Electric surgical tool

Abstract

A powered surgical tool includes: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing including a handpiece extending from the proximal end to a gripping portion, where the gripping portion extends to the distal end; wherein the gripping portion extends along a central longitudinal axis and the handpiece is connected to the gripping portion at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; and a rotation mechanism positioned within the housing, where the gripping portion is rotatable about the rotation mechanism relative to the handpiece.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 8, 2019, with application number 201980024479.3 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 026312) and entitled "Pencil-Holding Line Actuator Operated by a Distal Actuator".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 654,618, filed April 9, 2018, entitled “Pencil-Grip Wire Driver OperatedWith Distally Located Actuator,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a wire actuator for inserting a wire into bone, and more specifically, to a wire actuator having a distal actuator and a rotation mechanism. Background Art

[0005] A wire actuator is a surgical device used to insert a wire into bone. A pencil-grip wire actuator is a device whose shape allows it to be held typically like a pencil using techniques such as a cylindrical grip, digital grip, modified tripod grip, or tripod grip. The pencil-grip wire actuator has an internal mechanism that clamps the wire and applies rotational force to it. The mechanism for clamping and releasing the wire is controlled by an actuator. Existing wire actuators 1 have the actuator 2 positioned away from their distal end 3, as shown in Figure 1, or require another hand to move the actuator 2, as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, to clamp or release the wire, actuating the actuator requires the surgeon to remove their fingers from the clamping position or use another hand to actuate the actuator, which can be a major inconvenience for the surgeon.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a wire actuator with a distal clamping actuator and a rotation mechanism that allows the surgeon to maintain a preferred clamping position on the wire actuator while clamping and releasing the wire extending through it.

[0007] Disclaimer regarding the relevant technical sections: With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed in the relevant technical sections above or elsewhere in this disclosure, these discussions should not be construed as an admission that the patents / publications / products in question are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the patents / publications / products in question may not be early enough in time, may not reflect topics developed early enough in time, and / or may not be sufficient to achieve prior art equivalent to the purposes of patent law. With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed in the relevant technical sections above and / or throughout the application, their descriptions / disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to a wire actuator with a distal clamping actuator and a rotation mechanism, which allows a surgeon to maintain a preferred clamping position on the wire actuator while clamping and releasing the wire extending through it. According to one aspect, the wire actuator includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing has a handle extending to the proximal end, and the handle is connected to a clamping portion extending to the distal end. A channel extends through the clamping portion and is connected to the clamping mechanism. The wire actuator also includes a first actuator connected to the distal end of the housing and the clamping mechanism. The first actuator is movable between a relaxed position and a compressed position.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present invention is an electric surgical tool. The surgical tool includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing has a handle connected to a clamping portion. The handle extends to the proximal end, and the clamping portion extends to the distal end. The clamping portion extends along a central longitudinal axis, and the handle is connected to the clamping portion at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical tool also includes a rotating mechanism within the housing. The clamping portion is rotatable relative to the handle about the rotating mechanism.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the actuator identified herein can be actuated in any number of ways consistent with its basic functional concept (as outlined herein), and may include squeeze actuation, flip actuation, torsional / rotational actuation, push actuation, etc. (as those skilled in the art should understand in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). According to suitable alternative structures, the direction of such actuation may include alternative directions from those discussed and implemented in the examples described herein, for example, push in a relatively distal direction relative to pull in a relatively proximal direction to facilitate such alternative movement (as those skilled in the art should understand in conjunction with a review of this disclosure).

[0011] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0012] One or more aspects of the invention are specifically pointed out and clearly claimed by way of example in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 shows a prior art line driver;

[0014] Figure 2 shows another type of line driver in the prior art;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional side view schematic diagram of a line driver according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a side view schematic diagram of a line driver according to one implementation scheme;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a side view schematic diagram of a line driver according to an alternative implementation scheme;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view schematic diagram of the line driver;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of the wire driver;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a side view schematic diagram of a line driver according to another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the line driver;

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The line driver is shown in a side view of the first configuration, with a line extending through it;

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view schematic diagram of the line driver;

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 The line driver is shown in a side view of the second configuration, with a line extending through it;

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Top view schematic diagram of the line driver;

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Another top view schematic of the line driver;

[0027] Figure 15 yes Figure 8 A side view of the cross-section of the wire driver. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The invention, including its various aspects, features, advantages, and details, is explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the details of the invention. However, it should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic concept of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0029] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals always refer to similar parts. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional side view schematic diagram of a wire driver 100 according to one embodiment. The wire driver 100 includes a housing 102 having a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 102 includes a handle 108 extending to the proximal end 104 and a clamping portion 110 extending to the distal end 106. The handle 108 is angularly connected to the clamping portion 110. Specifically, the clamping portion 110 extends along a central longitudinal yy axis, and the handle 108 extends proximally from the clamping portion 110 relative to the central longitudinal yy axis. According to an alternative embodiment, the handle 108 is not angularly connected to the clamping portion 110, but extends proximally from the clamping portion 110 along the yy axis or along an axis at least substantially parallel to the yy axis (see, for example, discussed below). Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0030] Still referencing Figure 3 The handheld component 108 includes a drive mechanism 112 therein, allowing the wire driver 100 to function as a stand-alone device. However, the wire driver 100 can also be an accessory to another device. In the depicted embodiment, the drive mechanism 112 is an electric motor and gear assembly. Figure 3 In this configuration, the electric motor 114 rotates the first gear 116 of the gear assembly 118 and drives the clamping portion 110. In an alternative embodiment, the drive mechanism 112 may be battery-powered, pneumatic, or connected to an external power source (e.g., via wires).

[0031] Still referencing Figure 3The clamping portion 110 includes a first end 120 and a second end 122, through which a channel 124 extends. A gear assembly 118 extends into the first end 120 of the clamping portion 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first end 120 of the clamping portion 110 includes a second gear 126 of the gear assembly 118. The second gear 126 engages with a first gear 116, which is powered by an electric motor 114. The power from the electric motor 114 causes the gear assembly 118 to rotate, thereby causing the channel 124 and the wire (not shown) therein to rotate. When the drive actuator 138 is triggered, the drive mechanism 112 performs rotation of the channel 124 (and the wire (not shown)).

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive actuator 138 is connected to the handpiece 108 of the line driver 100. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the drive actuator 138 is attached to the proximal end 104 of the line driver 100. Figure 3 The illustrated actuator 138 is a long, curved arm that is connected to the handheld part 108 via a bias connector 142 (e.g., a spring rod). In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 138 is curved such that the distal portion 146 of the actuator 138 extends at least partially around the clamping portion 110 of the housing 102 and / or above the clamping portion of the housing. The proximal portion 144 of the actuator 138 extends proximally relative to the bias connector 142, allowing the actuator 138 to be easily accessed at any point along the housing 102, thus providing the user with multiple clamping options.

[0033] Still referencing Figure 3 The clamping portion 110 of the wire driver 100 further includes a spring assembly 128 and a distal chuck 130. As shown, a channel 124 in the clamping portion 110 extends through the spring assembly 128 and the distal chuck 130. The channel 124 includes a clamping mechanism 132. In the depicted embodiment, the clamping mechanism 132 is a spindle 134 having grippers 136 (e.g., three (or more) forks) capable of compressing each other. The purpose of the clamping mechanism 132 is to clamp and release the wire (not shown) extending through the channel 124. The clamping and releasing actions are performed on the wire (not shown) by a clamping actuator 140. Figure 4 As shown, the clamping actuator 140 is a chuck bar on the side 148 of the clamping portion 110.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping actuator 140 is connected to the chuck 130. In the relaxed position, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the clamping actuator 140 (via spring assembly 128) is biased in the distal direction. In other words, when spring assembly 128 is in the relaxed state, clamping actuator 140 is biased in the distal direction and clamping mechanism 132 in the closed position, clamping the wire (not shown). To engage clamping actuator 140, the user pulls clamping actuator 140 in the proximal direction, which pulls chuck 130 proximally against spring assembly 128. As chuck 130 is pulled proximally by clamping actuator 140, clamping mechanism 132 (including clamp 136) releases the wire (not shown) into channel 124, thereby placing wire driver 100 in the compressed position (not shown).

[0035] Now go to Figures 5 to 7 This illustrates schematic diagrams of a line driver 100 from various perspectives according to an alternative embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, a central longitudinal yy-axis extends through the clamping portion 110, as shown... Figures 3 to 4 The implementation plan is shown. However, in Figures 5 to 7 In the implementation scheme, the handheld component 108 does not extend from the clamping portion 110 at an angle relative to the central longitudinal yy axis. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the handheld component 108 extends along the central longitudinal xx axis, which is approximately parallel to the central longitudinal yy axis.

[0036] exist Figure 7 In the depicted embodiment of the line driver 100, the channel 124 further extends through a first end 120 of the clamping portion 110 and from the first end of the clamping portion to a second end 122 of the clamping portion 110. Figure 7 In this configuration, channel 124 extends along or parallel to the central longitudinal y-axis. Furthermore, the clamping portion 110 is slightly offset from the handheld member 108, such that the first end 120 of the clamping portion 110 has a gap relative to the handheld member 108. Specifically, the channel 124 extending through the clamping portion 110 bypasses the motor 114 in the handheld member 108, as... Figure 7 As shown. However, channel 124 extends and connects to slot 150 via at least a portion of the bottom surface 152 of handpiece 108, as... Figure 6 As shown. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 150 extends toward the proximal end 104 of the housing 102.

[0037] For example Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the handheld component 108 includes a sliding mechanism 154 for selectively enabling or disabling operation of the drive mechanism 112 when the drive actuator 138 is engaged (e.g., pressed down). Figure 5As shown, the track (or channel) 156 extends through at least a portion of the side surface 158 of the handheld member 108. Figure 5 As shown, the handheld device 108 includes a slider 160, which is sized and configured to slide distally and proximally along a track 156 in the handheld device 108. The user can thus move the slider 160 from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the slider 160 allows operation of the drive mechanism 112. When the drive actuator 138 is engaged and in the locked position, the slider 160 disables operation of the drive mechanism 112.

[0038] Now refer to Figures 8 to 14 The diagram shows schematic views of the wire actuator 100 according to yet another embodiment. In these embodiments, the free end portion of the clamping actuator 140 is separated from the drive actuator 138 and is pulled along the proximal end direction to actuate it.

[0039] Figure 8 A side view of the wire driver 100 is shown. The wire driver 100 includes a rotary (or indexing) mechanism 166. Figure 15 This allows the line (not shown) to lie in a different plane relative to the plane axis of the handheld component 108. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the handheld component 108 extends along the plane z. In the first configuration ( Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the clamping portion 110 also extends along the plane zzz.

[0040] The implementation scheme of the rotary (indexing) mechanism 166 is as follows: Figure 15 As shown in the diagram, the clamping portion 110 rotates relative to the handheld member 108 about the rotating (indexing) mechanism 166. Figure 15 In this embodiment, the rotary (indexing) mechanism 166 also maintains the connection between the clamping portion 110 and the handheld member 108 as the clamping portion 110 rotates. In the depicted embodiment, the rotary (indexing) mechanism 166 includes a ring 168 extending around both the clamping portion 110 and the handheld member 108, thereby holding them together. The rotary (indexing) mechanism 166 also includes one or more balls (or spheres) 170 between the ring 168 and both the clamping portion 110 and the handheld member 108. The balls 170 rotate as the clamping portion 110 rotates about the handheld member 108. Thus, the balls 170 allow the clamping portion 110 to move about the handheld member 108, but the ring 168 restricts this movement so that the clamping portion 110 does not disengage from the handheld member 108.

[0041] Figure 9A perspective view of a wire driver 100 is shown. As shown, the drive actuator 138 includes an opening 162 through which a wire (not shown) can extend. In use, the wire 164 extends through the opening 162 in the drive actuator 138 and through the clamping portion 110, as... Figure 10 As shown. In the first configuration, as Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the opening 162 in the drive actuator 138 is aligned with the clamping portion 110, such that the line 164 can extend through both the opening 162 and the clamping portion 110. Furthermore, in the first configuration, the drive actuator 138 is in the same plane as the handpiece 108 and the clamping portion 110 (along plane zz).

[0042] Figures 12 to 14 Schematic diagrams of the wire actuator 100 in a second configuration are shown from various perspectives. In this second configuration, the clamping portion 110 is rotated out of the zz plane about a rotating mechanism (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the clamping portion 110 has already been rotated 90° relative to the zz plane. However, the clamping portion 110 can rotate at any angle relative to the zz plane. The rotating mechanism (not shown) allows the user (e.g., a surgeon) to grip the handpiece 108 according to his or her personal preference and for greater comfort. Furthermore, if the user grips the wire actuator 100 from above, such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, thread 164 can be dangerous because it runs directly in line with the user's palm. Since surgical thread 164 typically has sharp points at both ends, the proximal tip could puncture the surgeon's glove and / or cause injury. Therefore, a rotating mechanism (not shown) is also used... Figure 8 and Figure 14 The safety feature of the line driver 100.

[0043] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in referenced documents, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0044] Although various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application of the teachings of the invention for one or more specific applications therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalent forms of the specific embodiments described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are given by way of example only, and that embodiments may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and protected by the claims within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article of manufacture, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods is also included within the scope of this disclosure if these features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods are not contradictory.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should also be understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of “comprise” such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have” such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include” such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain” such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended copulas. Thus, a method or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements. Similarly, the elements of a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more of the features have, but are not limited to, those features. Furthermore, an apparatus or structure constructed in a certain way is constructed at least in that manner, but may also be constructed in ways not listed.

[0046] All means or steps in the following claims, plus corresponding structures, materials, operations, and equivalents of the functional elements, are intended to include any structure, material, or operation for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The invention has been described for purposes of illustration and description, but this description is not exhaustive or intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of one or more aspects of the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to understand one or more aspects of the invention for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. An electric surgical tool comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing including a handpiece extending from the proximal end to a clamping portion, wherein the clamping portion extends to the distal end; wherein the clamping portion extends along a central longitudinal axis and the handpiece is connected to the clamping portion at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; as well as A rotation mechanism is positioned within the housing, wherein the clamp portion is rotatable about the rotation mechanism relative to the handpiece.

2. The surgical tool of claim 1, further comprising a channel extending through the clamping portion and a clamping mechanism connected to the channel.

3. The surgical tool according to claim 2 further comprises a first actuator connected to the clamping portion and the clamping mechanism, wherein the first actuator is movable between a relaxed position and a compressed position, and in the relaxed position, the clamping mechanism is closed.

4. The surgical tool of claim 2, further comprising a drive mechanism positioned within the handpiece and connected to the channel, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the channel when actuated by a second actuator connected to the handpiece.

5. The surgical tool according to claim 4, wherein: The second actuator extends along the handpiece and at least a portion of the clamping portion.

6. The surgical tool according to claim 4, wherein: The second actuator includes an opening extending therethrough.

7. The surgical tool according to claim 6, wherein: The clamping portion is rotatable between a first position and a second position.

8. The surgical tool according to claim 7, wherein: In the first position, the opening in the second actuator is aligned with the passage in the clamping portion.

9. The surgical tool according to claim 8, wherein: In the second position, the opening in the second actuator is not aligned with the passage in the clamping portion.

10. The surgical tool according to claim 7, wherein: In the first position, the clamping portion and the handpiece extend in the same plane.

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