Surgical devices

Abstract

A medical device and associated methods are disclosed. In one example, the medical device includes a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating is shown to include a substrate-bound molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain. In selected examples, the substrate-bound molecular chains are bonded to each other at a bond region adjacent a surface of the component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203,176, filed July 12, 2021, entitled "Hydrophobic Coatings and Methods for Electrosurgical Devices", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to medical devices. Specific examples of medical devices include electrosurgical devices.

Background Art

[0003] Some medical devices would benefit from reducing adhesion of materials to one or more surfaces. For example, in medical cutting devices, coagulum and / or tissue may adhere to the cutting assembly, reducing the effectiveness of cutting procedures. In particular, electrosurgical devices may have precise requirements for energy delivery to tissue, and reducing adhesion without sacrificing electrical properties is a technical challenge. Improved medical cutting devices and other medical devices with reduced adhering surfaces are desired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a surgical device that can reduce adhesion without sacrificing electrical properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The surgical apparatus according to the present invention comprises a component of the surgical apparatus and a hydrophobic coating that at least partially covers the component of the surgical apparatus, wherein the hydrophobic coating is formed from coating molecules comprising a substrate-binding molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to a first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and a reactive end bonded to a second end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0006] Furthermore, the surgical device according to the present invention comprises a component of the surgical device and a hydrophobic coating that at least partially covers the component of the surgical device, wherein the hydrophobic coating includes a substrate-binding molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to a first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and a reactive end bonded to a second end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and the substrate-binding molecular chain is formed from coating molecules that are bonded to each other at the surface of the component at the reactive end and at a bonding region adjacent to the surface of the component.

[0007] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, similar numbers may describe similar components in different drawings. Similar numbers with different subscripts may represent different examples of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate, but are not limited to, the various embodiments discussed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This figure shows the steps from hydrophilic contact angle to superhydrophobic contact angle, as an example.

[0009] [Figure 1B] This figure shows the Cassie state of a hydrophobic pillar as an example.

[0010] [Figure 1C] This figure shows the Wenzel state of a hydrophobic pillar as an example.

[0011] [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a coating molecule.

[0012] [Figure 3] This figure shows a part of a hydrophobic coating as an example.

[0013] [Figure 4]Figure showing the electrical surface impedance of uncoated steel for a single laparoscopic RF vessel sealing device jaw, compared to an approximately 85 nm HMDSO coating and compared to a 1000 nm hydrophobic coating according to an example.

[0014] [Figure 5] Figure showing a monopolar vaginal incision device according to an example.

[0015] [Figure 6] Figure showing a bipolar vessel sealing device according to an example.

[0016] [Figure 7] Figure showing a monopolar pencil according to an example.

[0017] [Figure 8] Figure showing an ultrasonic device according to an example.

[0018] [Figure 9] Figure showing a combination of a bipolar RF device and an ultrasonic device according to an example.

[0019] [Figure 10] Figure showing a lesion forming device according to an example.

[0020] [Figure 11] Figure showing a catheter device according to an example.

[0021] [Figure 12] Figure showing a solid organ resection device according to an example. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0022] The following description and drawings adequately illustrate specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can implement them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other modifications. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replaced by parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments described in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0023] For simplicity, we will use, but will not limit to, the example of a bipolar RF energy delivery device as an indicator of one more technically challenging modification into which the present invention can be incorporated. This technology can also be implemented in RF unipolar cutting devices, ultrasonic sealing devices, microwave cutting devices, and their deformation devices, and the aforementioned tissue modification can be achieved using these energy delivery modalities.

[0024] Apart from RF energy devices, exemplary devices that would benefit from hydrophobic coatings include any medical device where tissue adhesion or fluid adhesion is a concern. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, visualization devices such as endoscopes, duodenoscopy, and bronchoscopes. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical devices such as lithotripters. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, cutting devices such as bladed devices. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, energy devices other than RF energy devices, such as resection devices, laser devices, and resistance heating devices.

[0025] One example is a bipolar RF device that includes at least one tissue sealing plate with a non-adhesive coating, configured to reduce adhesion to the soft tissue sealing plate during the application of RF energy.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical instrument is provided, comprising at least one jaw member having a conductive tissue sealing plate configured to be operably coupled to an electrosurgical energy source for treating tissue, and a hydrophobic coating having a thickness of about 35 nm to 2000 nm disposed on at least a portion of the tissue sealing plate. In one example, the coating molecules described below provide a combination of particularly beneficial properties in the coating—highly mechanically robust, and also highly hydrophobic as a result of the combination of molecular components described below. A surgical instrument having the coating described below can be used multiple times without significant degradation of the coating.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of a coating molecule 200 that can be used to form a hydrophobic coating. In the example in Figure 2, the coating molecule 200 includes a substrate-binding molecular chain 210. The coating molecule 200 also includes a hydrophobic molecule 220 bonded to the first end 207 of the substrate-binding molecular chain 210. The coating molecule 200 also includes a reactive end 230 bonded to the second end 208 of the substrate-binding molecular chain 210.

[0028] In one example, the substrate-bound molecular chain 210 includes a main chain 202. In the example in Figure 2, the main chain 202 includes carbon atoms 204. In the illustrated example, the entire main chain 202 includes carbon atoms 204, but the present invention is not limited in this way. Other main chains may be formed from silicon atoms, alternating arrangements of silicon and oxygen atoms, or other suitable main chain chemicals.

[0029] In one example, the substrate-bound molecular chain 210 contains a silicon side group 206. In the example in Figure 2, the silicon side group may further contain silicon-bonded oxygen and an R3 group. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3, the side group 206 on the substrate-bound molecular chain 210 can be used to form intermolecular bonds between adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains 210. Although the example in Figure 2 shows a siloxane (silicon and oxygen) group, other side groups that can bond to adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains 210 are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In one example, the hydrophobic molecule 220 contains a main chain 222. Similar to the description of the substrate-bound molecular chain 210, the main chain 222 of the hydrophobic molecule 220 may contain a carbon atom 224 as shown, or other main chain chemicals such as silicon or siloxane. In the example in Figure 2, the hydrophobic molecule 220 contains a side group 225. In the example shown, the side group is a fluorine atom. Other examples of side groups that provide good hydrophobicity may include methyl groups or other hydrophobic side groups.

[0031] In one example, the hydrophobic molecule 220 is a fluoropolymer. The hydrophobic molecule 220 shown in Figure 2 exhibits a short carbon-2 backbone 222. In one example, despite its short backbone, the carbon-2 hydrophobic molecule 220 is called a fluoropolymer. Other lengths of the backbone 222 are also within the scope of this invention.

[0032] In one example, the substrate-binding molecular chain 210 is longer than the hydrophobic molecule 220. The relative length of the substrate-binding molecular chain 210 compared to the hydrophobic molecule 220 offers several advantages. In one example, the relatively long substrate-binding molecular chain 210 promotes bonding between adjacent substrate-binding molecular chains 210 within other coating molecules, as shown in Figure 3. The longer substrate-binding molecular chain 210 provides a mechanically more robust coating by increasing the strength between the coating molecules 200.

[0033] The relatively short hydrophobic molecules 220 are also more mechanically robust. Longer hydrophobic molecules 220 are more easily detached from the substrate-binding molecular chains 210 or cleaved along their main chains 222. The combination of longer substrate-binding molecular chains 210 and hydrophobic molecules 220 provides both the property of increasing the strength between coating molecules 200 and the property of shorter, more robust hydrophobic molecules 220.

[0034] In one example, the reactive end 230 contains a silicon atom 232. In the illustrated example, an oxygen atom 234 is located at the exposed end 201 of the reactive end 230 and bonds to the surface of the surgical instrument component, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Other chemicals of the reactive end 230 are within the scope of the present invention and may depend on the material of the surgical instrument component to which the hydrophobic coating is bonded.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a portion of the coating 300. A substrate 302 that may be part of any number of surgical devices is shown. Selected examples of components having the substrate 302 include, but are not limited to, RF electrodes for electrosurgical devices, unipolar electrodes for electrosurgical devices, cutting blades, and the exterior or interior of catheters. As described above, other examples of the substrate 302 include any medical device where tissue adhesion or fluid adhesion is a concern. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, visualization devices such as endoscopes, duodenoscopy devices, and bronchoscopes. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical devices such as lithotripters. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, cutting devices such as bladed devices. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, energy devices other than RF energy devices such as resection devices, laser devices, and resistance heating devices.

[0036] Figure 3 shows three coating molecules 310A, 310B, and 310C, similar to coating molecule 200 in Figure 2. Each of the three coating molecules 310A, 310B, and 310C is shown to include a substrate-binding molecular chain and a hydrophobic molecule bonded to the first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain. The reactive end is shown to bond molecule 310A to the surface 304 of the constituent substrate 302 at binding site 312. It is further shown that coating molecules 310A, 310B, and 310C are bonded to each other at binding site 314. In the illustrated example, binding site 314 includes a siloxane bond, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one example, the surface 304 may be modified before coating application, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Examples of surface modification may include sandblasting or etching to roughen the surface and improve adhesion. In one example, the inventors discovered that #1000 grit sandblasting, a grit size not typically used when preparing such surface or coating materials, can be used to roughen the surface before coating. In one example, the substrate 302 contains a ceramic material, and other larger grit sizes may damage the ceramic substrate 302. Sandblasting using smaller grit sizes, as described, also provides a level of dimensional control of the final product that cannot be achieved with larger grit sizes. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #800 and #1200. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #900 and #1100. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #950 and #1050. Modifying surface roughness can increase the surface area to strengthen bonding. Modifying surface roughness can also provide a mechanical structure that enhances the adhesion of the coating.

[0038] Any amount of bonding between coating molecules 310A, 310B, and 310C will increase the mechanical strength of the resulting coating. As mentioned above, relatively long substrate-binding molecular chains promote greater bonding between adjacent substrate-binding molecular chains in adjacent coating molecules 310A, 310B, and 310C. By using only the substrate-binding molecular chain 210 for intermolecular bonding between coating molecules, hydrophobic molecules can be used solely for their hydrophobic properties. For example, as shown in Figure 2, all side groups 225 may contain fluorine atoms to provide high hydrophobicity.

[0039] In the selected examples, in addition to chemical hydrophobicity related to surface energy, the coating may also include physical structures that further impart hydrophobicity. Examples of superhydrophobic physical structures are shown in Figures 1A to 1C and described in more detail below. In the selected examples, the superhydrophobic physical structure may arise from the molecular structure. In other selected examples, the superhydrophobic physical structure may arise from surface modification. Examples of surface modification may include etching, laser patterning, or other mechanisms for forming the physical surface structure.

[0040] In one example, the hydrophobic coating is applied by dip coating, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Other examples of coating methods include single-film spraying, multi-film spraying, multi-film dip coating, other coating applications, chemical vapor deposition, and physical vapor deposition. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different deposition methods result in different physical properties of the final coating, such as the uniformity and thickness variations detectable during inspection. In one aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of approximately 1000 nm. In one example, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness in the range of 1 nm to 1000 nm. In another example, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness in the range of 2 nm to 600 nm. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a substantially uniform thickness. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. The thicknesses and thickness ranges detailed above provide the coating with hydrophobic non-stick properties and mechanical strength, as well as acceptable electrical properties that cannot be provided by thicker coatings. The inventors have discovered that this combination of properties may be beneficial for the surgical devices described herein.

[0041] In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is continuous. In another aspect of this disclosure, the electrosurgical instrument includes an insulating layer disposed on at least a portion of the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on at least a portion of each of the opposing jaw members. In another aspect of this disclosure, the tissue sealing plate is formed of stainless steel. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on the jaw support base but not on the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on the jaw support base and at least a portion of the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed at least partially on the jaw support base, the tissue sealing plate, and the short-circuit prevention "stops" associated with the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed at least partially on one or all of the short-circuit prevention "stops" associated with the tissue sealing plate.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical instrument is provided comprising a pair of opposing jaw members. Each of the opposing jaw members includes a conductive tissue closure plate configured to be operably coupled to an electrosurgical energy source for treating tissue, a support base configured to support the tissue closure plate, and an insulating housing configured to secure the tissue closure plate to the support base.

[0043] A hydrophobic coating having a thickness of approximately 35 nm to 2000 nm is placed on at least a portion of at least one of the opposing jaw members.

[0044] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is provided on at least a portion of the sealing plate, the support base, and the insulating housing. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of approximately 1000 nm. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a substantially uniform thickness. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness.

[0045] In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is continuous.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a conductive microstructure sealing plate is provided, comprising a stainless steel layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The stainless steel layer is configured to deliver energy to the microstructure. An insulating layer is disposed on the surface of the stainless steel layer, and a hydrophobic coating having a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the stainless steel layer.

[0047] In one aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of approximately 1000 nm. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In yet another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preventing tissue from adhering to conductive components of an electrosurgical tissue closure device while energy is being applied to the tissue. This method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive components of the electrosurgical tissue closure device using an immersion technique. The substrate or surface to be coated may be treated, such as sandblasting or chemical treatment, to improve the adhesion of the coating. This method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive components of the electrosurgical tissue closure device using a spray technique. This method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive components of the electrosurgical tissue closure device using a painting technique. This method may include controlling the thickness of the applied polytetrafluoroethylene coating to about 35 nm to 2000 nm. Another possible coating technique may be spin coating to obtain a uniform thickness. The coating process may undergo high-temperature curing, such as in an oven, to obtain a solidified state.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical instrument is provided, comprising a pair of jaw members, each jaw member having a conductive sealing plate configured to be operably coupled to an electrosurgical energy source. The tissue sealing plates are configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue based on at least one sensed tissue parameter. The electrosurgical instrument includes a non-stick coating disposed on at least a portion of each tissue sealing plate. The non-stick coating has a thickness controlled to reduce the stickiness of the conductive sealing plates during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue and to allow sensing of at least one tissue parameter. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm and is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of a stainless steel layer. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one tissue parameter is selected from the group consisting of temperature, resistance, light, and impedance.

[0050] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preventing tissue from adhering to conductive components of an electrosurgical tissue sealing device while energy is being applied to the tissue.

[0051] Specific embodiments of the electrosurgical tissue sealing device described herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure and can be embodied in various forms. To avoid obscuring the disclosure with unnecessary details, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations, but merely as the basis for the claims and as representative grounds to teach those skilled in the art to employ the concepts of the disclosure in various forms in substantially any appropriately detailed structures.

[0052] Similar reference numerals may refer to the same or identical elements throughout the description of the drawings. When referring to relative positioning on surgical instruments as shown in the drawings and as described throughout the following description, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the instrument closer to the user, and the term “distal” refers to the end of the instrument further away from the user, as in the conventional sense. The term “clinician” refers to any medical professional (i.e., physician, surgeon, nurse, etc.) performing medical procedures, including the use of the embodiments described herein.

[0053] As will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure relates to an electrosurgical instrument having a non-adhesive coating disposed on one or more components (e.g., a tissue sealing plate, a jaw member, a conductor, an insulator, etc.). The thickness of the non-adhesive coating is carefully controlled to enable desired electrical performance while reducing tissue adhesion during tissue sealing.

[0054] Any material that possesses appropriate biocompatibility and can provide the desired functionality (i.e., reducing tissue adhesion while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity to enable tissue sealing) can be used as a non-stick coating.

[0055] Previously disclosed documents disclose the use and applications of HMDSO in similar energy delivery devices. These disclosures also include other materials such as TMDSO, and plasma deposition systems for achieving non-stick properties of modifying devices that come into contact with tissues.

[0056] These coatings, when used in such processes and at the claimed thickness, become "superhydrophobic" coatings. Superhydrophobic coatings differ from ordinary low-surface-energy materials because their function requires the deposition of a coating structure that creates hydrophobic pillars that repel water, oil, and blood in a way that is not possible with low-surface-energy materials alone.

[0057] Currently known technologies define hydrophilic coatings as those with a water contact angle of less than 90°. Hydrophobic surfaces are those with a water contact angle of 90° to 150°, and superhydrophobic surfaces (also known as ultrahydrophobic surfaces) are those with a water contact angle of 150° or greater. See Figures 1A to 1C. When applied to a surface, HMDSO can contribute to a superhydrophobic state (depending on the application settings) or at least exceed the superhydrophobic state generally achieved by other chemical assemblies of these materials that are not applied in combination with or by the same materials applied in the hydrophilic pillar formation process to create this polymer structure. Figure 1B is a diagram of the "Cassie state" of a hydrophobic pillar, and Figure 1C is a diagram of the "Wenzel state" of a hydrophobic pillar.

[0058] Electrical properties can determine the usable thickness of a coating on a surface intended for use in transmitting electrical energy or receiving electrical feedback from a contact tissue. Coating thickness is important, but it varies depending on the electrical modality employed. High-frequency electrical AC outputs require different considerations than lower frequencies. In the provided example, the coating thickness used for microwave transmission differs from that required for radio frequency (RF) transmission, and this thickness also differs for other energy modalities, such as ultrasonic modalities, where vibration transmission and absorption require different coating thicknesses.

[0059] An example used in this disclosure is a pair of jaw members, each having a conductive sealing plate configured to be operably coupled to an electrosurgical energy source. The tissue sealing plate is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue based on at least one sensed tissue parameter. The electrosurgical instrument includes a non-stick coating disposed on at least a portion of each tissue sealing plate. The non-stick coating has a controlled thickness to reduce the tackiness of the conductive sealing plate during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue and to allow sensing of at least one tissue parameter. In one aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm and is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of a stainless steel layer. In one aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In another aspect of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of this disclosure, the at least one tissue parameter is selected from the group consisting of temperature, resistance, light, and impedance.

[0060] In this case, the limit of the thickness parameter is restricted by the desired ability to deliver RF electrical energy and, in some cases, obtain feedback through such a coating. Thicknesses greater than approximately 2000 nm are far too large, resulting in a loss of fidelity in energy delivery and feedback, which is undesirable and unnecessary considering the expected normal service life of such a device.

[0061] At approximately 1000 nm, the disclosed hydrophobic coating possesses acceptable levels of electrical performance while offering hydrophobicity, i.e., non-stick properties, that improve its use in clinical procedures.

[0062] Figure 4 compares the electrical performance at a frequency of 400 kHz (RF) of 1) an uncoated steel conductive sealing plate (containing surface impurities and contaminants typical of the manufacturing method of this type of device), 2) a steel conductive sealing plate with an HMDSO coating approximately 85 nm thick, and 3) a hydrophobic coating approximately 1000 nm thick as shown in Figure 3.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand how these thicknesses need to be varied depending on the wavelength (frequency) of the supplied energy, and how hydrophobic coatings relate electrically to previously disclosed non-stick HMDSO technologies or to the case without coating.

[0064] Figures 5–12 include other devices that may incorporate hydrophobic coatings and are included to demonstrate various types of energy delivery and tissue modification devices that can be improved by incorporating this type of technology. In these examples, the hydrophobic coating is expected to be partially or completely placed on the energy application element and, in some cases, also within the surrounding device structure where contact with tissue may occur. It may be placed partially or completely, and in the thicknesses described herein.

[0065] To better illustrate the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided herein.

[0066] Example 1 includes a surgical device. The surgical device includes components of the surgical device and a coating that at least partially covers the components of the surgical device, the coating being constructed according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0067] Example 2 includes a surgical device. The surgical device includes components of the surgical device and a hydrophobic coating that at least partially covers the components of the surgical device. The hydrophobic coating is formed from coating molecules that include a substrate-binding molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to the first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and a reactive end bonded to the second end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0068] Example 3 includes the surgical device of Example 2, and the substrate-binding molecular chain includes a carbon-carbon main chain.

[0069] Example 4 includes a surgical device described in any one of Examples 2 to 3, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain includes a silicon atom main chain.

[0070] Example 5 includes a surgical device described in any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the hydrophobic molecule includes a fluoropolymer.

[0071] Example 6 comprises a surgical device described in any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the hydrophobic molecule comprises a siloxane backbone.

[0072] Example 7 includes a surgical device. The surgical device includes components of the surgical device and a hydrophobic coating that at least partially covers the components of the surgical device. The hydrophobic coating is formed from coating molecules, each comprising a substrate-binding molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to a first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and a reactive end bonded to a second end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is bonded to the surface of the component at its reactive end and bonded to each other in bonding regions adjacent to the surface of the component.

[0073] Example 8 includes the surgical device of Example 7, and the substrate-bound molecular chain includes a carbon atom main chain.

[0074] Example 9 comprises a surgical device described in any one of Examples 7 to 8, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain includes a carbon atom main chain.

[0075] Example 10 comprises a surgical device described in any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chains are linked to each other by siloxane bonds.

[0076] Example 11 includes a surgical device described in any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is bound to the substrate by a siloxane bond.

[0077] Example 12 comprises a surgical device described in any one of Examples 7 to 11, wherein the hydrophobic molecule comprises a fluoropolymer.

[0078] Example 13 comprises a surgical device described in any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0079] Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. While individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of these operations may be performed simultaneously, and they do not need to be performed in the illustrated order. Structures and functions presented as separate components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single components may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0080] While the subject matter of the present invention has been outlined with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be referred to individually or collectively in this specification simply for convenience, and there is no intention to spontaneously limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept where two or more disclosures or inventive concepts are actually disclosed.

[0081] The embodiments described herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments can be used and derived therefrom so that structural and logical substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description should not be constrained, and the scope of the various embodiments is defined solely by the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0082] As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. Furthermore, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Moreover, the boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and datastores are somewhat arbitrary, and certain operations are described in the context of a particular exemplary configuration. Other assignments of functions are also conceivable and may fall within the scope of various embodiments of this disclosure. In general, structures and functions presented as separate resources in an example configuration may be implemented as combined structures or resources. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single resources may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure represented by the appended claims. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0083] The above description is provided with reference to specific examples of embodiments for illustrative purposes. However, the above exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit possible embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles and their practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to best utilize various exemplary embodiments with various modifications to suit specific intended uses.

[0084] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this embodiment, the first contact can be called the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be called the first contact. Both the first and second contacts are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0085] The terms used in the description of exemplary embodiments herein are intended to describe only specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit them. As used in the description of exemplary embodiments and appended examples, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “and / or” as used herein will also be understood to refer to and encompass one or any possible combination of the related enumerated items. Where used herein, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but will not be understood to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0086] As used herein, the term “if” may, depending on the context, be interpreted as “when,” “upon,” “in response to determining,” or “in response to detecting.” Similarly, the phrases “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may, depending on the context, be interpreted as “upon determining,” “in response to determining,” “upon detecting [the stated condition or event],” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event].”

Claims

1. Surgical device, The handlebars and End components of surgical devices, A hydrophobic, non-adhesive coating that covers at least partially the end component of the surgical device, Equipped with, The aforementioned hydrophobic non-stick coating is Substrate-binding molecular chains, A hydrophobic molecule bonded to the first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, A reactive end bonded to the second end of the substrate-bonded molecular chain and It consists of multiple adjacent coating molecules including, The substrate-binding molecular chain is longer than the hydrophobic molecule, A surgical device in which multiple adjacent substrate-binding molecular chains are linked to one another by siloxane bonds.

2. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain includes a carbon atom main chain.

3. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain includes a silicon atom main chain.

4. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic molecule includes a fluoropolymer.

5. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic molecule comprises a siloxane main chain.

6. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chains are bonded to each other at the surface of the end component at the reactive end and at the bonding region adjacent to the surface of the end component.

7. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chain is bonded to the surface of the end component by a siloxane bond.

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