring 260 has been compressed and the linear space 271 between the proximal end face 267 of the tail 261 and the adjacent face 275 of the adjacent stop 269 has been reduced.

[0034] If a surgeon operating a surgical instrument applies additional force to the grip 222 beyond what is required to close the actuator jaws 218, 220, the main leg 250 continues to pivot within the slot 252, forcing the cam follower 259 to compress the disc spring 263 and absorb the excessive force, keeping the linear actuator 246 in a fixed position with no additional force applied to the actuator mechanism.

[0035] The distal cam surface 251 of the main leg 250 no longer abuts the distal surface 273 of the groove 252. If the surgeon continues to apply force to the grip 222, the proximal surface 267 of the tail 261 contacts the abutment surface 275 of the adjacent stop 269, at which point the force applied to the grip 222 has reached 150 N.

[0036] Because the spring constant of disc spring 263 is greater than that of return spring 260, the operator will realize from the additional resistance encountered that the actuator jaws 218, 220 are fully actuated under an applied gripping force of at least 40 N. However, the grip 222 can be safely squeezed further until the proximal end face 267 of the tail 261 contacts the adjacent face 275 of the adjacent stop 269, which occurs when a gripping force of 150 N has been applied.

[0037] Any gripping force greater than 150 N will not be transmitted to the actuator jaws or internal components, except that the cam surface of the main leg 250 abuts against the cam follower abutting the adjacent stop 269. This will prevent damage to the components of the surgical instrument and will avoid tissue damage during surgical procedures.

[0038] The grip force attenuator of the present invention is well-suited for use with a variety of endoscopic surgical instruments, wherein a hand grip 222 is employed for actuation. It should be understood that the 40 N grip force for engagement and the maximum grip force of 150 N are exemplary and will vary depending on the surgical instrument, the spring constant, the actuator mechanism, and the hand grip.

[0039] The present invention provides a method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip, the hand grip being associated with a handle having a chamber, the method comprising the following steps: a) Provide a first spring positioned within the cavity, which deflects in response to movement of the hand grip; b) Move the handle to the position where the predetermined force has been applied to the first spring; c) A second spring is provided positioned within the cavity, which deflects in response to movement of the hand grip; d) The second spring is compressed by pushing the handle to a position where the predetermined force has been exceeded, wherein the spring constant of the second spring is greater than that of the first spring.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the spring constant of the second spring is such that step b) is performed without deflecting the second spring.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined force comprises about 40 N.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes step e) restricting the movement of the handle after a preset maximum allowable force has been applied.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the chamber includes an adjacent stop and step e) is performed by engaging the adjacent stop.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings of this application, in some cases, multiple elements may be shown as illustrations of specific elements, and a single element may be shown as illustrations of multiple specific elements. The showing of multiple specific elements is not intended to imply that a system or method implemented according to the invention must include more than one of that element, nor is it intended to limit the invention to embodiments having only a single element by illustrating a single element. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, at least in some cases, the numbering of specific elements shown in the drawings can be selected to suit specific user needs. The specific combinations of elements and features in the detailed embodiments described above are merely exemplary; it is also clearly contemplated that these teachings are interchangeable and substituted with other teachings in this application. As those skilled in the art will recognize, variations, modifications, and other implementations described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0045] Furthermore, specific terms, numbers, dimensions, materials, etc., are used for clarity in describing the invention and illustrating embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to these specific terms, numbers, dimensions, materials, etc., and each specific term, number, dimension, material, etc., includes at least all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. The use of given words, phrases, numbers, dimensions, materials, linguistic terms, product brands, etc., is intended to include all grammatical, literary, scientific, technical, and functional equivalents. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, and it will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concept can be used. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be modified to adapt to and / or conform to variations and improvements in applicable technologies and standards mentioned herein.

[0047] Variations, modifications, and other implementations of the content described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, these embodiments are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0048] Having described the invention as such, it is declared a new invention and protection is desired through a patent certificate.

Claims

1. An endoscopic surgical instrument having a distal end and a proximal end, an actuator mechanism located at the distal end, and a handle located at the proximal end, the actuator mechanism having an actuation component, a rod or cable operably connected to the actuator mechanism for actuating the actuation component between an operating position and a non-operating position by linear movement of the rod or cable, the handle including a chamber having a linear actuator, the proximal end of the rod or cable operably connected to the linear actuator, the handle further including a pivotally mounted grip operably connected to the linear actuator, such that a pivoting force applied to the grip causes linear movement of the rod or cable and movement of the actuation component, the... The linear actuator has a first actuator position in the chamber associated with a first position of the operating component and a second actuator position in the chamber associated with a second position of the operating component. The handle includes a first spring that pushes the linear actuator to the first actuator position. When the linear actuator is in the second actuator position, the first spring is compressed. The handle further includes a second spring disposed within the linear actuator. When a pivoting force applied at the grip exceeds the force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position, the second spring is compressed and the linear actuator remains stationary in the chamber.

2. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first spring includes a helical spring positioned in the chamber between the proximal end of the linear actuator and the proximal end of the chamber.

3. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein, The second spring comprises a group of disc springs whose spring constant is greater than that of the first spring.

4. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein, The grip includes a cam surface that engages with a driven cam, and the assembly of the disc springs is positioned between the driven cam and a peripheral lip at the proximal end of the linear actuator.

5. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein, The driven cam includes a tail extending in the proximal direction, and the assembly of the disc springs has a central aperture through which the tail extends.

6. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein, When the pivoting force applied to the grip exceeds the force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position, the tail extends proximally beyond the linear actuator.

7. The endoscopic surgical instrument of claim 6, further comprising an adjacent stop located at the proximal end of the chamber, wherein the tail engages the adjacent stop when the applied gripping force exceeds a preset maximum permissible force.

8. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The gripping force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position is approximately 40 N, and the preset maximum allowable force is approximately 150 N.

9. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The tail section and the adjacent stop are coaxial.

10. The endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein, The adjacent stop is placed in a hole at the proximal end of the chamber.

11. A grip attenuator for an endoscopic surgical instrument having an operating handle, the handle comprising a movable grip, a chamber, and a linear actuator positioned within the chamber, the movable grip being operatively connected to the linear actuator for linear movement within the chamber, the linear actuator having a first actuator position within the chamber and a second actuator position within the chamber, the handle comprising a first spring for pushing the linear actuator to the first actuator position, the first spring being compressed when the linear actuator is in the second actuator position, the handle further comprising a second spring disposed within the linear actuator, the second spring being compressed and the linear actuator remaining stationary within the chamber when a pivoting force applied at the grip exceeds the force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position, the second spring attenuating the excessive pivoting force.

12. The grip strength attenuator according to claim 11, wherein, The first spring includes a helical spring positioned in the chamber between the proximal end of the linear actuator and the proximal end of the chamber, and the second spring includes a group of disc springs with a spring constant greater than that of the first spring.

13. The grip strength attenuator according to claim 12, wherein, The grip includes a cam surface that engages with a driven cam, a set of disc springs is positioned between the driven cam and a peripheral lip at the proximal end of the linear actuator, the driven cam includes a tail extending in the proximal direction, the set of disc springs includes a central aperture, and the tail extends through the central aperture and proximally beyond the linear actuator if a pivoting force applied to the grip exceeds the force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position.

14. The grip strength attenuator according to claim 11, wherein, The force required to move the linear actuator to the second actuator position includes approximately 40 N.

15. The grip strength attenuator of claim 13, further comprising an adjacent stop at the proximal end of the chamber, wherein the tail engages the adjacent stop when the applied grip strength exceeds a preset maximum permissible force.

16. A method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip of an endoscopic surgical instrument, the hand grip being associated with a handle having a chamber, the method comprising the steps of: a) Provide a first spring positioned within the cavity, which deflects in response to movement of the hand grip; b) Move the handle to the position where the predetermined force has been applied to the first spring; c) A second spring is provided positioned within the cavity, which deflects in response to movement of the hand grip; d) The second spring is compressed by pushing the handle to a position where the predetermined force has been exceeded, wherein the spring constant of the second spring is greater than that of the first spring.

17. The method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip according to claim 16, wherein, The spring constant of the second spring ensures that step b) is performed without deflecting the second spring.

18. The method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip according to claim 16, wherein, The predetermined force includes approximately 40 N.

19. The method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip according to claim 16, the method further comprising step e) restricting the movement of the hand grip after a preset maximum permissible force has been applied.

20. The method for attenuating a grip force exceeding a predetermined force applied to a hand grip according to claim 19, wherein, The chamber includes an adjacent stop and step e) is performed by engaging the adjacent stop.

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