A surgical stapling instrument

Abstract

A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle including a motor, a control circuit electrically connected to the motor, and a button electrically connected to the control circuit, and a loading unit releasably connected to the handle including a cutting member mechanically connected to the motor; wherein the control circuit includes a microcontroller and a logic circuit electrically connected to the microcontroller, the microcontroller is electrically connected to the button, and the logic circuit is electrically connected between the button and the motor; when the button is actuated, the control circuit is capable of controlling the motor to drive the cutting member to move distally; when the button is not actuated, even if the microcontroller sends an advance signal, the logic circuit prevents the motor from driving the cutting member to move distally. The control circuit avoids the motor mistakenly driving the cutting member to move distally to avoid injuring normal tissue, damaging the instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical instruments, in particular to a surgical anastomosis instrument. Background Art

[0002] Staplers are used for cutting, dividing, and stapling human tissue. In open surgery, staplers replaced traditional suturing instruments. In minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic staplers have become dominant. To meet the needs of automated surgery, electric laparoscopic staplers are undergoing continuous development. These utilize control circuits for automated operation.

[0003] In an electric laparoscopic stapler, when the surgeon presses the forward button, the microcontroller receives the signal and controls the motor to rotate, driving the cutting member forward. However, if the forward button is not pressed and the faulty microcontroller sends the forward signal, the motor will mistakenly drive the cutting member forward, potentially damaging healthy tissue and the instrument. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, electric laparoscopic staplers require hardware protection to avoid harming normal tissues and damaging the instrument.

[0005] The present invention provides a surgical stapling instrument, comprising: a handle, which includes a motor, a control circuit electrically connected to the motor, and a button electrically connected to the control circuit; and a loading unit releasably connected to the handle, which includes a cutting member mechanically connected to the motor; wherein the control circuit includes a microcontroller and a logic circuit electrically connected to the microcontroller, the microcontroller is electrically connected to the button, and the logic circuit is electrically connected between the button and the motor; when the button is actuated, the control circuit is capable of controlling the motor to drive the cutting member to move distally; when the button is not actuated, even if the microcontroller sends a forward signal, the logic circuit prevents the motor from driving the cutting member to move distally.

[0006] The control circuit prevents the motor from mistakenly driving the cutting member to move distally, thereby avoiding hurting normal tissue and damaging the instrument. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings use graphics to supplement the description of the embodiments:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical stapling instrument;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the handle shown;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a partial perspective view of the handle shown;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a perspective view of the drive assembly shown;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the loading unit shown;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the loading unit shown;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The structural diagram of the control circuit shown;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A structural diagram of the logic circuit shown;

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0018] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0019] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0020] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meanings.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a handle 11, a shaft assembly 20, and a loading unit 30. The shaft assembly 20 defines a longitudinal axis x extending from the proximal side to the distal side. The proximal end of the shaft assembly 20 is rotatably connected to the distal end of the handle 11, and the proximal end of the loading unit 30 is releasably connected to the distal end of the shaft assembly 20.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in FIG7 , the handle 11 includes a handle housing 12, a frame 13, a drive assembly 14, a control circuit 15, a power source 16, and a control button 17. The handle housing 12 secures the frame 13, which is connected to the shaft assembly 20. The drive assembly 14 includes a motor 141, a first gear 1421, a second gear 1422, and a drive member 143. The drive member 143 may be a rack. The motor 141 is secured to the frame 13, which provides a rotation axis for the second gear 1422 and a guide for the drive member 143. The motor 141 is capable of rotating the first and second gears 1421, 1422, thereby moving the drive member 143 along the longitudinal axis x. The control circuit 15 is secured to the frame 13 or the handle housing 12. The control circuit 15 includes a microcontroller 153 to control the driving of the motor 141. The power source 16 may be a battery pack, providing electrical power for the portable device. The control button 17 includes buttons 171 and 172, which are electrically connected to the microcontroller 153. When the doctor presses button 171, the microcontroller 153 can send a forward signal to the motor 141 to move the drive member 143 distally. Simultaneously, the forward indicator light is illuminated. When the doctor presses button 172, the microcontroller 153 can send a reverse signal to the motor 141 to move the drive member 143 proximally. Simultaneously, the reverse indicator light is illuminated.

[0023] like Figure 5 and 6As shown, the loading unit 30 includes a main body 31, a jaw member 32, and a cutting member 36. The distal end of the main body 31 is connected to the proximal end of the jaw member 32. The jaw member 32 includes a staple cartridge 33 having a first longitudinal slot and staples (not shown) and an anvil 34 having a second longitudinal slot (not shown). The cutting member 36 is capable of moving along the first longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal slot. The staple cartridge 33 is capable of opening and closing relative to the anvil 34 so that the staples are pushed into the anvil 34 to suture the tissue. The cutting member 36 is then capable of cutting the tissue while moving distally. The structure of the loading unit 30 is detailed in Chinese patent application 201510672007.2.

[0024] The shaft assembly 20 includes a firing rod (not shown). The firing rod's distal end is connected to the cutting member 36, and its proximal end is connected to the drive member 143. When the drive member 143 moves distally, it moves the firing rod and cutting member 36 distally. When the drive member 143 moves proximally, it moves the firing rod and cutting member 36 proximally. The structure of the shaft assembly 20 is detailed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202411433503.8.

[0025] The loading unit 30 can be a first loading unit with a 60 mm staple line length, a second loading unit with a 45 mm staple line length, or a third loading unit with a 30 mm staple line length. If the first loading unit is mounted on the shaft assembly 20, the control circuit 15 can identify the first loading unit. If the second loading unit is mounted on the shaft assembly 20, the control circuit 15 can identify the second loading unit. If the third loading unit is mounted on the shaft assembly 20, the control circuit 15 can identify the third loading unit. For details on identifying the loading unit 30, see Chinese patent application 202411433511.2.

[0026] like Figure 9As shown, the control circuit 15 includes a circuit board 150 electrically connected to a microcontroller 153. The circuit board 150 includes a first switch 1521, a second switch 1521, a third switch 1521, and a fourth switch 1521, arranged from proximal to distal. Each of the four switches 1521 has a button 1522. The drive member 143 also includes a protrusion 1431. When the drive member 143 is in its initial position, the protrusion 1431 presses the first switch 1521, sending a first switch signal to the microcontroller 153. When the drive member 143 moves distally by a first displacement T1, the protrusion 1431 presses the second switch 1521, sending a second switch signal to the microcontroller 153. The first displacement T1 corresponds to the firing stroke of the third loading unit. When the drive member 143 moves distally by a second displacement T2, the protrusion 1431 presses the third switch 1521, sending a third switch signal to the microcontroller 153. The second displacement T2 corresponds to the firing stroke of the second loading unit. When the drive member 143 moves distally by a third displacement T3, the protrusion 1431 presses the fourth switch 1521 to send a fourth switch signal to the microcontroller 153. The third displacement T3 corresponds to the firing stroke of the first loading unit.

[0027] If the first loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the microcontroller 153 should send a non-advance signal in response to the fourth switch signal to stop the distal movement of the cutting member 36. If the second loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the microcontroller 153 should send a non-advance signal in response to the third switch signal to stop the distal movement of the cutting member 36. If the third loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the microcontroller 153 should send a non-advance signal in response to the second switch signal to stop the distal movement of the cutting member 36.

[0028] In an embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a handle 11 including a motor 141, a control circuit 15 electrically connected to the motor 141, and a button 171 electrically connected to the control circuit 15; and a loading unit 30 releasably connected to the handle 11, including a cutting member 36 mechanically connected to the motor 141. The control circuit 15 includes a microcontroller 153 and a logic circuit 154 electrically connected to the microcontroller 153. The microcontroller 153 is electrically connected to the button 171, and the logic circuit 154 is electrically connected between the button 171 and the motor 141. When the button 171 is actuated, the control circuit 15 is capable of controlling the motor 141 to drive the cutting member 36 distally. When the button 171 is not actuated, the logic circuit 154 prevents the motor 141 from driving the cutting member 36 distally even if the microcontroller 153 sends a forward signal. The control circuit 15 prevents the motor 141 from erroneously driving the cutting member 36 distally, thereby preventing normal tissue from being injured or damaging the instrument.

[0029] If a first loading unit is connected to the handle 11, when the button 171 is not actuated, the logic circuit 154 prevents the motor 141 from driving the cutting member 36 distally even if the microcontroller 153 does not send a forward signal in response to the fourth switch signal. If a second loading unit is connected to the handle 11, when the button 171 is not actuated, the logic circuit 154 prevents the motor 141 from driving the cutting member 36 distally even if the microcontroller 153 does not send a forward signal in response to the third switch signal. If a third loading unit is connected to the handle 11, when the button 171 is not actuated, the logic circuit 154 prevents the motor 141 from driving the cutting member 36 distally even if the microcontroller 153 does not send a forward signal in response to the second switch signal.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, the control circuit 15 also includes a driving circuit 155 electrically connected between the logic circuit 154 and the motor 141, and the microcontroller 153 includes a first terminal 1531 and a second terminal 1532; wherein the first terminal 1531 and the second terminal 1532 are electrically connected to the logic circuit 154, and the first terminal 1531 and the logic circuit 154 are electrically connected to the driving circuit 155.

[0031] Table 1

[0032]

[0033] As shown in Table 1, the drive circuit 155 has two inputs and two outputs. When both inputs of the drive circuit 155 are 0, both outputs have no signal. In this case, the motor 141 does not drive or stops the cutting member 36. When the first input of the drive circuit 155 is 0 and the second input is 1, the first output is L and the second output is H. In this case, the motor 141 performs a reverse drive to move the cutting member 36 toward the proximal side. When the first input of the drive circuit 155 is 1 and the second input is 0, the first output is H and the second output is L. In this case, the motor 141 performs a forward drive to move the cutting member 36 toward the distal side. When both inputs of the drive circuit 155 are 1, both outputs are L. In this case, the motor 141 performs a brake drive to stop the movement of the cutting member 36.

[0034] Logic circuit 154 has multiple inputs and one output. The output of logic circuit 154 is electrically connected to a first input of driver circuit 155. Simultaneously, first terminal 1531 is electrically connected to a second input of driver circuit 155. When button 171 is not actuated, either first terminal 1531 or second terminal 1532 can transmit a 0 or a 1. However, if first terminal 1531 transmits a 0 to the second input of driver circuit 155, the output of logic circuit 154 can only transmit a 0 to the first input of driver circuit 155. Consequently, motor 141 is not driven forward, preventing distal movement of cutting member 36.

[0035] Specifically, when button 171 is not actuated, if both first terminal 1531 and second terminal 1532 are at the first signal, logic circuit 154 controls motor 141 to stop movement of cutting member 36. The first signal is 1, and the second signal is 0. First terminal 1531 sends a 1 to the second input of driver circuit 155. Second terminal 1532 also sends a 1. The output of logic circuit 154 then sends a 1 to the first input of driver circuit 155. This causes motor 141 to brake, stopping movement of cutting member 36.

[0036] In other embodiments, when button 171 is not actuated, if first terminal 1531 is a first signal and second terminal 1532 is a second signal, logic circuit 154 controls motor 141 to drive cutting member 36 proximally. First terminal 1531 sends a 1 to the second input of driver circuit 155. Second terminal 1532 sends a 0. The output of logic circuit 154 then sends a 0 to the first input of driver circuit 155. In this manner, motor 141 performs a reverse drive, causing cutting member 36 to move proximally.

[0037] In other embodiments, when button 171 is not actuated, if first terminal 1531 is at the second signal and second terminal 1532 is at the first signal or the second signal, logic circuit 154 does not control motor 141 to drive or stop cutting member 36. First terminal 1531 sends a 0 to the second input of driver circuit 155. Second terminal 1532 sends a 1 or 0. The output of logic circuit 154 then also sends a 0 to the first input of driver circuit 155. Thus, motor 141 does not drive or stop cutting member 36.

[0038] like Figure 8As shown, the logic circuit 154 includes a first logic gate 1541, a second logic gate 1542 electrically connected to the first logic gate 1541, and a third logic gate 1543 electrically connected to the second logic gate 1542; wherein, the first logic gate 1541 is electrically connected to the button 171, the second logic gate 1542 is also electrically connected to the first terminal 1531, and the third logic gate 1543 is also electrically connected to the second terminal 1532 and the drive circuit 155.

[0039] The first logic gate 1541 functions as a NOT gate, having one input and one output. The second logic gate 1542 functions as an OR gate, having two inputs and one output. The third logic gate 1543 functions as an AND gate, having two inputs and one output. The input of the first logic gate 1541 is electrically connected to the button 171. The output of the first logic gate 1541 is electrically connected to the first input of the second logic gate 1542. The second input of the second logic gate 1542 is electrically connected to the first terminal 1531. The output of the second logic gate 1542 is electrically connected to the first input of the third logic gate 1543. The second input of the third logic gate 1543 is electrically connected to the second terminal 1532. The output of the third logic gate 1543 serves as the output of the logic circuit 154 and is electrically connected to the first input of the drive circuit 155. In this way, the logic circuit 154 can control the motor 141 to perform braking, reverse, or non-driving.

[0040] Table 2

[0041]

[0042] As shown in Table 2, when button 171 is not actuated, if both first terminal 1531 and second terminal 1532 are at the first signal, first logic gate 1541 transmits the second signal, second logic gate 1542 transmits the first signal, and third logic gate 1543 transmits the first signal. When button 171 is not actuated, a 1 is transmitted to the input of first logic gate 1541. The output of first logic gate 1541 then transmits a 0 to the first input of second logic gate 1542. Simultaneously, first terminal 1531 transmits a 1 to second logic gate 1542 and the second input of driver circuit 155. The output of second logic gate 1542 then transmits a 1 to the first input of third logic gate 1543. Simultaneously, second terminal 1532 transmits a 1 to the second input of third logic gate 1543. The output of third logic gate 1543 then transmits a 1 to the first input of driver circuit 155. In this way, motor 141 performs a brake drive, stopping the movement of cutting member 36.

[0043] In other embodiments, when the button 171 is not actuated, the first logic gate 1541 sends the second signal, the second logic gate 1542 sends the first signal, and the third logic gate 1543 sends the second signal if the first terminal 1531 is the first signal and the second terminal 1532 is the second signal. The button 171 sends a 1 to the input of the first logic gate 1541 when not actuated. The output of the first logic gate 1541 then sends a 0 to the first input of the second logic gate 1542. Simultaneously, the first terminal 1531 sends a 1 to the second input of the second logic gate 1542 and the drive circuit 155. The output of the second logic gate 1542 then sends a 1 to the first input of the third logic gate 1543. Simultaneously, the second terminal 1532 sends a 0 to the second input of the third logic gate 1543. The output of the third logic gate 1543 then sends a 0 to the first input of the drive circuit 155. In this way, the motor 141 performs a reverse drive to move the cutting member 36 proximally.

[0044] In other embodiments, when the button 171 is not actuated, the first logic gate 1541 sends the second signal, the second logic gate 1542 sends the second signal, and the third logic gate 1543 sends the second signal if the first terminal 1531 is the second signal and the second terminal 1532 is the first signal or the second signal. The button 171 sends a 1 to the input of the first logic gate 1541 when not actuated. The output of the first logic gate 1541 then sends a 0 to the first input of the second logic gate 1542. Simultaneously, the first terminal 1531 sends a 0 to the second input of the second logic gate 1542 and the drive circuit 155. The output of the second logic gate 1542 then sends a 0 to the first input of the third logic gate 1543. Simultaneously, the second terminal 1532 sends a 1 or 0 to the second input of the third logic gate 1543. The output of the third logic gate 1543 then sends a 0 to the first input of the drive circuit 155. In this way, the motor 141 does not drive or stops the cutting member 36.

[0045] As Figure 9As shown, the handle 11 further includes a drive member 143 and a plurality of switches 1521 that can be actuated in response to the drive member 143. The drive member 143 is mechanically connected between the motor 141 and the cutting member 36, and the switches 1521 are electrically connected to the microcontroller 153. When the button 171 is actuated, the control circuit 15 can stop the motor 141 in response to the actuation of the switches 1521. If a first loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the control circuit 15 can stop the motor 141 in response to the actuation of the fourth switch 1521. If a second loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the control circuit 15 can stop the motor 141 in response to the actuation of the third switch 1521. If a third loading unit is connected to the handle 11, the control circuit 15 can stop the motor 141 in response to the actuation of the second switch 1521.

[0046] In summary, the surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a handle 11 including a motor 141, a control circuit 15 electrically connected to the motor 141, and a button 171 electrically connected to the control circuit 15; and a loading unit 30 releasably connected to the handle 11, including a cutting member 36 mechanically connected to the motor 141. The control circuit 15 includes a microcontroller 153 and a logic circuit 154 electrically connected to the microcontroller 153. The microcontroller 153 is electrically connected to the button 171, and the logic circuit 154 is electrically connected between the button 171 and the motor 141. The control circuit 15 also includes a drive circuit 155 electrically connected between the logic circuit 154 and the motor 141. The microcontroller 153 includes a first terminal 1531 and a second terminal 1532. The first terminal 1531 and the second terminal 1532 are electrically connected to the logic circuit 154, and the first terminal 1531 and the logic circuit 154 are electrically connected to the drive circuit 155. Logic circuit 154 includes a first logic gate 1541, a second logic gate 1542 electrically connected to first logic gate 1541, and a third logic gate 1543 electrically connected to second logic gate 1542. First logic gate 1541 is electrically connected to button 171, second logic gate 1542 is also electrically connected to first terminal 1531, and third logic gate 1543 is also electrically connected to second terminal 1532 and drive circuit 155. When button 171 is actuated, control circuit 15 controls motor 141 to drive cutting member 36 distally. When button 171 is not actuated, logic circuit 154 prevents motor 141 from driving cutting member 36 distally, even if microcontroller 153 sends a forward signal. Control circuit 15 prevents motor 141 from erroneously driving cutting member 36 distally, potentially damaging normal tissue or the instrument.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surgical anastomosis instrument, characterized in that: include: A handle (11) comprising a motor (141), a control circuit (15) electrically connected to the motor (141), and a button (171) electrically connected to the control circuit (15); and a loading unit (30) releasably connected to the handle (11) and comprising a cutting member (36) mechanically connected to the motor (141); The control circuit (15) includes a microcontroller (153), a logic circuit (154) electrically connected to the microcontroller (153), and a drive circuit (155) electrically connected between the logic circuit (154) and the motor (141); the microcontroller (153) is electrically connected to the button (171), and the logic circuit (154) is electrically connected between the button (171) and the motor (141); The microcontroller (153) comprises a first terminal (1531) and a second terminal (1532), the first terminal (1531) and the second terminal (1532) are electrically connected to the logic circuit (154), and the first terminal (1531) and the logic circuit (154) are electrically connected to the drive circuit (155); When the button (171) is actuated, the control circuit (15) can control the motor (141) to drive the cutting member (36) to move distally; When the button (171) is not actuated, the logic circuit (154) prevents the motor (141) from driving the cutting member (36) to move distally even if the microcontroller (153) sends a forward signal; Wherein, when the button (171) is not actuated, the control of the motor (141) by the logic circuit (154) includes any of the following: If both the first terminal (1531) and the second terminal (1532) are first signals, the logic circuit (154) controls the motor (141) to stop the movement of the cutting member (36); If the first terminal (1531) is a first signal and the second terminal (1532) is a second signal, the logic circuit (154) controls the motor (141) to drive the cutting member (36) to move toward the proximal side; If the first terminal (1531) is the second signal and the second terminal (1532) is the first signal or the second signal, the logic circuit (154) does not control the motor (141) to drive or stop the cutting member (36).

2. The surgical anastomosis instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The logic circuit (154) includes a first logic gate (1541), a second logic gate (1542) electrically connected to the first logic gate (1541), and a third logic gate (1543) electrically connected to the second logic gate (1542); The first logic gate (1541) is electrically connected to the button (171), the second logic gate (1542) is also electrically connected to the first terminal (1531), and the third logic gate (1543) is also electrically connected to the second terminal (1532) and the drive circuit (155).

3. The surgical anastomosis instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the button (171) is not actuated, if the first terminal (1531) and the second terminal (1532) are both first signals, the first logic gate (1541) sends the second signal, the second logic gate (1542) sends the first signal, and the third logic gate (1543) sends the first signal.

4. The surgical anastomosis instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the button (171) is not actuated, if the first terminal (1531) is a first signal and the second terminal (1532) is a second signal, the first logic gate (1541) sends the second signal, the second logic gate (1542) sends the first signal, and the third logic gate (1543) sends the second signal.

5. The surgical anastomosis instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the button (171) is not actuated, if the first terminal (1531) is the second signal and the second terminal (1532) is the first signal or the second signal, the first logic gate (1541) sends the second signal, the second logic gate (1542) sends the second signal, and the third logic gate (1543) sends the second signal.

6. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle (11) further includes a drive member (143) and a plurality of switches (1521) that can be actuated in response to the drive member (143); wherein the driving member (143) is mechanically connected between the motor (141) and the cutting member (36), and the switch (1521) is electrically connected to the microcontroller (153); When the button (171) is actuated, the control circuit (15) is capable of stopping the driving of the motor (141) according to the actuation of the switch (1521).

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